Relativity Media buys MACHINE GUN PREACHER from Lionsgate

Relativity Media has purchased North American rights from Lionsgate to theatrically market and distribute Machine Gun Preacher. The film was directed and produced by Marc Forster (Finding Neverland, Monster's Ball) based on a script written by Jason Keller (Relativity's Untitled Snow White Project), and stars Gerard Butler (300). It begins it's theatrical release in Los Angeles and New York on September 23, 2011, and will expand markets in the weeks to follow. Lionsgate will continue to oversee international distribution on the film, working in partnership with Relativity.

Preacher also stars Michelle Monaghan, Kathy Baker, Michael Shannon, Madeline Carroll and Souleymane Sy Savane. It is based on the true story of "Sam Childers, a former drug-dealing criminal who finds faith leading him on a path to East Africa. Shocked by the mayhem in Sudan, Childers becomes a crusader for hundreds of refugee children. Inspired to create a safe haven for the multitudes fleeing enslavement by the brutal Lord's Resistance Army, he restores peace to their lives and eventually his own." 

Producing are Relativity's Robbie Brenner, Safady Entertainment's Gary Safady and Craig Chapman, and GG Filmz's Deborah Giarratana. 

"This is a powerful story, and we feel strongly that it is one audiences need to see. Forster once again proves that he is among the best directors of our time and Butler delivers a career-defining performance bolstered by a rock solid supporting cast," says Relativity's President of Worldwide Production, Tucker Tooley. 

"The film is blessed to have two passionate partners in Relativity and Lionsgate. I'm excited to be working with both companies to bring the incredible story of Sam Childers to the world. I'm really proud of my cast, and all of their hard work in making this movie that means so much to all of us personally," said Forster.

"We have a longstanding relationship with Marc, and given that together we felt it was best for the film to be released domestically this year, we are very happy that Relativity is able to handle it," says Mike Paseornek, Lionsgate's President of Motion Picture Production and Development.

This sounds like an interesting film and one that I would like to see. Butler has not been taking on the best roles as of late, so let's hope this one turns out to be better for him. What are your thoughts on this news?