Alamo Drafthouse is launching a distribution program aimed at introducing previously undistributed films from the festival.
Through Alamo Exclusive, the dining cinema will screen exclusive screenings of titles previously unavailable from festivals such as Sundance, SWSW, Tribeca, TIFF, Cannes, Berlin, and its own genre-specific Fantastic Fest. The company’s hope is to create a platform for well-received films that don’t necessarily fit into the traditional theatrical model. Post-pandemic times have been difficult for independent films, resulting in recent films leaving festivals without buyers. Drafthouse will work directly with filmmakers to bring their films to audiences nationwide, providing marketing assistance and big-screen exposure.
“Alamo Drafthouse has supported independent film from the beginning and built strong relationships with filmmakers because we know our audiences value discovering great films,” said Michael Kusterman, CEO of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. “They have shown time and time again that they support bold, original films when the opportunity arises. ‘Alamo Exclusive’ is a natural extension of that. It gives us another way to champion filmmaker-driven films that deserve to be discovered and connect with the broader Alamo Drafthouse audience.”
Alamo Exclusives kicks off with the SXSW documentary “Butthole Surfers: The Hole Truth and Nothing Butt.” The film, which follows an Austin-based punk band, will have an exclusive theatrical release at Alamo Drafthouses nationwide later this summer.
“Too often, great films premiere at festivals and then don’t receive the theatrical life they deserve,” said Lisa Dreyer, director of Fantastic Fest and Film Innovation. “We’re actively looking for films across all genres, from horror to comedy and everything in between, to champion this new and exciting way. We’re thrilled to launch the Butthole Surfers: The Whole Truth and Nothing Butt program. It’s a film that’s bold, funny, unapologetically original and deeply connected to Austin’s creative DNA. We can’t think of a better film to begin this new chapter with.”
Alamo Exclusive builds on the company’s existing efforts to platform all types of movies, not just blockbusters. Alamo Drafthouse is already filling its release calendar with repertoire programming, special events, and exclusive initiatives. There’s also Drafthouse Recommendations, a nod to approval from moviegoers who program the chain’s slate.
“We love that the Alamo audience is passionate movie fans who truly love great documentaries and independent films,” says “Butthole Surfers” director Tom Stern. “Knowing that this film will be experienced on the big screen by such an audience makes this release especially meaningful.”
