The Story: Mubi, the indie film powerhouse, originated in 2006 when founder Efe Cakarel struggled to find a beloved film online. Today, it’s a billion-dollar platform competing with industry giants like A24 and Neon, premiering critically acclaimed films at Cannes while redefining what it means to connect with cinephiles globally.

The Details:

• Mubi, initially founded as The Auteurs, started as a solution for Cakarel’s frustration over film accessibility, securing its first film, “La Antena," after a two-year journey.

• The company has blossomed from 100,000 subscribers in 2016 to 20 million registered users in 190 territories, recently valued at $1 billion.

• In its ambitious bid to foster moviegoing culture, Mubi plans to release 15 carefully curated films annually, emphasizing a sustainable and artist-first model.

• Following the $83 million success of “The Substance," Mubi showcases four competing films at Cannes, marking a significant shift from niche streaming to a powerful studio presence.

• Cakarel's approach includes creating a thriving ecosystem that integrates streaming, theatrical releases, and a new publishing arm while encouraging audiences to return to cinemas.

Why It Matters: Mubi’s evolution embodies a refreshing narrative in an indie film landscape often overshadowed by mainstream giants. By focusing on artistic integrity and community engagement, Mubi is reshaping how films are distributed and experienced. This shift could inspire creatives and filmmakers to pursue bold, niche projects, knowing there’s a supportive audience ready to embrace nuanced storytelling. As Cakarel notes, Mubi is neither chasing fleeting trends nor succumbing to box office pressures; it’s a calculated and passionate endeavor to redefine cinema for the current generation.