Lions Gate announce John Lennon documentary

By M&C News Sep 1, 2005, 14:08 GMT

Lions Gate Films report they have begun pre-production on the documentary The U.S. Vs. John Lennon.

The film, which has the support and cooperation of Yoko Ono, covers the period 1966-1976 and tells the story of John Lennon's transformation from beloved musical artist to anti-war activist to iconic inspiration for peace, and recounts the story of the U.S. Government's efforts to silence him. The U.S. Vs. John Lennon will also show that this was not just an isolated episode in American history, but that the issues and struggles of that era remain relevant today.

The movie will be co-written, directed and produced by LSL Productions' David Leaf and John Scheinfeld. Steve Ligerman will produce for LSL. Sandra Stern, Executive Vice President of Lions Gate Television, Beggs, Ortenberg, and Nick Meyer, President of Lions Gate International, will serve as executive producers.

"Lions Gate is thrilled to be instrumental in bringing this momentous story to light," said Beggs. "We could not have envisioned a more dynamic nor enthusiastic team than we have found in David and John for this project. This is the kind of film that exemplifies the daring, high quality entertainment produced by Lions Gate throughout its divisions."

"This is an important story that we've wanted to tell for a long time," Leaf and Scheinfeld explain, "and we couldn't have asked for a better partner than Lions Gate, who shares our determination to make a film that will resonate strongly with audiences around the world."

Lions Gate Films will retain worldwide distribution rights to the project and plans to release the film theatrically in 2006, timed to the 30th anniversary of John Lennon being granted "Permanent Residency" in the U.S.