Tribeca Film has acquired the North American rights to the new documentary ‘Side by Side.’ The film, which was produced by Keanu Reeves and directed by Chris Kenneally, shows a provocative and illuminating journey into the implications of the transition from traditional film to digital technology.

‘Side by Side’ takes viewers on a tour of the past and future of filmmaking. Since cinema was invented, the standard format for recording moving images has been film. Over the past two decades, more directors have turned to digital filmmaking.

The world premiere for ‘Side by Side’ is set for the Berlin International Film Festival, with a summer 2012 release planned. The filmmakers are also planning a broadcast premiere for early 2013, and will also bring the film to colleges to continue the conversation.

Kenneally has said cinema is at a turning point, as “digital has challenged, and in some ways completely overturned, a process of making movies on photochemical film.” He added that ‘Side by Side’ is an intimate conversation between (Keanu) and the top professionals in the industry about this revolution.”

Written by: Karen Benardello