After a successful eight-year run at indie distributor Kino Lorber, Wendy Lidell, the SVP of Theatrical Acquisitions & Distribution, is set to depart the company at the end of June. Her departure marks the end of an era at Kino Lorber, where she played a pivotal role in the company’s theatrical acquisitions and distribution efforts. Lidell’s departure will be felt across the industry, as she leaves behind a legacy of successful films and innovations in the world of independent cinema.
In the interim, the company’s Chief Revenue Officer, Lisa Schwartz, will take over the responsibilities of overseeing theatrical distribution and acquisitions. Schwartz, along with President Ed Carroll, will lead the team that includes SVP Marketing and Communications Nicholas Kemp, VP Press and Publicity Kate Patterson, VP Theatrical Distribution & Repertory Acquisitions George Schmalz, and Director Theatrical Distribution Maxwell Wolkin. Schwartz and Carroll, both former executives at AMC Networks, bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their new roles at Kino Lorber.
During her tenure at Kino Lorber, Lidell shepherded multiple documentaries to Oscar nominations, including Gianfranco Rosi’s “Fire at Sea,” Talal Derki’s “Of Fathers and Sons,” and Kaouther Ben Hania’s “Four Daughters.” Her keen eye for talent and storytelling helped bring these films to a wider audience and garnered critical acclaim for the filmmakers. Additionally, Lidell oversaw the release of several theatrical successes, such as “Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” “Anthropocene: The Human Epoch,” “Tom of Finland,” and “Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami.”
Prior to her time at Kino Lorber, Lidell served as the president of International Film Circuit, where she introduced filmmakers such as Alexander Sokurov, Raúl Ruiz, Nanni Moretti, and Hou Hsiao-hsien to the U.S. market. Her dedication to promoting international cinema and supporting emerging talent helped shape the landscape of independent film distribution in the United States. Lidell’s contributions to the industry have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in the world of art house cinema.
As Lidell prepares to embark on a new chapter in her career, colleagues and industry insiders alike have praised her for her leadership, creativity, and passion for cinema. Richard Lorber, the chair and CEO of Kino Lorber, commended Lidell for her accomplishments and contributions to the company, highlighting her role in acquiring diverse and innovative films that have resonated with audiences worldwide. Lidell, in turn, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Lorber and reflected on the impact of their partnership on the world of independent cinema.
While Lidell’s departure marks the end of an era at Kino Lorber, it also presents an opportunity for new voices and perspectives to shape the company’s future. As Schwartz steps into her new role, she brings a fresh approach and a commitment to building on Lidell’s legacy. The coming months will undoubtedly be a time of transition and transformation for Kino Lorber, as the team works together to uphold the company’s reputation as a leader in independent film distribution. Despite the changes on the horizon, the spirit of innovation and creativity that Lidell brought to Kino Lorber will continue to inspire and guide the company as it moves forward into a new era of cinema.