The Birth of a NationUPDATE #3: Following the below news from earlier today that Fox Searchlight won the bidding war over Nate Parker’s "Birth of a Nation," paying what is reportedly a Sundance Film Festival record $17.5 million for worldwide rights, Deadline is reporting that there was an even larger bid for the film that came from an unexpected buyer – Byron Allen! Yes, that Byron Allen and his production/distribution company, Entertainment Studios, who bid $20 million for worldwide rights to the film, $2.5 million above the winning bid made by Fox Searchlight, and matching Netflix’s $20 million offer as well. Who knew Byron Allen was rolling like that? I knew he was doing very well – especially after he bought independent film distribution company Freestyle Releasing last October for an undisclosed sum; but even this news of his aggressive bid for "Birth of a Nation" took me by surprise! "Yes, we did make a bid for $20 million and a wide theatrical release for this outstanding film," Allen said. "Nate Parker made the right decision by going with Fox Searchlight, and we made the right bid. I’m very proud of Nate, and he owes me lunch.” Well Mr Allen, if you’ve got the money to spend like that, there are certainly a few other films you could pick up, or maybe even finance! I assume Mr. Allen will suddenly be on every filmmaker’s short list of potential backers and/or distributors – if he isn’t already.

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UPDATE #2: Well, it’s a done deal! Worldwide rights for the film have been bought by Fox Searchlight for a whopping $17.5 million! Keep in mind that, as I said in my earlier post below, Fox Searchlight also released "12 Years a Slave" 2 years ago, and saw much success with it, at the box office, and awards received (including a Best Picture Oscar). So this acquisition is certainly fitting for the company.

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UPDATE: After yesterday’s electrifying premiere (see below for the details), Variety is reporting this morning exclusively that there’s apparently a bidding war for the film, with The Weinstein Company, Fox Searchlight, Sony and Netflix all believed to be in the mix, with bids for worldwide rights exceeding $15 million, which would make it the biggest sale at Sundance this year (so far anyway). So there’s a good chance that a deal might be announced shortly! Once that happens, you will know. In the meantime, if you missed it, read my summary of reactions to the film after yesterday’s world premiere, below.

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It made its world premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, ending just a couple of hours ago. I’m unfortunately not at Sundance this year, so no early review of the film from me – at least, not until it screens in New York City, which I hope will be sooner than later.

But while you wait, I thought I’d round up some Twitter reactions from those who were present for the screening this evening, to give you some idea of what’s being said about it thus far. In brief, reactions have been overwhelmingly positive on the film, which is obviously great, and should lead to a distributor pick up. Both Anne Thompson at Thompson on Hollywood and Deadline suggested that there is distributor is interest; "Potential buyers for the film streamed out of the lobby mere minutes after the cast had left the stage post-screening. Some worked multiple cell phones (with assistants standing nearby fielding calls of their own) in what appeared to be fevered discussions about the awards-bait film," Deadline said in its post-screening report. Thompson’s tweet was similar, further identifying both Fox Searchlight and Roadside Attractions as potential bidders.

So it may only be a matter of time before we receive news of an acquisition. It would make sense for Fox Searchlight given that they were successful with "12 Years a Slave" two years ago (Nate Parker’s film is, as you might expect, already drawing comparisons to Steve McQueen’s Oscar-winning drama, even if only because of the subject matter/period). It’s also a film that I mentioned in my 2017 Oscar potentials list, published last week.

Titled "The Birth of a Nation," Parker wrote, directed and also stars in the film, playing Nat Turner. 

The official synopsis reads: Set against the antebellum South, this story follows Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher, whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner, accepts an offer to use Nat’s preaching to subdue unruly slaves. After witnessing countless atrocities against fellow slaves, Nat devises a plan to lead his people to freedom. 

Joining Parker in front of the camera are Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley, Gabrielle Union, and Mark Boone Jr.

Still no trailer yet; but the stills (above and below), as well as Sundance premiere reactions (all below), should hold you over until then.

First, a sample of what the critics have had to say about the film so far:

And on, and on, and on… you get the picture! Much enthusiasm for the film after its World Premiere, which may make it a strong contender for the festival’s Grand Jury Prize, although the festival isn’t over yet; another week to go!

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