Polymer films possessing negative birefringence are used for the compensation of residual positive birefringence of liquid crystal displays in order to improve their viewing characteristics. We present several types of materials suitable for the fabrication, of negative birefringence films and controllable distribution of optic axis. Films featuring a splayed optic axis can be made of discotic materials as a result of different anchoring forces acting at the film boundaries. Films with a planar optic axis can be made by shearing of thermotropic and lyotropic discotics and as a result of irradiation of photosensitive polymers with polarized light. Homeotropic alignment of optic axis can occur as a result of film, shrinkage during solvent evaporation or photo-induced rotation of disk planes.