Watch The Film Peddler

The Film Peddler is a documentary film from 2011 that shares the story of Joe Leahy, who became a successful independent film distributor in the United States. The film explores Joe's journey from a struggling artist trying to make a living with his passion to a successful businessman who pioneered an industry many never knew existed.

The film begins by introducing Joe Leahy, who has been selling films for over thirty years. Joe's passion for films started as a young man when he discovered the beauty of foreign films at a local cinema. He followed his dream by moving to New York City and working as an art dealer, but he struggled financially until he found his calling as a film distributor.

Joe discovered that many European filmmakers wanted to distribute their films in the United States but didn't know-how. Joe realized he could make a profit by buying the rights to films for a low price and then selling them to cinemas, stores, and collectors. He started his business in his basement, where he stored the films and advertised nationwide through the classified sections of magazines.

As Joe's business grew, he started traveling to film festivals worldwide to find new films and meet with filmmakers. He used his knowledge of the industry to scout the most promising new talents, and he negotiated to bring their films to the United States. Joe earned a reputation as a person who understood the industry and how to showcase one-of-a-kind films. He became respected by all those who worked with him.

Throughout the film, personal interviews with Joe are interspersed with clips from some of the films he distributed, providing a visual and emotional representation of his legacy. The Film Peddler shows how Joe's appreciation for films and unique business approach has transformed the industry. He is an important figure in the history of independent film distribution in the United States, and his story is one of triumph and success.

The film also touches on some of the challenges that Joe faced in his professional life. For instance, his love for films often overshadowed his readiness to embrace the emerging technology of digital formats. This led to a difficult period for his business in the 1990s, as he trailed behind his competitors. However, Joe was resilient and fought through other obstacles as well, such as personal tragedies and failed business deals.

The Film Peddler also explores the relationship between Joe and his father, Jimmy, who inspired Joe to follow his quest to work in films. Jimmy, who retired from show business a long time ago, reminisces on the hard work that went into making films, as well as the quality of the artistry of those films. The admiration Jimmy has for Joe is palpable throughout the film, and his pride in Joe's accomplishments is evident in every word he speaks.

The Film Peddler is a heartwarming film that showcases the impact of Joe's dedication to his craft. It's an awe-inspiring tale of an individual who combined his passion for the arts and his business acumen to create success in a field that many considered risky or even impossible.

In conclusion, The Film Peddler will take you on an unforgettable journey through the life of Joe Leahy, a man who changed the independent film distribution industry in the United States. The film is entertaining, enlightening, and inspiring, reminding us that through hard work, dedication, and persistence, we can achieve great things in life.

The Film Peddler is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.