Refinery29 is getting into the feature film game. The young women’s digital media and entertainment company is partnering with NEON, the studio behind “I, Tonya” and “Ingrid Goes West,” to “identify, purchase, and co-distribute films that align with both companies’ missions to work with rule-defying storytellers that continue to challenge the audience.”
“Assassination Nation,” a thriller about a small town that erupts into chaos after a hacking scandal, and Nia DaCosta’s modern Western “Little Woods” will be the first films distributed by Refinery29 and NEON. The former hits theaters September 21. No word on a release date for “Little Woods” yet. Tessa Thompson and Lily James star in the Tribeca winner.
Refinery29 and NEON’s collaboration will also see NEON distribute select Shatterbox short films. From Refinery29, Shatterbox is an online shorts series designed to boost female filmmakers. Shatterbox shorts — which include Kristen Stewart’s “Come Swim,” Chloe Sevigny’s “Kitty,” and Anu Valia’s “Lucia Before and After” — have netted five million views so far.
Refinery29 is also home to original web series and “R29 Features,” a doc series about women making change all over the world.
“Since its inception, NEON has established itself as a major player in the industry, disrupting the way the next generation consumes and views films, which aligns with how we speak to and challenge our audience and the media industry as a whole,” said Amy Emmerich, Chief Content Officer, Refinery29. “Following the success of our short film series, Shatterbox, we are excited to expand our storytelling and experiential offerings and make our mark on the feature film business.”
NEON Senior Vice President Christina Zisa added, “We’re excited to be working with Refinery29 and launching films like ‘Assassination Nation’ and ‘Little Woods’ for the company’s smart, passionate audience of women and to bolster our shared dedication to female filmmakers and female-driven films.” Zisa continued, “We couldn’t think of a better brand and partner to align with than Refinery29, as their commitment to creating and supporting content that speaks to young women today is unparalleled.”
