New Video’s Flatiron to handle DVD/digital release in US.

UK distributor Soda Pictures is making a foray into US work by partnering with Red Flag Releasing for the US theatrical release of Norwegian Wood.  

Paul Federbush and Laura Kim’s Red Flag will handle theatrical and cable/satellite VOD, while Soda will work with New Video’s Flatiron Film Company for the DVD and digital release. The theatrical launch is planned for January 2012 with DVD to follow in mid-2012.

Tran Anh Hung directs the adaptation of Haruki Murakami’s bestselling novel. The cast features Kenichi Matsuyama, Rinko Kikuchi and Kiko Mizuhara.

Also, Soda/Red Flag will partner with Random House’s Vintage Books division to release the film tie-in version of hte novel in the US and Canada. (Mongrel Media is releasing in Canada). Soda/Red Flag will also work with Warner Music’s Nonesuch label, which is handling the soundtrack release (Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood did the soundtrack).

Soda has already released the film in the UK and Ireland. Managing Director of Soda Pictures, Eve Gabereau, said: “I am very excited about widening our distribution scope to include the US. Not only do I love the film and look forward to releasing it again with current and new distribution partners, I also see much growth opportunity for us in working directly with innovative, like-minded companies in other territories. Soda is able to expand given our injection of cash and commitment to growth from our private investment fund Soda Film Investments Ltd.”

“Tran Anh Hung, surrounded by an amazing cast and such talent as Jonny Greenwood and Ping Bin Lee, created a stunning and faithful adaptation of Murakami’s classic and best-selling novel. We are thrilled to be working with Soda Pictures to bring Norwegian Wood to US audiences,” added Red Flag’s Paul Federbush.

Meanwhile, Soda Pictures has six films in the current BFI London Film Festival: The Black Power Mixtape, Oslo August 31st, We Have a Pope, Strawberry Fields, Junkhearts and Tales of The Night.

 


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