‘Power Trip’: Nebula Sets Theatrical Release For Short From ‘American Beauty’ Producer Dan Jinks

EXCLUSIVE: Independent media company Nebula is giving Patrick Willems’ Oscar qualifying short film Power Trip a theatrical release in 260 locations across U.S., U.K. and Canada on Jan. 8.

The wide release will include 222 Regal Cinemas locations across the U.S. and 11 additional Picturehouse Cinemas and Cineworld locations in the U.K., with a special New Year’s Day preview screening at 24 Picturehouse Cinemas locations. The release will also extend to select Landmark Cinemas locations in Canada.

By comparison, the Oscar nominated shorts package earlier this year was booked at 356 theaters.

Power Trip follows a rideshare driver who ends up in a tense situation when a conversation with a passenger doesn’t go well. Written by Matthew Kelly (Nando v Movies) and directed by Willems (Night of the Coconut), the film is produced by Oscar winner Dan Jinks (American Beauty) and Nebula Founder Dave Wiskus. It stars Amir Arison (The Blacklist) and Tony Award nominee Julia Knitel (Dead Outlaw). The 26-minute film celebrated its world premiere at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood as part of the 2026 HollyShorts Film Festival.

“It’s clear that the next generation of storytellers is emerging from digital spaces, and short films are an excellent way for digital creators to make the transition. As excited as I am about this opportunity for our movie, I’m even more excited about the precedent we’re setting and the opportunities this could create for other indie filmmakers,” said Wiskus.

Added Brooks LeBoeuf, SVP of U.S. Content at Regal, “Giving independent, creator-driven films a home on the big screen is an important part of our programming strategy at Regal. Patrick Willems has built a loyal audience through his filmmaking, and our partnership with Nebula allows us to introduce his work to an even wider theatrical audience. We’re proud to support Patrick and his team as Power Trip reaches more moviegoers across our circuit.”