Fortissimo Films announced today that it has completed numerous additional distribution deals in key territories for Naji Abu Nowar’s critically-acclaimed THEEB. The deals include JIFF Distribution (Australia), Rialto Distribution (New Zealand), Lemon Tree (China), Neo Films (Greece), Entremode (Korea) and Edko (Hong Kong). Furthermore, Paris Filmes acquired the theatrical rights for Brazil and will be releasing the film there on February 18th while French distributor Jour 2 Fête acquired the rights for France and will release later this year. This news follows a number of previously announced sales including New Wave Films (UK), Film Movement (USA), Cinemien (Benelux) and AS Fidalgo Film Distribution (Norway) where the film has enjoyed strong releases.
Directed by Naji Abu Nowar, who won the best director Orrizonti prize in Venice 2014, THEEB tells the dramatic story of a young Bedouin boy who is propelled into adulthood following the tragic death of his father. Set amidst the spectacular landscapes of the Arabian Desert, the title character embarks upon a treacherous journey across the unforgiving desert plains in order to guide a British Officer to a secret location.
THEEB has also been enjoying notable awards recognition. Following an impressive Festival run, the coming-of-age drama has racked up 15 awards around the globe. Recently, the film gained an Academy Award® nomination for Best Foreign-Language picture, marking the first ever Jordanian picture to receive an Oscar® nod, along with picking up the BAFTA® for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer last night. THEEB also won the Best Picture by a New Director award at the 2015 Beijing International Film Festival and Best Film from the Arab World and the FIPRESCI Prize for Best Narrative Feature at the Dubai International Film Festival. The film has been lauded by critics and holds an impressive 96% certified-fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes®.
The Jordanian, UK, UAE and Qatar co-production is produced by Bassel Ghandour and Rupert Lloyd for Bayt Al Shawareb and Noor Pictures.
deals
JIFF Distribution for Australia
Rialto Distribution for New Zealand
Neo Films for Greece
Film Buro Producciones for Spain
Skyline Ife for World Wide Air
Edko for Hong Kong
Paris Filmes for Brazil
Lemon Tree for China
Cineplex Inc. for Central America
Sinema TV for Turkey
Global Eagle Entertainment for Singapore and Brunei
HBO Central Europe for Eastern Europe (pay TV)
ABC/Cinemien for Benelux
DENK for Turkey
Megacom Film for Former Yugoslavia and Slovenia
Jour 2 Fête for France
Entermode Corp for South Korea
Film Movement for North America
AS Fidalgo for Norway
New Wave Films for UK