VVS Films, a leading Canada-based film distributor, will expand its operations to Australia and New Zealand.
A24’s Nicolas Cage-starring comedy “Dream Scenario” is set as its first title for the new markets and will release on Jan. 1, 2024.
The new ANZ operation will be headed by executive director Brett Rosengarten and director of sales Sinclair Brook. They both report to VVS Films’ executive VP, Javi Hernandez, and to senior VP, Harry Grivakis.
Melbourne-based Rosengarten has a 28-year track record in the Australian industry and is current and ongoing CEO of Independent Cinemas Australia. He will be responsible for overseeing distribution activities.
Brook, who has some ten-years of experience with distributor Roadshow Films, will handle theatrical and digital release strategies across both territories.
Montreal-based VVS has been in operation for some 40 years. It has recently had commercial success with Australian-produced “Talk To Me,” and the “Has Fallen” and “Hitman’s Bodyguard” film franchises. It also handled arthouse films including “The Lighthouse,” “I, Tonya,” “Hell or High Water” and “The Farewell.” It claims a back catalog of over 400 titles, including “Spring Breakers,” “The Gentlemen,” “Rambo” and “Chef.”
“This is a strategic and exciting expansion for us as a company and with so many synergies between the three territories, it was a natural fit to combine them. Australia and New Zealand have robust theatrical appetites and Brett and Sinclair are perfectly poised to expand our operation down under,” said Hernandez and Grivakis.
“VVS is the premier home for commercial content in Canada, so I couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining the team at this time of expansion. We look forward to delivering a dynamic slate for Australian and New Zealand film lovers and we’re off to a flying start with ‘Dream Scenario’,” said Rosengarten.
Directed by Kristoffer Borgli, dark comedy, “Dream Scenario” was a breakout title at this year’s Toronto festival. It also stars Julianne Nicholson, Michael Cera, Tim Meadows, Dylan Gelula, Dylan Baker and Kate Berlant. Ari Aster serves as a producer, alongside Cage, Lars Knudsen, Tyler Campellone and Jacob Jaffke.