HOYTS Cinemas and independent distributor Kismet Movies have entered into an exclusive strategic partnership to acquire and release feature films across Australia and New Zealand, in a move designed to strengthen the theatrical market for independent cinema.
The agreement brings together HOYTS’ extensive exhibition network and audience reach with Kismet’s expertise in film acquisition and distribution, allowing the companies to secure titles earlier and support wider theatrical releases across both territories.
Importantly, films acquired through the partnership will not be exclusive to HOYTS cinemas, with both companies committed to securing broad theatrical distribution throughout Australia and New Zealand.
HOYTS Group president and CEO Damian Keogh said the partnership reflects increasing audience demand for distinctive independent films, while providing new opportunities to support Australian filmmaking.
“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,” Keogh 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.”
The partnership has already secured two initial acquisitions: Alex Ullom’s horror feature “4 X 4: The Event” and Australian psychological thriller “Feeding Ground”.
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Produced by Neon, “4 X 4: The Event” follows eight contestants who enter an illegal, sensory-assault livestream where they must kill or be killed using only items they can order online. The film is slated for a major US release in summer 2027.
Meanwhile, “Feeding Ground” marks the feature directorial debut of Nathan Lacey and Nick Lacey. The Australian thriller is produced by Brendan Donoghue, Nick Lacey, Nathan Lacey and Ian Booth, with major production investment from Screen Australia. The project was developed and produced in association with Screenwest and Lotterywest.
Kismet Movies co-founder Troy Lum said the timing of the agreement reflects renewed confidence in independent filmmaking and the opportunities emerging within a rapidly changing theatrical landscape.
“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,” Lum said.
“The current box office results show the opportunities in new kinds of content and delivery of that content.”
Founded in Sydney in 2020 by Lum and Jason Hernandez, Kismet has established a diverse distribution slate spanning international independent cinema and Australian productions. Its theatrical releases have included Oscar winner “Anora”, “Aftersun”, “Wog Boys Forever” and Australian documentary “Shackleton: The Greatest Story of Survival”.
More recent releases include “Holy Days”, “Jimpa”, “Together”, “Uproar” and “The Convert”.
HOYTS, meanwhile, operates more than 500 screens across its cinema network, giving the partnership significant exhibition reach as the companies look to build a slate of independent and locally produced features.
Further acquisitions and Australian and New Zealand release dates for the partnership’s initial titles have yet to be announced.