Independent Film Company
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film production and distribution |
| Founded | September 26, 2000 in New York City, United States |
| Founder | Bob Berney (IFC Films division) |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Independent films, international films, documentaries |
| Owner | AMC Networks |
| Parent | IFC Entertainment Group |
| Website | www |
Independent Film Company (IFC) is a U.S.-based film production and distribution entity headquartered in New York City and owned by AMC Networks. It originated as a branch of AMC’s television channel, IFC (previously known as the Independent Film Channel), initially operating under the name IFC Films.
The company predominantly handles the distribution of indie movies under its own label, alongside select international films and documentaries released through its Sundance Selects imprint. Additionally, it collaborates with Shudder to co-distribute genre-specific films. IFC also manages the operations of the IFC Center.
History
The Independent Film Channel commenced its film distribution activities in 1997 with the introduction of the Next Wave Films label, which was integrated into IFC by 2002. That same year marked the launch of IFC Productions, dedicated to creating feature-length projects. In 1999, IFC rolled out Agenda 2000, a label focusing on original films debuting on the IFC network.
On September 26, 2000, IFC formally established its feature film division, IFC Films, appointing Bob Berney—who would later establish Picturehouse—to lead the unit. The company expanded into video on demand (VOD) platforms via cable pay-per-view services, Apple’s iTunes, and previously through Blockbuster’s Movielink. In 2002, IFC Films partnered with MGM Home Entertainment for home video distribution before transitioning to Genius Products in 2006 under Rainbow Media.
In 2006, IFC debuted IFC First Take, a hybrid release strategy combining limited theatrical runs with simultaneous VOD availability, featuring screenings at both the IFC Center and Landmark Theatres. That year also marked IFC’s entry into film distribution on iTunes, launching with thirteen titles nominated for the Film Independent Spirit Awards. By 2008, all IFC releases were distributed exclusively through First Take. The same year saw the introduction of IFC Festival Direct, a VOD service dedicated to films that had not received theatrical releases in the U.S.
The year 2010 saw the launch of IFC Midnight, a label specializing in horror, science fiction, thrillers, erotic arthouse, and action films.
In 2009, home video agreements were secured with both MPI Media Group and the Criterion Collection.
By 2014, the IFC network had shifted its programming focus away from independent films towards comedy series and gradually dropped the full "Independent Film Channel" branding; nonetheless, IFC Films continued to concentrate on independent cinema.
In February 2015, Shout! Factory’s Scream Factory entered into a partnership with IFC Films to distribute titles under the IFC Midnight banner, including The Babadook and Backcountry. On May 27, 2015, IFC Films finalized a home video distribution agreement with Paramount Home Media Distribution.
On July 30, 2018, AMC Networks announced its acquisition of RLJ Entertainment for $59 million. The transaction closed on November 1, resulting in RLJ becoming a privately held subsidiary of AMC with Robert L. Johnson retaining a 17% ownership stake. In December 2021, RLJ Entertainment took over home video distribution responsibilities for IFC Films.
On May 6, 2025, IFC Films underwent a rebranding to become Independent Film Company to better reflect the meaning behind the IFC acronym; concurrently, its parent organization was renamed from AMC Networks Entertainment Group to IFC Entertainment Group. The rebrand included unveiling a new logo and on-screen animation featuring music composed by Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz from Beastie Boys.