Lionsgate, Oprah and Tyler Perry ‘Push’ to get Sundance Winner

Despite winning both of the festival’s jury and public prizes, Push: Based on the Novel by Sapphire will need all the support it can muster — it is the type of drama that increasingly becomes unbearable (not the quality of the film, but the plight of the protagonist). Today’s good news is that this year’s Sundance success story equivalent to Little Miss Sunshine wasn’t a feel good film and didn’t break the 8 figure deal bank, but when you have the stamp of approval from Oprah – I guess you’ve just facilitated your word of mouth campaign and secured a bright future ahead. Plus, ABC’s The View is already covered — Sherri Shepherd has a supporting role in the drama. 

Variety reports that the deal would see Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry will team to promote the film and Lionsgate will distribute the picture. Though no release date as been set, I expect this to be a fall/award season release and my kind words to Mo’Nique would be: find your make-up and wardrobe people now and give them an advanced notice. She is that good in the drama. Here is my coverage at one of the final Park City screenings — the public would later give a standing O.