Alex Gibney’s ‘The Bibi Files’ to Self-Distribute on Jolt: “A Lot of the Major Outlets Just Were Nervous”

by

As a seasoned gamer with a knack for seeking out hidden gems in the vast digital landscape, I’m thrilled to see the emergence of platforms like Jolt that cater to unique and thought-provoking content. The Bibi Files is just the kind of game-changing documentary that piques my interest, and it’s unfortunate that traditional outlets were hesitant to embrace its raw, unfiltered storytelling.

The sensational documentary, “The Bibi Files,” featuring clandestine recordings from Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu’s corruption trial interrogations, is scheduled for streaming on the fresh platform called Jolt.

The movie directed by Alexis Bloom, known for “Divide and Conquer” and “We Steal Secrets”, and produced by Alex Gibney, recognized for “The Inventor” and “Going Clear”, will be available to stream on the platform from December 11th for a period of 90 days. According to The Hollywood Reporter, streaming this film will cost $12 on Jolt, a platform that launched earlier this year and is currently also distributing films such as “Hollywoodgate” from the Venice Film Festival and “Gaucho Gaucho”, which won the Sundance jury prize. Variety was first to report on the distribution of “The Bibi Files”. In simpler terms, starting December 11th, you’ll be able to stream an exciting new movie on Jolt for $12 over a 90-day period. This movie is directed by Alexis Bloom and produced by Alex Gibney, who have worked on notable films like “Divide and Conquer”, “We Steal Secrets”, “The Inventor”, and “Going Clear”.

The decision was made following overseas distributors showing interest in the film, but not within the U.S., as per Gibney’s statement to THR. Gibney explained, “It was evident that most of the major platforms were quite apprehensive, extremely apprehensive I would say, about anything even slightly controversial because it might upset some viewers, despite its potential appeal to many.” He further added, “The landscape has shifted compared to what it once was, so we opted for a fresh approach that I believe offers an innovative means of reaching audiences, as the mechanisms they use are designed to find viewers rather than alter content.” (It seems that Gibney is hinting at streamers using their data to guide creative choices.)

Gibney mentions that certain broadcasting platforms might require a considerable amount of time to air a movie like this one, however, the filmmakers believed it was necessary to release the film promptly due to the intense focus on Netanyahu during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. As for Director Bloom’s perspective, he stated, “I didn’t want the film to get delayed by traditional outlets that might say, ‘We’ll take your movie, but we can only release it at the end of next year.’ Such delays could occur.

The movie by Bloom focuses on the prolonged corruption scandal surrounding Netanyahu, featuring interrogation clips of Netanyahu, his wife Sara, and son Yair, along with interviews from ex-Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert, former Netanyahu aide Nir Hefetz, previous Shin Bet head Ami Ayalon, and investigative journalist Raviv Drucker. Prior to its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, Netanyahu filed a lawsuit against the film and Drucker, aiming to prevent its release; however, an Israeli judge dismissed the attempt, allowing the screening to proceed as scheduled.

Gibney mentions that he has received numerous phone calls and messages regarding the movie, despite some significant entertainment firms choosing to distance themselves. He explains, “We sought a partner who would eagerly join us in our endeavor as we are confident that the public is interested in it.

The movie is set to have a brief Oscar-eligible theatrical debut, starting at the Laemmle theater in Santa Monica, CA on November 15th. On December 11th, it will simultaneously launch in New York at the IFC Center, and at the same time, stream online. The filmmakers have expressed their willingness to pursue a broader U.S. distribution deal following this initial screening period.

In June, the creators of the Amazon labor organizing documentary titled “Union” declared they would independently distribute the movie due to a similar lack of interest from significant entertainment corporations. The movie will make its initial streaming debut on the platform Gathr, between Black Friday and Giving Tuesday in November.

Tara Hein-Phillips, CEO of Jolt, has noticed a surge in interest towards their platform. This platform showcases films spanning various genres and presents itself as a space for projects that have been neglected by mainstream media. As documentary filmmakers face a more cautious investment landscape, they are encountering difficulties in selling their work. According to Hein-Phillips, the initial reaction was one of shock when films weren’t being bought. This was followed by a period of despair, but now she is encouraged as filmmakers start to view these challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles.

In a broader perspective, Bloom states, “We require additional platforms for films to thrive, and we must think outside the box.” She further explains, “As we increasingly consume movies digitally, the notion that streaming services control what’s visible and invisible goes against the ethos of the digital realm. The distribution tale of ‘The Bibi Files‘ suggests a more diverse landscape, and initiatives like Jolt are a logical outcome.

Read More

2024-10-25 01:25