Alfonso Cuaron's 'Roma' is latest film to face hurdles in Netflix vs EU standoff over theatrical releases and homegrown quotas
Director Alfonso Cuaron is set to receive the Sonny Bono Visionary Award at the 30th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival’s Awards Gala, but his upcoming film, 'Roma' is creating headlines across Mexico and Italy for some different reason altogether. The critically acclaimed film which is a look back at Alfonso's own childhood in Mexico will be released in limited theatres across Mexico and Italy.
The two giant theatrical chains, Cinepolis and Cinemax have refused to screen the film as it demands that Netflix push its release date of 'Roma' which has been initially set on December 14. According to the theatrical houses' norms, any film requires to have a complete 90-day theatrical window before they are available for streaming online or on VOD platforms. Variety has reported that Cinepolis executive, Claudio Tomasini has said that the company is willing to screen 'Roma' if Netflix abides by the rule, and pushes the films streaming date in Mexico to February in 2019.