IFC Films announced today that they have acquired North American distribution rights to Camp X-Ray, director Peter Sattler’s debut film that premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.
Starring Kristen Stewart as a member of the military overseeing detainees in a Guantanamo Bay detention facility, Camp X-Ray has been the subject of much buzz since it premiered on January 17th. Writing for The Hollywood Reporter, David Rooney had a very positive reaction to the new work. “In essence a two-hander,” Rooney described, “[the film] balances a powerfully internalized performance from Kristen Stewart, delivering perhaps her best screen work to date as an inexperienced military guard, against an equally compelling characterization from Peyman Moaadi as the long-term detainee who pierces her shell. Its psychological complexity and rich emotional rewards should ensure this expertly crafted if overlong film a significant audience.”
On the powerful performances given by the film’s two leads, President of IFC Films Jonathan Sehring raved “Maadi proves once again that he is a force to be reckoned with, and Stewart undoubtedly gives the best and most moving performance of her already remarkable career.”
Although a release date has yet to be set, expect a theatrical roll out later in the year, accompanied by a pre-theatrical On Demand run (IFC Films has had much success with this distribution model in the past).
