Shyam Benegal, a pivotal figure in Indian cinema known for his incisive and socially conscious storytelling, died on Monday in Mumbai following a chronic kidney ailment, his daughter confirmed to India Today. He was 90. His career, spanning over five decades, left an indelible mark on the film industry, blending art with activism and bridging […]

Sony Pictures has partnered with Studio CHIZU and Nippon TV to co-produce and co-finance “Scarlet,” the new animated feature from Academy Award-nominated Japanese director Mamoru Hosoda. The film will receive global distribution through Sony Pictures, with a U.S. theatrical release planned for winter 2025. Toho will handle Japanese theatrical distribution. The collaboration marks Sony Pictures’ […]

Local hit “The Firefighters” continued to lead the South Korean box office above a brace of Disney titles. In its third weekend, “The Firefighters” remained in the top spot with a $3.3 million gross, 510,975 admissions and a 35.4% market share, according to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council. The […]

Prime Video will debut the second season of hit Indian crime series “Paatal Lok” in January. The neo-noir drama, which explores India’s social hierarchies through a criminal justice lens, returns with lead actors Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh and Gul Panag, joined by new cast members Tillotama Shome, Nagesh Kukunoor and Jahnu Barua. The eight-episode season […]

Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” debuted in pole position at the mainland China box office ending the four-week reign of “Her Story” at the top. Data from consultancy firm Artisan Gateway showed “Mufasa: The Lion King” bowing with RMB56.1 million ($8 million). In second place, superstar Donnie Yen‘s Hong Kong action-drama “The Prosecutor” from Maoyan Pictures […]

Indian cinema star Tabu plays a pivotal role in the “Dune” universe in Max’s prequel series “Dune: Prophecy,” appearing as Sister Francesca in the final two episodes. Inspired by “Sisterhood of Dune” by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, the series is set 10,000 years before the events of “Dune” and follows two Harkonnen sisters […]

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 […]