China-based international sales agent Rediance has acquired world sales rights to “The Falling Sky,” a feature documentary which will premiere next month at Cannes in the Directors Fortnight section. Directed by Eryk Rocha and Gabriela Carneiro da Cunha, the film makes the Amazonian Yanomami people its stars.
Based on the book of the same title by shaman and Yanomami leader Davi Kopenawa and French anthropologist Bruce Albert, “The Falling Sky” portrays the indigenous community of Watorikɨ as it engages in a funeral rite known as the reahu, which is a collective effort to hold up the sky and prevent it from falling.
The film stands as a trenchant shamanic critique of the destruction of the Yanomami’s way of life caused by the intrusions of the napë, the white prospectors and the so-called civilized world into the Yanomami territory.
“The spellbinding images, meticulous sound design, and powerful words of Davi...
Based on the book of the same title by shaman and Yanomami leader Davi Kopenawa and French anthropologist Bruce Albert, “The Falling Sky” portrays the indigenous community of Watorikɨ as it engages in a funeral rite known as the reahu, which is a collective effort to hold up the sky and prevent it from falling.
The film stands as a trenchant shamanic critique of the destruction of the Yanomami’s way of life caused by the intrusions of the napë, the white prospectors and the so-called civilized world into the Yanomami territory.
“The spellbinding images, meticulous sound design, and powerful words of Davi...
- 4/23/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
If Criterion24/7 hasn’t completely colonized your attention every time you open the Channel––this is to say: if you’re stronger than me––their May lineup may be of interest. First and foremost I’m happy to see a Michael Roemer triple-feature: his superlative Nothing But a Man, arriving in a Criterion Edition, and the recently rediscovered The Plot Against Harry and Vengeance is Mine, three distinct features that suggest a long-lost voice of American movies. Meanwhile, Nobuhiko Obayashi’s Antiwar Trilogy four by Sara Driver, and a wide collection from Ayoka Chenzira fill out the auteurist sets.
Series-wise, a highlight of 1999 goes beyond the well-established canon with films like Trick and Bye Bye Africa, while of course including Sofia Coppola, Michael Mann, Scorsese, and Claire Denis. Films starring Shirley Maclaine, a study of 1960s paranoia, and Columbia’s “golden era” (read: 1950-1961) are curated; meanwhile, The Breaking Ice,...
Series-wise, a highlight of 1999 goes beyond the well-established canon with films like Trick and Bye Bye Africa, while of course including Sofia Coppola, Michael Mann, Scorsese, and Claire Denis. Films starring Shirley Maclaine, a study of 1960s paranoia, and Columbia’s “golden era” (read: 1950-1961) are curated; meanwhile, The Breaking Ice,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
Strand Releasing has acquired the North American rights to Ray Yeung’s “All Shall Be Well,” which world premiered at this year’s Berlinale and won the Teddy Prize for best film. The movie played last week as the opening film at the Hong Kong International Film Festival.
“All Shall Be Well” chronicles the lives of two women, Angie and Pat, a couple living in Hong Kong who have been together for over four decades. After Pat’s unexpected death, Angie finds herself at the mercy of her extended family as she struggles to retain both her dignity and the home that they shared for over 30 years.
A universal tale, the movie also explores the limitations of Hong Kong’s laws, which don’t allow same-sex marriage. Patra Au Ga Man and Maggie Li Lin Lin star in the lead roles of Angie and Pat, respectively.
The deal was done...
“All Shall Be Well” chronicles the lives of two women, Angie and Pat, a couple living in Hong Kong who have been together for over four decades. After Pat’s unexpected death, Angie finds herself at the mercy of her extended family as she struggles to retain both her dignity and the home that they shared for over 30 years.
A universal tale, the movie also explores the limitations of Hong Kong’s laws, which don’t allow same-sex marriage. Patra Au Ga Man and Maggie Li Lin Lin star in the lead roles of Angie and Pat, respectively.
The deal was done...
- 4/10/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
There isn’t much dialogue in Anthony Chen’s 2023 drama film, Drift. For most of its runtime, it remains extremely quiet—so much so that it tends to get on your nerves to some extent. The big reveal in the end is an absolute gut punch, which practically elevates the narrative. Yet, so many things remain half-baked here, which is not exactly a good sign. There’s nothing wrong with not revealing too much information and letting the audience connect the dots, but the amount of information this film withholds from us is quite frustrating and only leaves us confused. One might argue that Drift is more of a character study of Cynthia Erivo’s Jacqueline than a film focused on finding out what really happened to her, but that doesn’t really justify the really bland narrative that mostly depends on the performance of Erivo and a spirited Alia Shawkat.
- 4/1/2024
- by Rohitavra Majumdar
- Film Fugitives
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
Drift (Anthony Chen)
Singaporean director Anthony Chen’s English-language debut follows a West African refugee, Jacqueline (Cynthia Erivo), who washes up on a Greek island homeless, cashless, and friendless. She doesn’t speak until ten minutes into Drift, taking in her surroundings, plagued by a fear that’s nestled deep within her. Understandably, she’s scared of everyone and everything, living in a cave, eating whatever she can find, making money by washing tourists’ feet on the beach. – Michael F. (full review)
Where to Stream: VOD
A Drifting Up (Jacob Lee)
Coming off antidepressants for the first time, young London-based filmmaker Jacob Lee decided to dance his way through it and record the process. This BAFTA-nominated short documentary captures his joyful interactions...
Drift (Anthony Chen)
Singaporean director Anthony Chen’s English-language debut follows a West African refugee, Jacqueline (Cynthia Erivo), who washes up on a Greek island homeless, cashless, and friendless. She doesn’t speak until ten minutes into Drift, taking in her surroundings, plagued by a fear that’s nestled deep within her. Understandably, she’s scared of everyone and everything, living in a cave, eating whatever she can find, making money by washing tourists’ feet on the beach. – Michael F. (full review)
Where to Stream: VOD
A Drifting Up (Jacob Lee)
Coming off antidepressants for the first time, young London-based filmmaker Jacob Lee decided to dance his way through it and record the process. This BAFTA-nominated short documentary captures his joyful interactions...
- 3/29/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Franchise animation Kung Fu Panda 4 and creature clash Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire lead a bumper weekend of 16 new films at the UK-Ireland box office.
Universal’s Kung Fu Panda 4 has the biggest opening of the weekend in 715 sites – a significant jump for the series, after 2008’s Kung Fu Panda (448) and sequels in 2011 (514) and 2016 (585), all through Paramount.
Conversely, the total grosses of each film have dropped, with the first title making £20.4m, followed by £17m and £14.2m for the sequels. All of these were pre-pandemic; number four will look to cross the £10m mark before challenging any of those totals.
Universal’s Kung Fu Panda 4 has the biggest opening of the weekend in 715 sites – a significant jump for the series, after 2008’s Kung Fu Panda (448) and sequels in 2011 (514) and 2016 (585), all through Paramount.
Conversely, the total grosses of each film have dropped, with the first title making £20.4m, followed by £17m and £14.2m for the sequels. All of these were pre-pandemic; number four will look to cross the £10m mark before challenging any of those totals.
- 3/28/2024
- ScreenDaily
Cynthia Erivo in Drift
Singaporean director Anthony Chen’s fourth feature, Drift, continues his interest in the archetypal ‘outsider.’ The story centres on Jacqueline (Cynthia Erivo), a young refugee who arrives on a Greek island. She’s trying not only to survive her present but to confront her past. When she strikes up an unexpected friendship with tour-guide Callie (Alia Shawkat), the pair help one another look to the future.
In conversation with Eye For Film, Chen discussed the rejuvenating presence of cinema, his decision to take a leap of faith, and being open to divine intervention.
Drift
Paul Risker: Why film as a means of creative expression? Was there an inspirational or defining moment?
Anthony Chen: All I know is cinema is so connected to my life that I can't see myself doing anything else. Every time I'm feeling down, every time I'm struggling, or I've lost faith in what I do,...
