Werner Herzog’s Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World acquired by Magnolia Pictures
Magnolia Pictures announced today that it has acquired worldwide rights to Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World, a playful and intellectually-searching new documentary by legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog (Grizzly Man, Cave of Forgotten Dreams) that offers a bold exploration of the past, present and constantly evolving future of the Internet. Praised by critics after its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival this week, the film features interviews (conducted by Herzog) with a diverse array of tech pioneers including PayPal and Tesla co-founder Elon Musk, Internet protocol inventor Bob Kahn, and famed hacker Kevin Mitnick. Magnolia is targeting a 2016 theatrical release.
In Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World, the Oscar-nominated Herzog chronicles the virtual world from its origins to its outermost reaches, exploring the digital landscape with the same curiosity and imagination he previously trained on earthly destinations as disparate as the Amazon, the Sahara, the South Pole and the Australian outback. Working with NetScout, a world leader in real time service assurance and cybersecurity, Herzog leads viewers on a journey through a series of provocative conversations that reveal the ways in which the online world has transformed how virtually everything in the real world works – from business to education, space travel to healthcare, and the very heart of how we conduct our personal relationships.
“As only he can do, Werner Herzog has crafted an endlessly entertaining and thought-provoking analysis of modern technology,” said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. “Through his unique and inquisitive vision, ‘Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World’ allows audiences to experience the Internet in new ways.”
“My dream at Sundance to take off from the Olympic ramp on skis remains unfulfilled, but I am even more exhilarated by the fact that my film now is taking flight through Magnolia,” said Herzog.
“Our vision for this project has always been to inform as many people as possible about the perils and the possibilities of the connected world,” said Executive Producer Jim McNiel. “We could not have chosen a more capable partner than Magnolia to get the story out.”
Written and directed by Werner Herzog and presented by NetScout in association with Saville Productions, Pereira & O’Dell Entertainment and Skellig Rock, Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World was produced by Rupert Maconick and Herzog. Executive Producers are Jim McNiel of NetScout, Dave Arnold, Tennille Teague and David Moore.
The deal was negotiated by Magnolia SVP of Acquisitions Dori Begley and Magnolia VP of Acquisitions John Von Thaden, with Josh Braun, Dan Braun and David Koh of Submarine on behalf of the filmmakers. Magnolia Head of Worldwide Sales Christina Rogers and Magnolia VP of International Sales Scott Veltri will be representing the film for Magnolia International at EFM. All international rights are available.
