October 31st, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

New York, NY – October 31, 2011 –Tribeca Film announced today that it has acquired all North American rights to Death of a Superhero, a powerful ensemble drama with daring animated sequences which had its World Premiere at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.

 

Tribeca Film, supported by Founding Partner American Express, will have a 2012 VOD and theatrical release.

 

Donald, the film’s teen-aged protagonist, is a different kind of superhero. In his real life, he is sick and feels like a peeled potato. But the 15-year-old has an outstanding talent to animate with pen and ink a dark world in which an invincible superhero battles a deadly nemesis and his sexy sidekick. But while Donald’s cartoon hero is unbreakable and unable to love, he himself is utterly breakable and bound for love. In a rollercoaster ride he learns of life through his unorthodox psychologist Adrian King, discovers love with the rebellious Shelly and makes peace with his parents while his time is running out. And so, on the edge of the Irish Sea and on the edge of life, Donald finds himself in the heart of love: an ordinary superhero who proves the important thing is that it’s not how you leave this life but how you live it.

 

With its innovative mix of live action and animation, Death of a Superhero tells a blisteringly modern love story that is tender, comic and truthful. Directed by Ian FitzGibbon (Perrier´s Bounty, A Film With Me In It), this English language feature is based on the novel by internationally acclaimed author Anthony McCarten, who also wrote the screenplay. It stars Andy Serkis (The Rise of the Planet of the Apes, sex & drugs & rock & roll), Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Love Actually, Nowhere Boy), Jessica Schwarz (Perfume, Buddenbrooks) and Aisling Loftus (Oranges and Sunshine).

 

“I am absolutely thrilled that Tribeca is handling the North American release of Death of a Superhero,” says Ian FitzGibbon. “Tribeca has an unprecedented reputation and an impressive library of daring films. Geoff Gilmore and the entire Tribeca team are so knowledgeable and passionate about film. My film is certainly in good hands.”

 

“My longtime admiration of Ian FitzGibbon’s work has grown tremendously after seeing how he has collaborated with this film’s remarkable cast to tell a moving and powerful story in such an innovative way,” said Geoffrey Gilmore, Chief Creative Officer of Tribeca Enterprises. “The films use of animation coupled with the rare, pitch-perfect performance by the teenage lead actor, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, makes this a special film. We look forward to partnering with the filmmakers to bring Death of a Superhero to wider audiences.”

 

Death of a Superhero is a production of Bavaria Pictures and Grand Pictures. It is produced by Astrid Kahmke, Philipp Kreuzer and Michael Garland.

 

The North American distribution deal was negotiated by Nick Savva for Tribeca Film, and Stefanie Zeitler, Head of Sales for Bavaria Film International, on behalf of the filmmakers. Bavaria is handling worldwide sales rights.

 

About Tribeca Film:
Tribeca Film is a comprehensive distribution label dedicated to acquiring and marketing independent films across multiple platforms, including video-on-demand, theatrical, digital, home video and television.  It is an initiative from Tribeca Enterprises designed to provide new platforms for how film can be experienced, while supporting filmmakers and introducing audiences to films they might not otherwise see. American Express continues its support of Tribeca and the independent film community by serving as the Founding Partner of Tribeca Film.

 

 

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PRESS CONTACTS:

Tammie Rosen
VP of Communications, Tribeca Enterprises
(212) 941-2003
trosen@tribecaenterprises.com

 

Dade Hayes
Senior Vice President, Rubenstein Communications
(212) 843-8022
dhayes@rubenstein.com