CNN FILMS' 'Blackfish' Nabs BAFTA Nomination

via press release:

cnn blackfish FILMS: Blackfish Nabs BAFTA Nom EE British Academy Film Awards Nominates 'Blackfish' as Top Documentary

The influential British Academy of Film and Television Arts has nominated the CNN Films/Magnolia Pictures documentary, BLACKFISH in its category for best documentary. The film, which premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, is directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite and was acquired by CNN Films and Magnolia Pictures, who distributed. It traces the 39-year history of orcas in captivity, and examines the injuries and deaths of orca trainers at theme parks, vividly portraying the consequences of captivity for these animals that have thrilled millions in performances, but which lead a much darker existence when the shows are over.

BLACKFISH debuted as a CNN Films broadcast in October 2013 following its successful film festival and theatrical exhibitions. BLACKFISH continues to drive a sustained conversation, and protest actions by the film's viewers, who have demanded answers to the safety and animal rights issues raised in the film. Several well-known music artists have cancelled their planned perfomances at Sea World parks around the United States in response to petition requests by animal rights groups.

"We congratulate Gabriela and the rest of the team that produced BLACKFISH on the terrific honor of a nomination from BAFTA. This engaging, thought-provoking film continues to inspire, and drive thoughtful conversations about the important issues raised in the film," said Jeff Zucker, president of CNN Worldwide.

About Magnolia

Magnolia Pictures ( www.magpictures.com) is the theatrical and home entertainment distribution arm of the Wagner/Cuban Companies, a vertically-integrated group of media properties co-owned by Todd Wagner and Mark Cuban that also includes the Landmark Theatres chain and AXS TV. Recent releases include the riveting killer whale doc Blackfish, David Gordon Green's Prince Avalanche, Terrence Malick's To The Wonder, Joe Swanberg's Drinking Buddies, Thomas Vinterberg's The Hunt, Danish thriller A Hijacking, Kevin Macdonald's How I Live Now, hit documentaries Muscle Shoals, Jiro Dreams of Sushi and The Queen of Versailles, and the Academy Award nominated A Royal Affair. Magnolia's upcoming releases include Lars Von Trier's Nymphomaniac, Richard Ayoade's dystopian vision The Double, the raucous Alan Partridge starring Steve Coogan, Lukas Moodysson's We Are the Best!, Norwegian thrillers Pioneer and Ragnarok, and many more.

CNN Films brings documentaries beyond the small screen by developing strategic partnerships to leverage distribution opportunities at film festivals and in theaters. Amy Entelis, senior vice president of talent and content development for CNN Worldwide, and Vinnie Malhotra, senior vice president of development and acquisitions for CNN Worldwide, oversee the acquisition strategy of documentaries for CNN Films. Malhotra manages the day-to-day operation of CNN Films, and works directly with filmmakers to develop original projects.

CNN Worldwide is a portfolio of two dozen news and information services across cable, satellite, radio, wireless devices and the Internet in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. Domestically, CNN reaches more individuals on television, the web and mobile devices than any other cable TV news organization in the United States; internationally, CNN is the most widely distributed news channel reaching more than 271 million households abroad; and CNN Digital is a top network for online news, mobile news and social media. Additionally, CNN Newsource is the world's most extensively utilized news service partnering with hundreds of local and international news organizations around the world. CNN is division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company.

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