Curzon Relaunches Specialist Distribution Label Artificial Eye

Hannah Abraham
·2 min read
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Artificial Eye, the arthouse distribution company established in 1976 by Curzon Cinemas, is set for a re-launch as a theatrical and home entertainment label.

Founded by Andi and Pam Engel, the label gained recognition for releasing independent, arthouse, and foreign language films, promoting films from directors such as Béla Tarr, the Dardenne Brothers, and Trần Anh Hùng.

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Artificial Eye went on hiatus in 2014, after being part of the Curzon group since 2006. In 2019, we told you Curzon Group and its subsidiaries, including Artificial Eye, had been acquired by U.S. indie distributor and exhibitor Cohen Media Group. Ruben Östlund’s Force Majeure was one of the last films released under the previous version of the label.

Curzon has continued to release critically acclaimed films under the Curzon Film label led by Managing Director Louisa Dent. One of their successes has been Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite, the highest-grossing foreign-language film ever at the UK box office. Dent will spearhead the selection of films for both Artificial Eye and Curzon Film, with the existing distribution team at Curzon operating Artificial Eye.

Artificial Eye will launch new branding alongside the release of the first film under the new banner, which will be Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeeha’s My Favourite Cake.

“With Curzon celebrating its 90th year, it feels fitting to see the return of Artificial Eye, a much-loved label with a rich history and global reputation amongst cinephiles,” said Curzon CEO Edward Fletcher. “At Curzon, we have witnessed exciting growth in young audiences seeking out classic and repertory cinema, and Artificial Eye has a deeply felt heritage value within that story. It feels like the perfect moment to bring the beloved label back.”

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