Movie News
Paramount’s musical biopic “Bob Marley: One Love” ruled in its box office debut, beating expectations with $27.7 million over the traditional weekend and $51 million during the six-day holiday stretch.
It was initially projected to generate $30 million to $35 million between Valentine’s Day on Wednesday and President’s Day on Monday. But it experienced an uptick because audiences dug “One Love,” which landed an encouraging “A” CinemaScore from moviegoers. Critics weren’t as fond of the by-the-numbers retelling of Marley’s life and music career as evidenced by the film’s 43% rotten average on Rotten Tomatoes. Reinaldo Marcus Green (“King Richard”) directed and co-wrote the PG-13 “Bob Marley,” starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the iconic reggae singer and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita.
Overseas, “One Love” added $29 million from 47 territories, bringing its initial global tally to an impressive $80 million. “Bob Marley” cost $70 million to produce, and since theater owners get to...
It was initially projected to generate $30 million to $35 million between Valentine’s Day on Wednesday and President’s Day on Monday. But it experienced an uptick because audiences dug “One Love,” which landed an encouraging “A” CinemaScore from moviegoers. Critics weren’t as fond of the by-the-numbers retelling of Marley’s life and music career as evidenced by the film’s 43% rotten average on Rotten Tomatoes. Reinaldo Marcus Green (“King Richard”) directed and co-wrote the PG-13 “Bob Marley,” starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the iconic reggae singer and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita.
Overseas, “One Love” added $29 million from 47 territories, bringing its initial global tally to an impressive $80 million. “Bob Marley” cost $70 million to produce, and since theater owners get to...
- 2/18/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety - Film News
Paramount’s “Bob Marley: One Love” continued its run as box office leader through the specialized six-day holiday frame, adding $7.4 million on Friday from 3,539 locations to bump its domestic tally to $25.3 million. The biopic about the reggae legend could even double the six-day haul of Sony’s new superhero film “Madame Web,” which earned $4.3 million from 4,013 theaters on Friday. North American haul for the Marvel Comics adaptation currently stands at $12.5 million.
Both features opened on Valentine’s Day and are hoping to carry momentum through the Presidents’ Day holiday. “One Love” asserted itself out of the gate with an impressive $14 million on Wednesday, boosted by a handful of premium large-format auditoriums (“Madame Web” has the majority though). Though the Reinaldo Marcus Green-directed drama landed mediocre reviews, it resonated with early audiences, nabbing an “A” grade from surveyor Cinema Score. Paramount raised some eyebrows when it punted the film from...
Both features opened on Valentine’s Day and are hoping to carry momentum through the Presidents’ Day holiday. “One Love” asserted itself out of the gate with an impressive $14 million on Wednesday, boosted by a handful of premium large-format auditoriums (“Madame Web” has the majority though). Though the Reinaldo Marcus Green-directed drama landed mediocre reviews, it resonated with early audiences, nabbing an “A” grade from surveyor Cinema Score. Paramount raised some eyebrows when it punted the film from...
- 2/17/2024
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety - Film News
Having already directed plenty of action-thrillers, a few sci-fis and — last year — a whole load of mutts (the Venice-bowing “Dogman”), Luc Besson is now set to venture into epic fantasy territories with one of the most famous big screen characters of all.
The French director is to direct an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s’ “Dracula,” telling the story of 15th century Prince Vladimir who cursed God following the death of his beloved wife and is turned into a vampire. Later, in 19th century London, he discovers his wife’s doppelgänger and dooms himself by pursuing her.
Variety understands that Christoph Waltz is in talks to star, as is Caleb Landry-Jones, which would reunite Besson with his lead in “Dogman,” which bowed in Venice last year. Like “Dogman,” Besson’s EuropaCorp is producing.
Kinology is talking to buyers about the project at the European Film Market.
Billed as Besson’s big...
The French director is to direct an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s’ “Dracula,” telling the story of 15th century Prince Vladimir who cursed God following the death of his beloved wife and is turned into a vampire. Later, in 19th century London, he discovers his wife’s doppelgänger and dooms himself by pursuing her.
Variety understands that Christoph Waltz is in talks to star, as is Caleb Landry-Jones, which would reunite Besson with his lead in “Dogman,” which bowed in Venice last year. Like “Dogman,” Besson’s EuropaCorp is producing.
Kinology is talking to buyers about the project at the European Film Market.
Billed as Besson’s big...
- 2/17/2024
- by Alex Ritman and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety - Film News
Eli Roth is a filmmaker whose name has become synonymous with visceral horror. He was a key figure in the loose collection of filmmakers known as the Splat Pack, which also included names like Alexandre Aja and Rob Zombie. These directors made low-budget independent horrors with tons of blood, gore, and general carnage. Roth's central contributions to the movement were his first two movies, Cabin Fever and Hostel.
- 2/19/2024
- by Luc Haasbroek
- Collider.com
Sony is really taking a beating with its Spider-Man universe of late. While the “Spider-Man” movies produced by Marvel are still gigantic mega-hits and the animated ‘Spider-Verse’ movies are critically acclaimed blockbusters (the first one won the Best Animated Feature Oscar), the rest of their Ssmu (Sony’s Spider-Man Universe) woefully lags behind. “Morbius” was 2022’s superhero laughingstock, and “Madame Web” appears as if it will be 2024’s version (the film opened to a paltry $25.8 million this weekend and was a huge critical dud).
Continue reading Nicolas Cage May Star In ‘Spider-Man Noir’ While The ‘Silk’ Project Gets Scrapped & Overhauled at The Playlist.
Continue reading Nicolas Cage May Star In ‘Spider-Man Noir’ While The ‘Silk’ Project Gets Scrapped & Overhauled at The Playlist.
- 2/19/2024
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
In just a week, the re-release of 2021's Dune has grossed more globally than this year’s Oscar contenders The Holdovers and American Fiction have in their entire domestic runs. A smart move by Warner Bros. to build buzz ahead of the debut of Dune: Part Two later this month, the re-release of the first film pushed its global haul past a major milestone of its own, and allowed audiences that couldn't watch it back then another chance to experience it on the big screen.
- 2/19/2024
- by Rahul Malhotra
- Collider.com
No one does it quite like Charlie Kaufman. The writer-director, who took the world by storm with his writing debut in Spike Jonze's Being John Malkovich, has a unique approach to screenwriting that places him as one of the most creative and fascinating artists in the medium. With a knack for exploring complex themes in uniquely surrealist ways, Kaufman is the perfect match for audiences who enjoy outstanding weird films.
- 2/19/2024
- by Diego Pineda Pacheco
- Collider.com
While the dominance of Walt Disney Studios within the medium of animation has given the false notion that the company single-handedly created this form of cinema, the truth is that there's a far more diverse history to animation. International cinema has often been the source of inspiring, experimental animated films that push the boundaries of the medium; as many animators would say, it's a medium that is not exclusive to a specific genre. Disney is certainly responsible for a number of influential works, as 1937's Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs kicked off the studio's "Golden Age" of animated classics. However, the first animated feature film was actually an arthouse fantasy from Argentina with serious political implications.
