MPI Media Group today announced it has acquired the universally acclaimed hit feature documentary, KING OTTO, the story of the miracle triumph of the 2004 Greek National Soccer Team at the European Championships, directed by Christopher André Marks. The film will be released in North American theaters and across all digital and video-on-demand platforms on March 25, 2022 – Greek Independence Day.
In what is being billed as the European Ted Lasso, the critically heralded film is set to take its place in the pantheon of inspiring sports dramas alongside Miracle, Hoosiers, and Cool Runnings. KING OTTO tells the improbable story of one the biggest underdog soccer triumphs of all time, but at its finest, is an intimate and inspirational human story about an outsider daring to change his life and shake up the establishment at any cost.
In the summer of 2004, the Greek National Soccer Team, a country that had never previously won a game, or even scored a goal in a major tournament, defied 300 -1 odds to become the unlikeliest of European champions. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, Zinedine Zidane’s France and David Beckham’s England were left stunned as an unfancied country, featuring players no one had ever heard of, single handedly took down the titans of the world’s game. The architect behind this unprecedented triumph was legendary German coach ‘King’ Otto Rehhagel. After accomplishing every major success in his own country, he made the bold decision to leave all he knew behind and work with the underachieving Greek National Team in a language he didn’t speak, and in a country he couldn’t understand. Director Christopher André Marks’ film is the story of how these two contrasting cultures came together to speak the same language and write a new chapter of Greek mythology.
KING OTTO arrives in the U.S. on the wings of widespread critical acclaim and theatrical success worldwide. Andrew Pulver of the The Guardian called the film “thoughtful and erudite” claiming the film’s climax moment to be “one of the most uplifting things I have ever seen.” David Stratton of The Australian writes: “Full marks to director Christopher André Marks for telling this real life feel good story, so well and so entertainingly…a compelling drama.” Greg Baum of The Sydney Morning Herald claims it is “Technically a documentary but comes across as an Aesopian Fable” while the BBC called it “a beautiful, beautiful film.” “The Athenians must have partied hard after they defeated the Persians in the battle of Marathon in 490 BC – but not like this… it’s irresistible,” said John McDonald in the Australian Financial Review. “It is emotional stuff, and it will be as enshrined like its lead player in the annals of Greek history,” praised Julian Wood at FilmInk.
KING OTTO director Christopher André Marks (ESPN 30 for 30) said, “We have been overwhelmed by the incredible reception this film has received as we have released worldwide and at a time we need such uplifting tales of unity and hope, we are excited to share what is truly one of the greatest underdog sports achievements of all time with North American audiences.”
MPI’s Hamza Ali said, “The importance of soccer to sports fans around the world cannot be overstated, and Christopher’s remarkable and uniting film arrives at a historical moment in Greece’s 200 year history. We are thrilled to bring this highly anticipated film to North American audiences.”
The acquisition agreement was negotiated by Hamza Ali, Executive VP of MPI Media Group, and Cinema Nolita’s Shani Hinton.
KING OTTO
Directed by: Christopher André Marks
Country of Origin: US / UK / Greece / Germany
Language: English / Greek / German
Genre: Documentary
Distributor: MPI Media Group
Produced by: Shani Hinton and Christopher André Marks
Run Time: 80 minutes
