Global Digital Releasing Acquires Worldwide Rights to Political Documentary, “Petro”

Global Digital Releasing, a leading independent film distribution company, has announced its acquisition of worldwide rights to the award-winning documentary Petro. Directed and written by Sean Mattison, Petro offers a compelling exploration of the historic presidential campaign of Gustavo Petro, a former guerrilla leader in Colombia. The documentary delves into Petro's charismatic leadership, the challenges he faced, and his efforts to unify a nation seeking transformation after decades of conflict.

The acquisition reflects Global Digital Releasing's commitment to championing bold, thought-provoking content with worldwide resonance. Petro brings a unique lens to political and social change, following Gustavo Petro’s groundbreaking campaign that captivated Colombia and garnered international attention.

Petro has already earned critical acclaim on the film festival circuit. In 2024, the documentary received an Honorable Mention for the Documentary Feature Grand Jury Prize at the Slamdance Film Festival and was awarded Best Documentary Feature at the Dumbo Film Festival. These accolades underscore the film’s ability to resonate with diverse audiences and its relevance in today’s global sociopolitical climate.

Sean Mattison’s directorial vision brings an intimate perspective to the story, weaving archival footage, interviews, and on-the-ground campaign moments to create a vivid portrayal of Gustavo Petro's quest for the presidency. The film captures not only the personal struggles and triumphs of its subject but also the broader societal tensions and hopes of a country at a crossroads.

Mattison shared his thoughts about making the film:

“As a filmmaker I’ve always gravitated towards inspirational figures, from the famed Chilean protest singer Victor Jara (who was brutally murdered during the Chilean coup of 1973) to my friend and previous documentary subject Fulton Leroy Washington aka ‘Mr. Wash’, who taught himself to paint while he spent 21 years in prison on a wrongful conviction.

In the case of Gustavo Petro, not only has he been able to channel the hopes and dreams of millions of disillusioned and disenfranchised Colombians through the power of his oratory, but he aims to take the 2016 peace process a step further by forging what he calls ‘total peace’ in Colombia, negotiating with the remaining armed groups in the country to bring an end to the civil armed conflict once and for all. Colombian citizens who might never have been associated with one another due to ideological differences during the campaign came to recognize the potency of what Petro is proposing: to repair the broken social contract and give the Colombian people a chance to unify in the interest of collective self-preservation and mutual prosperity.”

Gustavo Petro’s campaign, as chronicled in the documentary, reflects the intersection of personal conviction and public service. Formerly a guerrilla fighter, Petro transitioned to politics, ultimately becoming a symbol of hope for many Colombians. His candidacy, which resonated with voters seeking reform and peace, serves as a lens through which the documentary examines broader questions of governance, reconciliation, and societal progress.

By acquiring worldwide rights, Global Digital Releasing intends to bring Petro to digital platforms across the globe.

Global Digital Releasing distinguishes itself from competitors by offering filmmakers a unique “partnership” distribution model. Under this model, the company assumes financial responsibilities such as quality control, platform delivery, and marketing. In exchange, filmmakers benefit from revenue sharing starting with the first dollar earned. This collaborative approach underscores the company’s dedication to supporting creators throughout the distribution process while minimizing costs for filmmakers.

The documentary is set to be released on multiple digital platforms on December 6th, 2024, allowing viewers worldwide to engage with this significant story.

For updates on the release of Petro and other groundbreaking films, follow Global Digital Releasing on their social media platforms:

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