Miramax Films Acquires the Comedy Movie, "The Matador"

PARK CITY, Utah, Jan. 27, 2005 - Miramax Films has acquired the English speaking distribution rights as well as a few additional territories in the European and Southeast Asian markets from Stratus Film Company to "THE MATADOR," the film starring Pierce Brosnan and Greg Kinnear, which made its worldwide debut at the Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim. The film, which is directed and written by Richard Shepard, is produced by Irish DreamTime partners Brosnan and Beau St. Clair along with Furst Films' Sean Furst and Bryan Furst. "THE MATADOR," which co-stars Hope Davis, Philip Baker Hall, Adam Scott, and Dylan Baker, is executive produced by partners Bob Yari and Mark Gordon, of Stratus Film Company, Andrew Reimer, of DEJ Productions INC., and Adam Merims. The announcement was made today by Miramax executive vice president of acquisitions and co-production Agnes Mentre.

"THE MATADOR" is a comedic adventure about a traveling salesman, Danny Wright (Kinnear), who accidentally meets up with Julian (Brosnan), "a facilitator of fatalities," at a Mexico City bar, where their subsequent evening together intertwines their lives in an unexpected, but lasting, bond. Each one is facing what could be a life-changing moment, and though they ostensibly have nothing in common, they're drawn together.

Agnes Mentre said, "We're particularly excited about distributing Richard Shepard's 'THE MATADOR' -- an incredibly original movie from an innovative filmmaker. We're pleased to be in business with the producers who have brought hit projects like 'The Thomas Crown Affair' and 'The Cooler' to film fans over the years and to continue our relationship with Stratus after our successful collaboration on 'Hostage'."

Richard Shepard stated, "This is a dream come true for a filmmaker. I am continuing to pinch myself that this acquisition has happened so quickly. On behalf of myself, the producers, and the executive producers, we are equally thrilled to have our film acquired by Miramax, who we believe are the best in the business of distributing independent films."

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