Magnolia Takes US Rights to Kevin Macdonald’s 'Marley'

(PRESS RELEASE) New York – February 6, 2012 – The Wagner/Cuban Company’s Magnolia Pictures announced today they have acquired US rights to MARLEY, the definitive documentary about legendary musician Bob Marley, directed by Academy Award-winner Kevin Macdonald (One Day in September, The Last King of Scotland). Produced by Steve Bing (Shangri-La Entertainment) and Charles Steel, and executive produced by Bob’s son Ziggy Marley and Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, MARLEY will have its world premiere at the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival in February, and its North American premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, TX in March.

The film will open in theaters on Friday, April 20th, launching day and date with all VOD and digital platforms.

VH1 has come onboard to license the first TV Window of the film as part of their Emmy-Award winning VH1 Rock Doc franchise and will work with Magnolia and the filmmakers to promote the film across their music lover channel.

Made with the unprecedented support of the Marley family, MARLEY is the first film to tell the definitive life story of the musician, revolutionary, and legend, from his earliest days to his rise to international superstardom. Along with an incredible soundtrack, the film features rare footage, archival photos, and incredible performances and interviews with his family, friends, and bandmates – the people that knew him best. The film is sure to be a revelation to Bob Marley fans, of which there are many (the triple-platinum artist has nearly 35 million fans on his Facebook page alone), and newcomers alike.

“Bob Marley is a fascinating, towering figure in musical history, and MARLEY is the biography that he deserves,” said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. “Kevin Macdonald has once again shown himself to be a master documentarian with this eye-opening, entertaining, beautifully crafted film.”

“This documentary is the ultimate revelation of my father’s life,” said Executive Producer Ziggy Marley. “The family is proud to be able to have the world finally experience this emotional journey."

The deal was negotiated for Magnolia by SVP of Acquisitions Dori Begley and Head of Business Affairs Chris Matson and for VH1 by Ben Zurier and Brad Abramson with Liesl Copland of WME Global on behalf of the filmmakers.