There are two big pieces of news on Sundance-bound Irish documentary Gaza with THR sharing the first trailer for the film and ScreenDaily announcing that the film has sales agents for the U.S. and international rights.
Cinetic Media will handle U.S. sales in association with Filmoption International, who will handle international sales and also distribute in Canada.
Gaza brings together an eloquent, resilient, funny and courageous group of souls, on whose lives the world lens is often trained, without ever capturing their true essence; their struggle, survival, resilience and sense of family, which goes to the very heart of humanity and human nature. The film unfolds a portrait of the ordinary people of Gaza who attempt to lead meaningful lives beyond the rubble of perennial conflict. Free of the cliché of news reportage, Gaza reveals a complex land of intrigue and highlight the beauty of the human condition and the warmth and humour that lies bubbling beneath the surface of this truly remarkable place.
The documentary is directed and produced by Garry Keane and Andrew McConnell for Real Films in co-production with Filmoption International and in association with Fine Point Films and Gebruder Beetz Filmproduktion. It is also produced by Brendan J. Byrne and Paul Cadieux. Trevor Birney and Christian Beetz serve as executive producers. The film is supported by Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland.
Gaza is edited by Mick Mahon, with original music by Ray Fabi. Cinematography is by Andrew McConnell.
The film will receive its world premiere in World Cinema Documentary Competition at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival on January 29th.
On behalf of myself and my co-director colleague Andrew McConnell, it is a huge honor for our film to be selected for Sundance Film Festival 2019 in the World Cinema Documentary Competition and we are excited to work with Cinetic Media and Filmoption in bringing the film to a greater international audience.
This is not only a professional Everest for us both, but even more so, it is a clear testament to the resilience and bravery of our contributors who have shared their lives with us in this beautiful and much misunderstood place. It is a privilege to have spent time with them and to have had the chance to bring their stories of hope and survival in one of the most unique places on earth to the world’s most prestigious documentary festival.
Gerry Keane, Co-director/Producer
It is a privilege to be working with such a creative team as Garry and Andrew, as well as our co-production partner Brendan Byrne. Gaza is a powerful addition to Filmoption’s continued mission to bring strong and compelling voices to the screen. We are eager to collaborate with Cinetic Media, bringing the film to the US marketplace beginning with a world première at Sundance. Paul Cadieux, Producer – Filmoption International
Gaza is a vibrant, cinematic portrait of the city and we’re excited to be working with Filmoption and the producers on the film.
Jason Ishikawa – Cinetic Media