Andrew Karpen, Bleecker Street Founder and Respected Independent Film Executive, Dies at 59

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On Monday, Andrew Karpen, a highly esteemed figure in the film industry and the creator of Bleecker Street Media, passed away in Connecticut. His age at the time was 59.

Back in 2024, I found myself deeply moved by the news about Karpen, a charming and familiar face within the independent film world who was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a particularly challenging form of brain cancer. Prior to founding Bleecker Street in 2014, this remarkable individual had served as co-CEO at Focus Features for over a decade.

Kent Sanderson, president of Bleecker Street, and a long-time friend of Andrew’s, released a statement saying: ‘We have lost a titan in our industry. Andrew was an incredible teacher who instilled in us the importance of kindness, honesty, and putting family first above all else. His leadership and bravery will continue to inspire us at Bleecker Street for years to come.’

On Bleecker Street, Karpen was responsible for unveiling approximately 75 movies, among them “Trumbo” and “Captain Fantastic,” which earned Oscar nods for Bryan Cranston and Viggo Mortensen’s performances. The organization also distributed critically acclaimed box office successes such as the Helen Mirren thriller “Eye in the Sky,” the comedic heist film “Logan Lucky” by Steven Soderbergh, and the romantic drama “I’ll See You in My Dreams” starring Blythe Danner. Moreover, some of their films tackled contemporary issues, like the school shooting drama, “Mass.”

Karpen managed the rollout of around 75 movies on Bleecker Street, with titles such as “Trumbo” and “Captain Fantastic,” which garnered Oscar nominations for Bryan Cranston and Viggo Mortensen’s performances. The company also distributed notable box office hits like the Helen Mirren thriller “Eye in the Sky,” the Steven Soderbergh comedy heist film “Logan Lucky,” and the romantic drama “I’ll See You in My Dreams” featuring Blythe Danner. Furthermore, their films addressed current issues, including the school shooting drama, “Mass.

Lately, Bleecker has unveiled a series of releases. These include “Rumours,” a production starring Cate Blanchett and Alicia Vikander, as well as “Hard Truths,” the drama from Mike Leigh that featured Marianne Jean-Baptiste and was nominated for BAFTA, Gotham, and Spirit Awards. This month, they’ve also launched “The Wedding Banquet” directed by Andrew Ahn, featuring Lily Gladstone, Bowen Yang, Joan Chen, and Yuh-jung Youn on their roster.

Karpen was an enthusiast for sports, particularly the New York Giants, and enjoyed listening to country tunes too. He was not just a fan, but a devoted family man. His conversations often revolved around the achievements of his kids rather than discussing the hottest gossip from the film industry.

In a heartfelt tribute last October, Bleecker Street marked its 10th anniversary by spotlighting the exceptional talent of Karpen. With tears in his eyes and gratitude in his voice, he expressed not just honor, but a profound sense of blessing to be present this year. The revelation of his diagnosis hit hard, he admitted, but he graciously acknowledged the unwavering support of his doctors, his wife Pam, and their children during those challenging times. Standing before us today is proof that even in the face of adversity, nothing is truly impossible.

At the gathering, Karpen explained that our business aims to elevate personal narratives to a significant cultural platform. He emphasized this because he believes when we exchange our tales, it fosters unity among us.

2013 marked the year when Focus made the decision to shift its New York headquarters to Los Angeles. Instead of staying with the company and uprooting my family, I opted for a fresh start and established Bleecker. In a 2024 feature about our company, I shared that I aimed to foster a warm, familial environment at the studio, one that permeated throughout our collaborative approach towards the filmmakers we work with, whose movies we distribute.

Karpen emphasizes that our approach is focused on providing an engaging and collaborative experience for customers. He clarifies, ‘Unlike many campaigns, we won’t just send you the final product and invite you to the premiere. Instead, we aim to work together closely with you throughout the process.’

Karpen kick-started his professional journey in the entertainment industry at Miramax Films, where he worked as Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations. Subsequently, he held top executive positions at Sunbow Entertainment, Independent Pictures, and Oxygen Media. He holds an MBA from New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Washington University’s School of Business. Karpen served as a trustee for BAFTA New York and is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

Apart from his spouse Pam, Karpen also leaves behind his children Josh, Zack, and Sloan, along with Josh’s partner Kristen, who is pregnant with their first baby.

As a devoted cinephile, I’d like to humbly request that, in honor of my dear friend Karpen, any generous contributions be made to either the Lenox Hill Brain Tumor Center or the Fairfield County Hospice House. These organizations have provided remarkable care and support, and your donations will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals facing similar challenges. Thank you for considering this heartfelt request.

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2025-04-29 20:48