Wladyka's 'Manos Sucias' Set For April Release

The Spike Lee-produced film will debut in 10+ U.S. markets with non-profit indie film distribution organization The Film Collaborative

NEW YORK (March 11, 2015) – Non-profit independent film distribution organization The Film Collaborative will distribute Josef Kubota Wladyka’s debut feature Manos Sucias in a multi-city theatrical run beginning April 3, 2015.  From director/co-writer Wladyka, Executive Producer Spike Lee, and producers Márcia Nunes and Elena Greenlee, the film will open at New York’s Cinema Village on April 3^rd and Los Angeles’ Laemmle NoHo 7 on April 10^th before expanding into other markets, including Miami, Santa Ana, Detroit, and Houston.

Manos Sucias follows the journey of brothers Jacobo (Jarlin Martinez) and Delio (Cristian Advincula) as they leave the port of Buenaventura, the most dangerous city in Colombia, to navigate up the Pacific coast on a desperate mission. A set of mysterious coordinates is their guide, a fishing net is their cover, and a narco-torpedo filled with 100kg of cocaine is their cargo. A story of brothers risking everything for a chance at a better life, Manos Sucias takes a close look at life at the bottom of the food chain in the international drug trade.

Shot on location in Colombia with local actors and a largely local crew, the filmmakers created an unprecedented level of authenticity by collaborating closely with the Buenaventura community to tell the dramatic narrative.

“I’m excited to partner with The Film Collaborative to bring Manos Sucias to the larger public.  We hope audiences will get swept up in the suspenseful, harrowing journey of the fictional Jacobo and Delio, but also walk away with a better understanding of the horrific realities of the international drug trade.  While Manos Sucias is a Colombian narrative, the film tells a global story,” said Josef Wladyka.

A festival favorite, Manos Sucias premiered at the 2014 Cartagena International Film Festival (FICCI), before screening at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival, where the film took home prizes for Best New Narrative Director and Audience Award, 2^nd Place. Manos Sucias went on to play AFI Fest, San Francisco International Film Festival, Zurich Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, Traverse City Film Festival and Festival do Rio, among others.

About The Film Collaborative
THE FILM COLLABORATIVE is the first non-profit committed to distribution, education, and facilitation of independent film.  Launched in early 2010, TFC offers independent filmmakers a full range of services, including fiscal sponsorship, education about distribution, and distribution and marketing services (including sales representation, service theatrical releases, hybrid distribution, grassroots marketing, traditional marketing, digital aggregation, distribution consultation, and contract consultation).  Connect with TFC at www.thefilmcollaborative.org/ or on Twitter @filmcollab.