Leipzig
HOLLYWOOD -- National Geographic Feature Films has set up specialty label National Geographic World Films to showcase pics from around the world.
Under the new division, NGFF has partnered with ThinkFilm to co-present "The Story of the Weeping Camel."
"I think of this as a promotional and co-acquisitions label," said National Geographic Feature Films prexy Adam Leipzig, who hopes to identify one to three pics a year to partner on. "We will always partner with existing acquisitions and specialty distribution companies, and we've had conversations with all of them.
"Special kinds of movies require a special kind of nurturing. We have a large and vast multiplatform media, which reaches exactly the audience that appreciates these movies. Our goal is to let them know about these movies and bring the movies to them."
"Camel," which won the jury prize at the 21st annual Miami Film Festival, was directed by Byambasuren Davaa and Luigi Falorni. It explores the exotic culture of Mongolian herders. The family faces a crisis when a camel rejects her newborn, until an ancient ritual brings mother and calf together.
Pic features a non-pro cast and blends fiction and documentary techniques.
Though National Geo's financial commitment was not disclosed, on "Camel" it will act as a significant marketing and promotional partner; however, the company will not directly provide P&A funding or distribution services.
"The partnership will involve many important aspects of marketing the film, which includes editorial involvement, presentation and an extensive amount of promotional support," said ThinkFilm theatrical division head Mark Urman.
"We believe the relationship will help drive the film's audience beyond the standard definition of crossover for an independent or nonfiction film. It's an extraordinary boon for us."
Partnership will utilize National Geo publications, multimedia divisions and Internet reach to help promote and market the pic.
The film will screen March 26-27 as part of the New Directors/New Film Series presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center and the Museum of Modern Art. It will be released in the U.S. June 4.
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