Exclusive: Goodfellas has acquired world sales rights for Emilio Estevez’s The Way: Chapter 2, reuniting the actor-director with the cast members of his original 2010 hit, father Martin Sheen, Yorick Van Wageningen and James Nesbitt.
The sequel revisits protagonist Tom (Sheen) a decade after his first pilgrimage on Spain’s El Camino de Santiago in the footsteps of his deceased son Daniel (Estevez), as he reconnects with his walking companions Joost (van Wageningen) and Jack (Nisbitt).
Now embedded with Doctors Without Borders in northern Nigeria, performing surgery in a war zone, Tom is sent a copy of Jack’s bestselling book based on their shared experience, in which a disturbing secret is revealed.
Enraged, he leaves to search for Jack and find answers to questions that have haunted him for a decade. His journey reunites him with Joost and leads them through Amsterdam, Dublin, Brussels and France before returning to Spain and the Camino.
The sequel revisits protagonist Tom (Sheen) a decade after his first pilgrimage on Spain’s El Camino de Santiago in the footsteps of his deceased son Daniel (Estevez), as he reconnects with his walking companions Joost (van Wageningen) and Jack (Nisbitt).
Now embedded with Doctors Without Borders in northern Nigeria, performing surgery in a war zone, Tom is sent a copy of Jack’s bestselling book based on their shared experience, in which a disturbing secret is revealed.
Enraged, he leaves to search for Jack and find answers to questions that have haunted him for a decade. His journey reunites him with Joost and leads them through Amsterdam, Dublin, Brussels and France before returning to Spain and the Camino.
- 2/9/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Singaporean director Eric Khoo has unveiled fresh details on his new film Spirit World, which is currently shooting in Japan with Catherine Deneuve in the lead role, and also unveiled Goodfellas as the international sales agent.
Paris-based sales company Goodfellas will launch the film at the EFM. Arp Sélection has acquired French rights.
Deneuve plays legendary singer Claire who flies to Japan for a final sold-out concert, but as the show comes to an end so does her worldly life.
She then arrives in the spirit world where she embarks on a journey to find the humanity in the afterlife that eluded her on earth, guided by Yuzo, one of her biggest fans.
Deneuve is joined in the cast by Masaaki Sakai (best known to international audiences as the star of the 1970s hit show Monkey), Yutaka Takenouchi (Shin Godzilla) and Jun Fubuki.
Khoo, whose recent credits include the HBO Asia Original horror Folklore,...
Paris-based sales company Goodfellas will launch the film at the EFM. Arp Sélection has acquired French rights.
Deneuve plays legendary singer Claire who flies to Japan for a final sold-out concert, but as the show comes to an end so does her worldly life.
She then arrives in the spirit world where she embarks on a journey to find the humanity in the afterlife that eluded her on earth, guided by Yuzo, one of her biggest fans.
Deneuve is joined in the cast by Masaaki Sakai (best known to international audiences as the star of the 1970s hit show Monkey), Yutaka Takenouchi (Shin Godzilla) and Jun Fubuki.
Khoo, whose recent credits include the HBO Asia Original horror Folklore,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
On the heels of a certain Paper of Record’s basically inscrutable insistence that January is actually a good month, it is perhaps tempting to double-down on despair through such a gray (and increasingly soaked) period. Take some small hearth of solace at a slate of moving-image projects being worked into the world. Additional details are scarce but: Production Weekly confirms that Jordan Peele’s next film, recently delayed from its Christmas Day 2024 slot, will begin shooting this summer while Medien Brandenburg-Berlin lists Wes Anderson’s next film––The Phoenician Scheme––as “the story of a family and a family business.” Shooting for Anderson’s film, set to star Michael Cera, Benicio Del Toro, and the recently announced Bill Murray, is slated to begin this April, so expect a 2025 release.
More concrete confirmation comes straight from the filmmaker’s mouth, as Jonathan Glazer tells the Los Angeles Times that his...
More concrete confirmation comes straight from the filmmaker’s mouth, as Jonathan Glazer tells the Los Angeles Times that his...
- 1/11/2024
- by Frank Falisi
- The Film Stage
French cinema icon Catherine Deneuve has begun filming in Japan of “Spirit World,” a fantasy-drama film directed by Singapore’s Eric Khoo.
Deneuve portrays a singer who dies suddenly while on tour in Japan. But her spirit lives on and she embarks on a journey to find humanity in the after-world.
The project was revealed by the city government of Takasaki, an ancient town on Honshu Island between Tokyo and Kyoto, where production began over the weekend. Work is expected to continue for 10 days, before moving to other locations.
“I’m happy that a movie starring Deneuve is filmed in Takasaki. I’d like to cooperate in the filming,” said city mayor, Tomioka Kenji.
The film is understood to be based on an original screenplay. It is structured as a three-way production involving companies from Singapore, Japan and France and with financial support from authorities in Singapore. The producers are...
Deneuve portrays a singer who dies suddenly while on tour in Japan. But her spirit lives on and she embarks on a journey to find humanity in the after-world.
The project was revealed by the city government of Takasaki, an ancient town on Honshu Island between Tokyo and Kyoto, where production began over the weekend. Work is expected to continue for 10 days, before moving to other locations.
“I’m happy that a movie starring Deneuve is filmed in Takasaki. I’d like to cooperate in the filming,” said city mayor, Tomioka Kenji.
The film is understood to be based on an original screenplay. It is structured as a three-way production involving companies from Singapore, Japan and France and with financial support from authorities in Singapore. The producers are...
- 1/10/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Singaporean writer-director Nicole Midori Woodford is on a roll with her debut feature, Last Shadow At First Light, which premiered in New Directors at San Sebastian film festival and has two nominations at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSAs) for best screenplay and best performance (Mihaya Shirata).
