From a press release we received today:

“Emerging Pictures announced today that it will launch its Digital Cinema Network with an investment by Los Angeles-based Participant Productions. This digital cinema initiative will establish a nationwide network for the distribution and exhibition of specialty films in such venues as prestigious museums, performing arts centers, science & technology institutions, and restored movie palaces. These venues will screen independent and international films, both dramatic and nonfiction, as well as alternate content such as film festivals, dramatic performances, concerts, and other mission-appropriate programming.

“Participant Productions, founded in 2004 by eBay pioneer and philanthropist, Jeff Skoll, focuses on socially relevant, commercially viable feature films and documentaries. Coincident with the investment, Participant Productions and Emerging Pictures have formed a content-based distribution relationship which will expand the reach of Participant Production’s projects….

“As part of its roll-out Emerging Pictures will partner with the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival this April 7-10 to syndicate the event in real-time into more than a dozen additional cities. Roll-out programming will also include presentations in association with broadcasters PBS, National Geographic Television & Film, Japan’s NHK and others, including the recent eight city pilot release of Ken Burn’s Unforgivable Blackness — The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson, for PBS.”