Once Upon A Time in Vietnam (original title: Lửa Phật) has been picked up by Grindstone Entertainment Group (in charge of marketing) in conjunction with Lionsgate (releasing). The negotiation has ended after Lionsgate and GrindStone saw the theatrical version of the film released in Vietnam several days ago.
Mr. Stan Wertlieb - Co-Founder and Director of Division of Grindstone Entertainment Rights, said:
"We decided to buy Once Upon A Time in Vietnam to release in North America, through our partner Lionsgate, because the beauty and martial arts in this fantasy action film really impressed me. Everything we wanted to see a good movie are there, with a familiar genre to a global audience. Products from Vietnam film market is still relatively new to the North American audience. Through this film, we realized the potential factors in Vietnam. I firmly believe that North American audiences will receive the film. I also believe that Dustin Nguyen is still a place in the hearts of North American audiences who love him from "21 Jump Street"
Aside from Grindstone Entertainment Group and Lionsgate, Once Upon A Time in Vietnam has also signed contracts in a number of other territories: Splendid Film GmbH (one of the largest German releasing company of Asian martial arts films). Splendid will release the film in German speaking countries including Germany, Austria, Alto Adige, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and Belgium.
Mr. Marko Mollers - Representative publisher Splendid Film GmbH, said:
"What I like most about Once Upon A Time in Vietnam is that it isn't a normal martial arts films from Asia anymore. Every year, there are hundreds of martial arts movies Asia offers in the market, Once Upon A Time in Vietnam does not look like any of them. It's very creative and original. European audiences really need the refreshment and this movie brought it."
Also, Once Upon A Time in Vietnam has reached an agreement with Sonamu Pictures Releasing Co., Ltd. for the Korean market, Pictureworks for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Creative Century Entertainment Co., Ltd. for Taiwan, IPA for Thai market, Incubate Ltd. for Australia and New Zealand and is currently in the process of completing a number of other deals with companies in the UK, France and Brazil.
Below is a 5-minutes promo for Once Upon A Time in Vietnam at Cannes 2013: