Yahoo Lifestyle Sundance Sex Worker Thriller ‘Ponyboi’ Dated For U.S. Release By Fox Entertainment Studios, Gathr
EXCLUSIVE: Ponyboi, the first film produced under Fox Entertainment Studios’ new indie label, Tideline, is set to hit theaters June 27, as Pride Month celebrations unfold across the U.S.
In addition to a traditional platform release, the film will utilize a Direct To Audience theatrical distribution strategy developed by event management platform Gathr, looking to expand its audience by way of community-driven screenings, coalition-building campaigns, and tailored outreach programs.
More from Deadline
World premiering to critical acclaim at last year’s Sundance Film Festival, Ponyboi is an adaptation of River Gallo’s award-winning 2019 short of the same name. Written by and starring Gallo, the film unfolds over the course of a single day, as a young sex worker named Ponyboi (Gallo) is thrown into chaos when a drug deal goes wrong, forcing him to go on the run from the mob and his abusive pimp (Dylan O’Brien). With the help of a mysterious cowboy, Bruce (Murray Bartlett), Ponyboi journeys through New Jersey’s underbelly on a quest for freedom.
Esteban Arango directed the pic, which has won awards including Best Feature at NewFest, Best Performance for Gallo at the Torino Film Festival, and Best International Feature at the Nvision Latino Film & Music Festival. Victoria Pedretti (You) and Indya Moore (Pose) round out the cast of the film produced by Mountain Top Pictures’ Mark Ankner, as well as Adel “Future” Nur, Trevor Wall and Gallo.
“Ponyboi beautifully melds River’s personal journey with a daring thriller, and we’re honored for this story to be the first picture under our new Tideline banner, in addition to enjoying a theatrical window during this year’s Pride Month festivities,” said Hannah Pillemer, Head of Scripted for Fox Entertainment Studios.
In a statement on the film’s distribution plan, producer Ankner said, “It’s refreshing to have FOX partner with a company like GATHR to elevate the theatrical experience and broaden the scope of opportunities out there for filmmakers to get their films seen in different ways.”
Stated Scott Glosserman, CEO of Gathr, “As a company that has always championed filmmaker-driven releases, GATHR is proud to empower PONYBOI’s journey to audiences. The D2A window isn’t just a value-add; it’s a transformational approach to engaging with today’s audiences in ways that traditional models often overlook.”
In addition to its June theatrical release, Ponyboi will be available on digital and VOD services in July.
Best of Deadline
Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
