By: Maha Khan
In the ever-evolving world of film distribution, independent and arthouse cinema often face unique challenges that require a delicate balance of artistic integrity and commercial viability. Eunice Tan is at the forefront of this dynamic industry and a passionate advocate for storytelling, particularly for those who champion underrepresented voices and address thought-provoking themes. For Tan, the journey into independent and arthouse film distribution began with an appreciation for compelling narratives challenging the norm.
“My journey into independent and arthouse film distribution started with a deep passion for unique stories or ‘challenging topics’ and providing a platform for underrepresented voices,” says Eunice Tan. “Working across various roles in filmmaking, whether directing, producing, or collaborating behind the scenes, helped me see the industry from multiple perspectives.”
At 7th Art Releasing, Tan’s expertise is integral to the company’s mission. She emphasizes both the artistic and strategic aspects of film distribution. She works to help films reach the right audiences while preserving their creative essence. Navigating the intersection of creative vision and market success is a fundamental challenge, but Tan advocates for authentic storytelling while devising effective distribution plans.
“We advocate for authentic storytelling while crafting distribution plans highlighting a film’s appeal without losing its essence. At 7th Art Releasing, the films we handle fall under similar areas of interest, and while distribution plans for each film don’t vary significantly, the key lies in consistently building connections with organizations, institutions, and communities. These partnerships are essential to aligning the filmmaker’s vision with audience engagement and helping with a film’s success,” she explains.
Independent and arthouse films often grapple with obstacles such as limited funding, complex distribution channels, and an oversaturated market dominated by blockbuster productions. Additionally, the rise of on-demand streaming has significantly altered audience behavior, making visibility a pressing issue. Despite these hurdles, Tan remains hopeful.
“The layers in the distribution process, limited funding options, and an oversaturated market often make it challenging for indie films to compete with big-budget productions or gain visibility in mainstream spaces. On top of that, audience behaviors and trends are evolving faster and more unpredictably than ever, especially after the impact of on-demand streaming. Despite these challenges, I believe the demand for unique, authentic, meaningful stories provides hope and opportunity for arthouse films,” says Tan.
Remaining ahead of trends is vital for success in film distribution. Tan closely follows industry changes, attending film festivals that serve as valuable platforms for discovering emerging narratives and gauging audience preferences. The digital transformation—particularly the influence of streaming services—has reshaped the industry, making global accessibility easier yet increasing competition.
“I stay ahead of industry trends primarily through film festivals, which provide valuable insights. The impact of digital streaming has already reshaped the landscape, and we can expect this evolution to continue. AI is also being integrated into certain aspects of filmmaking, particularly during the production stage. Realistically, dramatic changes may not be imminent regarding independent film distribution (especially documentaries). That said, I continue to encourage filmmakers to create and tell their stories because there is still ample opportunity and space for strong, authentic filmmaking to thrive,” she states.
At the heart of independent film distribution lies a profound sense of fulfillment—guiding impactful stories to the right audiences, sparking essential dialogues, and witnessing these films’ resonance firsthand. Tan finds this to be one of the rewarding aspects of her work.
“Guiding impactful stories to their audiences, watching films spark dialogue, and seeing audiences deeply resonate with the films and their creators are some of the fulfilling aspects of my role. Storytelling is not just an art form; it’s a powerful tool for raising awareness about unspoken issues worldwide. Many filmmakers pour their hearts into their work, often sharing deeply personal stories, and knowing that we can help bring those stories to light feels like a meaningful accomplishment.”
Streaming services have undoubtedly transformed the distribution landscape, providing unprecedented access to global audiences. However, they also introduce challenges, particularly regarding discoverability and revenue models. For distributors, streaming platforms serve as partners rather than competitors, offering new opportunities for collaboration.
“Streaming platforms have expanded global access for many films, providing opportunities to reach audiences worldwide. However, they also bring challenges, particularly around visibility in a crowded market and the complexities of revenue models. For distributors, streaming platforms are viewed as partners rather than competitors. Many have adapted their business models to work collaboratively with these platforms, and this trend is likely to continue as the technology and distribution models evolve further.”
Selecting films for distribution involves carefully considering several key factors: cultural relevance, emotional impact, storytelling strength, and audience engagement potential. At 7th Art Releasing, Tan works closely with Udy Epstein to assess a film’s ability to resonate and spark meaningful conversations, helping each acquisition align with the company’s mission.
“Udy Epstein and I work closely, carefully considering each film we acquire. Our evaluation often focuses on the film’s cultural relevance, emotional impact, the strength of its story, its potential to connect with audiences, and its ability to spark meaningful conversations. These elements are key in determining whether a film will resonate and make an impact.”
For independent filmmakers, standing out in a crowded market requires a commitment to authenticity. Tan encourages them to focus on storytelling that genuinely resonates with their intended audience. Engaging with audiences at film festivals, participating in Q&A sessions, and forging partnerships with press and online communities are essential strategies.
“Focus on authenticity and create stories that genuinely resonate with your intended audience. Attending festivals and engaging directly with audiences through Q&A panels or community events can amplify a film’s visibility and impact. Building partnerships, gathering press coverage, and strengthening your online presence would also help boost visibility and build a sense of community around your film. These efforts increase awareness and help establish a loyal audience base for your work.”
As the film distribution landscape evolves, so does the role of independent distributors like Eunice Tan. She remains committed to championing independent cinema and helps compelling narratives reach the audiences they deserve.
“The evolving industry provides a platform for continued experimentation, constantly pushing the boundaries of how stories are told and experienced. I’m genuinely excited about discovering more compelling stories and bringing them to wider audiences. I’m also eager to take on more distribution campaigns, which helps films shine and creates opportunities to connect with new and expanding global audiences. The ongoing challenge of adapting to these changes while staying true to the essence of independent cinema inspires and motivates me every step of the way.”
Published by Anne C.
