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Kino Lorber
Kino Lorber is expanding its prestige international distribution footprint through the acquisition of MHz Networks and a wave of new executive hires, while maintaining a steady cadence of art house acquisitions across drama and documentary.
Current mandate
Kino Lorber is currently integrating its acquisition of MHz Networks, parent of streamer MHz Choice, and has brought on former AMC Networks executives Ed Carroll and Lisa Schwartz to shape content and distribution strategies alongside founder Richard Lorber and COO Martha Benyam. The company is pushing further into digital spaces while sustaining its position as one of the most prolific distributors in the art house space. Recent landmark acquisitions include the Sundance Special Jury Award winner "Filipiñana" and the Oscar-shortlisted documentary "Mr. Nobody Against Putin," signaling continued appetite for internationally decorated titles.
Over the past twelve months, Kino Lorber has logged 52 tracked records and demonstrated a consistent pattern of acquiring North American rights to festival-proven international films. The slate spans coming-of-age drama ("Amrum," directed by Fatih Akin), psychological drama ("The Currents," a TIFF world premiere from Milagros Mumenthaler), documentary ("Mr. Nobody Against Putin"; "The Story of Documentary Film"), and international drama with strong festival pedigree ("Filipiñana," with a European premiere at Berlinale). The company's prior success with "Chile '76" (also listed as "1976") has reinforced an ongoing relationship with Chilean and Latin American cinema, and female-centered historical narratives remain a recurring content focus.
Filmmakers and rights holders seeking North American distribution should approach Kino Lorber through established festival channels, particularly Sundance, TIFF, and Berlinale, where the company has demonstrated active acquisition behavior. With Carroll and Schwartz now in place and MHz Choice providing an expanded streaming outlet, the company is positioned to absorb both theatrical and digital-first titles. Unsolicited submissions are not a documented pathway; representation or festival placement is the most reliable access route.
Signature peaks
- Sundance + Berlinale + TIFF Festival-Decorated Acquisitions — Recent slate includes titles premiering at all three major festivals
- MHz Choice (acquired) Streaming Infrastructure — Kino Lorber acquired MHz Networks, parent of streamer MHz Choice, expanding digital reach across North America
- 36 decision makers tracked Executive Expansion — Former AMC Networks execs Ed Carroll and Lisa Schwartz joined to lead content and distribution strategy
Mandate dimensions
- Genre focus
- documentary, drama, horror
- Territory focus
- United States
- Budget tier (observed)
- Not disclosed
- Access pattern
- Festival premiere at Sundance, TIFF, or Berlinale is the most documented access pathway. Representation by a sales agent with existing Kino Lorber relationships is strongly advised. No unsolicited submission process is on record.
- Deal structure
- North American distribution rights acquisitions, covering both theatrical and streaming release. Recent deals include Kino Film Collection streaming rights alongside theatrical. Budget figures are not disclosed in available acquisition records.
Recent acquisitions
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Amrum
“Kino Lorber has acquired North American distribution rights to Fatih Akin’s coming-of-age drama ‘Amrum.’”
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Filipiñana
North American rights acquired for Sundance Special Jury Award for Creative Vision winner; European premiere at Berlinale
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Mr. Nobody Against Putin
Oscar-shortlisted documentary acquired for theatrical and streaming on Kino Film Collection beginning January 22
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The Currents
North American rights to Milagros Mumenthaler's TIFF world premiere; theatrical release planned for 2026
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The Story of Documentary Film
Market context
"Following our acquisition of the MHz Choice streaming service, it's the perfect time for them to join, as we further innovate our distribution strategies to make prestige international film and TV content accessible to audiences throughout North America."
Kino Lorber is currently integrating its acquisition of MHz Networks, parent of streamer MHz Choice, and has brought on former AMC Networks executives Ed Carroll and Lisa Schwartz to shape content and distribution strategies alongside founder Richard Lorber and COO Martha Benyam. The company is pushing further into digital spaces while sustaining its position as one of the most prolific distributors in the art house space. Recent landmark acquisitions include the Sundance Special Jury Award winner "Filipiñana" and the Oscar-shortlisted documentary "Mr. Nobody Against Putin," signaling continued appetite for internationally decorated titles.
Common questions about Kino Lorber
Does Kino Lorber accept unsolicited script or film submissions?
There is no documented process for unsolicited submissions at Kino Lorber. The company's acquisition pattern is driven by festival discovery and established industry relationships. Filmmakers are strongly advised to secure representation or secure a premiere at a major festival before approaching the company. Kino Lorber has shown consistent acquisition activity at Sundance, TIFF, and Berlinale, making those the most reliable entry points for getting on the company's radar.
What budgets or budget ranges does Kino Lorber typically acquire?
Budget figures are not disclosed in Kino Lorber's recent acquisition announcements. The company operates in the art house and prestige international space, where production budgets tend to be modest by studio standards. None of the five most recent acquisitions, including 'Amrum,' 'Filipiñana,' 'Mr. Nobody Against Putin,' 'The Currents,' and 'The Story of Documentary Film,' carried a disclosed acquisition price or production budget in available coverage.
Which film festivals does Kino Lorber actively acquire from?
Kino Lorber has demonstrated active acquisition behavior at Sundance, TIFF, and Berlinale. 'Filipiñana' won the Sundance Special Jury Award for Creative Vision and had its European premiere at Berlinale before Kino Lorber secured North American rights. 'The Currents,' directed by Milagros Mumenthaler, was a TIFF world premiere. The company's prior acquisition of 'Chile '76' (also known as '1976') further reflects a pattern of sourcing titles from internationally prominent festival circuits.
How do I reach Kino Lorber's acquisitions team?
Kino Lorber tracks 36 decision makers according to recent data. Key leadership includes founder Richard Lorber and COO Martha Benyam, with newly hired former AMC Networks executives Ed Carroll and Lisa Schwartz now shaping content and distribution strategy. Industry-standard outreach through a sales agent or producer's rep with existing relationships at the company is the most documented pathway. Festival premieres at Sundance, TIFF, or Berlinale have historically preceded confirmed acquisitions.
What genres is Kino Lorber focused on acquiring right now?
Current acquisition signals point to international drama, documentary, and psychological drama. The company has a documented content focus on international political dramas with mystery or thriller elements, female-centered perspectives on historical narratives, and Chilean and Latin American cinema, shaped in part by the success of 'Chile '76.' Recent acquisitions also include coming-of-age drama ('Amrum' by Fatih Akin) and an Oscar-shortlisted documentary ('Mr. Nobody Against Putin'), indicating broad appetite within the prestige international lane.
Is Kino Lorber currently active in acquisitions?
Yes. Kino Lorber logged 52 tracked records over the past 12 months and confirmed one deal in the past 90 days. The most recent acquisition signal is dated June 24, 2026. The company is also in an active strategic expansion phase following its acquisition of MHz Networks and the hiring of former AMC Networks executives Ed Carroll and Lisa Schwartz, suggesting continued appetite for both theatrical and streaming-eligible titles across North America.
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