Every cinema lover knows that the best conversations take place in the foyer!

Foyer Conversations, a new podcast series from Cinema of Commoning, aims to capture the spirit of those probing, freewheeling and inspiring discussions we have immediately before and after a film screening.

The rise of streaming platforms creates an illusion of limitless content, but the reality is that most digital distributors offer access to only a very narrow selection of films. Certain kinds of cinema – especially historical work and films made outside of western commercial channels – remain underrepresented online, while a few large, profit orientated streaming giants dominate the digital space.

In our third episode, Foyer Conversations: Alternative Digital Distribution we speak to representatives from three streaming platforms, each of which is attempting to transform the digital space by offering access to thoughtfully curated, sustainably sourced and geographically diverse films.

For this conversation we are joined by Róisín Tapponi (Shasha Movies), Rehana Esmail (Cinelogue) and Jota Salazar (Cholo Plus).

Founded in 2020 by Róisín Tapponi, Shasha Movies is the independent streaming service for South-West Asian and North African (SWANA) cinema. They aim to formalize the space for artist film in and around the region, and present a carefully-curated selection of exclusive films to a global audience. Shasha Movies was owned and operated completely independently, by a small team of women from SWANA. All films are available in their original language with English subtitles. Films are available to watch by all, anywhere in the world.

Cinelogue provides a collaborative space for film curation, global streaming, and critical dialogue around cinema, and politics by presenting cinema by the Global Majority (people from formerly and currently colonized geographies, who make up over 80% of the world’s population). They are committed to showcasing critical and compelling independent cinema from countries and communities within Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania. 

Cholo Plus is an online streaming service based in Ecuador, which provides access to Ecuadorian cinema to viewers across the country. Founded and run by Jota Salazar, the platform has a particular focus on independent locally made films and smaller releases which otherwise would not be available to audiences in the region.

Episode Three is now available to listen and download worldwide on Spotify, Deezer, Apple Podcasts and Podcast Index.

Foyer Conversations is a podcast series from Cinema of Commoning.
Episode Three was initiated and presented by Eirini Fountedaki and Rachel Pronger.
It was produced by Eirini Fountedaki, Gülsen Namıduru and Rachel Pronger.