Archive · 4 Nov 2025
Indie Debut 'Hunting Matthew Nichols' Secures Wide Theatrical Release
Imagine a scary movie made by independent filmmakers, called 'Hunting Matthew Nichols.'
It's about two boys who go looking for a local legend with a video camera, inspired by another famous scary movie.
When they disappear, the main character's sister tries to find out what happened by watching her brother's old tapes.
This movie is special because, even though it's a small indie film without big stars, it's going to be shown in a lot of movie theaters, like the big blockbusters!
The filmmakers worked hard to show the movie to theater owners all over the country.
They even got help from someone who used to be in charge of movie theaters to make this happen.
It's a new way for smaller movies to get a chance to be seen by many people in theaters.
Supernatural thriller 'Hunting Matthew Nichols' is slated for a wide theatrical release in March 2026.
The independent film aims for a release on approximately 1,500 screens.
Filmmakers directly engaged with major theater chain executives through a cross-country tour to secure exhibition.
Former NATO President John Fithian's platform, Attend, facilitated connections between filmmakers and exhibitors.
This release strategy is noted as an unprecedented model for low-budget independent features.
- Who
- Filmmakers of 'Hunting Matthew Nichols', including producers from Dropshock Pictures and Moon7 Films, and former NATO President John Fithian through his platform Attend.
- What
- Secured a wide theatrical release for the low-budget indie supernatural thriller 'Hunting Matthew Nichols' on approximately 1,500 screens.
- When
- Theatrical release is planned for March 2026. The film debuted at the 2024 Newport Beach Film Festival. The filmmakers conducted a cross-country tour and met with executives over the summer.
- Where
- The film is set in Port Rupert on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The filmmakers met with executives from major theater chains across the US.
- Why
- The filmmakers developed a unique self-distribution and marketing strategy, directly engaging with exhibitors and leveraging Attend to connect filmmakers and theaters, demonstrating a new model for independent film distribution.
- Film Title
- Hunting Matthew Nichols
- Genre
- Supernatural Thriller
- Director
- Markian Tarasiuk
- Release Date
- March 2026
- Projected Screens
- 1,500
- Setting
- 2001, Port Rupert, Vancouver Island, British Columbia