In advance of its Heartland Film Festival's World Premiere as the Opening Night film on October 17th, Roadside Attractions has acquired U.S. rights to the inspirational drama GIMME SHELTER from filmmaker Ronald Krauss (AMEXICA). The film stars Vanessa Hudgens, as a pregnant teen runaway, as well as Brendan Fraser, Rosario Dawson, James Earl Jones and Ann Dowd (COMPLIANCE). Roadside has targeted January 24, 2014 for national release.
Based on a true story centering on 16-year-old Agnes "Apple" Bailey (Vanessa Hudgens), GIMME SHELTER uncovers the struggle for survival and the hope of redemption through the harsh realities of life on the streets. As a pregnant teenager, Apple's journey plummets her into a perilous struggle until finding salvation in a suburban shelter for homeless teens. With provisions of unprecedented comfort, a collective sisterhood connection and female empowerment, the shelter inspires Apple to break the shackles of her past and inspires her to embrace the future with clarity, maturity and hope not only for herself but her unborn child.
The film is inspired by a David and Goliath true story of Kathy DiFiore's longstanding Several Sources Shelters. Kathy is played in the film by Ann Dowd. Kathy worked hand-in-hand with Mother Teresa in an effort to change the shelter laws in New Jersey.
The film was written, produced and directed by Krauss, who financed the film through his Day 28 Films banner along with producer Jeff Rice and co-producer Joshua Amir.
"Based on a true story, we were moved by Ronald's film. He poured his heart and soul into GIMME SHELTER. And we were quite impressed with Vanessa Hudgens, who delivered a terrific, and transformative, performance," said Roadside Co-President Howard Cohen. "We feel the film will appeal to moviegoers on many levels and hope they leave the theatre feeling uplifted."
Ronald Krauss stated, "I have dedicated the last few years of my life to bringing GIMME SHELTER to the screen. Based on true lives of embattled young girls I encountered at the Several Sources Shelters, I was inspired by its founder and guiding force Kathy DiFiore, who is an incredible force tirelessly helping the less fortunate. For GIMME SHELTER, we could not ask for a better partner and distributor than Howard Cohen and his entire team at Roadside Attractions. We are thrilled to have them on board to release the film this winter across the United States."
The deal was negotiated by Cohen and attorney Greg Bernstein on behalf of Roadside and by Ron Krauss and attorney Matt Galsor of Greenberg-Glusker on behalf of the filmmakers.
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