Singaporean director Anthony Chen’s fourth feature, Drift, continues his interest in the archetypal ‘outsider.’ The story centres on Jacqueline (Cynthia Erivo), a young refugee who arrives on a Greek island. She’s trying not only to survive her present but to confront her past. When she strikes up an unexpected friendship with tour-guide Callie (Alia Shawkat), the pair help one another look to the future.
In conversation with Eye For Film, Chen discussed the rejuvenating presence of cinema, his decision to take a leap of faith, and being open to divine intervention.
Drift
Paul Risker: Why film as a means of creative expression? Was there an inspirational or defining moment?
Anthony Chen: All I know is cinema is so connected to my life that I can't see myself doing anything else. Every time I'm feeling down, every time I'm struggling, or I've lost faith in what I do,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Paul Risker
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Anthony Chen's slow-burn character study is essentially a showcase for its star Cynthia Erivo, who after scene stealing turns in the likes of Widows and Bad Times At The El Royale and her lead performance in Harriet, proves she can not only carry a film but lift it emotionally beyond the script.
Based on the book by Alexander Maksik and adapted by the author and Susanne Farrell for the screen, Erivo plays Jacqueline, a Liberian refugee, whose experience on a Greek holiday island is far from a sun-kissed getaway. A liminal space already, thanks to all those holidaymakers coming and going, she exists in an even more precarious state. In the here and now, she is on the fringes, stealing sugar packets to keep herself going and olive oil as a way to generate a bit of cash by offering tourists foot massages on the beach. But Jacqueline is also emotionally.
Based on the book by Alexander Maksik and adapted by the author and Susanne Farrell for the screen, Erivo plays Jacqueline, a Liberian refugee, whose experience on a Greek holiday island is far from a sun-kissed getaway. A liminal space already, thanks to all those holidaymakers coming and going, she exists in an even more precarious state. In the here and now, she is on the fringes, stealing sugar packets to keep herself going and olive oil as a way to generate a bit of cash by offering tourists foot massages on the beach. But Jacqueline is also emotionally.
- 3/27/2024
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Sony’s “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” debuted atop the U.K. and Ireland box office with £4 million ($5.1 million), according to numbers from Comscore.
In the process, the band of ectoplasm hunters ended the three-week reign of Warner Bros.’ “Dune: Part II” in pole position. The Timothée Chalamet-starring film collected £2.6 million in its fourth weekend in second place for a total of £30.7 million.
Black Bear’s “Immaculate,” starring Sydney Sweeney, scared up £522,583 in a third place debut. In fourth place, in its fifth weekend, Studiocanal’s “Wicked Little Letters” earned £373,505 and now has a total of £8.1 million.
Rounding off the top five was Universal’s “Migration” that collected £370,464 in its eighth weekend for a total of £19.5 million.
There were two more debuts in the top 10 – Vertigo’s “Late Night With The Devil” in seventh place with £220,436 and Trafalgar’s “Romeo Et Juliette – Met Opera 2023/24” in 10th with £81,880.
With the Easter holidays imminent,...
In the process, the band of ectoplasm hunters ended the three-week reign of Warner Bros.’ “Dune: Part II” in pole position. The Timothée Chalamet-starring film collected £2.6 million in its fourth weekend in second place for a total of £30.7 million.
Black Bear’s “Immaculate,” starring Sydney Sweeney, scared up £522,583 in a third place debut. In fourth place, in its fifth weekend, Studiocanal’s “Wicked Little Letters” earned £373,505 and now has a total of £8.1 million.
Rounding off the top five was Universal’s “Migration” that collected £370,464 in its eighth weekend for a total of £19.5 million.
There were two more debuts in the top 10 – Vertigo’s “Late Night With The Devil” in seventh place with £220,436 and Trafalgar’s “Romeo Et Juliette – Met Opera 2023/24” in 10th with £81,880.
With the Easter holidays imminent,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Fresh from its UK premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival, Drift, packs an emotional punch in a story that tackles very tough themes.
Based on Alexander Maksik’s novel, A Marker to Measure Drift, it is Anthony Chen behind the camera bringing this story to life starring Cynthia Erivo and Alia Shawkat.
We catch up with Anthony to discuss the emotional toll of some scenes, filming in Greece and more!
You can watch the full interview below:
Drift is released in cinemas on March 29th
The post Anthony Chen on directing emotionally hard-hitting drama Drift appeared first on HeyUGuys.
Based on Alexander Maksik’s novel, A Marker to Measure Drift, it is Anthony Chen behind the camera bringing this story to life starring Cynthia Erivo and Alia Shawkat.
We catch up with Anthony to discuss the emotional toll of some scenes, filming in Greece and more!
You can watch the full interview below:
Drift is released in cinemas on March 29th
The post Anthony Chen on directing emotionally hard-hitting drama Drift appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 3/25/2024
- by Thomas Alexander
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Dubai-based sales agency Cercamon has acquired worldwide rights for Indonesian film “Crocodile Tears,” it was revealed at Hong Kong rights market FilMart.
The film is a co-production between Indonesia’s Talamedia (producer Mandy Marahimin), Singapore’s Giraffe Pictures (producers Anthony Chen and Teoh Yi Peng), France’s Acrobates Films (producer Claire Lajoumard) and Poetik Film (producer Christophe Lafont) and Germany’s 2Pilots Filmproduction (producers Harry Flöter and Jörg Siepmann).
The deal was negotiated by Sebastien Chesneau at Cercamon, Chen at Giraffe Pictures and Marahimin at Talamedia.
The film, Tumpal Tampubolon’s feature debut, follows Johan, who lives alone with his mother on a crocodile farm in West Java. Mother and son live in voluntary exile with only a white crocodile as their confidant. Their life of isolation is disrupted when Johan falls for a girl in town, Arumi, setting off a chain of events that threatens the delicate balance of their lives.
The film is a co-production between Indonesia’s Talamedia (producer Mandy Marahimin), Singapore’s Giraffe Pictures (producers Anthony Chen and Teoh Yi Peng), France’s Acrobates Films (producer Claire Lajoumard) and Poetik Film (producer Christophe Lafont) and Germany’s 2Pilots Filmproduction (producers Harry Flöter and Jörg Siepmann).
The deal was negotiated by Sebastien Chesneau at Cercamon, Chen at Giraffe Pictures and Marahimin at Talamedia.
The film, Tumpal Tampubolon’s feature debut, follows Johan, who lives alone with his mother on a crocodile farm in West Java. Mother and son live in voluntary exile with only a white crocodile as their confidant. Their life of isolation is disrupted when Johan falls for a girl in town, Arumi, setting off a chain of events that threatens the delicate balance of their lives.
- 3/12/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
India premieres of France’s “The Taste of Things” and Korea’s “Exhuma” will open and close respectively the first edition of India’s Cinevesture International Film Festival.
Tran Anh Hung won best director at Cannes 2023 for “The Taste of Things,” which was subsequently submitted as France’s official entry to the Oscars’ international feature category. Jang Jae-hyun’s “Exhuma” is Korea’s biggest box office hit of 2024.
International highlights of the program include Jonathan Glazer’s Oscar-winning “The Zone of Interest,” Kore-eda Hirokazu’s “Monster,” Darren Aronivsky’s “The Whale,” starring Brendan Fraser, Steffi Niederzoll’s Berlinale winner “Seven Winters in Tehran,” Anthony Chen’s Singapore Oscar entry “Breaking Ice” and Prasanna Vithanage’s Busan-winning “Paradise.”
Indian films include Jayant Digambar Somalkar’s Toronto winner “Sthal,” Karan Tejpal’s Venice title “Stolen,” Rima Das’ Toronto title “Tora’s Husband,” Gurvinder Singh’s Rotterdam film “Adh Chanani Raat,” Lijo Jose Pellissery...
Tran Anh Hung won best director at Cannes 2023 for “The Taste of Things,” which was subsequently submitted as France’s official entry to the Oscars’ international feature category. Jang Jae-hyun’s “Exhuma” is Korea’s biggest box office hit of 2024.
