Oscilloscope has acquired distribution rights to the documentary Mad as Hell, which centers on the online news show The Young Turks.
The show is one of the internet’s most popular news programs, with over 68 million views monthly. Andrew Napier‘s film traces its establishment by founder and main host Cenk Uygur as well as Uygur’s forays into national news, including a short stint at MSNBC and a show on Current TV, and his clashes with traditional news media (as suggested by its title, inspired by the 1976 Sidney Lumet film Network). The documentary premiered at the 2014 Hot Docs Festival and will next screen at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Oscilloscope will release the film theatrically in New York and Los Angeles and on digital platforms on Feb. 6.
“Mad as Hell is an intelligent and engaging portrait that introduces audiences to an incredible group of people that have become a dominant force in news. The Young Turks are as important, if not more so than any jackass on Fox News and we’re excited to do our small part in letting their story into your home,” said Oscilloscope co-presidents Dan Berger and David Laub in a statement.
“This film is about a man who says and does things that are often deemed unpopular with the traditional media, and I’m thankful that there is a badass company like Oscilloscope willing to distribute and share this story,” Napier added.
Email: Austin.Siegemund-Broka@THR.com
