'Eden' Gets Domestic Distribution

Indiewire reports that Eden, a drama about human trafficking and the sex trade that premiered at South by Southwest 2012, will be distributed in North America by Phase 4 films early next year.

Eden took home the festival's Best Narrative Feature award, as well as Special Jury Recognition for Jamie Chung's performance as the title character.

No word yet on precise timing or locations for the release of Megan Griffiths' docudrama (based on a true story), but here's the review we ran in the Chronicle in March.

To call this a magnificently told tale would discount its history, undersell its breathtaking cinematography, and vastly oversimplify the nuanced tragedy Megan Griffiths has brought to life. Based on one woman's true story (but no doubt informed by hundreds or thousands of others), Eden bravely examines an unsavory atrocity, a corner of our society that media largely ignores and many desperately try to forget: human trafficking and sex slavery. As the young, abducted Hyun Jae (renamed Eden in captivity), Jamie Chung gives a dynamic performance, exhibiting extraordinary growth in her character as she attempts to usurp power from those depraved degenerates who have taken everything from her. Her climb toward empowerment is wholly captivating. Combine that with an entrancing soundtrack, the beauty of the immense landscape, and a truly impressive supporting cast, and it's hard to deny Eden's success. This is a visceral, haunting work that will not soon be forgotten by any who see it.