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In his latest podcast/interview, host and screenwriter Stuart Wright talks with writer/director Jonathan Eckersley talking about his feature film directorial debut The Stoic and “3 Films That Have Impacted Everything In Your Adult Life,” which includes:

Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977) Sideways (2004) Sicario (2015) & Witness (1985)

3 Films That Have Impacted Everything In Your Adult Life is a podcast that explores the transformative power of cinema. From emotional masterpieces to thought-provoking classics, each episode delves into the films that have had a profound impact on our personal growth and perspective. Through engaging storytelling, critical analysis, and cultural commentary, Stuart aims to uncover the lasting influence that movies have had on his guests. Please join him on an emotional journey through the world of film and discover how just three movies can change the direction of a life, cement memories you will never forget or sometimes change how you see the world.

“Soldiers in Vietnam encountering dinosaurs… that hasn’t really been done.” That’s the premise behind the upcoming action/horror/sci-fi movie Primitive War, coming soon from writer/director Luke Sparke (Occupation Rainfall, Bring Him To Me). The film adapts author Ethan Pettus’ sci-fi military novel, and the first footage has arrived.

Primitive War is expected sometime in 2025, and a behind the scenes featurette this morning gives us our very first look at the film along with insights from the cast and crew.

Watch the Primitive War behind the scenes footage below and expect more soon.

International sales on the movie are being handled by Film Mode.

Jeremy Piven (“Entourage”), Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica”, “Lucifer”), Ryan Kwanten and Nick Wechsler (“The Boys“) headline Primitive War.

The official synopsis: “Vietnam. 1968. A search and rescue team known as Vulture Squad is sent to an isolated jungle valley to uncover the fate of a missing Green Beret platoon.

The beloved Natasha Lyonne comedy Poker Face will be playing with even more of a stacked deck in its second season.

Peacock announced today that Method Man, Awkwafina, Simon Rex, and Corey Hawkins will be joining the cast for the show’s sophomore outing.

In other words, the series will continue to rival Elsbeth and SNL in terms of big-name guest stars.

(Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

Though best known for his work with the Wu-Tang Clan, Method Man is no stranger to the world of acting.

In addition to his performances in films like How High and Garden State, he also appeared in 13 episodes of HBO’s The Wire, considered by many to be the finest show in recent TV history.

The legendary rapper is currently a regular on Power Book II: Ghost.

As for Awkwafina, in addition to her signature series,...

“Kneecap” and “Love Lies Bleeding” led Tuesday’s nominations for the British Independent Film Awards.

Written and directed by Rich Peppiatt, “Kneecap,” Ireland’s Oscar entry, scored 14 bids, including Best British Independent Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Joint Lead Performance for Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh. It was shortlisted in a whopping eight crafts categories.

Rose Glass‘ “Love Lies Bleeding” was next in like with 12 nominations, including the same above-the-line categories as “Kneecap.” Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian are nominated for joint lead performance. It also earned eight crafts nominations.

Nora Fingsheidt‘s “The Outrun” received nine bids, including Best Lead Performance for Saoirse Ronan, who previously won the BIFA for Best Actress for 2015’s “Brooklyn.” The film is up for the top prize, while Fingsheidt is nominated for her direction and her script with Amy Liptrot.

Andrea Arnold’s “Bird,” Rungano Nyoni...

Dwayne Johnson demanded $9M for 15 minutes? ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

One of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, has transformed from a professional wrestler into one of the biggest stars. After gaining fame in the WWE, he made his acting debut in The Mummy Returns, which quickly led to leading roles in major blockbusters. He starred in films like The Scorpion King, the Fast & Furious franchise, and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, further solidifying his status as a bankable action star. Besides his exceptional physique, Johnson’s determination and resilience led him to the top list in the industry, and surprisingly, his paychecks speak for him.

Johnson’s journey from earning a meager paycheck for his wrestling matches to becoming the star with a whopping salary is remarkable. While it’s common for top-tier actors to command substantial salaries, one particular instance stands out when the...

If you missed Olivia Rodrigo’s much-anticipated Guts World Tour or want to relive the concert experience from home, Netflix has you covered with the release of the Olivia Rodrigo: Guts World Tour concert movie. Directed by James Merryman (Billie Eilish: Up Close), the film was shot at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles this August and provides an up-close view of Rodrigo’s live performance energy.

With a setlist featuring 24 songs from her acclaimed albums Guts and Sour, the Netflix concert movie covers fan-favorite tracks and Rodrigo’s most iconic hits. From her breakthrough single “Drivers License” to newer hits like “Vampire” and “Get Him Back!,” here’s every song featured in the concert movie on Netflix.

Olivia Rodrigo: Guts World Tour – Complete Tracklist Bad Idea Right? Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl Vampire Traitor Drivers License Teenage Dream Pretty Isn’t Pretty Love Is Embarrassing Making the Bed...

