Toronto distributor levelFILM has bolstered its factual presence in Canada with a key acquisition and partnership.

The company has acquired Toronto-based distributor KinoSmith, while Robin Smith (pictured), former president of KinoSmith and current co-owner and CEO of Blue Ice Docs, has joined levelFILM as head of factual content.

In addition, levelFILM has inked a multi-year partnership with Blue Ice Docs to manage its content library, collaborate on new acquisitions and “build a more robust distribution partnership for Blue Ice Docs’ factual production investments.”

The partnership will allow both companies to “integrate distribution in order to provide both funding and release strategies for factual content in Canada and across the globe.”

As head of factual content, Smith will oversee the combined library of documentary films and develop new factual productions, as well as play an “integral role in acquisitions, sales and strategic partnerships.” Smith will also continue to oversee Blue Ice Docs.

“The acquisition of KinoSmith, adding Robin Smith to our team and forging a strategic partnership with [Blue Ice Docs co-owner and director] Neil Tabatznik represents a whole new chapter for our company,” said David Hudakoc, managing director of levelFILM, in a statement. “Robin brings an unmatched expertise in docs, along with his deep relationships and quality taste. We see an exciting opportunity to not only distribute, but fund, develop and create factual content that will help shape the future of the genre.”

“We’ve long been looking for a strategic partner to team-up with for our content in the Canadian market and admired levelFILM’s operations for years,” added Smith. “I’m thrilled to join forces with levelFILM and believe the consolidation and combination of each companies’ strengths and skills will create an exciting new dynamic force in our marketplace.”

Blue Ice Docs was formed as a joint venture between KinoSmith and Blue Ice Group in 2014 to fund and acquire non-fiction work for the Canadian and global markets. The company has financed more than 20 feature-length documentaries, including Oscar-nominated films Abacus: Small Enough to Jail (pictured) and The Mole Agent, in addition to acquiring docs such as Laurie Lynd’s Killing Patient Zero.

The deal with Blue Ice Docs marks levelFILM’s second multi-year partnership to build its documentary slate. The company inked a deal with New York’s Greenwich Entertainment last month during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Recent acquisitions from levelFILM include Compy Films’ drama Scarborough, which was named a runner-up for TIFF’s People’s Choice Award, and the sci-fi feature Tin Can, which bowed at the Fantasia International Film Festival.

Image courtesy of Robin Smith