The subdivision was launched in 2005, in response to the success of theatrical documentaries such as "Fahrenheit 9/11" and "Super Size Me" and with the need to revive a battered channel, improve the brand and create strong content for the A&E channel. Molly Thompson was hired in 2005 for the division and executive produced all the division's films to 2009. Thompson was promoted to division vice president in January 2009, then senior vice president by April 2016. At this time, A&E IndieFilms was a division of A&E Studios. Thompson, senior vice president of feature films for A+E Networks at this time, left in January 2019 for Apple's streaming service in a similar position.