Kino Lorber announces that it has acquired U.S distribution rights for Daniel Vernon’s The Changin’ Times of Ike White. There will be an exclusive virtual sneak preview screening of the feature-length documentary available for U.S. audiences through Knitting Factory Entertainment on Tuesday, December 1, followed by wide release theatrically in virtual and physical theaters on Friday, December 4.
Serving a life sentence for murder in the early 1970s, music prodigy Ike White had plenty of time to perfect his musical talent, but no hope of putting it to use in the outside world. Ike’s skills were exceptional enough, though, that his story captured the media’s attention. From this notoriety, he was able to record an album inside the prison with big-time producer Jerry Goldstein (War, Sly and the Family Stone). Superstar Stevie Wonder lobbied successfully for Ike’s early release from prison. With an acclaimed album under his belt and the support of Wonder and others in the industry, Ike was poised for stardom. But, instead, he went off the grid for over 40 years. Daniel Vernon’s mesmerizing new documentary is unpredictable and moving, echoing the strange journey of Ike White and scored with tracks from his one released album.
The Changin’ Times of Ike White was negotiated by Kino Lorber SVP Wendy Lidell and Vesna Cudic, Head of Sales & Acquisitions at MetFilm Sales.
Lidell said, “Discovering Ike White and his music was a revelation for me. Daniel Vernon tells a poignant story of Ike’s unbelievable life, which will fascinate audiences and certainly gain him a new legion of fans.”
After The Changin’ Times of Ike White release, the film will be available for streaming on KinoNow.com and home video in 2021. Directed by Daniel Vernon, Produced by Vivienne Perry and Rachel Hooper and co-produced by Lana Goodman.
