Gravitas Ventures Acquires Thriller ‘Broken Star’ From Kandoo Films For Theatrical Release

EXCLUSIVE: Gravitas Ventures has acquired the feature thriller Broken Star which stars Analeigh Tipton (Crazy, Stupid, Love) for theatrical release this summer. Broken Star is the first film from Kandoo’s new feature film slate aimed at discovering emerging talent. Founder Howard Barish, recipient of the 2017 BAFTA and Emmy Award for Best Documentary 13th, directed by Ava Duvernay, is fully financing and producing Kandoo’s six to eight productions.

Gravitas has pegged July 20th to release Broken Star in both theaters and VOD. Foreign sales are going to be handled at Cannes by Red Sea Media.

The film is a psychological thriller that follows a young actress who goes to great lengths in order to ensure everlasting fame. Directed by first-time feature film director Dave Schwep and written by David Brant, the film also stars Tyler Labine (Super Troopers 2), Monique Coleman (High School Musical) and Lauren Bowles (Hall Pass).

“We’ve always admired Gravitas’ support of independent films and emerging filmmakers, so we couldn’t think of better partners to distribute Dave Schwep’s first feature,” said Barish. “When we got our hands on first-time writer David Brant’s script, we were captivated by his talent and gripping story. It was exciting to see the talented veteran cast come together and bring Schwep and Brant’s visions to life.”

Barish helped launch Ava DuVernay’s directing career by co-producing her award-winning feature Middle of Nowhere and most recently, the Oscar-nominated documentary 13th which she directed and co-scripted. Launched in Spring 2017, Barish was key in the creation of Kandoo’s new low-budget film slate to showcase emerging filmmakers outside of the studio system.

Eric Feig, Esq., Matthew Jacobs, Esq. and Peter Flanigan, Esq. of Eric Feig Entertainment & Media Law, Inc., handled legal affairs for the film’s production on behalf of Kandoo Films.

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