Mansa And AMC Theatres Join Forces To Elevate Black Culture In Theatrical Distribution
In a groundbreaking collaboration that celebrates Black culture, Mansa, a free ad-supported streaming service, has partnered with AMC Theatres to showcase its original features and series on the big screen nationwide. As the film industry adapts post-Covid, this distribution deal signifies a shift in strategies for both specialty distributors and streamers, as well as the growing demand for alternative content sources. Mansa's unique DNA, founded by acclaimed filmmakers and actors David Oyelowo, Nate Parker, Chiké Okonkwo, and tech entrepreneur Zak Tanjeloff, played a crucial role in forging this exceptional agreement.
Mansa's Chief Commercial Officer, Chris Yates, emphasized the company's commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices that have long been overlooked in traditional entertainment circles and distribution models. The collaboration with AMC provides a platform to challenge the status quo and grant deserving filmmaker partners the distribution, exposure, and recognition they deserve.
Specific titles, release dates, and locations will be announced later this year, according to Yates. Although details about ticket sales division remain undisclosed, Yates confirmed the presence of a commercial relationship between the two companies. The duration of theatrical engagements will vary, but all titles will enjoy exclusive theater releases rather than simultaneous streaming availability.
Mansa offers an extensive collection of on-demand films, TV shows, short-form content, and a variety of FAST (Free Ad-Supported Television) channels, all dedicated to showcasing global Black culture. Notably, Mansa has already secured $8 million in seed round financing, led by MaC Venture Capital and supported by renowned industry figures such as Jeffrey Katzenberg's WndrCo, Galaxy Investment Partners, Base Ventures, Rainmaker Films, Black Capital VC, and Robert F. Smith.
The collaboration between Mansa and AMC extends beyond mere distribution. The two entities plan to organize special events surrounding the premieres of selected titles, including Q&A sessions featuring filmmakers and actors. This initiative aims to foster lasting relationships with creators and talent involved in producing original content for Mansa's platform, offering them the opportunity to share in the company's success and become part of a thriving network of creatives.
AMC Theatres was drawn to the partnership due to Mansa's mission and vision. Nikkole Denson-Randolph, SVP Content Strategy at AMC, expressed their dedication to bringing compelling and dynamic stories to their theaters, especially those that have been historically underrepresented on screen. This collaboration provides AMC with an additional avenue to deliver fresh and captivating content from diverse emerging filmmakers and creatives to audiences nationwide.
The distribution agreement between Mansa and AMC Theatres represents a groundbreaking collaboration centered on elevating Black culture in the world of theatrical releases. By providing a platform for underrepresented voices and offering unique storytelling experiences, Mansa aims to reshape the entertainment landscape and give deserving filmmakers the recognition they deserve. This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to inclusivity and highlights the ongoing evolution of the film industry, where traditional distribution models are being reimagined in order to reflect the diverse stories and experiences of audiences worldwide.
