Indiecan Entertainment, spearheaded by Avi Federgreen, is expanding its horizons with the introduction of Pride Pictures, a groundbreaking North American distribution label dedicated to LGBTQ2S+ cinema. This initiative follows the successful launch of Indiecan Entertainment International, marking a significant step towards bringing diverse and underrepresented queer stories to a wider audience.
Pride Pictures is set to revolutionize the accessibility of queer cinema by offering a curated selection of films from around the globe, without the limitations of language or region. Avi Federgreen expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting the importance of showcasing the works of talented queer filmmakers to North American viewers, many of whom might only encounter such films at festivals.
“There’s a treasure trove of incredible films by queer filmmakers that deserve a broader audience, and Pride Pictures is here to make that happen,” said Federgreen.
Kirk Cooper, appointed as Head of Acquisitions, brings a wealth of experience to Pride Pictures, having previously worked on festival strategies for notable films. Cooper and Federgreen share a vision for Pride Pictures as a platform that transcends the queer community, aiming to educate and entertain a diverse audience. “In today’s climate, films have the power to enlighten as well as entertain, making Pride Pictures an essential initiative,” Cooper remarked.
The label is excited to announce its inaugural slate, featuring two remarkable films set for release in 2024: “LIGHT LIGHT LIGHT” from Finland and “EUDAIMONIA” from Canada.
“LIGHT LIGHT LIGHT” is a poignant narrative set against the backdrop of the 1986 Chernobyl explosion, focusing on Mimi, a new girl in a Finnish village, and her impact on 15-year-old Mariia. Directed by Inari Niemi and based on Vilja-Tuulia Huotarinen’s novel “Valoa Valoa Valoa,” the film explores themes of memory and return. The rights for this film were acquired through Manuela Tambascia of Intramovies.
“EUDAIMONIA” presents the story of Prudence, a telepathically gifted dishwasher and housecleaner who turns her clients’ stolen clothing into characters for public performances. As she navigates her estranged relationship with her artist mother and grapples with the cost of her telepathy, Prudence seeks deeper human connections. Dylan Rhys Howard directed and produced the film, with rights negotiated by Howard and Executive Producer Blake McWilliam.
Both films are scheduled for a summer release, signaling Pride Pictures’ commitment to enriching the cinematic landscape with diverse queer narratives.
Through its selection of international and homegrown films, Pride Pictures aims to illuminate the myriad experiences within the LGBTQ2S+ community, offering stories of love, challenge, and triumph to audiences across North America.