Filmed in Singapore and Japan, the film follows a Singaporean teenage girl with a special connection to the spiritual world who goes on a road trip to uncover the mystery of her Japanese mother’s supposed death. She has been told her mother died by suicide during the recovery effort following the Japan 2011 earthquake and tsunami that killed her maternal grandparents. But she doesn’t believe this to be true.
Meeting up with an uncle in Tokyo, they travel together to a town that was swept away by the tsunami although her uncle is more interested in the local pachinko parlour than helping with the quest.
Filmed in Singapore and Japan, the film follows a Singaporean teenage girl with a special connection to the spiritual world who goes on a road trip to uncover the mystery of her Japanese mother’s supposed death. She has been told her mother died by suicide during the recovery effort following the Japan 2011 earthquake and tsunami that killed her maternal grandparents. But she doesn’t believe this to be true.
Meeting up with an uncle in Tokyo, they travel together to a town that was swept away by the tsunami although her uncle is more interested in the local pachinko parlour than helping with the quest.
- 11/2/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
No medium understands the terrifying potential of TV quite like film does. That’s right: countless horror movies have paid homage to the spooky possibilities of their industry’s smaller screen little brother over the years. Movies like Poltergeist, Halloween III: Season of the Witch, and The Ring all recognize that a television set is a powerful, scary totem.
A TV set is a device that families have placed in their living rooms for decades, passively welcoming in all manner of signals, blithely trusting that evil somehow won’t piggyback its way on them. Still, for much of television’s early years, there wasn’t a ton of great horror series to speak of (aside from the truly iconic like The Twilight Zone). That has all changed now.
With the arrival of the 21st century has come a veritable explosion of great horror TV shows. Thanks to the influence of...
A TV set is a device that families have placed in their living rooms for decades, passively welcoming in all manner of signals, blithely trusting that evil somehow won’t piggyback its way on them. Still, for much of television’s early years, there wasn’t a ton of great horror series to speak of (aside from the truly iconic like The Twilight Zone). That has all changed now.
With the arrival of the 21st century has come a veritable explosion of great horror TV shows. Thanks to the influence of...
- 10/30/2023
- by Maznah Shehzad
- Den of Geek
A first trailer has been unveiled for Nicole Midori Woodford’s feature debut “Last Shadow at First Light,” which world premieres at the New Directors strand of the San Sebastian Film Festival.
The film is in competition for the New Directors Award. Starring acclaimed Japanese actor Nagase Masatoshi (“Sweet Bean”) and newcomer Shirata Mihaya, the film follows a teenage girl (Shirata) with a special ability to communicate with the spiritual world as she goes on a road trip from Singapore to Japan. On arrival, she is chaperoned by a cynical uncle (Nagase) to uncover the mystery of her strange dreams and her mother’s disappearance years ago. Tsutsui Mariko, Peter Yu (“A Land Imagined”) feature in supporting roles.
The feature is presented by Jeremy Chua’s Potocol (Singapore), Shozo Ichiyama’s Fourier Films (Japan), Studio Virc (Slovenia) and Happy Infinite Productions (Philippines), executive produced by Jermyn Wong and Sally Ng...
The film is in competition for the New Directors Award. Starring acclaimed Japanese actor Nagase Masatoshi (“Sweet Bean”) and newcomer Shirata Mihaya, the film follows a teenage girl (Shirata) with a special ability to communicate with the spiritual world as she goes on a road trip from Singapore to Japan. On arrival, she is chaperoned by a cynical uncle (Nagase) to uncover the mystery of her strange dreams and her mother’s disappearance years ago. Tsutsui Mariko, Peter Yu (“A Land Imagined”) feature in supporting roles.
The feature is presented by Jeremy Chua’s Potocol (Singapore), Shozo Ichiyama’s Fourier Films (Japan), Studio Virc (Slovenia) and Happy Infinite Productions (Philippines), executive produced by Jermyn Wong and Sally Ng...
- 9/23/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran and Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Dean Fujioka (“Fullmetal Alchemist”) and Callum Woodhouse (“All Creatures Great and Small”) have been set to lead the cast of creature feature Orang Ikan, Variety reports.
The film is set during World War II. The creature? A human-fish hybrid!
Variety details, “Set in the Pacific, 1942, a Japanese ship transports prisoners of war to occupied territories as slave labor. After being torpedoed by allied submarines, a Japanese soldier and a British Pow are stranded on a deserted island, but soon discover they are not alone.
“They are being hunted by a ferocious mythological creature, the Orang Ikan, a human-fish hybrid. Unable to communicate in each other’s language, the two mortal enemies must come together to survive the unknown.”
Mike Wiluan wrote the script and will be directing.
Producer Eric Khoo tells Variety, “I grew up on a steady diet of horror movies which ranged from the supernatural to monster flicks.
The film is set during World War II. The creature? A human-fish hybrid!
Variety details, “Set in the Pacific, 1942, a Japanese ship transports prisoners of war to occupied territories as slave labor. After being torpedoed by allied submarines, a Japanese soldier and a British Pow are stranded on a deserted island, but soon discover they are not alone.
“They are being hunted by a ferocious mythological creature, the Orang Ikan, a human-fish hybrid. Unable to communicate in each other’s language, the two mortal enemies must come together to survive the unknown.”
Mike Wiluan wrote the script and will be directing.
Producer Eric Khoo tells Variety, “I grew up on a steady diet of horror movies which ranged from the supernatural to monster flicks.
- 9/21/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Japan’s Dean Fujioka and the U.K.’s Callum Woodhouse are set to star in “Orang Ikan,” a WWII-set creature horror film. The picture is scripted by Singapore and Indonesia-based Mike Wiluan who will also direct the picture from next month.
International rights to “Orang Ikan” have been picked up by London-based Sc Films International, which will give the project its sales launch at the Busan festival and accompanying market next month.
Set in the Pacific, 1942, a Japanese ship transports prisoners of war to occupied territories as slave labor. After being torpedoed by allied submarines, a Japanese soldier and a British Pow are stranded on a deserted island, but soon discover they are not alone. They are being hunted by a ferocious mythological creature, the Orang Ikan, a human-fish hybrid. Unable to communicate in each other’s language, the two mortal enemies must come together to survive the unknown.
