AMC Theatres, the world's largest cinema chain, is launching a distribution label called Leawood Films to release small and mid-sized independent movies that are fully financed but currently lack a theatrical home. The move marks AMC's entry into distribution and comes as many independent films, particularly those that have screened at major festivals, struggle to secure release deals. AMC describes the venture as a "low-risk opportunity", acting as a hired distributor while allowing filmmakers to retain ownership of their films and downstream revenues.

Named after the Kansas town where AMC is headquartered, Leawood Films will have offices there and in Los Angeles, with Variance handling distribution, AMC overseeing marketing, and Piece of Magic Entertainment managing overseas sales. The label's first titles are expected in 2027 or 2028, and releases will follow a 45-day theatrical exclusivity window and a 90-day window before streaming. Advisors include former Warner Bros Group chairman Toby Emmerich, ex-Disney marketing president Ricky Strauss, and former Paramount distribution executive Kyle Davies, who is leaving Bleecker Street to join. AMC chief executive Adam Aron said the initiative aims to bring more films to cinemas without competing with the firm's major studio partnerships.