New streaming services, needing to compete with the likes of Netflix and Amazon, have decided to target more localized markets. FilmStruck, for example, appeals to those who love Turner Classic Movies. MUBI is designed for the cinephile who wants to sit back and watch cult and indie cinema gems. Even sites like FestivalScope have made a case for themselves offering viewers access to festival-bound films from around the globe. It’s no surprise then that, seeing an opening for this kind of niche marketing, Lionsgate and Hemisphere Media Group would partner up to offer a streaming service all about Spanish-language content. It’s called PANTAYA, which nicely combines the Spanish word for screen (“pantalla”) with the sense of urgency with which you’ll get your content (“ya!”).
Considering Lionsgate has a stake in Pantelion Films, which has been successfully distributing such hits as Instructions Not Included, Everybody Loves Somebody, and Nosotros los Nobles, you can expect PANTAYA’s streaming library to be full of your favorite Eugenio Derbez and Karla Souza flicks. More thrillingly, perhaps, you’ll also be able to watch classic Mexican films featuring Pedro Infante, Maria Felix, and Jorge Negrete. And having access to seven installments of the Risa en Vacaciones franchise is on its own worth the $5.99 monthly fee.
“We’re proud to launch a Spanish-language streaming movie service distinguished by its breadth, quality and diversity,” said Lionsgate Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer in a statement. “This platform is the next logical step in Lionsgate’s track record of serving the Hispanic consumer with high-end premium content through our Pantelion Films venture with Televisa. By drawing upon the blockbuster films, vast libraries and world-class programming resources of its partners, PANTAYA is positioned to become a compelling value proposition for Spanish-language and bilingual audiences across the country.”
True to that spirit, you can also expect monthly first run access to recent releases like the animated hit Un Gallo Con Muchos Huevos, the Fernando Colunga-starrer Ladrones and the Juan Gabriel musical ¿Que Le Dijiste a Dios? And with upcoming titles that’ll be added to its library like the DR-PR comedy Domirriqueños and the latest installment in Colombia’s wildly successful franchise El Paseo, PANTAYA is aiming to be your one-stop shop for all Spanish-language content on the web.
[h/t Deadline]