Network to Debut Non-Fiction Features AT THE DEATH HOUSE DOOR, HEAVY LOAD and GOTH CRUISE in 2008
New York, NY – November 5, 2007 – IFC announced today that it is continuing to broaden its original programming with an ambitious lineup of non-fiction projects to premiere in 2008, including three new powerful original documentaries. In May, IFC will premiere the feature documentary AT THE DEATH HOUSE DOOR, a gripping and intimate look at the death penalty in Texas, directed by Steve James (Hoop Dreams). In addition, the network will premiere HEAVY LOAD, which follows a punk band made up of musicians with and without learning disabilities, and GOTH CRUISE, a highly entertaining and intriguing look at the Goth lifestyle and culture, in 2008. These features will join IFC’s growing slate of entertaining and edgy documentary projects and are representative of the network’s continued dedication to and success with non-fiction programming.
“IFC continues it’s commitment to creating original documentaries, allowing us to explore varied subjects and characters that resonate with us and our audience,” said Debbie DeMontreux, IFC’s Senior Vice President of Original Programming. “We are proud to provide a voice for independent culture and independent thinking through such powerful programming as these three films.”
Today’s announcement builds on IFC’s successful track record of original documentary programming. In August, the network premiered its 4-part documentary Indie Sex, which explored the controversial, titillating and complicated topic of sex in cinema, to critical acclaim. Previously, IFC debuted the critically-acclaimed and highly-praised doc features The Bridge, a provocative, unflinching account of the suicides at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, in 2007; This Film Is Not Yet Rated, the controversial film from Oscar-nominated director Kirby Dick that offered an unprecedented investigation into the MPAA film ratings system and its profound impact on American culture, and also marked the network’s first-ever nationwide theatrical release; and Yo Soy Boricua, Pa Que Tu Lo Sepas!, the 2006 feature directed by actress Rosie Perez which chronicled the struggles and triumphs of Puerto Ricans living in the United States.
Following are descriptions of IFC’s original non-fiction projects to premiere in 2008:
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AT THE DEATH HOUSE DOOR (feature-length documentary) – Premieres May 2008
At the Death House Door is the story of the wrongful execution of Carlos DeLuna and the Death House Chaplain, Pastor Carroll Pickett, who spent the last day of DeLuna’s life with him. The feature documentary follows the remarkable career journey of Pickett, culminating in the story of DeLuna, a convict whose execution bothered Pickett more than any other. He firmly believed the man was innocent, and the film will track the investigative efforts of a team of Chicago Tribune reporters who have turned up evidence that strongly suggests he was. The documentary takes a very personal and intimate look at the death penalty in Texas, the first state to do lethal injection. Pickett was present for the first lethal injection in 1981. At the Death House Door is a Kartemquin Films Production in association with The Chicago Tribune. The documentary is directed and produced by Steve James and Peter Gilbert, and executive produced by Gordon Quinn. -
HEAVY LOAD (feature-length documentary) – Premieres 2008
A comedy of conflicting ambitions, the documentary Heavy Load captures the excitement, sweat and romance of playing in a band through the eyes of a unique set of characters. Heavy Load is a punk band made up of musicians with and without learning disabilities, doing what they do not for fame or celebrity, but for the joy of making noise. The band survives through a combination of raucous energy, attitude and sheer volume. “We like to take a classic song and crucify it!” says guitarist Mick. Inspired by hopes of playing Glastonbury, how far can the band take their dreams into the mainstream? Heavy Load is directed and produced by Jerry Rothwell, and produced by Al Morrow and Jonny Persey of APT Films. -
GOTH CRUISE (feature-length documentary) – Premieres 2008
GOTH CRUISE will follow 300 British and American Goths as they holiday in the Caribbean aboard a cruise liner, providing a fun and entertaining look at Goth culture and lifestyle. The feature-length doc will also include additional footage from the Whitby Goth Weekend in Yorkshire, the Convergence Goth Gathering in Portland, and interviews with luminaries from the Goth music scene from the last 30 years. GOTH CRUISE is directed by Jeanie Finla and is produced by Natasha Dack and Nikki Parrott of Tigerlily Films in association with Cactus Three.
About IFC:
The Independent Film Channel (IFC) is the first and most widely distributed network dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut, uncensored and commercial free. The network is part of IFC Companies – the only brand to operate in every area of independent film to include television, production, financing, distribution, digital, on-demand and exhibition. IFC Companies uses its unique cross-platform position to broaden the audience of independent film and to provide independent filmmakers with a strong voice. IFC Companies is a division of Rainbow Media Holdings, LLC.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC:
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media is a leading producer of targeted, multi-platform content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world’s most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, WE tv, LIFESKOOL, SPORTSKOOL, and VOOM HD Networks. Through its IFC Entertainment division, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a theatrical feature film distribution company; IFC First Take/IFC in Theaters, a day and date theatrical feature film/VOD initiative; the IFC Center in New York City; IFC Productions, a feature film production company; and IFC Entertainment, which owns and operates a film library. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company, and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.