XYZ Films and Lionsgate Films have announced today that Lionsgate has acquired all U.S. and Canadian rights to the new thriller Operation Avalanche from filmmaker Matt Johnson. Johnsons first film, The Dirties (which he directed, co-wrote, and co-starred in), won the Grand Prize at Slamdance in 2013. Johnson is reteaming with The Dirties co-writer Josh Boles, co-star Owen Williams, producer Matthew Miller, and has brought on Toronto-based producer Lee Kim. Nick Spicer will executive produce for XYZ Films, with Michael Paseornek, John Sacchi, and Jessica Switch overseeing for Lionsgate.
While specific details of the plot cannot yet be revealed, the film investigates the truth behind the CIA’s involvement in the space race.
The CIA, the 1960’s and the space program have always been obsessions of mine. Working with partners like Lionsgate, who understand the scope and vision of what we are creating, has been a pleasure. This movie is going to leave audiences with a powerful and imaginative interpretation of what may or may not have happened within the walls of the USs top government agencies, said Johnson.
Production is set to begin June 30th in Toronto, Houston, and Washington D.C.