International rights to “Orang Ikan” have been picked up by London-based Sc Films International, which will give the project its sales launch at the Busan festival and accompanying market next month.
Set in the Pacific, 1942, a Japanese ship transports prisoners of war to occupied territories as slave labor. After being torpedoed by allied submarines, a Japanese soldier and a British Pow are stranded on a deserted island, but soon discover they are not alone. They are being hunted by a ferocious mythological creature, the Orang Ikan, a human-fish hybrid. Unable to communicate in each other’s language, the two mortal enemies must come together to survive the unknown.
- 9/19/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Takumi Saitoh is best known as an in-demand actor with an enormous list of credits, but he has also established himself as a filmmaker and photographer. After modeling in Japan and overseas in his teens, he made his acting debut in 2001, and has appeared in such heralded films as Takashi Miike's For Love's Sake (2012) Junji Sakamoto's The Projects (2015), Eric Khoo's Ramen Teh (2018), Last of the Wolves (Nyaff 2021), Shin Ultraman and The Legend and Butterfly (2023), among many others. Saitoh has been directing short films for several decades, and made his feature debut with blank 13 (2018), which won awards at film festivals in Japan and abroad, followed by the omnibus Zokki (Nyaff 2020). Home Sweet Home marks his third feature as director.
On the occasion of his film “Home Sweet Home” screening at New York Asian Film Festival, we speak with him about transitioning from actor to director, the filmmakers...
On the occasion of his film “Home Sweet Home” screening at New York Asian Film Festival, we speak with him about transitioning from actor to director, the filmmakers...
- 8/4/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
The 6th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) held a press conference today to unveil the complete lineup of programmes for its upcoming edition, featuring 42 films from 15 countries. The festival also announced the distinguished presence of acclaimed filmmaker Johnnie To as the Jury President of the competition section. In addition, MIFFest bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award on renowned actress Sylvia Chang for her exceptional contributions to the world of cinema. The event also revealed the top 10 finalists and nominations for the BMW Shorties 2023.
Over 300 record-breaking submissions were received for the 6th MIFFest
With over 300 record-breaking submissions received for the 6th MIFFest, the festival continues to attract talented filmmakers from around the world. The high number of submissions is a testament to MIFFest's growing prominence and its commitment to recognising outstanding talents in the film industry.
“This year, we had the pleasure of receiving and watching over 300 films. This is an impressive...
Over 300 record-breaking submissions were received for the 6th MIFFest
With over 300 record-breaking submissions received for the 6th MIFFest, the festival continues to attract talented filmmakers from around the world. The high number of submissions is a testament to MIFFest's growing prominence and its commitment to recognising outstanding talents in the film industry.
“This year, we had the pleasure of receiving and watching over 300 films. This is an impressive...
- 6/16/2023
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
MIFFest to open with the world premiere of ‘Eraser’.
Acclaimed Hong Kong filmmaker Johnnie To has been named jury president of the 6th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest), which will also honour Taiwanese actress Sylvia Chang with a lifetime achievement award.
To will chair the festival’s competition jury, which also includes Vietnamese actress Truong Ngoc Anh, Japanese filmmaker Ryuichi Hiroki, Malaysian star Zizan Razak and Singaporean director Eric Khoo. To is a leading director of films such as Breaking News, Election, Exiled, Mad Detective and Drug War, and sat on the Berlinale international competition jury earlier this year.
MIFFest...
Acclaimed Hong Kong filmmaker Johnnie To has been named jury president of the 6th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest), which will also honour Taiwanese actress Sylvia Chang with a lifetime achievement award.
To will chair the festival’s competition jury, which also includes Vietnamese actress Truong Ngoc Anh, Japanese filmmaker Ryuichi Hiroki, Malaysian star Zizan Razak and Singaporean director Eric Khoo. To is a leading director of films such as Breaking News, Election, Exiled, Mad Detective and Drug War, and sat on the Berlinale international competition jury earlier this year.
MIFFest...
- 6/15/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
MIFFest to open with the world premiere of ‘Eraser’.
Acclaimed Hong Kong filmmaker Johnnie To has been named jury president of the 6th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest), which will also honour Taiwanese actress Sylvia Chang with a lifetime achievement award.
To will chair the festival’s competition jury, which also includes Vietnamese actress Truong Ngoc Anh, Japanese filmmaker Ryuichi Hiroki, Malaysian star Zizan Razak and Singaporean director Eric Khoo. To is a leading director of films such as Breaking News, Election, Exiled, Mad Detective and Drug War, and sat on the Berlinale international competition jury earlier this year.
MIFFest...
Acclaimed Hong Kong filmmaker Johnnie To has been named jury president of the 6th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest), which will also honour Taiwanese actress Sylvia Chang with a lifetime achievement award.
To will chair the festival’s competition jury, which also includes Vietnamese actress Truong Ngoc Anh, Japanese filmmaker Ryuichi Hiroki, Malaysian star Zizan Razak and Singaporean director Eric Khoo. To is a leading director of films such as Breaking News, Election, Exiled, Mad Detective and Drug War, and sat on the Berlinale international competition jury earlier this year.
MIFFest...
- 6/15/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Malaysian Mission
Hong Kong icon Johnnie To will head the jury of the sixth edition of the Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) next month. Other jurors include: Truong Ngoc Anh from Vietnam, Ryuichi Hiroki from Japan, Zizan Razak from Malaysia, and Eric Khoo from Singapore.
The event will open with the world premiere of “Eraser,” directed by Mark Lee See Teck. The Malaysian film features the final on-screen appearance of the late Adibah Noor, a beloved Malaysian gem known for her timeless charisma. MIFFest will play “See You at the Rally,” directed by Taiwanese filmmaker Kanny Chang as its closing title. The festival is set to take place at Lalaport Bbcc from July 23-29 and will play a total of 42 films from 15 countries.
