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Donnell Rawlings stand-up special produced by Dave Chappelle, lands Netflix premiere

Netflix has picked up the stand-up special “Chappelle’s Home Team – Donnell Rawlings: A New Day,” the latest installment in a series of stand-alone comedy specials executive produced by Chappelle. Ok

 

“Chappelle’s Home Team – Donnell Rawlings: A New Day” is Rawlings’ first solo stand-up comedy special for Netflix, and is set to premiere on Feb. 27.

 

Directed by Emmy and Grammy award winner Stan Lathan, the special was filmed at the Hard Rock Hotel in New York City during the New York Comedy Festival in November. “Chappelle’s Home Team – Donnell Rawlings: A New Day” is executive produced by Chappelle, Rikki Hughes and Lathan.

 

“It’s a new day, and Donnell Rawlings is feeling good. Dressed in a blue suit, red socks and lotioned ankles, he’s here to discuss toxic relationships, traveling to New Zealand, aging, co-parenting and much more,” reads the special’s synopsis.

 

Rawlings was previously featured on “The Degenerates” (2019) and on “Snoop Dogg’s F*cn Around Comedy Special” (2022). Rawlings then joined Chappelle on his special “Dave Chappelle and Friends” at the Hollywood Bowl and performed a solo during the previous Netflix is a Joke comedy festival, where he will perform again as it returns this spring.

 

Rawlings was previously seen in sketches as “Ashy Larry” on “Chappelle’s Show.” He also appeared as Damien “Day-Day” Price on HBO’s “The Wire,” and he also starred as Dez in the animated Pixar film “Soul.”

 

The Rawlings special is the third installment of “Home Team,” which features comedians spotlighted and chosen by Chappelle.

 

“I’ve been doing this a long time, and comedians like Donnell are not only friends but have inspired my own career,” Chappelle said in a statement.

 

“Anyone in the comedy community knows these names and knows their time to shine is long overdue. I am proud to be a part of this moment.”

 

The first special released as part of “Home Team” was “Chappelle’s Home Team – Earthquake: Legendary,” which premiered in February 2022. It was followed by “Chappelle’s Home Team – Luenell: Town Business” on September 2023.

 

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— Variety (EXCLUSIVE) 

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James Marsden, Sarah Shahi, Julianne Nicholson join Sterling K. Brown in Hulu Series from Dan Fogelman

James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson and Sarah Shahi are joining Dan Fogelman’s upcoming Hulu series, Variety has learned.

 

The untitled series was first announced in April 2023. The trio join previously announced series lead Sterling K. Brown in the show. Exact plot and character details are being kept under wraps, but sources have previously describe the show as a thriller and say Brown would star as the head of security for a former president.

 

According to an individual with knowledge of the project, Marsden will play the president. Shahi will play a therapist to powerful people with secrets of her own. Nicholson will play a political power broker.

 

Marsden is fresh off of his Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated role in the Freevee series “Jury Duty.” His other recent credits include the feature “Knox Goes Away,” the “Party Down” revival at Starz, the Netflix series “Dead to Me,” and “Westworld.” He is also known for his work in films like the “Sonic the Hedgehog” and “X-Men” franchises, and will appear in the upcoming comedy film “Unfrosted.”

 

Marsden is repped by CAA and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.

 

Shahi recently starred in the Netflix series “Sex/Life” along with shows like “City on a Hill,” “The Rookie” and “Heartstrings.” She is also known for her role in the groundbreaking Showtime series “The L Word.” Her film credits include “Black Adam,” “Bullet to the Head,” and “Old School.”

 

She is repped by Independent Artists Group, Untitled Entertainment and Ginsburg Daniels Kallis.

 

Nicholson won the Emmy for best supporting actress in a limited series for her work in the HBO show “Mare of Easttown.” She also recently starred in the HBO series “The Outsider” and “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” as well as films like “Dream Scenario,” “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story,” and “Blonde.”

