Story Ave, directed by Aristotle Torres and starring Luis Guzman, has taken the independent film market by storm. With its limited opening at the Quad Cinema, the film managed to gross an impressive $9.85k, drawing in audiences with multiple sold-out shows.
The film revolves around a no-nonsense subway operator, portrayed by Luis Guzman, who unexpectedly becomes a mentor to a teenager (Asante Blackk) entangled in the perilous world of Bronx graffiti gangs. The story, written by Torres and Bonsu Thompson, captivates viewers with its raw and authentic portrayal of the struggles faced by these characters.
Story Ave received the prestigious Best Cinematography award at the renowned SXSW festival. This recognition further solidifies the film’s standing as a remarkable piece of cinema. It garnered attention for its exceptional visual storytelling, showcasing the talent and vision of the director, Aristotle Torres.
Following its successful run at the Quad Cinema, Story Ave is set to expand its reach to other cities. Next on the list are Chicago and the Bronx next week, followed by Los Angeles and various additional markets on October 13th. This rollout strategy allows the film to build momentum and attract a wider audience across different regions, establishing a stronger presence in the independent film scene.
In an industry that is often challenging, Story Ave managed to pull in a diverse crowd from day one. Maxwell Wolkin, Kino’s director of theatrical distribution, emphasizes the importance of creativity and finding unique angles to appeal to audiences. The film’s relatability and compelling narrative have struck a chord with viewers, leading to its success in engaging and connecting with people on a deeper level.
Despite the hurdles faced by the film industry, such as inclement weather and theater closures, Story Ave remained resilient. Rainstorms in the New York metro area on opening night did not dampen the film’s grosses, and the Quad Cinema stayed open, allowing for sellout shows. This stroke of luck, combined with the film’s inherent appeal, contributed to its strong performance in the early stages of its release.
Story Ave joins the roster of other noteworthy independent films, distributed by Kino Lorber, such as Scrapper and Radical Wolfe, which are still drawing audiences in theaters. The New York Film Festival also highlighted the thriving independent film scene, with Lincoln Center theaters packed with enthusiastic crowds. This vibrant landscape provides a solid foundation for Story Ave and other independent releases to flourish and captivate viewers.
In a significant expansion, A24’s re-release of Stop Making Sense, a remastered 1984 Talking Heads concert film, grossed over $1 million on 786 screens. This achievement solidifies the enduring appeal of classic films and their ability to enthrall audiences even after decades.
While it was a relatively quiet weekend for new specialty openings, a few notable films emerged. Sony Pictures Classics’ Carlos, a documentary on the life and career of legendary musician Carlos Santana, succeeded in generating an estimated $367k on 541 screens. Additionally, The Kill Room from Shout! Studios grossed $87k on 355 screens, and Common Ground, directed by Josh & Rebecca Tickell, had a projected weekend gross of $37k in four locations.
It Lives Inside, distributed by Neon, had a robust second week, grossing an estimated $767.5k on 1,827 screens, amounting to a cumulative total of $4.27 million. Amerikatsi, Armenia’s submission for Best International Feature, also fared well, generating an estimated $37,589 on 26 screens in its fourth weekend, accumulating $345,353.
Story Ave has proven to be a breakout hit in the independent film market. Its success can be attributed to its captivating storyline, the recognition it has received, and its ability to resonate with audiences. The film’s expansion to new markets bodes well for its continued success, and the independent film landscape as a whole continues to provide a fertile ground for remarkable stories to unfold.