The festival is building its impact through a series of collaborations with other events. It will screen a selection of genre titles from this month’s Bucheon...
Hong Kong icon Johnnie To will head the jury of the sixth edition of the Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) next month. Other jurors include: Truong Ngoc Anh from Vietnam, Ryuichi Hiroki from Japan, Zizan Razak from Malaysia, and Eric Khoo from Singapore.
The event will open with the world premiere of “Eraser,” directed by Mark Lee See Teck. The Malaysian film features the final on-screen appearance of the late Adibah Noor, a beloved Malaysian gem known for her timeless charisma. MIFFest will play “See You at the Rally,” directed by Taiwanese filmmaker Kanny Chang as its closing title. The festival is set to take place at Lalaport Bbcc from July 23-29 and will play a total of 42 films from 15 countries.
The festival is building its impact through a series of collaborations with other events. It will screen a selection of genre titles from this month’s Bucheon...
- 6/15/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
In “Mee Pok Man” director Eric Khoo reminds us vividly that love is often inscrutable and hard to get. The 1995 debut film of the Singaporean director was torn apart by critics on its release. Nowadays more and more scholars tend to discover its importance for Singapore’s cinematic history. Enough reasons to take a closer look and to find out how good, or bad, “Mee Pok Man” really is.
“Jiseok” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
The story takes place in mid-90s Singapore. A city firmly in the hands of consumerism. Dreaming of a life in luxury, Bunny sells her body on the street. During breaks, she and her friends go to a stall, where Johnny serves them fish noodles every night. Johnny is a loner with no friends, who inherited the business from his father. He is secretly in love with Bunny. As...
“Jiseok” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
The story takes place in mid-90s Singapore. A city firmly in the hands of consumerism. Dreaming of a life in luxury, Bunny sells her body on the street. During breaks, she and her friends go to a stall, where Johnny serves them fish noodles every night. Johnny is a loner with no friends, who inherited the business from his father. He is secretly in love with Bunny. As...
- 3/6/2023
- by Alexander Knoth
- AsianMoviePulse
The first film from Singapore to screen at Cannes and mentioned by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as “widely regarded to have contributed to the revitalisation of local cinema”, “12 Storeys” is a great sample of Eric Khoo’s cinema.
“Jiseok” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
The script begins with the suicide of a young man who jumps from the 12th floor of his block of flats, and then introduces the three arcs that form the basis of the narrative, all revolving around inhabitants of the same building. The minor one focuses on San-san, an obese woman who lives alone, with her only social interaction being the constant nagging of her elderly mother, and also considers suicide. The second and most funny one deals with middle-aged Ah Gu, who has troubles with his Chinese bride, Lily, who does not hesitate to stress...
“Jiseok” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
The script begins with the suicide of a young man who jumps from the 12th floor of his block of flats, and then introduces the three arcs that form the basis of the narrative, all revolving around inhabitants of the same building. The minor one focuses on San-san, an obese woman who lives alone, with her only social interaction being the constant nagging of her elderly mother, and also considers suicide. The second and most funny one deals with middle-aged Ah Gu, who has troubles with his Chinese bride, Lily, who does not hesitate to stress...
- 3/5/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
The first film from Singapore to screen at Cannes and mentioned by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as “widely regarded to have contributed to the revitalisation of local cinema”, “12 Storeys” is a great sample of Eric Khoo’s cinema.
“12 Storeys” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
The script begins with the suicide of a young man who jumps from the 12th floor of his block of flats, and then introduces the three arcs that form the basis of the narrative, all revolving around inhabitants of the same building. The minor one focuses on San-san, an obese woman who lives alone, with her only social interaction being the constant nagging of her elderly mother, and also considers suicide. The second and most funny one deals with middle-aged Ah Gu, who has troubles with his Chinese bride, Lily, who does not hesitate to stress...
“12 Storeys” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
The script begins with the suicide of a young man who jumps from the 12th floor of his block of flats, and then introduces the three arcs that form the basis of the narrative, all revolving around inhabitants of the same building. The minor one focuses on San-san, an obese woman who lives alone, with her only social interaction being the constant nagging of her elderly mother, and also considers suicide. The second and most funny one deals with middle-aged Ah Gu, who has troubles with his Chinese bride, Lily, who does not hesitate to stress...
- 3/5/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
“My Magic” remains the only movie from Singapore to be nominated for the Palme D’Or, while it was also selected as Singapore’s official entry for the Oscars in 2009. Khoo cast Tamil actors, a minority in Singapore, in a rarity for local cinema, while Francis Bosco, the protagonist, is a real life magician. Lastly, the film was shot in just 9 days, and most of Bosco’s stunts were done in one take, since Khoo was afraid he would be injured, while the music of the film is courtesy of Khoo’s then 10-year-old son, Christopher.
“Jiseok” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
The story revolves around Francis, a former magician whose wife has abandoned, leaving him to take care of their now 10-year-old son on his own. However, Francis is a raging alcoholic and does anything but care for his son,...
“Jiseok” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
The story revolves around Francis, a former magician whose wife has abandoned, leaving him to take care of their now 10-year-old son on his own. However, Francis is a raging alcoholic and does anything but care for his son,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Allow me to start with a personal note. If you are not interested, feel free to skip this paragraph. “Be With Me” is the very first of Eric Khoo’s films I have seen. It was at the Bratislava International Film Festival in 2005. And the film somehow stuck in my head. To be honest, I didn’t remember any particular detail; just that I walked out of the cinema and I was in love. Little did I care about the fact that “Be With Me” premiered in the esteemed Director’s Fortnight section of Festival de Cannes 2005.
“Be With Me” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
“Be With Me” was inspired and based on the life of Theresa Chan (herself), blind and deaf teacher whose life is an embodiment of the saying “against all odds”. Hers is but only one of the three stories titled Meant to Be,...