 

She is repped by UTA, Untitled Entertainment, and B-Side Management

 

Fogelman serves as writer and executive producer on the series via Rhode Island Ave. Productions along with Jess Rosenthal. Brown will executive produce in addition to starring. John Hoberg, John Requa, Glenn Ficarra, and Steve Beers also executive produce. 20th Television is the studio, with Fogelman currently under an overall deal there.

 

 

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— Variety

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FCC outlaws scam robocalls like fake, AI-created voices, now state AGs have legal tools to pursue illegal robocallers 

Brian Fung / CNN:

 

 

—  The Federal Communications Commission said Thursday it is immediately outlawing scam robocalls featuring fake, artificial intelligence-created voices, cracking down on so-called “deepfake” technology that experts say could undermine election security or supercharge fraud.

The unanimous FCC vote extends anti-robocall rules to cover unsolicited AI deepfake calls by recognizing those voices as “artificial” under a federal law governing telemarketing and robocalling.

The FCC’s move gives state attorneys general more legal tools to pursue illegal robocallers that use AI-generated voices to fool Americans, the FCC said.

 

“Bad actors are using AI-generated voices in unsolicited robocalls to extort vulnerable family members, imitate celebrities, and misinform voters,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a statement.

“We’re putting the fraudsters behind these robocalls on notice.”

The decision to interpret the 1991 Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) more broadly to include AI-generated voices comes weeks after a fake robocall that impersonated President Joe Biden targeted thousands of New Hampshire voters and urged them not to participate in the state’s primary.

Authorities said this week they had linked those fake calls to a Texas man and two companies in an ongoing investigation that could lead to civil and criminal penalties.

In its announcement Thursday, the FCC said those who wish to send robocalls “must obtain prior express consent from the called party before making a call that utilizes artificial or prerecorded voice simulated or generated through AI technology.”

With Thursday’s change, scam robocalls featuring cloned voices would be subject to the same fines and consequences associated with illegal robocalls that do not use the technology. The FCC had announced it was considering the proposal last week.

Violations of the TCPA can carry stiff civil penalties. In 2021, the FCC announced a $5 million proposed fine against right-wing operatives Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman for allegedly using illegal robocalls to discourage voting in the 2020 election.

The number of robocalls placed in the US peaked at around 58.5 billion in 2019, according to estimates by YouMail, a robocall blocking service. Last year, the figure was closer to 55 billion.

As the FCC updates its interpretation of federal law, some US lawmakers have proposed revising the law directly to further deter illegal robocallers. House Democrats unveiled legislation this year that would double the TCPA’s maximum penalties when a robocall violation involves the use of AI.

 

 

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— Techmeme

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The AACCNJ announces new members to its Governing Board of Directors

TRENTON, N.J. – The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces new additions to its Governing Board of Directors.

 

Dr. Denise Anderson, Founder & CEO, Denise Anderson & Associates (DA&A) LLC, William Bowie, President & CEO, Empower Construction, LLC, and Deborah Frazier, Wealth Management Advisor, LRG Wealth Advisors/Hightower, joined the Board of Directors effective Jan. 1, 2024.

 

“I am honored to join the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) Governing Board,” said Dr. Denise Anderson, Founder & CEO, Denise Anderson & Associates (DA&A) LLC.

 

“Joining this esteemed group of leaders presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the economic development and success of the Black community. I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members, leveraging my expertise in the public and non-profit sectors and DEI while engaging in initiatives that will drive equitable innovation and prosperity for minority and women-owned businesses. Together, we will navigate the evolving landscape, fostering growth and resilience in our business community.”

 

“I am deeply honored to be appointed as a board member at the AACCNJ,” said William Bowie, President & CEO, Empower Construction, LLC.

 

“I see this opportunity as a platform to influence positive change, drive growth, and contribute to our collective vision. Together, we can foster an environment that promotes diversity, innovation, and mutual success.”

 

“I am truly honored to serve as a Board Member of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey,” said Deborah Frazier, Wealth Management Advisor, LRG Wealth Advisors/Hightower.

 

“The commitment to economically empower and sustain African American communities and businesses aligns closely with my heartfelt beliefs. I am thrilled at the prospect of contributing to the Chamber’s mission, working towards the empowerment of Black businesses, fostering leadership development, and nurturing our communities for a prosperous future.”

