Ira Deutchman

Biography

Ira Deutchman is a prominent American film producer, distributor, and educator, renowned for his significant contributions to the independent film industry. Born in 1953 in Cherry Point, North Carolina, Deutchman has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of independent cinema since the mid-1970s.

Early Career and Cinecom

Deutchman began his career shortly after graduating from Northwestern University in 1975, starting at Cinema 5 Ltd., where he worked on non-theatrical sales and advertising, eventually becoming Director of Acquisitions. He contributed to the marketing of acclaimed films such as Scenes from a Marriage, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Swept Away, Harlan County USA, and Pumping Iron.

In 1982, he co-founded Cinecom Entertainment Group, an independent film distribution company. Cinecom released a diverse array of films, including A Room with a View, Swimming to Cambodia, El Norte, and The Brother from Another Planet, helping redefine independent film distribution.

Fine Line Features

In 1991, Deutchman established Fine Line Features. As president, he oversaw the acquisition and distribution of over 60 films, many becoming critical and commercial successes. Notable releases included Jane Campion’s An Angel at My Table, Gus van Sant’s My Own Private Idaho, Jim Jarmusch’s Night on Earth, Robert Altman’s The Player and Short Cuts, Roman Polanski’s Bitter Moon and Death and the Maiden, Mike Leigh’s Naked, and the documentary Hoop Dreams.

Digital Innovation and Education

In 2002, Deutchman co-founded Emerging Pictures, the first digital projection network in the United States, which delivered live cultural events such as opera and ballet into movie theaters, expanding the reach of independent and international cinema.

Since 1987, he has taught at Columbia University’s School of the Arts, serving as Professor and Chair of the Film Program from 2011 to 2015. His courses focus on the marketing and distribution of feature films, giving students practical insight into the business side of cinema.

Recent Work and Recognition

Deutchman’s recent projects include producing a film adaptation of Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed, a theatrical adaptation of Hester Street, and directing the documentary Searching for Mr. Rugoff, which premiered at the 2019 DOC NYC Festival. In 2017, he received the Spotlight Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sundance Art House Convergence for his contributions to independent film.

Personal Life

Deutchman is married to Beth Krieger, with whom he has two children: Jeff, a film industry professional, and Emily, an artist and furniture maker.