Independent film distributor Umbrella Entertainment has officially rebranded as Umbrella, reflecting its broadened ambitions in original content and multi-platform engagement across Australia and New Zealand.
Founded in 2001 by Managing Director Jeff Harrison, Umbrella has built a reputation for distributing Australian classics and cult genre films. The rebrand signals a continued commitment to theatrical-first releases while supporting its growth across digital platforms, physical media, and production.
Recent regional successes include Talk To Me, Late Night With The Devil, Every Little Thing, and Birdeater, which won the Sydney Film Festival Audience Award. The upcoming slate features titles such as Lesbian Space Princess, which won the Berlinale Teddy Award, We Bury The Dead starring Daisy Ridley, and the music documentary Sweat It Out!. New Zealand entries include I, Object and Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant.
To strengthen its presence in New Zealand, Umbrella has appointed Jasmin McSweeney and Luke Murray and launched a restoration and re-release program for historic NZ titles, in collaboration with the New Zealand Film Commission.
Umbrella’s expanded platform strategy includes:
Sanctuary Pictures, its production label, with Penny Lane is Dead in development.
Brollie, an AVOD platform focusing on local and cult titles.
Aussie Classics on Foxtel, a linear channel showcasing Umbrella’s catalogue.
Sunburnt Screens, a behind-the-scenes podcast on Australian cinema.
International sales representation for select titles.
Restoration of culturally significant films.
The Wake in Fright development initiative with AACTA and the Wake in Fright Trust.
“Umbrella has always stood for bold, distinctive storytelling, and this rebrand brings that vision into sharper focus,” said Ari Harrison, General Manager. “It reflects our growth – not just in film and partnerships, but in the way we operate across theatrical, digital, physical and production spaces.”
Founder Jeff Harrison added, “Umbrella Entertainment has always backed unforgettable films and the voices behind them. As we move forward as Umbrella, we’re building on that legacy with renewed energy.”
The updated brand identity, including a new logo, website and on-screen ident, was developed in partnership with Studio Brave and strategy consultant Jemma Thomas. The new look will be revealed publicly at the 2025 Sydney Film Festival.