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Tuesday March 2, 06:59 PM
Mel Sells Jesus Flick to French
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The last major piece in
the international distribution puzzle for Mel Gibson's "The
Passion of the Christ" has fallen into place.
Gibson's Icon Prods. banner has sold the French rights to
Quinta Communications, the Paris-based holding company for
French-Tunisian movie mogul Tarak Ben Ammar.
The picture already is sold in Germany, Italy, the United
States, the Netherlands and Spain. Icon is handling
distribution in Britain through its own distribution arm.
The movie has been at the center of a maelstrom in the
French press, with other distributors reported to have been
shying away from the title because of fears of its
controversial and violent scenes.
"We are very proud to present Mel's masterpiece in France
and French-speaking countries so that people of all religions
and cultures can experience this powerful event film," Ben
Ammar said.
Meanwhile in Germany, local distributor Constantin Film
said Monday it moved up the release of "The Passion of the
Christ" to take advantage of the film's spectacular $125
million first weekend in North America.
Constantin said it will release "The Passion" on March 18.
The film was originally scheduled to bow April 8, just ahead of
the Easter holiday weekend. Constantin has hastily scheduled
press screenings of the film for this week.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
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