Side by Side, a Company Film production, produced by Keanu Reeves and directed by Chris Kenneally was picked up for North America distribution by Tribecca Films. In her article for Film Festival Today, Tribeca Buys Keanu Reeves Digital Doc, Sandy Mandelberger relates the following piece of new information:
Tribeca Film is planning a summer release on a multi-platform basis that includes theaters, VOD and special college campus/film school presentations.
In an earlier LA Times article (February 17) , Chris Kenneally and Keanu Reeves said the following with respect to a theater release:
Currently, says Kenneally, there is no theater distribution scheduled -– ironically, Tribeca Film will offer the film as video on demand. Reeves said he wished “Side by Side” would make it to theaters, but he’s not sure the market is there. “To me, to make a film is still about the big screen. But I’m old school!” he adds with a laugh.
If true, a theater release for Side by Side is most welcome. Considering how well Side by Side was received at the Berlinale, perhaps Tribeca Films has decided to go with a theater release to qualify for Oscar consideration which requires a seven day theater run in both Los Angeles and a Manhattan borough.