Music Box Films has acquired US rights to Matthew Akers’ Marina Abramovic: The Artist is Present.

The film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and won the Panorama Audience Award at last month’s Berlin International Film Festival.

Music Box Films will open theatrically and qualify the movie for Oscar consideration shortly before its premiere on HBO.

Music Box Films has acquired North American rights for Ira Sachs’ Keep The Lights On, it was announced today.

The film — an autobiographically inspired gay relationship drama — debuted in competition at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and then went on to win the Teddy Award at the Berlinale last month. It will have its New York premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival next month.

“Taking the emphasis off individual perspectives, Sachs skillfully explores dangerous extremes—not only drug addiction, but the slipperiness of attraction, both to other people and oneself,” Eric Kohn wrote in his Indiewire review.

Music Box Films announced today that the company is acquiring all North American rights to Keep the Lights ON, the latest film from Ira Sachs. The film premiered to critical acclaim at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. Subsequently, at the 2012 Berlin International Film Festival, it received the Teddy Award, the prize for the best film with an LGBT theme.

In his autobiographically inspired, fictional relationship drama Keep the Lights On, filmmaker – and recipient of Sundance’s Grand Jury Prize in 2005 for his film Forty Shades of Blue – Ira Sachs chronicles the emotionally and sexually charged journey through the love, addiction, and friendship of two men (portrayed by Thure Lindhardt and Zachary Booth). The film was produced by Sachs, Marie ThereseGuirgis, and Lucas Joaquin, and the stellar supporting cast includes Julianne Nicholson (HBO’s Boardwalk Empire), Souléymane Sy Savané (Goodbye Solo) and Paprika Steen (Applause). The film will screen at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival next month.

Written by Sachs and Mauricio Zacharias, Keep the Lights On is an honest, unflinching portrait of a relationship between two men in New York City. Despite meeting through a casual sexual encounter, documentary filmmaker Erik (Lindhardt) and closeted lawyer Paul (Booth) find a deeper connection and become bonded in an almost decade-long relationship defined by highs, lows and dysfunctional patterns. Through it all, Erik struggles to negotiate his own boundaries and dignity and to be true to himself.

Ed Arentz, Managing Director of Music Box Films, said: “We’ve been fans of Ira Sachs since THE DELTA so its a special treat to be able to present his latest film. Ira gets the big, little and difficult things right in Keep the Lights ON: the thrill and evanescence of desire, the endurance of love, the unknowableness of others and the sense of time going by. His homage to legendary New York photographer and filmmaker James Bidgood is an added bonus.”

Noted Sachs: “Music Box has proven itself in a few short years to be a cutting edge distributor with a sophisticated understanding of both the market and cinema. Ed and Bill have a keen eye for films that have a potential to breakout from the independent landscape, and I’m excited by their ambition and excitement for Keep the Lights On.”

The deal for the film was negotiated by Marie Therese Guirgis (Producer of Keep the Lights On) and Kevin Iwashina (Preferred Content), with William Schopf, president of Music Box Films.

French-Canadian film Monsieur Lazhar has just earned a nomination from the 2012 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film Oscar.

Music Box Films is proud to announce that French-Canadian film Monsieur Lazhar has just earned a nomination from the 2012 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. The film is currently screening at the Sundance Film Festival, previously won the Audience Award at last summer’s Locarno Film Festival, and was named Best Canadian Feature the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.

“This nearly perfect gem begins as a tiny slice of life, but sneaks up on you and packs a wallop by the time it reaches its conclusion,” says Stephen Farber of Hollywood Reporter.

Written and directed by Philippe Falardeau, Monsieur Lazhar tells the story of an immigrant substitute teacher (played by Monhamed Fellag) who brings emotional stability to a middle school class shaken by the unexpected death of their well-liked teacher. The film is the latest production of Microscope, the same Montreal-based production company that produced the Academy Award-nominee Incendies.

In response to the nomination, director Falardeau says, “I rejoice in the fact that such an intimate film can find its way alongside Hollywood productions, proof that there is not only one path to artistic and public recognition.”

Music Box plans a Spring 2012 national release.

The Swedish movie series Millennium — the original Girl With the Dragon Tattoo films starring Noomi Rapace — earned the Emmy for TV movie and miniseries.

The Swedish movie series Millennium — the original Girl With the Dragon Tattoo films starring Noomi Rapace — earned the Emmy for TV movie and miniseries.

Rapace and Michael Nyqvist were nominated for acting awards but did not win.

Accepting the award for the films, Millennium producer Soren Staermose said, in somewhat broken English: “We will jump off the roof with this beautiful (statue) and hit every man who still hates women.”

Monsieur Lazhar won Audience Award at this summer’s Locarno Film Festival.

