Ending months of speculation, Robert Redford has announced that the Massachusetts-based family-run General Cinema Theatres, which operates 185 theatres with 1,168 screens in 25 US states, will be his partner in Sundance Cinemas.
Although the announcement did not clarify the terms of the deal or a time frame, it is expected that General Cinema will be looking to build a major national circuit of theatres dedicated to art-house fare similar to the programming currently available on the Sundance Channel. One source talked in terms of 'hundreds of screens' to be built over the next five years.
General Cinema has promised to build Sundance theatres in 'urban, suburban and college locations'.
'Sundance Cinemas is the logical extension of our efforts over the past 18 years to expand the opportunities for independent filmmakers to reach the broadest possible audience,' Redford commented. 'I also believe that filmgoers are starved for new ideas, voices and visions.'
With the festival, television channel and now a theatrical chain all in place, the question remains if-and-when Redford and/or the Sundance Institute will become fully involved in film distribution, offering a viable alternative to the likes of Miramax, October, Fine Line, Fox Searchlight and Sony Classics. It is also still unclear where the money will come from to build and market such a major chain of theatres. CP
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