IFC

IFC to Stream the 40th Anniversary Monty Python Reunion for Fans Live and Uncut

Visit IFC.com or PythOnline.com October 15 @ 9:00 PM EST to See the Python Troupe LIVE on Stage at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York City

Live Streaming of this Historic Event Made Possible Through UStream

New York, NY – October 13, 2009 – The Independent Film Channel (IFC) announced today that Python fans across the U.S. will be able to enjoy the long-awaited reunion of the legendary Monty Python comedy troupe LIVE on IFC.com and PythOnline.com. The invitation-only event, held October 15 at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York City, will celebrate the group’s 40th anniversary and premiere the original IFC documentary, "Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut)."

By visiting IFC.com or PythOnline.com Thursday, October 15 at approximately 9:00 PM EST, audiences across the U.S. can watch the historic event reuniting all five surviving members of the Monty Python team – John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin – as they take to the stage for a Q&A discussion with the audience. IFC will produce the live stream in conjunction with UStream, the leading internet broadcasting platform.

This event marks the first time The Pythons have been together in this manner in more than ten years. In true Python fashion, the troupe will somehow appear in its complete six-member form for their 40th reunion, although Python member Graham Chapman died in 1989. The Pythons will also accept a Special Award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) honoring their outstanding contribution to film and television.

"Whenever you have the likes of John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin on stage together, in an unscripted format, no one can begin to predict what might happen. We’re delighted to be able to stream the Q&A LIVE, so Python fans everywhere can be a part of the spontaneous and spirited nature of the event," said Jennifer Caserta, executive vice president and general manager of IFC. "This reunion will undoubtedly make its mark in pop culture history."

Ustream President and Founder Brad Hunstable said, "The comedic legends behind Monty Python have touched generations around the world. We’re honored that IFC has selected our technology as a way to bring this historic event to people everywhere. Live streaming gives everyone a front row seat to The Pythons and we can’t wait to see what will unfold."

In addition to watching the event LIVE, fans can also embed the video into other web properties such as blogs, fan pages, and more by visiting http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ifclive.

IFC will air the full six-hour version of "Monty Python: Almost The Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut)" during the network’s six day "Python-a-thon" October 18th through 23rd at 9 PM Eastern/8 PM Central. The first part of the documentary premiers on Sunday, October 18, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. After each episode, IFC will air a classic Python film and an episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

About IFC
Operating under the mantra "always, uncut," IFC (The Independent Film Channel) recommends and creates genre-bending content that indulges the alternative culture obsessions of our influential audience and makes it available across multiple platforms: on-air, online and On Demand. In pursuit of what’s new, next and relevant, IFC creates original non-traditional comedies like The Whitest Kids U’ Know and Z Rock and irreverent non-fiction such as The IFC Media Project. IFC’s original programming airs alongside a comprehensive independent film library of award-winning titles and cult classics, as well as content inspired by Music, Web, Gaming, Animation, News & Culture and more. IFC broadens the audience for independent culture through its exclusive live coverage of notable film and music events like the Independent Spirit Awards and South by Southwest. The network’s on demand offering, IFC Free, gives audiences the opportunity to watch premieres of all of IFC’s original series before they air on the linear network. IFC Media Lab offers financing, professional development and distribution opportunities for aspiring film makers. IFC is a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC.

About PythOnline.com
PythOnline.com (powered by www.MashCast) is the official Monty Python website, online community and social network. It’s the destination for all things Monty Python, including troupe information, history, products and current events, and it’s where notoriously avid fans are invited to engage with the Monty Python brand in new and creative ways, through technology that is… well, something completely different. For more information, visit www.PythOnline.com.

About Ustream.TV
Ustream is the leading internet broadcasting platform. Ustream’s proprietary technology powers an easy-to-use, web-based interface, allowing anyone with a camera, computer and Internet connection to broadcast live to the world. Integrated with a host of interactive tools including chatrooms, co-host, and shout meter, Ustream’s platform delivers real-time, social experiences on the web. Since its beta launch in March 2007, Ustream has grown to 410,000 registered users broadcasting 10,000-15,000 live shows a day. Ustream.TV is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and is privately held. For more information, please visit: www.ustream.tv.

Press Contacts

  • Jaime Saberito
    646-273-3628
    jmsaberito@rainbow-media.com