Ramin Bahrani’s ‘2nd Chance’ About Bulletproof Vest Inventor Heads to Showtime

Sundance 2022: Documentary shows how Richard Davis shot himself 192 times to demonstrate safety

2nd Chance
Sundance

Showtime Documentary Films has acquired the rights to “2nd Chance” out of Sundance, Ramin Bahrani’s documentary about the inventor of the bulletproof vest.

Bahrani’s film, his documentary feature debut, tracks the life of Richard Davis, who shot himself 192 times in demonstration of his invention’s safety. Showtime is planning a theatrical release of “2nd Chance” followed by a premiere on the network later this year heading into awards season.

Bahrani grapples with the pursuit of the American Dream, as he has done in many of his films, by juxtaposing the complexities of one man’s supposed virtue while speaking to the nature of power and impunity in America.

“2nd Chance” is written, directed and produced by Bahrani. Daniel Turcan and Johnny Galvin of Vespucci, Charles Dorfman and Jacob Grodnik also serve as producers. The film is executive produced by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer, Myles Estey, Bahareh Azimi and Marlon Vogelgesang. 

Endeavor Content and Samuel Marshall Films produced and financed the film.

WME Independent will handle international sales, launching at the upcoming Berlin Film market. WME Independent and Endeavor Content brokered the deal with Showtime.

“Richard Davis is a fascinating documentary subject whose character reveals a deeper metaphor for America today,” Bahrani said. “I am very thankful to the producers and entire filmmaking team for being part of such a thought provoking and timely film. We are thrilled to partner with Showtime and look forward to bringing ‘2nd Chance’ to audiences.”

“We’ve long admired Ramin’s collection of work, from ‘Chop Shop’ to ’99 Homes’ to ‘The White Tiger,’ so it’s especially exciting to be partnering for his documentary feature debut,” Malhotra. “It is inspiring to watch how he employs such a deft touch to thoughtfully navigate this wild ride of ambition, capitalism and the 2nd Amendment. Ramin’s mastery of storytelling is on full display in ‘2nd Chance.’”

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