EXCLUSIVE: Ketchup Entertainment has picked up North American rights to the John Travolta crime thriller November 1963. A 1,000 theater release for Q4 is being planned.
Directed by 2x Oscar-nominated filmmaker Roland Joffé (The Killing Fields, The Mission), the film reframes the assassination of John F. Kennedy through the eyes of those operating in the shadows, where power is negotiated, not elected.
Nicki Celozzi, nephew of Sam Giancana, wrote the script and is producing the film along with Kevin Dewalt of Minds Eye Entertainment. Bonnie Giancana, daughter of Sam Giancana, is also attached as an EP. His story comes from his uncle Pepe Giancana, who was with his brother Sam Giancana during this crucial time.
November 1963, based on a true story, unfolds within the intense 48-hour real time period surrounding the assassination of JFK shedding new light on the Chicago Outfit’s alleged involvement. The script draws from first-hand accounts, including direct insights from the family of crime boss Sam Giancana.
Two-time Oscar nominee, Golden Globe and Emmy winner, John Travolta stars as Johnny Roselli, a key figure in organized crime and the Outfit’s man on the West Coast and Vegas. Mandy Patinkin plays Anthony Accardo, a powerful and calculating head of the Chicago Outfit, considered one of the most powerful crime bosses in America at the time. Dermot Mulroney is Chuckie Nicoletti, Sam Giancana’s bodyguard and the Outfit’s most notorious South Side hitman. Robert Carlyle portrays Jack Ruby, the chameleon associate of organized crime and Jefferson White is playing Lee Harvey Oswald, the patsy that was set up by The Outfit.
Writer and producer Nicki Celozzi said: “The essence of why we are doing this, is that it came from Sam Giancana’s brother, Pepe, who was in the room with Sam during these two days. This story specifically focuses on the ‘Chicago Outfit’s’ involvement in setting up the ‘assassination,’ including the second shooter, sent there as a fail-safe patsy backup to carry out the mission.”
Producer Kevin DeWalt from Minds Eye Entertainment, said: “This story brings audiences into the inner workings of the Chicago Outfit and their role in a seismic moment in history. With first-hand accounts and a legendary cast, November 1963 promises to be an unforgettable experience.”
“At a time when society is questioning everything, this film presents the Kennedy story from a perspective we haven’t fully seen—grounded in portrayals that strip away the myth and reflect who these figures really were. We are thrilled to bring this movie to audiences and further showcase Ketchup’s commitment to bold, distinctive storytelling,” said Gareth West, CEO of Ketchup Entertainment.
International Sales are being overseen by Daniel Baur at K5 International.
The deal was brokered by Paradigm Talent Agency and negotiated by Alan Abrams on behalf of the filmmakers.
