NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The production company of Helios and Matheson Analytics Inc. (Nasdaq: HMNY), MoviePass Films LLC, announced today its film Border was nominated for an Academy Award in the “Best Makeup and Hairstyling” category. Announced in September of last year, MoviePass Films partnered with NEON Rated LLC to co-release the Cannes award-winning film from writer and director Ali Abbasi.
A 2018 Swedish fantasy film, Border’s screenplay is written by Abbasi, Isabella Eklöf and John Ajvide Lindqvist. The film is based on the short story of the same name by Ajvide Lindqvist from his anthology “Let the Old Dreams Die.” It won the Un Certain Regard award at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and was selected as the Swedish entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards, though it was not nominated.
Border is a magical and unexpected love story that stars Eva Melander and Eero Milonoff. The film follows customs officer Tina, who is known for her remarkable sense of smell. She develops a relationship with Vore, a suspicious-looking man, who walks by her and challenges her abilities for the first time. As Tina develops a special bond with Vore and discovers his true identity, she also realizes the truth about herself. The film has received favorable reviews for its poignant, extraordinary plot and unique execution.
MoviePass Films aims to produce between 10 and 12 films per year and acquire or co-produce eight to 10 films per year. In addition to Border, MoviePass Films partnered with NEON on Monsters and Men. MoviePass Films co-acquired American Animals under MoviePass Ventures. Past MoviePass Films productions include 10 Minutes Gone, Gotti and The Row. Additionally, during MoviePass Films' upcoming presence at Sundance Film Festival, the company is looking to acquire more independent content.
“MoviePass Films which was established in May 2018 is already making a splash with audiences worldwide,” said Ted Farnsworth, Chairman/CEO of Helios and Matheson. “We are honored and humbled that the Academy is recognizing the film for the awards this year. MoviePass Films has taken on a handful of interesting and unique projects and we are extremely proud of its contribution to the independent movies industry and to MoviePass Entertainment ecosystem.”
"I'm thrilled Border resonated with Academy voters and the film received validation in this way," said Zac Bright, President of Acquisitions at MoviePass Films. "We, alongside our partners at NEON, could not be more proud to have had a hand in bringing this truly enchanting and unforgettable cinematic experience to U.S. audiences."
About MoviePass Films
MoviePass Films LLC is dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers and distributors by collaborating with creatives, co-acquiring equity stakes in films and offering them enhanced performance in the theatrical window. A joint venture of Helios and Matheson Analytics Inc. and Emmett Furla Oasis (EFO) Films, MoviePass Films focuses on studio-driven content and new film production for theatrical release and other distribution channels, with the goal of democratizing the film production experience by bridging the gap between moviegoers and film industry endeavors.
About Helios and Matheson Analytics
Helios and Matheson Analytics Inc. (Nasdaq: HMNY) (“Helios”) is a provider of information technology services and solutions, offering a range of technology platforms focusing on big data, artificial intelligence, business intelligence, social listening, and consumer-centric technology. Helios currently owns approximately 92% of the outstanding shares (excluding options and warrants) of MoviePass Inc., the nation's premier movie-theater subscription service, 100% of the outstanding membership interests in MoviePass Ventures LLC and 51% of the outstanding membership interests in MoviePass Films LLC. Helios's holdings include Zone Technologies, Inc., creator of RedZone Map™, a safety and navigation app for iOS and Android users, and a community-based ecosystem that features a socially empowered safety map app that enhances mobile GPS navigation using advanced proprietary technology. Helios is headquartered in New York, NY and listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol HMNY. For more information, visit us at www.hmny.com.
About MoviePass Inc.
MoviePass Inc. ("MoviePass") is a marketing technology platform enhancing the exploration of film and the moviegoing experience. As the nation's premier movie-theater subscription service, MoviePass provides film enthusiasts the ability to attend select new movies in theaters. The service, now accepted at more than 91% of theaters across the United States, is the nation's largest theater network. Visit us at moviepass.com.
Cautionary Statement on Forward-looking Information
Certain information in this communication contains “forward-looking statements” about Helios and MoviePass Films LLC (“Movie Pass Films”) within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or under Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), that may not be based on historical fact, but instead relate to future events. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by words such as “projects,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “potential” or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding MoviePass Films’ business and prospects and the number of films MoviePass Films aims to produce and acquire or co-produce per year. Statements regarding future events are based on Helios’ current expectations and are necessarily subject to associated risks.
Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions. Although management of Helios believes that the assumptions made and expectations represented by such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement contained herein will prove to be accurate. Actual results and developments (including, without limitation, the ability of MoviePass Films to produce 10-12 films per year and acquire or co-produce eight to 10 films per year) may differ materially and adversely from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein and even if such actual results and developments are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences or effects.
Risk factors include, among other things: risks associated with the production and acquisition of films, Helios’ capital requirements and whether or not it will be able to raise capital as needed; the success of MoviePass’ cost-reduction and subscription revenue increase measures; the ability to successfully develop the business model of MoviePass Films, MoviePass, Moviefone and MoviePass Ventures; the ability to integrate the operations of MoviePass Films, MoviePass, Moviefone and MoviePass Ventures into Helios’ operations; Helios’ ability to satisfy Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) listing criteria deficiencies and to successfully appeal Nasdaq’s determination to delist Helios’ common stock and remain listed on Nasdaq, and the risk factors and other material information concerning Helios and MoviePass Films are described in Helios’ Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, for the quarters ended June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018, in Helios’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 and other Helios filings, including subsequent current and periodic reports, information statements and registration statements filed with the SEC. You are cautioned to review such reports and other filings at www.sec.gov.
Given these risks, uncertainties and factors, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements and information, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All forward-looking statements and information made herein are based on Helios’ current expectations and Helios does not undertake an obligation to revise or update such forward-looking statements and information to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.