"Just like any distributor, we need to treat all the circuits respectfully, and equally, or they won't want to play our movies," Mr. Ortenberg said.
But, as Mr. Wolzien contends, "the closer they get to the end of the Pixar deal, the more Disney looks like any distributor".
Any distributor who dares to shorten the release window, even by just a couple of weeks, risks being shut out of cinemas in future.
"We're more than willing to work with any distributor who can satisfy the technical and security requirements to protect our copyrights.
But Scripps, the owner of HGTV and the Food Network, said earlier this month that it "has not granted iPad video streaming rights to any distributor and is actively addressing any misunderstandings on this issue".
Sony says it has no current plans to release the film on DVD or streaming services, perhaps because of fears that any distributor could become a hacking target, but it's hard to believe it won't eventually emerge somehow.
"We have approached many distribution companies, and it's under review," said Lance Kawas, who produced and directed "Street Boss," a crime drama that was shot in Saginaw and will be shown there at a premiere in coming weeks, whether any distributor picks up the movie or not.
Any distributor that wants to compete with SABMiller's network has massive obstacles in getting working capital, bank loans and trade credit.
The film, which plays at the festival on Friday, has already come under fire for its perceived "anti-American" stance, and it appears unlikely that any US distributors will risk taking it on board.
