June 4, 2025

Ink Films Partners with Acclaimed Animator Don Hertzfeldt on Animated Shorts Feature

Ink Films, the newly launched distribution arm of not-for-profit, The Beverly Theater, has announced its debut theatrical partnership: a special, soon-to-be-announced animated shorts program curated by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Don Hertzfeldt. Slated to premiere in cinemas across North America in fall 2025, this for-theaters-only project will feature an exclusive, one-time-only collection of animated shorts by talented artists from around the world, personally selected by Hertzfeldt.

“Animated short films are a vital part of our cinematic ecosystem, and I’ll always leap at every opportunity to bring the work of amazing artists to the biggest screens we can find," said Hertzfeldt. "This feature-length collection includes many strange treasures I’ve admired over the years — from new films that haven’t been released widely yet, to titles that inspired me to become an animator over thirty years ago.”

Celebrated for his emotionally resonant and visually inventive animated films, Hertzfeldt has long been a champion of independent animation. His latest collaboration marks a milestone for both him and Ink Films, as it becomes the company’s inaugural release and for theaters only.

“Ink Films was founded to champion bold, artist-driven storytelling, and no one represents that better than Don,” said Kip Kelly, Founding Creative Director and CXO of The Beverly Theater. “His commitment to the integrity of the cinematic experience aligns with our mission, and launching Ink Films with a project of this caliber sets a powerful precedent for what’s to come.”

The Beverly Theater will be among the theaters hosting an exclusive preview screening of the program in Las Vegas ahead of its national rollout, underscoring the venue’s role as a creative hub for groundbreaking storytelling.

“The Beverly Theater has always been about celebrating creativity and bringing new voices to our community,” said Rory Reid, CEO of The Rogers Foundation, parent foundation of The Beverly Theater and Ink Films. “This collaboration with Don Hertzfeldt exemplifies what we aim to do with Ink Films—give talented creators a platform to reach passionate audiences.”

Under the booking lead of longtime cinema advocate Mike Plante, Head of Distribution for Ink Films and former senior short film programmer at the Sundance Film Festival, the company is dedicated to promoting exceptional storytelling throughout theaters worldwide.

For distribution inquiries or more information, visit inkfilms.com

About Don Hertzfeldt:

Don Hertzfeldt is an American independent filmmaker whose animated films have screened around the world. His work has received two Oscar nominations for Best Animated Short Film, two Sundance Film Festival Grand Prizes for Short Film, a Short Film Palm d'Or nomination at the Cannes Film Festival, and numerous other awards worldwide.

About Ink Films:

Ink Films is the theatrical distribution arm of The Beverly Theater, based in downtown Las Vegas. Launched in 2024, Ink Films stands on business for habitual line-crossers who believe in the power of moviegoing. Storytelling starts with ink. www.inkfilms.com

About The Beverly Theater:

Imagined by The Rogers Foundation, The Beverly Theater is Las Vegas’ premier indie film house and concert venue. Featuring a 150-seat main theater, Segue Jazz Terrace, and courtyard, it offers top-tier sound, sightlines, and artist amenities. Designed for both film and live performances, it boasts a 360-square-foot screen, retractable seating, and is the first commercial exhibition venue to feature ASTRYA® Meyer Sound technology. Located in Downtown Las Vegas, this nonprofit venue continues The Rogers Foundation’s mission to champion the arts. Learn more at www.thebeverlytheater.com and follow @BeverlyTheater

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