MUBI Hires Former IFC Films Chief Arianna Bocco to Handle Global Distribution

MUBI is expanding its global theatrical footprint, and it is hiring a seasoned indie film vet to lead the charge. MUBI has hired Arianna Bocco, the former president of IFC Films, to join the company as its SVP of Global Distribution, the company announced Tuesday, January 7.

Bocco spent 16 years at IFC Films, leaving in 2023 (she was elevated to the role of president in 2020) amid major changes to the indie distributor that resulted in a slew of executive departures.

In her new role, Bocco will lead the international distribution of MUBI’s titles, helping to expand its foreign footprint theatrically. Mark Boxer, who currently leads the U.S. distribution team and also worked with Bocco at IFC Films, will continue in that role. Some of the titles she’ll be working on to start include Kelly Reichardt’s “The Mastermind” and Jim Jarmusch’s “Father Mother Sister Brother.”

Bocco will report directly to Jason Ropell, Chief Content Officer at MUBI. She’ll also be on the ground at Sundance later this month on behalf of MUBI’s upcoming film “Magic Farm” from director Amalia Ulman when it makes its world premiere. She’ll be based in the New York office.

It’s a big moment for MUBI, the art house streamer and distributor which has had the biggest release of its existence with “The Substance.” The film won a Golden Globe on Sunday for Demi Moore and has already grossed $75 million globally.

“MUBI is an exciting company with a unique vision, perfectly positioned to expand independent film distribution on a global scale” Bocco said in a statement. “ I’m thrilled to bring my experience to their team and look forward to collaborating with Efe, Jason, and everyone at MUBI to help shape the future of its growth and impact in the world of cinema.”

Bocco in her time at IFC was behind the releases of films like “In the Loop,” “Weekend,” “Hunger,” “Certain Women,” “The Trip,” “Summer Hours,” “Frances Ha,” “The Babadook,” and many more. Prior to working at IFC Films, she led the independent feature packaging division of the Gersh Agency in New York City. She also had a stint at Miramax Films as SVP of Acquisitions and began her career at New Line Cinema and Fine Line Features.

Bocco is an AMPAS and BAFTA member and previously served as the chair of the New York Board of BAFTA.

Deadline first reported the news.