by FilmInk Staff
Kismet Movies and HOYTS Cinemas have entered into an exclusive strategic partnership to acquire and release feature films across Australia and New Zealand, combining distribution expertise with one of the region’s most extensive cinema exhibition networks.
The partnership between Kismet Movies and HOYTS Cinemas brings together the complementary strengths of two established industry leaders – with Kismet’s experience and track-record in film acquisition and distribution, and HOYTS’ extensive exhibition network and audience reach. As Australia’s largest cinema chain, HOYTS provides a unique platform for theatrical releases.
The alliance is designed to capitalise on the growing success of independent films, leveraging the scale of a national cinema network while supporting broad theatrical distribution opportunities across Australia and New Zealand. Films acquired through the partnership will be released widely across the market, including but not limited to HOYTS cinemas.
HOYTS Group President and CEO Damian Keogh said that as Australia’s largest cinema exhibitor, it sees firsthand the growing demand for distinctive, high-quality independent films.
“We are delighted to partner with the Kismet team, whose outstanding track record has brought a diverse range of independent films to cinema screens across Australia and New Zealand”, Damian said.
“This partnership enables us to secure and support great content earlier, while using HOYTS’ national footprint and audience reach to maximise its theatrical potential. It is also a genuine investment in Australian film, backing strong local stories from the outset.”
On the new partnership and its timing, Kismet Movies Co-Founder Troy Lum says the deal represents the huge faith that the market has in the resurgence and resilience of independent content.
“It is a market that is changing rapidly and by working hand in hand with a major exhibition chain, we feel the partnership will be best placed to take advantage of this evolving landscape”, Troy said.
“The current box office results show the opportunities in new kinds of content and delivery of that content.”
Among the venture’s initial acquisitions are the Neon horror production 4 X 4: THE EVENT, and the Australian thriller FEEDING GROUND.
In Alex Ullom’s horror feature 4 X 4: THE EVENT, eight contestants enter an illegal sensory-assault livestream where they must kill or be killed using only what they can order online. It is set for a major US release in summer 2027.
As part of its commitment to championing Australian stories and local cinema, the partnership has also acquired FEEDING GROUND, a psychological thriller and debut feature from directors Nathan Lacey and Nick Lacey and produced by Brendan Donoghue, Nick Lacey, Nathan Lacey and Ian Booth. Major production investment from Screen Australia, developed and produced in association with Screenwest and Lotterywest.
Kismet Movies and HOYTS Cinemas look forward to continuing to strengthen their partnership through the release of films that connect with audiences and respond to evolving market demand, with titles released broadly across Australian and New Zealand cinemas.