International highlights of the program include Jonathan Glazer’s Oscar-winning “The Zone of Interest,” Kore-eda Hirokazu’s “Monster,” Darren Aronivsky’s “The Whale,” starring Brendan Fraser, Steffi Niederzoll’s Berlinale winner “Seven Winters in Tehran,” Anthony Chen’s Singapore Oscar entry “Breaking Ice” and Prasanna Vithanage’s Busan-winning “Paradise.”
Indian films include Jayant Digambar Somalkar’s Toronto winner “Sthal,” Karan Tejpal’s Venice title “Stolen,” Rima Das’ Toronto title “Tora’s Husband,” Gurvinder Singh’s Rotterdam film “Adh Chanani Raat,” Lijo Jose Pellissery...
- 3/11/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Hamaguchi Ryusuke’s “Evil Does Not Exist,” was Sunday evening named as the best picture at the Asian Film Awards.
The 17th edition of the prizes was held at the Xiqu Centre, part of the West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong.
While “Evil Does Not Exist” and Korean blockbuster “12.12: The Day” had dominated the nominations with six each, including those in the best film category, the prizes on Sunday were much more evenly distributed. No title collected more than two prizes.
Outside, crowds failed to be muted by the March drizzle, though VIP guests were given escorts with purple umbrellas.
Filmmaker and industry attendance was also robust. Those spotted on the red carpet and pre-event cocktails included: Lee Yong Kwan (former chair of the Busan film festival), Tom Yoda, Udine festival heads Sabrina Baracetti and Thomas Bertacche, Anthony Chen, Stanley Kwan, Rina Damayanti, Hong Kong distributor Winnie Tsang,...
The 17th edition of the prizes was held at the Xiqu Centre, part of the West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong.
While “Evil Does Not Exist” and Korean blockbuster “12.12: The Day” had dominated the nominations with six each, including those in the best film category, the prizes on Sunday were much more evenly distributed. No title collected more than two prizes.
Outside, crowds failed to be muted by the March drizzle, though VIP guests were given escorts with purple umbrellas.
Filmmaker and industry attendance was also robust. Those spotted on the red carpet and pre-event cocktails included: Lee Yong Kwan (former chair of the Busan film festival), Tom Yoda, Udine festival heads Sabrina Baracetti and Thomas Bertacche, Anthony Chen, Stanley Kwan, Rina Damayanti, Hong Kong distributor Winnie Tsang,...
- 3/10/2024
- by Patrick Frater and Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
It was never Suzy Bemba’s plan to become a professional actress. This year’s European Shooting Star from France had dabbled in performance — “10 years of ballet, maybe six years of singing classes,” she recalls. After a knee injury made it impossible to keep dancing, she switched to acting as “a new way of expression” and started trying out for open auditions, driving with her mother the two and half hours into Paris from their home in the French countryside. Her mother sent out inquiries to French talent agencies, and one agreed to sign Bemba after she graduated high school.
But when Bemba graduated, acting was the last thing on her mind. “I wanted to go to med school, that was always the dream, so when I graduated, that’s what I did,” she says. “I kind of forgot about the idea of acting.”
It was only after her freshman...
But when Bemba graduated, acting was the last thing on her mind. “I wanted to go to med school, that was always the dream, so when I graduated, that’s what I did,” she says. “I kind of forgot about the idea of acting.”
It was only after her freshman...
- 2/16/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As some former European Shooting Stars celebrate Oscar noms for their latest films, the Europe-wide initiative to draw attention to up-and-coming performers coordinated by European Film Promotion introduces another 10 talents during the Berlinale. From Feb. 16-19, the selected actors will participate in workshops, as well as meetings with producers and casting directors.
Asta Kamma August
Sweden
The older daughter of Danish helmer Bille and Swedish actor Pernilla, August is fluent in Swedish, Danish and English, and performs for theater, film and TV in Denmark and Sweden. Her latest credits include Mikael Marcimain’s “Blackwater” for Swedish TV and Thomas Vinterberg’s “Families Like Ours” for Danish TV.
Valentina Bellè
Italy
The actor’s upcoming film projects include Marco Tullio Giordana’s “The Life Apart” and Simone Godano’s “Sei Fratelli,” as well as the series “A.C.A.B.” on tap. The Verona-born star, who is fluent in English, participates...
Asta Kamma August
Sweden
The older daughter of Danish helmer Bille and Swedish actor Pernilla, August is fluent in Swedish, Danish and English, and performs for theater, film and TV in Denmark and Sweden. Her latest credits include Mikael Marcimain’s “Blackwater” for Swedish TV and Thomas Vinterberg’s “Families Like Ours” for Danish TV.
Valentina Bellè
Italy
The actor’s upcoming film projects include Marco Tullio Giordana’s “The Life Apart” and Simone Godano’s “Sei Fratelli,” as well as the series “A.C.A.B.” on tap. The Verona-born star, who is fluent in English, participates...
- 2/15/2024
- by Alissa Simon
- Variety Film + TV
There is a moment in Drift, the character study from filmmaker Anthony Chen, that you know is inevitable. (It’s now playing in New York, opens in L.A. on Feb. 16, and goes wide on Feb. 23.) You spend so much of this carefully constructed film’s running time bracing for it, aware that this tale of a woman named Jacqueline — quietly yet powerfully played by Cynthia Erivo — is building to a confessional crescendo. A Liberian citizen who’s been living in London for years, she now finds herself in Greece,...
- 2/14/2024
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
It’s a weekend of well-reviewed indie openings with Bleecker Street’s Out Of Darkness, The Monk And The Gun (from the directors of Lunana: A Yak In The Classroom) and limited openings for The Taste Of Things, Perfect Days (Best International Feature nominated), Anthony Chen’s Drift, Bas Devos’ Here and Ennio by Giuseppe Tornatore, which premiered in Venice in 2021 and is finally getting a U.S. release.
Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days, Japan’s official Oscar submission that nabbed a nom, opened at six locations in New York and LA Wednesday, adding additional cities next week. The film written by Wenders and Takuma Takasaki stars Hirayama, a public toilet cleaner in Tokyo who seems utterly content with his simple life until a series of unexpected encounters reveal more of his unearthed past. See Deadline review.
Neon had a qualifying run in November.
Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days, Japan’s official Oscar submission that nabbed a nom, opened at six locations in New York and LA Wednesday, adding additional cities next week. The film written by Wenders and Takuma Takasaki stars Hirayama, a public toilet cleaner in Tokyo who seems utterly content with his simple life until a series of unexpected encounters reveal more of his unearthed past. See Deadline review.
Neon had a qualifying run in November.
- 2/9/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
The Directors Guild of the Philippines (Dgpi) has called for the “immediate release” of filmmaker Jade Castro after he was arrested by police last week.
Castro and three of his friends were arrested on suspicion of arson in Mulanay, Quezon in the Philippines on Tuesday (February 1).
He is known for directing indie arthouse films such as comedy horror Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington (aka Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings) and TV series such as Beki Boxer and Lss (Last Song Syndrome). He is a producer on Some Nights I Feel Like Walking, which is in post and set for the festival circuit this year.
Castro tweeted about the situation and declared his innocence, stated he was on vacation and that the crime had occurred in Catanauan, which is about 25km away from Mulanay. He later shared that the arrest was warrantless and it appears he is still being held.
Castro and three of his friends were arrested on suspicion of arson in Mulanay, Quezon in the Philippines on Tuesday (February 1).
He is known for directing indie arthouse films such as comedy horror Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington (aka Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings) and TV series such as Beki Boxer and Lss (Last Song Syndrome). He is a producer on Some Nights I Feel Like Walking, which is in post and set for the festival circuit this year.
Castro tweeted about the situation and declared his innocence, stated he was on vacation and that the crime had occurred in Catanauan, which is about 25km away from Mulanay. He later shared that the arrest was warrantless and it appears he is still being held.
