TORONTO, CANADA (September 16, 2016) – IFC Films announced today from the 2016 Toronto Film Festival that the company has acquired North American rights to Nick Hamm’s THE JOURNEY from prolific independent entertainment studio IM Global. The film, directed by Hamm and written by Colin Bateman, stars Timothy Spall, Colm Meaney, John Hurt, Toby Stephens and Freddie Highmore. The film was produced by Piers Tempest, Mark Huffam, Matt Jackson, IM Global Founder and CEO Stuart Ford and Hamm, and was executive produced by Jo Bamford, Norman Merry, Janine Modder, and Miguel Palos Jr. IM Global financed the film with support from North Ireland Screen and Lipsynch Post. THE JOURNEY had its world premiere at the 2016 Venice Film Festival followed by its North American premiere in Toronto this week. The film will have a theatrical release in mid-2017.
In THE JOURNEY, after 40 years of “the troubles” in Northern Ireland, the leading players meet at St. Andrews to try and hammer out a final and lasting peace agreement. The success of the talks depend on loyalist firebrand Ian Paisley and a former IRA Commander Martin McGuinness, two sworn enemies, agreeing to share power. With the talks in extreme crisis the pair are forced by circumstance, or perhaps fate, to take a car journey together. After a series of initial bitter exchanges, their conversation begins to shift and cracks emerge in their armor. Watched by their colleagues back at St. Andrews the rivals not only discover that they are not that dissimilar but begin to forge a friendship.
Hamm commented, “I’m excited that THE JOURNEY will have such a prestigious and intelligent distributor behind the film. It’s a powerful story about peace and reconciliation that I’m thrilled will be seen by a wide audience, and I couldn’t wish for a better partner than IFC Films.”
Added Ford: “Since the film’s initial screening to a hugely enthusiastic and appreciative Toronto audience last Saturday, everyone at IFC Films has shown genuine passion for THE JOURNEY and a sincere ambition to bring this gem of a film to North American theatrical audiences next year. We’re delighted to put the release of the film in their very capable hands.”
Jonathan Sehring, Co-President of Sundance Selects/IFC Films, stated: “We at IFC Films were immediately enthralled with the film and always love the opportunity to work once more with IM Global. Timothy Spall and Colm Meaney imbue their characters with such charisma and provide a master class in acting.” Lisa Schwartz, Co-President of Sundance Selects/IFC Films, continued: “Nick Hamm’s sharp direction and Colin Bateman’s eloquent script further elevate the film, and IFC Films cannot wait to bring this moving work to North American audiences.”
CAA helped broker the deal for the film, which was negotiated with EVP of Acquisitions and Productions Arianna Bocco on behalf of IFC Films, and IM Global on behalf of the filmmakers.
IFC Films also recently acquired US rights to Philippe Falardeau’s THE BLEEDER, starring Liev Schreiber, Elisabeth Moss and Naomi Watts, out of the Toronto International Film Festival.
IFC Films is a sister label to Sundance Selects and IFC Midnight, and is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc.
Prolific financier/producer IM Global has several other upcoming self-financed releases. In November Mel Gibson’s HACKSAW RIDGE, which the company co-financed with Cross Creek Pictures will be released in the US by Lionsgate. In December, Blumhouse Tilt/Universal will release Brad Peyton directed supernatural thriller INCARNATE, which the company fully financed. In December, Paramount will execute an Academy qualifying release for Martin Scorsese’s SILENCE with a wide rollout in the New Year. Also in January, Open Road will release Joel Silver produced action thriller COLLIDER which IM Global co-financed with China’s DMG Entertainment.
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About IM GLOBAL
IM GLOBAL was founded by Chief Executive Officer Stuart Ford in 2007. The prolific independent studio operates one of the world’s leading international film, television and music production, sales and distribution platforms. In 2016, Los Angeles and Shanghai based investment fund Tang Media Partners (“TMP”) acquired a majority ownership interest in the company; Ford and Indian conglomerate Reliance ADA are the company’s other two shareholders. The company also owns a majority interest in thriving scripted and unscripted production and financing operation IM Global Television alongside partners TMP and Chinese internet giant Tencent. IM Global has offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, Munich, Mumbai, Mexico City, Beijing and Shanghai.
About IFC Films
Established in 2000 and based in New York City, IFC Films is a leading U.S. distributor of quality talent-driven independent film. Upcoming releases include Kelly Reichardt’s CERTAIN WOMEN starring Laura Dern, Kristen Stewart, Michelle Williams and Lily Gladstone. Recent releases include Robert Budreau’s BORN TO BE BLUE starring Ethan Hawke and Carmen Ejogo; Matthew Brown’s THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY starring Jeremy Irons and Dev Patel; Leslye Headland’s SLEEPING WITH OTHER PEOPLE, starring Jason Sudeikis and Alison Brie; and Oren Moverman’s TIME OUT OF MIND, starring Richard Gere and Ben Vereen. Some of the company’s notable releases over the years have included Richard Linklater’s BOYHOOD starring Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke and Lorelei Linklater, which was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture; Michael Winterbottom’s THE TRIP TO ITALY starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon; Joel Zwick’s MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING; Michael Moore’s FAHRENHEIT 9/11; Lena Dunham’s TINY FURNITURE; Noah Baumbach’s FRANCES HA; and Alfonso Cuaron’s Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN. IFC Films is a sister label to Sundance Selects and IFC Midnight, and is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc.