Andrew Bird has announced his latest album, Sunday Morning Put-On, due out May 24th via Loma Vista Recordings. Recorded alongside the artist’s Andrew Bird Trio project, today’s announcement comes accompanied by two songs from the record, “I Fall in Love Too Easily” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.”
Bird has billed Sunday Morning Put-On as a tribute to mid-century, small group jazz, with the tracklist featuring compositions by musicians like Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Rodgers and Heart, and more. Drummer Ted Poor and bassist Alan Hampton join bird on the recordings, with additional contributions coming from Jeff Parker and Larry Goldings.
Get Andrew Bird Tickets Here
“Most Saturday nights [in my 20s], I’d stay up listening to a radio show called ‘Blues Before Sunrise’ on Wbez from 12:00 to 4:00 a.m,” the artist said of the album’s inspiration. “The DJ, Steve Cushing, played old, rare 78rpm records of blues,...
Bird has billed Sunday Morning Put-On as a tribute to mid-century, small group jazz, with the tracklist featuring compositions by musicians like Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Rodgers and Heart, and more. Drummer Ted Poor and bassist Alan Hampton join bird on the recordings, with additional contributions coming from Jeff Parker and Larry Goldings.
Get Andrew Bird Tickets Here
“Most Saturday nights [in my 20s], I’d stay up listening to a radio show called ‘Blues Before Sunrise’ on Wbez from 12:00 to 4:00 a.m,” the artist said of the album’s inspiration. “The DJ, Steve Cushing, played old, rare 78rpm records of blues,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Jonah Krueger
- Consequence - Music
Mattel Films, ShadowMachine, Jennifer Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions and Anthony Ramos are teaming up to develop an animated, feature-length film based on Bob the Builder, the long-running and beloved animated children’s series.
Imagined as an inventive international story for today’s audiences, the film will star Ramos, who also produces alongside Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico of the Academy Award-winning animation and production studio ShadowMachine. Jennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina for Nuyorican Productions also have joined to co-produce.
Felipe Vargas is attached to write. The film will be overseen by Kevin McKeon, Ivan Sanchez and Arturo Thur De Koós for Mattel and Natalie Haack Flores for Nuyorican.
The film follows Roberto aka Bob (Ramos), who travels to the enchanting Island of Puerto Rico for a major construction job, takes on issues affecting the island and digs deeper into what it means to build. Bob’s journey will...
Imagined as an inventive international story for today’s audiences, the film will star Ramos, who also produces alongside Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico of the Academy Award-winning animation and production studio ShadowMachine. Jennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina for Nuyorican Productions also have joined to co-produce.
Felipe Vargas is attached to write. The film will be overseen by Kevin McKeon, Ivan Sanchez and Arturo Thur De Koós for Mattel and Natalie Haack Flores for Nuyorican.
The film follows Roberto aka Bob (Ramos), who travels to the enchanting Island of Puerto Rico for a major construction job, takes on issues affecting the island and digs deeper into what it means to build. Bob’s journey will...
- 1/25/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
German theater owners got some good news Thursday night with mini-major Constantin Film unveiling that it has greenlit a sequel to Manitou’s Shoe, the blockbuster comedy Western from Michael “Bully” Herbig and one of the most successful German movies of all time.
Herbig broke the news to an industry crowd at the Munich Filmweek Thursday night, confirming he was returning to direct and star in The Canoe of Manitou, the sequel to his 2001 hit. He also posted a confirmation on his Instagram feed, noting that the movie will hit theaters next year.
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A post shared by Michael Bully Herbig (@bullyherbig)
Herbig will reprise his role as Apache chief Abahachi, with the original co-stars from the first movie, Christian Tramitz and Rick Kavanian returning to play Ranger and Dimitri.
Manitou’s Shoe is a parody of the Winnetou Westerns of the 1960s, European-shot movies inspired by the writings of Karl May,...
Herbig broke the news to an industry crowd at the Munich Filmweek Thursday night, confirming he was returning to direct and star in The Canoe of Manitou, the sequel to his 2001 hit. He also posted a confirmation on his Instagram feed, noting that the movie will hit theaters next year.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Michael Bully Herbig (@bullyherbig)
Herbig will reprise his role as Apache chief Abahachi, with the original co-stars from the first movie, Christian Tramitz and Rick Kavanian returning to play Ranger and Dimitri.
Manitou’s Shoe is a parody of the Winnetou Westerns of the 1960s, European-shot movies inspired by the writings of Karl May,...
- 1/19/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Everyone knows Paramount+ is one of the best ways to stream live soccer. The service carries UEFA Champions League, Serie A and many other soccer matches, and this week fans can stream the presentation for one of soccer’s most prestigious global awards: the Ballon d’Or. The ceremony begins Monday, Oct. 30 at 3:45 p.m. Et on Paramount+, and you can stream it at no cost with a Subscription to Paramount Plus.
How to Watch 2023 Ballon d’Or Ceremony When: Monday, Oct. 30 at 3:45 p.m. Et TV: Paramount+ Stream: Watch with a Subscription to Paramount Plus. Save $20 Now $5.99+ / month paramountplus.com
For a Limited Time, Get 1 Month of Paramount+ With Code: Wantmore
About 2023 Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or is one of the most highly regarded personal honors in the sport of soccer. It is awarded to the best male soccer player from the previous year, and...
How to Watch 2023 Ballon d’Or Ceremony When: Monday, Oct. 30 at 3:45 p.m. Et TV: Paramount+ Stream: Watch with a Subscription to Paramount Plus. Save $20 Now $5.99+ / month paramountplus.com
For a Limited Time, Get 1 Month of Paramount+ With Code: Wantmore
About 2023 Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or is one of the most highly regarded personal honors in the sport of soccer. It is awarded to the best male soccer player from the previous year, and...
- 10/30/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Distributor, Day for Night has acquired a trio of Asian titles for U.K. and Ireland at the Busan International Film Festival’s Asian Contents and Film Market.
Day for Night is acquiring the late Pema Tseden’s “Snow Leopard” from Rediance. Pema Tseden, the Tibetan art house film director known for “Jinpa” and “Balloon,” died at 53 earlier this year. The film explores the complicated coexistence of animals and people on the Tibetan plateau. After a snow leopard kills nine rams owned by a herder, a bitter conflict ensues between the herder who wants to kill the snow leopard and the father who wants to release it.
“Snow Leopard” world premiered at Venice and subsequently played Toronto and will next be at Tokyo.
“Next Sohee” by Korean filmmaker July Jung (“A Girl at My Door”), which premiered at Cannes’ Critics Week in 2022 and played at Busan and London, has been...
Day for Night is acquiring the late Pema Tseden’s “Snow Leopard” from Rediance. Pema Tseden, the Tibetan art house film director known for “Jinpa” and “Balloon,” died at 53 earlier this year. The film explores the complicated coexistence of animals and people on the Tibetan plateau. After a snow leopard kills nine rams owned by a herder, a bitter conflict ensues between the herder who wants to kill the snow leopard and the father who wants to release it.
“Snow Leopard” world premiered at Venice and subsequently played Toronto and will next be at Tokyo.
“Next Sohee” by Korean filmmaker July Jung (“A Girl at My Door”), which premiered at Cannes’ Critics Week in 2022 and played at Busan and London, has been...
- 10/10/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Following the massive success of its live-action Barbie, Mattel Films has tapped Robbie Brenner as President. She had been Executive Producer of Mattel Films since 2018.
“Robbie joined the company five years ago to bring the vision of Mattel Films to life, collaborating with leading filmmakers to make standout quality movies based on our iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences,” Ynon Kreiz, Mattel’s chairman and CEO, said Wednesday. “She has done exactly that and so much more, positioning Mattel Films as a key partner for innovative creators, world-class talent, award winning producers, and major studios.”
“Under Robbie’s leadership, we look forward to continue growing Mattel Films and bringing more exciting stories with cultural impact to the big screen to the delight of fans around the world.”
Brenner produced the multiple record-breaking Barbie movie, which was released worldwide on July 21 by Warner Bros. The...
