The recent box office weekend saw A24’s drama Sing Sing starring Colman Domingo making a significant impact with the third highest limited opening and per screen average of the year so far. The film, set against the backdrop of the Sing Sing Correctional Facility, grossed $137,119 on just four screens for a $34.3k PSA. The movie, based on a true story and sitting at an impressive 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, had multiple sold-out Q&As in both NY and LA, indicating a strong reception among audiences. A24 reported that the film’s exit scores are the highest the distributor has ever recorded, which bodes well for its nationwide expansion set to begin in August. On the other hand, Touch from Focus Features by Icelandic director Baltasar Kormákur had a notable opening at 315 theaters in North America. The well-reviewed film has garnered a 95% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed $470k in its opening weekend. These two films showcase diverse storytelling and unique perspectives, contributing to the vibrant landscape of independent cinema.
Indian 2, a Tamil-language political action thriller and the sequel to the 1996 film Indian, continued the trend of Indian films making waves at the box office. The movie is projected to earn approximately $1.97 million on 1,065 screens, highlighting the global appeal of Indian cinema. Imax reported that the film delivered $190k in North America in one night of previews on 44 big screens, demonstrating the strong interest of audiences in Indian films. In recent weeks, Indian titles like sci-fi epic Kalki 2899 AD and romantic comedy Jat & Juliet 3 have also garnered attention, showcasing the diversity and richness of Indian cinema. The presence of these films in the top ten reflects the growing influence of Indian cinema on the international stage.
In addition to Sing Sing and Touch, other indie releases made their mark at the box office. Neon’s upscale horror film Longlegs had a successful opening weekend, grossing $22 million and solidifying its position in the horror genre. Dandelion by Nicole Riegel from IFC Films saw a strong performance, earning $65.5k on 446 screens. LD Entertainment and Variance Films’ release of Luke Gilford’s National Anthem also had a promising start, grossing an estimated $42.4k on four screens with a per screen average of $10.6k. These indie films bring unique stories and voices to the forefront, showcasing the creative diversity of independent cinema. Whether it’s a romantic thriller spanning decades and continents or a story of young love set in a rural queer ranching community, these films offer audiences a range of cinematic experiences to enjoy.
The box office weekend also featured a selection of documentaries and special screenings that added to the cultural richness of the film landscape. Abramorama’s American’s Burning earned $15.5k at the Angelika Film Center, while Made In England: The Films Of Powell & Pressburger from Cohen Media Group took $7.8k at the Quad in NYC. These documentaries provide viewers with an opportunity to engage with compelling storytelling and explore the diverse range of filmmaking styles and genres. Special screenings with narrators and executive producers like Martin Scorsese and Thelma Schoonmaker further enhance the audience’s experience, offering insights into the creative process behind these cinematic works of art. Whether it’s a retrospective of influential filmmakers or a deep dive into a specific aspect of film history, these screenings contribute to the appreciation and celebration of cinema as an art form.
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