The end of the Seville Films raises concerns

UPDATE ; DAY

The closure of the theatrical distribution division of Seville Films raised its share of concerns in the Quebec cinema community on Wednesday.  

One of the largest film distributors in Quebec, Les Films Sevilla confirmed Tuesday evening that it is ceasing its theatrical distribution activities. Several employees of this subsidiary of the giant Entertainment One learned the same day that they were losing their jobs. 

In the aftermath of this announcement, which created a shock wave in the industry, several industry stakeholders wondered what would happen to the company's huge catalog of films, which includes several major Quebec cinema successes of recent years. years including Mommy, 1991, Mafia Inc. and Liar.

“C' is sure that worries me, told the Journal producer André Rouleau (Starbuck, Funkytown). I have several films with them and I don't want the catalog to be run off the hook.”

Predictable?

Distributor Louis Dussault, of the K-Films Amérique box, believes for his part that the sinking of Seville Films was “predictable for 10 years”.

“We've been saying for 10 years that it was a big mistake to leave national distribution in the hands of a foreign company (Entertainment One], he laments. Institutions (SODEC, Telefilm Canada) have let that pass. What will happen to the films of Xavier Dolan, our national treasure, most of which have been distributed by Seville? And where will those of Denys Arcand, another national treasure end up?”

In an interview with TVA Nouvelles on Wednesday, producer Denise Robert (Les Invasions Barbares, De père en cop) said she feared that the disappearance of a important player in distribution in Quebec affects the next local productions.

“Seville was very important for the influence of our cinematography, underlined the renowned producer. I find it very worrying because if we go back from About ten years ago, we had five or six large distribution boxes, but most of them have closed their doors. your. There remained Seville, which had the means and the [enough solid] back to make major film releases. We have good companies that work very hard, but we lack the means. I think that what is important for the influence of our cinema is to have the capacity to launch films with significant means.”

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