New Wave Films
London-based independent distributor releasing bold international arthouse and documentary films theatrically across the UK, known for adventurous programming choices.
Overview
New Wave Films is a London-based independent film distribution company founded in 2009. The company releases international arthouse, documentary, and formally adventurous fiction films theatrically in the UK, building a reputation for programming choices that prioritize directorial vision and formal ambition over commercial accessibility. New Wave operates in the UK arthouse market alongside Curzon, MUBI, and BFI Distribution, each occupying a distinct programming identity within the broader specialty distribution ecosystem.
New Wave's catalog spans European arthouse, East Asian cinema, Latin American film, documentary features, and English-language independent titles that fit its aesthetic. The company releases between 10 and 20 films per year, with a selectivity that reflects a curatorial rather than volume-driven acquisition approach.
Distribution Model
New Wave distributes theatrically through partnerships with arthouse cinemas across the UK, with a focus on London venues alongside key regional markets including Edinburgh, Bristol, Manchester, and Brighton. The company handles its own marketing and publicity for theatrical releases and manages digital and home entertainment releases through platform partnerships.
The company's digital distribution includes placement on UK SVOD and TVOD platforms following the theatrical window. Some New Wave releases are also acquired by MUBI for streaming, given the overlap in programming aesthetic between the two companies.
What Filmmakers Should Know
New Wave is a realistic acquisition target for international filmmakers seeking UK theatrical distribution for formally adventurous work. The company's programming identity -- tilted toward films that might be described as challenging, formally rigorous, or aesthetically distinctive -- means it evaluates projects on artistic grounds rather than purely commercial ones.
For international films premiering at Cannes' Un Certain Regard, Directors' Fortnight, or Critics' Week sections, at the Berlinale Forum, at Locarno, or at Rotterdam, New Wave is a natural UK distribution partner. The company's openness to formally unconventional work makes it relevant for filmmakers whose projects may not fit the broader commercial arthouse market.
New Wave acquires through relationships with international sales agents and directly from festival screenings. The company's small scale means it has limited P&A budgets relative to Curzon or MUBI, but its curatorial commitment to each release it takes on provides genuine advocacy for the work.
Notable Releases
New Wave has distributed in the UK films by directors including Albert Serra, Miguel Gomes, and other major figures in international arthouse cinema. The company's catalog reflects a consistent commitment to cinema that challenges conventional narrative and formal categories.
See Also
For how UK arthouse distribution campaigns are structured, see Distribution Deals Explained. For an overview of how MUBI and specialist UK distributors serve the arthouse cinema audience, see Streaming vs Theatrical Revenue.
