Hot Docs Highlights Distribution Deals

TORONTO: Hot Docs, the documentary film festival in progress until May 8, has played host to a number of film distribution deals.

Films We Like secured the Canadian rights to The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye, which centers on the love story of the film’s titular characters and the surgeries they have undergone to resemble each other. The Toronto-based company also acquired the Canadian rights to Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop, which follows the late-night host on his stand-up tour following his departure from The Tonight Show.

Showtime Networks scored the U.S. exhibition rights for Fightville, which focuses on Ultimate Fighting Championship competitors.

Meanwhile, New Video acquired the rights to Hell and Back Again, directed by Danfung Dennis, which tells the stories of soldiers in Afghanistan. PBS International snapped up the worldwide TV rights, excluding the U.S., to The Hollywood Complex, which centers on the kid actors who go to Hollywood each spring for pilot season.

7th Art Releasing secured the North American and world TV rights to In Heaven, Underground: The Jewish Cemetery in Berlin-Weissensee, a film that offers a look at a 130-year-old Jewish cemetery in the German capital.

Video Services took the Canadian rights to Limelight, which profiles Peter Gatien of the infamous New York nightclub.

Rounding out the Hot Docs’ deals, CBC acquired the Canadian rights to The Team, which gives a behind-the-scenes look at a Kenyan soap opera that hopes to unite a nation.