“Be With Me” is screening at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
“Be With Me” was inspired and based on the life of Theresa Chan (herself), blind and deaf teacher whose life is an embodiment of the saying “against all odds”. Hers is but only one of the three stories titled Meant to Be,...
- 3/1/2023
- by Anomalilly
- AsianMoviePulse
In selection, at the 29th Festival International des Cinémas d’Asie de Vesoul, 85 films including 38 new ones, from 31 countries.
The president of the Jury will be Mr Lee Yong-kwan (Korea), president of the prestigious Busan festival, the Cannes of Asia.
A tribute will be paid to the Turkish director Semih Kaplanoglu, in his presence. The entirety of his work will be presented, from his first film Away From Home, in competition at Vesoul 2002, to his latest opus Hasan’s Promises, Cannes 2021, including Honey, Golden Bear Berlin 2010.
20 films in competition, in French, European, international or world premiere, will be judged by 7 juries. The competitive sections are composed of films from rare cinematographies, and films from major cinematographies.
Replay of award-winning films at the Guimet Museum of Asian Arts in Paris on April 21, 22 and 23, 2023 and at the Inalco (Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales).
To celebrate the 75th anniversary...
The president of the Jury will be Mr Lee Yong-kwan (Korea), president of the prestigious Busan festival, the Cannes of Asia.
A tribute will be paid to the Turkish director Semih Kaplanoglu, in his presence. The entirety of his work will be presented, from his first film Away From Home, in competition at Vesoul 2002, to his latest opus Hasan’s Promises, Cannes 2021, including Honey, Golden Bear Berlin 2010.
20 films in competition, in French, European, international or world premiere, will be judged by 7 juries. The competitive sections are composed of films from rare cinematographies, and films from major cinematographies.
Replay of award-winning films at the Guimet Museum of Asian Arts in Paris on April 21, 22 and 23, 2023 and at the Inalco (Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales).
To celebrate the 75th anniversary...
- 2/13/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Lim Teck and Jack Neo to serve as co-CEOs.
Leading Singapore firms Clover Films and J Team Productions have joined forces to set up new venture HiJack Pictures and produce Chinese-language projects in Singapore and the region.
Lim Teck of distributor Clover Films and director-producer Jack Neo of J Team Productions will serve as co-CEOs of the new 50:50 Singapore-based joint venture, which will produce three to five films a year.
“In combining our expertise in production, marketing and distribution, we are confident that this synergy will create something much greater than the sum of its parts,” said Lim. He...
Leading Singapore firms Clover Films and J Team Productions have joined forces to set up new venture HiJack Pictures and produce Chinese-language projects in Singapore and the region.
Lim Teck of distributor Clover Films and director-producer Jack Neo of J Team Productions will serve as co-CEOs of the new 50:50 Singapore-based joint venture, which will produce three to five films a year.
“In combining our expertise in production, marketing and distribution, we are confident that this synergy will create something much greater than the sum of its parts,” said Lim. He...
- 11/22/2022
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
The West has a tendency to lump horror from East and Southeast Asia into one basic but limiting category. Because of this, someone might write off an entire continent’s contributions to the genre based solely on a few popular movies with similar plots and executions. However, Eric Khoo’s series Folklore highlights — not to mention celebrates — the differences that make each episode’s depicted culture so unique. That’s not to say there isn’t an overall theme here. This anthology show emphasizes a commonality among its stories; every tale of terror draws from the supernatural. More specifically, each self-contained episode is based on a local custom, myth or superstition. And as the second season demonstrates with both flair and potency, defying the past and ignoring tradition has serious consequences.
Like other anthology series, there is no specific order when watching the episodes. Skipping around is surely an option,...
Like other anthology series, there is no specific order when watching the episodes. Skipping around is surely an option,...
- 10/7/2022
- by Paul Lê
- bloody-disgusting.com
Executive producer and creator Eric Khoo has announced that they just finished shooting a romance / fantasy miniseries of 5 episodes x 45-50 minutes, titled “Hungry Souls: From Hell, With Love”. Directed by Meng Ong and Caleb Huang, the series is produced by Zhao Wei Films Pte Ltd (the company founded in 1995 by pioneer Singaporean filmmaker Eric Khoo) for Cj Enm Hk.
Synopsis:
Set during the annual Hungry Ghost Festival, Hungry Souls: From Hell, with Love tells the tale of Bao, a catering chef with the ability to see spirits. Having been traumatised by hungry souls as a child, Bao has learnt to avoid ghosts or risk being besieged by their endless requests or menacing threats.
During this year’s festival, Bao finds himself followed by the enigmatic and beautiful female spirit, Soo Lian. Having been a lost spirit for nearly 50 years, she has no recollections of her living memories or her untimely death.
Synopsis:
Set during the annual Hungry Ghost Festival, Hungry Souls: From Hell, with Love tells the tale of Bao, a catering chef with the ability to see spirits. Having been traumatised by hungry souls as a child, Bao has learnt to avoid ghosts or risk being besieged by their endless requests or menacing threats.
During this year’s festival, Bao finds himself followed by the enigmatic and beautiful female spirit, Soo Lian. Having been a lost spirit for nearly 50 years, she has no recollections of her living memories or her untimely death.
- 5/26/2022
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Continuing in the style of Eric Khoo’s project “Folklore” where horror was combined with intense social commentary, Erik Matti presents his own omnibus, inspired by the hardships the whole world, but particularly the Philippines experienced during the pandemic, through four stories.
“Rabid” is screening at Udine Far East Film Festival
The first and longest segment is titled “Bad Luck is a B*tch” and focuses on a bourgeois family of three, who end up hiring an unknown middle-aged, deaf-mute woman as their maid, after the mother of the family feels sorry for her. Despite the caution the daughter asks her parents to exercise, the two of them are happy with the cooking of the newcomer, and do not pay much caution to her. When the daughter witnesses the “deaf-mute” performing a ritual naked in their living room, the father decides to kick her out but comes across a witch...