Welcome to our weekly rundown of the best new music — featuring big singles, key tracks from our favorite albums, and more. This week, Lady Gaga is back to claim her crown as the queen of dark pop, Tyler, the Creator shares a first glimpse of his seventh album, and Halsey gets brutally honest about her chronic illnesses. Plus, new music from Sade, Megan thee Stallion, Kelsea Ballerini, and Addison Rae.

Lady Gaga, “Disease” (YouTube)

Tyler, the Creator, “Noid” (YouTube)

Halsey, “Panic Attack” (YouTube)

Sade, “Young Lion” (YouTube)

Megan thee Stallion,...

As Spanish TV production stands strong, largely resisting the cut-back in commissions suffered in most of the world, few higher profile new series will be brought to market at Mipcom than Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s “The New Years” (“Los años nuevos”).

A Movistar Plus+ Original, produced with Caballo Films, the fast-rising Sorogoyen co-founded Madrid production label, in association with Arte France, “The New Years” follows on Sorogoyen’s “The Beasts,” which established him as one of Europe’s youngest top-tier filmmakers.

Few other directors will have won a Best Foreign Film César, as “The Beasts” did in 2023, beating four Cannes Festival 2022-23 competition winners: “Triangle of Sadness,” “Eo,” “Close” and “Boy from Heaven.” Not that many will have grossed $2.5 million in France with a Spanish-language film as well as an extraordinary €6.8 million ($7.5 million) in Spain, despite its artistic ambition.

Sold outside Spain and France by Movistar Plus+ International, “The New Years...

Exclusive: Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired North American rights to French survival thriller, Survive, starring Emilie Dequenne (Close), Andreas Pietschmann (Dark), Lisa Delamar, Lucas Ebel, and Arben Bajraktaraj. Pic is getting a release in theaters and on VOD in January.

The pic, directed by Frédéric Jardin and written by Matt Alexander, follows Julia and her loving husband who celebrate their son’s birthday on their boat in the middle of the ocean. When a violent storm nearly capsizes them, the family awakes in a desert land. Earth has undergone a tragic polarity reversal, draining water from the oceans. The family must race to safety before the water returns all while battling hungry creatures from the abyss that hunt for fresh flesh.

The movie is produced by Marc Stanimirovic, Marc-Etienne Schwartz with Ludovic Naar as executive producer.

“Survive is a gripping adventure with high production value and a strong emotional core...

On Monday, October 14, 2024, Ancient Aliens: Origins returns with Season 1, Episode 2, titled “Ancient Close Encounters,” airing at 9:00 Pm on History. This episode promises to take viewers on a thrilling journey as ancient astronaut theorists Giorgio Tsoukalos, William Henry, and Jason Martell dig deep into historical archives. Their goal is to uncover compelling evidence of ancient flying machines that might suggest extraterrestrial visitations in the distant past.

Throughout the episode, the team will explore intriguing artifacts and ancient texts that hint at possible encounters with beings from other worlds. The experts will analyze various cultures’ interpretations of what they believed to be advanced technology in their time, raising questions about the origins of these mysterious objects. The show will also discuss how these ancient close encounters may have shaped humanity’s understanding of the universe and our place within it.

As the theories unfold, viewers can expect captivating visuals and fascinating...

Kate McKinnon may have moved on from Saturday Night Live, but the thing is, she still lives near enough that she could swing by Studio 8H.

In a Monday appearance on the Today show, the multi-Emmy winner told co-host Savannah Guthrie that she would be open to the idea of returning to her comedic alma mater.

“You know … I do still live in New York, so it’s not too far of a train ride, couple stops,” she said, flashing a trademark smirk and seemingly knowing smile, before adding more resonantly, “Yeah I’ll come back. I would love to come back.”

Perhaps McKinnon’s plans are already formed: Earlier this year in April, the alum returned to perform alongside Ryan Gosling in a new iteration of the “Close Encounter” sketch for the Cold Open.

The comedian and writer was on the morning talk show to promote the release of her children’s book,...

In a move that promises to create a new indie production powerhouse in Belgium, Caviar, the company behind The Sound Of Metal, War Pony and The Rider, has taken 45% of the shares of leading Belgian outfit Versus Production and its two sister companies Inver Invest and O’Brother Distribution.

The remaining 55% of the shares will stay in the hands of Versus founder Jacques-Henri Bronckart. Together, the aim is to develop larger-scale, international-facing projects across film and television.

Founded in 1999, Versus is one of Belgium’s most respected production outfits, known for its work with directors like Bouli Lanners and Joachim Lafosse...

Leonardo Van Dijls Debütfilm steht nicht nur auf der Filmliste für die European Film Awards, sondern wurde von Belgien auch für eine Oscarnominierung in der Kategorie „Bester internationaler Film“ eingereicht.

Tessa Van den Broeck in „Julie zwijgt“ (Credit: Nicolas Karakatsanis)

Belgien schickt Leonardo Van Dijls Spielfilmdebüt „Julie zwijgt“ ins Rennen um eine Oscarnominierung in der Kategorie „Bester internationaler Film“.