- 2/6/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Pro-tip: as our current leap year turns the page into February, it’s a good idea to stock up on artificial tears at the Cvs. Why? Because this is an exceptionally intense month for movie-watching. In addition to your 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards screeners, there’s also an exciting collection of Don’t-Miss Indies hitting theaters and streamers, from combat-heavy martial arts action sagas to gentle culinary dramas. So put on some more tea, snuggle up with your kitty, puppy, snake or waifu body pillow of choice, and get to watchin’!
True Detective: Night Country
When You Can Watch: Now
Where You Can Watch: HBO, Max
Director: Issa López
Cast: Jodie Foster, Kali Reis, Fiona Shaw
Why We’re Excited: The fourth season of HBO’s anthology crime drama is the first one for which creator Nic Pizzolatto does not serve as the showrunner or writer; those responsibilities now fall to Mexican filmmaker Issa López,...
True Detective: Night Country
When You Can Watch: Now
Where You Can Watch: HBO, Max
Director: Issa López
Cast: Jodie Foster, Kali Reis, Fiona Shaw
Why We’re Excited: The fourth season of HBO’s anthology crime drama is the first one for which creator Nic Pizzolatto does not serve as the showrunner or writer; those responsibilities now fall to Mexican filmmaker Issa López,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Su Fang Tham
- Film Independent News & More
Butterfly Vision producer Darya Bassel and Call Me By Your Name executive producer Naima Abed are among 17 independent producers selected for Ace Animation Special, the animation business programme of European network Ace Producers.
The 17 producers will take part in the workshop from March 19-24 in Dingle, Ireland, in collaboration with the Animation Dingle festival.
Scroll down for the full list of producers
Now in its fifth edition, the workshop aims to show how to diversify business by developing and producing feature and series animation productions, for theatrical, broadcast and streaming release.
Producers will attend with animated features and series projects in early development,...
The 17 producers will take part in the workshop from March 19-24 in Dingle, Ireland, in collaboration with the Animation Dingle festival.
Scroll down for the full list of producers
Now in its fifth edition, the workshop aims to show how to diversify business by developing and producing feature and series animation productions, for theatrical, broadcast and streaming release.
Producers will attend with animated features and series projects in early development,...
- 2/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
Rose Glass’s romantic thriller Loves Lives Bleeding is set to open the 20th edition of Glasgow Film Festival (Gff) on February 28.
The UK filmmaker’s follow-up to Saint Maud stars Kristen Stewart as a gym owner who falls for a bodybuilder with criminal connections. The A24 feature will receive its UK premiere at Glasgow following its debut at Sundance earlier this month.
John Archer’s documentary Janey, about Scottish stand-up comedian Janey Godley as she embarks on her final tour following a terminal cancer diagnosis, will close the festival on March 10.
Gff has secured eight world premieres (see below...
The UK filmmaker’s follow-up to Saint Maud stars Kristen Stewart as a gym owner who falls for a bodybuilder with criminal connections. The A24 feature will receive its UK premiere at Glasgow following its debut at Sundance earlier this month.
John Archer’s documentary Janey, about Scottish stand-up comedian Janey Godley as she embarks on her final tour following a terminal cancer diagnosis, will close the festival on March 10.
Gff has secured eight world premieres (see below...
- 1/24/2024
- ScreenDaily
The clue to unlocking the delicate dynamics of Singaporean writer-director Anthony Chen’s The Breaking Ice is in its very title. Certainly, the film is too eager to underline how its characters’ sexual and emotional entanglements are symbolic of water in its various forms. But, in the end, Chen’s portrayal of three repressed twentysomethings whose lives converge in the sleepy Chinese northern border town of Yanji is unpredictable for being less focused on the freedom of catharsis than on the messiness of self-actualization.
The Breaking Ice is fixated on intense in-between states that work to separate people from each other and from themselves, as if to say self-acceptance and love aren’t destinations so much as journeys, at once formidable and worthwhile. But the film is also about how some of the barriers that hold us back are unnatural, political, and classed. As Yanji is a working-class city near...
The Breaking Ice is fixated on intense in-between states that work to separate people from each other and from themselves, as if to say self-acceptance and love aren’t destinations so much as journeys, at once formidable and worthwhile. But the film is also about how some of the barriers that hold us back are unnatural, political, and classed. As Yanji is a working-class city near...
- 1/14/2024
- by Greg Nussen
- Slant Magazine
The trailer for Cynthia Erivo‘s new movie has been released.
The 36-year-old Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winner stars alongside Alia Shawkwat in the movie Drift directed by Anthony Chen. Along with starring in the movie, Cynthia also serves as a producer.
Based on the book A Marker To Measure Drift by Alexander Maksik, Drift follows Jacqueline (Erivo), a young refugee, who lands alone and penniless on a Greek island, where she tries first to survive and then to cope with her past. While gathering her strength, she begins a friendship with a rootless tour-guide (Shawkat) and together they find the resilience to forge ahead.
Keep reading to find out more…
The movie also stars Ibrahima Ba, Honor Swinton Byrne, Zainab Jah, Suzy Bemba, and Vincent Vermignon.
If you missed it, Cynthia also recently spilled some new details on filming the Wicked movies with Ariana Grande.
Drift hits select theaters...
The 36-year-old Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winner stars alongside Alia Shawkwat in the movie Drift directed by Anthony Chen. Along with starring in the movie, Cynthia also serves as a producer.
Based on the book A Marker To Measure Drift by Alexander Maksik, Drift follows Jacqueline (Erivo), a young refugee, who lands alone and penniless on a Greek island, where she tries first to survive and then to cope with her past. While gathering her strength, she begins a friendship with a rootless tour-guide (Shawkat) and together they find the resilience to forge ahead.
Keep reading to find out more…
The movie also stars Ibrahima Ba, Honor Swinton Byrne, Zainab Jah, Suzy Bemba, and Vincent Vermignon.
If you missed it, Cynthia also recently spilled some new details on filming the Wicked movies with Ariana Grande.
Drift hits select theaters...
- 12/30/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
European Film Promotion has revealed the 10 emerging actors who will take part in the 27th edition of European Shooting Stars program, which promotes European acting talent. Past Shooting Stars have included Carey Mulligan, Alicia Vikander, Maisie Williams and Riz Ahmed.
From Feb. 16-19, the actors will be presented to the international press and industry, and the German public at the Berlin Film Festival. One of the highlights will be the Shooting Stars Awards Ceremony on Feb. 19 at the Berlinale Palast.
The Shooting Stars for 2024 are Belgium’s Thibaud Dooms, Bulgaria’s Margarita Stoykova, France’s Suzy Bemba, Georgia’s Salome Demuria, Germany’s Katharina Stark, Ireland’s Éanna Hardwicke, Italy’s Valentina Bellè, Lithuania’s Džiugas Grinys, Poland’s Kamila Urzędowska and Sweden’s Asta Kamma August.
The jury that selected the actors comprised of Austrian director, screenwriter and producer Barbara Albert, Lithuanian producer Živilė Gallego, Irish actor Moe Dunford,...
From Feb. 16-19, the actors will be presented to the international press and industry, and the German public at the Berlin Film Festival. One of the highlights will be the Shooting Stars Awards Ceremony on Feb. 19 at the Berlinale Palast.
The Shooting Stars for 2024 are Belgium’s Thibaud Dooms, Bulgaria’s Margarita Stoykova, France’s Suzy Bemba, Georgia’s Salome Demuria, Germany’s Katharina Stark, Ireland’s Éanna Hardwicke, Italy’s Valentina Bellè, Lithuania’s Džiugas Grinys, Poland’s Kamila Urzędowska and Sweden’s Asta Kamma August.
The jury that selected the actors comprised of Austrian director, screenwriter and producer Barbara Albert, Lithuanian producer Živilė Gallego, Irish actor Moe Dunford,...
- 12/14/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
European Film Promotion has announced the 10 up-and-coming European acting talents for its 2024 European Shooting Stars list.
