VIOLETA WENT TO HEAVEN

Cole Smithey

KINO LORBER INC. ACQUIRES ALL NORTH AMERICAN RIGHTS TO ANDRES WOOD'S VIOLETA WENT TO HEAVEN (2012)

WINNER OF THE SUNDANCE WORLD CINEMA DRAMATIC JURY PRIZE SET TO OPEN LATE 201

New York, NY – August 16, 2012 – Kino Lorber is proud to announce the acquisition of all North American right to Andrés Wood's VIOLETA WENT TO HEAVEN, the extraordinary biopic of legendary musician, folksinger and poet Violeta Parra, whose songs have revolutionized Latin American music and popularized the South American "Nueva Cancion" movement throughout the world – specially in Spanish-speaking countries.

Francisca Gavilán as Violeta Parra.

Winner of the Sundance World Cinema Dramatic Jury Prize at this year's festival, Andrés Wood's unique blend of magical realism and drama is premiering this week in New York City, as part of the Latinbeat film series organized by The Film Society of Lincoln Center and programmed by Richard Peña and Marcela Goglio.

Kino Lorber is planning a nationwide theatrical release for the film during November or December of 2012, followed by a VOD and theatrical expansion early next year. The deal was negotiated between Kino Lorber's CEO Richard Lorber, and Juan Torres, from Madrid-based Latido Films.

Tracing the evolution of an iconic woman, from an impoverished childhood to international sensation,VIOLETA WENT TO HEAVEN captures the ups and downs of a life that both transformed and propelled Latin American music during the 20th century.

Francisca Gavilán as Violeta Parra.

Directed by Andrés Wood (Machuca, Football Stories) and scripted by Eliseo Altunaga (Machuca, Matias Lira'sDrama) the film also traces Violeta's many political struggles, including her work to protect indigenous cultures and her transformation into a political inspiration for millions of citizens in the continent. One of her most famous songs, "La Carta," was written in support of her brother's arrest and incorporated, like much of her work, indigenous rhythms.

"Gracias a la Vida," considered by many her absolute masterwork, was covered by Mercedes Sosa, Joan Baez and many other artists across the globe; it continues to be one of the most covered songs in Latin America.

"Violeta inspired us at its first screening at Sundance," said Kino Lorber CEO Richard Lorber. "Although she is not a household name here, her story is poignantly universal and enhanced by her phenomenal music throughout; she's sort of the Edith Piaf of Latin America. North America audiences on seeing Violeta will be in heaven too."