Solutions Based: Who Should Save Independent Film?

Writer Anthony Kaufman reflects on the state of independent film distribution following the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, which hosted a “Future Models” Think Tank, including commentary from industry leaders John Sloss of Cinetic Media, producer Jamie Patricof, Keri Putnam (former CEO of the Sundance Institute and current Walter Shorenstein Media and Democracy Fellow), distribution executive Tom Bernard (Co-President of Sony Pictures Classics), and Tim League (Alamo Drafthouse Founder), among others. Kaufman identifies the belief that exhibitors could do more to keep independent films on screen for longer, as well as ideas surrounding maintaining audience interest in continued theatrical engagement. He also provides insight from another Sundance event that focused more on technological entrepreneurs, featuring information on the potential of Kinema, Letterboxd, and DPOP Studios—as well as from Brian Newman’s New York City talk following the festival, “Film Distribution in Crisis.” Despite the challenges conveyed by Kaufman, there is optimism that innovative solutions may emerge, and some filmmakers still believe in the power of traditional theatrical releases and word-of-mouth promotion.