Be on the lookout for Michael Imperioli (HBO’s “The Sopranos”) upcoming directorial debut with Hungry Ghosts.  The film will get a limited theatrical release followed by a DVD release and more - so be sure to check out out Blog for more upcoming details.

Variety and Home Media Magazine both covered the news, read the press release below for more info!

For Immediate Release:

VIRGIL FILMS & ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES MICHAEL IMPERIOLI’S DIRECTORIAL DEBUT FEATURE FILM

The Hungry Ghosts

Starring Fellow ‘Sopranos’ Stars Steven Schirripa, Sharon Angela

Plans Include Theatrical Release, VOD, Cable Broadcast, & DVD

New York City (May 12, 2010) - Virgil Films & Entertainment has announced today its acquisition of North American distribution rights to The Hungry Ghosts in association with Writer/Director, Michael Imperioli (HBO’s “The Sopranos”, The Lovely Bones).  The film follows the intertwined stories of five New Yorkers drowning in a mental, physical or spiritual crisis over a desperate 36 hours in the Big Apple.  The cast includes Steven Schirripa (HBO’s “The Sopranos”), Aunjanue Ellis (Men of Honor), Nick Sandow (Swimfan), Sharon Angela (HBO’s “The Sopranos”), and newcomer Emory Cohen.   The company will present a limited theatrical run this summer followed by VOD & Cable Broadcast and finally a DVD debut in late August.  The announcement was made today by Joe Amodei, President of Virgil Films & Entertainment.

The film premiered and opened at the 2009 Rotterdam International Film Festival and later screened at the Santa Barbara and Warsaw International Film Festivals.  Producers are Diane Crespo (TV’s “Contested Streets”), Stefan Schaefer (Arranged) and Victoria Imperioli.

“Michael’s film features all the great elements of what we know and love,” says Amodei, “Comprised of an edgy script, an amazing cast, and great direction, it resonates the gritty appeal of early John Cassevettes and feels like it came right off the streets of NYC.”

“The term “Hungry Ghosts” comes from Tibetan Buddhism,” says Imperioli. “It describes a type of being that possesses a huge stomach, tiny neck and enormous appetites. I found it a fitting metaphor for the characters in our film; human beings under the influence of powerful desires that offer the illusion of wholeness and fulfillment, but in reality prove poisonous and take them further and further away from completion and connection.”

The acquisition was negotiated by Joe Amodei and the film’s sales representative, Ronna Wallace, Eastgate Pictures.

Virgil Films & Entertainment distributes feature film product in the theatrical feature film, documentary, special interest, and sports categories through partnerships with Sundance Channel Home Entertainment, ESPN and MLB Productions among others.   The company recently partnered with CJ Entertainment and National Geographic Entertainment.

About Virgil Films & Entertainment

Virgil Films & Entertainment, formerly Arts Alliance America, was founded in 2003 as Hart Sharp Video by Joe Amodei to develop, acquire, market and distribute DVD product in the theatrical feature film, documentaries, special interest and sports categories. The company has built partnerships with Sundance Channel Home Entertainment, National Geographic Cinema Ventures, ESPN, MLB Productions, Bombo Sports and Entertainment, Morgan Spurlock’s Warrior Poets, and other high profile entertainment brands since their inception. Recent releases from Virgil Films & Entertainment include the award-winning film, Amreeka.  Upcoming releases include: We Believe, a story about the devotion between Chicago and the Cubs team; Everyman’s War, winner of the 2009 GI Film Festival, and the documentary Lord Save Us From Your Followers. For more information, please visit: www.VirgilFilmsEnt.com

Contact for further information:

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