“Exit Through The Gift Shop,” the mysterious is-it-a-documentary from the equally mysterious British street artist Banksy, entered the market on eight screens in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco this weekend. The result was a potent showing from a film that defied traditional release strategies, utilizing social media to get the word out. In addition, strong numbers also came this weekend from Argentine director Juan José Campanella’s Oscar winner “The Secret In Their Eyes” and James Ivory’s “The City of Your Final Destination.”
According to estimates provided by Rentrak earlier this afternoon, “Exit Through the Gift Shop” grossed $166,126, and averaged $20,770. For a film being released through a uniquely upstart DIY distributor, and for one with little traditional means of marketing, these are impressive numbers.
