Documentary+ Acquires Global Rights to TIFF Hit ‘Still Single’

Why It Matters

The move strengthens Documentary+’s niche nonfiction portfolio and taps the growing appetite for high‑end food storytelling, positioning the service for broader global subscriber growth.

Key Takeaways

• Documentary+ secures worldwide rights to “Still Single.”
• Film spotlights Michelin‑star chef Masaki Saito’s omakase.
• Premiere set for April 23 as Documentary+ Original.
• Platform reaches 100 million US homes, 70 countries.
• Acquisition follows acTVe’s purchase of Documentary+.

Pulse Analysis

“Still Single” arrives at a moment when food‑focused storytelling is booming on streaming services. The documentary follows Masaki Saito, the 36‑year‑old chef behind Toronto’s two‑star Michelin restaurant Saito, whose meticulous approach to aging fish pushes the boundaries of omakase dining. By weaving footage of his rural Japanese upbringing with the high‑pressure environment of his downtown kitchen, directors Jamal Burger and Jukan Tatei deliver a visually striking portrait that appeals to both gastronomy enthusiasts and general documentary fans.

The acquisition underscores Documentary+’s ambition to become the go‑to home for premium nonfiction. After its recent purchase by acTVe, a FAST‑channel operator, the platform is leveraging its filmmaker‑first ethos to secure exclusive titles that can differentiate it from larger competitors. With distribution in over 100 million U.S. households and 70 countries, the April 23 launch of “Still Single” adds a high‑profile culinary entry to a catalog that already includes Oscar‑shortlisted and sports‑centric documentaries, reinforcing its global reach.

From a business perspective, the deal signals growing confidence in niche‑genre streaming. Culinary documentaries attract affluent, engaged viewers who often translate into higher subscription value and ancillary revenue through merchandise or brand partnerships. As audiences seek authentic, experience‑driven content, platforms that can pair celebrated chefs with compelling narratives stand to capture market share from traditional broadcasters. “Still Single” therefore not only expands Documentary+’s library but also illustrates a broader industry shift toward specialized, high‑quality nonfiction programming.

Deal Summary

Documentary+, the nonfiction streaming platform, has completed the acquisition of global rights to the Toronto International Film Festival‑premiered documentary ‘Still Single’, profiling sushi chef Masaki Saito. The deal, negotiated by Documentary+ CEO Geoff Clark and XYZ Films’ Nate Bolotin, will see the film debut as a Documentary+ Original on April 23. The acquisition expands Documentary+’s nonfiction catalog worldwide.