"It gives them greater leverage in renting films from the Hollywood distributors as well as buying popcorn and candy," he added.

"Tougher Than Leather" was financed for less than $10 million by Rush, which plans to show it to major Hollywood distributors.

Half of it goes to the Hollywood distributors.

Mr. Briglia said that the singer Grace Jones special-orders candy canes from his Hollywood distributor.

Selim entered Sweet Land in several film festivals, and despite a positive reception and some awards, no Hollywood distributor would take it on.

Afterward, they shake hands and sign autographs for fans of the film, which even without a Hollywood distributor has become one of the most successful documentaries ever made.

Still, few people are expecting Hollywood distributors to rush to Amherst.

Hollywood distributors blame the quality of the film.

And though no American distribution deal has been struck yet, she said many major Hollywood distributors have expressed interest.

Clark has said that this online-only distribution was a way of bypassing "crooked Hollywood distributors".