“Robbie joined the company five years ago to bring the vision of Mattel Films to life, collaborating with leading filmmakers to make standout quality movies based on our iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences,” Ynon Kreiz, Mattel’s chairman and CEO, said Wednesday. “She has done exactly that and so much more, positioning Mattel Films as a key partner for innovative creators, world-class talent, award winning producers, and major studios.”
“Under Robbie’s leadership, we look forward to continue growing Mattel Films and bringing more exciting stories with cultural impact to the big screen to the delight of fans around the world.”
Brenner produced the multiple record-breaking Barbie movie, which was released worldwide on July 21 by Warner Bros. The...
- 9/27/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Fall Out Boy, a band that almost certainly didn’t start the fire, lit things up at the MTV Video Music Awards Tuesday night with a performance of, well, their version of “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” It marked the third time the group performed at the awards show, following their 2005 rendition of “Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down” and their 2007 “suite” concert which included recitals of “Thnks fr th Mmrs” and “Shut Up and Drive” with Rihanna.
Patrick Stump led the group in recounting defining pop culture moments from...
Patrick Stump led the group in recounting defining pop culture moments from...
- 9/13/2023
- by Kory Grow and Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
by Cláudio Alves
Vast wild landscapes dominated the latter half of my second day at TIFF. First came Nikolaj Arcel’s The Promised Land, fresh off its Venice premiere and inflated by high expectations. Then, it was time for Snow Leopard, the last completed film of Pema Tseden, the remarkable Tibetan director who dedicated himself to expressing his country’s specificities on the big screen. He died in May at 53, leaving behind a body of work that felt like it was just entering its golden age with titles like Jinpa and Balloon. And so, an air of mournfulness enveloped the screening of his leopard-loving film, a poem of snowy peaks and the beasts that share them...
Vast wild landscapes dominated the latter half of my second day at TIFF. First came Nikolaj Arcel’s The Promised Land, fresh off its Venice premiere and inflated by high expectations. Then, it was time for Snow Leopard, the last completed film of Pema Tseden, the remarkable Tibetan director who dedicated himself to expressing his country’s specificities on the big screen. He died in May at 53, leaving behind a body of work that felt like it was just entering its golden age with titles like Jinpa and Balloon. And so, an air of mournfulness enveloped the screening of his leopard-loving film, a poem of snowy peaks and the beasts that share them...
- 9/10/2023
- by Cláudio Alves
- FilmExperience
The Tibetan-language film will premiere out of competition.
Beijing-based Rediance has acquired worldwide rights to Snow Leopard, the final film completed by late Tibetan director Pema Tseden, ahead of its premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival.
The company has also secured worldwide rights to Short Story, a short film from Absence director Wu Lang, which will play in Venice’s Horizons Short Films Competition.
Snow Leopard will screen Out of Competition and centres on an argument between a father and son after a snow leopard breaks into the sheep pen of a nomad and kills nine rams. The...
Beijing-based Rediance has acquired worldwide rights to Snow Leopard, the final film completed by late Tibetan director Pema Tseden, ahead of its premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival.
The company has also secured worldwide rights to Short Story, a short film from Absence director Wu Lang, which will play in Venice’s Horizons Short Films Competition.
Snow Leopard will screen Out of Competition and centres on an argument between a father and son after a snow leopard breaks into the sheep pen of a nomad and kills nine rams. The...
- 7/25/2023
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
Covenant House, the largest charity in the Americas helping youth facing homelessness and survivors of trafficking, will hold its annual Night of Covenant House Stars Gala on Monday, May 22 at 6 p.m. at the Javits Center Rooftop Pavilion and Terrace in New York City.
Night of Covenant House Stars will feature Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner and Covenant House International Board Member Rachel Brosnahan; Academy and Golden Globe Award winner and Covenant House International Board member Ariana DeBose; news anchor, best-selling author, and Covenant House International Board member John Dickerson; Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner and Covenant House International Board Member Audra McDonald; actor and producer Jason Ralph; and host of MSNBC’s The 11th Hour Stephanie Ruhle.
“The funds and awareness we will raise on May 22 will help Covenant House provide high-quality care to the thousands of youth who will come through our doors this year, and...
Night of Covenant House Stars will feature Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner and Covenant House International Board Member Rachel Brosnahan; Academy and Golden Globe Award winner and Covenant House International Board member Ariana DeBose; news anchor, best-selling author, and Covenant House International Board member John Dickerson; Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner and Covenant House International Board Member Audra McDonald; actor and producer Jason Ralph; and host of MSNBC’s The 11th Hour Stephanie Ruhle.
“The funds and awareness we will raise on May 22 will help Covenant House provide high-quality care to the thousands of youth who will come through our doors this year, and...
- 5/9/2023
- Look to the Stars
Pema Tseden, a Tibetan filmmaker of Chinese citizenship whose films regularly played at Venice film festival, has died aged 53. His death was reported by Chinese media today. No cause of death was given but unverified Chinese media reports said he had a heart attack.
Widely regarded as China’s leading filmmaker working in the Tibetan language, Tseden’s credits include Jinpa, produced by Wong Kar Wai, which won best screenplay when it premiered in the Horizons section of Venice in 2018.
Tseden was working on two films at the time of his death: Snow Leopard, which is in post-production after being filmed last year in the Three-River Source National Nature Reserve, and another film that he was in the process of shooting.
Born in 1969, in the the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of China’s Qinghai Province, Tseden studied at Beijing Film Academy and made his directing debut in 2005 with The Silent Holy Stones.
Widely regarded as China’s leading filmmaker working in the Tibetan language, Tseden’s credits include Jinpa, produced by Wong Kar Wai, which won best screenplay when it premiered in the Horizons section of Venice in 2018.
Tseden was working on two films at the time of his death: Snow Leopard, which is in post-production after being filmed last year in the Three-River Source National Nature Reserve, and another film that he was in the process of shooting.
Born in 1969, in the the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of China’s Qinghai Province, Tseden studied at Beijing Film Academy and made his directing debut in 2005 with The Silent Holy Stones.
- 5/8/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
NBA stars like Russell Westbrook and James Harden have become famous for wearing over-the-top outfits as they walk from the locker room to the court. When you make millions each year, it’s easy to dress to the nines, but is it possible to style yourself like an NBA star without signing a professional sports contract?
Chime says yes. The fintech company is behind Ball on a Budget, a YouTube series that challenges basketball players to recreate their signature looks without breaking the bank. The show’s guests join stylist Courtney Mays to embark on sartorial adventures that bring NBA fashion to the masses.
The first athlete to show up on Ball on a Budget is Tim Hardaway, Jr. of the Dallas Mavericks. With $300 in his pocket, Hardaway, Jr. heads to a local thrift shop, where he and Mays assemble an outfit that is trendy but not spendy. The clip...
Chime says yes. The fintech company is behind Ball on a Budget, a YouTube series that challenges basketball players to recreate their signature looks without breaking the bank. The show’s guests join stylist Courtney Mays to embark on sartorial adventures that bring NBA fashion to the masses.
The first athlete to show up on Ball on a Budget is Tim Hardaway, Jr. of the Dallas Mavericks. With $300 in his pocket, Hardaway, Jr. heads to a local thrift shop, where he and Mays assemble an outfit that is trendy but not spendy. The clip...
- 3/21/2023
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Indie film sales agents from mainland China remain notably scarce for a market of such immense size. The reasons behind this reality are many: The still-developing state of China’s industry, a markedly domestic focus among most local studios, and a censorship and regulatory regime that adds risk to an already commercially challenging sector of the movie business.
Beijing-based sales and production company Rediance has made an outsized impact despite the odds. The company was founded in 2017 by former film curator Meng Xing with a mission to serve the growing international needs of a cohort of young, accomplished Chinese arthouse filmmakers. The outfit found its stride with impressive speed, representing European festival award winners like Cai Chengjie’s The Widow Witch (2017), Hu Bo’s Elephant Sitting Still (2018) and Li Cheng’s José (2018). The company also has expanded into financing arthouse titles from both emerging and established arthouse names from China and afar,...
Beijing-based sales and production company Rediance has made an outsized impact despite the odds. The company was founded in 2017 by former film curator Meng Xing with a mission to serve the growing international needs of a cohort of young, accomplished Chinese arthouse filmmakers. The outfit found its stride with impressive speed, representing European festival award winners like Cai Chengjie’s The Widow Witch (2017), Hu Bo’s Elephant Sitting Still (2018) and Li Cheng’s José (2018). The company also has expanded into financing arthouse titles from both emerging and established arthouse names from China and afar,...
- 3/12/2023
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Now that’s China’s surveillance balloon has been shot down by the U.S., “The View” host Ana Navarro has a suggestion on which balloon we should send to get shot down by them. And yes, it involves twice-impeached former president Donald Trump.
The destruction of the spy balloon led the women’s Hot Topics discussion on Monday, with the hosts getting into their thoughts on whether the balloon was shot down too late. For those who missed it, here’s the timeline of the balloon saga.
On Wednesday, defense officials announced that what appeared to be a surveillance balloon the size of three buses originating from China had been spotted floating in the stratosphere 31 miles above Montana, well above commercial air traffic, and contained some kind of “technology bay” (meaning it had electronic equipment). Shortly thereafter, President Biden ordered it to be shot down but doing so was...
The destruction of the spy balloon led the women’s Hot Topics discussion on Monday, with the hosts getting into their thoughts on whether the balloon was shot down too late. For those who missed it, here’s the timeline of the balloon saga.
On Wednesday, defense officials announced that what appeared to be a surveillance balloon the size of three buses originating from China had been spotted floating in the stratosphere 31 miles above Montana, well above commercial air traffic, and contained some kind of “technology bay” (meaning it had electronic equipment). Shortly thereafter, President Biden ordered it to be shot down but doing so was...
- 2/6/2023
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
Mattel is making room in the backseat of its Hot Wheels movie for writers Dalton Leeb and Nicholas Jacobson-Larson. The duo is responsible for writing the toys-to-screen adaptation based on the time-honored Mattel franchise, hailing from Warner Bros. and Bad Robot. The toy-making company is exploring several projects based on popular toylines, including American Girl, Barney, Magic 8 Ball, Major Matt Mason, Matchbox, Masters of the Universe, Polly Pocket, Rock’ Em Sock’ Em Robots, Thomas & Friends, Uno, View-Master, and Wish Bone. In addition to the properties mentioned above, Mattel is also developing Christmas Balloon and Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
According to The Npd Group retail tracking service, Hot Wheels are the #1 selling toy worldwide, with over 8 billion vehicles sold. As many of us played with the tiny cars at some point in our lives, that number isn’t a huge surprise. While we don’t...
According to The Npd Group retail tracking service, Hot Wheels are the #1 selling toy worldwide, with over 8 billion vehicles sold. As many of us played with the tiny cars at some point in our lives, that number isn’t a huge surprise. While we don’t...
- 1/23/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Burna Boy earned his metaphorical flowers — and his very literal bras — as he ripped through a majestic two-hour set at New York’s Madison Square Garden, the first Nigerian headliner to do so at the famed venue. The first fire-engine red bra was thrust onstage at the beloved Afro-fusionist early in his set as he performed “Rock Your Body,” from his breakthrough album, 2018’s Outside. By the end of the night, no less than six more had been flung at him — at one point, he hung several around his waistline like a utility belt.
- 4/29/2022
- by Mankaprr Conteh
- Rollingstone.com
J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot will produce a live-action Hot Wheels film in the works at Mattel Films and Warner Bros. Pictures, the companies announced today.
Hot Wheels is Mattel’s 54-year-old brand of toy cars, which is billed as the world’s leading vehicle franchise, representing and uniting all segments of car culture. The upcoming feature based on the beloved IP is described as a high-throttle actioner, which will showcase some of the world’s hottest and sleekest cars, monster trucks and motorcycles.
Hot Wheels is No. 1 selling toy in the world, according to The Npd Group/Retail Tracking Service, with over 8 billion vehicles sold. The brand also has proved its influence in automotive and pop culture over the years via collaborations with global leaders in automotive, streetwear, fashion, luxury, entertainment, gaming, action sports and motorsports. Vice President Kevin McKeon and Creative Executive Andrew Scannell will lead the film project for Mattel Films,...
Hot Wheels is Mattel’s 54-year-old brand of toy cars, which is billed as the world’s leading vehicle franchise, representing and uniting all segments of car culture. The upcoming feature based on the beloved IP is described as a high-throttle actioner, which will showcase some of the world’s hottest and sleekest cars, monster trucks and motorcycles.
Hot Wheels is No. 1 selling toy in the world, according to The Npd Group/Retail Tracking Service, with over 8 billion vehicles sold. The brand also has proved its influence in automotive and pop culture over the years via collaborations with global leaders in automotive, streetwear, fashion, luxury, entertainment, gaming, action sports and motorsports. Vice President Kevin McKeon and Creative Executive Andrew Scannell will lead the film project for Mattel Films,...
- 4/25/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The live-action “Hot Wheels” movie based on the toy racing cars is speeding up, as J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot has come aboard the project to produce for Mattel Films and Warner Bros, the companies announced Monday.
The “Hot Wheels” film is an action movie based on the 54-year-old toy brand franchise, and it will showcase the world’s hottest and sleekest cars, monster trucks and motorcycles. Screenwriting duo Neil Widener and Gavin James were attached to write the script back in 2020. Other details about the project are under wraps.
Robbie Brenner is executive producing for Mattel films.
Kevin McKeon, Vice President and Andrew Scannell, Creative Executive will lead the project for Mattel Films. Peter Dodd will lead the project for Warner Bros. Pictures. Hannah Minghella and Jon Cohen will oversee for Bad Robot.
“As the global leader in car culture, Hot Wheels has been igniting the challenger spirit in auto enthusiasts for generations,...
The “Hot Wheels” film is an action movie based on the 54-year-old toy brand franchise, and it will showcase the world’s hottest and sleekest cars, monster trucks and motorcycles. Screenwriting duo Neil Widener and Gavin James were attached to write the script back in 2020. Other details about the project are under wraps.
Robbie Brenner is executive producing for Mattel films.
Kevin McKeon, Vice President and Andrew Scannell, Creative Executive will lead the project for Mattel Films. Peter Dodd will lead the project for Warner Bros. Pictures. Hannah Minghella and Jon Cohen will oversee for Bad Robot.
“As the global leader in car culture, Hot Wheels has been igniting the challenger spirit in auto enthusiasts for generations,...
- 4/25/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta) announced on Wednesday that “Drive My Car” has won its 2022 Aacta Award for Best Asian Film.
This is the first Aacta Award for director Ryusuke Hamaguchi, adding to the movie’s impressive haul of international accolades to date, including three awards at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and four Oscar nominations — for Best Picture, Best Director (the first ever for a Japanese film), Best Adapted Screenplay and Best International Feature.
Adapted from a short story of the same name by author Haruki Murakami, “Drive My Car” centers on two characters struggling with grief and loss, who connect while working on a new stage production of “Uncle Vanya” in the city of Hiroshima.
See Nominees and winners for the Australian Academy International Awards
In presenting the award, Aacta CEO Damian Trewhella proclaimed that “while all nominees for our Best Asian film have great strengths,...
This is the first Aacta Award for director Ryusuke Hamaguchi, adding to the movie’s impressive haul of international accolades to date, including three awards at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and four Oscar nominations — for Best Picture, Best Director (the first ever for a Japanese film), Best Adapted Screenplay and Best International Feature.
Adapted from a short story of the same name by author Haruki Murakami, “Drive My Car” centers on two characters struggling with grief and loss, who connect while working on a new stage production of “Uncle Vanya” in the city of Hiroshima.
See Nominees and winners for the Australian Academy International Awards
In presenting the award, Aacta CEO Damian Trewhella proclaimed that “while all nominees for our Best Asian film have great strengths,...
- 3/3/2022
- by Rob Licuria
- Gold Derby
Berlin-based sales agency Picture Tree Intl. has added to its European Film Market slate “Love Thing,” starring top German actor Elyas M’Barek, whose credits include “The Collini Case.” Also on the slate is “Soul of a Beast,” which debuts its trailer below.
Despite the virtual nature of the EFM, the company has taken additional office space at the Marriott Hotel in Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz.
“Love Thing,” which also stars Lucie Heinze, Peri Baumeister and Alexandra Maria Lara, is directed and written by Anika Decker, whose last feature “High Society” sold widely. Decker scripted box office successes like “Rabbit Without Ears,” which grossed $85 million.
“Love Thing” is produced by German production-distribution powerhouse Constantin Film, which has set its release for July 7. The producers are Rüdiger Böss and Philipp Reuter; the co-producers are Anika Decker and Jan Decker; and the executive producer is Martin Moszkowicz. Picture Tree will present a first teaser trailer to select buyers.
Despite the virtual nature of the EFM, the company has taken additional office space at the Marriott Hotel in Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz.
“Love Thing,” which also stars Lucie Heinze, Peri Baumeister and Alexandra Maria Lara, is directed and written by Anika Decker, whose last feature “High Society” sold widely. Decker scripted box office successes like “Rabbit Without Ears,” which grossed $85 million.
“Love Thing” is produced by German production-distribution powerhouse Constantin Film, which has set its release for July 7. The producers are Rüdiger Böss and Philipp Reuter; the co-producers are Anika Decker and Jan Decker; and the executive producer is Martin Moszkowicz. Picture Tree will present a first teaser trailer to select buyers.
- 2/2/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Paris, Jan 6 (Ians) Lionel Messi has tested negative for Covid-19 and will be back in training with the team in the coming days, Paris Saint-Germain confirmed on Wednesday. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was contaminated by the virus last week in Argentina, which forced him to have missed Psg’s 4-0 French Cup win over […]...
- 1/6/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Mattel is developing the live-action family drama Christmas Balloon, which will be written by Gabriela Revilla Lugo (A Million Little Things) based off a true story.
The film follows a young girl, Dáyami, living in a Mexican border town who tries to send her Christmas list to Santa tied to a balloon. The balloon is found by Randy and Marcella Heiss, a couple in Arizona grieving the loss of their own child, who make it their mission to fulfill the girl’s touching Christmas wishes. Mattel worked with the couple and donated toys to fulfill Dáyami’s wish towards a brighter future.
“Much like Dáyami’s balloon itself, the journey of this touching story and Mattel’s direct role in fulfilling her real-life wishes made it a must-do for us,” said Kevin McKeon, VP of Mattel Films. “We were immediately struck by this little girl’s spirit and the story’s positive message.
The film follows a young girl, Dáyami, living in a Mexican border town who tries to send her Christmas list to Santa tied to a balloon. The balloon is found by Randy and Marcella Heiss, a couple in Arizona grieving the loss of their own child, who make it their mission to fulfill the girl’s touching Christmas wishes. Mattel worked with the couple and donated toys to fulfill Dáyami’s wish towards a brighter future.
“Much like Dáyami’s balloon itself, the journey of this touching story and Mattel’s direct role in fulfilling her real-life wishes made it a must-do for us,” said Kevin McKeon, VP of Mattel Films. “We were immediately struck by this little girl’s spirit and the story’s positive message.
- 12/16/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Munich-based sales agency Global Screen has sold crime drama “Dark Woods” to streaming service Walter Presents for the U.K., where it’ll be shown on Channel 4’s All 4 platform, and across the Nordic Region, via C More.
The drama, which was produced by ConradFilm and Bavaria Fiction on behalf of Ndr and Ard Degeto for Das Erste, was the most-watched show on Ard’s catch-up service in Germany this year, and was the German TV Award winner.
Julia Weber, head of acquisitions and sales at Global Screen, said: “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of this highly original and sought-after series, across Scandinavia and in the U.K., where crime drama has proved to be a key genre and is hugely popular with viewers of all ages.”
The show, inspired by real-life-events, starts out in the summer of 1989, when the sister of high-ranking Hamburg police officer Thomas...
The drama, which was produced by ConradFilm and Bavaria Fiction on behalf of Ndr and Ard Degeto for Das Erste, was the most-watched show on Ard’s catch-up service in Germany this year, and was the German TV Award winner.
Julia Weber, head of acquisitions and sales at Global Screen, said: “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of this highly original and sought-after series, across Scandinavia and in the U.K., where crime drama has proved to be a key genre and is hugely popular with viewers of all ages.”
The show, inspired by real-life-events, starts out in the summer of 1989, when the sister of high-ranking Hamburg police officer Thomas...
- 11/30/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
The only thing frostier than the snowbound forest landscape of Tibetan director Jigme Trinley’s impressively lean yet woozy thriller debut is the air of mutual hostility and suspicion that exists between its four duplicitous, taciturn characters. “One and Four” may be produced by leading Tibetan auteur Pema Tseden, and may provide yet another great showcase for the befuddled expressivity and shambling physicality of Tseden’s recent go-to star Jinpa. But , albeit one whose stylistic reach might, for the moment, slightly exceed his thematic grasp.
Forest ranger Sanggye (Jinpa), cutting a bulky silhouette in his bedraggled, bearlike sheepskin, wakes up from a drunken stupor in his tiny isolated cabin in the woods. A transistor radio crackles static. His breath fogs in the air. And though he is alone, a bag hanging from the rafters squeaks on its chain as though someone has just moved past it. Already, Wang Jue’s erratic score,...
Forest ranger Sanggye (Jinpa), cutting a bulky silhouette in his bedraggled, bearlike sheepskin, wakes up from a drunken stupor in his tiny isolated cabin in the woods. A transistor radio crackles static. His breath fogs in the air. And though he is alone, a bag hanging from the rafters squeaks on its chain as though someone has just moved past it. Already, Wang Jue’s erratic score,...
- 11/10/2021
- by Jessica Kiang
- Variety Film + TV
Four intruders disrupt the wallowing isolation of a forest ranger in debuting Tibetan director Jigme Trinley’s One and Four, an efficient and visually engaging, if slightly familiar, tale of modern encroachment on the natural world and the violence it can bring.
Executive producer Pema Tseden (Trinley’s dad) is easily Tibet’s most prominent filmmaker, having burst on the scene with The Silent Holy Stones in 2005, and star Jinpa is Tseden’s acting equivalent, featured in the director’s Jinpa and Balloon. One and Four is a lightly metaphoric drama about the nature of man as explored through a mistaken-identity pseudo-mystery that could easily come from Tseden’s filmography....
Executive producer Pema Tseden (Trinley’s dad) is easily Tibet’s most prominent filmmaker, having burst on the scene with The Silent Holy Stones in 2005, and star Jinpa is Tseden’s acting equivalent, featured in the director’s Jinpa and Balloon. One and Four is a lightly metaphoric drama about the nature of man as explored through a mistaken-identity pseudo-mystery that could easily come from Tseden’s filmography....
- 11/5/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Four intruders disrupt the wallowing isolation of a forest ranger in debuting Tibetan director Jigme Trinley’s One and Four, an efficient and visually engaging, if slightly familiar, tale of modern encroachment on the natural world and the violence it can bring.
Executive producer Pema Tseden (Trinley’s dad) is easily Tibet’s most prominent filmmaker, having burst on the scene with The Silent Holy Stones in 2005, and star Jinpa is Tseden’s acting equivalent, featured in the director’s Jinpa and Balloon. One and Four is a lightly metaphoric drama about the nature of man as explored through a mistaken-identity pseudo-mystery that could easily come from Tseden’s filmography....
Executive producer Pema Tseden (Trinley’s dad) is easily Tibet’s most prominent filmmaker, having burst on the scene with The Silent Holy Stones in 2005, and star Jinpa is Tseden’s acting equivalent, featured in the director’s Jinpa and Balloon. One and Four is a lightly metaphoric drama about the nature of man as explored through a mistaken-identity pseudo-mystery that could easily come from Tseden’s filmography....
- 11/5/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It was a week of holdovers as Disney titles “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and “Free Guy” continued their reign over the U.K. and Ireland box office.
“Shang-Chi” retained the top spot with a weekend gross of £2.32 million ($3.26 million) and has now has a cumulative total of £15.8 million in its third week of release, per numbers provided by Comscore.
“Free Guy” was the runner up with £677,000 and has collected £15.3 million in six weeks.
A pair of Universal titles brought up the third and fourth positions at the box office. “Respect” collected £377,395 in its second weekend for a cumulative total of £1.1 million while “Candyman,” took £323,350 over its fourth weekend for a total of £4.3 million.
Rounding off the top five was “Paw Patrol: The Movie” with £263,167 over its sixth weekend for a total of £7.6 million.
The summer hits continued to score at the box office. “Jungle Cruise” now has a total of £12.2 million,...
“Shang-Chi” retained the top spot with a weekend gross of £2.32 million ($3.26 million) and has now has a cumulative total of £15.8 million in its third week of release, per numbers provided by Comscore.
“Free Guy” was the runner up with £677,000 and has collected £15.3 million in six weeks.
A pair of Universal titles brought up the third and fourth positions at the box office. “Respect” collected £377,395 in its second weekend for a cumulative total of £1.1 million while “Candyman,” took £323,350 over its fourth weekend for a total of £4.3 million.
Rounding off the top five was “Paw Patrol: The Movie” with £263,167 over its sixth weekend for a total of £7.6 million.
The summer hits continued to score at the box office. “Jungle Cruise” now has a total of £12.2 million,...
- 9/21/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Chinese censors have approved the next feature from Tibetan director Pema Tseden, a Venice International Film Festival regular and one of the most influential filmmakers working in the Tibetan language.
The film’s Chinese name translates to “Stranger.” It is an adaptation of a short story he wrote of the same name, which he has publicly said as far back as 2013 that he hoped one day to adapt into a film.
Authorities have approved the script Tseden wrote for the project, allowing it to now move forward with production, according to an official filing with China’s National Film Bureau.
The plot of the film is described as: “One day, a man riding a Harley motorcycle comes to a very small Tibetan village. The man says that according to legend, this is the home to the Bodhisattva Tara of the [traditional prayer] ‘Praises to the 21 Taras,’ so he wants to find a woman named Tara.
The film’s Chinese name translates to “Stranger.” It is an adaptation of a short story he wrote of the same name, which he has publicly said as far back as 2013 that he hoped one day to adapt into a film.
Authorities have approved the script Tseden wrote for the project, allowing it to now move forward with production, according to an official filing with China’s National Film Bureau.
The plot of the film is described as: “One day, a man riding a Harley motorcycle comes to a very small Tibetan village. The man says that according to legend, this is the home to the Bodhisattva Tara of the [traditional prayer] ‘Praises to the 21 Taras,’ so he wants to find a woman named Tara.
- 8/12/2021
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Dukar Tserang is the best known as one of the most influential score composers and sound guys of the Tibetan cinema scene, with a dozen credits to his name, including the work on Pema Tseden’s “Jinpa” (2018). For Dukar, “A Song for You” is a step towards the unknown waters of filmmaking and directing, so it should not raise many eyebrows that he has picked up a topic that concerns his primary field. The film premiered at Pingyao International Film Festival last year, and was also screened at Osaka Asian Film Festival and the virtual June edition of International Film Festival Rotterdam, where we caught it in Harbour programme. The names of its producer (Jia Zhangke) and executive producer (Pema Tseden) should secure it more festival bookings in the near future.
Only the Winds is screening at International Film Festival Rotterdam
The story follows Ngawang (Damtin Tserang), a young folk...
Only the Winds is screening at International Film Festival Rotterdam
The story follows Ngawang (Damtin Tserang), a young folk...
- 6/9/2021
- by Marko Stojiljković
- AsianMoviePulse
This number will increase as Cannes, Venice and other summer festival titles are added to the mix alongside studio releases.
French cinemas reopen this Wednesday (May 19) after lying dark for six months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the country’s 100-plus distributors rushing to set theatrical dates for an estimated backlog of 400 stalled films.
As a result, French cinemagoers will have access to the richest and most diverse offering of films in the world over the coming months, spanning festival titles, local mainstream comedies and dramas, world cinema and studio blockbuster fare, as the summer advances.
As of May...
French cinemas reopen this Wednesday (May 19) after lying dark for six months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the country’s 100-plus distributors rushing to set theatrical dates for an estimated backlog of 400 stalled films.
As a result, French cinemagoers will have access to the richest and most diverse offering of films in the world over the coming months, spanning festival titles, local mainstream comedies and dramas, world cinema and studio blockbuster fare, as the summer advances.
As of May...
- 5/17/2021
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
Berlin-based Flare Film is ramping up series production with two new high-concept projects in development while currently producing the eight-part “Paradiso” for Sky Deutschland, the first project from the company’s recently launched Flare Entertainment division.
Flare Entertainment is partnering with Beta Film and Deutsche Telekom streaming platform MagentaTV on “The Daughter,” created by Pola Beck and the writing trio known locally as the HaRiBos, Hanno Hackfort, Richard Kropf and Bob Konrad, with Beck and Kropf serving as showrunners.
The series tells the fact-based story of Tinka, a directionless teenager forced to grow up overnight when her wealthy parents are arrested for running the biggest cocaine ring in Berlin. As she works to free them from jail, she uncovers their secret lives and delves ever deeper into the family business.
Described as “Breaking Bad” meets French cinema, the eight-part family drama examines the shifting power dynamics between a daughter and...
Flare Entertainment is partnering with Beta Film and Deutsche Telekom streaming platform MagentaTV on “The Daughter,” created by Pola Beck and the writing trio known locally as the HaRiBos, Hanno Hackfort, Richard Kropf and Bob Konrad, with Beck and Kropf serving as showrunners.
The series tells the fact-based story of Tinka, a directionless teenager forced to grow up overnight when her wealthy parents are arrested for running the biggest cocaine ring in Berlin. As she works to free them from jail, she uncovers their secret lives and delves ever deeper into the family business.
Described as “Breaking Bad” meets French cinema, the eight-part family drama examines the shifting power dynamics between a daughter and...
- 4/14/2021
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
International distributor Global Screen, part of Will Smith’s Telepool, has sold crime thriller miniseries “Dark Woods” to U.S., Canada, Spain and France, following its stellar ratings success in Germany.
Inspired by a true crime, unsolved for almost 30 years, the six-part show centers on a high-ranking police officer’s desperate search for his sister, and the family’s suffering. Starring Matthias Brandt (“Babylon Berlin”) and Karoline Schuch (“Balloon”), “Dark Woods” was directed by Sven Bohse, written by International Emmy Award winner Stefan Kolditz (“Generation War”) and produced by ConradFilm’s Marc Conrad, and Bavaria Fiction’s Maren Knieling and Jan S. Kaiser.
Each episode was the most watched show in the primetime schedule on its respective day of broadcast in Germany, and reached up to 20.2% market share in December. The miniseries is also the most-watched show in the Ard-Mediathek in 2020, with more than 10.7 million streams.
Canal Plus Group, French leading pay TV group,...
Inspired by a true crime, unsolved for almost 30 years, the six-part show centers on a high-ranking police officer’s desperate search for his sister, and the family’s suffering. Starring Matthias Brandt (“Babylon Berlin”) and Karoline Schuch (“Balloon”), “Dark Woods” was directed by Sven Bohse, written by International Emmy Award winner Stefan Kolditz (“Generation War”) and produced by ConradFilm’s Marc Conrad, and Bavaria Fiction’s Maren Knieling and Jan S. Kaiser.
Each episode was the most watched show in the primetime schedule on its respective day of broadcast in Germany, and reached up to 20.2% market share in December. The miniseries is also the most-watched show in the Ard-Mediathek in 2020, with more than 10.7 million streams.