The actors, which include performers from this year’s award-season contenders Poor Things, Ferrari, and The Peasants, among others, will be lauded at the Berlin International Film Festival in February, next year.
The Shooting Stars class of 2024 includes:
Suzy Bemba (France) Suzy Bemba in ‘Homecoming’
French actress Suzy Bemba, who plays a Parisian sex worker who befriends Emma Stone’s character in Poor Things, and whose credits include standout roles in Anthony Chen’s Sundance film Drift and Catherine Corsini’s Homecoming.
Valentina Bellè (Italy) Valentina Bellè in ‘The Good Mothers’
Valentina Bellè from Italy, who plays Cecilia Manzini in Michael Mann’s Ferarri, won Italy’s Nastro D’Argento award for best supporting actress for her turn in Disney+ mafia drama The Good Mothers and has appeared in Disney+ series Genius: Picasso with...
The actors, which include performers from this year’s award-season contenders Poor Things, Ferrari, and The Peasants, among others, will be lauded at the Berlin International Film Festival in February, next year.
The Shooting Stars class of 2024 includes:
Suzy Bemba (France) Suzy Bemba in ‘Homecoming’
French actress Suzy Bemba, who plays a Parisian sex worker who befriends Emma Stone’s character in Poor Things, and whose credits include standout roles in Anthony Chen’s Sundance film Drift and Catherine Corsini’s Homecoming.
Valentina Bellè (Italy) Valentina Bellè in ‘The Good Mothers’
Valentina Bellè from Italy, who plays Cecilia Manzini in Michael Mann’s Ferarri, won Italy’s Nastro D’Argento award for best supporting actress for her turn in Disney+ mafia drama The Good Mothers and has appeared in Disney+ series Genius: Picasso with...
- 12/14/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
10-strong line-up includes Italian actress Valentina Bellè and Irish actor Éanna Hardwicke.
European Film Promotion (Efp) has revealed the ten young European talents selected for the 27th edition of European Shooting Stars, its initiative to showcase promising on-screen talent from the continent.
Efp has selected seven actresses and three actors who will be presented to international press, industry, and the public during the 2024 Berlin Film Festival.
The line-up includes Italian actress Valentina Bellè who starred in two competition films at Venice this year: Michael Mann’s Ferrari and Lubo by Giorgio Diritti. She also plays the leading role in Disney + series The Good Mother,...
European Film Promotion (Efp) has revealed the ten young European talents selected for the 27th edition of European Shooting Stars, its initiative to showcase promising on-screen talent from the continent.
Efp has selected seven actresses and three actors who will be presented to international press, industry, and the public during the 2024 Berlin Film Festival.
The line-up includes Italian actress Valentina Bellè who starred in two competition films at Venice this year: Michael Mann’s Ferrari and Lubo by Giorgio Diritti. She also plays the leading role in Disney + series The Good Mother,...
- 12/14/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Every year since its creation in 1956, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) invites the film industries of various countries to submit their best film for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. The category was previously called the Best Foreign Language Film, but this was changed in April 2019 to Best International Feature Film, after the Academy deemed the word “Foreign” to be outdated.
The award is presented annually by the Academy to a feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States that contains primarily non-English dialogue. For the 96th Academy Awards, the submitted motion pictures must be first released theatrically in their respective countries between December 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023. The deadline for submissions to the Academy was October 2, 2023, and 92 countries submitted a film. The 15-film shortlist will be announced on December 21, 2023, followed by the official nominations on January 23, 2024.
Here are this edition's Asian Submissions for Best International Feature Film.
The award is presented annually by the Academy to a feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States that contains primarily non-English dialogue. For the 96th Academy Awards, the submitted motion pictures must be first released theatrically in their respective countries between December 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023. The deadline for submissions to the Academy was October 2, 2023, and 92 countries submitted a film. The 15-film shortlist will be announced on December 21, 2023, followed by the official nominations on January 23, 2024.
Here are this edition's Asian Submissions for Best International Feature Film.
- 12/11/2023
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
One of the most popular events at the 34th Singapore International Film Festival (Sgiff) was a panorama event where six of the country’s leading indie film lights shared a panel to discuss opportunities and challenges.
Opportunities are plentiful, with the festival world embracing Singaporean films and filmmakers warmly. Hong Kong-based Anthony Chen has had a stellar year with his directorial efforts “Drift” and “The Breaking Ice” which premiered at Sundance and Cannes, respectively. The latter was selected as Singapore’s entry to the 2024 Oscars.
Among Chen’s fellow panelists, Jow Zhi Wei’s “Tomorrow is a Long Time” premiered at the Berlinale this year; Nicole Midori Woodford’s “Last Shadow at First Light” at San Sebastian; and Nelson Yeo’s “Dreaming & Dying” won two major awards at Locarno.
Also on the panel were Kelvin Tong and Chai Yee Wei whose “A Year of No Significance” and “Wonderland,” respectively,...
Opportunities are plentiful, with the festival world embracing Singaporean films and filmmakers warmly. Hong Kong-based Anthony Chen has had a stellar year with his directorial efforts “Drift” and “The Breaking Ice” which premiered at Sundance and Cannes, respectively. The latter was selected as Singapore’s entry to the 2024 Oscars.
Among Chen’s fellow panelists, Jow Zhi Wei’s “Tomorrow is a Long Time” premiered at the Berlinale this year; Nicole Midori Woodford’s “Last Shadow at First Light” at San Sebastian; and Nelson Yeo’s “Dreaming & Dying” won two major awards at Locarno.
Also on the panel were Kelvin Tong and Chai Yee Wei whose “A Year of No Significance” and “Wonderland,” respectively,...
- 12/10/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
“I’m really glad we got it made for Bill,” declares Cynthia Erivo about producing, starring in and writing an original song for the indie drama “Drift.” The late Bill Paxton was originally slated to direct, before he unexpectedly passed away in 2017. For our recent webchat she adds, “I think it’s a really wonderful thing that we were able to do something that was one of Bill’s last wishes. That’s a really special thing. I’m really proud of the fact that we put all the work we could possibly have put into this to have it be a real thing, to have it be real, to have it be realized, because it wasn’t easy. We worked really hard. I feel like it’s a really special piece.” Watch our exclusive video interview above.
See 2024 Oscars battle for Best Original Song
“Drift” is Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen‘s first English-language feature,...
See 2024 Oscars battle for Best Original Song
“Drift” is Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen‘s first English-language feature,...
- 11/30/2023
- by Rob Licuria
- Gold Derby
The 54th International Film Festival of India (Iffi), Goa, concluded on Tuesday with Hollywood veteran Michael Douglas accepting the Satyajit Ray lifetime achievement award for excellence in cinema.
Previous winners of the award include Martin Scorsese, Bernardo Bertolucci, Dilip Kumar, Carlos Saura, Krzysztof Zanussi and Wong Kar-wai.
“It’s a tremendous honor to receive this award, a career life achievement. When I heard about the award, my family and I were elated,” said Douglas, who was accompanied by wife Catherine Zeta Jones and their son Dylan Douglas. The two-time Oscar winning actor said that his favorite Indian films are “Rrr,” “Om Shanti Om” and “The Lunchbox.” The award was conferred during the festival’s closing ceremony by Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana and Pramod Sawant, chief minister of Goa.
At the festival’s international competition, the jury, presided over by veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, awarded best film to Abbas Amini’s Rotterdam-winning Iranian film “Endless Borders.
Previous winners of the award include Martin Scorsese, Bernardo Bertolucci, Dilip Kumar, Carlos Saura, Krzysztof Zanussi and Wong Kar-wai.
“It’s a tremendous honor to receive this award, a career life achievement. When I heard about the award, my family and I were elated,” said Douglas, who was accompanied by wife Catherine Zeta Jones and their son Dylan Douglas. The two-time Oscar winning actor said that his favorite Indian films are “Rrr,” “Om Shanti Om” and “The Lunchbox.” The award was conferred during the festival’s closing ceremony by Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana and Pramod Sawant, chief minister of Goa.
