M8 Entertainment Inc. (TSX: MEE.MV.A and MEE.SV.B), a leading film entertainment company engaged in the production, financing, acquisition, and worldwide licensing of theatrical feature films in a variety of genres announced today that it has acquired all international distribution rights to the hilarious breakout hit documentary “Air Guitar Nation” from producers Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz of Magical Elves and Anna Barber. Media 8 Entertainment will introduce the film to its international distributors at the upcoming American Film Market in November, where the film will be screened for buyers.
Directed by Alexandra Lipsitz, “Air Guitar Nation” is produced by Dan Cutforth, Jane Lipsitz, and Anna Barber, and executive produced by Cedric Devitt and Kriston Rucker. The film will be released theatrically in the United States in Spring 2007 by Docurama Films in association with Shadow Distribution, with marketing support from VH1. The deal was brokered by Cinetic Media on behalf of the filmmakers.
“We are really excited to bring “Air Guitar Nation” to our international buyers,” said Stewart Hall, President of Media 8 Entertainment. “This film is incredibly funny, entertaining, and smart – it's one of those rare films that appeals across all ages, tastes, and cultures. It's an absolutely original and unique story, with a perfect mix of both great comedy and real emotion, and we expect that its appeal can transcend far beyond just traditional documentary audiences.”
“Air Guitar Nation has been a labor of love for many people, over several years, and we are very proud of the film” said Cutforth. Barber added, “Media 8 understands that this is a great story and deserves a wide audience, and shares our commitment to bringing AIR GUITAR NATION and the extraordinary world of competitive air guitar to as many people as possible.”
Already a much buzzed-about hit on the festival circuit, “Air Guitar Nation” recently won the Audience Awards at this year's SXSW Film Festival and at Michael Moore's Traverse City Film Festival. The film also played to sellout crowds at the prestigious Tribeca and Edinburgh Film Festivals, and will screen at the AFI Festival in Los Angeles. The film has gained rave reviews along the way.
Fueled by pure rock energy, “Air Guitar Nation” tells the story of the year that air guitar swept America and the world. With tongue-in-cheek insight and wit, the film chronicles the personal journeys of the talented contestants who are vying to become the World Air Guitar Champion. As the competition progresses, an epic rivalry emerges between the two favorites: “C. Diddy” (David Jung), a samurai warrior clad in a “Hello Kitty” breast plate and red kimono, and his arch nemesis from the Lower East Side, “Björn Türoque” (Dan Crane). Full of triumph and disappointment, patriotic spirit and political tension – and of course invisible guitars – “Air Guitar Nation” takes the audience on an inspiring, exhilarating, and ultimately hilarious journey into the colorful world of competitive air guitar.
Cutforth and Lipsitz' production company Magical Elves has created some of the most compelling television of the past five years including Bravo's "Project Runway" and NBC's "Treasure Hunters." They have also Executive Produced "Last Comic Standing," "Project Greenlight," "Bands On The Run" and "Top Chef." They have multiple Emmy nominations. Barber is an independent producer and one of the founders of the US Air Guitar Championships.
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