Chicago, IL…Music Box Films has acquired all US rights to the French-Canadian film Monsieur Lazhar, Canada’s official submission to the 2012 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film. The film won the Audience Award at this summer’s Locarno Film Festival and was named Best Canadian Feature last week at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Written and directed by Philippe Falardeau, Monsieur Lazhar tells the story of an immigrant substitute teacher (played by Monhamed Fellag) who brings emotional stability to a middle school class shaken by the suicide of their well-liked teacher. The film is the latest production of Microscope, the same Montreal-based production company that produced the Academy Award-nominee “Incendies.” The deal was negotiated by Nicolas Brigaud-Robert, a partner in international sales agency Films Distribution and Music Box Films’ managing director Edward Arentz.

“This is a film that takes you by surprise and stealthily taps into deep wellsprings of emotion in ways that don’t feel manipulative. Releasing this kind of intelligent and moving filmmaking is a privilege and we thank Films Distribution for the opportunity to present Monsieur Lazhar to US audiences,” says Arentz.

“This is the first time we are working with Music Box. After Monsieur Lazhar premiered in Toronto, we had several US distributors vying for our movie. We chose to work with Music Box for their impeccable track record and their true dedication to foreign language movies, and most of all, for their sheer enthusiasm for this film. We know they will give Monsieur Lazhar the exposure it deserves in the US market,” says Brigaud-Robert.

Terrence Davies’ period film toplines Rachel Weisz, Tom Hiddleston.

Win a Portugal Adventure for two to experience the romance and mystery of Raúl Ruiz’ epic film Mysteries of Lisbon.

Win a Portugal Adventure for two to experience the romance and mystery of Raul Ruiz’ epic film Mysteries of Lisbon.

Your five-day, four-night trip to Lisbon (with lodging at 4-5 star hotels) will start with a magical visit to the capital city, down the hills through historic neighborhoods of the Alfama and Mouraria. Along the way stop to admire the monumental Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the splendid River Tejo. Then, you will be transported back to Camilo Castelo Branco’s 19th Century world – exploring magical villages and frontier castles perched high in the hilltops, learning ancient stories of heroic deeds, glorious battles and the romance of nobleman and beautiful ladies of high society Portugal.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

For more details on destinations and tools to help you book your holiday, please visit http://www.visitportugal.com

Trip is courtesy of the Portuguese National Tourist Office.

Click here for list of rules.

OFFICIAL SWEEPSTAKES RULES: MYSTERIES OF LISBON


1. HOW TO ENTER: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, visit http://www.musicboxfilms.com/mysteries-of-lisbon and complete and submit the Official Online Entry Form, including name, mailing address, email address and age. Those entrants whose entry forms are received between 12:01 a.m. EDT on July 25, 2011 and 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 5, 2011 will be entered to win. Limit one (1) entry per person. If multiple entries are received from any person in violation of these rules, all such entries will disqualified. Only entries submitted electronically to the Web site in accordance with these rules will be eligible for consideration. For purposes of these rules, “receipt” of an electronic entry occurs when Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films’s servers record the entry information. Entries will be deemed to have been submitted by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of the entry. Automated entries are prohibited, and any use of automated devices will result in disqualification. Entries are limited to individuals only; commercial enterprises and business entities are not eligible. Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” is not responsible for incorrect or inaccurate entry of information by entrants; lost entries or transmissions; interrupted or unavailable network, server, or other connections; scrambled transmissions or other errors or problems of any kind whether mechanical, human, or electronic, technical malfunctions of the computer hardware, software, or any combinations thereof; or problems associated with any virus or any other damage caused to entrants’ systems. Incomplete entries will be voided. All entries become the property of Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” and will not be returned.

2. Eligibility. Open only to legal residents of the forty eight (48) contiguous United States and the District of Columbia, who are 18 years of age or older as of March 1, 2010. Employees of Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films., and Portuguese National Tourist Office, including their corporate affiliates and parent companies, and members of the immediate families of such individuals and persons living in their households are not eligible to enter. Sweepstakes subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations; offer void wherever prohibited or restricted by law. Entries received from persons residing in geographic areas in which entry is not permissible will be disqualified. 

3. Selection of Winner. One (1) winner will be chosen in a random drawing from those entrants whose entry forms and correct answers are received between 12:01 a.m. EDT on July 25, 2011 and 11:59 p.m. EDT October 5, 2011 conducted by Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” whose decisions are final and binding in all respects. Odds of winning the Sweepstakes depend upon the total number of eligible entries received. 

