AREA 23a is an exciting new hybrid model domestic distribution venture from Richard Abramowitz, founder of theatrical distribution label, Abramorama and Kirt Eftekhar, founder of international sales company, Ocule Films.

The new company’s focus is in filling the space left open by the contraction of the specialized distribution world and the concurrent reduction in traditional exhibition opportunities. “We know that the audience is there and our goal is to provide further motivation by making the theatrical experience unique and irreplaceable,” says Abramowitz.

“We saw, in the recent theatrical release of ‘ANVIL! The Story of Anvil,’ how audiences responded to seeing the band play live immediately after the screening. Our goal at AREA23a is to provide exactly that kind of value-added experience.” AREA23a will utilize grassroots and affinity marketing approaches to reach well-defined audiences, including booking speaking engagements and panel discussions for filmmakers, coordinating special events around their films and arranging college and university film/speaking tours. “In addition, the company will work with notable corporate sponsors to underwrite modified theatrical releases.

AREA 23A is all about building bridges between filmmakers and communities, further developing established film audiences, and working with appropriate partners to help drive distribution revenue streams,” says Kirt Eftekhar.

AREA 23a’s focus will be two fold: original releases under the AREA23a label and handling the non- theatrical needs of Abramorama, Ocule Films and other production companies. AREA23a’s upcoming releases include Barry Levinson’s POLIWOOD, Sacha Gervasi’s ANVIL! The Story of Anvil, Alex Rotaru’s THEY CAME TO PLAY, Aengus James’ AMERICAN HARMONY, and Ted Schlesinger’s ROBERT BLECKER WANTS ME DEAD.