Landmark Theaters Sunset
Presented by Kinema
In today’s market, distribution is no longer a single-path decision. While traditional sales agents, streamer deals, and territory-based distribution remain viable for some films, many independent filmmakers are combining these approaches with direct-to-audience and event-based releases.
What does a hybrid strategy look like in practice? When should you pursue a traditional distributor — and when does it make sense to retain certain rights? How can platforms like Kinema complement festival premieres, educational licensing, or streaming deals?
This panel explores how filmmakers are strategically blending self-distribution and traditional models to maximize revenue, audience ownership, and long-term career growth.
Moderated by So Yun Um, Director/Producer
PANELISTS:
Rish Aggarwal, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Kinema
Rish Aggarwal is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Kinema, a global streaming and screening event platform leveraging community and social interaction to distribute films and series. Before launching Kinema, Rish was a Principal at Human Ventures, where he supported and invested in early-stage startups across diverse industries. He previously worked in fintech, leading strategic projects at Transactis ahead of its 2019 acquisition by Mastercard.
Brian Walker, CEO, Picture Motion
Brian Walker is the CEO of Picture Motion, the leading impact agency for film and television. He has overseen over 150 campaigns for award-winning projects including American Fiction, Origin, and various titles for HBO, Disney+, and National Geographic. Under his leadership, the company was acquired by the Publicis Media US Content and Innovation Group. Previously, Brian led impact campaigns at Participant Media, launched the Hollywood Culture Project at Color of Change, and advised Disney leadership on inclusion. He currently serves on the boards of Color Congress and the Social Impact in Entertainment Society. He holds a B.B.A. and J.D. from Howard University.
Adam Saunders, Actor, Writer, Director, Producer
Multi-hyphenate Adam Saunders recently wrote, directed, produced, and starred in Re-Election (2025), distributed theatrically by Picturehouse. His prior film, Dotty & Soul, sold to Showtime in 2023. Both projects were produced via Footprint Features, the company Saunders co-founded. His additional production credits include Darby and the Dead for 20th Century Studios, When We First Met and Shimmer Lake for Netflix, About Alex for Sony, and Family Weekend for Paramount. Saunders holds a BA from Duke University and an MFA from the Yale School of Drama.
So Yun Um, Director and Producer
So Yun Um is a Korean American director and producer born and based in Los Angeles. Her directorial debut documentary feature, Liquor Store Dreams, explores the lives of second-generation Korean American children of liquor store owners in Los Angeles. The film made its world premiere at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival and its broadcast premiere on PBS’s POV. So Yun was a 2022-2023 BAFTA Breakthrough USA participant and an alumna of the 2021 CAAM Fellowship and Visual Communications’ Armed with a Camera Fellowship. She is currently working on her second feature documentary, Americana Bang Bang, supported by the Firelight and Catapult funds.
