Ryan Krivoshey launched a new distribution company called Grasshopper Film on Monday.
According to the announcement, Grasshopper will specialize in the release of acclaimed and award-winning independent cinema. The company will operate across all domestic markets with a goal to release eight to 12 titles a year theatrically, and over 50 titles to VOD platforms.
Grasshopper’s first release will be “Fireworks Wednesday” by Academy Award winning director Asghar Farhadi. Produced in 2006, it was never theatrically released in the United States, but is now looking at a March 16 release date in New York, followed by a national rollout.
Recent and new work from filmmakers such as Pedro Costa, Lav Diaz, Lisandro Alonso, Matt Porterfield, Thom Andersen, Joaquim Pinto and Jose Luis Guerin are confirmed for a 2016 release.
“This is a great time for independent film,” said Krivoshey. “In recent years, an incredible community has developed – from funding to festival to art-house – that fosters and supports audacious filmmaking in all forms, whether narrative or documentary or something in between. At Grasshopper, we look forward to being part of this community-at-large, to champion works we believe in, and expose them to audiences around the country.”
Grasshopper Films will also work to promote its library of films and documentaries across platforms not limited to theatrical, such as screenings on college campuses and community events. A home video label will launch this spring.
Krivoshey has worked in independent film distribution for over 15 years. Prior to launching Grasshopper, he led the Cinema Guild where he acquired films from Cannes, Berlin and other major film festivals. Prior to Cinema Guild, he worked at Icarus Films and Film Forum.
Grasshopper is a parter company to a global advisory firm titled Grasshopper Global.