KINO LORBER ACQUIRES ALL US RIGHTS TO MEET THE FOKKENS, A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT 69-YEAR-OLD TWIN PROSTITUTES AND BROTHEL OWNERS IN AMSTERDAM
CEO RICHARD LORBER CLOSES DEAL DURING 2012 CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
New York, NY – May 21, 2012 – Kino Lorber is proud to announce the acquisition of all US rights to Meet The Fokkens (Ouwehoeren – 2011), an acclaimed and humorous documentary about 69-year-old twins Louise and Martine Fokkens – and their experience working as prostitutes in the world-famous red-light district in Amsterdam, for over 40 years. The film had its world premiere at IDFA in Amsterdam, and is set to begin its US festival run at the upcoming SilverDocs Film Festival in mid-June.
Directed by Gabrielle Provaas & Rob Schröder (Bonanza), Meet The Fokkens is slated for a theatrical premiere at New York’s Film Forum on Wednesday, August 8, 2012. The film will expand to major markets in September and October 2012.
For over fifty years, Louise and Martine Fokkens worked as prostitutes in Amsterdam’s red-light district. After a rough start, the sisters freed themselves from the control of their pimps, ran their own brothel, and set up the first informal trade union for prostitutes. They are familiar faces in Amsterdam’s Red Light District … But soon, they will bid their farewells to their profession.
Representing the old-fashioned side of Dutch prostitution that has now become almost extinct, Meet The Fokkens depicts two sisters who are proud of the lives they lead. With courage and an unapologetic attitude, the sisters share many tales of how they entered into this line of work, how they eventually went into business for themselves, and how relationships in the world of prostitution have changed over the years.
Kino Lorber’s Vice President Elizabeth Sheldon, who negotiated the deal with Peter Jager, CEO of Autlook Films, commented: “When I saw Louise and Martine on the big screen, I was charmed by their stories, their wry humor and their spirit.”
“Meet the Fokkens,” continues Sheldon, “is an important addition to our collection of films that openly explore sexuality and never more uniquely than with this witty tribute to twin pioneers of the oldest profession.”
About Kino Lorber:
With a library of 700 titles, Kino Lorber Inc. has been a leader in independent distribution for over 30 years, releasing over 20 films per year theatrically under its Kino Lorber, Kino Classics, Redemption Films, Horizon Movies and Alive Mind Cinema banners.
In addition, the Company brings over 60 titles each year to the home entertainment market with DVD and Blu-ray releases as well as digital distribution on over 15 internet platforms and VOD services.
Kino Lorber is currently releasing the French drama Elles, directed by Malgoska Szumowska and starring Juliette Binoche, and will open Yorgos Lanthimos’ Alps, the follow-up to the Academy Award-Nominated Dogtooth, on July 13 in New York City.
Other 2012 summer releases are the Palestinian and Israeli doc 5 Broken Cameras, slated to open on May 30 at New York’s Film Forum, Daniel Auteuil’s The Well-Digger’s Daughter, and the SXSW sensation Kumaré, directed by Vikram Ghandi.