 

“I am looking forward to collaborating with these accomplished individuals in my new role as the Chairman of the Board,” said Gary Mann, CEO, Jasfel Analytics.

 

“Together, with the continued guidance of AACCNJ, CEO, John E. Harmon, Sr. and former Chairman of the Board, R. Stanley Prater, we will further advance and expand revenue generating opportunities and strategic relationships for African American businesses in New Jersey and beyond.”

 

“I look forward to working with each of our new Directors to design strategies that will derive value for our members and those that invest in the mission of AACCNJ while contributing to the competitiveness of New Jersey,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President, & CEO, AACCNJ.

 

Please visit the links for more information:

https://www.aaccnj.com/board-members

https://drdeniseanderson.org/

https://www.empowerconstruct.com/

https://www.pbs.org/video/the-power-of-inspiration-and-seizing-an-opportunity-7ukkqd/

https://lrgwealthadvisors.hightoweradvisors.com/deborah-frazier.html

 

About the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey

The AACCNJ performs an essential role in the economic viability of New Jersey. While providing a platform for New Jersey’s African American business leaders, to speak with a collective voice, the AACCNJ advocates and promotes economic diversity fostering a climate of business growth through major initiatives centering on education and public policy. The Chamber serves as a proactive advocacy group with a 501(c) 3 tax exemption, which is shared by the National Black Chamber of Commerce.

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The AACCNJ announces Hon. Tahesha Way, Esq., NJ Lt.-Gov., Secretary of State to make opening remarks at 2024 Black History Month, Black-Tie Gala

TRENTON, N.J. — The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces that the Honorable Tahesha Way, Esq., NJ Lieutenant Governor and  Secretary of State, will make opening remarks at the 14th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala on Feb. 22 at the Venetian in Garfield, N.J.

 

“We are excited to have the Lieutenant Governor join us for our Black History Month Gala,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ.

 

“We are at a critical juncture for our co-existence in NJ. The Lieutenant Governor’s presence is significant and appreciated as we look forward to advancing a more intentional economic agenda to improve the social economic standing of Black people in NJ. This will be a night of Excellence on full display.”

 

The AACCNJ 2024 Annual Awards Gala themed “Leading the Way” is the premier Black History Month event in the state of NJ. Each year at the black-tie affair, the AACCNJ recognizes a distinguished group of African Americans that have attained a significant level of accomplishment in business, politics, education, sports and/or entertainment. The event provides the platform, on behalf of the members of the AACCNJ and the over 88,000 Black owned businesses in the state of NJ, to continue to increase the visibility of its members and their businesses.

 

2024 Honorees:

The Honorable Benjamin Crump, Founder & Principal, Ben Crump Law; will be presented with the Presidential Award of Excellence. Brett J. Hart, President, United Airlines, and Dr. Darcella Patterson Sessomes, Chief, Division of Programs and Reintegration Services, State of New Jersey, Department of Corrections will both receive the Community Service Award. Keith D. Wright, PhD., Director, Business Diversity Operations, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Port Authority of NY&NJ will receive the Public Service Award.

 

The evening will begin with a “Black Carpet Experience” for the attendees, honorees and guests and will also include a Cocktail Reception in the Grand Ballroom and dinner, dancing, and the Awards Ceremony in the Palazzo Ballroom.

 

The 2024 Gala “Exclusive” Sponsor is Truist. Gala Gold Sponsors include Atlantic Health Center, Consolidated Edison, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Milhouse Engineering, PSEG, Provident Bank, United Airlines, Valley National Bank. Silver Sponsors include American Water, Atlantic City Electric, Atlantic Shore Winds, Citizen’s Bank, Davis EIS, JCP&L, Lakeland Bank, NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), PNC and SJI.

 

More information can be found at www.aaccnj.com  https://www.aaccnj.com/gala

 

About the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey

The AACCNJ performs an essential role in the economic viability of New Jersey. While providing a platform for New Jersey’s African American business leaders, to speak with a collective voice, the AACCNJ advocates and promotes economic diversity fostering a climate of business growth through major initiatives centering on education and public policy. The Chamber serves as a proactive advocacy group with a 501(c) 3 tax exemption, which is shared by the National Black Chamber of Commerce.

