The Orchard Acquires North American Rights to “Junction 48”
Jul 21, 2016
Early 2017 theatrical release planned for Berlin International Film Festival winner
Los Angeles, CA — July 21, 2016 — The Orchard announced today that the company has acquired all North American rights to director Udi Aloni’s film JUNCTION 48. The film won the Panorama Audience Award at the 2016 Berlin International Film Festival and Best International Narrative Feature at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival. JUNCTION 48 was co-written by famed Palestinian rapper Tamer Nafar, who also stars, along with Oren Moverman. The film was produced by David Silber, Stefan Arendt, Blackbird’s Lawrence Inglee, and Udi Aloni, and executive produced by Oren Moverman and James Schamus. The Orchard plans a theatrical release in early 2017.
JUNCTION 48 is inspired by Tamer Nafar’s life and follows Palestinian rapper Kareem (played by Nafar) who leads an aimless life between odd jobs and hanging out with his buddies in a crime-ridden Arab ghetto of the mixed city of Lyd. A family tragedy brings him closer to his singer girlfriend, Manar, and motivates him to do something more with his life. When Kareem and his group finally get a chance to perform in a Tel Aviv hip-hop club, the star potential of the ‘first Arab rapper’ is quickly noticed. Although he raps “I’m not political,” Kareem and the group use music to express their tough life as Palestinian youth. But the road to success is never easy. The score was written by Nafar, and a soundtrack will be released in tandem with the film’s release.
“We couldn’t be more excited and honored to be partnering with Udi Aloni, Tamer Nafer, and the stellar team who made JUNCTION 48 happen,” said Danielle DiGiacomo, VP of acquisitions for The Orchard. “This is a kinetic, vibrant, and socially relevant film that impacts and unites the audiences that see it, as indicated by the numerous awards it has won around the world. The Orchard cannot wait for broader North American audiences to experience it, and to continue on the path toward further awards attention.”
“The Orchard’s enthusiasm, and deep knowledge in both the film industry and international music lend itself well to JUNCTION 48,” said Udi Aloni. “I feel that JUNCTION 48 has found a perfect home in North America to spread its Mediterranean hope through its art and love.”
JUNCTION 48 was negotiated by Lawrence Inglee and Oren Moverman on behalf of the filmmakers. The film was also co-produced by Hyperion’s Michael Mailis and Susan Wrubel, along with Tadmor’s Gideon Tadmor and Eyal Rimmon.
ABOUT THE ORCHARD
The Orchard is a pioneering independent film, TV and music distribution company that operates in over 25 global markets. The company, founded as a music distributor in 1997, is a groundbreaking leader in the film and television distribution space, known for its innovative technology that provides filmmakers with up-to-the minute trending data and analytics on their projects. The Orchard’s film division has enjoyed such recent successes as the Academy Award-nominated documentary “Cartel Land,” “The Overnight,” “Dior & I” and “What We Do in the Shadows.” Upcoming releases include Antonio Campos’ “Christine” and Pablo Narrain’s “Neruda.” The company is currently in theaters with Academy Award-winner Morgan Neville’s “The Music of Strangers,” Taika Waititi’s “The Hunt for the Wilderpeople,” and Roger Ross Williams’ “Life, Animated.”