US cable network Showtime has acquired the U.S. television premiere of the documentary Roman Polanski: Odd Man Out, slated to air in 2013. The documentary will examine the controversial and celebrated filmmaker by recounting his contentious arrest in 2009 at the Zurich Film Festival, which developed into a 10-month imprisonment. Emmy winning director Marina Zenovich, who also serves as narrator, explores the bizarre clash of politics, celebrity justice and the media as she sheds new light on the infamous saga of Polanski’s sexual abuse case and his escape from Swiss house arrest.
“Showtime’s enthusiasm for the film and track record with controversial biographical material make them the perfect partner for ‘Odd Man Out,'” said director Marina Zenovich. “I can’t imagine a more compelling home for the film and am delighted to share the movie with Showtime audiences.”
Zenovich is currently directing the Showtime original documentary Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic, the definitive look at the legendary comedian’s life and legacy, including exclusive access to widow Jennifer Lee Pryor and the Pryor Estate. The film is also slated to air on the network next year.
“Odd Man Out” serves as a follow-up to her previous film Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired, which some say was one of the reasons for his arrest, and went on to earn her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming and Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming. “Odd Man Out” premiered to critical acclaim at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival before playing the New York Film Festival and the Zurich Film Festival, where much of the film takes place. The film was written by P.G. Morgan, Chris A. Peterson and Zenovich. Lila Yacoub and Zenovich served as producers. Executive producers include Steven Soderbergh, Randy Wooten, Michael Roban and Stephan Paternot.
