Film festivals often pick out what works and not. Public has limit on how much it can absorb. Jim Kozak, Communications Director, National Association of Theater Owners 10 years with NATO, the largest exhibitor organization in the world, members made up of small theater owners as well as large chains. Job is to keep up with what's being bought to show in theaters. One of most amazing things is how larger film companies have co-opted indies by going to same fests and markets and buying films up.
Studios do have relationships with multiplexes.
Bingham Ray, Co-President October Films Started October Films seven years ago in a Sherman Oaks garage with own money. 16 were selected for the main competition. There is an explosion of films being made by people of all walks of life, people go out, raise money and make movies. They have false dreams of making millions. They have no value in any market including ancillary - pay TV, airlines, etc.