BET Screens Weinstein Films

BET Networks and The Weinstein Company have joined forces for a multi-picture package of theatrical films.

BET has acquired network TV window rights to "The Longshots" and two soon-to-be-released films: "Soul Men" and "Hurricane Season." It also earned a portion of the network window rights to "The Great Debaters," which stars Denzel Washington as a teacher who turns an African-American college debate team in the Deep South into a powerhouse.

"These are great films that should be seen by the widest possible audience and have found a perfect home with BET," said Lee Solomon, COO for TWC.

"Soul Men," to be released Oct. 28, stars Samuel L. Jackson and the late Bernie Mac as a once-popular singing duo who perform one last time at the famed Apollo. "Hurricane Season" is based on a true story about a high-school basketball coach in post-Katrina New Orleans who pulls the team and the community together.

BET will also act as a promotional partner on both pictures. The network will broadcast its "106 and Park" show from the "Soul Men" premiere at the Apollo Theater. For "Hurricane Season," BET will air a town-hall discussion from John Ehret High School in Marrero, Louisiana.

"Movies perform exceptionally well on our network, and with the addition of compelling and entertaining Weinstein films, we are confident that we will be giving our audience more of what they want," said Stephen G. Hill, interim head of entertainment for BET Networks.

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