As Sundance Kicks Off, the Specialty Film Biz Confronts an Uncertain Future
Gregg Goldstein, provided by
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As the 2021 Sundance Film Festival kicks off, the survival of independent and specialty films in theaters has never been more uncertain. Even when theaters fully reopen after COVID-19 vaccines roll out and the pandemic ends, how can arthouse pics survive amidst competition from similar films with A-list stars bowing on streamers and majestic franchise fare?
“There’s going to be strain on the marketplace,” says Peter Kujawski, Focus Features chairman. “How many theaters are going to struggle to reopen? How many films will find a large enough audience to justify the initial theatrical release?”