Magnolia Pictures International, the global sales arm of the leading U.S. distribution company, is rebranding to Magnify as it plans to invest in more projects at earlier stages.
The sales arm has handled international sales on a number of award-winning indie movies, including “Tangerine,” “Swan Song” and recent Sundance breakouts, “Little Richard: I Am Everything” and “Kokomo City.” Magnify’s extensive sales library includes “We Own The Night,” “Good Night, and Good Luck,” “Humpday,” “The Wolfpack,” and “Two Lovers.”
Under the rebranded label, Magnify will continue to handle international sales for titles acquired by Magnolia Pictures for worldwide rights, but will also board and invest in more projects at earlier stages for global sales. The editorial line of the banner will also remain focused on director-driven titles, horror, thrillers, drama, documentaries, and international feature films.
As part of Magnify’s growth strategy, industry veteran Lorna Lee Torres, now based in Madrid, has been upped to SVP of global sales; while Austin Kennedy has been promoted to director of global sales after a year in the role. Lita Robinson, previously international sales coordinator, will move to manager of global sales, focusing on Magnify’s library of more than 100 features from Magnolia Pictures and 2929 Productions.
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Magnify’s footprint in the U.S. and in Europe puts the company in a unique position to have a strong global presence. The label is planning to attend more WIP and co-producing markets as well.
“Magnolia Pictures has been a champion of independent and international cinema in the U.S. and globally for over 20 years,” said Torres. “We’ve always had a wide-ranging slate and we’re thrilled to continue to amplify this more than ever under Magnify.”
Recent Magnify titles include Venice Orizzonti multiple winner “Listen,” Nana Mensah´s indie comedy “Queen of Glory” which was nabbed by Film Movement, and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award, and Brazil’s official entry “Mars One” which sold to Array for North America.
This year’s roster includes “The Delinquents,” Argentina’s official Oscar entry which played at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard and was picked up by Mubi for multiple territories; as well as “Hesitation Wound,” a Turkish drama that premiered in Venice.