- 2/19/2024
- by Liam Gaughan
- Collider.com
After directing the first three “Pirates of the Caribbean” films (2003–2007) and the animated movie “Rango” (2011), which won the Academy Award and BAFTA for Best Animated Film, things have been relatively quiet for director Gore Verbinski. “The Lone Ranger” was an expensive disappointment at the box office, and the back-to-basic “A Cure for Wellness” was well-respected but kind of came and went.
Continue reading Sam Rockwell, Zazie Beetz, Juno Temple & More Join Gore Verbinski’s Sci-Fi Film ‘Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’ at The Playlist.
Continue reading Sam Rockwell, Zazie Beetz, Juno Temple & More Join Gore Verbinski’s Sci-Fi Film ‘Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’ at The Playlist.
- 2/19/2024
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Bafta has said it is taking the stage invasion by an online prankster during the Film Awards on Sunday “very seriously”.
A man, who has not been named by Bafta, made his way onto the stage during Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas’ acceptance of the best film prize for Oppenheimer.
“A social media prankster was removed by security last night after joining the winners of the final award on stage,” said a Bafta spokesperson.
“We are taking this very seriously, and don’t wish to grant him any publicity by commenting further.”
The man, a social media prankster who is...
A man, who has not been named by Bafta, made his way onto the stage during Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas’ acceptance of the best film prize for Oppenheimer.
“A social media prankster was removed by security last night after joining the winners of the final award on stage,” said a Bafta spokesperson.
“We are taking this very seriously, and don’t wish to grant him any publicity by commenting further.”
The man, a social media prankster who is...
- 2/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
Source: Beata Siewicz
Matthew Byrne, Screen Ireland
Inis Mór, the largest of Ireland’s Aran Islands, is the winner of the seventh edition of the Eufcn Location Award, the award for best European location in the film and TV industry organised by Eufcn – The European Film Commissions Network.
The award was accepted by Michael Byrne, an inward production and sustainability executive from Screen Ireland on Sunday (February 18) at a ceremony in Berlin.
The isolated island on the west coast of Ireland was a key location for filming Marin McDonagh’s The Banshees Of Inisherin.
The Banshees Of Inisherin is a Searchlight Pictures production,...
Matthew Byrne, Screen Ireland
Inis Mór, the largest of Ireland’s Aran Islands, is the winner of the seventh edition of the Eufcn Location Award, the award for best European location in the film and TV industry organised by Eufcn – The European Film Commissions Network.
The award was accepted by Michael Byrne, an inward production and sustainability executive from Screen Ireland on Sunday (February 18) at a ceremony in Berlin.
The isolated island on the west coast of Ireland was a key location for filming Marin McDonagh’s The Banshees Of Inisherin.
The Banshees Of Inisherin is a Searchlight Pictures production,...
- 2/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
The Locarno Film Festival has created a new industry advisory board that includes veteran producer Ted Hope, EFM founder Beki Probst and Mubi SVP of content Bobby Allen.
Locarno said the advisory board would help it navigate shifts in the independent cinema landscape.
The advisory board is headed by Nadia Dresti, the former marketing director of 20th Century Fox Switzerland. Her relationship with the festival goes back to the founding of its industry initiative Locarno Pro in 2000. Since 2022, Dresti has served as a member of the festival’s board of directors.
Working with her will be seven board members whose...
Locarno said the advisory board would help it navigate shifts in the independent cinema landscape.
The advisory board is headed by Nadia Dresti, the former marketing director of 20th Century Fox Switzerland. Her relationship with the festival goes back to the founding of its industry initiative Locarno Pro in 2000. Since 2022, Dresti has served as a member of the festival’s board of directors.
Working with her will be seven board members whose...
- 2/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
Youtuber who has a history of infiltrating awards ceremonies got on stage while the Oppenheimer team were receiving their award
A “social media prankster” invaded the stage during the best picture presentation at the Bafta film awards in London on Sunday.
Bafta said in a statement: “A social media prankster was removed by security last night after joining the winners of the final award on stage – we are taking this very seriously, and don’t wish to grant him any publicity by commenting further.”...
A “social media prankster” invaded the stage during the best picture presentation at the Bafta film awards in London on Sunday.
Bafta said in a statement: “A social media prankster was removed by security last night after joining the winners of the final award on stage – we are taking this very seriously, and don’t wish to grant him any publicity by commenting further.”...
- 2/19/2024
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Worldwide box office February 16-18 RankFilm (distributor)3-day (world)Cume (world)3-day (int’l) Cume (int’l) Territories 1. Yolo (various) $84.4m $402.4m $84.4m $402.4m 1 2. Pegasus 2 (various) $79.2m $358.1m $78.86m $357m 3 3. Article 20 (various) $68.4m $206m $68.4m $206m 1 4. Bob Marley: One Love (Paramount) $56.7m $74.6m $29m $29m 48 5. Boonie Bears: Time Twist (various) $50.5m $207.7m $50.5m $207.7m 1 6. Madame Web (Sony)
$40.9m $49.1m $25,7m $25.7m 62 7. Haikyu!! The Movie: Decisive Battle at the Garbage Dump (various)
$15,2m $15.2m $15.2m $15.2m 1 8. Wonka (Warner Bros)
$11.2m $254.8m $7m $395.1m 75 9. Migration (Universal) $10.7m $254.8m $7m $140m 6 10. Anyone But You (Sony) $10.2m $188.9m $7.8m $104.2m 44 Paramount celebrates...
$40.9m $49.1m $25,7m $25.7m 62 7. Haikyu!! The Movie: Decisive Battle at the Garbage Dump (various)
$15,2m $15.2m $15.2m $15.2m 1 8. Wonka (Warner Bros)
$11.2m $254.8m $7m $395.1m 75 9. Migration (Universal) $10.7m $254.8m $7m $140m 6 10. Anyone But You (Sony) $10.2m $188.9m $7.8m $104.2m 44 Paramount celebrates...
- 2/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
It's official. The Marvel Cinematic Universe will welcome Deadpool into the field with this summer's "Deadpool & Wolverine." Opening July 26, 2024, the sequel will bring the unabashedly R-rated character into a larger franchise that is usually PG-13, recent official incorporation of the TV-ma Netflix shows notwithstanding.
Deadpool as a big-screen character originates with Fox's somewhat convoluted "X-Men" franchise, but it's also apart from them in significant ways. All two "Deadpool" movies include references to different stories and characters within the franchise. Even aside from that, the X-Men movie timeline is by no means clear, with different casts in different timelines of the past, present, and future. You could watch all 13 of them in order, hoping for clarity, but you may have trouble finding it. However, if all you're concerned about is what you need to know about Deadpool from his movie appearances, and maybe a little bit of Wolverine, this is the article for you.
Deadpool as a big-screen character originates with Fox's somewhat convoluted "X-Men" franchise, but it's also apart from them in significant ways. All two "Deadpool" movies include references to different stories and characters within the franchise. Even aside from that, the X-Men movie timeline is by no means clear, with different casts in different timelines of the past, present, and future. You could watch all 13 of them in order, hoping for clarity, but you may have trouble finding it. However, if all you're concerned about is what you need to know about Deadpool from his movie appearances, and maybe a little bit of Wolverine, this is the article for you.
