Mubi Expands Theatrical Operations to Italy With Former Lucky Red Exec Gabriele D’Andrea in Charge

Mubi is set to expand its theatrical operations in Italy as Efe Cakarel, CEO of the global streamer, producer and film distributor, recently anticipated in an interview for a Variety cover story.

Mubi on Thursday announced the appointment of Gabriele D’Andrea as VP, managing director of Mubi Italia, a role in which he will lead the company’s expansion into theatrical distribution in Italy. The move complements Mubi’s existing theatrical units across North America, Latin America, the U.K., Germany, and Benelux, where they release theatrically via Cinéart, of which Mubi acquired a majority stake in 2024.

D’Andrea is joining Mubi after 13 years at the prominent indie outfit Lucky Red, where he led the theatrical side. He is also CEO of Italy’s Circuito Cinema, the country’s leading network of independent and arthouse cinemas and will continue in this role alongside his new position at Mubi, according to a statement.

Mubi Italia will officially launch its theatrical slate in Italy later this year with the release of Lynne Ramsay’s “Die My Love,” starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, which they picked up for the U.S. and multiple other territories in a mega-deal totalling $24 million in Cannes where they went on a buying spree.

Their Cannes buying spree also comprised several other upcoming Mubi theatrical releases: Oliver Laxe’s “Sirât,” which scooped the fest’s jury prize, and Kelly Reichart’s “The Mastermind,” starring Josh O’Connor. “Together, they form the foundation of Mubi Italia’s launch slate: bold, auteur-driven works that exemplify Mubi’s global commitment to cinematic excellence,” the statement noted.