Los Angeles, CA – Dark Star Pictures has acquired all North American rights for punk-rock thriller The Icarus Line Must Die. Dark Star will release the film theatrically in June of 2018 with July home video release. The Icarus Line Must Die made its world premiere at the 2017 Nonplussed Fest (Opening Night Feature) and went on to screen at Highland Park IFF (Winner Best Feature), Chicago Movies & Music Festival (Special Jury Award), and San Francisco Independent Film Festival. Dark Star Pictures President Michael Repsch negotiated the deal with Bridge Independents’ Bill Straus and writer/director Michael Grodner.
Described as ‘the greatest rock group of the 21st Century’ (The Guardian) The Icarus Line, led by Joe Cardamone, are widely considered pioneers of the Los Angeles post-hardcore music scene. The Icarus Line Must Die uses this musical prowess as a backdrop for a tense thriller plot that blends fact and fiction. The film also sees appearances from several notable musicians of the LA underground scene including Ariel Pink, Keith Morris (Black Flag, Circle Jerks) and author Jerry Stahl (Permanent Midnight). In the spirit of the music The Icarus Line Must Die utilizes an original soundtrack including performances from Pink Mountaintops, Together Pangea, The Icarus Line, RETOX, Obliterations and Annie Hardy of Giant Drag.
A graduate of the USC Film School, Michael Grodner has directed numerous music videos that have won awards at festivals and on MTV. The Icarus Line Must Die, which he produced with Josh Crockett, Kristin Slaysman and Joe Cardamone, is his feature film directorial debut.
“We can’t wait to unleash The Icarus Line Must Die upon the masses” said writer/director Michael Grodner. “We’re thrilled to partner with Dark Star Pictures on the release of our film.”
Synopsis: The Icarus Line Must Die is a dramatic narrative feature set against the backdrop of the current LA underground music scene. The film tracks Joe Cardamone, front man of notorious punk bad boys The Icarus Lineas he navigates his way through the ups and downs of the modern music landscape. With a new record completed and a major label deal within sight, Joe fights to keep his band, his relationship and his life from completely falling apart.
“The Icarus Line Must Die is an extremely unique film that taps into the core of the LA underground music scene, giving audiences an unrelenting look into that world” described Michael Repsch, President of Dark Star Pictures. “All the while structured around a compelling thriller narrative with a No Wave sensibility” he continued.
Dark Star will be hosting a premiere screening and an after-party featuring performances by several of the bands from the film on June 20 that the Regent Theater in Los Angeles, leading into the theatrical rollout beginning June 22nd.
In Conversation with Michael Oblowitz Director of Confidential Informant
Confidential Informant stars Mel Gibson, Dominic Purcell, and Kate Bosworth
