Toronto Deals: Roadside Attractions Acquires U.S. Rights to Peter Webber’s ‘Emperor’

Roadside Attractions has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Peter Webber's “Emperor,” which had its world premiere Friday at the Toronto International Film Festival

 

Roadside Attractions has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Peter Webber's “Emperor,” which had its world premiere Friday at the Toronto International Film Festival, the company announced in Toronto.

Getty ImagesRoadside will release the film theatrically; other U.S. rights will be distributed by its partner company, Lionsgate. Roadside Attractions is planning a spring 2013 theatrical release.

Inspired by true events, “Emperor” is an epic story of love and understanding set in the days immediately following the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II.

The film stars Matthew Fox, Tommy Lee Jones and the rising Japanese actress, Eriko Hatsune.

“Emperor” was the first film to be granted access to shoot on the Imperial Palace grounds, the main residence of the emperor of Japan and the imperial family in Tokyo.

Roadside co-president Howard Cohen said: "’Emperor’ is a fascinating, dramatic untold story of WWII and Japanese-American relations.  We think it will resonate for history buffs and movie lovers alike, and we're proud to bring it to the U.S."

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