Ascendant Films

We Distribute
Films That
Matter.

Ascendant partners with visionary creators to acquire, co-produce, and distribute bold, singular cinema. Narrative features, documentaries, and genre films at all stages — released theatrically, on streaming, and internationally across 60+ territories.

28
Films Released
12
Festival Awards
60+
Territories
4
Oscar Shortlists
What We Offer

Full-Service
Film Partnership

Acquisition & Co-Production

We acquire completed films and co-produce projects from development through post. Equity financing, minimum guarantees, and hybrid structures. We take real risk alongside creators.

Distribution

Theatrical day-and-date, premium VOD, SVOD licensing, and physical media. International sales and licensing across 60+ territories through our network of global partners.

Festival & Awards

Strategic festival submissions, awards campaign management, and industry relationships spanning Sundance, SXSW, Toronto, Cannes, Berlin, Tribeca, and major guilds.

Our Slate

Selected
Titles

A selection of films we've acquired, co-produced, and released — from debut directors to established filmmakers.

2023 — Narrative Feature

Hollow Ground

Sundance Selection
2023 — Documentary

The Last Frame

TIFF Premiere
2022 — Narrative Feature

Meridian

SXSW Audience Award
2022 — Documentary

Stillwater Blues

Oscar Shortlist
2024 — Genre Feature

Vantage Point

Cannes Un Certain Regard
2024 — Narrative Feature

Before Morning

Berlin Competition
Film production
We Look For Bold
Our Criteria

What We're
Looking For

  • Distinctive voice — a film only this director could make
  • Narrative features, documentaries, genre, and animation
  • All stages: development, production, post, and completed
  • Budget range: $100K to $15M (larger with co-production partners)
  • Strong characters, genuine stakes, something to say
  • First-time directors welcome — track record matters less than the work
Beyond Distribution

We Are
Collaborators

Creative Development

Script notes, casting consultation, and editorial feedback — when you want it. We have opinions, we share them honestly, and we respect when you disagree.

Marketing & Audience Building

In-house campaign strategy, social, print, and digital. We craft targeted campaigns that respect the film and find the audience it deserves.

International Sales

Licensing and co-production deals in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. AFM, Berlin, Cannes market representation.

Creator-First Deals

Transparent royalties, IP ownership options, and backend participation. We walk through deal terms in full before any commitment. No surprises, no hidden clauses.

Film Submissions

Submit
Your Film

We read every submission. You'll hear back within 6–8 weeks. All genres and stages considered.