Canal Plus Group, French leading pay TV group,...
- 2/23/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (Hkiffs) today announces a series of special in-theatre screenings to mark the reopening of cinemas in Hong Kong.
The CineFest series will feature films from the previously cancelled 44th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF44) and Cine Fan programmes, including this year’s Firebird Award winners.
Supported by Create Hong Kong and the Film Development Fund, all screenings will take place daily for five weeks from 30 September at K11 Art House in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Hkiffs Executive Director Albert Lee said Hkiffs would announce weekly line-ups and screening schedules starting today.
“Despite this year’s cancellations and disruptions, we have not stopped anticipating ways to re-engage Hong Kong’s film-lovers and to share our choices and discoveries with them once the situation returns to normal,” Mr Lee said.
To ensure public safety, Hkiffs will continue to comply with every in-theatre health measure mandated...
The CineFest series will feature films from the previously cancelled 44th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF44) and Cine Fan programmes, including this year’s Firebird Award winners.
Supported by Create Hong Kong and the Film Development Fund, all screenings will take place daily for five weeks from 30 September at K11 Art House in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Hkiffs Executive Director Albert Lee said Hkiffs would announce weekly line-ups and screening schedules starting today.
“Despite this year’s cancellations and disruptions, we have not stopped anticipating ways to re-engage Hong Kong’s film-lovers and to share our choices and discoveries with them once the situation returns to normal,” Mr Lee said.
To ensure public safety, Hkiffs will continue to comply with every in-theatre health measure mandated...
- 9/27/2020
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning “Parasite” leads the race of this year’s Asian Film Awards, which will be hosted in his home country South Korea for the first time since the prize ceremony’s inception in 2007. The acclaimed drama picked up 10 nominations, including best film, best director and best screenplay.
“Parasite” was closely followed by Wang Xiaoshuai’s drama “So Long, My Son” from mainland China, and Taiwan drama “A Sun” by Chung Mong-hong. They each scored seven nominations including best film and best director, organizers of the 14th Asian Film Awards announced on Wednesday. A total of 39 films from 11 countries and regions are competing for the awards.
Founded by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, the AFAs have been staged in Hong Kong and Macau since their launch. In 2013, three major film festivals in Asia — Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo — joined hands to launch the non-profit Afa Academy,...
“Parasite” was closely followed by Wang Xiaoshuai’s drama “So Long, My Son” from mainland China, and Taiwan drama “A Sun” by Chung Mong-hong. They each scored seven nominations including best film and best director, organizers of the 14th Asian Film Awards announced on Wednesday. A total of 39 films from 11 countries and regions are competing for the awards.
Founded by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, the AFAs have been staged in Hong Kong and Macau since their launch. In 2013, three major film festivals in Asia — Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo — joined hands to launch the non-profit Afa Academy,...
- 9/9/2020
- by Vivienne Chow
- Variety Film + TV
The Asian Film Awards Academy has decided to announce the winners online on October 14.
Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite leads the nominations for this year’s Asian Film Awards (Afa) – hosted by Busan International Film Festival and the first to be held outside of Hong Kong and Macau – with ten nominations including best film and best director.
The Asian Film Awards Academy (Afaa), comprising the Hong Kong, Tokyo and Busan international film festivals, announced during last year’s Busan that the 14th Afa ceremony would be held in the South Korean city this year. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers...
Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite leads the nominations for this year’s Asian Film Awards (Afa) – hosted by Busan International Film Festival and the first to be held outside of Hong Kong and Macau – with ten nominations including best film and best director.
The Asian Film Awards Academy (Afaa), comprising the Hong Kong, Tokyo and Busan international film festivals, announced during last year’s Busan that the 14th Afa ceremony would be held in the South Korean city this year. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers...
- 9/9/2020
- by Jean Noh
- ScreenDaily
Social unrest and the Covid-19 pandemic have not been able to stop the sixth edition of the Bangkok Asean Film Festival from taking place as an in-person event. It runs this week Sept. 3-6, 2020.
The four-day festival features a line-up of films from Asean member nations including “Rom” by Tran Thanh Huy from Vietnam, “The Science of Fictions” by Yosep Anggi Noen from Indonesia and “The Long Walk” by Mattie Do from Laos. China’s “Balloon” by Pema Tseden and Koji Fukada’s “A Girl Missing” from Japan will also be screened. The festival will also present a lifetime achievement award to veteran actress Petchara Chaowarat, who appeared in 300 films during the golden age of Thai cinema from the 1960s to the end of 1970s.
Fifteen short films competing for the best short, jury prize and special mention will be presented as part of the Asean Short Film Competition. Award...
The four-day festival features a line-up of films from Asean member nations including “Rom” by Tran Thanh Huy from Vietnam, “The Science of Fictions” by Yosep Anggi Noen from Indonesia and “The Long Walk” by Mattie Do from Laos. China’s “Balloon” by Pema Tseden and Koji Fukada’s “A Girl Missing” from Japan will also be screened. The festival will also present a lifetime achievement award to veteran actress Petchara Chaowarat, who appeared in 300 films during the golden age of Thai cinema from the 1960s to the end of 1970s.
Fifteen short films competing for the best short, jury prize and special mention will be presented as part of the Asean Short Film Competition. Award...
- 8/31/2020
- by Vivienne Chow
- Variety Film + TV
Roy Andersson’s “About Endlessness” and Tsai Ming-liang’s “Days” are among the highlights of the Masters and Auteurs section of the upcoming Hong Kong International Film Festival. The festival will hold screenings in front of live audiences next month.
It had originally been scheduled to take place in March, but was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. The 44th edition will now run Aug. 18-31.
“Endlessness” earned Andersson the best director award at the Venice festival last year. While another selection, Pedro Costa’s “Vitalina Varela” earned the top prize at the Locarno festival last August.
Other films in the section include: “Balloon” by Pema Tseden; “Ema” by Pablo Larrain; “It Must Be Heaven,” by Elia Suleiman; “Marghe and Her Mother” by Mohsen Makhmalbaf; and “The Cordillera of Dreams” by Patricio Guzman.
The festival says that it expects to round out the section with other titles by Bruno Dumont,...
It had originally been scheduled to take place in March, but was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. The 44th edition will now run Aug. 18-31.
“Endlessness” earned Andersson the best director award at the Venice festival last year. While another selection, Pedro Costa’s “Vitalina Varela” earned the top prize at the Locarno festival last August.
Other films in the section include: “Balloon” by Pema Tseden; “Ema” by Pablo Larrain; “It Must Be Heaven,” by Elia Suleiman; “Marghe and Her Mother” by Mohsen Makhmalbaf; and “The Cordillera of Dreams” by Patricio Guzman.
The festival says that it expects to round out the section with other titles by Bruno Dumont,...
- 7/8/2020
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
German entertainment giant Ufa is continuing its push into feature films with a slew of high-profile projects, including an upcoming Siegfried and Roy biopic and a sequel to the 2014 historical epic “The Physician,” starring Tom Payne (“Prodigal Son”).
The ramp-up follows the huge box office success last year of Oscar winner Caroline Link’s “All About Me,” based on the childhood memoir of German comedian Hape Kerkeling, which became 2019’s second biggest local box-office hit with €31.25 million ($35.34 million) via Warner Bros.
Other upcoming titles include Leander Haussmann’s highly anticipated Cold War laffer “A Stasi Comedy,” which Constantin Film is set to release next year. Set in the 1980s, the film centers on a young agent of East Germany’s infamous state security service, played by David Kross (“Balloon”), who is sent to infiltrate East Berlin’s counterculture scene and who, years later, is confronted with the possibility of his...
The ramp-up follows the huge box office success last year of Oscar winner Caroline Link’s “All About Me,” based on the childhood memoir of German comedian Hape Kerkeling, which became 2019’s second biggest local box-office hit with €31.25 million ($35.34 million) via Warner Bros.
