U.S.A. (Directors: Audrey Ewell, Aaron Aites, Lucian Read, Nina Kristic)
The Occupy movement erupted in September 2011, propelling economic inequality into the spotlight. In an unprecedented collaboration, filmmakers across America tell its story, digging into big picture issues as organizers, analysts, participants and critics reveal how it happened and why.
Participant Media has acquired North American rights to Audrey Ewell and Aaron Aites’ documentary 99% — The Occupy Wall St. Collaborative Film.
The film, which was directed by Ewell and Aites alongside Lucian Read and Nina Krstic, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 20.
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Following its theatrical run, the film will have its world television premiere on Participant’s new TV channel targeting millennials, scheduled to launch in August.
“99% provides a fascinating and involving account of the genesis of one of the most dynamic social movements in recent years, leaving the viewer inspired and full of hope,” Participant CEO Jim Berk said. “With our new TV channel we can insure that this film will shine a light on important issue for a national audience.”
The documentary is well suited for the cause-oriented Participant, which creates social action and advocacy programs to accompany its films.
“We are so excited be working with Participant on this film,” Ewell said. “We really can’t think of a better partner to bring 99% to the world.”
In 2011, seemingly overnight, the Occupy movement captured the imagination of the nation and the world. The sweeping story of the group’s birth, 99% — The Occupy Wall Street Collaborative Film follows a disparate group of activists who converged on lower Manhattan’s Zuccotti Park to build a new society. Inspired by the idea that wealth and power were disproportionately wielded by an elite few, parks from Pittsburgh to Minneapolis to Jackson, Miss., were soon occupied.
Co-directed by Katie Teague, Peter Leeman, Aric Gutnick, Abby Martin and Doree Simon, the film was produced by Ewell, Aites and Williams Cole. Executive producers are Brian Devine, Brooke Devine and Tyler Brodie.
Paradigm’s Ben Weiss represented the filmmaker. Jeff Ivers negotiated on behalf of Participant.
Email: Tatiana.Siegel@THR.com, Twitter: @TatianaSiegel27