„Julie zwigt“ wurde bei der Sémaine de la Critique in Cannes mit dem Prix Fondation Gan à la Diffusion an Jour2fete, den französischen Verleih des Films, sowie dem von der französischen Drehbuchautorenvereinigung Sacd vergebenen Prix Sacd ausgezeichnet und steht auf der Spielfilmliste für eine Nominierung für die European Film Awards.

Im Mittelpunkt der Handlung steht Julie, Starspielerin an einer Elite-Tennisakademie. Als gegen ihren Trainer ermittelt wird und er suspendiert wird, werden die Spielerinnen des Clubs ermutigt, ihre Meinung zu sagen. Aber Julie beschließt. zu schweigen.

Bislang waren belgische Filme achtmal in...

London- and Paris-based production, finance and sales company Film Constellation has added new sales for Cannes Critics’ Week supernatural horror “Animale” by Emma Benestan, ahead of its North American premiere at Fantastic Fest later this month.

“Animale” sold to Scandinavia (Edge Entertainment), Cis (Nashe Kino), the Czech and Slovak republics (Film Europe), Brazil (Belas Artes), and Indonesia (Falcon Pt), adding to the previously announced territories which include Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy (Plaion), Spain (Filmin), Portugal (Nos Lusomundo), former Yugoslavia (McF Megacom), and Middle East and North Africa (Falcon).

Wild Bunch Distribution will release the film in French theaters nationwide on Nov. 27, with O’Brother releasing in Belgium on Dec. 18.

After its world premiere as closing film of the Cannes Critics’ Week, the film has been selected in some of the world’s foremost genre festivals including Fantastic Fest, Sitges Film Festival, MOTELx, and Neuchâtel Intl. Fantastic Film Festival to name a few.

Announced as the big comeback of veteran Finnish auteur Aki Kaurismäki, Cannes Jury Prize winner 2023 “Fallen Leaves” was one of the biggest Nordic successes worldwide between 2020-2023 with over one million admissions.

So what inspired release campaigns were used by arthouse banners in territories as diverse as Taiwan, Norway and the Czech Republic to widen Kaurismäki’s core audience and make him a cool name on social media?

The topic was explored Aug. 22 at the Europa Distribution panel, Around the World in 80 Minutes: The Distribution and Promotion of Nordic Films Internationally, hosted by New Nordic Films in Haugesund, Norway.

One of the highlights of the three-day Nordic market, the Europa Distribution panel was moderated by seasoned industryite Petri Kemppinen, founder of Good Hand Production, a consultant at Finland’s post-production house Totalpost and co-head of Baltic Event’s TV Beats Forum.

First, outlining his domestic release strategy for Kaurismäki’s Helsinki-set love story,...

Iceage lead singer Elias Rønnenfelt is set to release his first album under his given name. Titled Heavy Glory, it’s out October 25th via Escho and features the new single, “No One Else.” Stream it below.

Work on the new album began in the spring of 2022, when Rønnenfelt announced he would play shows anywhere in Europe because he was “sick and tired of not being able to do what I do” during the tail end of the pandemic. While on the road, he would write new songs and play them the next day.

Rønnenfelt later recorded Heavy Glory in Copenhagen, sharing co-producer duties with longtime collaborator Nis Bysted. Danish punk veteran Peter Peter and singers Fauzia and Joanne Robertson contributed to the album.

The acoustic guitar-driven “No One Else” is a wistful, contemplative tune in which Rønnenfelt laments a missed romantic connection: “I’m taking sleeping pills to shut...

Iain Glen, Ser Jorah Mormont in Game Of Thrones, is feisty as ever as a family man facing down the tumultuous start of World War I in The Last Front by Belgian filmmaker Julien Hayet-Kerknawi, the first release by his new indie label Enigma. It opens on 250 screens.

Metrograph Pictures is out with Good One, its first title since expanding into theatrical releasing under the leadership of former A24 executive David Laub. The debut feature by India Donaldson has great reviews at 96% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes and starts in limited release on three screens in New York and LA.

The theatrical market is pretty complicated right now and original independent films have fewer champions. These new indie distributors — and there are others — see a necessity and a business proposition in nurturing them.

“There is still very much an audience for these movies when they are really good,” Laub tells Deadline.

Rediscover the Surreal Genius of Alejandro Jodorowsky with Santa Sangre‘s Limited Dual Edition Release out on July 29th and ready for you to win below.

Win 4-Disc Limited Edition Uhd + Blu-Ray of Alejandro Jodorowsky’s masterwork Santa Sangre

Critically acclaimed filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky, known for his groundbreaking works like El Topo and The Holy Mountain, continues to captivate audiences with his avant-garde, violently surreal, and brilliantly original creations. Now, one of his masterpieces, Santa Sangre, is being re-released in a stunning new edition, offering an unparalleled viewing experience.

Severin Films proudly announces the release of the Santa Sangre Limited Dual Edition on July 29, 2024. Prepare yourself for an epic journey through ecstasy and anguish, belief and blasphemy, beauty and madness, while diving deep into the mind of a surrealist genius. This essential collection includes the film in both 4K Uhd and Blu-ray formats, with the 4K restoration supervised by Jodorowsky himself,...

Halle Berry and Glenn Close are set to star alongside Kim Kardashian in an upcoming Hulu legal drama that hails from Ryan Murphy, Variety has learned.

The series was first announced in December 2023 and is currently titled “All’s Fair.” As reported at that time, Kardashian will play a successful divorce lawyer who leads an all-female law firm in Los Angeles. Exact details for Berry and Close’s characters are being kept under wraps. Both women will also serve as executive producers on “All’s Fair,” as will Kardashian. Close will produce under her Trillium Productions banner.

The role marks a return to television legal dramas for Close, who famously starred in the FX series “Damages” as notorious lawyer Patty Hewes. Close earned two of her three Emmy Awards as well as a Golden Globe for her work on the show. Close is a 14-time Emmy nominee and won her other statuette...

Halle Berry and Glenn Close have joined the ensemble cast of Hulu’s All’s Fair, a new legal series from Ryan Murphy and Kim Kardashian. All four serve as executive producers.

The series is described by Murphy as “a high-end, glossy and sexy adult procedural.” Berry and Close will star opposite Kardashian who work together at an all-female law firm in the legal drama, penned by Jon Robin Baitz (Brothers & Sisters), writer of Murphy’s Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans and Joe Baken. Information regarding Berry and Close’s roles is under wraps.

All’s Fair marks the first series for Murphy under his new deal at Disney, with 20th Television, part of Disney TV Studios, producing in association with Ryan Murphy Television. Jon Robin Baitz, Joe Baken, Jamie Pachino, Laura Greene and Richard Levine executive produce alongside Murphy, Kardashian, Berry alongside her producing...

Dustin Hoffman’s journey to stardom is no less than a testament to resilience and an unwavering dedication to his craft. Starting his career on Broadway, Hoffman found fame and acclaim despite his ‘unconventional’ looks. Breaking barriers with his extraordinary performances, the actor’s initial run is often regarded as an era of nuanced and deeply human storytelling, even when most of his roles can be categorized as ‘anti-heroes’.

Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate | Embassy Pictures

However, at the top of his game, Hoffman made the surprising decision to reject the legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg four times. While Spielberg isn’t the only director he refused, the actor now deeply regrets making those mistakes.

Dustin Hoffman Jeopardized His Career by Rejecting Steven Spielberg Four Times!

Hoffman in a still from Hook | TriStar Pictures

Dustin Hoffman was just a star on Broadway when he ended up getting his breakthrough role in the 1967 movie,...

Cinema is replete with depictions of mothers good and bad, though few are depicted with such radical ambiguity as Léa Drucker’s Anne in Last Summer. This comes with the territory for the film’s legendary director Catherine Breillat, who’s broken ground for decades with her fearless explorations of female sexuality. Yet even knowing the French filmmaker’s background, it still feels radical to watch the story of a mother involved in an affair with her teenage stepson, Théo (Samuel Kircher), presented so freely of judgment.

Breillat bakes in much of that perspective at the script level as she adapts the 2019 Danish film Queen of Hearts with a less moralistic bent. But to realize Anne in a way that goes beyond mere intellectualization requires a partnership with a brilliant actress like Drucker, who has recently come to prominence outside her native France in films such as Xavier Legrand’s...

Protagonizada por la debutante Kiara Arancibia, junto a Julián Villagrán, Janet Novás y Petra Martínez. © Avalon

Arranca en Barcelona el rodaje de la película “Harta”, de la cineasta Júlia de Paz (“Ama”) y basada en su cortometraje homónimo de 2021.

En “Harta”, tras la separación de sus padres, Carmela y su madre se mudan a casa de la abuela. Mientras intenta adaptarse a su nueva situación, Carmela anhela pasar más tiempo en casa de su padre, un artista plástico al que admira e idolatra. La sombra de éste llevará a las tres generaciones de mujeres de la familia a decidir el futuro que se merecen.

La película está protagonizada Kiara Arancibia, en su debut como actriz, Julián Villagrán (“Tratamos Demasiado Bien a las Mujeres”), Janet Novás (“O Corno”) y Petra Martínez (“Cerrar los Ojos”).

En palabras de su directora, Júlia de Paz: «la película nace de la necesidad de reclamar un...

