Max Jahufer Rodgers, Ben McNeill and Daniel Mulvihill.

Roaring Entertainment has announced a strategic relaunch into distribution across Australia and New Zealand, introducing a theatrical model built around early producer engagement, data-led audience strategy and a risk-sharing finance structure designed to strengthen release outcomes for Australian features.

Previously operating as a Queensland-based production company, Roaring’s leadership now comprises Daniel Mulvihill (Theatrical and Sales), Ben McNeill (Business and Strategy), and Max Jahufer Rodgers (Marketing and Campaigns). The company will specialise in a tightly curated slate with a focus on underserved audiences, particularly in regional markets where demand remains strong.

Mulvihill says the move follows months of sector-wide conversations about the current distribution environment: “The message from exhibitors across city, suburban and regional locations has been consistent: audiences are there, but campaigns need localised understanding and targeted resources to reach and convert them. We will coordinate that work earlier to enhance community-specific offerings, with a greater emphasis on event-based screenings.”

Roaring has produced titles including A Savage Christmas (Bonsai/Binge/Nine) and supported emerging-talent filmmaker initiatives. The move into distribution addresses what McNeill describes as a “capacity gap” at key points of the release chain.

ADVERTISEMENT

“This launch is about a lean operating model that unlocks greater opportunity,” McNeill says.

“By rethinking advances and P&A through a risk profile more evenly shared across stakeholders, we aim to create stronger conditions for domestic features to compete effectively against well-resourced titles.”

Marketing efforts will be developed in partnership with digital agency FutureStudio, led by Rodgers, who emphasises the need for deeper audience intelligence and targeted reach.

“Marketing is still too demographic in its default approach. Behavioural segmentation and granular geographic mapping give us a far more nuanced understanding of who is actually reachable. We want those insights to better drive practical campaign strategy.”

Roaring is also partnering with Label Distribution, led by Tait Brady, to co-distribute two forthcoming features, Almost With You and Frederickstown, from Western Australian filmmaker Adam Morris, with further titles under discussion.

Mulvihill says Roaring aims to demonstrate that “lean, responsive, locally tuned campaigns can deliver sustained outcomes”, adding “If we can demonstrate that and can show results, it benefits the entire sector.”

You can find more details here.

The film will screen at Horror-on-Sea on the 23rd of January, 2026, with future screenings at other major festivals to be announced in the coming weeks.

If you enjoy Cinema Australia as much as I loved publishing it, please consider supporting Cinema Australia’s commitment to the Australian screen industry via a donation below.

I strive to shine a light on Australian movies, giving voice to emerging talent and established artists.

This important work is made possible through the support of Cinema Australia readers.

Without corporate interests or paywalls, Cinema Australia is committed to remaining free to read, watch and listen to, always.

If you can, please consider making a contribution. It takes less than a minute, and your support will make a significant impact in sustaining Cinema Australia as the much-loved publication that it is.

Thank you.

Matthew Eeles
Founder and Editor.

Make a donation here.