A24 Acquired Jordan Firstman Film Club Kid

The project, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2026, features Jordan Firstman and Diego Calva.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Arthouse

Empty industrial stairwell with weathered brick walls, illuminated by vibrant magenta and cyan neon lighting.
A24 has secured worldwide distribution rights for Club Kid, a film directed by and starring Jordan Firstman that explores queer nightlife culture. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Following a competitive bidding process, A24 secured the distribution rights to the film Club Kid. The movie, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2026, stars Jordan Firstman and Diego Calva.

Why it matters

The project reflects the personal life experiences of Jordan Firstman, who chose A24 as the distributor to ensure the film reached the correct audience. The production aims to provide an authentic look at the queer community through its incorporation of real-world party scenes.

Jordan Firstman spent 10 years facing career rejection before achieving success with this production. The film was secured by A24 following a competitive bidding process.

The players

Jordan Firstman

He is a filmmaker, actor, and writer who directed and starred in the film Club Kid.

Diego Calva

He is an actor who co-stars alongside Jordan Firstman in the production Club Kid.

A24

This is an independent entertainment company that acquired the distribution rights for the film.

The details

Directed by and starring Jordan Firstman, the film follows a party promoter who discovers he has a son. The production team utilized actual New York City party locations and members of the queer community to maintain a sense of authenticity throughout the narrative.

Timeline

  1. May 2026: The film Club Kid premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.

  2. September 18, 2026: The San Sebastian International Film Festival began.

  3. September 22, 2026: Jordan Firstman and Diego Calva attended the San Sebastian International Film Festival.

  4. September 26, 2026: The San Sebastian International Film Festival concluded.

Industry Dynamics

This acquisition highlights the ongoing competition among boutique studios like A24 to secure auteur-driven projects that demonstrate strong cultural resonance. The deal reflects a broader trend of studios investing in films that leverage authentic community narratives to attract niche but dedicated audiences.

The distribution deal with A24 means that audiences can expect a wider theatrical or streaming release for the project than might have occurred with a smaller distributor. Viewers should monitor A24 release schedules for updates on when the film will become available in their region.

The takeaway

The successful acquisition of this film underscores the value of authentic, personal storytelling in the current independent market. Aspiring creators can view the decade-long journey of the filmmaker as a testament to the persistence required to find the right studio partner.

Further reading

For more on independent cinema trends, visit the Arthouse section.

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Should independent filmmakers prioritize artistic integrity over financial backing from major studios?