Cinedigm and New Video Acquire SXSW Award-Winner 'Citadel'

Cinedigm Entertainment Group and New Video have partnered to acquire U.S. distribution rights to Citadel, from first-time writer-director Ciaràn Foy. The Ireland-set horror film had its world premiere at the 2012 SXSW Film Festival, where it won the Midnighter Audience Award. Citadel is the first scripted acquisition under the recently announced partnership between the two companies.

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In Citadel, a young father suffering from agoraphobia must face the gang of twisted, hooded feral children responsible for his wife's murder. Aneurin Barnard, James Cosmo, Wunmi Mosaku, Jake Wilson and Amy Shiels star.

"Citadel is a disturbing, powerful and altogether original psychological horror film," said Bob Fiorella, COO of Cinedigm Entertainment Group. "Garnering remarkable reviews for first-time writer/director Ciaràn Foy, we believe Citadel is poised to find a wide U.S. audience and we are unbelievably proud to make it the first scripted acquisition in our new joint venture."

An Irish-Scottish co-production of Blinder Films and Sigma Films, the movie was produced by Katie Holly of Blinder and Brian Coffey of Sigma. Executive producers are Gillian Berrie, Kieron J. Walsh and David Mackenzie. The film was funded by the Bord Scannán na hÉireann/Irish Film Board, Creative Scotland, Section 481 and UK Tax Credit.

Nate Bolotin of XYZ Films and UTA Independent Film Group negotiated the deal for the filmmakers.

“Ciaràn Foy clearly made his mark at SXSW as a rising star with incredible talent,” said Susan Margolin, co-president of New Video. “Citadel is a cinematic achievement supported by a stellar cast, and a real treat for horror fans.”

Cinedigm launches its theatrical distribution arm in the fall, while New Video will roll out the titles across on-demand, digital and DVD/Blu-ray beginning in early 2013.

Cinedigm has released Life In A Day, The Ward and Runnin' Down A Dream. Upcoming releases include No Room For Rockstars and The Invisible War.