U.K.s Curzon Relaunching Arthouse Distribution Label Artificial Eye

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U.K. outfit Curzon — part of the Cohen Media Group — is set to relaunch Artificial Eye, the arthouse distribution label that was established in 1976 and has been on hiatus for the last decade.

The label, first founded by film enthusiasts Andi and Pam Engel and part of the Curzon group since 2006, became renowned for releasing independent, foreign-language and arthouse title to U.K. audiences, including those by Béla Tarr, the Dardenne Brothers and Trần Anh Hùng. Its library boasts over 400 critically acclaimed films from directors including Wim Wenders, Michael Haneke and Claire Denis. Ruben Östlund’s “Force Majeure” was one of the last films released under the previous incarnation.

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Led by managing director Louisa Dent, who has been with the company since 2008, Curzon has continued to release critically acclaimed films under the Curzon Film label — including Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite,” the highest-grossing foreign-language film ever at the U.K. and Ireland box office. Dent will spearhead the selection of films for both Artificial Eye and Curzon Film, with the existing distribution team at Curzon operating Artificial Eye.

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The first film released under the new Artificial Eye banner will be the Berlin competition title “My Favourite Cake” by Iranian duo Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeeha. A new branding look will be released alongside the film. Curzon Film’s forthcoming slate includes Sundance hit “Kneecap.”

“With Curzon celebrating its 90th year, it feels fitting to see the return of Artificial Eye, a much-loved label with a rich history and global reputation amongst cinephiles,” Curzon CEO Edward Fletcher said in a statement. “At Curzon, we have witnessed exciting growth in young audiences seeking out classic and repertory cinema, and Artificial Eye has a deeply felt heritage value within that story. It feels like the perfect moment to bring the beloved label back.”

Fletcher added, “Our experienced acquisitions team, led by our managing director Louisa Dent, will curate select additions to the catalogue – focusing on our traditional ingredients of director-led world cinema and outstanding discovery work from emerging filmmakers. I’m thrilled that the magnificent ‘My Favourite Cake’ will re-launch the label, it’s a film that chimes with the classic Artificial Eye films of the past whilst feeling thoroughly fresh and modern.”

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