Netflix pulled out of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival earlier this year because the fest organisers decided to ban films from competing unless they secured a local theatrical release. And Netflix wants its films only to release on its platform. But the tide seems to be turning somewhat. In a bid to attract A-list directors to make movies for the streaming service, Netflix is considering putting Alfonso Cuaron's upcoming Roma in theatres before it releases online.
According to Hollywood Reporter, Netflix is seriously wooing top directors like Cuaron, Paul Greengrass and the Coen brothers, and wants to better its chances at the awards race as well. Hence, they are considering making exception to the no-theatre-release rule in some cases. Apart from Cuaron, Greengrass too wants his new film 22 July to have a theatrical run than just grace the festival circuit.
Both Roma and 22 July are making their premieres at the Venice Film Festival this week. They are among the six Netflix films screening there — including Alessio Cremonini's On My Skin and the Coens' The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.
(Source: Hollywood Reporter)
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