Drafthouse Films, the film distribution arm of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, announced today the acquisition of US rights to The Act of Killing, the breakout Danish documentary that shook audiences at this year's Toronto and Telluride International Film Festivals.

Directed by Joshua Oppenheimer, the film ventures deep into the minds of former Indonesian death squad leaders who are challenged to reenact their real-life mass-killings in whichever cinematic genres they wish, including classic Hollywood crime scenarios and lavish musical numbers. A 30-market theatrical release and awards campaign for Best Documentary Feature is planned for The Act of Killing in 2013.

Drafthouse Films released the first two photos from this thrilling documentary, which earned early praise from master documentarians Werner Herzog and Errol Morris. Their enthusiasm for the film lead to their role as Executive Producers.

The Act of Killing Photo 1
The Act of Killing Photo 2

Chronicling one of the most overlooked genocides in recent history, The Act of Killing utilizes dramatization to illustrate the banal state of corruption and impunity the unrepentant, locally celebrated former executioners inhabit.