Fall 2012 Release for Director Maarten Treurniet’s Gripping True-Crime Drama
New York, NY (March 2012) – MPI Media Group today announced it has acquired all North American rights to THE HEINEKEN KIDNAPPING, a hit Dutch thriller based on one of the most notorious and sensational crimes in modern European history. Directed by Maarten Treurniet, the film will be released theatrically in the fall of 2012, with subsequent VOD and DVD releases.
THE HEINEKEN KIDNAPPING is an Topkapi Films production produced by Frans van Gestel, Arnold Heslenfeld and Richard Claus. It was written by director Treurniet and Kees van Beijnum.
The North American distribution deal was negotiated by Greg Newman, Executive Vice President of MPI Media Group, and Stefanie Zeitler of Global Screen, the world sales unit of Bavaria Film and Telepool.
International screen star Rutger Hauer (Dracula 3D, Blade Runner, Batman Begins, Soldier of Orange) stars as Alfred Heineken, who in 1983 was one of the world’s most successful brewers and perhaps the most influential man in the Netherlands – and thus a target for kidnappers. He is snatched by a team of inexperienced, hotheaded young criminals and is held for 21 grueling days in a cold, cramped cell. Rendered powerless for the first time in his life, Heineken finds himself at the mercy of the gang’s youngest member, who takes special pleasure in humiliating and frightening the business magnate. When the huge ransom is finally paid, Heineken is set free – and begins to plot his elaborate revenge.
THE HEINEKEN KIDNAPPING co-stars Reinout Scholten van Aschat, Gijs Naber, Teun Kuilboer and Korneel Evers. Director MaartenTreurniet’s work includes the TV series Black Snow.
MPI’s Greg Newman said: “THE HEINEKEN KIDNAPPING is an incredibly suspenseful film based on a true crime that dominated international headlines. Rutger Hauer delivers a commanding performance, and we are proud to be able to bring this film to awide audience.”
Topkapi Film’s Arnold Heslenfeld said: “We are very happy about having such an experienced company as MPI taking care of the US release of THE HEINEKEN KIDNAPPING.