D Films to release ‘Whitney’ doc in Canada (exclusive)

By: Jeremy Kay 

Toronto-based D Films Corp has picked up Canadian rights to Kevin Macdonald’s documentary Whitney.

The documentary will open across Canada this summer starting in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver on July 20. Altitude Film Sales represents international rights.

Whitney chronicles the life and career of Whitney Houston, the gifted singer who was found dead in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in 2012 at the age of 48. 

Macdonald received the support of the late performer’s estate and the film includes previously unreleased recordings and previously unseen footage, including footage from personal home-movies.

Whitney features interviews from friends, family and collaborators – some of whom have never told their story before.

Whitney is a moving portrait of one of the greatest talents of our time,” D Films senior vice-president of acquisitions and business development Michael Robson said. “Kevin Macdonald had unparalleled access to and cooperation from Ms. Houston’s estate and those who knew her best, enabling him to deliver a truly revelatory and comprehensive look at her life and career.”

Robson negotiated the deal with Joe Patrick for Miramax. 

Simon Chinn and Jonathan Chinn produced with Happy Street Entertainment co-founder Lisa Erspamer. Patricia Houston, Nicole David, Zanne Devine, Rosanne Korenberg, Joe

Patrick, and Altitude Film Entertainment’s Will Clarke, Andy Mayson, and Mike Runagall served as executive producers.