16 June, 2009 – IndiePix, the Internet-based distributor of independent films, is today set to launch its final 'Release Slate 08' production at the prestigious SilverDocs Documentary Film Festival in Washington DC. Over 2000 films were submitted to the festival and '21 BELOW', the fifth and final IndiePix production before the announcement of its new 'Release Slate 09' this Summer, is one of just a handful selected. IndiePix provided '21 BELOW' with essential funds and resources to produce the film – including a state-of-the-art editing suite at the IndiePix NYC offices, which was created especially for the eight month post-production process.
IndiePix Studios launched its first release slate in 2008 and has since produced five worldwide successes – including 'The End of America' and 'Entre Nos'. IndiePix Studios selected first-time filmmakers Samantha Buck, Jenny Maguire and Sophia Raab Downs and helped them produce, launch and distribute '21 BELOW'. IndiePix has since supported the film beyond financing by creating a purpose-built editing suite at its offices specifically for the film. The entire post-production of the film took eight months – taking the film to four years in the making.
"Without IndiePix we wouldn't have a film," explained Samantha Buck, Director of 21 BELOW. "The fact that it has been able to dedicate so much time and money to our film in the current economy is incredible. Ours was the first film to be chosen by the newly created IndiePix Studios in 2008 and the team has been very supportive ever since. They even built an editing suite at their NYC offices, which we used for around eight months – I don't know of any other company that would have done that for us.
"Once the film was finished we were confronted with the next uncertainty – could we get it distributed? There is no guarantee that films won't just end up on the shelf, I've seen it happen many times before and it is even harder in today's economy to secure distribution. IndiePix, in conjunction with Executive Producers Ryan Harrington and Cactus Three, worked hard at putting together a strong distribution package that will help obtain worldwide sales here at Silverdocs," Samantha Buck concluded.
Bob Alexander, President of IndiePix, added: "This is a visually stunning film with a very unique storyline, covering issues of race, religion and motherhood. For these reasons we did what we had to in order to ensure it was finished and seen by a diverse audience of film fans. We were on board to offer help and guidance when it was needed but the filmmakers knew what they wanted the final cut to look like – we are delighted that we were able to make it a reality for them."
About '21 BELOW'
21 BELOW is the story of a young woman going home to face family wounds that she had hoped to escape. Sharon who now lives outside of New York City, returns home when she learns that Maya, the 14 month old daughter of her younger sister, Karen, is dying from a rare genetic disease.
On her return to Buffalo, Sharon discovers that the family feuds she hopes to alleviate could just as easily destroy her. Their mother, Peggy is so hurt by Karen's life choices – including the father of her expected child, a 29 year old African-American former gang member – that every gesture of help turns into a fight. Can the family find some common ground before the damage is irreparable and they splinter forever? Can Maya's tragic circumstances bring some perspective to a seemingly hopeless situation?
For more information please visit www.21belowfilm.com
About IndiePix
IndiePix is a New York-based distributor that delivers a highly-curated collection of the best Independent Films from around the world. Offering a hand-picked catalogue of over 3,000 independent film gems – art-house, foreign, and documentary – the IndiePix team selects the best titles from the international festival circuit. Avenues for distribution include IndiePix's patented Download-to-Own technology, delivery of DVD by mail, retail and theatrical.
The company is committed to supporting the Independent Film industry through its production arm, IndiePix Studios, and its unique business model that returns the highest share of sales straight to the filmmaker.
For more information, please visit www.indiepixfilms.com
Bob Alexander
President of IndiePix
Tel: +1 212-684-2333
Email: bob@indiepix.net
Louise Sambells
IBA – PR for IndiePix
Tel: 01780 721433
Email: lsambells@iba-europe.com
For further information about IndiePix, please click here and here.
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