Independent Film Company (distributor)
| Formerly | IFC Films (2000–2025) |
|---|---|
| Company type | Subsidiary |
| Industry | Motion pictures |
| Predecessor | Next Wave Films Agenda 2000 |
| Founded | September 26, 2000 |
| Headquarters | , United States |
Key people | Jonathan Sehring, President (2007) |
| Parent | IFC Entertainment Group (AMC Networks) |
| Divisions | IFC Productions IFC First Take IFC Midnight Sundance Selects Shudder |
| Website | independentfilmco |
Independent Film Company (IFC) is a US-based film production and distribution firm owned by AMC Networks and headquartered in New York City. It originated as a branch of AMC’s television channel, IFC, initially operating under the name IFC Films.
The company handles distribution of independent films under its own imprint, foreign and documentary titles through the Sundance Selects brand, and collaborates with Shudder for co-distribution of genre movies. Additionally, it manages the IFC Center venue.
History
The company's film distribution activities commenced in 1997 under the Next Wave Films label, which was integrated into IFC by 2002. That same year, IFC Productions was established to develop original films, followed by the creation of Agenda 2000 in 1999 to support projects debuting on IFC.
On September 26, 2000, IFC launched its feature film division, IFC Films, with Bob Berney—an esteemed executive known for founding Picturehouse—at the helm.
Expanding into video on demand (VOD), IFC utilized cable pay-per-view services, Apple iTunes, and previously Blockbuster's Movielink platform. In 2002, a home video partnership began with MGM Home Entertainment, later transitioning to Genius Products in 2006 under Rainbow Media’s umbrella.
The year 2006 saw the introduction of IFC First Take, a hybrid distribution model offering limited theatrical runs alongside simultaneous VOD releases, initially in collaboration with Landmark Theatres. That year also marked IFC’s entry onto iTunes with thirteen nominees from the Film Independent Spirit Awards. By 2008, all IFC releases were distributed through First Take. Concurrently, IFC Festival Direct was launched to provide exclusive VOD releases without theatrical screenings.
In 2010, IFC Midnight was created to specialize in horror, science fiction, thriller, erotic arthouse, and action films.
Home video agreements were secured in 2009 with MPI Media Group and the Criterion Collection. Although the IFC network pivoted towards comedy programming by 2014, IFC Films maintained its dedication to independent cinema.
February 2015 marked a collaboration between Shout! Factory's Scream Factory and IFC Midnight for exclusive home media distribution of titles such as The Babadook and Backcountry. Subsequently, on May 27, 2015, IFC Films finalized a home video distribution contract with Paramount Home Media Distribution.
On July 30, 2018, AMC Networks announced its acquisition of RLJ Entertainment for $59 million; the transaction concluded on November 1. RLJ Entertainment became a privately held AMC subsidiary with Robert L. Johnson and his affiliates retaining a 17% ownership stake. As an affiliate of IFC Films, RLJ assumed responsibility for home video distribution of IFC titles starting December 2021.
On May 6, 2025, the entity formerly known as IFC Films rebranded as Independent Film Company within the newly designated IFC Entertainment Group. This rebranding introduced a refreshed logo and an animated ident featuring music composed by Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz from Beastie Boys.
Related topics
Official links
- 2000 establishments in New York City
- AMC Networks
- American companies established in 2000
- Film distributors of the United States
- Film production companies of the United States
- Mass media companies based in New York City
- Mass media companies established in 2000
- 5
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment