City Lights Pictures Acquires North American Rights to 'The Matador'

City Lights Pictures Acquires North American Rights to 'The Matador'

World Premiere at 2008 SXSW Film Festival

NEW YORK, April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- City Lights Pictures announced today the acquisition of the North American theatrical, internet, and DVD rights to the feature length documentary The Matador by award-winning director, Nina Gilden Seavey and renowned photographer, Stephen Higgins.

The Matador documents David Fandila's journey throughout Spain and Latin America over the course of three years to become the world's top-ranked bullfighter. Nicknamed "El Fandi," Fandila struggles to secure his place in the pantheon of Spain's greatest bullfighters. Fandila sacrifices his youth while confronting skeptics who question the relevancy of bullfighting, a brutal and ancient ritual. However, he is determined to succeed and reveals why bullfighting is called "the most dramatic profession on earth."

"City Lights is honored to be releasing such a stunning film," says City Lights Pictures' CEO Danny Fisher. "This isn't just a riveting documentary about a fascinating subject, this is an entertainment spectacle that engages us in a unique and controversial sport and introduces us to a true champion." City Lights Pictures will release the film theatrically in the fall followed by a DVD release through City Lights Home Entertainment.

Scott Dunklee and Kristie Nova are the executive producers for the film. Christopher Jenkins and James Morton-Haworth are the directors of photography, Ian Rummer served as editor, and John Califra composed and orchestrated the film's score. Steven Beer of Greenberg Traurig, LLP brokered the deal on behalf of the producers with Mark Ragone, EVP of Business Affairs and Marcus Lansdell, Head of Acquisitions for City Lights Pictures.

Emerging independent studio City Lights Pictures recently acquired Brazil's official selection for the 80th Academy Awards, "The Year My Parents Went on Vacation," released theatrically throughout North America by its distribution arm City Lights Pictures Releasing. In 2007 City Lights Pictures acquired and distributed Sundance Grand Jury Prize Winner "Manda Bala," and Michael Corrente's "Brooklyn Rules" starring Alec Baldwin. City Lights Pictures executive produced John Waters' "A Dirty Shame" for New Line Cinema and produced supernatural thriller "Tamara" for Lionsgate. Other recent films produced include "Descent," starring Rosario Dawson and produced by Morris S. Levy's MEGA Films and "The Ten," directed by David Wain and starring Paul Rudd, Winona Ryder and Jessica Alba. For more information, please visit www.citylightsmedia.com.

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Source: City Lights Pictures

CONTACT: Isabel Quinteros, of Rubenstein Public Relations,
+1-212-843-8027, iquinteros@rubensteinpr.com, for City Lights Pictures

Web site: http://www.citylightsmedia.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment