Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme Takes Over Angelika Film Center in Immersive Limited Release
Focus Features has launched a full-scale cinematic takeover at New York’s Angelika Film Center for the limited theatrical release of Wes Anderson’s latest film, The Phoenician Scheme. All six screens are dedicated to the film, accompanied by an immersive experience that includes a Marseille-themed café, live jazz, custom merchandise, and even film-inspired cocktails.
The release follows the film’s standing ovation premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, reinforcing Anderson’s status as a specialty box office powerhouse. Other select locations screening the film include Alamo Brooklyn, AMC Lincoln Square, and AMC’s The Grove, Century City, and Burbank in Los Angeles.
Immersive Screening Experience
The Angelika transformation features:
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A Marseille Bob’s-themed bar
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Signature champagne cocktails
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A film-inspired Egyptian elevator and vintage train photo booth
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$60 premium tickets including a t-shirt, drink, large popcorn, cocktail, and King Size Hershey’s Bar
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$30 standard tickets
Fans can also enjoy Q&As with Wes Anderson, Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, and Michael Cera at select showings.
Anderson’s Return to the Arthouse Spotlight
The Phoenician Scheme follows Zsa-zsa Korda (Del Toro), a wealthy industrialist who names his nun daughter (Threapleton) as his sole heir. As Korda launches a new enterprise, the pair are targeted by scheming tycoons, terrorists, and assassins. The film continues Anderson’s distinctive visual storytelling and ensemble-driven narrative style.
This release echoes the 2023 success of Anderson’s Asteroid City, which grossed $790k in its opening weekend on just six screens — one of the highest per-theater averages in arthouse history. His 2014 film, The Grand Budapest Hotel, still holds the per-screen record with $200k per theater.
Specialty Box Office Revival
Focus Features Chairman Peter Kujawski expressed deep admiration for Anderson at a recent Jazz at Lincoln Center event:
“Wes means a huge amount to me personally as an artist… being a part of his movies truly means the world to me.”
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The release comes at a time when the 2025 indie film market is showing signs of recovery post-pandemic, helped by a reinvigorated Cannes and strong audience turnout.
New Indie Releases This Weekend
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Tornado (IFC Films) – A British period action-drama starring Kōki and Tim Roth, directed by John Maclean.
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Ghost Trail (Music Box Films) – Jonathan Millet’s powerful debut, starring César-nominated Adam Bessa, about a Syrian exile tracking down his torturer in France.
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Ron Delsener Presents (Abramorama) – A music documentary chronicling the legendary NYC concert promoter, featuring Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, Paul Simon, and more.
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Hope On The Stage (Live Viewing) – A global live cinema broadcast of BTS star j-hope’s concert from Osaka.
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The Met: Live in HD – Rossini’s The Barber of Seville – Classic opera returns to screens via Fathom Events.
Also notable:
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A24’s Friendship remains strong in week 4 on 1,280 screens.
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Sony Pictures Classics’ Jane Austen Wrecked My Life expands to 526 screens after a solid debut.
Final Thoughts
Wes Anderson’s devoted fan base is once again rallying behind his distinct cinematic universe. With The Phoenician Scheme, Focus Features is not just releasing a movie — they’re curating a full-fledged film experience, reviving energy and elegance in the indie box office.
