HBO picks up 'Omar Broadway'

Film unit nabs prison documentary

By MICHAEL JONES

HBO Documentary Films has picked up all North American rights to "An Omar Broadway Film," a first-person look at prison life shot by Broadway, an inmate at a high-security gang unit in Newark.

Broadway smuggled a video camera into his cell and for weeks secretly filmed riots and prisoner abuse through his small window.

HBO will give the film, which is co-directed by Douglas Tirola, a theatrical run in New York and L.A. for Oscar consideration.

"HBO's incredible enthusiasm is what sold us. It's an opportunity to get it out to the biggest audience, namely in the urban areas," said Tirola.

Pic premiered at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival.