First reported by us a week ago as part of our exclusive interview with Criterion, new details have emerged about IFC’s relationship with the boutique DVD company. It appears IFC’s rental exclusivity deal with Blockbuster is over (thank christ!) and they will be using both MPI and Criterion to help distribute their films. According to Variety, IFC will determine which films will head to MPI and which will go to Criterion, though Lisa Schwartz, IFC’s executive VP of Sales and Business Development does admit that having Criterion in their pocket will sweeten the pot when discussing potential distribution deals.
So what are the titles? As we noted, the screening of Steve McQueen’s “Hunger” by Criterion at ATP was no coincidence and we’re very pleased that Oliver Assayas’ “Summer Hours,” a film we loved, will be joining the collection. The previously hinted release of Steven Soderbergh’s “Che” will be released in December (though it was originally pegged for the fall; beggars can’t be choosers, we’re excited).
Also getting the prestigious “C” on its DVD cover are Jan Troell’s 2008 Golden Globe nominee “Everlasting Moments,” Hirokazu Kore-Eda’s stellar “Still Walking,” (one of 2008’s best, maybe now you’ll finally listen with Criterion validation) Abdellatif Kechiche’s Cesar Award winner “The Secret Of The Grain” (another total gem) Alfonso Cuaron’s breakout film “Y Tu Mama Tambien,” and Christopher Nolan’s debut, “Following.” As Mulvaney confirmed to us, Criterion already has twelve films locked up with IFC, and with this announcement that leaves three more to be revealed. That said, it certainly appears the releases won’t stop there. While we were told “Antichrist” is probably not coming, we’re still hoping it will be part of the next batch of titles to be licensed.
For those worried that Criterion is spending too much time focusing on contemporary films, this will not be good news, but it’s hard to argue with the logic behind their decision. As Peter Becker notes, “IFC Films has been on an incredible roll, hunting down daring international films and spotting film-makers whose work will stand the test of time. Criterion has always presented a mix of international classics and director-approved editions of important contemporary films, so this new slate of releases fits our mission perfectly.” In short, Criterion has further solidified their label as a home for foreign and important contemporary films, and in a marketplace where studios and independents are struggling to find places for niche films, this is fantastic news for film fans.