Alamo Drafthouse is launching a new distribution initiative called Alamo Exclusives to bring unreleased film festival titles to its theaters nationwide.
The program will offer limited theatrical runs for movies from events including Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, TIFF, Cannes, Berlin and Fantastic Fest that failed to secure traditional distribution deals. It aims to provide marketing support and big-screen exposure by working directly with filmmakers.
Michael Kustermann, CEO of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, said the effort builds on the chain’s long-standing support for independent film. “Alamo Exclusives is a natural extension of that,” he added.
The first title is the SXSW documentary “Butthole Surfers: The Hole Truth and Nothing Butt,” which will play across Alamo Drafthouse locations late this summer. Director Tom Stern welcomed the opportunity for audiences to see the film on the big screen.
Lisa Dreyer, director of Fantastic Fest and Film Innovation, said the initiative will seek titles across all genres to champion in this manner.