A new documentary titled The Bibi Files, focusing on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will debut on the direct-to-consumer platform Jolt.film on December 11. The film features previously unreleased footage of Netanyahu being interrogated by police regarding corruption allegations that led to his indictment in 2019.
In September, Netanyahu sought to prevent the documentary from premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). His legal team argued that the film violated Israeli law by using unauthorized interrogation footage. However, a Jerusalem court dismissed his case just hours before the film’s scheduled screening.
Given its politically sensitive subject, The Bibi Files did not attract interest from major streaming services following its TIFF debut on September 9. Instead, filmmakers Alexis Bloom and Alex Gibney chose to partner with Jolt, a new platform that launched in March. Jolt aims to provide a space for documentaries that struggle to find traditional distribution. Recent releases on Jolt include Hollywoodgate and No One Asked You, with the upcoming Gaucho Gaucho scheduled for December.
Gibney, who is part of Jolt’s advisory board, expressed the need for alternative distribution methods amid increasing corporate consolidation in the film industry. He noted, “There are good films being made that audiences want to see, but the big players are making it difficult for them to reach viewers.” Jolt offers a promising avenue for independent films, allowing creators to present their work without compromising its integrity.
Bloom echoed Gibney’s sentiments, stating, “Even though Israel is frequently in the news, no one was willing to take on this film. Instead of diluting the controversial aspects, we decided to embrace the opportunity Jolt provides.”
Jolt was founded by the same team behind Impact Partners, a documentary funding company known for supporting socially relevant films. Co-founder Jim Swartz highlighted a growing trend of streaming services shying away from politically sensitive content. “The industry is at a crossroads,” he said. “Rather than waiting for government support, we chose to create a filmmaker-friendly platform.”
The platform aims to feature 20 to 25 films each year, both documentaries and narratives, and does not charge filmmakers to join. Ticket prices for The Bibi Files will be set at $12. Jolt employs advanced data analytics and machine learning to develop targeted marketing strategies for each film. Filmmakers receive detailed insights into audience engagement through shared data.
“We’ve developed a sophisticated audience discovery model using AI,” Swartz explained. “We identify the top 10 target audiences for each film and create tailored advertisements on social media platforms to reach them effectively.”
Unlike traditional streaming services, Jolt removes films after 90 days, allowing for a dynamic viewing experience. The platform splits revenues with filmmakers, providing 70% of profits back to them, while using the remaining funds to maintain operations. Directors retain ownership of their films and future rights.
The Bibi Files could significantly enhance Jolt’s reputation, drawing attention to both the platform and its filmmakers. “The filmmakers are proving that it’s possible to find alternatives to traditional distribution,” said Jolt CEO Tara Hein-Phillips. “This approach can empower creators to reject unfavorable deals.”
Swartz added that successful films like The Bibi Files could support future projects with smaller audiences. “By generating funds from high-profile films, we can invest in niche projects that also deserve attention,” he said.
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