Kevin Smith’s Red State premiered earlier this evening at Sundance and the outspoken director took to the stage afterward to announce the film’s release plans.
In a move that flips a fat middle finger to movie studios, Smith purchased Red State from himself via auction for $20 and will self-distribute it via his Smodcast Pictures as Tweeted by various members of the audience as it was announced. The official release date is October 19, timed not only to take advantage of Halloween but to celebrate the 17th anniversary of the Clerks theatrical debut.
There will be opportunities to catch Red State prior to its release date. It will be embarking on a US tour beginning March 5 in a move Smith used to do before dabbling in studio flicks. The roadshow is expected to make a stop in 15 cities before settling into a wide release.
By taking Red State on a tour, Smith is hoping to drum up interest and build word of mouth leading into the film’s premiere. The first stop on the tour will be Radio City.
In a more startling reiteration, Smith maintains that Red State is his second-to-last film. Ever. Assuming he isn’t continuing to pull our legs (doubtful).
His final film will be the hockey comedy Hit Somebody which he’ll move into full speed once Red State is released. Smith often professes his love for the New Jersey Devils so visiting a world where pucks and blocker pads reign supreme would be a fitting swan song for the middle-aged and often criticized filmmaker.