“Rabid” is screening at Udine Far East Film Festival
The first and longest segment is titled “Bad Luck is a B*tch” and focuses on a bourgeois family of three, who end up hiring an unknown middle-aged, deaf-mute woman as their maid, after the mother of the family feels sorry for her. Despite the caution the daughter asks her parents to exercise, the two of them are happy with the cooking of the newcomer, and do not pay much caution to her. When the daughter witnesses the “deaf-mute” performing a ritual naked in their living room, the father decides to kick her out but comes across a witch...
- 4/27/2022
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
By Leon Overee
The movie industry in Singapore had its humble beginnings in the 1950s with the huge influx of Malay and Chinese language features that were promoted by showbiz giants Cathay Organization and Shaw Brothers. This golden era went through a decline in the 1960s, with the import of American blockbusters and the advent of television. It was not after a few lengthy decades before the booming industry got back on its feet.
Fast-forward to the reckless 1990s hippy-era, and we saw trailblazing innovators like Eric Khoo, Jack Neo, and Royston Tan initiate a shift in the cinematic appetite of the nation. These pioneers blended the isms of everyday life with “Singlish” (English-based creole language) banter so loved by people from the region, to create unique patchworks in the fabric of Asian filmmaking.
The world finally had a chance to witness what is truly at the heart of Southeast Asia’s Little Red Dot.
The movie industry in Singapore had its humble beginnings in the 1950s with the huge influx of Malay and Chinese language features that were promoted by showbiz giants Cathay Organization and Shaw Brothers. This golden era went through a decline in the 1960s, with the import of American blockbusters and the advent of television. It was not after a few lengthy decades before the booming industry got back on its feet.
Fast-forward to the reckless 1990s hippy-era, and we saw trailblazing innovators like Eric Khoo, Jack Neo, and Royston Tan initiate a shift in the cinematic appetite of the nation. These pioneers blended the isms of everyday life with “Singlish” (English-based creole language) banter so loved by people from the region, to create unique patchworks in the fabric of Asian filmmaking.
The world finally had a chance to witness what is truly at the heart of Southeast Asia’s Little Red Dot.
- 3/20/2022
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
There is an issue when somebody tries to review Eric Khoo’s films. Despite of the opinion you might have about them, the fact remains that a number of them are landmarks of Singaporean cinema. For example, “12 Storeys” was the first film from Singapore to screen at Cannes; “My Magic” remains the only movie from Singapore to be nominated for the Palme D’Or; “Be With Me” was the first Singaporean film to be nominated for the European Film Awards in 2005. In this particular case, “In the Room” is credited as the first Singaporean erotic movie, which actually means a lot when one considers the strictness of the censorship board of the country, which actually caused a lot of trouble to Khoo before it finally allowed the film to screen in Singapore under an R21 classification. This aspect, of all the aforementioned films, makes reviewing them quite hard, since they...
- 2/4/2022
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Ichiyama Shozo returned this year to the Tokyo International Film Festival as its head selector, having for the last twenty years headed the rival Tokyo Filmex event.
Covid last year forced the two festivals to put aside their rivalry and to cooperate in the key autumn slot. Though virus and vaccination conditions in Japan have since improved, allowing the return of in-person festival screenings, the collaboration has been continued.
Ichiyama, however, laughs off suggestions that his shift has made TIFF more like Filmex.
“When TIFF chairman Ando approached me at the beginning of this year with the invitation to become program director of TIFF, I’d already been thinking that it was time for Filmex to change, be renewed. His offer was a good chance to reprogram Filmex under a new director.”
“Kamiya Naoki, had been with me from the beginning of Filmex and totally knew its purpose. He has very good taste.
Covid last year forced the two festivals to put aside their rivalry and to cooperate in the key autumn slot. Though virus and vaccination conditions in Japan have since improved, allowing the return of in-person festival screenings, the collaboration has been continued.
Ichiyama, however, laughs off suggestions that his shift has made TIFF more like Filmex.
“When TIFF chairman Ando approached me at the beginning of this year with the invitation to become program director of TIFF, I’d already been thinking that it was time for Filmex to change, be renewed. His offer was a good chance to reprogram Filmex under a new director.”
“Kamiya Naoki, had been with me from the beginning of Filmex and totally knew its purpose. He has very good taste.
- 11/6/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Okinawa-born actor Shogen used to be told that he didn’t look Japanese enough for the Japanese film industry. Now he is not only one of the most in-demand rising stars, he is also the instigator, co-producer and star of triumph over-adversity movie “Gensan Punch” which has just premiered at the Busan and Tokyo film festivals and has been picked up for HBO.
Directed by Brillante Mendoza the fact-based tale sees Tsuchiyama Naozumi, a Okinawan man with a prosthetic leg, relocate to The Philippines to become a professional boxer, after being repeatedly blocked in his home country.
Shogen’s recent work has taken him all over Asia, giving him credits on Eric Khoo’s “Ramen Shop,” the “Death Note” TV series and Chinese blockbuster “Detective Chinatown 3.”
Training for the film landed Shogen in the Gensan Quarter gyms of General Santos City used by Philippines boxing superstar and presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao.
Directed by Brillante Mendoza the fact-based tale sees Tsuchiyama Naozumi, a Okinawan man with a prosthetic leg, relocate to The Philippines to become a professional boxer, after being repeatedly blocked in his home country.
Shogen’s recent work has taken him all over Asia, giving him credits on Eric Khoo’s “Ramen Shop,” the “Death Note” TV series and Chinese blockbuster “Detective Chinatown 3.”
Training for the film landed Shogen in the Gensan Quarter gyms of General Santos City used by Philippines boxing superstar and presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao.
- 11/6/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
WarnerMedia has opened a new regional hub for Asia, excluding China and Japan, which officially opened on Friday and will be a stepping stone to launching HBO Max in its first Asian markets in the future.