Other upcoming titles include Leander Haussmann’s highly anticipated Cold War laffer “A Stasi Comedy,” which Constantin Film is set to release next year. Set in the 1980s, the film centers on a young agent of East Germany’s infamous state security service, played by David Kross (“Balloon”), who is sent to infiltrate East Berlin’s counterculture scene and who, years later, is confronted with the possibility of his...
- 6/26/2020
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
German entertainment giant Ufa is continuing its push into feature film with a slew of high-profile projects, including an upcoming Siegfried and Roy biopic and a sequel to the 2014 historical epic “The Physician,” starring Tom Payne (“Prodigal Son”).
The ramp-up follows last year’s huge box-office success of Oscar-winner Caroline Link’s “All About Me,” based on the childhood memoir of German comedian Hape Kerkeling, which became 2019’s second biggest home-grown box-office hit grossing €31.25 million ($35.34 million) via Warner Bros.
Other upcoming titles include Leander Haussmann’s highly anticipated Cold War laffer “A Stasi Comedy,” which Constantin Film is set to release next year. Set in the 1980s, the film centers on a young agent of East Germany’s infamous state security service, played by David Kross (“Balloon”), who is sent to infiltrate East Berlin’s counterculture scene and who, years later, is confronted with the possibility of his secret Stasi past coming to light.
The ramp-up follows last year’s huge box-office success of Oscar-winner Caroline Link’s “All About Me,” based on the childhood memoir of German comedian Hape Kerkeling, which became 2019’s second biggest home-grown box-office hit grossing €31.25 million ($35.34 million) via Warner Bros.
Other upcoming titles include Leander Haussmann’s highly anticipated Cold War laffer “A Stasi Comedy,” which Constantin Film is set to release next year. Set in the 1980s, the film centers on a young agent of East Germany’s infamous state security service, played by David Kross (“Balloon”), who is sent to infiltrate East Berlin’s counterculture scene and who, years later, is confronted with the possibility of his secret Stasi past coming to light.
- 6/24/2020
- by Shalini Dore
- Variety Film + TV
Picture Tree Intl. has acquired international sales rights to the Norwegian romantic comedy “Diana’s Wedding,” directed by Charlotte Blom, and will selling the film at Cannes Market Online.
Nordisk Film will handle distribution in the Scandinavian territories, with a theatrical release in Norway scheduled for Sept. 25.
The film, described as a “bittersweet tribute to love,” tells the story of Liv and Terje, and the unconventional, stormy marriage they embark on the very same day as Diana Spencer and Prince Charles exchange vows in London. To their daughter, Diana, they are probably the worst parents in the world, they constantly fight yet are miraculously still in love by the time Diana is preparing for her own marriage 30 years later.
“Diana’s Wedding” is director Blom’s second feature after “Staying Alive” in 2015. She worked from a script she wrote with Mette M. Bølstad. The two leads are played by Marie Blokhus,...
Nordisk Film will handle distribution in the Scandinavian territories, with a theatrical release in Norway scheduled for Sept. 25.
The film, described as a “bittersweet tribute to love,” tells the story of Liv and Terje, and the unconventional, stormy marriage they embark on the very same day as Diana Spencer and Prince Charles exchange vows in London. To their daughter, Diana, they are probably the worst parents in the world, they constantly fight yet are miraculously still in love by the time Diana is preparing for her own marriage 30 years later.
“Diana’s Wedding” is director Blom’s second feature after “Staying Alive” in 2015. She worked from a script she wrote with Mette M. Bølstad. The two leads are played by Marie Blokhus,...
- 6/22/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Sales agent Beta Cinema is launching its Cannes Market slate, which is headlined by psychological thriller “Corvidae,” with a playful and novel approach. The company has produced an entertainment show, in the style of a late-night chatshow, featuring its sales team pitching its films and presenting exclusive clips from them. Variety has been given an exclusive sneak peek at the show before it goes live on Friday.
Beta Cinema CEO Dirk Schürhoff is the charismatic host of chatshow “The Beta Cinema Show,” filmed at the company’s offices in Oberhaching, near Munich, while Thorsten Ritter, exec VP acquisitions, sales and marketing, leads the house band on electric guitar. Its sales executives beam in their reports from around the world, while the kangaroo from the hit film “The Kangaroo Chronicles” assists. The tone is fun and tongue-in-cheek, but it’s a serious attempt to add a bit of showbiz pizzazz to the virtual market format.
Beta Cinema CEO Dirk Schürhoff is the charismatic host of chatshow “The Beta Cinema Show,” filmed at the company’s offices in Oberhaching, near Munich, while Thorsten Ritter, exec VP acquisitions, sales and marketing, leads the house band on electric guitar. Its sales executives beam in their reports from around the world, while the kangaroo from the hit film “The Kangaroo Chronicles” assists. The tone is fun and tongue-in-cheek, but it’s a serious attempt to add a bit of showbiz pizzazz to the virtual market format.
- 6/17/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
How to Stream ‘Bacurau,’ ‘Corpus Christi’ and Other Indie Films Through Your Local Art House Theater
Local art house theaters need your support during the coronavirus pandemic just as much as the major theater chains, and now there are several “virtual cinema” options for film lovers to support those movie theaters from the comfort of your own homes.
A number of indie distributors and art house theater chains have launched virtual cinema streaming platforms that are designed to give art house fans access to new titles they can no longer see in theaters, but they’ve done so with the support of the individual theaters that would’ve otherwise screened those films.
VOD streaming rentals for a new title can be made directly through a specific theater in your local community, such as Film at Lincoln Center in New York or the Music Box in Chicago. So far, Kino Lorber, Film Movement, Magnolia and Alamo Drafthouse all have their own similar offerings.
Here’s a quick...
A number of indie distributors and art house theater chains have launched virtual cinema streaming platforms that are designed to give art house fans access to new titles they can no longer see in theaters, but they’ve done so with the support of the individual theaters that would’ve otherwise screened those films.
VOD streaming rentals for a new title can be made directly through a specific theater in your local community, such as Film at Lincoln Center in New York or the Music Box in Chicago. So far, Kino Lorber, Film Movement, Magnolia and Alamo Drafthouse all have their own similar offerings.
Here’s a quick...
- 3/30/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
“I have some big news,” the Los Angeles Times lead film critic Kenneth Turan tweeted on Wednesday. “After close to 30 years in the most exciting and rewarding of jobs, I am stepping away from being a daily film critic for the Los Angeles Times. I will keep writing about film but at a different pace. To quote Ecclesiastes, ‘To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.’ Looking forward to what’s to come.”
The outpouring of praise for Turan, who is 73, was intense and immediate. “The maestro takes a bow,” responded The New York Times lead film critic A.O. Scott on Twitter, who himself stepped down from full-time daily criticism on March 15 for one year, leaving that task to his fellow lead critic Manohla Dargis. In his case, taking the title of Critic at Large as he writes “bigger, cross-topic essays,” per The Nyt,...
The outpouring of praise for Turan, who is 73, was intense and immediate. “The maestro takes a bow,” responded The New York Times lead film critic A.O. Scott on Twitter, who himself stepped down from full-time daily criticism on March 15 for one year, leaving that task to his fellow lead critic Manohla Dargis. In his case, taking the title of Critic at Large as he writes “bigger, cross-topic essays,” per The Nyt,...
- 3/26/2020
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
“I have some big news,” the Los Angeles Times lead film critic Kenneth Turan tweeted on Wednesday. “After close to 30 years in the most exciting and rewarding of jobs, I am stepping away from being a daily film critic for the Los Angeles Times. I will keep writing about film but at a different pace. To quote Ecclesiastes, ‘To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.’ Looking forward to what’s to come.”
The outpouring of praise for Turan, who is 73, was intense and immediate. “The maestro takes a bow,” responded The New York Times lead film critic A.O. Scott on Twitter, who himself stepped down from full-time daily criticism on March 15 for one year, leaving that task to his fellow lead critic Manohla Dargis. In his case, taking the title of Critic at Large as he writes “bigger, cross-topic essays,” per The Nyt,...
The outpouring of praise for Turan, who is 73, was intense and immediate. “The maestro takes a bow,” responded The New York Times lead film critic A.O. Scott on Twitter, who himself stepped down from full-time daily criticism on March 15 for one year, leaving that task to his fellow lead critic Manohla Dargis. In his case, taking the title of Critic at Large as he writes “bigger, cross-topic essays,” per The Nyt,...
- 3/26/2020
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The eighth Helsinki Cine Aasia ended on Sunday March 15th. Eighteen films from East and Southeast Asia were screened during the four-day festival.
The most popular films at this year’s festival were the warm Tibetan family drama Balloon, which opened the festival, and the ambitious Chinese arthouse drama Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains.
Japanese films have always been audience favourites at Helsinki Cine Aasia. This year’s most popular Japanese films were the comedy-drama Only the Cat Knows, the serene and elegant Only the Cat Knows and the picturesque They Say Nothing Stays the Same.
Helsinki Cine Aasia’s guests were also Japanese. Director Amano Chihiro and actor Nagao Takuma participated in all screenings of their film Mrs. Noisy during the festival.
“Mrs. Noisy”
In addition to films, the festival weekend included discussions with experts that deepened and opened new perspectives into the themes of some of the films.
The most popular films at this year’s festival were the warm Tibetan family drama Balloon, which opened the festival, and the ambitious Chinese arthouse drama Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains.
Japanese films have always been audience favourites at Helsinki Cine Aasia. This year’s most popular Japanese films were the comedy-drama Only the Cat Knows, the serene and elegant Only the Cat Knows and the picturesque They Say Nothing Stays the Same.
Helsinki Cine Aasia’s guests were also Japanese. Director Amano Chihiro and actor Nagao Takuma participated in all screenings of their film Mrs. Noisy during the festival.
“Mrs. Noisy”
In addition to films, the festival weekend included discussions with experts that deepened and opened new perspectives into the themes of some of the films.
- 3/18/2020
- by Don Anelli
- AsianMoviePulse
An Air Affair: Herbig Revisits Gdr Getaway in Strait-laced Thriller
German director Michael Herbig, best known for his comedic films in his native country, makes his first international splash with period thriller Balloon, a 2018 title at last landing stateside two years after its premiere. Based on the true story of two East German families who flee to the West via a hot air balloon, Herbig is reclaiming a national escapade previously filmed by Delbert Mann in 1982’s Night Crossing starring Beau Bridges and John Hurt. While Herbig doesn’t employ any surprising or lavish stylization to a rather straightforward rendering of the communist stranglehold on East Berlin, it’s an often taut and efficiently paced thriller intent on maximizing its potential, even if that means employing cliché to heighten suspense.…...
German director Michael Herbig, best known for his comedic films in his native country, makes his first international splash with period thriller Balloon, a 2018 title at last landing stateside two years after its premiere. Based on the true story of two East German families who flee to the West via a hot air balloon, Herbig is reclaiming a national escapade previously filmed by Delbert Mann in 1982’s Night Crossing starring Beau Bridges and John Hurt. While Herbig doesn’t employ any surprising or lavish stylization to a rather straightforward rendering of the communist stranglehold on East Berlin, it’s an often taut and efficiently paced thriller intent on maximizing its potential, even if that means employing cliché to heighten suspense.…...
- 3/5/2020
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
KollywoodThe film also stars Anagha, Shirin and ace cricketer Harbhajan Singh, who will be making his Tamil debut.Digital NativeActor Santhanam, who was recently seen in romantic comedy Dagaalty, has wrapped up shooting for Dikkilona which went on floors last year. Dialogue writer-turned-filmmaker Karthik Yogi is wielding the megaphone for this venture that is produced under the banners Kjr Studios and Soldiers factory and the makers are planning to release it in April 2020. The film has music by Yuvan Shankar Raja. The film stars Anagha and Shirin as the female leads with ace cricketer Harbhajan Singh in a crucial role, marking his debut in the Tamil film industry. Reports are that the project will see Santhanam play the hero, villain and comedian as well. It is worth mentioning that Santhanam has previously played a dual role in the Karthi-starrer All in All Azhagu Raja. Talking about the project, Karthik...
- 3/3/2020
- by Anjana
- The News Minute
Helsinki Cine Aasia 2020 celebrates versatile Asian cinema
Celebrating its eighth edition, Helsinki Cine Aasia is the only festival of contemporary Asian cinema in Finland. This year the festival hosts the Finnish premieres of 18 films from eight East and Southeast Asian countries. In addition, a series of classic films based on traditional East Asian theater is screened at Kino Regina. Helsinki Cine Aasia takes place at Korjaamo, Kino Regina and Cinema Orion from Thursday March 12 to Sunday March 15, 2020.
Helsinki Cine Aasia 2020 opens with the Tibetan film “Balloon”. The latest film from Tibet’s best-known filmmaker Pema Tseden has already won accolades at several film festivals, including Venice and Chicago, as well as the main prize at Tokyo FILMeX. Set in Tibet in the 1980’s during the one-child policy, the warm-hearted and slightly humorous film illustrates the difficulties of combining the traditional with the modern. A Buddhist couple raising a herd of...
Celebrating its eighth edition, Helsinki Cine Aasia is the only festival of contemporary Asian cinema in Finland. This year the festival hosts the Finnish premieres of 18 films from eight East and Southeast Asian countries. In addition, a series of classic films based on traditional East Asian theater is screened at Kino Regina. Helsinki Cine Aasia takes place at Korjaamo, Kino Regina and Cinema Orion from Thursday March 12 to Sunday March 15, 2020.
Helsinki Cine Aasia 2020 opens with the Tibetan film “Balloon”. The latest film from Tibet’s best-known filmmaker Pema Tseden has already won accolades at several film festivals, including Venice and Chicago, as well as the main prize at Tokyo FILMeX. Set in Tibet in the 1980’s during the one-child policy, the warm-hearted and slightly humorous film illustrates the difficulties of combining the traditional with the modern. A Buddhist couple raising a herd of...
- 2/26/2020
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
On paper, the plight of a pair of families fleeing 1979’s East Germany in a hot air balloon sounds like fabricated fodder for a spy novel. But as implausible as it sounds, this “The Mysterious Island”-esque grand escape from Deutschland’s then walled-in, oppressive slice really did happen. And nearly four decades after being the subject of Disney’s “Night Crossing,” it is now a tale told in small-screen comedian Michael Bully Herbig’s “Balloon,” a competently made political thriller that sadly mines for suspense in all the wrong places.
Still, “Balloon” is decent entertainment to a degree, and that is mostly thanks to its handsome production values. The quaint environs and row houses of Thuringia as well as the era’s eye-popping costumes by Lisy Christl — well-tailored clothes and floral-heavy fabrics with traces of ’70s cool — are admittedly easy on the eyes. But considering the film’s stretched...
Still, “Balloon” is decent entertainment to a degree, and that is mostly thanks to its handsome production values. The quaint environs and row houses of Thuringia as well as the era’s eye-popping costumes by Lisy Christl — well-tailored clothes and floral-heavy fabrics with traces of ’70s cool — are admittedly easy on the eyes. But considering the film’s stretched...
- 2/21/2020
- by Tomris Laffly
- Variety Film + TV
Mubi's retrospective Yuzo Kawashima's Post-War Japan runs January - April, 2020. Il Cinema Ritrovato will be staging a retrospective on the director in 2020.Kawashima Yūzō is one of Japan's most beloved directors, and, curiously enough, maybe also one of the most written-about. Books and special editions of magazines keep coming; only in December 2018, one of Japan's finest publishers of film books with a special interest in post-war stylists and genre masters, Wides Shuppan, celebrated the master's centennial by unleashing a brick of texts on his cinema that feels mighty definite—until something even more extensive will come up, of course. In the absence of any formalist tics or overt thematic obsessions, Kawashima, it seems, is as much an auteur to love and venerate as he's a character to wonder about—the quirky stuff of melancholic legends one obsessively tries to find in his films, like eg. seeing his ideal of...
- 2/21/2020
- MUBI
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