Outsider Pictures has officially launched onto the world cinema scene: the start-up distributor has just announced its initial line-up of theatrical releases. Founded by ex-studio marketing and distribution execs Paul Hudson and Peter Peterson, Outsider is a theatrical distribution company set to focus on the release of distinctive independent feature films and documentaries in the United States, Canada and Latin America.

Outsider's first film released will be Buzz, set to debut this August. Written and directed by Spiro Taraviras, Buzz is a documentary about the life of famed screenwriter A.I. Bezzerides, who wrote Kiss Me Deadly, On Dangerous Ground, and They Drive by Night. Francois Truffaut declared Bezzerides "the first noir screenwriter in Hollywood."

Three Dollars will follow, directed by Robert Connolly and starring David Wenham, Frances O'Connor and Sarah Wynter. The film revolves around Eddie (Wenham), a man with a wife, a sick child, a childhood sweetheart, a strong sense of moral courage, and exactly three dollars to his name. Connolly's story of a decent man in an indecent world illustrates how many people in modern society are just one paycheck away from the street.

Slated for a mid-September release is Jimmy and Judy. Written and directed by Randall Rubin and Jon Schroder, the film stars Edward Furlong, Rachael Bella and William Sadler. Jimmy and Judy is the story of a hellish Romeo-and-Juliet romance between a couple of teens who meet and fall dangerously in love. As they hit the road together, the two take on drug dealers, sexual mischievousness, violence, and a whirlwind of trouble brought on by one bad decision after another.

Rounding out the 2006 slate is the award winning documentary Five Days in September -- The Rebirth of an Orchestra, directed by Barbara Willis Sweete. The doc follows the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in their first five days with new conductor, Peter Oundjian, and features appearances and performances by Yo-Yo Ma, Renee Fleming and Emanuel Ax.

"We're really excited about our eclectic slate," says Peterson. "There is a strong interest in documentaries and independent films in the U.S. right now, and we are going to try and capitalize on that."

"Movies have always been our passion," says Hudson, "and Outsider Pictures allows us to play a part in bringing independent and foreign films to theatres across the country."

Already on Outsider's slate for 2007 is These Foolish Things, written and directed by Julia Taylor-Stanley and starring Anjelica Huston, Lauren Bacall, and Terance Stamp. Set against a backdrop of the impending Second World War, it follows three ambitious young thespians as they stumble though the pitfalls of London's theatrical establishment in a rags to riches story.

Through the Eyes of Another, (Gli Occhi dell'altro) written and directed by Gianpaolo Tescari, stars Johan Leysen, Lucrezia Lante della Rovere and Hossein Taheri. In Eyes, "another" is a Kurdish refugee taken into the home of David, a wealthy professor, and Barbara, a choreographer. Before long, this educated and liberal couple succumbs to the more bestial forces of jealousy, racial intolerance and xenophobia. Winner of the Best Actress award at last years Taormina Film Festival.

Debt (Deuda), an Argentinean documentary directed by Jorge Lanata, opens with the interview of an eight-year-old girl who reveals she hasn't eaten in five days. The film becomes a frenetic search for who is responsible and an investigation into how this could happen.

Outsider Pictures is involved in the acquisition of feature films for theatrical, home video and television distribution and also acts as sales agent for motion pictures. Outsider is dedicated to realizing, without compromise, the inspiring vision of independent filmmakers and is committed to bringing moviegoers the most original stories from around the world. The company plans to release 6-8 films a year, building its slate of titles through an acquisitions program and creative relationships with filmmakers from around the world.