In a weekend filled with a diverse selection of specialty films, CatVideoFest, alongside notable indie releases such as Shortcomings and Passages, captured the attention of arthouse and adult audiences. These independent films have not only added to the buoyant box office but also faced the formidable competition posed by blockbusters targeting similar demographics. However, despite the challenges, independent films continue to attract a dedicated following and make their mark in the industry.
Shortcomings: A Rising Star
Shortcomings, a Sundance favorite by Randall Park and written by Adrian Tomine, created a significant buzz by grossing an estimated $316.4k at 404 locations. With Justin Min leading the cast as Ben, a struggling filmmaker in Berkeley, California, the edgy romantic comedy has managed to resonate with a diverse and young audience. The strong word-of-mouth promotion has contributed to the film’s success, despite facing limitations imposed by the ongoing Hollywood strikes.
Ira Sachs’ Passages, distributed by Mubi, proved to be another indie success story, generating an estimated revenue of over $64k across three screens in New York and Los Angeles. With an impressive per screen average of $21.36k, Passages has marked itself as one of the top openings of the year at prestigious venues such as IFC Center, Film at Lincoln Center, and the Landmark Nuart. Starring acclaimed actors Franz Rogowski, Ben Whishaw, and Adèle Exarchopoulos, the romantic drama is set to expand to additional markets next weekend, further solidifying Mubi’s position as a significant player in independent film distribution.
Oscilloscope Laboratories’ annual CatVideoFest 2023, a compilation of adorable cat videos, had a successful run this weekend, grossing an estimated $115.5k across 41 locations. The event, founded by Seattle cat lover Will Braden in 2012, has become a charming tradition cherished by cat enthusiasts worldwide. In addition to providing entertainment, CatVideoFest partners with local animal shelters, allowing audiences to meet cats available for adoption. This unique initiative has undoubtedly contributed to the event’s popularity, with notable engagements in Chicago’s Music Box Theatre and Louisville’s Speed Art Museum.
While independent films continue to make an impact at the box office, they often face challenges that can hinder their success. Hollywood strikes, which limit promotional activities by actors, have added complexity to the release of independent films. Despite this setback, Shortcomings managed to overcome the restrictions by conducting extensive press activities before the work stoppage. However, navigating the ever-changing landscape of the film industry remains a significant challenge for indie filmmakers and distributors.
Andrew Carlin, Oscilloscope’s head of theatrical distribution, shed light on the flexibility indie films offer to theaters. Unlike traditional distribution models, indie films like CatVideoFest do not have strict release windows. They can be played for extended periods and at the convenience of the theater, allowing for greater flexibility and customization. This unique quality of indie films sets them apart from their blockbuster counterparts, providing theaters with a constant source of diverse content.
While indie films have managed to carve out their niche in the market, attempts at extending successful franchises have proven challenging. DogVideoFest, a counterpart to CatVideoFest, failed to resonate with audiences in the same way. It seems that cat people are drawn to the snooty attitude and funny mishaps exhibited by their feline counterparts. On the other hand, the inherently likable nature of dogs appears to deter audiences from watching them fall or fail. This distinctiveness highlights the unique appeal and content preferences of different demographics.
Bill Pohlad’s biopic Dreamin’ Wild, released by Roadside Attractions, generated an estimated $129,360 across 402 screens, showcasing the enduring interest in films that celebrate the lives of musicians. Emma Seligman’s Shiva Baby, re-released by Utopia, grossed an estimated $10,186 across seven locations, with notable sold-out shows in various cities. The highly anticipated film attracted considerable attention through pre-recorded Q&A sessions with Seligman and the cast. Additionally, What Comes Around, directed by Amy Redford and distributed by IFC Films, saw moderate success with an estimated gross of $4k across 14 theaters.
Among the holdovers, A24’s horror film Talk To Me retained its position at number eight in the domestic box office, earning $6.27 million on 2,370 screens. The film’s strong hold indicates its popularity and enduring appeal. Furthermore, the Hindi film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani managed to secure the ninth spot with over $1.5 million on 270 screens, demonstrating the continued global influence of Bollywood films. Finally, GKids’ Japanese animated film The First Slam Dunk grossed $98.7k in its second week, solidifying its success among anime enthusiasts.
The weekend box office showcased the resilience and appeal of independent films. Despite the challenges posed by Hollywood strikes and the dominance of blockbuster releases, indie films like Shortcomings, Passages, and CatVideoFest managed to carve out their space and attract dedicated audiences. The unique offerings and diverse content provided by independent films continue to play a crucial role in enriching the cinema landscape, offering alternative narratives and fresh perspectives for moviegoers.