HBO has acquired the rights to 3 1/2 Minutes, a documentary about the death of teenager Jordan Davis.
Variety reports that HBO licensed the telivision rights to the film after it made its debut in documentary competition at the Sundance Film Festival.
The documentary centers on Jordan Davis, a black teenager who was shot dead in front of a Florida gas station and the trial of his killer, Michael Dunn. Dunn, a middle-aged white man, fired 10 times at the vehicle carrying Davis and three friends after an argument over the volume of their music. Dunn claimed self-defense but was sentenced to life in prison without parole back in October of 2014.
“I am grieved that these continuing stories are everyday matters swept away,” said Sheila Nevins, president of HBO Documentary Films. “By bringing this powerful film to HBO audiences, we hope to elevate the national conversation around these tragic issues.”
According to Deadline, the deal was negotiated by HBO, Josh Braun at Submarine and Jeff Ivers at Participant Media.
3 1/2 Minutes will have a theatrical release before debuting on HBO in late fall.