Black excellence , opulence, decadence… Fox Searchlight Buys “The Birth Of A Nation” For $17.5 Million Actor Nate Parker is making history with his forthcoming Nat Turner biopic. Parker’s directorial debut “The Birth Of A Nation” not only received a standing ovation from an awe struck audience, bit $17.5 million from Fox Searchlight (the biggest deal in Sundance history) to bring it to theaters. The Wall Street Journal reports: Less than 24 hours after its roaring arrival at the Sundance Film Festival, “The Birth of a Nation” has made history with the biggest deal in the festival’s history. Fox Searchlight has acquired world-wide rights to the Nat Turner biopic for $17.5 million — a whopping amount that reflects the movie’s critical and commercial prospects and the crowded field of bidders hitting festivals now. It was clear from the movie’s premiere that it would go for big money. The audience gave the movie an extended standing ovation through the closing credits, and Nate Parker, who directed, produced, wrote and stars in the film, left the auditorium as Sundance’s favorite son. Fox Searchlight’s winning bid signals a definite interest in Oscars for the film. The specialty division of Twentieth Century Fox purchased “Brooklyn” at Sundance last year, and the immigrant drama was the only Sundance movie to land a best picture nomination for this year’s awards. Fox Searchlight also released the last major slavery drama, “12 Years a Slave,” which won best picture in 2014. (Fox’s parent company, 21st Century Fox Inc., was until mid-2013 part of the same company as The Wall Street Journal.) Nate’s since ben lauded for making history by greats like Ava Duvernay… “The deal is the richest in Sundance history.” *mic drop* *tosses confetti* *praise clap* *misty copeland twirl* https://t.co/OQnPMKShcR — Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) January 26, 2016 and he’s thanking Sundance for the opportunity. This is a victory for independent film and independent filmmakers. Thank you @sundancefest for all you do for us. pic.twitter.com/ue2qOd07bt — Nate Parker (@NateParker) January 27, 2016 There’s chatter that Parker actually received a $20 million offer from Netflix but turned it down because he wanted moviegoers to pack out theaters. What do YOU think about Nate Parker’s historic deal for Birth Of A Nation???
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Black Excellence: Nate Parker’s Nat Turner Biopic Sells For A Historic $17.5 Million At Sundance