The opening signals the full integration of WarnerMedia’s business in the region that includes Warner Bros., HBO and Turner brands.
“More than just a new workspace, [our new flagship office] brings together the most incredible parts of our diverse business — from ‘Harry Potter’s’ Wizarding World to Looney Tunes, ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Wonder Woman’ — under one roof for the first time,” said Clement Schwebig, managing director of WarnerMedia for India, Southeast Asia and Korea. “Here in Singapore, we have long supported a sizeable ecosystem for the entertainment, broadcast, production and licensing industries. From our new Singapore hub, we will continue with our ambitious plans for the region.”
The company expects to substantially increase additional roles in Singapore in the coming years,...
The opening signals the full integration of WarnerMedia’s business in the region that includes Warner Bros., HBO and Turner brands.
“More than just a new workspace, [our new flagship office] brings together the most incredible parts of our diverse business — from ‘Harry Potter’s’ Wizarding World to Looney Tunes, ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Wonder Woman’ — under one roof for the first time,” said Clement Schwebig, managing director of WarnerMedia for India, Southeast Asia and Korea. “Here in Singapore, we have long supported a sizeable ecosystem for the entertainment, broadcast, production and licensing industries. From our new Singapore hub, we will continue with our ambitious plans for the region.”
The company expects to substantially increase additional roles in Singapore in the coming years,...
- 9/24/2021
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Tan Bee Thiam is a Malaysian producer, director, writer and editor with the 13 Little Pictures, an independent film collective, based in Singapore.
An alumnus of Berlinale Talents, Rotterdam Lab, and European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs (Eave), he produced ”Revenge of the Pontianak” (2019), ”Demons” (2018), ”Snakeskin” (2014), ”03-Flats” (2014), ”As You Were” (2014), ”Eclipses” (2013), ”Red Dragonflies” (2010), ”In the House of Straw” (2009) and ”White Days” (2009). As a director, his works include “Kopi Julia”, one of 13 short films curated by Apichatpong Weerasethakul for the Sharjah Biennale. His co-directorial feature “Fundamentally Happy” was shot by Christopher Doyle and premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Ff 2015. His first feature film is “Tiong Bahru Social Club”.
On the occasion of his first feature film “Tiong Bahru Social Club” screening at New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff), we speak with Tan Bee Thiam about two Singaporean architectural giants, parental expectations, the importance of harmony and the yin and yang in life, and...
An alumnus of Berlinale Talents, Rotterdam Lab, and European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs (Eave), he produced ”Revenge of the Pontianak” (2019), ”Demons” (2018), ”Snakeskin” (2014), ”03-Flats” (2014), ”As You Were” (2014), ”Eclipses” (2013), ”Red Dragonflies” (2010), ”In the House of Straw” (2009) and ”White Days” (2009). As a director, his works include “Kopi Julia”, one of 13 short films curated by Apichatpong Weerasethakul for the Sharjah Biennale. His co-directorial feature “Fundamentally Happy” was shot by Christopher Doyle and premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Ff 2015. His first feature film is “Tiong Bahru Social Club”.
On the occasion of his first feature film “Tiong Bahru Social Club” screening at New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff), we speak with Tan Bee Thiam about two Singaporean architectural giants, parental expectations, the importance of harmony and the yin and yang in life, and...
- 8/22/2021
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
The Criterion Channel’s July 2021 Lineup Includes Wong Kar Wai, Neo-Noir, Art-House Animation & More
The July lineup at The Criterion Channel has been revealed, most notably featuring the new Wong Kar Wai restorations from the recent box set release, including As Tears Go By, Days of Being Wild, Chungking Express, Fallen Angels, Happy Together, In the Mood for Love, 2046, and his shorts Hua yang de nian hua and The Hand.
Also among the lineup is a series on neo-noir with Body Double, Manhunter, Thief, The Last Seduction, Cutter’s Way, Brick, Night Moves, The Long Goodbye, Chinatown, and more. The channel will also feature a spotlight on art-house animation with work by Marcell Jankovics, Satoshi Kon, Ari Folman, Don Hertzfeldt, Karel Zeman, and more.
With Jodie Mack’s delightful The Grand Bizarre, the landmark doc Hoop Dreams, Orson Welles’ take on Othello, the recent Oscar entries Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time and You Will Die at Twenty, and much more,...
Also among the lineup is a series on neo-noir with Body Double, Manhunter, Thief, The Last Seduction, Cutter’s Way, Brick, Night Moves, The Long Goodbye, Chinatown, and more. The channel will also feature a spotlight on art-house animation with work by Marcell Jankovics, Satoshi Kon, Ari Folman, Don Hertzfeldt, Karel Zeman, and more.
With Jodie Mack’s delightful The Grand Bizarre, the landmark doc Hoop Dreams, Orson Welles’ take on Othello, the recent Oscar entries Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time and You Will Die at Twenty, and much more,...
- 6/24/2021
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
From Screenrant: The titles are aimed at global streaming audiences and are led by Hungry Souls, produced by Eric Khoo’s Zhao Wei Films. Three of the four series are supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (Imda) and its initiative to produce “streaming first” premium scripted series for global audiences.
“2021 is a year for us here at Cj Enm Hk to expand our local language productions for the global streaming audience,” said Michael Jung, managing director of Cj Enm Hong Kong. “Apart from our existing production operation in Thailand, we also want to do more premium scripted content in Mandarin and Bahasa languages.”
The three Singaporean-led series were co-developed and co-created with local production partners and Cj Enm Hk is bringing a team of producers from Korea as creative consultants for each series.
Set against the cultural traditions of the Hungry Ghost Festival – aka the Lunar Seventh Month when restless,...
“2021 is a year for us here at Cj Enm Hk to expand our local language productions for the global streaming audience,” said Michael Jung, managing director of Cj Enm Hong Kong. “Apart from our existing production operation in Thailand, we also want to do more premium scripted content in Mandarin and Bahasa languages.”
