Rise Films

Ian Palmers epic (12 years in production) documentary will finally be completed with the support of financing from BBC Storyville and the Irish Film Board. Watch this space for more news on this film.

MARCH 2010

ROAD TO LAS VEGAS crosses the finishing line

Jason Massot’s feature, ROAD TO LAS VEGAS completes post-production. Details of its world premiere will be announced shortly.

FEBRUARY 2010

RISE films gains exclusive access to 800m World Champion, Caster Semenya

RISE films in conjunction with BBC TWO have gained world exclusive to the 800m World Champion, Caster Semenya, the runner at the centre of the highly publicised gender controversy.

JANUARY 2010

Tanya Stephan’s PROMISE OF PARADISE is completed

After the success of MUSLIM SCHOOL for Channel 4, a feature length version of Tanya Stephan’s story of a Nottingham Muslim faith school has been completed and is about to begin its journey on the festival circuit.

JANUARY 2010

BBC Storyville joins THE INTERRUPTERS

BBC Storyville has picked up the exclusive television license for Oscar nominee, Steve James’ upcoming film which follows ex gang members who attempt to curb gang violence in Chicago.

AUGUST 2009

ROUGH AUNTIES on the Grierson shortlist...twice!

Shortlisted for Best Documentary on a Contemporary Issue and UK Film Council Best Cinema Documentary, the Grierson shortlist marks the continuing success of Kim Longinotto's, ROUGH AUNTIES

JULY 2009

More4 boards SWITCHING LANES

Jason Massot's (4 years in the making) epic following the journey of an African American family as they struggle to make enough money to survive just as the economic downturn hits, has been pre-bought by More4.

FEBRUARY 2009

ROUGH AUNTIES WINS GRAND JURY PRIZE AT SUNDANCE!

Rise films would like to congratulate director Kim Longinotto and the wonderful Rough Aunties for winning the prestigious Grand Jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Rough Aunties received great reviews as well as a standing ovation during its North American premiere last month. Thuli and Mildred, two of the South African Aunties, were able to attend the festival in Utah thanks to HBO Documentary Films. We hope the award will continue to shed light on the amazing work of the Bobbi Bear organization in South Africa and would like to thank Sundance for making everyone feel so welcome at the festival.

OCTOBER 2008

Rise to pitch “THE INTERRUPTERS” at idfa pitching forum with steve james

OCTOBER 2008

COWBOYS IN INDIA begins post-production

AUGUST 2008

ROUGH AUNTIES to premiere at idfa amsterdam in joris ivens comp

AUGUST 2008

ROUGH AUNTIES to be released by women make movies in the us

Rise would like to take this opportunity to thank and welcome Debra Zimmerman to the project and look forward to working with her on the film.

MAY 27 2008

RISE films launches SUMMER CHALLENGE

RISE films and Casarotto Ramsay & Associates, together with Sight & Sound are proud to announce a new initiative for emerging screenwriters. Click here to read more

MARCH 21 2008

WE ARE TOGETHER extended at ODEON for 3 extra weeks

The film’s run has been extended to 4 weeks in total due to positive audience response and box office figures. It is held on in London’s ODEON Covent Garden and ODEON Panton Street. The release is also expanding nation wide. Click here to see where you can see it

MARCH 7 2008

WE ARE TOGETHER opens in cinemas in the UK

After a long festival tour WE ARE TOGETHER is released in UK cinemas to critical acclaim.

MARCH 5 2008

SIMON CHAMBERS continues filming on COWBOYS IN INDIA

Simon returns to India to shoot the final segment of his film for More4.

JANUARY 25 2008

PALM PICTURES acquires WE ARE TOGETHER for the US and Canada

RISE is proud to be working with PALM for the US/Canadian theatrical and DVD release of the film.

JANUARY 14 2008

KIM LONGINOTTO begins filming in South Africa

Kim has arrived in South Africa to begin a 10 week shoot for her latest film.

DECEMBER 7 2008

WE ARE TOGETHER wins a prestigious IDA Award

The inaugural Alan Ett award was presented to the film by Joni Mitchell.

JUNE 29 2008

WE ARE TOGETHER wins the Audience Award at Edinburgh

Beating all fiction and non-fiction films including Ratatouille and Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof, WE ARE TOGETHER is chosen as the audience favourite.

APRIL 30 2007

WE ARE TOGETHER wins TRIBECA Audience Award

The film was voted audience favourite out of all 150+ fiction and non-fiction offerings at the TRIBECA film festival.

The prize, which includes $25,000 will be donated to pay for the school & education costs of the children of Agape. WE ARE TOGETHER was also awarded with the Special Jury Prize at the awards night ceremony on Thursday.

Director Paul Taylor dedicated the awards to the children of Agape who have been charming audiences throughout the festival with their beautiful music

APRIL 28 2007

WE ARE TOGETHER Premiere in NY with Bono, Alicia Keys and the children of AGAPE!

We Are Together held its North American Premiere at the TRIBECA film festival last night and it was truly a night to remember. Special Guests Bono, Alicia Keys and Iman turned out to support the children and their film. The kids donned the red carpet with the stars and soaked up the attention from the press. Its premiere stirred a lively audience who gave the children a rapturous standing ovation.

"You see they sing their stories, and that's what's so incredible,” said Bono. “There's a very joyful feeling through the film, maybe that's why we think it's such an incredible piece of work."

The excitement spilled over into the afterparty, kindly hosted by the charity "Keep A Child Alive" where guests were treated to a special performance by the children.

RISE films would like to thank everyone who made such an incredible evening possible, and especially Bono, Alicia & Iman for taking time out of their busy schedules to support the children and their film.