Los Angeles, CA, October 23, 2018 —MacGillivray Freeman Films is pleased to announce it has acquired the giant screen institutional distribution rights to Apollo 11: First Steps (working title), the all-archival, immersive documentary film from director Todd Douglas Miller and Statement Pictures. The approximately 40-minute film captures the experience of the first manned lunar mission, one of humanity’s greatest feats, featuring never before seen large format footage. The film is slated for release in May 2019 in time for the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon on July 20, 1969. Watch a teaser trailer here.
“We are so excited to bring this exceptional project to institutional giant screen theatres and to share this extraordinary moment in time with audiences,” said Patty Collins, Director of Global Sales at MacGillivray Freeman Films. “What could be more perfect for the giant screen than man’s first steps on the moon?”
A feature-length, 90-minute version of the film, Apollo 11, will be distributed theatrically by Neon; CNN Films retains television rights to both versions of the documentary feature.
“MacGillivray Freeman has been the ‘gold standard’ in large-format film for a very long time and we’re really excited to be working with them on this amazing project. We can’t think of a better partner to bring this remarkable discovery of 65mm footage to the giant screen,” said Miller.
Apollo 11: First Steps (working title) is directed by Todd Douglas Miller and produced by Miller and Tom Petersen of Statement Pictures, and Evan Krauss. It is executive produced by Amy Entelis and Courtney Sexton of CNN Films.
About MacGillivray Freeman Films
MacGillivray Freeman Films is the world’s foremost independent producer and distributor of giant-screen 70mm films with 40 films for IMAX and giant-screen theatres to its credit. Throughout the company’s 50-year history, its films have won numerous international awards including two Academy Award®nominations and three films inducted into the IMAX Hall of Fame. MacGillivray Freeman’s films are known for their artistry and celebration of science and the natural world. It is the first documentary film company to reach the one-billion-dollar benchmark for worldwide box office. For more information about the company, visit www.macgillivrayfreemanfilms.com.