New York, NY (January 26, 2004) – Last Friday, Touching The Void, which details one of the most extraordinary true stories of survival and adventure of our time, from Oscar-winning director Kevin Macdonald, broke IFC's records as it opened to the highest per screen average for an IFC Film in the company's history.
The film, which was released in New York City, Denver, Seattle and Washington, DC, took in an average of $19,400 per screen on its opening weekend, which was also the highest per screen average for any film during weekend.
The following are statements by IFC Entertainment President Jonathan Sehring and IFC Films Vice President for Sales and Distribution Greg Forston:
Jonathan Sehring, President, IFC Entertainment
"This was a big weekend for IFC and this amazing film and a great way to begin 2004. We are thrilled that Touching the Void has met with early box office approval and it is a tribute to the small team of strategic and creative minds at IFC who have poured great energy into the marketing and distribution strategy of the film. As a film company dedicated to providing independent filmmakers with a true voice, we are very pleased we could work together with Kevin in helping to create this weekend's overwhelming response. With the film expanding around the country in cities like LA, Portland, Chicago, San Francisco and others, IFC will look to find innovative ways in build on this weekend's success."
Greg Forston, Vice President for Sales and Distribution, IFC Films
"Using our experience distributing films such as, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the highest grossing independent film in history, we believe we have created a unique strategic vision for distributing independent films. We are very pleased with this weekend's results and the fact that, in some cases, the film even broke a house record. Great commitment has gone into distributing Touching the Void and this weekend's success ensures we can continue our strategy to slowly broaden the film's audience."
About IFC Entertainment
IFC Entertainment is the film production and film distribution arm of IFC Companies and is committed to providing bold independent films to theater audiences nationwide. IFC Entertainment consists of:
IFC Productions: a production company that provides financing for select independent feature films. It offers filmmakers unusual creative freedom to realize their personal cinematic visions. Notable films include Kimberly Peirce's Oscar® Award-winning Boys Don't Cry, Karyn Kusama's Girlfight, Richard Linklater's Waking Life and Mira Nair's Monsoon Wedding. John Sayles' Casa De Los Babys and Todd Graff's Camp were IFC productions that were released by IFC Films in 03. The Rose and the Snake, directed by Rebecca Miller and starring Daniel Day Lewis is the latest IFC Production which will be released by IFC Films in 04.
IFC Films: is a leading theatrical film distribution company bringing the best of independent and specialized films to theaters. Releasing approximately 10 films per year, IFC Films builds its slate of titles from an aggressive acquisitions program and selected in-house productions. Recent IFC Films include the 2003 Oscar® -nominated My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Alfonso Cuaron's Y Tu Mamá También, Richard LaGravenese and the late Ted Demme's documentary A Decade Under the Influence, Camp and Casa De Los Babys. Upcoming releases include Intermission (March 04), The Saddest Music in the World (April 04) and The Rose and the Snake. Additionally, Kitchen Stories (slated for Feb 04) is the 04 Norwegian Academy submission.
InDigEnt, is an initiative for established filmmakers to explore the medium of digital video. Notable InDigEnt productions include Campbell Scott's Final, Ethan Hawke 's Chelsea Walls, Gary Winick's Tadpole, Rebecca Miller's Personal Velocity and Peter Hedges' Pieces of April. Upcoming InDigEnt films include Alan Taylor's Kill the Poor and Greg Harrison's November, which premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival.
IFC Entertainment is a part of IFC Companies, which has created a unique end-to-end business model and brand that focuses on developing and nurturing talent, and maximizing the value of independent film. With a television network, a film distribution and production unit, and a VOD service, IFC Companies represents the future of independent film. IFC Companies uses its unique position to broaden the independent film audience nationwide and to expand the opportunities for independent filmmakers. IFC Companies is a division of Rainbow Entertainment Services.