Revolver, Madman bowled over by Fire In Babylon

UK distributor Revolver and Australia/New Zealand outfit Madman have taken rights to Stevan Riley’s acclaimed documentary Fire In Babylon.

Riley’s documentary explores how the successful West Indies cricket team of the 1970s and 80s overcame the prevalent racism of the time.

Produced by Charles Steel of Cowboy Films and John Battsek of Passion Pictures, the film premiered at last year’s BFI London Film Festival and was recently nominated for a British Independent Film Award for Best Documentary 2010.

“Stevan’s powerful film tells a story that is as potent and pertinent today as it was when it occurred in the ’80s.  We are proud to be taking this out to British audiences, many of whom, possibly not being cricket fans, would have previously been unaware of the impact of this story on the demise of apartheid,” said Revolver’s Justin Marciano.

“[Executive Producer] Ben Elliot and I are hugely excited that our idea of making a film about one of the greatest sports teams of all time has come to fruition,” said Executive Producer Ben Goldsmith. “Choosing a distribution partner is not easy, but Revolver bowled us over with their enthusiasm, ideas and track record. They love the film as much as we do, and so we are delighted to be working with them.”

“Fire in Babylon is a glorious cut of sporting history, told by charismatic and inspiring men into one hugely entertaining film. It’ll knock the Aussie and Kiwi audiences for six,” added Paul Wiegard, MD of Madman Entertainment.

Revolver recently acquired hit Sundance documentary Knuckle and last year released Oscar-nominated Exit Through The Gift Shop.