Refinery29 Enters Movie Business Via Co-Production Pact With Indie Studio ‘Neon’

Refinery29 is taking the plunge into feature film through a new pact with movie studio and distribution company Neon (I, Tonya).

Together, Refinery and Neon will purchase and co-distribute films from “rule-defying storytellers that continue to challenge audiences,” according to a release. While Refinery29 operates a bustling digital video operation and has previously launched initiatives like Shatterbox Anthology to support short-form female filmmakers, the deal marks its foray into the movie world.

The first fruits of the partnerships are Assassination Nation (pictured above), a black comedy about a hack attack that turns a tiny town asunder, and Little Woods, about two sisters who are forced to live their lives outside the law.

“We’re excited to be working with Refinery29 and launching films…for the company’s smart, passionate audience of women and to bolster our shared dedication to female filmmakers and female-driven films,” Neon SVP Christina Zisa said in a statement. “We couldn’t think of a better brand and partner to align with than Refinery29, as their commitment to creating and supporting content that speaks to young women today is unparalleled.”

As part of the partnership, Neon will also distribute select short films in theaters that have emerged from Refinery’s Shatterbox initiative — which has included works by Chloe Sevigny, Kristen Stewart, and Gabourey Sidibe. To date, Refinery says that its Shatterbox shorts have been viewed over 5 million times across all platforms.