Focus World sets film slate

Focus World, the initial digital distribution initiative possessed and operated by Focus Features, has set its slate for that first quarter of 2012. The brand new Focus World choices include James Franco's "The Damaged Tower," which is launched electronically on Jan. 10 Gaukur Ulfarsson's documentary feature "Gnarr," set to bow on February. 7 and Liza Johnson's "Return," which is launched February. 28. Additionally, Focus World and Entertainment You will release several game titles -- all already available electronically -- on DVD through the first quarter of 2012: Alma Har'el's "Bombay Beach" on Jan. 17, Jon Foy's "Resurrect Dead" on Jan. 31 and Toniko Melo's "VIPs" on February. 14. Black-and-whitened pic "The Damaged Tower," which first showed only at that year's La Film Festival, stars author-director Franco as "Lost Generation" poet Hart Crane. "Gnarr," which opened only at that year's Tribeca Film Festival, stories comedian Jon Gnarr's campaign for mayor of Reykjavik. The campaign came from like a joke but grew to become a political statement and accomplished an unpredicted momentum that taken Gnarr into office. Focus World will electronically distribute the documentary throughout the peak of next year's U.S. presidential primary season. "Return," which opened included in the Directors' Week in the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, is really a drama in regards to a U.S. Military reservist (Linda Cardellini) who comes back home following a tour of duty and it has trouble readjusting to small-town existence. Michael Shannon and John Slattery co-star. Released captured, Focus World states it identifies and curates probably the most exciting voices in worldwide and independent cinema. A part of Focus Features' multiplatform strategy, Focus World presents game titles "of genuine vision and originality" as premiere releases on EST, iVOD and VOD, together with DVD along with other formats. The Main Focus World deals were closed by Avy Eschenasy, professional Vice president of proper planning, business matters and purchases, together with Kent Sanderson, manager of digital content. Contact Shaun Sneider at shaun.sneider@variety.com