Stony Island – Freestyle Digital Media picks up Andrew Davis’ 1978 film starring Richie Davis, Susanna Hoffs and Stoney Robinson

Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, has acquired North American VOD rights to the Andrew Davis-helmed music drama feature film Stony Island, which will be available to rent/own on all digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms in North America, as well as on DVD, starting on November 17, 2023, through Freestyle Digital Media.

In celebration of the 45th anniversary of the initial 1978 release of STONY ISLAND, in addition to the November 17, 2023 digital release date, a one-night-only theatrical screening is scheduled in Chicago also on November 17, 2023 at the Gene Siskel Film Center. Immediately following the 8:00pm showing, there will be Q&A session with STONY ISLAND director/writer Andrew Davis and brother, musician and actor Richie Davis. Tickets available for purchase on the website (www.siskelfilmcenter.org).

Directed by Chicago native Andrew Davis and originally released in 1978, STONY ISLAND tells the story of two struggling musicians who buck the odds in their attempt to form an R&B band and take it on the road. STONY ISLAND tells the story of Richie Bloom (Richie Davis), the only white kid on the block, as he forms the band with his best friend, Kevin Tucker (Stoney Robinson). With the help of their mentor, aging sax legend Percy Price (Gene Barge), they pull together a funky supergroup. Despite few resources and heavy losses this resilient group of dedicated musicians, armed only with wit, sleight of hand and outrageous Chicago bravado must come together to finally make their smash debut.

STONY ISLAND is a smart and refreshing look at a group of aspiring musicians trying to “make it” in the world of popular music. This hallmark of independent filmmaking was hailed for its wit and charm and received energetic applause from critics around the world. STONY ISLAND received accolades and awards at the Utah/US Film Festival (the forerunner of Sundance), the Deauville Film Festival, the Santa Fe International Music & Film Festival and the Chicago International Film Festival.

Directed by Andrew Davis (THE FUGITIVE, HOLES, UNDER SIEGE), STONY ISLAND was co-written and co-produced by Andrew Davis and Tamar Hoffs. The featured cast includes Richard Davis (‘Richie Bloom’), Gene Barge (‘Percy Price’), George Englund Jr. (‘Harold’) Rae Dawn Chong (‘Janetta’), Susanna Hoffs (‘Lucie’), Dennis Franz (‘Jerry Domino’) and Oscar Brown Jr. (Alderman Waller).

“I feel blessed that my first film is going to be available everywhere,” said director Andrew Davis. “STONY ISLAND is a story about how music makes us one. The streets of the South Side of Chicago have delivered to the world amazing talent and joy. STONY ISLAND captures the struggles of these musicians with themes of humanity and sharing that resonate today.”

Freestyle Digital Media negotiated the deal to acquire STONY ISLAND directly with filmmaker Andrew Davis and his Chicago Pacific Entertainment.