BALTASAR KORMÁKUR TO RECEIVE CINEMACON® INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKER OF THE YEAR AWARD

WASHINGTON D.C. (March 20, 2015) – Baltasar Kormákur will be honored with a special "International Filmmaker of the Year" Award, as part of CinemaCon’s International Day, it was announced today by Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon. CinemaCon, the official convention of The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), will be held April 20 – 23, 2015, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Kormákur will receive his special honor during International Day festivities, to take place on Monday, April 20, 2015.

"Since making his directorial debut Baltasar Kormákur has entertained global audiences, with his thrillingly intense movie making abilities," noted Neuhauser. "His action-packed films keep moviegoers at the edge of their seat and ‘Everest’ is sure to leave audiences riveted to the screen in anticipation of what will happen next. We couldn’t be more excited to honor him as CinemaCon’s 2015 International Filmmaker of the Year."

Kormákur is currently in post-production on "Everest," which he direct and produces, starring Josh Brolin, Jason Clarke, John Hawke, Jake Gyllenhaal, Robin Wright and Keira Knightly which will be released in U.S. theatres on September 18, 2015 by Universal Pictures. Inspired by the incredible events surrounding a treacherous attempt to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain, "Everest" documents the awe-inspiring journey of two different expeditions challenged beyond their limits by one of the fiercest snowstorms ever encountered by mankind. Their mettle tested by the harshest of elements found on the planet, the climbers face nearly impossible obstacles as a lifelong obsession becomes a breathtaking struggle for survival.

In addition to ‘Everest’ Kormákur is also currently in development of "Viking," a big budget action adventure inspired by Iceland’s epic Sagas, "Cascade," an eco-disaster film, and an untitled production of a crime thriller based on the events that inspired the Filipino Film "On the Job." He is in post-production on an Icelandic serialized crime drama called "Trapped."

Born in Iceland, Kormákur graduated as an actor from Iceland’s National Academy of Fine Arts in 1990. He was immediately signed on by the National Theatre of Iceland, where he worked as one of the leading young performing artists until 1997. During the last two years of his assignment he also directed several ambitious works, after having produced and directed highly popular, independent stage productions alongside his projects with the National Theatre. In 2000, he wrote, directed, acted in and produced the feature film "101 Reykjavik," which became an international hit and earned the Discovery Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. After the success of "101 Reykjavik," Kormákur formed Blueeyes Productions (now RVK Studios) and since then has maintained his focus on feature film writing, producing, and directing. Kormákur has directed several feature films in the US including "Contraband," and "2 Guns" which both opened in first place at U.S. Box Offices. His films "The Sea," "A Little Trip To Heaven," "Jar City," and "White Night Wedding" have all been very successful in Iceland, and won numerous international awards.

About CinemaCon

CinemaCon will attract upwards of 5,000 motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry –from exhibition and distribution, to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the movie-going experience and the cinema industry. From exclusive Hollywood product presentations highlighting a slate of upcoming films, to must-see premiere feature screenings, to the biggest stars, producers and directors, CinemaCon will help jumpstart the excitement and buzz that surrounds the summer season at the box office.

CinemaCon is delighted to have both the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its tradeshow partners. CinemaCon is also delighted to have as its official presenting sponsor The Coca-Cola Company, one of the industry’s greatest and highly regarded and respected partners in the world of the movies.

About NATO

The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and additional cinemas in 81 countries worldwide. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world and hundreds of independent theatre owners, too.

Additional information on CinemaCon can be found at www.cinemacon.com.

Media Contacts:

Heather Lewandoski
Rogers & Cowan
615.519.1747
hlewandoski@rogersandcowan.com

Maureen O’Connor
Rogers & Cowan
310.854.8116
moconnor@rogersandcowan.com