John Tilley, Independent Film Executive Who Helped Bring Pedro Almodovar Films to U.S., Dies at 75
variety.comPat Saperstein Deputy Editor John Tilley, a longtime distribution exec and advocate for independent film at companies including United Artists Classics, Cinevista and Strand, who was instrumental in introducing the films of Pedro Almodovar to U.S.
audiences, died Sunday in New York City. He was 75. “John was always a consummate encyclopedia of knowledge of the industry, and his pool of friends and colleagues from around the globe always created a sense of family in Cannes, Berlin and more.
His work at Strand Releasing was invaluable,” said Marcus Hu, co-president of Strand Releasing. Born in Columbia, S.C., he graduated from the University of South Carolina.
Starting out at Libra Films, Tilley got his start in specialized film exhibition and distribution working with pioneering distributor Ben Barenholtz, handling the releases of films including David Lynch’s “Eraserhead” and Derek Jarman’s “Sebastiane.” As National Sales Director at United Artists Classics, he expanded from the company’s activities from repertory film to first-run theatrical releases and films from outside United Artists.
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