HBO has licensed U.S. television rights for Participant Media’s “3 1/2 Minutes,” a documentary about the shooting death of black teenager Jordan Davis, and the subsequent trial of his killer, Michael Dunn.
“3 1/2 Minutes” premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Documentary Competition. The film will debut on HBO in late Fall 2015, preceded by a theatrical release.
“I am grieved that these continuing stories are everyday matters swept away,” commented Sheila Nevins, president, HBO Documentary Films. “By bringing this powerful film to HBO audiences we hope to elevate the national conversation around these tragic issues.”
Commenting on the agreement, Diane Weyermann, Participant’s EVP, Documentary film, said, “Following the incredible response ‘3 1/2 Minutes’ received at Sundance, I am thrilled that HBO is joining with Participant to bring Marc Silver’s devastating, dramatic, and all-too-timely documentary to a wider audience.”
Director Marc Silver added, “When we started this journey, our aim was make sure that Jordan’s story was not going to be forgotten, that he would not become a statistic in an increasingly violent world; this is why we are so fortunate to be partnering with HBO and Participant Media for the distribution of ‘3 1/2 Minutes.’ We are now certain that Jordan’s story will reach the widest, most diverse audience possible.
A The Filmmaker Fund / Motto Pictures production, in association with Lakehouse Films and Actual Films, “3 1/2 Minutes” was written and directed by Marc Silver, produced by Carolyn Hepburn and Minette Nelson, and executive produced by Orlando Bagwell, Bonni Cohen, Julie Goldman, and Participant Media’s Jeff Skoll and Diane Weyermann.
The deal was negotiated by HBO, Josh Braun at Submarine, and Jeff Ivers at Participant Media.