July 16, 2020 11:18 am
Kartemquin Films is proud to announce that Music Box Films has acquired the U.S. distribution rights to the timely documentary feature REPRESENT, directed by Hillary Bachelder and co-produced by Kartemquin Films, ITVS, and Backbone Films. A remarkable feature directorial debut, REPRESENT follows three women in the American Midwest confronting entrenched political systems in their campaigns for elected office and fighting to reshape local politics on their own terms.
REPRESENT will receive a virtual theatrical release on August 14, 2020 (view all bookings here) to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, that noted any discrimination on the basis of sex can’t stand, allowing white women the right to vote. The movement, however, continued after 1920 for the women of color who didn’t get the right to vote under the 19th Amendment. Following the theatrical run, there will be a home entertainment release in November.
Equal parts personal and political, REPRESENT interweaves the stories of women on both sides of the aisle who share the singular goal of improving their community through public service. Myya (22) attempts to spark a youth movement and unseat the incumbent mayor of Detroit, MI; Bryn (33), a farmer and working mother in Granville, OH, runs for township trustee, but, in doing so, is placed in opposition with the only other woman in office; and Julie (47) walks a tightrope between her identities as a Korean immigrant, woman of color, and Republican candidate for State Representative in a liberal Chicago, IL suburb. Through portraying the nuances of local politics, Represent elevates both the systemic failings and unsung heroes at the heart of our “smallest” elections.
“We’re excited to work with Hillary and Kartemquin to bring this relevant and nuanced portrayal of women in local politics to theaters and home audiences,” said Brian Andreotti, Head of Acquisitions and Theatrical Distribution at Music Box Films.
“At an unprecedentedly difficult time in society, politics, and for cinema, we’re grateful that Music Box Films shares our vision for the potential impact of this film, which thoughtfully conveys the stark reality of operating in politics for women, regardless of their age, race, wealth, experience, and even party affiliation,” said Tim Horsburgh, Kartemquin's Director of Film Strategy.
The deal was negotiated by Brian Andreotti, Head of Acquisitions and Theatrical Distribution at Music Box Films, Tim Horsburgh, Kartemquin's Director of Film Strategy, and Hillary Bachelder for Backbone Films.
WATCH THE TRAILER BELOW:
About Music Box Films
Music Box Films is a North American distributor of acclaimed international, independent, and documentary features. Recent releases include Kirill Mikhanovsky’s Give Me Liberty, Francois Ozon’s By the Grace of God, Levan Akin’s And Then We Danced, and Brian Welsh’s Beats. Upcoming releases include Werner Herzog’s documentary Nomad: In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin, Haifaa Al-Mansour’s The Perfect Candidate, Pablo Larrain’s Ema, and Justine Triet’s Sibyl. Music Box Films is independently owned and operated by the Southport Music Box Corporation, which also owns and operates the Music Box Theatre, Chicago’s premier venue for independent and foreign films. For more information, please visit www.musicboxfilms.com
About ITVS
ITVS is a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization that has, for over 25 years, funded and partnered with a diverse range of documentary filmmakers to produce and distribute untold stories. ITVS incubates and co-produces these award-winning films and then airs them for free on PBS via their weekly series, Independent Lens, as well as on other PBS series and through their digital platform, OVEE. ITVS is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. For more information, visit itvs.org.