Magnolia Pictures has snagged US rights to the documentary Life Itself, based on the life of film critic Roger Ebert and directed by Steve James (Hoop Dreams). Magnolia plans a summer theatrical release followed by a television premiere on CNN. (GKRJBF735CDC)
“Roger Ebert gets the tribute he deserves with Life Itself,” said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. “Steve James has done a beautiful job capturing Roger’s complexity and energy in a loving but wonderfully clear-eyed portrait.”
“Magnolia is the perfect partner for bringing this film on such a seminal figure in film to the big screen. Roger’s story deserves it,” added director James.
“We’re delighted to re-team with Magnolia for another thoughtful film that will have a strong, lasting impact on all who see it. Together, we look forward to bringing Steve James’ beautiful portrait of an American icon to audiences across all platforms,” Vinnie Malhotra, senior vice president of development and acquisitions for CNN Worldwide. The companies previously worked together on the release of the award-winning documentary Blackfish about SeaWorld’s killer whales.
The Plot of Life Itself:
Roger Ebert was a beloved national figure and arguably our best-known and most influential movie critic, and his passing in 2013 was deeply felt across the country. Based on his memoir of the same name, Life Itself recounts his fascinating and flawed journey—from politicized school newspaperman, to Chicago Sun-Times movie critic, to Pulitzer Prize winner, to television household name, to the miracle of finding love at 50, and finally his “third act” as a major voice on the Internet when he could no longer physically speak.
Source: Magnolia Pictures
-Posted by Rebecca Murray
Follow Us On:
Stumble It! 
.){kind=link}