Doc Mode, Acquires The Award-Winning BALLERINA
Award-winning documentary from the producers of BOOGALOO: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films and NEON fame makes World Market Debut in Berlin at EFM
Clay Epstein’s Doc Mode, the breakthrough documentary arm of Film Mode Entertainment that just announced its debut in Berlin at EFM is burning rubber with yet another exceptional acquisition, BALLERINA (originally known as ELLA). The film stars world-renowned ballerina Ella Havelka and was produced by Veronica Fury of ELECTRIC BOOGALOO: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films and NEON fame.
“We’re honored to be working with the remarkable team behind BALLERINA, and to be adding another incredible and commercially driven documentary to the Doc Mode slate.” Said Epstein. “The heartwarming and heart-wrenching story of Ella Havelka and how she pulled herself out of the background and onto center stage is an incredible moving and empowering story that will tug at the heartstrings of moviegoers all around the world.”
In October 2012, Ella Havelka became the first Indigenous dancer to be invited into The Australian Ballet in its 50-year history. It was an announcement that made news headlines nationwide. A descendant of the Wiradjuri people, BALLERINA takes audiences on Ella's inspirational journey from the regional town of Dubbo and onto the world stage of The Australian Ballet. Featuring intimate interviews, dynamic dance sequences, and a stunning array of archival material, this moving documentary follows Ella as she explores her cultural identity and gives us a rare glimpse into life as an elite ballet dancer within the largest company in the southern hemisphere.
BALLERINA was produced by Veronica Fury and Dena Curtis and directed by Douglas Watkin. The production company behind the film is Wildbear Entertainment.
Other documentaries Epstein has been key in selling include David Lynch’s DURAN DURAN UNSTAGED, CONFESSIONS OF AN ECO-TERRORIST, WILDE SALOME starring Al Pacino, and Jessica Chastain in her very first cinematic role, IT MIGHT GET LOUD, directed by Davis Guggenheim (A Berlinale official entry), and BLINDSIGHT by Lucy Walker (which won Panorama).
Doc Mode is handling all rights on BALLERINA outside of Australia and will be holding meetings to pick up rights on additional new documentaries while in Berlin.
The film was released end of 2016 in Australia via Ronin Films.
About Film Mode Entertainment
Film Mode Entertainment was launched in early 2016 by industry veteran Clay Epstein as a worldwide sales agent and production entity focusing on commercially driven feature films of all genres and budget sizes. Film Mode represents projects at all stages of the filmmaking process, often as executive producer, with the aim of helping our producers and distributors achieve maximum exposure. Film Mode launched with an impressive six-project lineup during Cannes 2016 including SUGAR MOUNTAIN starring Jason Momoa. With plans to present a minimum of 10-15 theatrical titles per year, Film Mode is positioning itself to become one of the leading independent sales agents across the globe. The company also launched a domestic distribution arm in the fall of 2016 with the release of Alleycats, to fill a void in the marketplace for films of various budgets and genres to reach audiences. Film Mode is based in Beverly Hills, CA. Click here for more information
