VVS Films, Canada’s leading commercial motion picture distribution company, is expanding operations to Australia and New Zealand.
With over 40 years of operation in Canada, the Montréal-based distributor is backing its international expansion with a major investment in film content for distribution in Australia and New Zealand, launching with A24’s acclaimed comedy Dream Scenario starring Nicolas Cage, in cinemas January 1. A breakout title at this year’s TIFF, premiering to strong reviews, the dark comedy’s ensemble features Julianne Nicholson, Michael Cera, Tim Meadows, Dylan Gelula, Dylan Baker and Kate Berlant. A24 mainstay Ari Aster serves as a producer, alongside Cage, Lars Knudsen, Tyler Campellone and Jacob Jaffke, with Kristoffer Borgli directing.
Leading the ANZ expansion is newly appointed Executive Director Brett Rosengarten and Sinclair Brook as Director of Sales. Based in Melbourne, Rosengarten will be responsible for overseeing distribution activities, with Brook handling theatrical and digital release strategies across both territories. The pair bring an unrivalled mix of experience to VVS from Brook’s 10-year tenure at Roadshow Films, most recently as Senior Sales Manager, to Rosengarten’s 28 years of sales experience in major and independent distribution and current and ongoing position as CEO of Independent Cinemas Australia. They will report to VVS Films’ EVP, Javi Hernandez, and SVP, Harry Grivakis.
VVS Films said: “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.”
Rosengarten said: “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.”
VVS is best known for their success in launching major franchises in the Canadian market, including commercial hits Talk To Me, the “Has Fallen” and “Hitman’s Bodyguard” series and critically acclaimed arthouse films including The Lighthouse, I, Tonya, Hell or High Water and The Farewell. As the long-time Canadian leader in home entertainment and digital-first releases, VVS also has a robust catalogue of over 400 titles, including perennial favourites Spring Breakers, The Gentlemen, Rambo and Chef.