4. Prize. There will be one (1) Grand Prize Winner selected. One Grand Prize Winner will win a prize package including: 2 round trip tickets on XXXX airline from Newark International Airport (EWR) OR Miami International Airport (MIA) , 5 nights at XXXX. Transportation to and from the gateway cities and airport will be winners responsibility. (Approximate retail value $xxxxx US). The trip is valid between September 15 2011 until September 30, 2012. The winner must complete travel during one of the following dates: 1 – 30 September 2011 or 1 – 15 October 2011 or 1-31 May , June, September 2012 or 1-15 October 2012 or prize will be forfeited. Trip must be booked at least sixty (60) days prior to departure. Trip subject to availability and blackout dates from DEC 15, 2011 to JAN 15,2011 2012. Travel must be roundtrip. Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” will determine airline and flight itinerary in its sole discretion. No refund or compensation will be made in the event of the cancellation or delay of any flight. Travel and accommodations are subject to availability. Travel is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Sweepstakes, and those set forth by the Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Film’s airline carrier of choice as detailed in the passenger ticket contract. All expenses and incidental travel costs not expressly stated in the package description above, including but not limited to, ground transportation, meals, incidentals, passenger tariffs or duties, surcharges, airport fees, service charges or facility charges, personal charges at lodging, security fees, taxes or other expenses are the responsibility solely of winner. Unless child of winner, travel companion must be at least eighteen (18) years of age or older as of the date of departure and must travel on same itinerary and at the same time as the winner. Travel companion must execute liability/publicity releases prior to issuance of travel documents. Winner and travel companion are solely responsible for obtaining valid passports and visas and any other documents necessary for international travel. Travel restrictions, conditions and limitations may apply. Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” will not replace any lost, mutilated, or stolen tickets, travel vouchers or certificates. Actual value may vary based on airfare fluctuations and distance between departure and destination. Winner will not receive the difference between actual and approximate retail value.
5. Restrictions. Winner and guest are responsible for all tax consequences and compliance with all governmental reporting and payment requirements. Prizes are not transferable and cannot be assigned. No prize or cash substitutes allowed, except at the discretion of the Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” as set forth above. Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value if prizes, as stated herein, become unavailable. 

6. Winner Notification and Acceptance. Winner will be notified by e-mail within fifteen (15) days after selection. If the Winner cannot be contacted within seven (7) days after first attempted contact, Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” may, at its discretion, select an alternate winner (in random drawing) from other eligible entries received before the deadline. Winner may be required to execute affidavits of eligibility, tax acknowledgement forms, liability releases and, except where prohibited by law, use of name and likeness releases and to return them within seven (7) days of issuance. Return of the prize notification as undeliverable, or failure of potential winner to accept the prize, respond to notification attempts, or return completed releases within required timeframe will result in disqualification and an alternate winner may be selected at Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.”’s discretion. 

7. Name of Winner. For the name of the winner, available after September 1, 2011, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Brian Andreotti, Music Box Films Attn: MYSERIES of LISBON Sweepstakes. VT and WA residents may omit postage.

8. Reservations. 
BY ACCEPTING THE PRIZE, THE WINNER AGREES THAT THE SOUTHPORT MUSIC BOX CORPORATION D/B/A/ MUSIC BOX FILMS.”, ITS SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION AGENCIES, AND ALL OF ITS RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, REPRESENTATIVES AND AGENTS, WILL HAVE NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER FOR, AND WILL BE HELD HARMLESS BY WINNER FOR ANY LIABILITY FOR, ANY INJURY, LOSS OR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND TO PERSONS, INCLUDING DEATH, AND PROPERTY, DUE IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM THE ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, USE OR MISUSE OF THE PRIZE OR PARTICIPATION IN THIS SWEEPSTAKES OR PARTICIPATION IN ANY SWEEPSTAKES OR PRIZE RELATED ACTIVITY.

9. Publicity. By entering the Sweepstakes the Winner consents to the use of the Winner’s name, likeness, and biographical data for publicity and promotional purposes on behalf of Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” with no additional compensation or further permission (except where prohibited by law).

10. Miscellaneous: In the event of a dispute, entries made by Internet will be deemed made by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry. The “authorized account holder” is deemed the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, service provider or other online organization that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. A potential winner may be requested to provide Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” with proof that the potential winner is the authorized account holder of the e-mail address associated with the winning entry. If for any reason the Sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned, including due to infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failure, human error or any other causes beyond the control of Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” that corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes, Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process, and to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes. Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries. The Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” is not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, servers, or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any e-mail or entry to be received by Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any web site, any combination thereof, or otherwise, including any injury or damage to entrant’s or any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participation or downloading any materials in the Sweepstakes. Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” is not responsible for late, lost, illegible, incomplete, stolen, or misdirected entries or entries that are garbled or unintelligible for any reason, including but not limited to computer or network malfunction or congestion (including at Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” offices), and any such entries shall be deemed ineligible. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEB SITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SOUTHPORT MUSIC BOX CORPORATION D/B/A/ MUSIC BOX FILMS.” RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

11. Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.”: The Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.” of this sweepstakes is: Music Box Films Attn:, 

12. Governing Law. All disputes and questions regarding the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of any participant, and the Southport Music Box Corporation d/b/a/ Music Box Films.”, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than Illinois. The validity or unenforceability of any provision of these Official Rules shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. If any such provision is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable, these Official Rules shall be construed in accordance with their terms as if the invalid or unenforceable provision was not contained therein.

Music Box Films announced today that it acquired The Conquest in Cannes for U.S. distribution.

Music Box has taken all U.S. rights to biopic Nannerl, Mozart’s Sister, by Gallic director Rene Feret.