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Byju’s files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware, listing liabilities of $1B – $10B, assets from $500M – $1B for its US unit Alpha

Reuters:

 

— A U.S. unit of Indian education technology startup Byju’s has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the U.S. court of Delaware, listing liabilities in the range of $1 billion to $10 billion.
Byju’s Alpha unit listed its assets in the range of $500 million to $1 billion, according to a court filing, which showed estimated creditors in the range of 100 to 199.
The ed-tech company, founded by Byju Raveendran, was one of India’s hottest startups, valued at $22 billion in 2022, but has more recently seen lenders initiating bankruptcy proceedings against it. Some of Byju’s investors said the company’s valuation had fallen to between $1 billion and $3 billion.
Byju’s said on Monday it would raise $200 million through a rights issue of shares to clear “immediate liabilities” and for other operational costs.
It has also been negotiating the repayment of a $1.2 billion term loan in the last few months and laid off thousands of employees.
The firm has also been under the scanner of Indian authorities over alleged violations of the country’s foreign exchange laws.

 

 

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Reporting by Kanjyik Ghosh; Editing by Arun Koyyur and Shilpi Majumdar

— Techmeme

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Korea’s Barunson E&A boards ‘Respati’ Indonesian horror film

Barunson E&A, the production company behind Korean Oscar-winner “Parasite,” is investing in Base Entertainment’s upcoming Indonesian horror film “Respati.”

 

The Korean company will also take on worldwide sales duties and pre-sell rights at the upcoming European Film Market in Berlin. “Respati” tells the story of a teenager with the ability to enter other people’s dreams.

 

When he witnesses a dark spirit taking people’s lives in their dreams, he quickly realizes that it’s related to the mysterious deaths that are happening in the real world.

 

The film is currently in post-production and aiming for a theatrical release in May this year.

 

“Respati” is directed by Sidharta Tata, an up-and-coming director who ranked fifth at 2023 Indonesian local box office with his directorial debut “Waktu Maghrib.” His most recent film “Ali Topan” premiered at the Busan International Film Festival later last year and is set to release on Feb. 14, 2024, in Indonesia.

 

Base Entertainment, the production company behind “Respati,” previously produced Joko Anwar’s 2019 hit film “Impetigore” and Netflix original series “Cigarette Girl,” which also launched in Busan last year. Base also produced 2021’s “Trese,” which was Netflix’s first original anime series from Southeast Asia.

 

The investment is Barunson E&A’s second in a non-Korean title since the launch of its international operations in Oct. 2022. Barunson E&A expects to continue focusing on international co-production and film finance.

 

Sylvie Kim, head of international business unit of Barunson E&A, said, “We are looking out for projects that have unique concept produced by a strong creative team. We believe Respati is a horror piece that has great potential to be received well by the audience not only in Indonesia, but around the world.”

 

“We’ve had fun creating a fresh perspective on the horror film and looking forward to sharing it with everyone,” said Tata.

 

“This is a thrilling and innovative film [which we look forward to bringing] to a wide audience,” said Shanty Harmayn, co-chief executive of Base Entertainment.

 

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— Variety

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Byju’s declines investors voting rights for the removal of CEO Byju Raveendran and his family 

—  After months of private tussle, Byju’s and some of its largest investors are now taking their fight public

 

Manish Singh / TechCrunch:

 

 

Following months of behind-the-scenes conflict, Byju’s and some of its biggest investors are now publicly airing their complaints about one another.

 

Image Credits: Manjunath Kiran (opens in a new window)/ Getty Images

Byju’s, once India’s most valuable startup, said Friday its investors do not have the voting right to seek leadership changes, a day after a group of shareholders called for an extraordinary general meeting to remove founder Byju Raveendran and his family from the top roles at the edtech group.

 

In a press release, Byju’s said it will continue its deliberation to raise $200 million in a rights issue, for which it has received “encouraging responses from multiple investors.”

