Charliebird Soars: Award-Winning Indie Film Sets February Theatrical Release

The heartfelt indie drama Charliebird has secured its theatrical debut. Freestyle Digital Media will release the film in late February. This news comes after the film’s successful run on the festival circuit.

The distributor, part of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, confirmed the exclusive acquisition to The Hollywood Reporter. The film will also be available on digital platforms and DVD simultaneously.

From Festival Darling to Mainstream Release

Charliebird tells the story of Al, a struggling music therapist. Her life finds new purpose after meeting a teenage patient named Charlie. Together, they embark on a secret passion project.

The film is the feature directorial debut of Libby Ewing. Samantha Smart, who also stars, wrote the screenplay. The cast includes Gabe Fazio, Maria Peyramaure, and newcomer Gabriela Ochoa Perez.

The project has already earned significant critical praise. It premiered at the Tribeca Festival, winning the Founders Award for best U.S. narrative feature. Gabriela Ochoa Perez also won best performance at the same festival.

It also won best narrative feature at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival. These accolades helped attract distribution interest from Freestyle.

A Win for Independent and Female-Led Cinema

The acquisition is a notable success for an independent, female-helmed project. Director Libby Ewing expressed excitement about the partnership. She said Freestyle understood the film’s “vision, heart and soul” from the start.

Writer and star Samantha Smart acknowledged the difficult landscape for indie films. She stated the team was “humbled” to get a distribution chance. Smart emphasized their gratitude for Freestyle’s support of female voices.

The deal was negotiated by Freestyle Digital Media and Circus Road Films. This release will allow the touching story to reach a much wider audience. It represents a key step for the filmmakers’ careers.

The Charliebird theatrical release marks a significant moment for the indie film. It brings a festival-favorite story to a broad audience. This heartwarming tale of connection is poised to find its fans nationwide.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: When is Charliebird being released?

*Charliebird* is scheduled for release in late February. It will open in theaters first. The same day, it will be available on digital platforms and DVD.

Q2: Who is distributing the film?

Freestyle Digital Media is distributing *Charliebird*. It is the digital distribution arm of Allen Media Group. They acquired the film after its festival success.

Q3: What awards has Charliebird won?

The film won the top Founders Award at Tribeca. It also won best narrative feature at SCAD Savannah. Star Gabriela Ochoa Perez won a best performance award at Tribeca.

Q4: What is the film about?

It follows a music therapist who befriends a teenage patient. Their bond centers on a secret creative project. The story explores healing and human connection.

Q5: Who directed Charliebird?

Libby Ewing directed *Charliebird*. This project is her feature film directorial debut. She also produced the movie alongside the writer and star.

Q6: Will Charliebird be available to stream?

Yes, it will be on digital platforms the same day as theaters. The exact streaming services have not been announced yet. Freestyle Digital Media handles that rollout.