Exclusive: IFC Films will announce later today that Steven Soderbergh's two-part "Che" biopic will not only expand to additional markets, but the two films will continue to be shown together. Originally, the two films were going to be released separately, but the awards run did well enough over the holiday season to warrant a change in plans. 

Here's the an early copy of the press release:

IFC FILMS TAKES “CHE” ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Roadshow Edition to open in 9 additional markets following sold out screenings in New York and Los Angeles

New York, NY, January 7, 2009 -- IFC Films, one of the leading independent and foreign film distributors, announced today that it will take “Che,” the Special Roadshow Edition on the road again to 9 additional markets on Friday, January 16^th following the huge success of the film in New York and Los Angeles.  In just three weeks, the film has grossed $244, 857 from single theater engagements with only two shows a day in New York and Los Angeles.

 “Che” had the highest week gross of 2008 at Landmark’s Nuart Theater in Los Angeles with a take of $26,130.  At the IFC Center in NY, “Che” had an amazing run with a first week gross of $37,451, setting a new record for the IFC Center as its top-grossing week ever. Its momentum continued to build in its second week, selling out 12 of its 14 shows, as its second week gross rose to $46,000.

 On January 16^th, “Che,” the Special Roadshow Edition, will unspool in 9 additional markets.  Like in New York and Los Angeles, the film will be shown in its entirety, commercial and trailer free with an intermission and limited edition program book at every screening.  The markets include:

Boston (Landmark Kendall), Chicago (Landmark Century Center), Dallas (Landmark Magnolia), Houston (City Cinemas Angelika), Minneapolis (Landmark Uptown), Philadelphia (Landmark Ritz 5), San Francisco (Landmark Embarcadero),Seattle (Landmark Varsity),  Washington DC (Landmark E Street).