Studiocanal announce a superb new restoration of Night Of The Eagle, as part of the Cult Classics Collection. Dare you believe in the existence of witches in this nerve-shattering, atmospheric horror starring Peter Wyngarde (Jason King) and Janet Blair (I Love Trouble)? The film will be available on 1st July 2024 on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital, with the striking original UK poster artwork featuring on the sleeve

Based on the novel Conjure Wife by Fritz Leiber – a story so good it’s been filmed three times – Night Of The Eagle (also known as Burn, Witch, Burn) is a taut and terrifying film that provides genuine chills, as well as a horrifying twist, and remains a much-loved cult classic to this day. Directed by Sidney Hayers (Circus of Horrors), with a screenplay by three masters of the macabre, Richard Matheson (I Am Legend), Charles Beaumont (The Premature Burial) and George Baxt (Vampire...

Steven Spielberg is undoubtedly one of the master filmmakers currently working today. The director has been working since the 70s and is one of the most versatile filmmakers in the industry. He has dabbled in every genre of film with great conviction. His work in the sci-fi space especially has stayed in the hearts and minds of fans to this day.

Sam Neill and Laura Dern in Jurassic Park | Universal Pictures

The director pushed boundaries with what could be achieved in filmmaking with films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, and Jurassic Park. The latter is one of the most groundbreaking and influential films ever made. One might be surprised to know that Harrison Ford was the first choice for the role of Dr. Alan Grant, but the actor turned it down.

Not Sam Neill, Harrison Ford Was Steven Spielberg’s...

Alejandro Jodorowsky's masterwork 'Santa Sangre' gets 4-Disc Limited Edition Uhd + Blu-Ray Release from Severin Films on July 29th: "Legendary filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky (El Topo, The Holy Mountain) is lauded by critics and cult cinema enthusiasts alike for his avant-garde, violently surreal, brilliantly original features. Now, one of his finest films, Santa Sangre, is set for brand-new release that will deliver an experience like never before.

Severin Films is proud to announce the release of Santa Sangre Limited Dual Edition on 29 July 2024. Get ready for a breathtaking, epic odyssey through ecstasy and anguish, belief and blasphemy, beauty and madness – and learn about the surreal genius behind it all. This must-have set features the film on both 4K Uhd and Blu-ray, with the 4K scan from the original negative supervised by Jodorowsky himself.

Hailed as “Extraordinary… mind-blowing” by The Guardian, “Visionary and haunting” by Rolling Stone and “A grand work of art,...

Eight time Academy Award nominee Glenn Close (Heart of Stone) is the newest addition to the cast of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the third film in the Knives Out franchise from writer-director Rian Johnson, Deadline can confirm.

Details as to her role are under wraps, as is the plot of the threequel. Daniel Craig will reprise his role as famed Southern detective Benoit Blanc, with Josh O’Connor, Cailee Spaeny, Andrew Scott and Kerry Washington also on board. Production kicks off this month, with the film to launch sometime in 2025.

A contemporary revival of the murder mystery genre, the Knives Out franchise centers on the investigations of Craig’s character, Blanc. The series of launched with Johnson’s 2019 whodunit of the same name, starring Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Christopher Plummer and more, which grossed over $310 million worldwide. Following the popularity of the first film,...

Glenn Close is the latest star to board the new Knives Out mystery movie. The actress has joined the all-star cast of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Rian Johnson’s thriller headlined by Daniel Craig.

The Netflix feature has been on a casting tear in the past week, furiously sewing up deals as it heads toward an early June production start in the U.K.

Challengers’ Josh O’Connor, Civil War actress Cailee Spaeny, Ripley star Andrew Scott and Scandal alum Kerry Washington are already on the list of suspects (and maybe represent a victim or two).

Plot details and character information are being kept in the morgue, but the thriller is expected to follow the same circuitous path as Johnson’s previous Knives Out mysteries. Eccentric, Southern-fried detective Benoit Blanc (Criag) will uncover the details behind a murder while surrounded by a coterie of colorful characters.

Johnson...

Updated: Kerry Washington and Glenn Close are the newest suspects in “Knives Out 3.”

They join the previously announced cast of Daniel Craig, returning as the quirky detective Benoit Blanc, and possible suspects of “Fleabag” actor Andrew Scott, “Challengers” breakout Josh O’Connor and “Priscilla” star Cailee Spaeny. “Knives Out” movies are known to employ a who’s who of Hollywood, so expect plenty of casting announcements for the whodunit in the coming weeks.

Rian Johnson is writing and directing the third “Knives Out” installment, titled “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.” He’s also producing with his T-Street partner Ram Bergman, who worked on the first two films. “Wake Up Dead Man” is expected to soon go into production and is slated to release in 2025. Plot details have yet to be revealed, but Johnson and Craig have teased that it is Blanc’s “most dangerous case yet.”

Lionsgate...

Screen’s Cannes Close-Up interview series talks to Olivier Marchetti, Founder and President at France’s Provence Studios.

Based in Aix-Marseille, Provence Studios has recently hosted international productions such as Warner Bros’ The Nun II, Varsity for Apple and Disney’s The Amateurs, and also recreated the interiors of Château de Chambord for The Serpent Queen.

