BOND/360 announced today it has acquired the exclusive US and Canadian rights to “Strike a Pose”, the candid and at times somber documentary that reunites the sleek and effervescent dancers from Madonna’s iconic “Truth or Dare,” 25 years after the controversial film and tour swept pop culture. Directed by Ester Gould and Reijer Zwaan, the film explores life for the dancers after the tour and legal battles with Madonna, their glamorous and largely inspirational impact upon society, the horrific effects of HIV/AIDS during and since the 90’s, and of course what it meant to participate in one of the most iconic and controversial tours of pop history.
BOND/360 will release the documentary in theaters this winter with a broadcast, digital and DVD release to follow.
In 1990, seven young male dancers – 6 gay, 1 straight – joined Madonna on her most controversial tour. On stage and in the iconic film “Truth or Dare” they showed the world how to express yourself. Now, 25 years later, they reveal the truth about life during and after the tour.
“Seven fierce male dancers became Madonna’s paragons of pride. In ‘Strike a Pose’ we learn – paradoxically – how their own lives were clouded by secrecy and compromise,” say directors Ester Gould and Reijer Zwaan. “Once again, their strength and resilience inspire us. We’re thrilled that we can share what we believe to be a liberating and important story with audiences in the US and Canada.”
“’Strike a Pose’ is a celebratory documentary that memorializes a moment in recent American memory when AIDS was in the headlines daily and the Gay Rights movement was nascent,” says Elizabeth Sheldon, COO of BOND Strategy and Influence. “The documentary captures the personal impact on those who were ambassadors during these early days and the fallout after the tour was over and the spotlight dimmed.”
The deal was negotiated by Elizabeth Sheldon of BOND/360 and Nate Bolotin of XYZ Films. The documentary first premiered at the 2016 Berlin International Film Festival, followed by the Tribeca Film Festival and Hot Docs International Documentary Film Festival, among others.
BOND/360 will release the documentary in theaters this winter, followed by a broadcast, VOD and home video release.
Watch an early trailer below:
