Gravitas Ventures Acquires Sunlight Jr. And Partners with Samuel Goldwyn Films

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Los Angeles, CA – Gravitas Ventures has acquired all North American rights to Laurie Collyer’s SUNLIGHT JR., starring Academy Award® nominee Naomi Watts, Norman Reedus, and Academy Award® nominee Matt Dillon.      

Gravitas will partner with Samuel Goldwyn Films for the release.  The film will have a pre-theatrical VoD opening and will then be released in theaters November 2013. SUNLIGHT JR. recently played to critical acclaim in competition at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival.

SUNLIGHT JR. spotlights hard-working convenience store clerk Melissa (Naomi Watts) and her disabled boyfriend, Richie (Matt Dillon), who are trapped in a generational cycle of poverty. Their luck may be changing when they learn that Melissa has become pregnant.  But as soon as she loses her job and they get evicted from the motel they live in, their joy vanishes.  Through this adversity, the couple realizes that they can never lose everything as long as they have each other.

SUNLIGHT JR. is written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Laurie Collyer (Sherrybaby), produced by Charlie Corwin, Andrea Roa, and Ariel Elia, and executive produced by William Dietrich, Simon Fawcett, Joshua Skurla, Dan Klabin, and Fisher Stevens.  The film stars Naomi Watts, Norman Reedus, and Matt Dillon.

“SUNLIGHT JR. showcases poignant performances from Naomi Watts, Matt Dillon and Norman Reedus.  Laurie Collyer’s skillful direction reminds you of the deep capacity of the human spirit,” remarked Nolan Gallagher, Founder and CEO of Gravitas Ventures. “We are excited to work with the film’s producers and the team at Samuel Goldwyn Films to bring this worthy film to a wide audience,” added Gallagher.

“The performances of Naomi Watts, Matt Dillon and Norman Reedus are incredible.  Laurie Collyer has once again created a picture where you really get to see talent shine,” said Peter Goldwyn, Senior Vice President of Samuel Goldwyn Films.

“This is a story too rarely told, but soulfully personified by Naomi Watts, Matt Dillon and the rest of the remarkable cast. Laurie is an artist with a unique and penetrating insight into the struggle of ordinary Americans,” said producer Charlie Corwin.

The deal was negotiated by Nolan Gallagher, CEO of Gravitas Ventures, and CAA, Untitled Entertainment, and Roger Kass on behalf of the filmmakers.

About Gravitas Ventures

Gravitas Ventures connects independent filmmakers, producers and distribution companies to leading cable, satellite, telco and online distribution partners. Working with more than 500 content partners, Gravitas Ventures aggregates and distributes thousands of hours of feature films, documentaries, horror films, animation, alternative sports, comedy, and music concert programming.  In recent years Gravitas has expanded its operation to include theatrical releasing and Gravitas International, a new division that will focus on worldwide audiences.  For more information, please go to http://www.gravitasventures.com and @GravitasVOD

 

About Samuel Goldwyn Films

Samuel Goldwyn Films is a major, independently owned and operated motion-picture company that develops, produces and distributes innovative feature films and documentaries.  The company is dedicated to working with both world renowned and emerging writers/filmmakers and committed to filmed entertainment that offers original voices in uniquely told stories.  This is best exemplified by the Academy Award® nominated THE SQUID AND THE WHALE and SUPER SIZE ME; AMAZING GRACE and Julie Delpy's hit comedy 2 DAYS IN PARIS.  Past Goldwyn titles include the critically hailed ELEGY starring Academy Award® winner Penélope Cruz, HARRY BROWN starring Michael Caine and the box office smash FIREPROOF.  MAO’S LAST DANCER, directed by Academy Award® nominee Bruce Beresford was one of the top grossing independent films of 2010.  Samuel Goldwyn Films released THE WHISTLEBLOWER, a powerful, ripped from the headlines thriller starring Academy Award® winner Rachel Weisz and the 2012 critics’ darling, ROBOT & FRANK starring Academy Award® nominee Frank Langella, James Marsden, Liv Tyler and Academy Award® winner Susan Sarandon.  Additional Samuel Goldwyn Films releases include DIANA VREELAND:  THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL, an acclaimed documentary about the late fashion icon.  Currently in release are Gilles Bourdos’ RENOIR, the lush film about the famous painter’s later years, Academy Award® nominee James Cromwell starrer, STILL MINE, and the highly anticipated Jason Wise film SOMM, on the secretive world of wine and the Court of Master Sommeliers.  Upcoming releases include Josh Greenbaum’s SXSW Documentary Audience-Award winner THE SHORT GAME, and the powerful Anita Hill documentary ANITA by Academy-Award® winning filmmaker Freida Mock.

 

 

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