“I think in the future we can have more American projects, international project,” says Marchetti. “Marseille is a very cosmopolitan town, we have a lot of people from North Africa, from Asia, a few months ago we shot the streets of Bagdad and the...

In this instalment of Screen’s Cannes Close-Up interview series, Spanish documentary producer Beli Martinez - of Filmika Galaika - shares her aims for the festival, the best place to get a coffee and why patience is the key to a good Cannes.

Martinez is at the festival looking for co-producers on several documentary projects including Carla Andrada’s The Mountain On My Wall, Carlos Casa Krakatoa and Eloy Enciso’s Endless Prison.

“I’m trying to find other producers with the same view and understanding of cinema and the process of cinema,” she says.

Warch above.

Cannes Close-...

In this instalment of Screen’s Cannes Close-Up interview series, Louis Balsan – EVP for distribution and acquisitions at production, financing, and sales outfit Anton – shares his insider tips for festival novices, and reveals his most memorable Cannes deal that was closed in the tiny cabin of a yacht.

Balsan is in Cannes with stop-motion animation Savages, from My Life As A Zucchini director Claude Barras, which has its world premiere at the festival.

Attendees should “prioritise films and build the rest of your schedule around that and not the other way around,” says Balsan. “The drinks and all – that’s nice.

It’s never too late to look back! We finally found the time to celebrate the sexiest women of 2023 on television and in movies. Did your favorite sexy actress make our 2023 hottest women list?

Related: 30 Sexiest Women of 2022 (on TV and Movies)

#30 Peyton List

As our first entry of sexiest actresses in 2023, the “Cobra Kai” star Peyton List marked her year with impactful roles and expanding her presence across various platforms. She starred in the paranormal series “School Spirits” on Paramount+, playing a high school student navigating the complexities of the afterlife while solving the mystery of her own disappearance. This role has been a significant addition to her diverse acting portfolio, which includes a variety of characters across television and film.

Aside from her work in “School Spirits,” Peyton also participated in the horror film “Eli Roth’s Be Mine: A VR Valentine’s Slasher,” further showcasing her versatility...

Lempicka, the much-anticipated but cooly received musical directed by Hadestown‘s Rachel Chavkin, will play its final performance on Sunday, May 19, producers announced tonight, just a month after opening.

In a statement, producers Seaview and Jenny Niederhoffer said: “We are so proud of our production and the family of artists and artisans who’ve shaped it. Few knew better than Tamara de Lempicka that art isn’t easy but always worth the effort.”

The musical received three Tony nominations on Tuesday, including two for the performances of Eden Espinosa (Leading Actress in a Musical) and Amber Iman (Featured Actress in a Musical). A third nom went to Riccardo Hernández and Peter Nigrini for their scenic design. The hoped-for nomination for Best Musical didn’t happen.

Lempicka chronicles the life of the 20th century painter Tamara de Lempicka, played by Espinosa. Iman portrayed the artist’s muse and lover Rafaela.

Related:...

More than 30 years after Reversal of Fortune, Jeremy Irons and Glenn Close are ready for their Encore.

The pair, who faced off as Claus and Sunny von Bülow in the 1990 Oscar-winning thriller are set to reteam in the upcoming best-agers comedy, from British director Simon Curtis (My Week with Marilyn, Downton Abbey: A New Era).

Close and Irons, who also co-starred in Mike Nichols’ award-winning Broadway play The Real Thing, both winning Tony Awards for their performances, last shared the screen in 1993’s The House of Spirits. In Encore, they will play two former Broadway icons, Marie and Nigel, who become residents of a retirement home. Once there, they discover a community of forgotten talents and Marie decides to put on a show, hoping to revive Nigel’s passion for theatre and help him embrace this new chapter in their lives.

Henry Winkler (Barry, Arrested Development) and Don Johnson (Knives Out) are attached to co-star.

George Lucas gave birth to one of the greatest pop culture phenomena when he made Star Wars in 1977. The space-opera feature smashed box office records and established a new unique franchise. However, after the conclusion of the Original Trilogy, when Lucas released the Prequel Trilogy, things did not play out well.

Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor in Star Wars prequel trilogy

While the Original Trilogy of Star Wars was widely appreciated and still loved by the fans, the departure from the traditional style was disliked by many in the Prequel stories. Interestingly, George Lucas played a massive gamble by financing the second Prequel film, Attack of the Clones, which does not have a good name among the fans. It generated a mixed to negative reception worldwide.

George Lucas gambled by financing Star Wars: Episode II

A still from Attack of the Clones

After George Lucas made the Original Trilogy with Mark Hamill‘s Luke Skywalker,...

European film executives Christian De Schutter and Barbara Van Lombeek have teamed up to launch The FYC Academy, an agency for global awards strategies.

FYC – which stands for For Your Campaign – will launch officially in Cannes next month. The company’s focus is to set up international campaigns and develop strategies aimed at achieving optimum visibility for films during awards season.

