Aero Films, an independent film marketing and distribution company based in New York City, has successfully acquired the North American rights for the film 'Kingston.' This marks a significant move for the directorial duo Carlos Key and Kalijah Rowe, as 'Kingston' represents their feature film debut. Following its premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Festival, the movie is slated for a North American release in 2027.
The official synopsis for 'Kingston' describes a compelling narrative set within the hallowed halls of Kingston College, where an atmosphere of exclusivity pervades. Against a backdrop of societal upheaval, the film intricately weaves together three distinct storylines, each focusing on disillusioned individuals whose paths converge under the pervasive influence of an omnipresent institutional authority. Ryan Pallas, co-founder and CEO of Aero Films, expressed his enthusiasm for the film, anticipating that 'Kingston' will ignite meaningful discussions regarding higher education and the dynamics within elite institutions. He highlighted the filmmaking team's ability to translate their personal insights and critiques into a powerful and authentic portrayal of contemporary higher education, delivered by those who have recently experienced it.
'Kingston' is the second acquisition by Aero Films from the 2026 Tribeca Festival, following the coming-of-age drama 'Lucy Schulman,' which is expected in early 2027 and features David Cross and Sandrine Holt. The creative team behind 'Kingston' includes Jenna Shen as producer, Hailey Russo as associate producer, and executive producers Ryan Pallas and Tristan Bland. The screenplay was a collaborative effort by Carlos Key, Kalijah Rowe, Claire Levesque, and Jenna Shen. The distribution agreement was finalized through negotiations involving Donaldson Callif Perez, representing the filmmakers, and Ryan Pallas, on behalf of Aero Films. Furthermore, Aero Films, established by Warner Bros. veteran Pallas in 2026, is also preparing for the release of Steve Pink's sci-fi thriller 'Terrestrial,' starring Jermaine Fowler, James Morosini, Pauline Chalamet, and Edy Modica.
This acquisition underscores the evolving landscape of independent cinema, where fresh perspectives and critical storytelling find platforms to reach broader audiences. 'Kingston' serves as a testament to the power of film to provoke thought and stimulate dialogue on important societal structures like higher education, encouraging viewers to reflect on the systems that shape our experiences.
