Weinstein Company Nabs True-Life Sailing Epic ‘Kon-Tiki’

"Kon-Tiki" tells the story of Thor Heyerdahl's ocean crossing in a raft

A dramatic recreation of Thor Heyerdahl's daring crossing of the Pacific Ocean via raft will sail into the United States courtesy of The Weinstein Company.

The indie studio picked up the domestic rights to Hanway Films' "Kon-Tiki" and will also distribute the film in Canada, the United Kingdom and Italy. The true-life story is Norway's official Oscar entry in the best foreign language film race.

Named after Heyerdahl's makeshift craft, "Kon-Tiki," is directed by Joachim Roenning and Espen Sandberg with a script by Petter Skavlan. 

The Weinstein Company plans to release the English language version of the film in 2013.

In the film, six men sail from Peru to Polynesia on a wooden raft, where they battle tidal waves, sharks and other ocean perils.

“We are extremely honored to be bringing this epic story to audiences everywhere,” Harvey Weinstein, The Weinstein Company co-chairman, said in a statement. “Roenning and Sandberg have really captured a special story, portrayed through incredible performances from the cast.”

 

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