The Theater is Dead, Long Live the Theater

Independent filmmakers gathered in Sundance this week with a unified message: the current distribution model is broken. With streaming services cutting back on acquisitions and theater chains focusing solely on blockbusters, indie films are trapped in limbo.

"We have movies that win awards but can't find a screen," says producer Sarah Jenkins. "The algorithm hates nuance."

The Rise of 'Event Cinema'

The solution? A return to the roadshow. Filmmakers are bypassing traditional distributors and booking one-night-only events in boutique theaters, accompanied by Q&As and exclusive merchandise. These "pop-up" screenings create a sense of scarcity and community that Netflix cannot replicate.

"It's like a concert tour," explains director Wes Anderson. "You take the band on the road. The movie is just the setlist."