Separately, Byju’s leadership informed the employees earlier Friday that the ongoing rights issue has already received commitments for “more than 100 percent of the proposed amount.” They blamed investors for “seeing the crisis” as an “opportunity to conspire” and demand the removal of Raveendran.

 

The leadership at Byju’s also blamed the “artificially induced crisis” by select investors for the “slight delay” in making the January payroll.

 

Investors including Prosus, General Atlantic, Peak XV and Chan Zuckerberg Initiative said in a statement Thursday that they seek a resolution of the “outstanding governance, financial mismanagement and compliance issues; the reconstitution of the Board of Directors, so that it is no longer controlled by the founders of T&L; and a change in leadership of the Company.”

 

This is the third time the investors have sought an extraordinary general meeting (EGM). The new request follows Byju’s launching the rights issue to raise capital it said was essential for its survival. The Bengaluru-headquartered startup, once valued at $22 billion and which has raised over $5 billion, reset its valuation to $25 million in the rights issue, TechCrunch previously reported.

Here is the full Friday statement of Byju’s:

Think & Learn Private Limited, the parent of BYJU’S, has noted with sorrow, statements from a select few investors calling for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to replace founder and group CEO Byju Raveendran. Under these unfortunate circumstances, we would emphasise that the shareholder’s agreement does not give them the right to vote on CEO or management change.

TLPL will continue with the proposed $200 million rights issue after receiving encouraging responses from multiple investors. The company is gladened by the support received by a wide section of its shareholders

The criticality of the rights issue has been shared with all shareholders, with capital being pivotal for a successful turnaround. Unfortunately, the company and our employees are paying the price for a stand-off triggered by some investors. Business continuity is essential, and we shall prioritise this in our actions.

Byju Raveendran and his leadership team have kept TLPL afloat after three investors left the company’s board last year, triggering a broader crisis. The company, along with the advisory board consisting of Rajneesh Kumar and Mohandas Pai, constituted a working group with the investors to find a constructive way forward.

The company and its leadership have updated the working group on all crucial matters, including ongoing business restructuring, financial position and audits. TLPL has been turning around the business, cutting the monthly burn to near operational breakeven and working on an AI-led technological refresh soon. In context, the actions of some unnamed investors are disruptive at a highly challenging time.

TLPL will remain on the path of dialogue even as the founders and the leadership find ways to meet the company’s mounting obligations, including salary payouts. We want to re-emphasise that the company has not had any external investor funding for nearly two years apart from the founder infusing over $1 billion — a reason why it launched a rights issue as a quick and equitable way to raise money.

 

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— Techmeme

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Meghna Gulzar was obsessed by detail as she depicted an Indian War hero in ‘Sam Bahadur:’ ‘It was interesting thinking like a man’

“Sam Bahadur,” a biopic of Indian war hero Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, is the latest feature from Meghna Gulzar.

 

Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP Movies produced the film, which released theatrically in December 2023 and proved to be a box office success.

 

The cast is led by Vicky Kaushal “(Dunki)” as Manekshaw and also includes Sanya Malhotra “(Jawan)” as his wife Silloo and Fatima Sana Shaikh as Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

 

Gulzar’s previous films include “Talvar” (2015), starring Irrfan Khan and Konkona Sen Sharma, and “Raazi” (2018), headlined by Alia Bhatt, both of which were critical and commercial successes and “Chhapaak” (2020), featuring Deepika Padukone as an acid attack victim. She was looking for a subject to work on with Screwvala, who suggested the Manekshaw biopic as the late Field Marshal’s daughters had been in conversation with him about wanting to make a film based on their father.

 

“I immediately said yes, because I just knew two things about him at that time, which is that he was the first Field Marshal of India, and that he was the Chief of Army Staff during the 1971 war [the India-Pakistan war that led to the creation of Bangladesh]. And just that much in itself was extremely inspiring and fascinating. And I really thought that somebody who has achieved those positions in life, they definitely must be having a story to tell,” Gulzar told Variety.

