One of the biggest underdogs of the Oscars international shortlist is a Thai feature debut, “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” which has been a huge box office across Asia but has, up until now, been mostly under the radar in the U.S. and Europe. Directed by Pat Boonnitipat, “How to Make Millions Before […]

Indian production house Maddock Films, led by Dinesh Vijan, has delivered a series of successful genre films in 2024, including the breakout horror-comedy “Munjya” and the franchise continuation “Stree 2.” The studio began the year with hit sci-fi rom-com “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya,” where Kriti Sanon plays SIFRA (Super Intelligent Female Robot Automation), […]

Zoe Saldana will receive the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation at the 45th London Critics’ Circle Film Awards. The “Emilia Perez” actor becomes the second recipient of the award, following Colman Domingo’s inaugural win last year. The recognition comes as Saldana also competes in the Supporting Actress of the Year category for Jacques Audiard’s musical […]

The Japan Foundation is bringing a thematic exploration of justice and morality to U.K. screens, featuring premieres of new Japanese releases alongside retrospective screenings. Titled “Am I Right? Justice, Justification and Judgement in Japanese Cinema,” the lineup includes “The Moon” (2023), directed by Yuya Ishii, which tackles institutional abuse through the story of a former […]

The supernatural mystery series “Light Shop” has become Disney+’s biggest Korean original premiere of 2024, according to data from its first 12 days of streaming. The show ranks as the second-largest Korean series debut ever on the platform globally, trailing only “Moving” – both series created by webtoon artist Kangfull. This success follows Disney+’s November […]

Media tech investment firm Stars Collective and visual effects powerhouse DNEG are joining forces to bring immersive theater experiences to the Chinese market. The partnership aims to develop, produce and operate virtual reality and immersive theater venues across China, with plans to expand into Southeast Asia and North America. DNEG, the seven-time Oscar-winning VFX house […]

The genre-blending anime series “Dan Da Dan” will return for its second season on Crunchyroll in July 2025, following Thursday’s Season 1 finale. Science SARU, the animation studio behind “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off,” unveiled a new key visual for the sophomore season that centers on the character Jiji under the watchful gaze of the mysterious […]

In a revealing interview with BBC News, Angelina Jolie opened up about how filming her Maria Callas biopic led to unprecedented emotional vulnerability with her children on set, particularly sons Maddox, 23, and Pax, 21, who served as production assistants. “They’ve seen me go through a lot of things, but they hadn’t experienced me expressing […]

Sean Baker’s “Anora” and Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” have topped the 45th London Critics’ Circle Film Awards nominations with seven nods each. Edward Berger’s “Conclave” and Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance” followed with six nominations each, while Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez” secured five nods. Mike Leigh’s “Hard Truths” and Rich Peppiatt’s “Kneecap” each received four nominations. […]

Global box office revenues are expected to rebound to $33 billion in 2025, marking an 8% increase from 2024’s estimated $30.5 billion take, according to Gower Street Analytics’ latest forecast. The North American market is set to generate approximately $9.7 billion, up 9% from 2024, while international territories (excluding China) are projected to deliver $16.8 […]

FESTIVAL FLOURISHES BookMyShow‘s Red Lorry Film Festival has landed two Academy Award-shortlisted films to anchor its sophomore edition, set for March 21-23, in Mumbai and Hyderabad. “Hollywoodgate,” from the producers of “Navalny,” shortlisted for documentary feature, offers an on-the-ground examination of Taliban-ruled Kabul. “Universal Language,” contending in the international feature category, presents an absurdist comedy-drama […]

Former tennis pro-turned-producer Ashok Amritraj is expanding his entertainment portfolio into sports, as his Hyde Park Entertainment Group and Terra Invest have acquired the Delhi franchise in the World Pickleball League (WPBL). The deal, executed through Smashers Sports, marks a strategic entry into India’s evolving sports entertainment landscape. Amritraj, whose Hollywood producing career has generated […]

Irish broadcaster RTÉ has tapped “Derry Girls” star Siobhán McSweeney to host its upcoming adaptation of “The Traitors,” set to premiere on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player in 2025. The psychological reality competition format, which has found popularity in territories including the U.K., U.S. and the Netherlands, will be produced by Kite Entertainment under license […]

Restaurant critic Grace Dent has been appointed as the new judge for “Celebrity MasterChef,” stepping into the role vacated by Gregg Wallace following his departure amid historical misconduct allegations. Dent, who has been a regular guest on the BBC cooking competition for over a decade, will join John Torode on the judging panel for the […]

Disney’s “Moana 2” stayed atop the U.K. and Ireland box office for the third consecutive weekend with £3.6 million ($4.5 million), bringing its cumulative total to £26.4 million ($33.5 million), according to numbers from Comscore. Universal’s “Wicked” continued to demonstrate staying power in second place, adding £3.4 million in its fourth week for a robust […]

The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) has unveiled the nominations for its 14th International Awards, with Michael Gracey’s Robbie Williams biopic “Better Man” securing six nods. The film earned nominations for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay, along with acting nominations for its cast. “The Brutalist” follows with five nominations, including […]

Netflix’s “Emily in Paris” is transforming into a live theatrical fashion experience, with Atomic Venus Media (AVM) and Paramount partnering to bring the series to more than 25 U.S. cities starting spring 2025. “Couture on Tour: An Emily in Paris Experience” will feature a theatrical fashion show inspired by the series’ costume designer Marylin Fitoussi, […]

Annapurna Studios’ upcoming Indian action drama “Dacoit” has cast Mrunal Thakur (“Sita Ramam”) as the female lead opposite Adivi Sesh (“Major”). The film, which marks the directorial debut of Shaneil Deo, follows an angry convict plotting revenge against his former girlfriend who betrayed him. The project, produced by Supriya Yarlagadda and co-produced by Suniel Narang, […]

Screen Australia’s latest Drama Report reveals a sharp 29% drop in total industry expenditure for 2023-24, with spending falling to AUD1.7 billion ($1.08 billion), notes Screen Producers Australia (SPA). The downturn spans multiple sectors, including a significant reduction in free-to-air drama and theatrical features. Investment in Australian titles decreased by 18%, dropping from AUD1.128 billion […]