MetFilm Sales has acquired the worldwide rights (excluding the U.K.) and will handle international sales for the highly acclaimed documentary film, “Name Me Lawand,” produced by Pulse Films, the same production company behind the hit series “Gangs of London.” The documentary, directed by Edward Lovelace, tells the inspiring story of Lawand Hamad Amin, who spent his early years in Iraq unable to hear or communicate.
Due to his profound deafness, Lawand was unable to learn language and grew isolated and trapped within himself. In an effort to provide him with a better future, Lawand’s parents and brother embarked on a life-changing journey across Europe to find refuge in England. They eventually arrived at a specialist deaf school in Derby, where Lawand began learning British Sign Language, enabling him to understand the world around him for the first time. But in order to truly overcome his past and protect his family from deportation, Lawand must articulate his true identity in court.
The film, filmed over four years, had its world premiere at the 2022 BFI London Film Festival and has been enjoying success on the international festival circuit. It received the Special Jury Prize at Hot Docs 2023 and is currently screening in U.K. cinemas after being acquired by BFI Distribution. The gripping documentary has also been nominated in the best single documentary – domestic category at this year’s Grierson Awards.
MetFilm Sales aims to introduce “Name Me Lawand” to the market during international Deaf Awareness Month, providing an opportunity for audiences worldwide to experience this powerful and personal story. The film is a production of Pulse Films, with support from the BFI Doc Society Fund and Electric Shadow Company. The talented team of producers behind the project includes Fleur Nieddu, Edward Lovelace, Sam Arnold, Beyan Taher, Neil Andrews, and Marisa Clifford. The executive producers involved are Thomas Benski, Tim O’Shea, Diene Petterle, Lisa Marie Russo, Kwesi Dickson, and Isabel Freer.
With its compelling narrative and universal themes of identity, resilience, and the struggle for belonging, “Name Me Lawand” promises to captivate audiences worldwide. This partnership between Pulse Films and MetFilm Sales ensures that this remarkable documentary will reach a global audience, shedding light on the importance of Deaf awareness and the power of communication in overcoming adversity.
