Off the Fence has landed the distribution rights to the 90-minute film Crime or Rescue, about a pair of activists who fall in love while risking imprisonment to rescue animals from testing facilities and factory farms.
The “romantic true crime” film, directed by Rebecca Loviconi (SLAY), is expected to be ready for delivery later this year. It is produced by Ellen Windemuth and Jay Karandikar and features music by Moby, also an EP on the film.
“For years I followed people who risk prison to save animals— and somewhere along the way, I watched two of them fall in love,” Loviconi said. “Crime or Rescue is the most urgent, and the most human story I have ever told about love, inspiration and courage.”
The story features exclusive access to activists who raided Ridglan, a Wisconsin beagle breeding facility, focusing on Wayne Hsiung and Rose Patterson.
“This is a major coup for us and a blueprint for the future of impact filmmaking—high-stakes stories that entertain, engage and drive real-world action while the mission is still unfolding,” said Bo Stehmeier, CEO at Off the Fence.
Missed our in-depth conversation with Bo ahead of Sunny Side of the Doc? Watch it here.
“Crime or Rescue has all the emotional and narrative hooks to compete with premium crime and thriller content, while offering audiences the rare opportunity to help shape a real-world outcome. Rooted in a headline-making true story and backed by an authentic A-list ambassador with a global following, the film comes with a built-in audience and the reach to turn awareness into action. Off The Fence will be taking the project to market in search of broadcast and platform partners who want to align with a truly exceptional opportunity—one that combines commercial appeal, global audience engagement and measurable real-world impact.”
