Rialto International Launches On-Demand Offering in Japan on Prime Video
variety.comPatrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefBruce Tuchmann-backed Rialto International has launched a branded on-demand streaming service in Japan, focused on independent film, and housed on Amazon’s Prime Video Channels platform.Rialto Channel launched in 1999 in New Zealand, where it was initially branded as The Sundance Channel.
It established itself as an award-winning and industry-leading indie film destination for over twenty years.In Japan, the Rialto-branded venue will feature current and iconic independent films.
Confirmed content at launch includes Chloe Zhao’s “The Rider”; an homage to the recently departed director Peter Bogdanovich with “The Last Picture Show”; Brad Pitt and Jason Statham in Guy Richie’s “Snatch”; Michael Caine in “Harry Brown”; Sean Connery in Gus Van Sant’s “Finding Forrester”; Ewan McGregor and actor/director Don Cheadle’s “Miles Ahead”; Jean-Jacques Beineix’s “Diva”; Michelle Williams in Wim Wenders’ “Land of Plenty”; Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Jude Law in “Gattaca”; and “8MM,” with Nicolas Cage.
Japanese independent film classics on the slate include Kurosawa Akira’s “Throne of Blood” and Ozu Yasujiro’s “Tokyo Story,” alongside contemporary Japanese documentary “Harada, Sculpting for Peace.”Tuchman, a media entrepreneur and former president of Sundance Channel Global, AMC Global, MGM Worldwide Networks and GM of Nickelodeon Global Network Ventures, last year launched Rialto International as a 50-50 joint venture with the Rialto Channel in New Zealand.
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