LEONINE Studios has long distinguished itself as a key player in the German distribution landscape, offering a wide-ranging slate of successful theatrical releases – from major US titles to much-loved German franchises and acclaimed arthouse films. In 2024, LEONINE co-produced and distributed School of Magical Animals 3, the highest-ranking German film of the year by admissions. Remarkably, 2024 marked the fifth consecutive year in which a film produced, co-produced or distributed by LEONINE had topped the national box office among German titles. In total, three of the top ten German films in 2024 were released by LEONINE.
Welcoming the announcement, Phil Clapp, President of UNIC, said: “We are delighted to take this opportunity to recognise the success of LEONINE Studios. Their continued dedication to bringing a diverse range of popular films to audiences has played a vital role in the health and vibrancy of the European cinema sector. This award reflects their deep-rooted commitment to theatrical distribution and the value of strong partnerships with exhibitors.”
Andrew Sunshine, President of The Film Expo Group added: “LEONINE Studios stands as a beacon of cinematic innovation – where bold storytelling, visionary direction, and true craftsmanship converge to shape the future of film and television. LEONINE Studios exemplifies excellence in distribution. We are proud to honour their team at this year’s Awards Ceremony and to celebrate their extraordinary achievements in the German market.”
Receiving news of the award, Fred Kogel, Chief Executive Officer of LEONINE Studios and among others responsible for acquisitions, commented: "This prestigious recognition as European Distributor of the Year is a testament to our bold approach and our deep commitment to our partnerships. We are passionate about championing outstanding storytelling – from major international blockbusters to local gems. Our success is built on forging alliances with visionary talent and we thank all our partners for their trust and for sharing our belief in the magic of cinema.”
Bernhard zu Castell, Chief Distribution Officer of LEONINE Studios, added: “At LEONINE Studios, our mission is to bring remarkable stories to the widest possible audience, making unforgettable cinema moments accessible and visible everywhere. This award reflects the dedication and hard work of our team. We see this honour not only as a recognition of our achievements, but as inspiration to continue raising the bar for innovative distribution and impactful marketing, together with our industry colleagues."
About LEONINE Studios
LEONINE Studios is Germany’s leading independent media company – the one-stop-shop for premium content. LEONINE partners with outstanding talent to create content that inspires audiences around the world.
Together, the LEONINE Studios companies produce, co-produce, distribute and license premium content – covering the entire value chain of the content business: films, series and content for social media – from entertainment to infotainment, fiction and non-fiction.
LEONINE Studios’ production companies are led by award-winning producers and creative partners – including the premium production brands beetz brothers film production | hyperbole | i&u TV | Madame Zheng Production | Odeon Fiction | SEO Entertainment | W&B Television | Wiedemann & Berg Film | Toon2Tango.
LEONINE Studios distribution and licensing brings content to theaters, home entertainment, television and streaming networks, and social media channels. The market-leading license library includes programs in all formats and genres.
LEONINE Studios is part of the Mediawan Group.
About CineEurope
CineEurope 2025 will take place on 16-19 June at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. CineEurope is the longest-running and most successful European convention and trade show for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. CineEurope will feature exclusive screenings and product presentations of upcoming films, sponsored networking events, timely and informative seminars, and the CineEurope Trade Show. CineEurope is the Official Convention of the Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC).
About UNIC
The Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) represents the interests of cinema trade associations and cinema operators covering 39 countries in Europe and in neighbouring regions.
About Film Expo Group
The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces CineEurope, held in Barcelona; ShowEast, held in Miami; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok.
For more information on CineEurope, visit filmexpos.com/cineeurope/
Media Contact:
Dawn Blaschick
dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.com
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