Rialto International launches on Prime Video Channels in Japan

Rialto International has launched a branded on-demand streaming service specializing in branded independent films on Prime Video Channels in Japan. “Over the past two decades, Rialto has delivered and continues to bring a plethora of Independent films which emphasizes the ultimate in creative freedom,"Wyllie added. "The Rialto brand is built on this premise and we are excited to be launching to new territories such as Japan. We look forward to working closely with Prime Video Japan and to reaching new audiences, while offering consumers choice and must-see content.”

The platform now joins Prime Video Channels’ lineup and feature hundreds of curated films from renowned independent film producers and distributors from all over the world as, preparing to debut on Prime Video Channels in Japan. The film, "Snatch 2000," starring Benicio del Toro as Franky Four Fingers, is an incredibly stylish film, quite artistic in the way it is pieced together. To kick-off the global rollout of Rialto International, the launch of Rialto in Australia on Samsung TV Plus last year was the first step in extending Rialto’s reach beyond New Zealand. Riding high on the new launch on Prime Video Japan, Rialto’s goal moving forward is to build a premier cross-border curator and packager of branded television services focused on independent film for multiplatform distribution, whether though streaming media or traditional linear viewing.

Recently, media entrepreneur and investor Bruce Tuchman launched Rialto International, a 50-50 joint venture with the Rialto Channel in New Zealand. Tuchman, along with Roger Wyllie, serve as Co-Chairmen of Rialto International. Wyllie also serves as the CEO of the Rialto Channel in New Zealand, which initially launched as the Sundance Channel in 1999 and has established itself as an award winning and industry leading indie film destination over the last 20 plus years. “Independent film has never been so popular, yet the number of branded services bringing independent film offerings across the world on a multiplatform basis is few and far between,” said Tuchman. “In today’s entertainment world, both linear TV channels and streaming services are searching for marquee offerings to attract and maintain viewership."

Wyllie noted that the demand for independent films has never been stronger. Over the past five years, independent films have won the Best Picture at the Oscars, validating the demand for independent productions. “We are thrilled to launch on Prime Video in Japan with a focus on independent film. Our design since rolling out our new venture is to set a high bar and secure partnerships with blue chip brands in both streaming and traditional media," Tuchman said. "Prime Video underscores this perfectly and nicely compliments the relationships we already have with Samsung and Sky, with more deals to come.”

As a new channel offering for members of Amazon Prime Japan, the Rialto branded channel will feature current and iconic independent film product. Its numerous stars that will be available on the title include director Chloe Zhao’s masterpiece, "the Rider," a homage to the recently departed director Peter Bogdanovich with the Last Picture Show; Brad Pitt, 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’ iconic film, Land of Plenty; Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Jude Law in Gattaca; 8MM with Nicolas Cage, legendary Japanese independent film classics such as Akira Kurosawa’s "Throne of Blood" and Yasujiro Ozu’s "Tokyo Story," as well as contemporary local films like the acclaimed documentary "Harada," "Sculpting for Peace," among many others.