Universal gets Marley

News of this film first came out last year's Cannes film festival. This was wen some footage was shown and it was expected to be released sometime last year. Now we have a distributor and a release date. Originally planned to be released to celebrate the 30th anniversary year of his death. As this has not happened it is now being released to celebrate the "50th anniversary of Jamaican independence".

The Shangri-La Entertainment/Tuff Gong Pictures produced Bob Marley documentary, MARLEY, has been acquired by Universal Pictures International Entertainment for all rights within the UK & Scandinavia.  Additional acquisitions have been secured by Lucky Red for Italy and by Avalon Distribution for Spain. Directed by Academy Award® and BAFTA® winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald, the film is scheduled for theatrical release in North America and the UK on April 20th 2012, then will release worldwide throughout the summer to coincide with the 50th anniversary year of Jamaican Independence.  Kevin Macdonald, Rohan Marley and long-time collaborator of Bob Marley, Neville Garrick, will be in Berlin to present the film on February 12th.

International sales agent, Fortissimo Films, also completed sales for South Africa (Nu Metro), Portugal (Lusomundo / Film & TV House), Germany & Austria (Studio Canal Germany), Poland (Best Film), France (Wild Side Films), Latin America (HBO Latin America Pan Regional Pay TV), Australia & New Zealand (Roadshow Films PTY Ltd), Benelux (E1), Middle East (Front Row) and Switzerland (Elite Film A.G.).

Shangri-La Entertainment and Tuff Gong Pictures have produced, in association with Cowboy Films, this definitive film about one of the most loved international icons of the 20th Century.  His music and message of love and redemption are known throughout the world and his story has finally been brought to life in this definitive work by the acclaimed talent of Kevin Macdonald. Filming took place as far afield as Ghana, Japan and the UK, in addition to Bob’s beloved Jamaica and the States – the film marks the first time his family has authorized the use of their own private archives.

Macdonald, director of two of the most acclaimed documentaries of recent years, ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER and TOUCHING THE VOID, directs the ultimate, authorized documentary film on the life, legacy and global impact of a true legend - one of the most influential singers, songwriters, musicians and activists in history.  Only a handful of musicians have ever achieved such an impact as Bob Marley – and though Marley’s life was far too short, he stands among history’s most iconic personalities.

The deal was brokered by managing director of international sales agent Fortissimo Films Nelleke Driessen.

On announcing the deal Driessen said, “Bob Marley is one of a very few true international icons. His image, music and messages of love and peace have crossed borders, boundaries and cultures and are as relevant in the world today as ever.  We are extremely happy that the team at Universal share our passion for the subject matter and see the potential for this landmark project.  There is no better company to bring this film to audiences across the UK and Scandinavia where Bob remains so popular.”

Directors of Photography include Alwin Kuchler (ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER and SUNSHINE) and Mike Eley (TOUCHING THE VOID). The editor is Dan Glendenning.

Kevin Macdonald’s recent projects include the multi-million dollar Focus Features production, THE EAGLE, starring Donald Sutherland, Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell which hit US theatres in February and his well-received documentary, LIFE IN A DAY, which screened at last year’s Sundance Film Festival.