The fallout from Row K’s financial struggles has given Sony Pictures Classics an opportunity to step in to showcase their film slate at this year’s CinemaCon. The 2026 edition of the exhibitor conference has added a “Film Showcase” event to allow independent distributors to showcase their upcoming releases. Its lineup of distributors was announced several months ago, and included Angel Studios, Studiocanal and the newly launched distributor Row K Entertainment. However, a cascade of reporting on the financial struggles of Row K has put that called into question that company’s participation.
Last week, multiple news reports highlighted the financial strain of Row K, which was launched with much fanfare only 8 months ago. Variety was the first to report that Row K is struggling to meet its financial commitments to producers, resulting in the loss of distribution rights for some films which they had recently acquired. One such case was the Maude Apatow’s debut movie POETIC LICENSE, which Row K had planned to give prime billing at CinemaCon.
After Deadline reported on the resignation of three top Row K executives, their standing to present at CinemaCon seemed untenable. In fact, the conference later announced that Row K had dropped out of their Film Showcase slot and that Sony Pictures Classic would take their place. Sony Pictures Classic will give visibility to their 2026 slate of titles, which include the dance-themed love story HA-CHAN< SHAKE YOUR BOOTY!, the Korean-set drama BEDFORD PARK and the crime thriller THE ONLY LIVING PICKPOCKET IN NEW YORK starring John Tuturro.
