Focus Features is the distributor of Brokeback Mountain. Although the film was initially released on a limited basis, Focus has gradually expanded their release pattern and it is now showing in over 2000 theatres nationally. Every market has been saturated with theatres showing the film, except Marin County. Here's why...

In 2004, we sued Focus over their distribution practices, including exclusive licenses granted to Century's Marin theatres that prohibited the Fairfax Theatre from showing their films. Focus settled the lawsuit and agreed to not exclude the Fairfax Theatre on a multiple run of their release(s). Then, along came Brokeback Mountain. Focus initially took a multiple run in Century's Sequoia Theatre in Mill Valley. We thought there was no problem. The film performed great and we expected Focus to expand their release and include the Fairfax Theatre. Well, not quite. Century told Focus that they will not show the same films in Mill Valley that show in Fairfax. Focus says that if they expand the number of runs in Marin that they will no longer exclude the Fairfax Theatre. Of course, giving the film to the Fairfax Theatre would mean that Century would stop playing it in Mill Valley.

Even though Focus would make more money by distributing the film to more theatres in Marin County, they are willing to compromise their shareholders bottom line so that Century benefits from the present arrangement. Meanwhile, everyone else loses.

What can you do? If you live in Northern Marin, you should complain to Century Theatres and demand change. You should also complain to Focus features for excluding your community through their anti-competitive film distribution activities. You should also contact the State of California, Office of the Attorney General, and express your concern. After all, what would happen if your local store told you that you would have to drive to downtown Mill Valley to buy your milk?

On the bright side, we smile everytime a Marin County resident attends our Boulevard Cinemas in Petaluma and thanks us for showing a film that cannot be seen at their local theatre. Even though we would love to show you the film in Fairfax, please understand that we are not the reason why we can't. We appreciate your business and we appreciate your support.