Kate Markham and Mallory Martin Preview IND/EX

Why It Matters

INDEX aims to provide tools and coalition-building at a critical inflection point for independent theaters, while the renewed commercial and technological vigor in 3D — plus mixed box-office wins for mid‑range releases — signals new revenue and programming opportunities for exhibitors.

Summary

On The Box Office Podcast, Box Office Pro previews INDEX, a convention hosted by Art House Conversions and the Film Festival Alliance, with organizers Kate Markham and Mallory Martin saying the independent exhibition sector must confront persistent challenges while evolving into a new chapter. They emphasize unity, adaptability and practical strategies for exhibitors to survive and grow. The episode also recaps recent box-office and exhibition news — highlighting a 3D-powered debut for the Billie Eilish concert film, Amazon MGM’s family title The Sheep Detectives overperforming with a $15 million launch, and box-office showings for Devil Wears Prada 2 and Mortal Kombat 2. Producers and technologists cited improving 3D projection and a slate of upcoming 3D titles as evidence the format is regaining momentum.

Original Description

This week on the Boxoffice podcast, co-hosts Daniel Loria, Rebecca Pahle, and Chad Kennerk recap Mother’s Day weekend at the box office, including the opening of Warner Bros. Mortal Kombat II. Then in the feature segment, Rebecca talks to Kate Markham, the managing director of Art House Convergence, and Mallory Martin, the executive director of Film Festival Alliance, about IND/EX 2026, the Independent Film Exhibition Conference, which takes place in Chicago from June 22-25.