AFM 2013: Vertical Entertainment Acquires Rights For Military Thriller BOYS OF ABU GHRAIB

VERTICAL ENTERTAINMENT AND ELECTRIC ENTERTAINMENT TAKE "BOYS OF ABU GHRAIB"

 U.S. Release Scheduled for March 2014

Electric to Handle International Distribution

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 08, 2013) - Vertical Entertainment has acquired North American rights to the military thriller BOYS OF ABU GHRAIB at the 2013 American Film Market. BOYS OF ABU GHRAIB marks the directorial debut from rising filmmaker Luke Moran, who also wrote, produced and starred in the film.  Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings trilogy), Sara Paxton (The Last House on the Left) and John Heard (Runner Runner) also co-star.  The film is presented by acclaimed filmmakers Edward Zwick (Blood Diamond, Traffic) and Marshall Herskovitz (The Last Samurai), who also executive produced the picture with Rogan Donelly. BOYS OF ABU GHRAIB is scheduled for a theatrical release in March 2014.  Vertical Entertainment's President Rich Goldberg announced the deal today.

"BOYS OF ABU GHRAIB is a powerful story based on true events that shocked the world in 2004," says Goldberg.  "Director Luke Moran delivers a compelling film with powerful performances, demonstrating why he's a triple threat and one to watch for.  We are very fortunate to be a part of his feature debut."

The deal was negotiated by Peter Jarowey on behalf of Vertical Entertainment and Resolution on behalf of the filmmakers.

Dean Devlin's Electric Entertainment is handling international distribution and will be introducing the title at the upcoming American Film Market. Electric's Head of International Distribution Sonia Mehandjiyska negotiated the deal on behalf of the company.

BOYS OF ABU GHRAIB explores a forbidden friendship between an American soldier and an Iraqi detainee during the infamous torture scandal in the world's most notorious prison: Abu Ghraib.