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Drafthouse Films, who has teamed up with educational streaming platform Kanopy, announced that it has the rights to Alex Winter’s incisive documentary The YouTube Effect. The documentary first premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival. Now, it will open exclusively with Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas on July 7th. A week later, on July 14th, it will expand to theatres nationwide. Afterward, its debut on Kanopy and other digital platforms will follow. Furthermore, filmmakers Amanda Lebow, Nick Savva, and Ahbra Perry are behind the negotiation of the deal.
The YouTube Effect explores the ascension and acceleration of YouTube, a video-sharing website that started with humble origins and has changed how we experience the world. There is exclusive access to some of YouTube’s biggest stars. Then, the film presents an eye-opening and troubling look at the platform now so powerfully embedded in our lives.
Alex Winter says, “We’re happy to collaborate with Drafthouse Films and Kanopy on our release.” “The unparalleled scale of Google’s YouTube has significant and problematic implications worldwide.” “And has received much less attention than its competitors.” Alamo Drafthouse Cinema founder Tim League also says, “Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has a long history of collaborating with Alex Winter.” “It is a thrill to see Drafthouse Films dig in even deeper to distribute this incredible and timely film.”
Producer Gale Anne Hurd says, “Collaborating with the gifted filmmaker Alex Winter and fellow producer Glen Zipper has been a true privilege.” “With The YouTube Effect, we want to shine a light on its benefits and dangers in the hopes of fostering a dialogue on how the platform can be made safer. “YouTube is a platform as controversial as it is entertaining.”
Kanopy General Manager Jason Tyrrell adds, “Alex Winter is one of the most thoughtful documentary filmmakers working today. And Kanopy is proud to offer six of his previous films to libraries around the world.” “So, when the opportunity was presented to bring The YouTube Effect to Kanopy, we knew it was a perfect fit”. “The subject of YouTube and its lasting impact on society and its viewers is a topic worthy of critical analysis.” “And this documentary initiates a conversation that we believe will continue in the homes and classrooms where Kanopy is available through academic libraries.”
Cast members include Caleb Cain, Steve Chen, Hany Farid, Carrie Goldberg, Ian Hecox, Loann Kaji, and Ryan Kaji. Shion Kaji, Talia Lavin, Dave Lauer, Becca Lewis, Anthony Padilla, and Andy Parker. Nitasha Tiku Tyler, Susan Wojcicki, Brianna Wu, Natalie Wynn and Jillian C. York. And finally, The YouTube Effect features an innovative electronic score from Emmy-nominated composer Paul Haslinger which will on July 7th.
