Cannes Market Dailies

Kaleidoscope Film Distribution (KFD) will handle worldwide sales on I AM DURAN. The sports documentary, currently in pre-production, will chronicle the life of Roberto Duran, one of the most entertaining, controversial and greatest boxers of all time. As a notable figure in boxing and Panama’s history, Duran’s life story will also be told in the forthcoming biopic HANDS OF STONE written and directed by Jonathan Jakubowicz and starring Edgar Ramirez, Robert DeNiro and Ellen Barkin. Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment will release the documentary in the UK. Ad Hoc Films will produce the film.

At its core, I AM DURAN has a 3 tiered narrative – The Man, The Nation, and his cultural effect and legacy. Structurally, it will tell Duran’s story retrospectively, showcasing an exclusive and intimate interview with Duran himself, with further interview contributions from high profile politicians, boxers and personalities from around the globe. The historical element of the film will be a subjective experience told through individual and collective contributions and events and will utilise extensive archive. All this will be allied to grand, colourful and poetic photography with ethereal moments, to showcase the man and his incredible story.

“Roberto Duran isn’t just an acclaimed boxer. He has a cultural influence and legacy that transcends most professional athletes – using his fame and notoriety to help the people of Panama. His inspirational story in I AM DURAN shows us that anyone can channel their passion to make a difference,” says Kaleidoscope’s Spencer Pollard.

“This is the defining documentary on one of boxing’s most significant of fighters” says Ad Hoc film’s Daniel Glynn.  “Duran was a force of a nature, an instinctive talent whose exciting style, secured him a legacy of greatness inside of the ring. But his story is so much more than this. Outside of the ring he inspired a nation at a hugely significant and difficult moment in its history. He transcended his sport and became a cultural icon in the process.

Director, Mat Hodgson added: “Duran makes for compelling storytelling as his impact went much further than just his sport. He represented much more to his nation as he inspired his people and country out of dark times.  Few sportsmen have ever achieved this in history. He truly is one of the greats and we are delighted, honoured and excited to be telling his story.”

KFD specialises in commercial feature films and branded documentaries with a Cannes slate which includes: Kweku Mandela’s MANDELA’S CHILDREN, the intimate portrayal of Nelson Mandela through the eyes of his grandchildren; and the IMAX theatrical project, LE MANS 3D, which tells the inside story of the iconic motor race in astonishing HD. Addition projects include: Kevin Pollack’s MISERY LOVES COMEDY which features comedy icons such as Tom Hanks and Jimmy Fallon dissect the art of stand-up; Mike Todd’s HUSTLERS CONVENTION; and Keva Rosenfeld’s ALL AMERICAN HIGH REVISITED.

About Kaleidoscope Film Distribution

Kaleidoscope Film Distribution (KFD) is an established International Sales outfit based in London. A one-stop-shop offering full UK and international distribution and sales capabilities, the company has fully or partially financed twelve titles over the past two years.

Recent titles include: Gerard Barrett’s Sundance award winner GLASSLAND starring Toni Collette, Jack Reynor and Will Poulter; I AM BIG BIRD, a festival favourite discovering the man who has given life to the much-loved Sesame Street character since the 1960s; Tom Hammock’s THE LAST SURVIVORS; Joss Whedon's acclaimed MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING; and Adam Green’s subversive monster horror DIGGING UP THE MARROW.

About Ad Hoc Films

Is an established UK documentary production company, founded by filmmakers Daniel Glynn and Mat Hodgson. Recent, critically acclaimed films include: THE FOUR YEAR PLAN; NIGHT OF THE FIGHT:  HATTON’S LAST STAND and SLEEPING GIANT: AN INDIAN FOOTBALL STORY.