- 2/19/2024
- by Luke Y. Thompson
- Slash Film
Even if you don't recognize Edith Head's name, you know her work on sight — for several reasons, at that. Pick a famous movie from Hollywood's Golden Age, and there's a good chance her costumes adorned the headlining celebrities. A self-made costume designer with a prolific, half-century-long career, her contributions to the medium are inescapably seared into the public consciousness. Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's? You can thank Ms. Head for that melancholic iconography turned party outfit. Barbara Stanwyck in Double Indemnity? That's the prowling silhouette that defined generations of femme fatales. History's best actresses didn't need to say a word to convey power, elegance, or sensuality; Head's visuals spoke at first glance.
- 2/19/2024
- by Kelcie Mattson
- Collider.com
Mubi has acquired David Hinton’s Made In England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger for key territories ahead of its world premiere in Berlin this week.
It has picked up the film for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Latin America, Turkey and India (South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation). Altitude handles world sales.
Made In England has its world premiere as a Berlinale Special title at Berlin Film Festival on Wednesday, February 21.
The documentary is presented by Martin Scorsese, and is a personal journey of how Powell and Pressburger’s work, and later Powell’s friendship,...
It has picked up the film for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Latin America, Turkey and India (South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation). Altitude handles world sales.
Made In England has its world premiere as a Berlinale Special title at Berlin Film Festival on Wednesday, February 21.
The documentary is presented by Martin Scorsese, and is a personal journey of how Powell and Pressburger’s work, and later Powell’s friendship,...
- 2/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
This post contains spoilers for "True Detective: Night Country."
Detectives Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) are the focal points of "True Detective: Night Country" for good reason. To witness a clash between two equally strong personalities is nothing short of riveting, especially when Liz and Naravarro make a solid team, despite their innate differences. The two women have been dealing with their inner demons in markedly different ways so far — while Danvers suppresses her trauma with impulsive, headstrong actions, Navarro suffers in silence and channels her rage into solving the Tsalal/Annie K. case. However, there is a third individual in Ennis who is integral to the investigation and has seldom gotten the credit: Peter Prior (Finn Bennett), and his single-minded dedication to the case needs to be talked about if we are to discuss the complicated web of conspiracies gripping the town.
Peter's case is a tad complicated,...
Detectives Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) are the focal points of "True Detective: Night Country" for good reason. To witness a clash between two equally strong personalities is nothing short of riveting, especially when Liz and Naravarro make a solid team, despite their innate differences. The two women have been dealing with their inner demons in markedly different ways so far — while Danvers suppresses her trauma with impulsive, headstrong actions, Navarro suffers in silence and channels her rage into solving the Tsalal/Annie K. case. However, there is a third individual in Ennis who is integral to the investigation and has seldom gotten the credit: Peter Prior (Finn Bennett), and his single-minded dedication to the case needs to be talked about if we are to discuss the complicated web of conspiracies gripping the town.
Peter's case is a tad complicated,...
- 2/19/2024
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
With a subject as complex as monitoring the effects of smartphone use, Alex Lykos’s film could have paid more attention to sourcing and methodology
It’s digital detox time for film-maker Alex Lykos, as he attempts to go cold turkey on his phone and other devices for 30 days for this documentary belonging to the lower-budget end of the sub-genre of personal challenge films; previous entries include the likes of Super Size Me (man eats lots of fast food) and America Unchained (man tries to travel across America without giving any money to multinationals).
Lykos begins his offline odyssey with a fun potted history of the mobile phone, starting with a 1973 model which is heavier than a four-pint carton of milk. (This comparison is illustrated by Lykos walking along holding said carton of milk to his ear.) The film is strongest in these lighter sections which lean into Lykos’ naturally upbeat high-school science teacher vibe.
It’s digital detox time for film-maker Alex Lykos, as he attempts to go cold turkey on his phone and other devices for 30 days for this documentary belonging to the lower-budget end of the sub-genre of personal challenge films; previous entries include the likes of Super Size Me (man eats lots of fast food) and America Unchained (man tries to travel across America without giving any money to multinationals).
Lykos begins his offline odyssey with a fun potted history of the mobile phone, starting with a 1973 model which is heavier than a four-pint carton of milk. (This comparison is illustrated by Lykos walking along holding said carton of milk to his ear.) The film is strongest in these lighter sections which lean into Lykos’ naturally upbeat high-school science teacher vibe.
- 2/19/2024
- by Catherine Bray
- The Guardian - Film News
Zygi Kamasa’s True Brit Entertainment has acquired UK rights to Morgan Matthews’s 500 Miles starring Bill Nighy and Jojo Rabbit’s Roman Griffin Davis from Beta Cinema.
Billed as a road movie with heart, 500 Miles follows two young brothers running away from trouble at home in England to reach their estranged grandfather (Nighy) on Ireland’s wild west coast.
The film is being prepped to shoot in Kerry, Ireland in the summer.
Matthews, director of X+Y (A Brilliant Young Mind) and documentary Williams, will direct from a script by Malcolm Campbell, based on the novel Charlie And Me by Mark Lowery.
Billed as a road movie with heart, 500 Miles follows two young brothers running away from trouble at home in England to reach their estranged grandfather (Nighy) on Ireland’s wild west coast.
The film is being prepped to shoot in Kerry, Ireland in the summer.
Matthews, director of X+Y (A Brilliant Young Mind) and documentary Williams, will direct from a script by Malcolm Campbell, based on the novel Charlie And Me by Mark Lowery.
- 2/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
In an exclusive one-on-one interview with Variety, Fernando Medin, president and managing director of Warner Bros. Discovery (Wbd) Latin America and U.S. Hispanic, drilled down on the company’s programming and growth strategy for the region where it launches its rebranded streaming platform, Max, on Feb. 27. This will be Wbd’s first major international roll-out of Max after the U.S.
“To truly reach all segments of the population with a product like ours, it’s essential to not only offer our international content but also provide something that resonates with people, something relevant to their lives. Hence, we’ve been diligently curating a lineup of local content,” said Medin.
Leading the Max Latin American pack are shows based on internationally renowned IP, led by a Salma Hayek-executive produced series based on Laura Esquivel’s bestseller “Like Water for Chocolate” (“Como agua para chocolate”), adapted by director Alfonso Arau...
“To truly reach all segments of the population with a product like ours, it’s essential to not only offer our international content but also provide something that resonates with people, something relevant to their lives. Hence, we’ve been diligently curating a lineup of local content,” said Medin.
Leading the Max Latin American pack are shows based on internationally renowned IP, led by a Salma Hayek-executive produced series based on Laura Esquivel’s bestseller “Like Water for Chocolate” (“Como agua para chocolate”), adapted by director Alfonso Arau...
- 2/19/2024
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety - Film News
Kirsten Niehuus, head of German film fund Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, is confident that the changes to film funding proposed by the German government recently will have a “very positive effect on the production scene in Berlin-Brandenburg.”
The proposed changes to the funding system were presented last week to German lawmakers in the Bundestag by commissioner for culture and media Claudia Roth (see here).
Kirsten Niehuus, Martin Moszkowicz
Speaking to Variety Saturday at a party Medienboard hosted at Berlin’s Holzmarkt, Niehuus said the changes “will mean that we would have a tax system in place that could compete, for instance, with Budapest or Prague, so that not so many German productions would go and shoot somewhere else, and more foreign productions would come and shoot in Germany.”
Looking at the media landscape across Germany she notes that one major challenge is the decision by high-end outlets such as Paramount+, HBO and Sky to cancel local productions,...
The proposed changes to the funding system were presented last week to German lawmakers in the Bundestag by commissioner for culture and media Claudia Roth (see here).
Kirsten Niehuus, Martin Moszkowicz
Speaking to Variety Saturday at a party Medienboard hosted at Berlin’s Holzmarkt, Niehuus said the changes “will mean that we would have a tax system in place that could compete, for instance, with Budapest or Prague, so that not so many German productions would go and shoot somewhere else, and more foreign productions would come and shoot in Germany.”
Looking at the media landscape across Germany she notes that one major challenge is the decision by high-end outlets such as Paramount+, HBO and Sky to cancel local productions,...
- 2/19/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety - Film News
‘Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger,’ the documentary executive produced and narrated by Matin Scorsese, has been acquired by Mubi ahead of the film’s world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival.
The arthouse streamer, distributor and production company has bought all rights for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Latin America, Turkey and India.
Directed by two-time BAFTA and Emmy winner David Hinton, ‘Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger’ is described as “Scorsese’s personal and moving look at two of British cinema’s greatest filmmakers.”
Powell and Pressburger created some of the great classics of the British golden age, including “The Red Shoes,” “Black Narcissus,” “A Matter of Life and Death” and “The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp.” In the words of Scorsese, their films were “grand, poetic, wise, adventurous, headstrong, enraptured by beauty, deeply romantic, and completely uncompromising.
The arthouse streamer, distributor and production company has bought all rights for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Latin America, Turkey and India.
Directed by two-time BAFTA and Emmy winner David Hinton, ‘Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger’ is described as “Scorsese’s personal and moving look at two of British cinema’s greatest filmmakers.”
Powell and Pressburger created some of the great classics of the British golden age, including “The Red Shoes,” “Black Narcissus,” “A Matter of Life and Death” and “The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp.” In the words of Scorsese, their films were “grand, poetic, wise, adventurous, headstrong, enraptured by beauty, deeply romantic, and completely uncompromising.
- 2/19/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety - Film News
There are certain action movies that defined distinct eras of Hollywood. Super macho bro-fests led by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone dominated the '80s, "Die Hard" ushered in a wave of more workaday, everyman heroes, and "The Matrix" and the rise of Hong Kong cinema-inspired American action cinema evolved the genre in the late '90s and into the 2000s. But unquestionably, the defining action movie of the past decade is "John Wick." Which makes it funny to think about how that first movie initially felt like just another straight-to-vod action movie before a screening at a festival convinced director Chad Stahelski he had a hit on his hands.
Of course, a big part of the film's (and the eventual franchise's) success stems from its incredible action choreography, which makes each fight scene feel fresh and unique. Likewise, the franchise has the kind of organic world-building and lore most Hollywood cinematic universes dream of,...
Of course, a big part of the film's (and the eventual franchise's) success stems from its incredible action choreography, which makes each fight scene feel fresh and unique. Likewise, the franchise has the kind of organic world-building and lore most Hollywood cinematic universes dream of,...
- 2/19/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
BAFTA has responded strongly after a man crashed the final category at the film awards on Sunday night.
The man, an alleged social media prankster who Variety has opted not to name, joined “Oppenheimer” director Christopher Nolan, producers Emma Thomas and Charles Roven and star Cillian Murphy on stage after Michael J. Fox named the best film winner at the climax of the ceremony.
“A social media prankster was removed by security last night after joining the winners of the final award on stage — we are taking this very seriously, and don’t wish to grant him any publicity by commenting further,” a BAFTA spokesperson told Variety.
The “Oppenheimer” team were seated together on the right of the stage and walked collectively up to the podium to collect the golden BAFTA mask award. The prankster, dressed in a black suit, then appeared from the opposite side of the audience and...
The man, an alleged social media prankster who Variety has opted not to name, joined “Oppenheimer” director Christopher Nolan, producers Emma Thomas and Charles Roven and star Cillian Murphy on stage after Michael J. Fox named the best film winner at the climax of the ceremony.
“A social media prankster was removed by security last night after joining the winners of the final award on stage — we are taking this very seriously, and don’t wish to grant him any publicity by commenting further,” a BAFTA spokesperson told Variety.
The “Oppenheimer” team were seated together on the right of the stage and walked collectively up to the podium to collect the golden BAFTA mask award. The prankster, dressed in a black suit, then appeared from the opposite side of the audience and...
- 2/19/2024
- by K.J. Yossman and Alex Ritman
- Variety - Film News
Film production and distribution company Krg Studios is teaming with acclaimed filmmaker Anjali Menon on a Tamil-language feature film.
Menon’s London Film School graduation short “Black Nor White” (2002), starring Archie Panjabi (“The Good Wife”) and Rez Kempton (“The Mummy”), won the BFI award at the Palm Springs film festival. Her directing credits include “Manjadikuru” (2008), “Bangalore Days” (2014), “Koode” (2018) and most recently “Wonder Women” (2022).
Hitherto a Kannada-language specialist, Krg is now expanding across the four southern Indian languages that also include Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil. The company established its studio distribution business in 2017 and has distributed more than 100 films in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. They ventured into production in 2020 and found early acclaim with “Rathnan Prapancha,” directed by Rohit Padaki and starring Dhananjay, which released directly on Prime Video India. “Gurudev Hoysala” released in 2023.
Former Prime Video India content chief Vijay Subramaniam is on board as a mentor and co-producer.
Menon’s London Film School graduation short “Black Nor White” (2002), starring Archie Panjabi (“The Good Wife”) and Rez Kempton (“The Mummy”), won the BFI award at the Palm Springs film festival. Her directing credits include “Manjadikuru” (2008), “Bangalore Days” (2014), “Koode” (2018) and most recently “Wonder Women” (2022).
Hitherto a Kannada-language specialist, Krg is now expanding across the four southern Indian languages that also include Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil. The company established its studio distribution business in 2017 and has distributed more than 100 films in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. They ventured into production in 2020 and found early acclaim with “Rathnan Prapancha,” directed by Rohit Padaki and starring Dhananjay, which released directly on Prime Video India. “Gurudev Hoysala” released in 2023.
Former Prime Video India content chief Vijay Subramaniam is on board as a mentor and co-producer.
- 2/19/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - Film News
Saudi Arabia’s Film AlUla has announced it is adding a state-of-the-art music recording studio alongside its moviemaking studios.
The film commission for the swathe of northwest Saudi Arabia roughly the size of Belgium that also comprises a lush oasis and vast sandstone canyons currently has filmmaking facilities that include two large soundstages, a backlot, and production support buildings.
AlUla is also home to the Maraya concert hall, a multi-purpose mirrored venue in the desert that regularly features concerts from top artists such as Alicia Keys, Andrea Bocelli and most recently James Blunt.
In June Film AlUla will inaugurate a recording studio with audio and recording equipment comprising a control room and two soundproof booths that can be used by individual artists, choirs, rehearsals for film score production, music videos and orchestral work.
The addition of a recording studio sees Film AlUla enter Saudi Arabia’s the music space as...
The film commission for the swathe of northwest Saudi Arabia roughly the size of Belgium that also comprises a lush oasis and vast sandstone canyons currently has filmmaking facilities that include two large soundstages, a backlot, and production support buildings.
AlUla is also home to the Maraya concert hall, a multi-purpose mirrored venue in the desert that regularly features concerts from top artists such as Alicia Keys, Andrea Bocelli and most recently James Blunt.
In June Film AlUla will inaugurate a recording studio with audio and recording equipment comprising a control room and two soundproof booths that can be used by individual artists, choirs, rehearsals for film score production, music videos and orchestral work.
The addition of a recording studio sees Film AlUla enter Saudi Arabia’s the music space as...
- 2/19/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety - Film News
Everyone's favorite striped sweater-wearing, knife-gloved slasher may have been based on a true story. That's right, Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) from A Nightmare on Elm Street was inspired by a real-life story, not just entirely made up by Wes Craven. Just when you thought the concept of Freddy infiltrating your nightmares and killing you in torturous ways couldn't be scarier, there seemingly was a dream killer wreaking havoc in the 1980s.
- 2/19/2024
- by Riley Presnell
- Collider.com
Ukrainian drama project Screaming Girl has scooped the top prize at the Berlinale Co-Production Market.
The feature won the Eurimages Co-Production Development Award, worth €20,000, which went to Kyiv-based producers Forefilms.
Director Antonio Lukich is known for comedy-drama Luxembourg, Luxembourg, which screened in the Horizons strand of the Venice Film Festival in 2022. His debut was My Thoughts Are Silent, which won a special jury prize at Karlovy Vary in 2019.
Screaming Girl centres on a girl who, after the invasion of Ukraine, finds herself in Ireland and pursues her dream of becoming an actress. However, she begins to experience strange and fantastical events that disrupt her life,...
The feature won the Eurimages Co-Production Development Award, worth €20,000, which went to Kyiv-based producers Forefilms.
Director Antonio Lukich is known for comedy-drama Luxembourg, Luxembourg, which screened in the Horizons strand of the Venice Film Festival in 2022. His debut was My Thoughts Are Silent, which won a special jury prize at Karlovy Vary in 2019.
Screaming Girl centres on a girl who, after the invasion of Ukraine, finds herself in Ireland and pursues her dream of becoming an actress. However, she begins to experience strange and fantastical events that disrupt her life,...
- 2/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
A man is stuck in a car in the freezing Colorado mountains with no mobile signal – and violent intent brewing
If this UK-Canadian thriller has a wind-hardened snowcrust of malice, it’s somewhat less dense under the surface – though still an enjoyable punt from the digital-release ranks. Amiable but downtrodden waitress Ana (Nina Bergman) has her bacon saved by chance diner David (Allen Leech) when her abusive husband Vincent (Yan Tual) comes calling. Eerily calm in the face of having his dessert desecrated and a potential shanking, David drives off unharmed. But, redneck to the core, Vincent tailgates him; skidding into a snow drift, David is stuck in the Colorado Rockies in a -40C blizzard with, of course, no mobile reception.
From the sharply written rebuff over cherry pie onwards, French director Sébastien Drouin’s feature debut shows a concise pulpy assurance – including devious deployment of plot twists starting...
If this UK-Canadian thriller has a wind-hardened snowcrust of malice, it’s somewhat less dense under the surface – though still an enjoyable punt from the digital-release ranks. Amiable but downtrodden waitress Ana (Nina Bergman) has her bacon saved by chance diner David (Allen Leech) when her abusive husband Vincent (Yan Tual) comes calling. Eerily calm in the face of having his dessert desecrated and a potential shanking, David drives off unharmed. But, redneck to the core, Vincent tailgates him; skidding into a snow drift, David is stuck in the Colorado Rockies in a -40C blizzard with, of course, no mobile reception.
From the sharply written rebuff over cherry pie onwards, French director Sébastien Drouin’s feature debut shows a concise pulpy assurance – including devious deployment of plot twists starting...
- 2/19/2024
- by Phil Hoad
- The Guardian - Film News
This article contains major spoilers for the finale of "True Detective: Night Country."
In 2019, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) accused the police in Nome, Alaska of "a systemic and disastrous failure" to protect Native women. The accusation came in the aftermath of the rape of an Inupiaq woman named Clarice Hardy, a case she claimed was not investigated thoroughly by law enforcement. The accusation came less than two weeks after an AP investigation was released following multiple complaints from Alaska Native women from Nome and the surrounding villages, all claiming that their reports of sexual assault were not "investigated aggressively."
A cursory Google search will bring similar reports from Indigenous communities across the globe. The National Crime Information Center reported that, in 2016, there were 5,712 reports of missing American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls. However, the US Department of Justice's federal missing person database, NamUs, only logged...
In 2019, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) accused the police in Nome, Alaska of "a systemic and disastrous failure" to protect Native women. The accusation came in the aftermath of the rape of an Inupiaq woman named Clarice Hardy, a case she claimed was not investigated thoroughly by law enforcement. The accusation came less than two weeks after an AP investigation was released following multiple complaints from Alaska Native women from Nome and the surrounding villages, all claiming that their reports of sexual assault were not "investigated aggressively."
A cursory Google search will bring similar reports from Indigenous communities across the globe. The National Crime Information Center reported that, in 2016, there were 5,712 reports of missing American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls. However, the US Department of Justice's federal missing person database, NamUs, only logged...
- 2/19/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Playtime has had a busy EFM, where it’s locked a raft of major deals on “The Devil’s Bath,” a period psychological thriller in competition at the Berlin Film Festival.
“The Devil’s Bath” is directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, the Austrian filmmaking duo behind “Goodnight Mommy.”
Set in rural Austria in 1750, “The Devil’s Bath” stars Anja Plaschg, the up-and-coming singer and composer known as Soap & Skin. Plaschg plays Agnes, a young married woman who feels oppressed in her husband’s world, which is devoid of emotions and limited to chores and expectations. A pious and highly sensitive woman, Agnes falls into a deep depression, before committing a shocking act of violence that she sees as the only way out of her inner prison.
“The Devil’s Bath” has been bought by Klockworx (Japan), Cine Canibal (Latin America), Russian World Vision (Cis excluding Ukraine), September Films (Benelux), Movies Inspired (Italy...
“The Devil’s Bath” is directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, the Austrian filmmaking duo behind “Goodnight Mommy.”
Set in rural Austria in 1750, “The Devil’s Bath” stars Anja Plaschg, the up-and-coming singer and composer known as Soap & Skin. Plaschg plays Agnes, a young married woman who feels oppressed in her husband’s world, which is devoid of emotions and limited to chores and expectations. A pious and highly sensitive woman, Agnes falls into a deep depression, before committing a shocking act of violence that she sees as the only way out of her inner prison.
“The Devil’s Bath” has been bought by Klockworx (Japan), Cine Canibal (Latin America), Russian World Vision (Cis excluding Ukraine), September Films (Benelux), Movies Inspired (Italy...
- 2/19/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety - Film News
Prime Video has greenlit a feature documentary about tennis icon Roger Federer, to be co-directed by Amy filmmaker Asif Kapadia.
The untitled film will follow the final 12 days of Swiss tennis player Federer’s tennis career, including footage originally intended as a home video. It features interviews from tennis rivals and friends including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
The film will launch exclusively on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories.
Kapadia will co-direct the film with Joe Sabia, creator of Vogue magazine’s online ’73 Questions’ series. It will be produced by Kapadia and George Chignell.
“Initially, the...
The untitled film will follow the final 12 days of Swiss tennis player Federer’s tennis career, including footage originally intended as a home video. It features interviews from tennis rivals and friends including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
The film will launch exclusively on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories.
Kapadia will co-direct the film with Joe Sabia, creator of Vogue magazine’s online ’73 Questions’ series. It will be produced by Kapadia and George Chignell.
“Initially, the...
- 2/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
As the European Film Market starts to unwind, the verdict is already in: Even if global economics are rocky, buyers are back and on the lookout. This week, dealmaking has been happening on both star-driven packages as well as arthouse and foreign-language movies.
In a sign that the theatrical business is rebounding, Sony just scooped a pair of splashy packages: “Materialists,” Celine Song’s follow up to “Past Lives,” and “Big Bold Beautiful Journey” starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell. Another hot package, David Mackenzie’s heist thriller “Fuze,” headlined by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, is also close to selling. Movies competing at the Berlin Film Festival are also expected to secure U.S. deals, notably “La Cocina” starring Rooney Mara, and opening night movie “Small Things Like These” with Cillian Murphy.
Scott Shooman, head of AMC Networks, which encompasses IFC Films, says he’s seen the mood of sales agents brighten...
In a sign that the theatrical business is rebounding, Sony just scooped a pair of splashy packages: “Materialists,” Celine Song’s follow up to “Past Lives,” and “Big Bold Beautiful Journey” starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell. Another hot package, David Mackenzie’s heist thriller “Fuze,” headlined by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, is also close to selling. Movies competing at the Berlin Film Festival are also expected to secure U.S. deals, notably “La Cocina” starring Rooney Mara, and opening night movie “Small Things Like These” with Cillian Murphy.
Scott Shooman, head of AMC Networks, which encompasses IFC Films, says he’s seen the mood of sales agents brighten...
- 2/19/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety - Film News
“Poor Things” director Yorgos Lanthimos will reteam with Element Pictures on a remake of South Korean fantasy comedy “Save the Green Planet,” Variety has learned.
Lanthimos — whose latest film, “Poor Things,” is nominated for 11 Oscars and just won five BAFTAs (including best actress for Emma Stone) — is expected to start shooting the movie in the U.K. and New York this summer. Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe at Element Pictures will produce the movie alongside Ari Aster’s Square Peg and Cj Enm (previously named Cj Entertainment). It will mark the sixth collaboration between Lanthimos and Element Pictures.
The long-gestated project, which seems to be a perfect Lanthimos vehicle, is an eccentric black comedy involving a disillusioned young man who captures and tortures a businessman whom he believes to be part of an alien invasion. A battle of wits ensues between the captor, his devoted girlfriend, the businessman and a private detective.
Lanthimos — whose latest film, “Poor Things,” is nominated for 11 Oscars and just won five BAFTAs (including best actress for Emma Stone) — is expected to start shooting the movie in the U.K. and New York this summer. Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe at Element Pictures will produce the movie alongside Ari Aster’s Square Peg and Cj Enm (previously named Cj Entertainment). It will mark the sixth collaboration between Lanthimos and Element Pictures.
The long-gestated project, which seems to be a perfect Lanthimos vehicle, is an eccentric black comedy involving a disillusioned young man who captures and tortures a businessman whom he believes to be part of an alien invasion. A battle of wits ensues between the captor, his devoted girlfriend, the businessman and a private detective.
- 2/19/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy and Patrick Frater
- Variety - Film News
The Locarno Film Festival has formed an advisory board for its industry side and recruited a roster of top indie industry figures including former Amazon Studios film executive Ted Hope, Bobby Allen, who is senior VP of content at Mubi, and former European Film Market chief Beki Probst as members.
Locarno’s industry advisory board will be headed by Nadia Dresti, the former head of the prominent Swiss indie cinema event’s market side who has been with Locarno intermittently for roughly 30 years with an interlude for a few years as head of marketing for Fox Switzerland.
“I am delighted that in this ever-changing audiovisual landscape, the Locarno Film Festival has decided to initiate an ongoing conversation with industry professionals who will advise the board of directors on issues concerning the festival’s future,” Dresti said in a statement. “Together we will tackle relevant issues with the aim of providing invaluable industry insights.
Locarno’s industry advisory board will be headed by Nadia Dresti, the former head of the prominent Swiss indie cinema event’s market side who has been with Locarno intermittently for roughly 30 years with an interlude for a few years as head of marketing for Fox Switzerland.
“I am delighted that in this ever-changing audiovisual landscape, the Locarno Film Festival has decided to initiate an ongoing conversation with industry professionals who will advise the board of directors on issues concerning the festival’s future,” Dresti said in a statement. “Together we will tackle relevant issues with the aim of providing invaluable industry insights.
- 2/19/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety - Film News
There was a time when Kevin Costner was on top of the world. A lot of current audiences are familiar with his work through Yellowstone, his body of work in the late '80s to early '90s catapulted him to prominence. Unsurprisingly, most of these films were Westerns: the epic Dances With Wolves, Open Range, and the modern-day classic Silverado. One of these Westerns, Wyatt Earp, has flown under the radar for several reasons. Chief among those reasons was the fact that it was released shortly after the Western epic Tombstone, which also featured Wyatt Earp in a major role, courtesy of Kurt Russell. Wyatt Earp was born out of the fallout of Costner passing on a major role in Tombstone.
- 2/19/2024
- by Collier Jennings
- Collider.com
Oppenheimer, a three-hour epic about the making of the atomic bomb, was the big winner at the 77th Bafta film awards, winning top honours for best film and best director, as well as five other awards. One of the highest-grossing movies of 2023, it also won awards for leading actor Cillian Murphy, supporting actor Robert Downey Jr, editing, cinematography and original score. Poor Things was the other big winner on the night, taking home five awards including best actress for Emma Stone
Baftas 2024: the red carpet, the ceremony, the winners – how it unfolded...
Baftas 2024: the red carpet, the ceremony, the winners – how it unfolded...
- 2/19/2024
- The Guardian - Film News
When fugitives from a tyrannical future US take cover in a mysterious building, you might expect more thrills than are on offer here
Bo Mirhosseni’s dystopian horror drama opens with a onscreen text explainer, detailing how in the year 2045 the US became the North American Federation, a fascist state patrolled by roving militia in the name of God and country. There must’ve been some debate among the film-makers over how far into the future the ominous date should be but the vision of the US presented in History of Evil doesn’t feel two decades away. In the film’s first scene, a child is transported in a van through a checkpoint with a tracking device on her ankle, which is inspected by armed men. It’s horrific of course, but the bar is different for dystopian fiction in 2024. The US, after all, was cramming migrant children into freezing,...
Bo Mirhosseni’s dystopian horror drama opens with a onscreen text explainer, detailing how in the year 2045 the US became the North American Federation, a fascist state patrolled by roving militia in the name of God and country. There must’ve been some debate among the film-makers over how far into the future the ominous date should be but the vision of the US presented in History of Evil doesn’t feel two decades away. In the film’s first scene, a child is transported in a van through a checkpoint with a tracking device on her ankle, which is inspected by armed men. It’s horrific of course, but the bar is different for dystopian fiction in 2024. The US, after all, was cramming migrant children into freezing,...