At the festival’s international competition, the jury, presided over by veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, awarded best film to Abbas Amini’s Rotterdam-winning Iranian film “Endless Borders.
- 11/29/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Iffi 2023: Endless Borders Wins Best Film, Panchayat Season 2 Awarded Best Web Series Honor! ( Photo Credit – IMDb )
The 54th edition of the acclaimed International Film Festival of India (Iffi) honored groundbreaking performances from the world of cinema and Ott during the closing ceremony on Tuesday (November 28). Abbas Amini’s Endless Borders bagged the Best Film honor, while Rishabh Shetty, who has swept the majority of awards this year for Kantara, took home the Special Jury Award for his film, which has now become a cultural phenomenon. Panchayat Season 2 was at the forefront of scripting history by winning the first-ever Best Web Series (Ott) Award. Hollywood legend Michael Douglas, meanwhile, received the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award.
Endless Borders Wins Best Film
The Persian film Endless Borders, directed by Abbas Amini, took home the award for Best Film at Iffi 2023. The film, follows an exiled Iranian teacher, Ahmad, living in...
The 54th edition of the acclaimed International Film Festival of India (Iffi) honored groundbreaking performances from the world of cinema and Ott during the closing ceremony on Tuesday (November 28). Abbas Amini’s Endless Borders bagged the Best Film honor, while Rishabh Shetty, who has swept the majority of awards this year for Kantara, took home the Special Jury Award for his film, which has now become a cultural phenomenon. Panchayat Season 2 was at the forefront of scripting history by winning the first-ever Best Web Series (Ott) Award. Hollywood legend Michael Douglas, meanwhile, received the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award.
Endless Borders Wins Best Film
The Persian film Endless Borders, directed by Abbas Amini, took home the award for Best Film at Iffi 2023. The film, follows an exiled Iranian teacher, Ahmad, living in...
- 11/28/2023
- by Shivani Negi
- KoiMoi
The second of the two movies Anthony Chen directed in 2023, “The Breaking Ice” has very little to do with the aesthetics of the ‘French' “Drift”, although elements of European cinema can also be found here. Also of note is the presence of Zhou Dongyu, probably the biggest star ever to appear in the director's filmography, while the film is the Singaporean entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.
“The Breaking Ice“ is screening at Thessaloniki International Film Festival
The story takes place in the frozen Yanji, a small Chinese town close to the North Korean border, where a large Korean community is also inhabiting. Nana, alienated from her family and scarred mentally and physically from an accident in the past, is currently working as a bus-tour guide, seemingly cheerful around her customers. One of the regular stops of her tour is at a local restaurant run by Xiao's family,...
“The Breaking Ice“ is screening at Thessaloniki International Film Festival
The story takes place in the frozen Yanji, a small Chinese town close to the North Korean border, where a large Korean community is also inhabiting. Nana, alienated from her family and scarred mentally and physically from an accident in the past, is currently working as a bus-tour guide, seemingly cheerful around her customers. One of the regular stops of her tour is at a local restaurant run by Xiao's family,...
- 11/13/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Anthony Chen had a very busy year in 2023, coming up with two films, “The Breaking Ice” and “Drift”, with the second one, which we will deal with in this article, being a rather unique experience for him, considering it was shot in Greece, France and Liberia and is his English-language debut.
“Drift“ is screening at Thessaloniki International Film Festival
With memories still fresh from a war that forced her to leave Liberia, Jacqueline is trying to survive in a Greek Island, with her circumstances, though, being similar to a stray dog, as a rather eloquent shot in the beginning of the movie highlights. She eats what she can find, occasionally just bags of sugar, is sleeping on the beach and is washing what she can of her clothes in the sea, while roaming around without any particular goal or hope. Flashbacks in her past portray a totally different life, of...
“Drift“ is screening at Thessaloniki International Film Festival
With memories still fresh from a war that forced her to leave Liberia, Jacqueline is trying to survive in a Greek Island, with her circumstances, though, being similar to a stray dog, as a rather eloquent shot in the beginning of the movie highlights. She eats what she can find, occasionally just bags of sugar, is sleeping on the beach and is washing what she can of her clothes in the sea, while roaming around without any particular goal or hope. Flashbacks in her past portray a totally different life, of...
- 11/11/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Sterling K. Brown and Talia Ryder will be honored with acting awards at the 46th Denver Film Festival this weekend.
Brown will receive the Excellence in Acting Award for his performance in Cord Jefferson’s satirical drama “American Fiction,” which opened the festival on Nov. 3. A second screening has been added for Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. Mst, where Brown — a three-time Emmy winner, who also starred in IFC’s “Biosphere” earlier this year — will participate in a conversation with writer, producer and podcast host Larry Wilmore.
Ryder will be on hand on Nov. 12 during the Denver Film Festival awards ceremony to accept the Rising Star Award for her role in Sean Prince Williams’ drama “The Sweet East,” which is a part of the festival’s official selection. She will also engage in a conversation after the screening of her film.
Brown and Ryder’s honors were added following the resolution...
Brown will receive the Excellence in Acting Award for his performance in Cord Jefferson’s satirical drama “American Fiction,” which opened the festival on Nov. 3. A second screening has been added for Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. Mst, where Brown — a three-time Emmy winner, who also starred in IFC’s “Biosphere” earlier this year — will participate in a conversation with writer, producer and podcast host Larry Wilmore.
Ryder will be on hand on Nov. 12 during the Denver Film Festival awards ceremony to accept the Rising Star Award for her role in Sean Prince Williams’ drama “The Sweet East,” which is a part of the festival’s official selection. She will also engage in a conversation after the screening of her film.
Brown and Ryder’s honors were added following the resolution...
- 11/10/2023
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
The Asian Film Awards Academy is proud to announce the launch of the International Film Camp (IFC), a groundbreaking initiative aims to nurtue and empower the next generation of Asian filmmakers. With patronages of Hong Kong Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and Instituto Cultural of Macau, and sponsored by Create Hong Kong, Film Development Fund and Sands China Ltd., the IFC will provide a unique platform for emerging filmmakers to interact with industry professionals, gain valuable insights into the creative and commercial aspects of cinema, and receive production funding and distribution opportunities through the Asian Film Awards Academy.
Press conference of the International Film Camp was held on 29 Sep 2023 in an unprecedented way simultaneously Hong Kong and Macau. The event was a great success thanks to the presence of our honourable guests, including Afaa Chairman Dr. Wilfred Wong, the Vice President of Macau Cultural Affairs Bureau Mr. Cheang Kai Meng,...
Press conference of the International Film Camp was held on 29 Sep 2023 in an unprecedented way simultaneously Hong Kong and Macau. The event was a great success thanks to the presence of our honourable guests, including Afaa Chairman Dr. Wilfred Wong, the Vice President of Macau Cultural Affairs Bureau Mr. Cheang Kai Meng,...
- 11/8/2023
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
Two Japanese films take top honours, while Korean films ’Past Lives’ and ’Riceboy Sleeps’ are also awarded.
Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days took the best film prize at the 16th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (Apsa) today (November 3), while Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Evil Does Not Exist won the jury grand prize.
The two Japanese films were honoured in a ceremony held for 250 people from 20 countries at the Home of the Arts on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Perfect Days, which debuted in competition at Cannes this year, is Japan’s submission to the 2024 Academy Awards. The film, about finding beauty in the everyday world around us,...
Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days took the best film prize at the 16th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (Apsa) today (November 3), while Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Evil Does Not Exist won the jury grand prize.
The two Japanese films were honoured in a ceremony held for 250 people from 20 countries at the Home of the Arts on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Perfect Days, which debuted in competition at Cannes this year, is Japan’s submission to the 2024 Academy Awards. The film, about finding beauty in the everyday world around us,...
