Boutique: To Preserve & Collect

We just received the press release for Boutique: To Preserve & Collect which is on its way to FrightFest 2024.

I’ve covered so many documentaries since Moviehooker started and I’ve covered some harrowing subjects. I already know Boutique: To Preserve & Collect will be one of the most important docs I could ever talk about…and here’s why.

I spent 17 years of my life selling physical media and not blowing my own trumpet, I was damn good. To be honest, I thought it was the only thing I was good at. But, my awesome sales record never came from pushing films on people or being part of the greedy retail machine. It came from passion, knowledge, and having wonderful conversations about film with people. As well as the sales becoming almost non-existent, we’ve also lost that human connection and, now, it just seems like a battle of the keyboard warriors.

Our shutters were randomly closed leaving us all without jobs. I felt the only way to continue my passion was to start Moviehooker. I had no idea how to write, or more importantly, how to get that infectious passion I had with my customers onto the big bad world of the internet.

So, here I am 10 years later and I am now getting the opportunity to promote a title about the importance of physical media and restoration. I want a resurgence and I know we’re going to get it.

A big shout-out to all my friends and followers who still believe in the importance of physical media (Jason and Colin especially – thank you). And…not such a nice shout out (but I love you all anyway) to those who say “Where can I find to watch for free?”, or, “Link please”.

Now, rant over, onto the press release. Enjoy.

Documentary To Have World Premiere in London UK at Pigeon Shrine Frightfest

In a love letter to cinema and the boutique collector label renaissance, award-winning documentary filmmaker Ry Levey (OUT IN THE RING) explores the history of home entertainment and the importance of physical media in protecting cinema in all its forms.

Through interviews with label heads, film writers and academics, cult film stars, and filmmakers whose works have been lovingly restored and preserved, BOUTIQUE: TO PRESERVE AND COLLECT will have its World premiere on Saturday, August 24, as part of Pigeon Shrine Frightfest UK in London. The festival runs from August 21 to 26th.

The premiere will be hosted by director Ry Levey and film subject Tori Potenza.

BOUTIQUE: TO PRESERVE AND COLLECT is directed and produced by Ry Levey, Executive produced by Cheryl Staurulakis (Emmy-nominee for TOXIC BEAUTY), and Co-Executive produced by Brett and Jason Butler (UNFRIENDING, PURGATORY JACK).