 

The filmmaker describes tackling what is an overwhelmingly male subject despite the presence of two strong women in the narrative, as “a lot of relief.” “I have been telling stories, which I wouldn’t say are women-centric, but the central character is feminine, or the nature of the subject is slightly more feminine,” Gulzar said. “What was most challenging was that to tell a man’s story, to think about how a male character would think, how they would evaluate things, or what would their expressions be and what would their reactions be? Fortunately, because this is not fiction, most of the cues were already in place, because you are just executing [a story about] a life that has already been lived. It was interesting to think like a man and characterize a man and, and that man more than anything.”

 

The film was made with the close cooperation of the Indian Army. Current Indian Army personnel played all the rank and file soldier roles in the film, not extras. All military depictions were vetted by an army department liaising with the production. Only some of Manekshaw’s dialogues with his wife and cook were fictionalized, with the rest drawn from interviews with him, published accounts and conversations that the project researchers had with his family, daughters, grandchildren and associates.

 

“Because he is such an important figure in our army’s history and is so revered by our forces, you can’t [afford to] go wrong with it, you can’t get anything about him wrong – or even around him. So, getting that authenticity and that detailing, right, was extremely challenging, but the entire team muscled through and our research was rock solid,” Gulzar said. “The entire team knew that our intent is that this is going to be error free. Absolutely zero error. And they all came with that dedication.”

 

The film features several interactions between Manekshaw and Indira Gandhi, who would go on to become the Prime Minister of India. “None of that is fictionalized,” Gulzar said. “Because we’re executing it and there are actors playing a part, there is a line that we have to balance. We have to be aware of maintaining that balance, that there is an affinity there. Yet, it’s not a gender thing, that there is immense mutual respect, even though there is antagonism sometimes. The tricky part was actually hitting that right tone for the actors, even for me.”

 

 

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— Variety

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‘Much Ado About Dying’ film as IDFA-winning doc, bought for US by First Run Features

“Much Ado About Dying,” Scott Chamber’s documentary about elderly care that won the best directing award at IDFA in 2022, has been acquired by First Run Features for the U.S. and Canada.

 

The feature, produced by Soilsiú Films and Tiffin Films, will have its U.S. festival premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival ahead of a national theatrical release set to launch at New York’s Film Forum on March 15.

 

Chambers’ third feature-length documentary, “Much Ado About Dying” deals with the issue of caring for elderly and dying relatives. Producers describe the film as “poignant and moving, but also hilariously funny,” following Chambers as he get very close to his dying uncle, a retired gay actor who still wants to perform “King Lear” before it’s too late. The director’s previous films, “Every Good Marriage Begins With Tears” and “Cowboys in India,” both toured the festival circuit extensively before broadcast outings in the U.K. on BBC Storyville and Channel 4 respectively.

 

“We are delighted to be working with Marc Mauceri and his team at First Run Features,” said Soilsiú Films’ David Rane, who distributed Soilsiú’s previous title, “Young Plato,” directed by Neasa Ní Chianáin and Declan McGrath.

 

“It’s a challenge these days to get an arthouse documentary out into U.S. cinemas, even one as charming and funny as ‘Much Ado About Dying,’ and we appreciate the motivation and commitment of the teams at First Run Features and Film Forum in releasing Simon’s beautifully directed film. This film deserves to be seen on the big screen, and there’s no better team to put it there.”

 

New York-based First Run, well-known for its 45-year history in the indie distribution world, has previously released four editions of Michael Apted’s “Up” Series (“28 Up,” “42 Up,” “49 Up” and “56 Up”) as well as the “Quiet Epidemic,” “Before Stonewall,” “Scrap” and “The Life and Times of Allen Ginsberg.”

 

“’Much Ado About Dying’ is a moving and hilarious cinema documentary about growing old unapologetically and the often-invisible family members who care for us in our twilight years,” said First Run’s Mauceri. “We are honoured to be entrusted by director Simon Chambers to share his uncle’s story with audiences here in the USA. Soilsiú Films are becoming more prolific by the year in producing world class documentaries for cinema and we are delighted to be working with them after the success they had in the U.S. with ‘Young Plato.’”

 

See the trailer for “Much Ado About Dying” below.

 

 

 

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— Variety