Kino Lorber: Preserving the Legacy of Art House and World Cinema
For cinephiles seeking the rare, the profound, and the visually stunning, Kino Lorber stands as a cornerstone of film distribution. As an international company based in New York City, it has dedicated decades to bringing art house films, documentaries, and world cinema to audiences through theatrical releases, home entertainment, and digital streaming.
Whether it is a silent masterpiece from the early 20th century or a contemporary documentary, Kino Lorber specializes in curating titles that might otherwise remain unseen in the mainstream market. Today, their vast library includes over 4,000 titles, serving as a vital bridge between cinematic history and modern viewers.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1976 (originally as Kino International)
- Founder: Bill Pence
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, United States
- Specialization: Art house, documentaries, classic, and world cinema
- Library Size: Over 4,000 titles as of 2023
- Digital Services: Kino Now, The Midnight Picture Show
The Evolution of Kino Lorber
1976–2008: The Kino International Era
The company's roots trace back to 1976, when Bill Pence, then vice president of Janus Films, founded Kino International in Colorado. The mission was clear: to import and release international films that lacked a presence in the United States market. In its early years, the company worked closely with Janus Films to introduce global perspectives to American audiences.
In 1977, Donald Krim purchased Kino International and founded United Artists Classics. This acquisition was a turning point, as it granted the company rights to the Janus Films library, forming the bedrock of its international catalog. Notable early imports under Krim's leadership included Ballad of Orin and Peter Lilienthal's David.
Kino International also became a guardian of silent film history. Starting in 1977, the company managed the theatrical release of Charlie Chaplin films, including the premiere of Woman of Paris. This collection eventually grew to include legendary sci-fi landmarks such as the 1927 film Metropolis. By 1989, the company's distribution profile had shifted toward American classics, which accounted for 80 percent of its output.
2009–Present: Merger and Digital Expansion
A major transformation occurred in 2009 when Kino International merged with Lorber HT Digital to form Kino Lorber. This merger combined their respective film libraries and operations, creating an immediate catalog of more than 600 titles. The new entity was led by co-presidents Donald Krim and Richard Lorber.
Following the passing of Donald Krim in 2011, Richard Lorber assumed sole leadership as Chief Executive. Under his guidance, the company expanded aggressively into theatrical distribution, educational markets, and digital streaming. In 2014, the company launched the "Kino Lorber Studio Classics" line, utilizing a licensing deal with MGM to provide remastered, high-definition versions of films like Billy Wilder's Witness for the Prosecution and The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes.
The company has also embraced strategic partnerships and digital innovation:
- 2017: Partnered with Zeitgeist Films for theatrical and home entertainment distribution.
- 2019: Launched Kino Now, a digital streaming service often described as an "arthouse iTunes."
- 2020: Introduced Kino Marquee during the COVID-19 pandemic, a service that allowed closed theaters to generate revenue by streaming new films.
- 2021: Partnered with Milestone Films and launched the free ad-supported channel "Kino Cult."
- 2023: Replaced "Kino Cult" with The Midnight Picture Show, a new streaming service focused on dark and bizarre genre cinema.
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Company Overview Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Former Name | Kino International |
| Industry | Film Home Video & Distribution |
| Founded | 1976 |
| Primary Products | Motion pictures (Theatrical, Home Video, Streaming) |
| Key Leadership | Richard Lorber (CEO) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of films does Kino Lorber specialize in?
Kino Lorber focuses on art house films, documentaries, world cinema, and classic or rarely seen films from various eras of cinema history.
How can I stream Kino Lorber films?
Films can be accessed through their digital streaming service, Kino Now, or through their genre-focused service, The Midnight Picture Show.
What is the significance of the 2009 merger?
The merger between Kino International and Lorber HT Digital created the modern Kino Lorber, combining their libraries to create a massive catalog of over 600 titles at the time.
Does Kino Lorber distribute films to theaters?
Yes, the company is involved in theatrical distribution, as well as home entertainment and educational distribution.
What happened to the Kino Cult streaming service?
In August 2023, Kino Cult was replaced by The Midnight Picture Show, a service dedicated to dark and bizarre cinema.