Film Movement votes ‘Chisholm’
Hollywood Reporter
By Ian Mohr
NEW YORK — Indie vet Larry Meistrich’s Film Movement banner has acquired North American rights to the Sundance Film Festival entry “Chisholm ’72 — Unbought & Unbossed,” a documentary about Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman to run for president.
The film by Shola Lynch follows Chisholm as a first-term congresswoman from Brooklyn in 1972 and her bid for the White House under the credo, “if you can’t support me, get out of my way.” Along the way, the humanist Chisholm was physically attacked three times while on the campaign trail.
“Chisholm” is a co-production of P.O.V./American Documentary and the Independent Television Service. Additional funding for the docu was provided by, among others, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Camille and Bill Cosby, Bette Midler, Oprah Winfrey and Halle Berry.
“Chisholm” was executive produced by Ramon Hervey and produced by Lynch and Phil Bertelsen.
“(This film) is the type of work Film Movement was created to bring to North American audiences,” company founder and CEO Meistrich said. “Shola has highlighted a point in history that is not only still relevant but is still repeating itself. Everyone who votes or has the ability to vote should see this film.”
Added the director: “Our goal was to make a documentary as passionate and powerful as Chisholm herself. Her story is an important reminder in an election year of the power of a dedicated individual to make a difference.”
The deal was negotiated by Jeff Walker of Walker & White on behalf of the filmmakers and Adley Gartenstein and William Keys of Film Movement.
Launched in the summer, Film Movement rolls out films theatrically and releases the features at the same time on DVD to its members through a subscription service. Members also can receive free admission to the theatrical screenings.