- 11/3/2023
- by Sandy George
- ScreenDaily
"Where are their parents?" "They fled." Utopia has revealed the trailer for an indie drama titled Drift, the third feature film from acclaimed Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen, following his features Ilo Ilo and Wet Season previously. This premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year to some mixed and positive reviews. Jacqueline, a young refugee from Africa, lands alone and penniless on a Greek island, where she tries first to survive and then to cope with her past. While gathering her strength, she begins a friendship with a rootless tour-guide also working on the isalnd and together they find the resilience to forge ahead. "Jacqueline must face the ghosts that haunt her—or tip into full-blown madness." The very talented Cynthia Erivo stars as Jacqueline, with Alia Shawkat, Ibrahima Ba, Honor Swinton Byrne, Zainab Jah, and Vincent Vermignon. This trailer also features the song "It Would Be" written & sung by Cynthia Erivo & Laura Mvula.
- 10/25/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The creative team from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will soon be swinging into Colorado to accept an inaugural award at the Denver Film Festival.
The fest today announced a more complete lineup of events, screenings, honorees, special guests, podcasts and more for this year’s installment, scheduled for Nov. 3-12. Plucked to receive the inaugural Denver Film Festival 5280 Award will be the Spider-Verse team. The prize is designed to honor “exceptional cinematic work and collaboration to achieve new heights,” per officials. It will be presented to writers and producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, executive producer Bob Persichetti, producer Christina Steinberg and senior animation supervisor Humberto Rosa following a screening of the film on Nov. 7 at the AMC 9 + Co 10.
Anthony Chen, whose credits include Ilo Ilo, Wet Season and Ah ma, has been tapped to receive the Denver Film Festival Excellence in Directing Award following the screening of one of his new films,...
The fest today announced a more complete lineup of events, screenings, honorees, special guests, podcasts and more for this year’s installment, scheduled for Nov. 3-12. Plucked to receive the inaugural Denver Film Festival 5280 Award will be the Spider-Verse team. The prize is designed to honor “exceptional cinematic work and collaboration to achieve new heights,” per officials. It will be presented to writers and producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, executive producer Bob Persichetti, producer Christina Steinberg and senior animation supervisor Humberto Rosa following a screening of the film on Nov. 7 at the AMC 9 + Co 10.
Anthony Chen, whose credits include Ilo Ilo, Wet Season and Ah ma, has been tapped to receive the Denver Film Festival Excellence in Directing Award following the screening of one of his new films,...
- 10/25/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Accomplishing the rare feature of premiering two features this year, Anthony Chen’s Cynthia Erivo-led and -produced refugee drama Drift premiered at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, then a few months later he debuted The Breaking Ice at Cannes Film Festival. The former was picked up by Utopia and now ahead of a February 9 release, the first trailer and poster have arrived.
Here’s the synopsis: “Jacqueline (Two-Time Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo), a young refugee, lands alone and penniless on a Greek island, where she tries first to survive and then to cope with her past. While gathering her strength, she begins a friendship with a rootless tour-guide (Alia Shawkat) and together they find the resilience to forge ahead.”
Michael Frank said in his Sundance review, “Coming from a script by Susanne Farrell and Alexander Maksik, Drift rarely individualizes its main character, quietly watching her as she struggles to survive.
Here’s the synopsis: “Jacqueline (Two-Time Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo), a young refugee, lands alone and penniless on a Greek island, where she tries first to survive and then to cope with her past. While gathering her strength, she begins a friendship with a rootless tour-guide (Alia Shawkat) and together they find the resilience to forge ahead.”
Michael Frank said in his Sundance review, “Coming from a script by Susanne Farrell and Alexander Maksik, Drift rarely individualizes its main character, quietly watching her as she struggles to survive.
- 10/25/2023
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Starring Cynthia Erivo and Alia Shawkat, the upcoming indie drama, “Drift,” a film by filmmaker Anthony Chen (“Ilo Ilo“), from the producers of “Call Me By Your Name” and “Nomadland” opens in early 2024. Two-time Academy Award nominee Erivo stars as Jacqueline, a woman who escapes her war-torn country to a Greek island. There, she meets an unmoored tour guide and the two become close as they each find hope in the other.
Continue reading ‘Drift’ Trailer: Cynthia Erivo’s Acclaimed Sundance Film Opens In February 2024 at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Drift’ Trailer: Cynthia Erivo’s Acclaimed Sundance Film Opens In February 2024 at The Playlist.
- 10/25/2023
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Grammy, Emmy, and Tony award-winning triple threat talent Cynthia Erivo emotionally unzips herself for moving film “Drift,” the first project she has produced to be released.
The Oscar-nominated actress leads the independent film, which debuted at Sundance earlier this year. Based on Alexander Maksik’s 2013 novel “A Marker to Measure Drift,” the film follows a refugee who crosses paths with a lonesome tour guide in Greece.
The official synopsis reads: “Jacqueline (Erivo), a young refugee, lands alone and penniless on a Greek island, where she tries first to survive and then to cope with her past. While gathering her strength, she begins a friendship with rootless tour-guide Callie (Alia Shawkat) and together they find the resilience to forge ahead.”
Ibrahima Ba, Honor Swinton Byrne, Zainab Jah, Suzy Bemba, and Vincent Vermignon also star.
“Drift” is the English-language debut of Camera d’Or-winning director Anthony Chen (“Ilo Ilo”), who won the...
The Oscar-nominated actress leads the independent film, which debuted at Sundance earlier this year. Based on Alexander Maksik’s 2013 novel “A Marker to Measure Drift,” the film follows a refugee who crosses paths with a lonesome tour guide in Greece.
The official synopsis reads: “Jacqueline (Erivo), a young refugee, lands alone and penniless on a Greek island, where she tries first to survive and then to cope with her past. While gathering her strength, she begins a friendship with rootless tour-guide Callie (Alia Shawkat) and together they find the resilience to forge ahead.”
Ibrahima Ba, Honor Swinton Byrne, Zainab Jah, Suzy Bemba, and Vincent Vermignon also star.
“Drift” is the English-language debut of Camera d’Or-winning director Anthony Chen (“Ilo Ilo”), who won the...
- 10/25/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Margreth Olin’s “Songs of Earth,” Norway’s Oscar entry for the international feature film race, has been bought by Strand Releasing for North American distribution.
The documentary feature, which is executive produced by Wim Wenders and Liv Ullman, played at Toronto where it sold to key territories, and had its U.S. premiere at the Hamptons Film Festival. Strand Releasing is planning to debut the film early next year.
“We’re thrilled to represent this poetic and cinematic film and feel it will resonate with audiences in a meaningful way to address the global crisis,” said Jon Gerrans, Strand Releasing’s co-president.
“Songs of Earth” portrays the bond between the endangered Norwegian nature and Olin’s 85-year old father. The documentary shows how nature is threatened by climate change, while also depicting the passage of generations.
The film had its world premiere at the Copenhagen International Documentary Festival and...
The documentary feature, which is executive produced by Wim Wenders and Liv Ullman, played at Toronto where it sold to key territories, and had its U.S. premiere at the Hamptons Film Festival. Strand Releasing is planning to debut the film early next year.
“We’re thrilled to represent this poetic and cinematic film and feel it will resonate with audiences in a meaningful way to address the global crisis,” said Jon Gerrans, Strand Releasing’s co-president.
“Songs of Earth” portrays the bond between the endangered Norwegian nature and Olin’s 85-year old father. The documentary shows how nature is threatened by climate change, while also depicting the passage of generations.
The film had its world premiere at the Copenhagen International Documentary Festival and...
- 10/20/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Screen is profiling every submission for best international feature at the 96th Academy Awards.
Entries for the 2024 Oscar for best international feature are underway, and Screen is profiling each one on this page.
The 96th Academy Awards is set to take place on March 10, 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
An international feature film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (over 40 minutes) produced outside the US with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track and can include animated and documentary features.
Submitted films must have been released theatrically in their respective countries between December 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023. The deadline...
Entries for the 2024 Oscar for best international feature are underway, and Screen is profiling each one on this page.
The 96th Academy Awards is set to take place on March 10, 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
An international feature film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (over 40 minutes) produced outside the US with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track and can include animated and documentary features.
