Pete Ohs' 2026 Distribution Experiment #2: 'Erupcja' (and Releasing an Indie Starring Charli XCX)
“The work doesn't end.”
'Erupcja'
In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins continues NFS’ 2026 distribution experiment with filmmaker Pete Ohs, focusing on the release of Erupcja, his Warsaw-shot microbudget feature starring Charli XCX, Lena Góra, Will Madden, and Jeremy O. Harris.
Pete breaks down how the movie was made, how its TIFF premiere led to a deal with One Two Special, and what he learned from theatrical touring, Q&As, VOD timing, marketing assets, fan edits, and the emotional sustainability of releasing independent films.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Making Erupcja in Warsaw, Poland, with Charli XCX and a small, experimental production model
- How SAG’s Global Rule One affected the budget of an international indie production
- Premiering at TIFF and navigating sales conversations with CAA and multiple distributors
- Why Pete chose One Two Special based on alignment, communication, and “vibes”
- Building a release around Q&As, theatrical events, and in-person audience engagement
- Creating playful marketing assets, including a zine, a voicemail phone line, and fan-edit materials
- Releasing trailer stems and encouraging remix culture around the film
- How theatrical box office expectations were framed for a movie made under $100,000
- The limits of relying on actors or stars to carry indie film promotion
- Why filmmakers should treat Q&As as another form of storytelling
- The idea of “regional filmmaking” and creating meaningful local releases
- Finishing and releasing projects as part of sustaining a long-term filmmaking practice
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