The Shrinking Gap Between Theatrical and Streaming Releases

Are movie theatres and festival screenings increasingly seen as a brief, necessary, and prestigious stop for a film, a checkbox for awards consideration, before a film lands on streaming platforms?
With the gap between theatrical and streaming releases now averaging about a month, what role do cinemas and festivals play in this shifting landscape? Are festivals evolving into a key moment for films to build buzz and connect with audiences, or are they simply another step in a fast-moving process?
For children’s films, this shift brings up important questions. Are stories being adjusted to fit the fast-paced, algorithm-driven nature of streaming? Are studios leaning on familiar formulas instead of taking creative risks? Do streaming-first releases risk feeling rushed, with storytelling that might not fully respect young audiences? Are festivals becoming a platform for more thoughtful, emotionally rich stories, or a place where creative risks can still thrive? 

Is this the moment we’re seeing a fundamental shift in storytelling, or is it just another phase in an ever-evolving industry?