Kunstler doc Finds Representation in Arthouse

I didn’t get the chance to see the doc William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe in Park City this year, but I had the impression that it would touch upon some of the qualities found in Barbet Schroeder’s Terror’s Advocate – a behind a scenes look into a controversial lawyer in his own right: Mr. Jacques Vergès. That is where the comparisons probably end — as this docu was made by Kunstler’s own kin.

Midway through last week’s festival, PBS picked up the docu for its P.O.V. Series (to be aired in 2010), and today, documentary film distribution specialist Arthouse Films picked up theatrical and DVD rights to the pic with a mid-2009 release in mind and look for this to be at either the doc fests such as the upcoming editions of True/False, Silverdocs and Hot Docs festival in Toronto.

This spotlights the late civil rights attorney who is remembered as one of the most famous and controversial lawyers of the 20th century. He represented civil rights and anti-war activists, as well as accused terrorists and murders. The filmmakers explore their father’s life, from middle-class family man, to movement lawyer, to the most hated lawyer in America. The duo share a provocative and deeply personal journey as they paint a complex portrait of a man whose life mirrors U.S. history.