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Documentary+ acquires “Eat Flowers” for streaming
A heartfelt journey through photography and friendship
The nonfiction streaming platform Documentary+ has recently acquired River Finlay’s poignant documentary short, “Eat Flowers”. This Oscar-qualified film is set to debut on major streaming services and the Documentary+ Fast channel this Wednesday.
A story of resilience and color
“Eat Flowers” begins in 2017, capturing the emotional journey of photographer Cig Harvey and her best friend Mary, who is diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. As Mary undergoes treatment and is forced into isolation, she asks Cig to send her photographs. Every day, Cig ventures out to capture vibrant images, bringing color and life to Mary through her camera. Mary’s continuous requests for more photos lead to a touching narrative of friendship and resilience. The film immerses viewers in the vivid worlds that Cig creates for her friend, showcasing the beauty of life amidst the ache of loss.
Bringing the story to a global audience
River Finlay expressed her excitement about partnering with Documentary+ to share this vibrant story with audiences. ”I’m incredibly excited to partner with Documentary+ in bringing this vibrant story to audiences, showcasing the beauty of life, the ache of loss, and the reminder to live,” said Finlay.
Justin Lacob, head of documentary for Documentary+, added, “We are thrilled to bring ‘Eat Flowers’ to audiences through our wide-reaching distribution channels. River Finlay has crafted an incredibly moving and inspiring portrait of resilience and hope that aligns perfectly with our mission of telling compelling and engaging stories for a global audience.”
A collaborative effort
Cig Harvey not only stars in the documentary but also serves as its producer. With the acquisition, Bryn Mooser and Justin Lacob join as executive producers alongside Allison Klayman. This collaboration ensures that the film reaches a broad audience, resonating with viewers worldwide.
Watch the trailer for “Eat Flowers”.
American Film Showcase: Bringing documentaries to the world
Expanding global access to American stories
The U.S. Department of State has announced the lineup for its American Film Showcase (AFS), featuring contemporary American documentaries that will be screened in over 60 countries throughout the year. Organized by U.S. embassies, this program aims to showcase American documentaries to foreign audiences, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.
A global film festival
Rachel Gandin Mark, AFS Program Director, highlighted the program’s mission: “AFS’s screening program is a global film festival offering international audiences a nuanced view of American life and creating space for cross-cultural dialogue. We are incredibly proud of this year’s wide-ranging collection of American films and can’t wait to share these stories with new audiences.”
Highlighting award-winning documentaries
The lineup includes many 2024 Oscar contenders and the Academy Award winner for documentary short, “The Last Repair Shop”. Other nominated features include “Audible” and “The Barber of Little Rock”. These films provide a diverse and rich perspective on American life, sparking conversations and connections across different cultures.
Ben Proudfoot, the Oscar award-winning director of “The Last Repair Shop”, shared his enthusiasm: “Independent documentary filmmakers dream of reaching a global audience. We can tell you firsthand there is nothing more exciting than seeing our films spark lively conversations in countries like Yemen, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, and Colombia. We are so grateful to American Film Showcase and the U.S. State Department and are deeply honored to be joining this incredible cadre of documentary storytellers.”
A collaborative success
The success of the American Film Showcase is made possible through collaborations with major industry players such as Amazon, L.A Times Short Docs, Magnolia Pictures, Netflix, The New Yorker, PBS, The Walt Disney Company, and Warner Bros. Since its inception in 2012, AFS has produced over 5,000 screenings in 135 countries, reaching more than half a million people.
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