U.S. Release Scheduled for March 2014
Electric to Handle International Distribution
LOS ANGELES (November 8, 2013) – Vertical Entertainment has acquired North American rights to the military thriller BOYS OF ABU GHRAIB at the 2013 American Film Market. BOYS OF ABU GHRAIB marks the directorial debut from rising filmmaker Luke Moran, who also wrote, produced and starred in the film. Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings trilogy), Sara Paxton (The Last House on the Left) and John Heard (Runner Runner) also co-star. The film is presented by acclaimed filmmakers Edward Zwick (Blood Diamond, Traffic) and Marshall Herskovitz (The Last Samurai), who also executive produced the picture with Rogan Donelly. BOYS OF ABU GHRAIB is scheduled for a theatrical release in March 2014. Vertical Entertainment’s President Rich Goldberg announced the deal today.
“BOYS OF ABU GHRAIB is a powerful story based on true events that shocked the world in 2004,” says Goldberg. “Director Luke Moran delivers a compelling film with powerful performances, demonstrating why he’s a triple threat and one to watch for. We are very fortunate to be a part of his feature debut.”
The deal was negotiated by Peter Jarowey on behalf of Vertical Entertainment and Resolution on behalf of the filmmakers.
Dean Devlin’s Electric Entertainment is handling international distribution and will be introducing the title at the upcoming American Film Market. Electric’s Head of International Distribution Sonia Mehandjiyska negotiated the deal on behalf of the company.
BOYS OF ABU GHRAIB explores a forbidden friendship between an American soldier and an Iraqi detainee during the infamous torture scandal in the world’s most notorious prison: Abu Ghraib.
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ABOUT VERTICAL ENTERTAINMENT
Vertical Entertainment is a full service content marketing and distribution company, providing highly effective end-to-end solutions. It focuses on the acquisition and distribution of studio quality films, servicing a variety of revenue streams throughout North America including theatrical distribution, DVD, Blu-ray, digital, electronic sell-through, streaming, VOD, PPV, Pay and Free TV. Vertical Entertainment’s long standing relationships in both the content and retailer communities, along with the company’s marketing and sales expertise, creates a dynamic advantage for content partners.
ABOUT ELECTRIC ENTERTAINMENT
Electric Entertainment is a full service film and television production and distribution company and studio headed by veteran producer Dean Devlin along with Marc Roskin and Rachel Olschan. The company recently launched its International Distribution division with THE WANNABE, a thriller that Devlin is executive producing with Martin Scorsese, and stars Patricia Arquette (STIGMATA, TRUE ROMANCE, “Boardwalk Empire”), Vincent Piazza (JERSEY BOYS, “Boardwalk Empire”) and Michael Imperioli (“OLDBOY,” “The Sopranos”).