Gravitas Ventures today announced that it is launching an initiative with streaming distribution platform Yekra to benefit the Austin Film Society (AFS), a non-profit organization founded by filmmaker Richard Linklater. All digital downloads of 21 YEARS: RICHARD LINKLATER purchased from the AFS website (www.austinfilm.org) benefit the Austin Film Society’s artistic programs. In addition, AFS will exclusively host Yekra’s download of 21 YEARS: RICHARD LINKLATER between November 14th and November 30th. Pre-orders will also be available starting October 27th. 21 YEARS: RICHARD LINKLATER is a spirited look at the first 21 years of writer/director Richard Linklater’s remarkable career through candid conversations with an assortment of actors, filmmakers, collaborators and fans- from Ethan Hawke, Jack Black, Keanu Reeves, Billy Bob Thornton and Matthew McConaughey to Jason Reitman, Kevin Smith, and Mark Duplass.
“Since Richard Linklater is such a key element of the thriving Austin film community, this partnership with Yekra is a perfect fit that will allow viewers to give back to that community & the society that he founded,” said Melanie Miller, Vice President of Acquisitions and Marketing for Gravitas “21 YEARS: RICHARD LINKLATER is an exploration into the motivations behind Linklater’s creations and we at Gravitas – as well as the filmmakers Michael Dunaway & Tara Wood – want to show our support of independent film and the Austin Film Society.”
“21 YEARS: RICHARD LINKLATER is a charming tribute to the Austin Film Society’s Founder and Artistic Director, and offers an informative backstory about our organization’s history. We have always been supportive of creative distribution strategies, and were delighted when Michael, Tara and Gravitas approached us about Yekra, and this opportunity to share their film with audiences everywhere while raising funds for our artistic programs.” Said the Austin Film Society’s Executive Director, Rebecca Campbell.
21 YEARS: RICHARD LINKLATER was directed and produced by Michael Dunaway of Paste Magazine, Gasoline Films, and Poitier & Dunaway Motion Pictures. It was co-directed and produced by Tara Wood, CEO of International Film Sales Company Wood Entertainment. Melanie Miller, Vice President of Acquisitions and Marketing at Gravitas Ventures and co-founder, Fishbowl Films, also served as one of the film’s producers. It was executive produced by Nolan Gallagher, Michael Murphy, Pamela Sutton, Robert C. McGirr, Mario Davila, William Pedroza and Norman Gregory McGuire.