‘Hollywoodgate’ Sets MENA Distribution With Front Row Filmed Entertainment

Dubai-based distributor Front Row Filmed Entertainment has acquired Middle East and North African rights for documentary Hollywoodgate, capturing Afghanistan in the immediate aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal in August 21.

Egyptian filmmaker and journalist Ibrahim Nash’at’s audaciously takes spectators behind the scenes of the first year of the Taliban’s return to power.

The doc takes its title from the abandoned U.S. base Hollywoodgate, which is shown in the film as Taliban forces take control of the site.

“We believe that Hollywoodgate is a crucial documentary that sheds light on the ongoing struggles within Afghanistan,” said Front Row Filmed Entertainment CEO Gianluca Chakra.

“It is our responsibility to bring socially conscious films to the forefront, and Hollywoodgate provides an essential perspective on the complex realities faced by the Afghan people. This film aligns with our mission to support and distribute thought-provoking and impactful cinema across the MENA region.”

The doc has been enjoying a buzzy festival run since its world premiere last year at the Venice Film Festival, followed by a Telluride splash shortly afterwards.

Most recently it has played at Jordan’s Amman International Film Festival, having also screened at the Zurich Film Festival, Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, Luxembourg Film Festival, Adelaide Film Festival, Verzio International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival, and El Gouna Film Festival.

Fourth Act Film will release the film theatrically in New York on July 19 and in Los Angeles on July 26, followed by an expansion to other cities. In the U.K., Curzon releases the film on August 16.

Hollywoodgate is a Rolling Narratives production, in association with Jourzour Film Production, Cottage M, and RaeFilm Studios.