Phase 4 Films has acquired all US rights and DVD, VOD, PPV and digital rights in Canada, to the theatrical version of Brigitte Berman’s documentary Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist And Rebel.

The film played in Toronto last autumn and portrays the flamboyant, outspoken founder of the Playboy empire and his battles with the US government, the religious right, and militant feminists. Phase 4 Films will launch the film theatrically in late spring.

“Most people think they know who Hugh Hefner is from what they see in the media, however this film shows what an unbelievable, forward thinking revolutionary he was, and is an absolute must-see for audiences of every age, race, religion or sexual orientation,” Phase 4 president and CEO Berry Meyerowitz said.

Phase 4’s Larry Greenberg brokered the acquisition with Debra Fisher from Cinetic.