Michael Moore’s “Where to Invade Next” has turned into the first hot title of the Toronto Film Festival, with buyers staying up past 4 a.m. on Friday morning to gauge whether or not to pursue the documentary after its enthusiastic Thursday night premiere, Variety has learned.
The project has garnered interest from the major studios as well as specialized labels and studios like The Orchard, Lionsgate and IFC Films. The movie could end up making more money by selling territories to various players as opposed to one big worldwide sale, since it’s expected to perform well internationally.
On the other hand, Netflix is also among the parties interested, Variety has learned. Worldwide rights for the film are still available–and Netflix doesn’t buy projects that aren’t open in all territories, according to several knowledgable individuals. Moore spoke highly about the company during an after-party at Momofuku. “I think Netflix is the greatest invention since the history of the Internet, which enabled Netflix,” Moore said, with a chuckle.
Moore told Variety that his team was keeping him updated throughout Thursday night. A deal is not expected to close until Friday evening or later, as many studio chiefs and company heads have yet to see the film and sign off on a final offer. “They want us to wait,” Moore said.
The filmmaker’s “Fahrenheit 9/11” remains the highest-grossing documentary in history, having earned $119.2 million.
“Where to Invade Next” covers a range of topics from the benefits of female leadership to prison reform, making it a hot-button release at a time when Americans are gearing up for the 2016 presidential election. The film contrasts the U.S. approach to education, work weeks, and health care with European countries such as Finland, Germany and France. Critics are calling it one of his funniest films, and Moore said he had not received an emotional reaction to his work that was as intense since 1989’s “Roger & Me.” Executives say its commercial prospects are strong.
At the after-party on Thursday, Moore was flanked by well-wishers hoping to have their photos taken alongside the director. Partygoers inside and on the street pressed up to Moore to tell him how moved they had been by the picture.
WME is representing the sale.
Nice to have Michael Moore around maybe this film will help Bernie Sanders. Capitalism today is as dirty as Communism was in the 1950’s and 1960″s
Then why don’t you move to a Communist country if you hate Capitalism so much. We Capitalists here in the United States would be glad to be rid of you. And take that no-talent Socialist Michael Moore with you. His “films” are absolute garbage.
Moore is a communist making propaganda films. Sad state of affairs in this country when distributors are anxious to assist him in getting his twisted message out.
“The filmmaker’s “Fahrenheit 9/11” remains the highest-grossing documentary in history, having earned $119.2 million.” Since Moore Fabricated (Forged) one of the Documents does it still qualify as a Documentary? I thought one of the requirements was using documents that exist rather than making them up yourself?
Only one? A real conservative would claim the whole movie was nothing but a lie, move back to Russia you commie socialist.
I’ve only seen one Moore film (Bowling for Columbine), but have Americans become so stupid to believe that an American criticizing the problems he sees in own country being “Anti-American?” Capitalism isn’t perfect, so if I don’t criticize the specific problems, how do they ever get fixed?
If America is a “love it or leave it” proposition and a liberal criticizing their perspective of what’s wrong with excesses of healthcare, guns, war or capitalism is an “anti-American,” why aren’t conservatives anti-American for criticizing people’s freedom of choice on sexuality and reproductive rights? What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
i have found moore’s films to be accurate, honest, highly patriotic and consistent with judeo-christian values. i bet people ranging from pope francis to donald trump will want to see this one, and i can’t wait to see it. it sounds like the film will be another international hit.
Well Jim, if you found Moore’s films to be “accurate, honest and patriotic” then you’re as big an idiot as Michael Moore, and as anti-American.
More Anti-American bull shit from Michael Moore.
It must be difficult for you to reside in a county that is rapidly distancing itself from conservative ideas and disillusioned leaders. You had your day and it was a complete failure. From Reagonomics (trickle down) To the complete fiasco of Bush, Cheny. Take all of your vile hatred and crawl back into your basement cave, Republicans ideas and policies are dead.
Like most Liberals, you have absolutely no clue what you’re talking about. Except for a few of the major cities, like San Francisco and Los Angeles, the majority of this country, especially the heartland of America, still believe in true American values and conservative ideas, which are what built this great country, and will continue to keep it strong. Move to some Communist or Socialist land where you belong.
Can’t wait to see this film. Will be interesting to as to how Moore spins the Euro-Social-Indoctrination versus American-Corporate-Brainwashing education, work and healthcare ‘systems’ debate. All lackeys, all the time.
The United States is not Europe. Islam, liberal and socialist douchebags like Moore et al are in the cross hairs. History will repeat itself. Hooyah.
I’ll drink to that
Really Tom? LOL. Yeah, you go see this hatred-of-America crap to see exactly how Michael Moore “spins” that.
One of the great things about living in a democracy is the ability to be critical of the government without “hating” it. You should move to the Middle East; you’d be much happier in a country where nobody ever says a bad word about those in charge.