top3news
🌧️78°F
S&P7,693 0.34%
MoviesVariety · September 8, 2026

‘Littermates’ Sets Theatrical Release Via Alamo Exclusives; Comic Dystopian Film Also Sets Fantastic Fest Screening (EXCLUSIVE)

What's happening

The indie comic dystopian film "Littermates" is getting a theatrical release across over 30 Alamo Drafthouse locations starting November 6, with a special screening also set for Fantastic Fest.

Who's involved

Directors Scott Tinkham and Michael Woloson created the feature, which is being distributed through Alamo Exclusives, the specialty releasing arm of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema—the Austin-based cinema chain known for combining food and beverage service with strict audience etiquette policies. The film will also screen at Fantastic Fest, the Austin-based genre film festival founded in 2005.

Why it matters

The release represents a significant distribution win for an independent film, leveraging Alamo Drafthouse's dedicated theatrical footprint and its strong connection to the festival circuit. This approach allows "Littermates" to reach genre-conscious audiences through both Alamo's curated theatrical venues and one of the country's leading festivals for fantasy, sci-fi, and cult films.

The story

Scott Tinkham and Michael Woloson's indie feature "Littermates" is making its way to theaters. The comic dystopian film will open at more than 30 Alamo Drafthouse Cinema locations on November 6 through Alamo Exclusives, the chain's specialty releasing division. The film is also scheduled for a special presentation screening at Fantastic Fest, according to Variety.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, founded in Austin, Texas in 1997, operates as more than a traditional cinema—the chain is renowned for its distinctive model of serving dinner and drinks during screenings alongside its famous strict policies enforcing proper cinema etiquette. This positioning has made the chain a natural home for distinctive and genre-forward independent films that appeal to engaged audiences.

Fantastic Fest, which takes place annually in Austin, specializes in fantasy, horror, science fiction, action, and cult films. Founded in 2005 by Tim League, the festival's founder, it has become recognized as one of the leading genre film festivals in the United States and internationally. The festival's focus on distinctive genre cinema aligns well with the dystopian comedy tone of "Littermates."

The dual-pronged release strategy—combining a theatrical rollout with festival exposure—reflects a distribution model increasingly favored by independent films seeking to build momentum and reach dedicated genre audiences. By securing both the Alamo Drafthouse theatrical dates and the Fantastic Fest screening, "Littermates" gains access to audiences with demonstrated interest in independent and genre-forward cinema.

The November 6 release date positions the film in the fall festival season, when independent releases often gain traction ahead of the year-end slate. With over 30 Alamo locations participating in the release, the film will have meaningful geographic reach across markets where the cinema chain operates.