- 2/19/2024
- by Catherine Bray
- The Guardian - Film News
Screen can reveal the first trailer for Shambhala, the first Nepalese film to play in Competition at the Berlinale.
Shambhala has its world premiere at the Berlinale Palast on Friday, February 23.
It is also the first South Asian film to play in Berlinale Competition in over three decades.
Set in the Nepalese Himalayas, Shambhala follows a woman in a polyandrous marriage with a man and his two younger brothers; when the man fails to return from a trading trip, the woman sets off to find him to give legitimacy to her unborn child.
The film is directed by Min Bahadur Bham,...
Shambhala has its world premiere at the Berlinale Palast on Friday, February 23.
It is also the first South Asian film to play in Berlinale Competition in over three decades.
Set in the Nepalese Himalayas, Shambhala follows a woman in a polyandrous marriage with a man and his two younger brothers; when the man fails to return from a trading trip, the woman sets off to find him to give legitimacy to her unborn child.
The film is directed by Min Bahadur Bham,...
- 2/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
“From Hilde, With Love,” which world premiered Saturday in competition at the Berlinale, has debuted its trailer (below). The film, directed by Andreas Dresen, centers on a group of young anti-Nazi activists in Berlin during World War II. (Read Variety‘s review here.)
The film, which is being sold by Beta Cinema and is produced by Claudia Steffen and Christoph Friedel for Pandora Film, stars “Babylon Berlin” breakout Liv Lisa Fries and Johannes Hegemann.
The film is a love story about two real life members of the pro-Communist, German resistance movement known as the Red Orchestra, Hilde and Hans Coppi. More than 50 members of the group were guillotined in Berlin’s Plötzensee Prison between 1942 and 1943, including the Coppis. Hilde gave birth to her son in prison. He is alive today and was consulted about the production.
In an interview with Variety, Dresen said that when Laila Stieler’s script for...
The film, which is being sold by Beta Cinema and is produced by Claudia Steffen and Christoph Friedel for Pandora Film, stars “Babylon Berlin” breakout Liv Lisa Fries and Johannes Hegemann.
The film is a love story about two real life members of the pro-Communist, German resistance movement known as the Red Orchestra, Hilde and Hans Coppi. More than 50 members of the group were guillotined in Berlin’s Plötzensee Prison between 1942 and 1943, including the Coppis. Hilde gave birth to her son in prison. He is alive today and was consulted about the production.
In an interview with Variety, Dresen said that when Laila Stieler’s script for...
- 2/19/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety - Film News
“Poor Things” may have taken home the BAFTA or Makeup and Hair on Sunday morning Los Angeles time, but “Maestro” showed its awards season strength later that evening at the 2024 Make-Up Artists and Hairstylists Guild Awards. The Bradley Cooper drama took both Best Period and/or Character Makeup and Best Special Makeup Effects giving it a potential nose, er, leg up on the Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling which will be handed out on March 10.
Continue reading ‘Maestro,’ ‘Saltburn’ & ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Top 2024 Make-Up Artists and Hairstylists Guild Awards at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Maestro,’ ‘Saltburn’ & ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Top 2024 Make-Up Artists and Hairstylists Guild Awards at The Playlist.
- 2/19/2024
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
Four Chinese films dominated the mainland China and global box office charts over the latest weekend. “Yolo,” a comedy drama about weight loss and self-discovery, was crowned as the top earning film worldwide for a second weekend running.
“Yolo” took $86.5 million (RMB614 million) between Friday and Sunday, giving it a 9-day cumulative total of $402 million (RMB2.85 million), according to data from consultancy firm Artisan Gateway.
The second film by Jia Ling, who previously directed 2021 Lunar New Year smash hit “Hi, Mom”, “Yolo” released on Saturday, Feb. 10 and has retained the number one position since the second day of the Chinese New Year holidays, staying narrowly ahead of racing comedy “Pegasus 2.”
Over the latest weekend “Pegasus 2” earned $80.6 million, giving it a running total of $356 million.
“Article 20,” the Zhang Yimou-directed legal comedy, improved significantly. It climbed up one place to third in the Chinese and global weekend charts and earned $70.2 million over the weekend.
“Yolo” took $86.5 million (RMB614 million) between Friday and Sunday, giving it a 9-day cumulative total of $402 million (RMB2.85 million), according to data from consultancy firm Artisan Gateway.
The second film by Jia Ling, who previously directed 2021 Lunar New Year smash hit “Hi, Mom”, “Yolo” released on Saturday, Feb. 10 and has retained the number one position since the second day of the Chinese New Year holidays, staying narrowly ahead of racing comedy “Pegasus 2.”
Over the latest weekend “Pegasus 2” earned $80.6 million, giving it a running total of $356 million.
“Article 20,” the Zhang Yimou-directed legal comedy, improved significantly. It climbed up one place to third in the Chinese and global weekend charts and earned $70.2 million over the weekend.
- 2/19/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety - Film News
European Orgs Could Step Up Ukrainian Biz Support as Filmmakers and Supporters Point to Funding Gaps
European film agencies, festivals and organizations could do more to support Ukrainian filmmakers, the head of Germany’s state film promotion body, German Films, says.
Simone Baumann, managing director of German Films — which supports the promotion of national filmmakers at festivals and events worldwide — says there is a lot of talk at festival panels and industry gatherings of supporting Ukrainians, but little financial backing.
“Festivals, especially the Berlinale, are trying to help by giving the Ukrainians a discount on the European Film Market booth, but there are not many other organisations that are helping them pay their way,” Baumann says.
“It could be better. In Cannes last year, it was the Estonians and German Films that supported the Ukrainian pavilion. Poland has also been helping — many Ukrainian (and Belarusian) filmmaker have got asylum there, and they are trying to help with projects too.”
One example of good practice, she says,...
Simone Baumann, managing director of German Films — which supports the promotion of national filmmakers at festivals and events worldwide — says there is a lot of talk at festival panels and industry gatherings of supporting Ukrainians, but little financial backing.
“Festivals, especially the Berlinale, are trying to help by giving the Ukrainians a discount on the European Film Market booth, but there are not many other organisations that are helping them pay their way,” Baumann says.
“It could be better. In Cannes last year, it was the Estonians and German Films that supported the Ukrainian pavilion. Poland has also been helping — many Ukrainian (and Belarusian) filmmaker have got asylum there, and they are trying to help with projects too.”
One example of good practice, she says,...
- 2/19/2024
- by Nick Holdsworth
- Variety - Film News
Chile’s Storyboard Media brings its latest documentary venture to Berlin, a project centered on Jorge González, a Latin American music legend frontman of Los Prisioneros.
Set to be shown at the EFM, the doc feature charts the life and legacy of a musician whose songs became anthems of resistance during Pinochet’s dictatorship in Chile, and are still played loud when protests flare.
Their hit song “Tren Al Sur” captured a longing for escape and with its opening chorus line “And don’t call me poor” a punchy naming of inequality and judgment that rested over Chile under Pinochet, and indeed after.
Titled simply “Jorge,” the film tracks his tumultuous journey through music, politics and a a life-changing stroke in 2015 that nearly claimed his life, and his realization he will not be able to perform regularly on stage again.
“Jorge” marks the directorial debut of Nicolás Pavie who met...
