EXCLUSIVE: Spanish arthouse streaming platform Filmin has acquired the acquisitions and distribution business of producer-distributor Elastica in a landmark deal.
The agreement, signed on June 12, brings together two leading Spanish independent film companies while allowing them to operate autonomously. Filmin is acquiring 100% of Elastica’s distribution business, with both teams set to work together. The deal does not affect either company’s existing or future commitments with third parties.
The move marks a significant step in Filmin’s evolution from specialist streamer into a more vertically integrated independent film company. Meanwhile, Elastica will now have access to Filmin’s subscriber base and digital infrastructure, while preserving its theatrical operation and editorial identity.
Filmin founder and CEO Juan Carlos Tous told Screen: “The move reinforces the platform’s longstanding commitment to cinemas as the starting point of a film’s commercial life… We are making this move to become more attractive to the international market and to Europe’s leading players.”
Elastica co-founder Enrique Costa said: “The alliance should allow us to compete more strongly for all the films that interest us. This alliance brings together two companies united by innovation and curatorial judgement and a shared passion for cinema.”
The deal gives Filmin access to high-profile Elastica releases, although windows will continue to be negotiated title by title and some films will remain tied to other platforms.
Upcoming Elastica titles include Marta Matute’s Málaga Film Festival winner Yo No Moriré De Amor; horror title Backrooms; Edward Berger’s The Riders, produced by and starring Brad Pitt; and Todd Haynes’ Pedro Pascal-led De Noche.
The Riders, Backrooms and De Noche will also be available on HBO Max.
Elastica releases covered by existing arrangements, including Movistar Plus+ original La Bola Negra and Netflix’s Bunker, will not stream on Filmin.
Long relationship
The transaction formalises a relationship that began in 2021, when Filmin and Elastica collaborated on the Spanish release of Leos Carax’s Annette. They have since jointly distributed more than 10 films, among them Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance, Justine Triet’s Palme d’Or and Oscar winner Anatomy Of A Fall, and Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s international feature Oscar winner Drive My Car.
Tous said: “Filmin has been supported by the EU’s MEDIA programme for more than a decade and is recognised as a European benchmark. We now believe we have the scale and appeal needed to pursue a larger European project.”
Costa added: “The alliance will allow us to assess which European markets we can contribute to and where we can add value.”
The companies said the agreement aims to help independent and arthouse cinema reach the widest possible audience. It also reflects a broader European trend towards closer links between theatrical distributors, digital platforms and rights holders as independent groups seek greater control over films’ circulation and long-term value.
Founded in Barcelona in 2007 by Tous, Jaume Ripoll and José Antonio de Luna, Filmin operates in Spain and Portugal. The curated platform specialises in independent and auteur cinema and offers more than 11,000 films and 500 series, including original productions.
Founded in 2021 by María Zamora and Costa, Elastica operates across production and distribution. Its catalogue includes The Zone Of Interest, Past Lives and Emilia Pérez. Recent productions include Carla Simón’s 2025 Cannes Competition title Romería and Manuela Martelli’s The Meltdown, selected for Un Certain Regard in 2026, following Alcarràs, winner of the 2022 Berlinale Golden Bear, and O Corno, which took San Sebastián’s 2023 Golden Shell.
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