LOS ANGELES – March 21, 2007 - here! Films, the theatrical distribution and worldwide sales division of here! Networks, America's premium gay television network, is pleased to announce that it has acquired North American distribution rights to the South Korean film Huhwaehaji Anah ("No Regret"), the first feature film from director Leesong Hee-il. here! Films' sister company Regent Releasing will handle the film's theatrical release during Summer 2008.
"'No Regret' is a moving and visually stunning film, and here! Films is pleased to bring this project to North American audiences," said Mark Reinhart, Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and Distribution for here! Films. "This is one of the first films made on the Korean peninsula dealing with homosexuality, and we're thrilled to be involved in bringing this project stateside."
Set in Seoul, South Korea, "No Regret" centers on Sumin (Lee Young-Hoon), who leaves the orphanage where he grew up and heads to the city to study art design. After losing his job at a factory due to layoffs, he finds himself working as a prostitute in a gay bar. Initially Sumin resists the advances of Jaemin (Lee Han), who comes from a rich and conservative family that doesn't accept his sexual identity. Eventually Sumin succumbs to Jaemin's advances, after they briefly experience happiness as passionate lovers, Sumin and Jaemin's relationship falls into heartache and tragedy.
"No Regret" was produced by Generation Blue Films with Peter Kim serving as producer and Shin Hye-Yeun as executive producer. Lee Young-Hoon and Lee Han star in the directorial debut of Leesong Hee-il.
here! Films acquired "No Regret" from international sales agent Fortissimo Films at the American Film Market. The film went on to make its international debut in the Panorama section of the Berlin International Film Festival.
"We're very happy that here! Films will be bringing this highly acclaimed film to North American shores," said Wouter Barendrecht, co-Chairman, Fortissimo Films. "A sensation at the Berlin Film Festival, as well as in Korea where it broke long-held taboos, "No Regret" has touched festival goers all around the world. And in here! Films' hands we believe it will do the same for audiences all across North America."
For a sampling of previous, current and upcoming provocative and innovative here! Films releases, visit the here! Video Player found at www.heretv.com/videoplayer.
About here! Films
here! Films is the theatrical distribution and worldwide sales division of here!, America's premium gay television network, which was established in 2002 by Regent Entertainment co-founders Paul Colichman and Stephen P. Jarchow. here! Films' North American theatrical distribution is handled by its sister company, Regent Releasing. here! Films is headed by Mark Reinhart, Executive Vice President of Distribution and Acquisitions. here! Films' recent acquisitions include "Cut Sleeve Boys," "Looking for Cheyenne" "Freshman Orientation," and "Queens." Recent here! Films theatrical releases include "Margaret Cho: Assassin," "Guys and Balls," "Callas Forever," "Beautiful Boxer," "Summer Storm," "HellBent" and "April's Shower," among others.
here!, America's premium gay television network, was established in 2002 and is currently available nationwide via all major cable systems and Internet TV providers as either a 24/7 premium subscription channel, a video on demand (VOD) service, and/or a subscription video on demand (SVOD) service. here! offers a wide variety of groundbreaking and acclaimed original movies and series plus the world's largest collection of gay and lesbian films appealing to the broad-based, diverse LGBT audience. here! programming is also offered via here! Video, the broadband portal of here! Networks, which can be found at www.heretv.com/videoplayer. here! Interactive Media, the online division of here! Networks, offers an extensive network of diverse websites including GayWired.com, 247Gay.com, and LesbiaNation.com. For more information on how to subscribe to here!, please call our toll free number at 1-888-HERE-NOW.
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