In this official centennial history of the greatest studio in Hollywood, unforgettable stars, untold stories, and rare images from the Warner Bros. vault bring a century of entertainment to vivid life.
The history of Warner Bros.is not just the tale of a legendary film studio and its stars, but of classic Hollywood itself, as well as a portrait of America in the last century. It’s a family story of Polish-Jewish immigrants—the brothers Warner—who took advantage of new opportunities in the burgeoning film industry at a time when four mavericks could invent ways of operating, of warding off government regulation, and of keeping audiences coming back for more during some of the nation's darkest days.
Innovation was key to their early success. Four years after its founding, the studio revolutionized moviemaking by introducing sound in The Jazz Singer (1927). Stars and stories gave Warner Bros. its distinct identity as the studio where tough guys like Humphrey Bogart and strong women like Bette Davis kept people on the edge of their seats. Over the years, these acclaimed actors and countless others made magic on WB’s soundstages and were responsible for such diverse classics as Casablanca, A Streetcar Named Desire, A Star Is Born, Bonnie & Clyde, Malcolm X, Caddyshack, Purple Rain, and hundreds more.
It’s the studio that put noir in film with The Maltese Falcon and other classics of the genre, where the iconic Looney Tunes were unleashed on animation, and the studio that took an unpopular stance at the start of World War II by producing anti-Nazi films. Counter-culture hits like A Clockwork Orange and The Exorcist carried the studio through the 1970s and '80s. Franchise phenomena like Harry Potter, the DC universe, and more continue to shape a cinematic vision and longevity that is unparalleled in the annals of film history. These stories and more are chronicled in this comprehensive and stunning volume.
Vision Films Strikes Deal with Silverbird Cinemas to Release Akon Starrer 'The American King' in Nigeria
Vision Films, Inc
Jan 28, 2022, 08:44 ET
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vision Films, Inc. ("Vision") announces a new deal with Silverbird Film Distribution to release Adah Obekpa's The American King in cinemas across Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia beginning February 25, 2022. Silverbird Cinemas provides world class quality entertainment as a leading media and entertainment company in Africa. The Nigerian community is especially supportive of popular and top Nigerian actresses Eyninna Nwigwe and Nse Ikpe-Etim who are featured in the film along with Senegalese born star Akon.
The American King Starring Akon Movei Poster
The American King Trailer: https://youtu.be/QXwAL-OrRhM
The U.S. limited theatrical, and day and date VOD run, begins January 28 to celebrate Black History Month. DVD release follows on March 1.
Shot on location in Los Angeles and Nigeria, the latter using local actors, The American King is a fish-out-of-water comedy that features mega talent, rap artist, and producer Akon as a troublemaking American anointed by a mysterious High Priestess to fulfill a 400-year-old prophecy to become the new King of Africa. While he and his foolishly sophomoric buddies find themselves trying to adapt to the realities of being royalty and charged with the task of "making Africa great again," the US Government, including its "former President," takes a keen interest in exploiting the situation for their own benefit. Amidst the hijinks and lessons learned about the responsibilities that comes with being a leader, the story reveals its roots from the history and lessons of the 1619 Project. Racial and gender stereotypes, American politics, and more are addressed, lampooned, and satirized with no holds barred, and with the beauty and diversity of Africa as a backdrop.
The story is loosely based on the firsthand experience of writer and director Obekpa, a prince and former heir to his father's throne as King of the Idoma nation, Benue State, Nigeria.
The film also stars Andrew Howard (Limitless), Nick Moran (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), Massi Furlan (Jumanji: The Next Level), Nathin Butler (Westworld), Miguel Nuñez Jr. (Juwanna Mann, Tour of Duty). Producers are Joan McCarthy and Adah Obekpa.
Lise Romanoff, CEO and Managing Director of Vision Films says, "We are thrilled to partner with Silverbird and expand the reach of The American King. The international cast and poignant subject matter are so relevant and as a cross between "Coming to America" and "Black Panther", this comedy has a powerful message about the divisiveness in today's world that will resonate globally."
Silverbird Film Distribution executives share, "Silverbird Film Distribution WA is glad to be bringing this exciting movie to cinemas in the Nigerian market on February 25. As part of our goals in 2022, we are going all out to meet the increasing demand for more entertaining content that cuts across Pan Africa. Akon is respected at home and abroad and this collaboration is a step in the right direction as it contributes to harnessing all that Africa has to offer the world."
Executive Producer Joan McCarthy adds, "We are beyond excited to bring The American King home to Nigeria where it all began. The movie tells a story of the connection between the US and African cultures. Knowing that film fans there will be able to watch it in their theaters means so much to us at Ihotu Films."
About Vision Films
Vision Films is a leading independent sales and VOD aggregator specializing in the licensing, marketing, and distribution of over 800 feature films, documentaries, and series from some of the most prolific independent film producers in the world. Led by Lise Romanoff, Managing Director/CEO Worldwide Distribution, Vision Films releases 2-4 films a month across Theatrical, VOD, DVD, and television platforms. visionfilms.net
