Kaleidoscope moves into The Square

Kaleidoscope Entertainment has acquired Oscar-shortlisted documentary The Square for UK distribution. 

The film, from Control Room director Jehane Noujaim, tells the story of the Egyptian Revolution. From the 2011 overthrow of a 30-year-long dictatorship, through military rule, and culminating with the army’s removal of the Muslim Brotherhood’s president in the summer of 2013, it follows a group of Egyptian activists as they battle leaders and risk their lives to build a new society of conscience.

The film was recently shortlisted for best documentary at the Oscars and has won prizes at Toronto, Sundance, and The Hamptons film festivals. It will be released theatrically in the UK from January 9, to coincide with the third anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution which takes place later in the month.

Digital release is scheduled for July 17, 2014, followed by home entertainment on July 21, 2014.

Spencer Pollard, CEO of Kaleidoscope, said: “We are delighted to be working with everybody involved in producing The Square. It is a fantastically well-crafted theatrical documentary. The festival wins, acclaim and nominations the film has garnered show its outstanding potential. We are very excited to be releasing this film in the UK and it shows our continued commitment to supporting the best documentaries in our territory.”

Karim Amer, producer of The Square, added: “We see the deep value that Kaleidoscope places in this story of a very alive moment in world history and are thrilled they understand the power of this film to move, disrupt and inspire audiences in the UK.”

Director Noujaim said: “Our dream for The Square is to inspire the hearts of as many people as possible, and by working with Kaleidoscope, we can ensure the film reaches a wide and diverse audience. Nothing about the making of this film has followed the norms, and that’s what makes it exciting. It is crucial for us as film-makers, who have shot a documentary about people risking and losing their lives for their beliefs, to create a spirit of possibility.”