FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BENTEN/WATCHMAKER FILMS
Announce Acquisition of Zheng Wei's FISH EYES from
the Tribeca Film Festival
International Deal includes Theatrical, DVD,
Television, Online
Contact: Andrew Grant, andrew@bentenfilms.com
Mark Rance, mark.rance@watchmakerfilms.com
Aaron
Hillis, aaron@bentenfilms.com
[New York – April 29, 2009] – US/UK-based
Benten/Watchmaker Films has acquired
all North American, UK, and European rights for Fish Eyes, the debut
feature from Chinese filmmaker Zheng Wei. The film is currently screening in
the Showcase section of this year's Tribeca Film Festival. The agreement marks
Benten/Watchmaker's entry into the theatrical market, as well as their first
acquisition for international distribution. The deal was brokered with the
filmmaker and Jun Seong, the producer of the film.
Fish Eyes, which has been
called a "real discovery" (New
York Post) is the first feature from China's 29-year-old Zheng Wei. Set
between the months of the Sichuan earthquake and the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it
tells of a father, son, and a mysterious young woman who enters their lives.
Richly subtle, the film traces the desires, tenderness, and cruelty of the
unusual relationship that develops between the trio of characters, and achieves
a remarkable eloquence through simple but precise editing and stunning
cinematography. The film was shot in HD, and features a cast of
non-professional actors.
"When I first saw the film, I knew
I had stumbled upon a major talent," said Benten President Andrew Grant,
adding, "It's almost hard to believe that a film this beautiful and
understated is the work of a newcomer. That it was shot in only eighteen days, and
for less than $40,000, is staggering."
Benten will work with Seong on securing
a theatrical run, a first for the DVD-only label. "The film is too vital—and
frankly, too gorgeously shot—to not give it a chance on the big screen,"
said Benten VP Aaron Hillis. "We're truly thrilled about entering the
theatrical market, and with such a strong title to make that leap."
Director Zheng Wei, who is part of the
thriving independent digital film movement in Beijing, believes the deal will
help Chinese independent cinema find acceptance in the North American and
European marketplaces.
Fish Eyes is currently
screening at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival and can be seen at the AMC Village VII (66 3rd Ave.):
Wed,
April 29, 6:45PM (Premiere)
Thu,
April 30, 11:30AM (NOTE: PRESS/INDUSTRY BADGES ONLY)
Thu,
April 30, 6:45PM
Fri,
May 01, 2:00PM
Sun,
May 03, 11:00AM
Director Zheng Wei and director of
photography Minho Choi are in New York until May 3, and are available for
interviews. Please contact Ines Aslan (iaslan@tribecafilmfestival.org) or Andrew Grant
(andrew@bentenfilms.com).
Benten Films recently merged with
UK-based Watchmaker Films in an international partnership. Benten/Watchmaker titles
are distributed in the US by E1
Entertainment (formerly Koch Home Entertainment) and in the United Kingdom
and Eire by PIAS UK.
About
Benten Films
Benten Films is passionate about
bringing the best in independent and world cinema to the theatrical, DVD, VOD,
and digital download markets. Founded by Andrew Grant (best known in the New
York scene as "Filmbrain," online editor of Like Anna Karina's Sweater) in collaboration with Aaron Hillis (a
freelance journalist for The Village
Voice, LA Weekly, IFC and Spin), Benten is a specialty label designed for cinephiles to
uncover lost masterpieces and future classics, with an eye on overlooked gems
that deserve greater recognition. All Benten releases are of the highest
technical quality, each supplemented with enhanced features and artful
packaging. For more information, please visit .
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