New Jersey has always had a fascinating connection to the world of film, from the early days of motion pictures to its role as a backdrop for countless stories. At Explore New Jersey, we’re captivated by the artistic and cultural pulse of our state, and today, we’re shining a spotlight on a significant development in independent and archival film distribution that promises to bring even more cinematic treasures to audiences: Milestone Films’ exciting new partnership!
A New Era for Milestone Films: Maya Cade Takes the Helm
Milestone Films, an independent distributor with a global reputation for unearthing and championing cinematic masterpieces, is embarking on a new and inspiring chapter. We’re thrilled to announce that Maya Cade, the visionary creator and curator of Black Film Archive, will now be taking over the distribution of Milestone’s entire catalog. This partnership signals a powerful evolution, ensuring that these vital films continue to reach new audiences and receive the recognition they deserve.
This move is truly exciting for 2025, with new press kits already available for celebrated titles such as The Annihilation of Fish, Cossacks in Exile, the newly updated Killer of Sheep (2025 press kit!), and Naked Acts. It means that a new generation of film lovers will have enhanced access to these important works.
Milestone’s Legacy: Rediscovering Cinema’s “Lost” Voices
Founded in 1990 by Amy Heller and Dennis Doros from their humble New York City apartment, Milestone Films has grown into an internationally respected force in independent cinema located in Harrington Park, New Jersey. Their mission has always been clear: to “mess with the canon” – to challenge conventional film history by actively seeking out, restoring, and distributing films that fall outside the mainstream. Since 2007, this dedication has particularly focused on “lost” films by and about African Americans, Native Americans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women – voices often overlooked in traditional cinema narratives.
Milestone’s tireless work has brought countless cinematic gems back to light. They’ve been instrumental in rediscovering and re-releasing groundbreaking films like Alfred Hitchcock’s seldom-seen Bon Voyage and Aventure Malgache, Charles Burnett’s seminal Killer of Sheep, Kent Mackenzie’s The Exiles, Lionel Rogosin’s On the Bowery, Mikhail Kalatozov’s I Am Cuba, Marcel Ophuls’s The Sorrow and the Pity, and the pivotal LGBTQ+ documentary Word is Out. Their commitment extends to works by iconic independent filmmakers such as Billy Woodberry (Bless Their Little Hearts), pioneering female director Lois Weber (Shoes, The Dumb Girl of Portici), and the revolutionary Shirley Clarke (Portrait of Jason, The Connection, Ornette: Made in America).
This dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Milestone has received numerous accolades over the years, including multiple Special Archival Awards and Film Heritage Awards from the National Society of Film Critics, the prestigious Leo Award from the International Film Seminars, and two-time recognition from the New York Film Critics Circle for their restoration efforts. In 2008, Dennis Doros and Amy Heller were honored with the Los Angeles Film Critics Association’s first Legacy of Cinema Award for their tireless work in film restoration and preservation. Their impact on film history is undeniable, with contemporary masters like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Steven Soderbergh openly praising and co-presenting Milestone’s restorations. As Stephen Holden of The New York Times aptly put it, “Milestone Film & Video is an art-film distributor that has released some of the most distinguished new movies (along with seldom-seen vintage movie classics) of the past decade.”
Maya Cade: A Visionary for the Future of Film
Stepping into this pivotal role is Maya S. Cade, a celebrated figure in the film world known for her groundbreaking work with Black Film Archive. Cade is not only its creator and curator but also the inaugural CCDI scholar-in-residence at the Library of Congress. Her exceptional contributions to film preservation and scholarship have earned her special distinctions from both the New York Film Critics Circle and the National Society of Film Critics.
Cade’s influence extends widely, with her work featured in prestigious publications like The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, NPR, and Vulture. In 2023 alone, she was recognized on Fast Company’s “Most Creative Person” list and Essence Magazine’s inaugural “Young, Gifted, and Black” list, highlighting Black art leaders under 30. Her groundbreaking efforts include being the first guest film curator to present a film series tied to a museum exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the world’s largest film museum.
Maya Cade’s expertise and passion for diverse cinematic voices make her the ideal leader to guide Milestone Films into its next phase. This partnership promises to bring more of these essential, often overlooked, stories to viewers, enriching our understanding of film history and expanding the cinematic landscape for all.
Curious to delve deeper into the world of film, from groundbreaking independent features to classic cinema and the stories behind their preservation? Explore our Film section for more insights and discoveries!