Set to be shown at the EFM, the doc feature charts the life and legacy of a musician whose songs became anthems of resistance during Pinochet’s dictatorship in Chile, and are still played loud when protests flare.
Their hit song “Tren Al Sur” captured a longing for escape and with its opening chorus line “And don’t call me poor” a punchy naming of inequality and judgment that rested over Chile under Pinochet, and indeed after.
Titled simply “Jorge,” the film tracks his tumultuous journey through music, politics and a a life-changing stroke in 2015 that nearly claimed his life, and his realization he will not be able to perform regularly on stage again.
“Jorge” marks the directorial debut of Nicolás Pavie who met...
- 2/19/2024
- by Callum McLennan
- Variety - Film News
Impressionistic documentary follows Stefan, who returns to Romania to work as a shepherd but finds it no longer feels like home
Returning to his home country of Romania after a period of living in Belgium, Stefan finds a new metier as a shepherd, tending to a flock of sheep in the countryside. His daily rituals, as well as his friendships with fellow herdsmen, are captured with a vivid intimacy in Jannes Callens’s impressionistic documentary. Delicately transitioning between the blue hues of daybreak, the golden sunlight of the day, and the inkiness of night, the painterly cinematography echoes Stefan’s in-between state as he navigates a new threshold of life.
From the ringing of sheep bells to the gentle rustling of grass as the men guide the animals through picturesque pasture, the soundscape of Dor is immersive, even idyllic. Yet the film also makes space for tough truths: opening up to Teo,...
Returning to his home country of Romania after a period of living in Belgium, Stefan finds a new metier as a shepherd, tending to a flock of sheep in the countryside. His daily rituals, as well as his friendships with fellow herdsmen, are captured with a vivid intimacy in Jannes Callens’s impressionistic documentary. Delicately transitioning between the blue hues of daybreak, the golden sunlight of the day, and the inkiness of night, the painterly cinematography echoes Stefan’s in-between state as he navigates a new threshold of life.
From the ringing of sheep bells to the gentle rustling of grass as the men guide the animals through picturesque pasture, the soundscape of Dor is immersive, even idyllic. Yet the film also makes space for tough truths: opening up to Teo,...
- 2/19/2024
- by Phuong Le
- The Guardian - Film News
In 2016, the small Irish-British independent horror film A Dark Song proved you can make one of the best movies of the year even when there’s not much money available. All you need is a good idea, some talented people, and a creative way to incorporate material constraints into the script. Written and directed by Liam Gavin in his feature debut, A Dark Song deserves our praise for being a surprisingly realistic and creepy depiction of dark magic rituals. And the film only becomes more impressive when we realize Gavin only had $50,000 to spare, less than a single scene in some blockbuster productions.
- 2/19/2024
- by Marco Vito Oddo
- Collider.com
The Oscar-frontrunning “Maestro” was the big winner at the 11th annual Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards (held February 18 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel). Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein opus took period/character makeup and special makeup effects. This puts “Maestro” in the Oscar driver’s seat (led by two-time winner Kazu Hiro) against “Poor Things,” “Oppenheimer,” “Golda,” and “Society of the Snow.”
Two non-Oscar competitors, “Saltburn”and “Barbie,” split the other wins: Emerald Fennell’s psychological thriller grabbed both contemporary makeup and hairstyling, while Greta Gerwig’s billion-dollar blockbuster snagged period/character hairstyling.
TV winners, meanwhile, were divided among “The Idol” (contemporary makeup), “The Crown” (period/character makeup), “The Last of Us” (special makeup effects), “The Morning Show” (contemporary hairstyling), and “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story” (period/character hairstyling).
As previously announced, Annette Bening (Best Actress nominee for “Nyad”) received the Distinguished Artisan Award, and Oscar- and Emmy-winning make-up...
Two non-Oscar competitors, “Saltburn”and “Barbie,” split the other wins: Emerald Fennell’s psychological thriller grabbed both contemporary makeup and hairstyling, while Greta Gerwig’s billion-dollar blockbuster snagged period/character hairstyling.
TV winners, meanwhile, were divided among “The Idol” (contemporary makeup), “The Crown” (period/character makeup), “The Last of Us” (special makeup effects), “The Morning Show” (contemporary hairstyling), and “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story” (period/character hairstyling).
As previously announced, Annette Bening (Best Actress nominee for “Nyad”) received the Distinguished Artisan Award, and Oscar- and Emmy-winning make-up...
- 2/19/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
A cross-country journey in search of a mysterious treasure puts the nature of faith to the test in “The Great Yawn of History,” the feature debut of Iranian director Aliyar Rasti, which premieres Feb. 22 in the competitive Encounters section of the Berlin Film Festival.
The film tells the story of a man of wavering religious conviction who dreams of a box of gold hidden in a cave. Convinced he’s forbidden by Islamic law to claim the treasure himself, he turns to a non-believer to assist him, setting into motion an arduous journey of both physical and spiritual dimensions as the two men grapple with notions of faith in their pursuit of a miracle.
Written and directed by Rasti, “The Great Yawn of History” stars Mohammad Aghebati and Amirhossein Hosseini and is produced by Tehran-based Para-Doxa. Heretic is handling world sales.
A visual artist with no formal film schooling, Rasti...
The film tells the story of a man of wavering religious conviction who dreams of a box of gold hidden in a cave. Convinced he’s forbidden by Islamic law to claim the treasure himself, he turns to a non-believer to assist him, setting into motion an arduous journey of both physical and spiritual dimensions as the two men grapple with notions of faith in their pursuit of a miracle.
Written and directed by Rasti, “The Great Yawn of History” stars Mohammad Aghebati and Amirhossein Hosseini and is produced by Tehran-based Para-Doxa. Heretic is handling world sales.
A visual artist with no formal film schooling, Rasti...
- 2/19/2024
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety - Film News
“Maestro” and “Saltburn” took home the main prizes at the Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild (IATSE Local 706) awards.
The guild held its 11th annual awards ceremony Sunday night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
The night kicked off with the honoree awards being presented. Oscar-nominated actor Annette Bening was honored with the Distinguished Artisan award. However, due to Covid, Diana Nyad accepted the award on her behalf.
Michael Westmore was presented with the Vanguard Award for his work on “Rocky,” “Star Trek,” “Mask” and “Raging Bull.” Kevin Haney received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work on “Driving Miss Daisy,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and “Hocus Pocus 2.”
The first awards for daytime TV had a “Moonlight” “La La Land” moment when an envelope mixup resulted in the nominees for hairstyling being read out instead of makeup and the team from “The Young and the Restless” came...
The guild held its 11th annual awards ceremony Sunday night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
The night kicked off with the honoree awards being presented. Oscar-nominated actor Annette Bening was honored with the Distinguished Artisan award. However, due to Covid, Diana Nyad accepted the award on her behalf.
Michael Westmore was presented with the Vanguard Award for his work on “Rocky,” “Star Trek,” “Mask” and “Raging Bull.” Kevin Haney received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work on “Driving Miss Daisy,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and “Hocus Pocus 2.”
The first awards for daytime TV had a “Moonlight” “La La Land” moment when an envelope mixup resulted in the nominees for hairstyling being read out instead of makeup and the team from “The Young and the Restless” came...
- 2/19/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety - Film News
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