It will include, but is not limited to Academy Awards campaigns, and will work initially on around five titles per year, from any international territory.

The FYC Academy will operate separately from Van Lombeek’s The PR Factory and...

Box Office – Do Aur Do Pyaar comes close to 3.50 crores over the weekend, is on the same lines as Laapataa Ladies (Photo Credit –Facebook)

Do Aur Do Pyaar was stable on Sunday as 1.35 crore came in. This is a bit of an increment over Saturday collections of 1.28 crore, though a higher growth that would have taken the film past the 1.50-1.75 crore range would have been even better.

The film is running at the selected count of screens and shows because Eid releases Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Maidaan still have maximum showcasing. For Do Aur Do Pyaar to challenge that further, it needs to keep demonstrating even better occupancy at the screens where it’s already playing so that collections from Monday onwards also keep the momentum going. Looking at the trend so far, it could well turn out to be the case, and hopefully, Bollywood will have something...

Anyone who’s ever played tennis knows the game starts with love and escalates fast. In Luca Guadagnino’s hip, sexy and ridiculously overheated “Challengers,” the rivals are former doubles partners Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) and Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor), best friends since the age of 12, who went their separate ways after both players fell for the same woman. Patrick got there first, but Art wound up marrying her — and their sense of competition has only intensified since.

As bunkmates at the same tennis academy, the guys must have heard this old groaner: What do you call a girl who stands between two players on a tennis court? In Guadagnino’s erotic drama, Zendaya plays the gal in that position, seated at precisely the midpoint between Art and Patrick in their big match. The camera doesn’t turn, but her head does, swiveling with each shot. This is Tashi Duncan,...

Welcome to our weekly rundown of the best new music — featuring big new singles, key tracks from our favorite albums, and more. This week, Doja Cat shares a Teezo Touchdown-assisted B-side, and Vampire Weekend delivers some gangster guitar magic. Plus, a sweet highlight from Young Miko’s debut album, new music from Charli Xcx, Omar Apollo, and a previously unreleased Prince track.

Doja Cat feat. Teezo Touchdown, “Masc” (YouTube)

Young Miko, “Princess Peach” (YouTube)

Vampire Weekend, “Prep-School Gangster” (YouTube)

Charli Xcx, “B2b” (YouTube)

Prince, “United States of Division” (YouTube)

Omar Apollo,...

Track by Track is a recurring feature series in which artists guide readers through every song on their latest release. Today, Gustaf take us into their new album, Package Pt. 2.

Gustaf return today with Package Pt. 2, the follow-up to their charged, fever dream 2021 debut Audio Drag for Ego Slobs. The New York City band previously shared Package Pt. 2 singles “Starting and Staring,” “Here Hair/Hard Hair,” and this week, “Close.” Now, the quintet, led by the wildly expressive vocalist Lydia Gammill, is blazing forward with their sophomore album.

Delightful, cunning, aggressive, passive, and a host of other adjectives could be used to describe the post-punk excellency of Package Pt. 2. It is intricate and complex, and at times contradictory with its moods — but Gustaf are consistent in their stylistic approach, and the album is stuffed with memorable, quality songs.

Though their sound can be reminiscent of contemporaries like Yard Act and Bodega,...

Elliot Page stepped out for the 2024 BFI Flare film festival premiere of his new movie Close to You held at BFI Southbank on Thursday (March 14) in London.

The 37-year-old actor co-wrote, produced and stars in the film, which is his first movie since 2017!

He was joined at the European premiere of the movie by co-writer and director Dominic Savage, as well as co-star Hillary Baack. The next day, Elliot went solo at a conversation for the film.

During a recent interview ahead of the film fest, Elliot opened up about making the new movie, and shared why he wouldn’t have been able to make it before transitioning.

Keep reading to find out more…

“It was [cathartic] for me, absolutely. There was a very specific certain love that I felt for acting a long time ago I felt so deeply doing this, and that itself was so healing and beautiful. To...

Former Flanders Image manager Christian De Schutter has joined Tine Klint’s Denmark-based Scandinavian sales and aggregation company LevelK as festival consultant.

De Schutter left Flanders Image suddenly in December last year, announced via a short email from Flanders Audiovisual Fund CEO Koen Van Bockstal. Over 150 leading international industry figures then signed an open letter in support of De Schutter.

De Schutter had worked at Flanders Image since 2003, with responsibility for promoting Flemish films and TV dramas internationally. The organisation boosted the careers of filmmakers including Lukas Dhont, Fien Troch and Felix Van Groeningen, and scored Oscar nominations for films including Bullhead,...

Steven Spielberg is one of the wisest men in Hollywood and is known to give all kinds of advice to his peers, whether they are part of his films or not. After all, there is no one who wouldn’t want to get advice from someone who has such a wealth of knowledge. However, John Carpenter has one notable Steven Spielberg movie, which he claimed was pretentious.

