When you shoot a film on 65mm and with Dolby Atmos sound, it’s assumed that you want the finished product to be seen on the biggest screen possible with the best sound system money can buy. You definitely don’t assume that someone on their iPhone or iPad will watch it while laying in bed. But for filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón, sometimes there’s more important things than the size of the screen.
In a new interview with IndieWire, the Oscar-winning filmmaker takes the time to discuss why his latest film, “Roma,” is forgoing the typical distribution plan and being released on Netflix, despite the impressive technology used to create it.
For those that aren’t familiar with “Roma,” the highly-anticipated film from Cuarón tells the story of a middle-class family trying to stick together in Mexico City during the early 1970s. The film is being described as essentially an autobiography for the filmmaker, who deems the film his most personal. But instead of the normal fanfare that accompanies an Alfonso Cuarón film, “Roma” will be distributed by Netflix, while getting a small theatrical run to qualify for awards.
READ MORE: ‘Roma’: First Teaser Trailer For Alfonso Cuarón’s Long-Awaited Drama Will Wash Over You
“One of the things you have to keep in mind is today’s theatrical market for foreign-language films is really, really complex,” Participant Media CEO David Linde said about the choice to sign with Netflix. “We had to really think it through and figure out the best way for the film to be seen in theaters, but also to reach the largest audience possible. As we thought a lot about how the film would be presented around the world, Netflix’s presentation was very convincing.”
“It has to reach the biggest audience possible,” Cuarón said. “For me, when Netflix made a pitch to us, this film being so intimate for me, I was really concerned with the film not being able to reach as much of an audience as possible. Not even talking commercially, but securing a long life for the film … Now that we’re at the end of July, I’m very grateful so far for the way Netflix is handling it and the passion for the film.”
Judging by the conversation, it appears that Cuarón didn’t have the options that he had for such films like “Gravity” and “Children of Men.” You see, “Roma” doesn’t have an all-star cast and is entirely in Spanish, which led to some distributors passing on the project, not seeing the appeal to a worldwide audience. However, as anyone with a Netflix account can attest to, the streaming service is fast becoming the go-to destination for foreign-language films.
But don’t worry about the Netflix deal stopping people from seeing “Roma” in theaters. Linde and Cuarón both confirm that a theatrical run is in the works, but the theater count is still unknown. “The goal is for people to see it in the theater in all its glory and also for it to be seen by as many people as possible. Netflix is curating a distribution strategy that is global,” said Linde.
Whether you get to experience Cuarón’s passion project in theaters or the comfort of your own home, the filmmaker is just pleased that people will get the chance to see it, period.