Copyright Variety
“Magazine Dreams,” the violent bodybuilding drama from director Elijah Bynum that earned critical acclaim at Sundance in 2023 only to get caught up assault allegations against its lead star Jonathan Majors, is now set to hit cinemas in the U.K. The release comes through a unique distribution partnership between BUFF Studios, the distribution arm of the British Urban Film Festival, alongside Celsius Entertainment and Aaryan K. Trivedi. Celsius is continuing to sell the film at the American Film Market. The deal marks BUFF Studios’ ongoing expansion into distribution following its releases of “No Shade” and “Ireke: Rise of the Maroons.” The U.K. release is set for Dec. 5 2025, with Vue Cinemas confirmed to roll out the film across multiple sites in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Nottingham. “A film festival like BUFF’s move into distribution with a film of this quality represents an important innovation for the market,” said Trivedi, who released “Magazine Dreams” in Africa through his company WTHW films (“Kneecap,” “Mapantsula”). “We’re thrilled to have made this deal and are eager to see how collaborations like this can evolve the international distribution landscape.” Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe, head of global theatrical distribution at BUFF Studios, described the film as a “statement release” for the company. “This partnership with Celsius Entertainment and Aaryan K. Trivedi reflects BUFF’s commitment to bringing bold, artistically fearless stories to UK audiences,” he said. “Our slate represents the next chapter in BUFF’s evolution – from festival platform to full-service distribution brand.” Produced by Los Angeles Media Fund and distributed in the U.S. earlier this year by Briarcliff Entertainment, “Magazine Dreams “follows Killian Maddox, a driven but troubled bodybuilder struggling with identity, fame, and obsession. The film premiered to strong buzz following its debut at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, sparking a bidding war won by Searchlight Pictures for a reported mid-seven figure sum. But the distributor dropped the film in January 2024 after Majors was accused of domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend. The “Magazine Dreams” U.K. deal was brokered between Trivedi, Anyiam-Osigwe for BUFF Studios and Celsius Entertainment .
