Explain 'gatekeeping' in film distribution and how streaming platforms alter gatekeeping.

• A. Gatekeepers decide what gets released; streaming platforms remove some gatekeeping with global access but still curate algorithms.
• B. Gatekeepers are solely responsible for creative decisions and have no role in distribution.
• C. Streaming platforms completely replace gatekeepers with no curation.
• D. Gatekeepers decide what gets released; streaming platforms remove all gatekeeping and fully democratize release decisions.

Answer: (A)

Gatekeeping in film distribution is about who controls whether a film reaches audiences and through which channels and markets. Traditionally, distributors and exhibitors decide release decisions—what gets released, where, when, and how it’s marketed.

Streaming platforms change that by offering direct, global access to many titles, which lowers some barriers and broadens the potential audience beyond limited theatrical runs or regional releases. But gatekeeping doesn’t disappear; these platforms still curate content through licensing choices, regional restrictions, and algorithms that decide what gets promoted or recommended to viewers.

So the best answer recognizes that those who decide what gets released still exist, while streaming platforms remove some gatekeeping by expanding access but continue to exert editorial control through curation and algorithms. The other options either oversimplify by removing distribution roles, claim no curation at all, or suggest full democratization, which isn’t how streaming platforms operate in practice.