MetFilm Sales Acquires Worldwide Rights for Luke Lorentzen's "Boatbuilders" Ahead of Venice Premiere

MetFilm Sales has secured the worldwide distribution rights for "Boatbuilders," a documentary by Luke Lorentzen that offers a glimpse into a community of boatbuilders in Maine. The film is slated for its international debut on September 7th, as part of the Open Section at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.

The film will be presented to potential buyers by MetFilm Sales at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival Market in mid-September. Following its Venice premiere, "Boatbuilders" will have its North American debut on September 17th, serving as the opening night film for the Camden International Film Festival.

"Boatbuilders" marks Lorentzen's third feature documentary, building on the success of his previous films, "Midnight Family" and "A Still Small Voice," both of which were recognized with Oscar shortlistings.

The documentary captures the meticulous craftsmanship at the Brooklin Boat Yard, located in a remote Maine harbor. There, approximately sixty workers skillfully shape wooden planks, make precise cuts, and sand edges to create some of the world's most exquisite and sought-after wooden vessels. Over the course of four seasons, Lorentzen documents the builders' detailed construction of a 56-foot sailboat, immersing the audience in the lives of these individuals and their tightly-knit community.

Mitch Clare from MetFilm Sales commented on the acquisition, stating, "There's a deeply profound and relevant message in observing people collaborate to handcraft these magnificent boats. Luke masterfully captures the skill, teamwork, and artistry involved in this process."

Lorentzen's recent film, "A Still Small Voice," earned him the U.S. Documentary Best Director Award at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. It was also recognized by The New York Times as one of the top ten films of the year and received an Academy Award shortlist for Best Documentary Feature.

In 2019, Lorentzen's "Midnight Family" also made it to the Academy Award shortlist for Best Documentary Feature, following its success at over 35 festivals and organizations globally. Notable accolades for "Midnight Family" include a Special Jury Award for Cinematography at Sundance, Best Editing from the International Documentary Association, and the Golden Frog for Best Documentary at Camerimage.

Additional directing and cinematography credits for Lorentzen include the Emmy-winning Netflix original series "Last Chance U" (2019) for Outstanding Serialized Sports Documentary.

"Boatbuilders" is produced by Kellen Quinn and Lorentzen under their production company, Hedgehog Films. Lorentzen also handled the cinematography and editing for the film.

The executive producers for "Boatbuilders" include Zach Zuckerman, Robina Riccitiello, Josh Peters, Jonathan Weiner, Meredith Crowley, Chuck Royce, Deborah Royce, Peter Richards, Naia Cucukov, Sabrina Merage, Andrea van Beuren, Dan Janvey, and Ben Fowlie. Barker Carlock served as co-executive producer, and Oscar Saint Bris as associate producer.

MetFilm Sales' non-fiction portfolio also features "To Hold a Mountain" by Biljana Tutorov and Petar Glomazic, which won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at Sundance this year, and "The Siege of Paradise," directed by Gar O'Rourke, a selection from the Tribeca Film Festival.