Submitted films must have been released theatrically in their respective countries between December 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023. The deadline...
- 10/5/2023
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Anthony Chen (“The Breaking Ice”) is attached to direct and Shinho Lee to write “Sunset Park” for Barunson C&c, a film and TV production subsidiary of Barunson E&a, the Korean company that produced Oscar-winning hit “Parasite.”
“Sunset Park” recounts a surprising journey in the U.S. made by a Korean father with his son’s room mate, after the man receives tragic news about his son. The project is being developed by Jane Hyojin Kwon (Lucky Jane Title) and Woo-sik Seo (Barunson C&c), with Chen’s production outlet Giraffe Pictures boarding as producing partner. New York-based Lee is the writer of Na Hong-jin’s breakout Korean actioner “The Chaser” as well as Wayne Wang’s drama film “While The Women Are Sleeping.”
The cross-cultural story is only one of several high-profile global projects that the company is launching in and around the Busan International Film Festival and on...
“Sunset Park” recounts a surprising journey in the U.S. made by a Korean father with his son’s room mate, after the man receives tragic news about his son. The project is being developed by Jane Hyojin Kwon (Lucky Jane Title) and Woo-sik Seo (Barunson C&c), with Chen’s production outlet Giraffe Pictures boarding as producing partner. New York-based Lee is the writer of Na Hong-jin’s breakout Korean actioner “The Chaser” as well as Wayne Wang’s drama film “While The Women Are Sleeping.”
The cross-cultural story is only one of several high-profile global projects that the company is launching in and around the Busan International Film Festival and on...
- 10/4/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Screen is profiling every submission for best international feature at the 96th Academy Awards.
Entries for the 2024 Oscar for best international feature are underway, and Screen is profiling each one on this page.
The 96th Academy Awards is set to take place on March 10, 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
An international feature film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (over 40 minutes) produced outside the US with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track and can include animated and documentary features.
Submitted films must have been released theatrically in their respective countries between December 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023. The deadline...
Entries for the 2024 Oscar for best international feature are underway, and Screen is profiling each one on this page.
The 96th Academy Awards is set to take place on March 10, 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
An international feature film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (over 40 minutes) produced outside the US with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track and can include animated and documentary features.
Submitted films must have been released theatrically in their respective countries between December 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023. The deadline...
- 10/2/2023
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Screen is profiling every submission for best international feature at the 96th Academy Awards.
Entries for the 2024 Oscar for best international feature are underway, and Screen is profiling each one on this page.
The 96th Academy Awards is set to take place on March 10, 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
An international feature film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (over 40 minutes) produced outside the US with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track and can include animated and documentary features.
Submitted films must have been released theatrically in their respective countries between December 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023. The deadline...
Entries for the 2024 Oscar for best international feature are underway, and Screen is profiling each one on this page.
The 96th Academy Awards is set to take place on March 10, 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
An international feature film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (over 40 minutes) produced outside the US with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track and can include animated and documentary features.
Submitted films must have been released theatrically in their respective countries between December 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023. The deadline...
- 9/29/2023
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Screen is profiling every submission for best international feature at the 96th Academy Awards.
Entries for the 2024 Oscar for best international feature are underway, and Screen is profiling each one on this page.
The 96th Academy Awards is set to take place on March 10, 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
An international feature film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (over 40 minutes) produced outside the US with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track and can include animated and documentary features.
Submitted films must have been released theatrically in their respective countries between December 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023. The deadline...
Entries for the 2024 Oscar for best international feature are underway, and Screen is profiling each one on this page.
The 96th Academy Awards is set to take place on March 10, 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
An international feature film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (over 40 minutes) produced outside the US with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track and can include animated and documentary features.
Submitted films must have been released theatrically in their respective countries between December 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023. The deadline...
- 9/29/2023
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
by Cláudio Alves
In narrative constructs, intense emotions, especially romantic ones, tend to be associated with high temperatures. It’s as if the feverous feeling escaped the body into the atmosphere. Or, maybe it’s the other way around, hearts and libidos inspired by the surrounding heat to burn hotter than ever. And yet, there’s something deceptively powerful about the flame of attraction sparking alive within the bitter cold. In those cases, one almost desires human connection as a physical need. The body calls for the warmth of another person. The mind yearns for companionship, a panacea to the frozen solitude of every day.
At this year’s TIFF, two films explore this dynamic, allowing the frigid climate to become as strong a force as human arrogance or the heart’s most ardent desires. In both examples, a love triangle emerges from the snow. They’re Nuri Bilge Ceylan...
In narrative constructs, intense emotions, especially romantic ones, tend to be associated with high temperatures. It’s as if the feverous feeling escaped the body into the atmosphere. Or, maybe it’s the other way around, hearts and libidos inspired by the surrounding heat to burn hotter than ever. And yet, there’s something deceptively powerful about the flame of attraction sparking alive within the bitter cold. In those cases, one almost desires human connection as a physical need. The body calls for the warmth of another person. The mind yearns for companionship, a panacea to the frozen solitude of every day.
At this year’s TIFF, two films explore this dynamic, allowing the frigid climate to become as strong a force as human arrogance or the heart’s most ardent desires. In both examples, a love triangle emerges from the snow. They’re Nuri Bilge Ceylan...
- 9/18/2023
- by Cláudio Alves
- FilmExperience
Depending on who you ask, the term “literary cinema” can have good or bad connotations. At worst it implies an over-reliance on handheld camera work, dull naturalism, and clumsy metaphors. While by no means a dreadful film, Anthony Chen’s The Breaking Ice certainly has those hang-ups in spades. In fact, I felt ready to deem it “Wistful Staring Set to Tinkly Music: The Movie.” Unfortunately, this all feels a bit like something that does more to give the appearance of a quiet, introspective character-driven drama without doing the hard work of giving its central three characters anything actually that interesting in terms of an arc or even melodramatic tension.
Our trinity, in the standstill many face during their 20s, are residents of the Chinese city of Yanji. Nana (Zhou Dongyo) puts on a happy face at her day job as a tourist guide for the city’s winter attractions,...
Our trinity, in the standstill many face during their 20s, are residents of the Chinese city of Yanji. Nana (Zhou Dongyo) puts on a happy face at her day job as a tourist guide for the city’s winter attractions,...
- 9/14/2023
- by Ethan Vestby
- The Film Stage
Memento International has acquired international sales rights to Nora El Hourch’s debut feature “Sisterhood” (“Hlm Pussy”) ahead of its world premiere at Toronto. The timely film will play in the competitive Platform section.
“Sisterhood” follows three inseparable teenagers who face a public outcry after posting a video that exposes someone who attacked them. Faced with threats, they must choose between deleting the video or continuing to fight.
“Sisterhood” boasts a cast of newcomers, including Léah Aubert, Médina Diarra and Salma Takaline, as well as Bérénice Bejo, the Cannes and Cesar award-winning of “The Past” and “The Artist.” Philippe Gompel is producing for Manny Films and La Prod in Morocco is co-producing. Paname Distribution will be handling French distribution.
“Nora El Hourch’s energetic debut feature boldly puts the spotlight on the way sexual harassment is dealt with in the French projects,” said Memento Intl. The company said “Sisterhood” deftly addresses social discrepancies.
“Sisterhood” follows three inseparable teenagers who face a public outcry after posting a video that exposes someone who attacked them. Faced with threats, they must choose between deleting the video or continuing to fight.
“Sisterhood” boasts a cast of newcomers, including Léah Aubert, Médina Diarra and Salma Takaline, as well as Bérénice Bejo, the Cannes and Cesar award-winning of “The Past” and “The Artist.” Philippe Gompel is producing for Manny Films and La Prod in Morocco is co-producing. Paname Distribution will be handling French distribution.
“Nora El Hourch’s energetic debut feature boldly puts the spotlight on the way sexual harassment is dealt with in the French projects,” said Memento Intl. The company said “Sisterhood” deftly addresses social discrepancies.
- 8/22/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
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