Documentary Films today announced that it has acquired North American rights to the Sundance Film Festival documentary 2ND CHANCE, from director and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Ramin Bahrani (The White Tiger, 99 Homes, Chop Shop). 2ND CHANCE, Bahrani’s feature-length documentary debut, is an exploration of the life and legacy of Richard Davis, the charming and brash inventor of the modern-day bulletproof vest who shot himself 192 times to prove his product worked. SHOWTIME is planning a theatrical release ahead of a network premiere later his year, leading into awards season. The announcement was made by Vinnie Malhotra, Executive Vice President, Nonfiction Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.
The film is written, directed, and produced by Bahrani. Daniel Turcan & Johnny Galvin of Vespucci, Charles Dorfman and Jacob Grodnik also serve as producers. The film is executive produced by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer (The Act of Killing, The Look of Silence), Myles Estey, Bahareh Azimi and Marlon Vogelgesang. Endeavor Content and Samuel Marshall Films produced and financed the film.
2ND CHANCE continues Bahrani’s fascination with the perilous pursuit of the American Dream as seen through a uniquely individual lens. The film shrewdly juxtaposes Davis’ actions with those of his righteous right-hand man, Aaron Westrick. Unwilling to passively present questionable truths, Bahrani instead lays bare the complexities of one man’s supposed virtue while speaking to the nature of power and impunity in America.
“Richard Davis is a fascinating documentary subject whose character reveals a deeper metaphor for America today,” said Bahrani. “I am very thankful to the producers and entire filmmaking team for being part of such a thought provoking and timely film. We are thrilled to partner with SHOWTIME and look forward to bringing 2ND CHANCE to audiences.”
“We’ve long admired Ramin’s collection of work, from Chop Shop to 99 Homes to The White Tiger, so it’s especially exciting to be partnering for his documentary feature debut,” said Malhotra. “It is inspiring to watch how he employs such a deft touch to thoughtfully navigate this wild ride of ambition, capitalism and the 2nd Amendment. Ramin’s mastery of storytelling is on full display in 2ND CHANCE.”
Bahrani is the Iranian-American writer, director and producer of films such as Man Push Cart, Chop Shop, Goodbye Solo, 99 Homes and The White Tiger. His two short documentaries, Life You Up and Blood Kin, screened at Venice, Telluride and Toronto. Bahrani is a Guggenheim Fellowship winner, and his cinematic oeuvre is housed in the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC.
WME Independent will handle international sales, launching at the upcoming Berlin Film market. WME Independent and Endeavor Content brokered the deal with SHOWTIME.