Babelgum takes on Downstream and TheLinguists

Online content platform Babelgum has acquired internet and mobile rights to Leslie Iwerks’ big oil documentary Downstream and to language documentary The Linguists directed by Seth Kramer, Daniel A. Miller and Jeremy Newberger.

Downstream follows a doctor’s fight for the rights or aboriginal
people in Alberta, Canada, whose lives are being jeopardised by the
entry of oil into their water system from the oil business. Philip
Alberstat produced.

The Linguists, which premiered at Sundance, is about two scientists racing to document nearly extinct languages. That deal was negotiated by Babelgum’s Karol Martesko-Fenster along with Ironbound Films CEO Jeremy Newberger on behalf of the filmmakers.

’Downstream is our first original production that serves as an example
for future programming and complements our library of licensed
programmes,’ Babelgum director of content Mark Cranwell, who also
served as producer, said. ‘It is also our first effort to demonstrate the initial and ongoing value of programmes released first, and exclusively, on the internet whether it be by mobile or the PC or both. We have a powerful and moving film, together with short clips and a full-length feature film also on the way. We hope our film will raise the awareness of what is happening in Northern Alberta.’

Of The Linguists, Martesko-Fenster said: ‘We are thrilled about our partnership with Ironbound Films. The filmmakers have crafted a compelling story that weaves travelogue together with the urgent sustainability issue of the world’s disappearing languages. The resulting documentary appeals to film fans and the growing group of linguists worldwide. Babelgum’s exclusive premiere of The Linguists reaffirms our mission to be the leading online and mobile destination for multi-lingual diverse forms of creative expression and cutting-edge independent film.’

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