Jurassic Park

Steven Spielberg has been a part of many iconic franchises over the years, as he has been responsible for films such as the Jurassic Park franchise, Indiana Jones film series, Saving Private Ryan and many other films. That is why his opinion carries a lot of weight when it comes to anything related to films, but that doesn’t mean all of his films are equally well-received.

Suggested“Don’t you think these tunnels are like my mother’s womb?”:...

[The following story contains spoilers from the first four episodes of Apple TV+’s The New Look.]

The New Look not only marks creator Todd A. Kessler’s first series for Apple TV+, but it’s also his first project in years without his previous writing partners, his brother Glenn and collaborator Daniel Zelman, with whom Kessler co-created Damages and Bloodline.

Instead, Kessler has partnered with veteran film producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura, through their dB-ak production company, on the series about how Christian Dior, Coco Chanel and other French fashion designers of the time dealt with the struggles of World War II and launched modern fashion. The name refers to how Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Carmel Snow described Dior’s 1947 collection.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter recently, both Kessler and Di Bonaventura were enthusiastic about their new professional pairing. When asked how working on this series was different than his previous endeavors, Kessler was quick to offer praise.

“It was amazing in that we...

Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont will preside over this year’s Queer Palm jury at Cannes.

The director won the award himself in 2015 with his debut feature Girl as well as picking up the Camera d’Or. His second feature Close was nominated when it premiered at the festival in 2022 and went on to win the grand prix.

As previously announced, Dhont will mentor the inaugural Queer Palm Lab later this year where five young filmmakers participate in a year-long residency with their first queer feature film. Applications open next month.

Last year, the Queer Palm was presented to Hirokazu Kore-eda...

Exclusive: Josh Close (Killers of the Flower Moon) has signed on to star in American Solitaire, an indie drama marking the first feature from writer-director Aaron Davidman.

He stars in the film as a U.S. soldier struggling to make sense of civilian life when he is confronted with the complexities of gun violence in America. Pic’s producers are Davidman, Lisa Bruce, David Oyelowo and Dylan Kussman (Wrestling Jerusalem). Marcus Gardley is serving as consulting producer.

Most recently, Close was seen playing Horace Burkhart, the brother of Leonardo DiCaprio’s Osage murderer Ernest, in Martin Scorsese’s Academy Award-nominated epic Killers of the Flower Moon. Prior to that, he starred opposite Trace Lysette and Patricia Clarkson in the acclaimed drama Monica, which was released by IFC Films after world premiering in Venice.

Exclusive:f David Laub, a longtime distribution executive at A24, is joining Metrograph to build a new slate of theatrical releases as head of Metrograph Pictures, a label that’s been focused mainly on restorations of classic films.

Laub will consider American independent, international and documentary features, both finished films and earlier stage projects to potentially provide financing. The company is aiming to get to 10 releases a year.

“We are excited to work with a wide range of films and filmmakers, and be a robust new presence in the distribution landscape,” said Laub, who will hit the ground for Metrograph at the upcoming Berlinale and European Film Market next week.

It’s not an easy time for indie film distribution. Metrograph in is announcement said the industry “in dire need of fresh thinking and inventive distribution options.”

Laub will report to and work closely with Metrograph CEO Christian Grass, who joined...

With final voting complete, the 96th Oscars telecast will be broadcast on Sunday, March 10 and air live on ABC at 8:00 p.m. Et/ 5:00 p.m. Pt. We update predictions through awards season, so keep checking IndieWire for all our 2024 Oscar picks.

The State of the Race

Most contenders in the race for the Best International Feature Film Oscar broke out of film festivals. Of last year’s Oscar nominees, “The Quiet Girl” debuted in Berlin; “Close” and “Eo” won prizes at Cannes, including the shared Grand Prix and Jury Prize, respectively; “Argentina 1985” premiered in Venice; and the eventual winner, “All Quiet on the Western Front,” debuted at Toronto.

Since the award was created in 1956, the Academy invites each country’s film industry to submit their selection for what is now called Best International Feature Film. The movie must contain primarily non-English dialogue, which may explain why France...

Harmony, the Barry Manilow/Bruce Sussman musical that opened in November to good reviews that never translated to big audiences, will play its final performance at the Barrymore Theatre on Sunday, February 4.

Producers Ken Davenport, Sandi Moran and Garry Kief made the announcement this evening. At the time of its closing, Harmony will have played 24 previews and 96 regular performances. The musical began previews October 18 and opened November 13.

Directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle, Harmony tells the true story of the Comedian Harmonists, a German vocal group that achieved international fame and success in the 1920s and ’30 but were all but wiped from history by the Nazis. At the peak of its career, the group sold millions of records, made dozens of films and played to sold-out venues around the world.

With a score by Manilow and book and lyrics by Sussman, Harmony stars Chip Zien, Sierra Boggess, Julie Benko, Allison Semmes,...