Element Pictures Distribution and StudioCanal have acquired all UK and Irish rights to ‘Viva’, the Irish-Cuban film short-listed in 2016 for Best Foreign Language Film, in a joint distribution venture.
Directed by Paddy Breathnach, written by Mark O’Halloran, starring Jorge Perugorria, Luis Alberto Garcia and Hector Medina and produced by Robert Walpole and Rebecca O’Flanagan of Treasure Entertainment, ‘Viva’ is the Havana-based story of young Jesus, who longs to be a glamorous drag queen only to have his dreams take a detour when his estranged and very macho father returns from a long stint in prison. Key crew members include editor Stephen O’Connell, composer Stephen Rennicks, Production Designer Paki Smith and DoP Cathal Watters, who won an IFTA for his work on the film.
Element Pictures Distribution will oversee distribution in the Republic of Ireland with StudioCanal overseeing the United Kingdom.
‘Viva’ was released in the United States on April 29 by Magnolia Releasing following triumphant runs in the Telluride and Sundance Film Festival, with continuous praise from critics with The New York Times calling it “Exhilarating…. So much heart you surrender to its charm.”
Commenting on the release, Director Paddy Breathnach said: “I’m very happy that Element and StudioCanal are releasing ‘Viva’ in Ireland and UK respectively. They’re great companies and I’m very excited to work with them in bringing ‘Viva’ to audiences here in the near future.”
Andrew Lowe of Element Pictures Distribution added: “We are big fans of Paddy and are delighted to be working with him, Rob and Rebecca together with our friends at StudioCanal on the release of ‘Viva’ in Ireland and the UK.”
‘Viva’ producers, Rob Walpole and Rebecca O’Flanagan, said: “Viva was such a labour of love and we are thrilled with its reception so far. We are particularly pleased to be working with Element to bring it to our home territory and are delighted with the partnership with StudioCanal in the UK.”
‘Viva’ has sold to over 30 territories world-wide including France to ARP, Benelux to Cinemien, Spain to Betta and Germany to Salzgeber.
