The Johnny Depp film ‘Minamata’ has had a turbulent release. Though it was released widely in Europe and Asia, its North American distributor MGM Studios seemed to put it on the back-burner, so much so, director Andrew Levitas accused them of trying to “bury” the film. It has now been reported that the historical drama has found a new distributor that will bring the movie to an American audience.
Deadline reports that the Iervolino and Lady Bacardi Entertainment is working with Samuel Goldwyn Films to give it a wide release on December 15th, just inside the window for awards season.
“I am thrilled that North American audiences will finally be able to learn about what happened and continues to happen in Minamata and around the world. The silencing of marginalized voices and those left behind (as well artists) by large corporate behemoths has to end, and with new like-minded partners this story will finally come to light in North America and hopefully offer some peace to the victims and their families who have been put through far too much,” Levitas told Deadline in a statement.
“Anchored by standout performances and stunning direction and craft artistry, Minamata is the kind of purposeful storytelling that sinks in with audiences and a movie they will appreciate seeing. We’re thrilled to be able to orchestrate a release campaign alongside Samuel Goldwyn that will invite audiences into this story,” added Andrea Iervolino.
The movie tells the story of photographer Eugene Smith who documented the effects of mercury poisoning on the citizens of Minamata, Kumamoto, Japan. Depp stars as Smith as well as produces the film.
‘Minamata’ also stars Bill Nighy, Minami, Hiroyuki Sanada, Jun Kunimura, Ryo Kase, Asano Tadanobu, and Akiko Iwase.
You can watch the trailer below:
As D-Rezzed previously reported, some have speculated MGM delayed the film due to the very public legal battle between Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard. Depp lost out on reprising his role in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ franchise while Heard was tapped to reprise her role as Mera in the ‘Aquaman’ sequel.
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