New Indie Film Distributor Subtext Debuts Ahead of Sundance

Subtext, a new distribution company for independent film, is launching as this year’s edition of the Sundance Film Festival gets ready to kick off this week. The company is founded by industry veterans Danielle DiGiacomo, Brian Levy and Teddy Liouliakis. It will have offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. The company will be at Sundance, where it will be actively looking to acquire films. Subtext is also one of the producers behind “Closure,” directed by Michal Marczack, which will premiere in the World Cinema Documentary Competition. More from Variety Independent Film Company, Shudder Buy Supernatural Body Horror Film 'Saccharine' Ahead of Sundance Premiere (EXCLUSIVE) Alexander Skarsgard's Brat Winter: Acting With Charli XCX, Romancing Olivia Colman in a Prosthetic Mask and Playing a Gay Dom in 'Pillion' European Film Promotion Reveals Lineup of Six Films Taking Part in Europe! Hub Program at Sundance Film Festival The company says its mission is “to connect author-driven films with their audiences.” The goal is to use multi-platform U.S. distribution strategies to help the films have greater “cultural impact,” as well as create long-term value for both creators and investors. To that end, Subtext says it will forge partnerships spanning brands, music, publishing and fashion. Subtext’s slate will focus on distinctive, filmmaker-driven work. The films will receive bespoke release strategies, the founders said. The first film produced under the banner was “Empire Skate,” directed by Josh Swade, a documentary examining the rise of Supreme and the streetwear brand’s influence on skate culture. It is produced in collaboration with Time Studios and ESPN. The film premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival and is now streaming on Disney+. Subtext will announce its growing slate of fiction and nonfiction films in more detail over the coming weeks. DiGiacomo is the former head of content at Utopia Media and previously was the senior VP of acquisitions and strategic partnerships at 1091/The Orchard. She will oversee distribution and content curation. Brian Levy, previously of Entertainment 360 and Pulse Films/VICE, will oversee production and content curation while continuing to manage a roster of writers, directors and filmmakers across film, television and documentary. Teddy Liouliakis, founder of cultural strategy and insights consultancy Why-Q, will oversee marketing and operations. “At Subtext, we believe great independent films deserve more than visibility — they deserve context, community and longevity,” said the founders in a joint statement. “Our goal is to build tailored distribution strategies that meet audiences where they are, while creating sustainable value for filmmakers and partners.” “Independent distribution doesn’t fail because audiences aren’t there — it fails when strategy isn’t aligned with culture,” said the founders. “Subtext exists to close that gap.” Levy and DiGiacomo share a long history of collaborations. Their work together includes the acclaimed documentary “Meet Me in the Bathroom,” produced by Levy and acquired and distributed by DiGiacomo during her tenure at Utopia, as well as “All These Sleepless Nights,” directed by Levy client Michal Marczak and acquired and distributed by DiGiacomo for The Orchard. Levy’s producing credits include “Coup!” and “Bad Man,” while DiGiacomo has built her reputation acquiring such acclaimed films as “Shiva Baby and “Holy Spider.” Liouliakis offers a background in data analytics, consumer insights and cultural strategy, which Subtext says it will use to craft campaigns across digital marketing, PR, and live activations. Why-Q has partnered with such brands as Apple, LVMH, Netflix, Nike and Universal. Best of Variety 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Cast Guide: Who's Who in the 'Game of Thrones' Prequel? Oscar Predictions: Original Screenplay — With Few Signals, 'Sinners' Takes an Early Lead New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week