Abramorama has acquired the North American rights to Mr. Chibbs, a documentary about former NBA All-Star Kenny Anderson.
The film, which premiered at DOC NYC in November, follows Anderson — a high school basketball prodigy who went on to play for Georgia Tech and the New Jersey Nets — as he comes to terms with haunting memories from his past and tries to move forward, grappling with his own identity.
“We are thrilled to be bringing this candid look at basketball legend Kenny Anderson’s personal story to theaters,” Abramorama president Richard Abramowitz said in a statement. “Kenny has had both a charmed and troubled past, but behind it all is a man with a heart as big as his hometown New York City. While this film will certainly appeal to sports fans, it will also touch everyone who has experienced the roller coaster of life.”
The BMG Brokers production was produced by Barry Greenstein and written, produced and directed by Jill Campbell.
“My connection with Kenny was imperative in capturing his journey to uncover the emotionally broken pieces of his past, so he could rediscover his footing in his relationships and career for a brighter future,” Campbell said. “It has been a great honor to tell Kenny’s story of triumph, and I am humbled that we will be able to share it with audiences around North America.”
Greenstein added, “You won’t find a more raw, real and in-depth look at an athlete than you get with Mr. Chibbs. Kenny and his wife Natasha gave us an uncensored look at their reality, and I am proud of them.”
The deal was negotiated by Karol Martesko-Fenster, Abramowitz and Robert Marcus for Abramorama and by Greenstein and David Davoli of Davoli Davids on behalf of BMG Brokers.
Mr. Chibbs will open at New York’s IFC Center on May 3 with L.A. and other markets to follow. The film will also play at the Miami International Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival and Sarasota Film Festival.
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