Abramowitz & Eftekhar Set Up Film Distribution Outfit

 NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES: Independent marketing and distribution consultant Richard Abramowitz and Ocule Films founder Kirt Eftekhar are launching a new distribution outfit, Area23a, focusing on event-driven films.

The company will look to offer alternative ways to reach audiences, providing theatrical exposure through openings in libraries, museums, community centers and college campuses, in addition to theaters, cinematheques and festivals. Area23a has already secured a home-entertainment output deal with New Video. New Video will handle the physical goods and digital distribution of all home-entertainment platforms, including DVD, VOD and mobile rights for Area23a titles. The first films on the slate for Area23a are Soundtrack for a Revolution, presented by Louverture Films and produced by Freedom Song Productions, and Sweet Crude. 

Abramowitz said, “It’s time to expand the definition of ‘theatrical’ distribution. When people leave their homes to see a movie, they’re seeking a communal experience. We’ll provide that and more: a live component, which can’t be duplicated at home on a flat screen or in a dorm on a laptop.” Eftekhar added, “We are going to produce thematic, movie-based events focused on well-defined audiences that we plan to nurture and cultivate. It’s experiential entertainment.”

“We congratulate and celebrate this new venture with Richard and Kirt,” commented Mark Kashden, the VP of acquisitions for New Video Group. “We’ll be able to leverage Area23a’s innovative theatrical marketing approach to successfully distribute these event-driven films nationwide across all physical and digital home-entertainment platforms.” 

“For a lot of films, the traditional theatrical release is prohibitively costly and, frankly, wrong,” added Abramowitz. “Area23a is designed to maximize exposure through social media as well as old school grass roots and position our films as integral parts of a vibrant dialogue.”