Pijama Aims to Globalize Independent Films

Each year, an overwhelming number of independent films premiere at various festivals, but without distribution, many vanish before wider audiences can experience them. Pijama, a fresh VOD streaming platform, is endeavoring to rectify this situation.

Launched by sibling filmmakers Juan de Dios and Pablo Larraín, known for their films like Spencer and Jackie, Pijama provides a novel opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their projects to broader audiences, bypassing traditional studio systems. For $100, Pijama offers film hosting, encoding, and streaming services for up to two years.

Empowering Filmmakers and Audiences

Filmmakers have the autonomy to set rental prices between $3.99 and $9.99. Viewers can enjoy a 72-hour rental window within a 30-day timeframe. The Larraín brothers launched Pijama to combat the obstacles of traditional film distribution, thereby making indie films more accessible to audiences, who otherwise might remain unaware of their existence.

They highlighted a concerning statistic: a staggering 80% of films never secure distribution. Their mission is to combat the market dynamics causing this cultural oversight. They ponder how audiences can access films showcased at prestigious festivals like Sundance, Cannes, or Venice, which often remain elusive to the public.

A New Revenue Stream for Filmmakers

Pijama pledges that 80% of the revenue from film sales will be returned directly to filmmakers, producers, sales agents, and distributors, factoring in taxes and transaction costs. Additionally, the platform provides tools for tracking viewership and crafting strategic marketing campaigns for enhanced exposure.

The arrival of Pijama follows another recent platform's introduction, offering a curated selection of films not covered by major distributors. Platforms like these could revolutionize the indie film landscape, providing a significant boost to the industry. For those eager to explore Pijama, the app is now available on various devices including iOS, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Android.