The three Singaporean-led series were co-developed and co-created with local production partners and Cj Enm Hk is bringing a team of producers from Korea as creative consultants for each series.
Set against the cultural traditions of the Hungry Ghost Festival – aka the Lunar Seventh Month when restless,...
- 6/17/2021
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
Titles led by ‘Hungry Souls’, produced by Eric Khoo’s Zhao Wei Films
Cj Enm Hong Kong is expanding its local language scripted slate with four Mandarin-language series in production.
The titles are aimed at global streaming audiences and are led by Hungry Souls, produced by Eric Khoo’s Zhao Wei Films. Three of the four series are supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (Imda) and its initiative to produce “streaming first” premium scripted series for global audiences.
“2021 is a year for us here at Cj Enm Hk to expand our local language productions for the global streaming audience,...
Cj Enm Hong Kong is expanding its local language scripted slate with four Mandarin-language series in production.
The titles are aimed at global streaming audiences and are led by Hungry Souls, produced by Eric Khoo’s Zhao Wei Films. Three of the four series are supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (Imda) and its initiative to produce “streaming first” premium scripted series for global audiences.
“2021 is a year for us here at Cj Enm Hk to expand our local language productions for the global streaming audience,...
- 6/4/2021
- by Jean Noh
- ScreenDaily
Joant Úbeda (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7034331/):
Joant Úbeda is the son of Nicaraguan refugees who fled from the country’s Sandinista-Contra War of the 1980s. At age 10, his parents bought him a small camcorder with which he made short action films with his neighbors and edited them in camera. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree in film directing with New York University and is a director now based in Singapore. His short film, Spirit from the Meadow, a dark comedy dealing with the supernatural, has played at festivals in the U.S., U.K., and Asia. In 2020, he released his feature film debut, Sementara (“transient”). Filmed during Singapore’s 50th anniversary, it is a documentary that encapsulates the philosophies, daydreams, and crucial moments strangers share-which all lead back to certain universal truths. Its world premiere will be held at the prestigious 31st Singapore International Film Festival.
Joant Úbeda is the son of Nicaraguan refugees who fled from the country’s Sandinista-Contra War of the 1980s. At age 10, his parents bought him a small camcorder with which he made short action films with his neighbors and edited them in camera. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree in film directing with New York University and is a director now based in Singapore. His short film, Spirit from the Meadow, a dark comedy dealing with the supernatural, has played at festivals in the U.S., U.K., and Asia. In 2020, he released his feature film debut, Sementara (“transient”). Filmed during Singapore’s 50th anniversary, it is a documentary that encapsulates the philosophies, daydreams, and crucial moments strangers share-which all lead back to certain universal truths. Its world premiere will be held at the prestigious 31st Singapore International Film Festival.
- 4/6/2021
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Voice cast includes Lake Bell and Michael Cera.
Leading German sales company The Match Factory has acquired international rights to Dash Shaw’s Cryptozoo, a feature animation set to receive its world premiere at Sundance this week.
The hand-drawn animation marks the second feature of US comic-book artist and writer Shaw, whose distinctive debut My Entire High School Sinking Into The Sea premiered at Toronto in 2016 and went on to screen at the Berlinale.
His follow-up is a fantastical, psychedelic feature set amid the counterculture of the 1960s, with a voice cast led by Lake Bell and Michael Cera. It...
Leading German sales company The Match Factory has acquired international rights to Dash Shaw’s Cryptozoo, a feature animation set to receive its world premiere at Sundance this week.
The hand-drawn animation marks the second feature of US comic-book artist and writer Shaw, whose distinctive debut My Entire High School Sinking Into The Sea premiered at Toronto in 2016 and went on to screen at the Berlinale.
His follow-up is a fantastical, psychedelic feature set amid the counterculture of the 1960s, with a voice cast led by Lake Bell and Michael Cera. It...
- 1/26/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
The International Film Festival & Awards Macao (IFFAM) has announced on Monday the winners of a cash prize for the best projects that will become tomorrow’s films, from a pool of 14 shortlisted projects in search of finance or distribution partners.
The festival and its industry hub are at their fifth edition, this year held entirely in digital form, Dec. 3-8. The Jury that choose the winners was composed by Locarno Film Festival artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro, Indonesian filmmaker Joko Anwar, and Choi Yeonu, head of production at the U.S. film team of Korea’s Cj Enm.
The Best project Award went to director Wang Haolu and producer Camille Gatin for “Fellow Travellers”, from a short story by Alastair Reynolds.
The Creative Excellence Award went to Greece-France-Japan project “Titanic Ocean,” from director Konstantina Kotzamani and producer Maria Drandaki.
The Best Co-production Award went to U.S.-Thailand-Spain project “Entanglement,...
The festival and its industry hub are at their fifth edition, this year held entirely in digital form, Dec. 3-8. The Jury that choose the winners was composed by Locarno Film Festival artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro, Indonesian filmmaker Joko Anwar, and Choi Yeonu, head of production at the U.S. film team of Korea’s Cj Enm.
The Best project Award went to director Wang Haolu and producer Camille Gatin for “Fellow Travellers”, from a short story by Alastair Reynolds.
The Creative Excellence Award went to Greece-France-Japan project “Titanic Ocean,” from director Konstantina Kotzamani and producer Maria Drandaki.
The Best Co-production Award went to U.S.-Thailand-Spain project “Entanglement,...
- 12/10/2020
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Suzanne Lindon, Magdalena Koleśnik and Lance Henriksen were also the among the winners at the Asian event, which, this year, was held entirely online. Scottish writer-director Ben Sharrock’s sophomore feature, Limbo, has emerged as the big winner of the Best Film Award at the fifth International Film Festival & Awards‧Macao (IFFAM), which this year was held from 3-8 December entirely online, and wrapped with a streamed ceremony. The International Competition jury, chaired by Chinese director-producer-screenwriter Ning Hao, and comprising producer-director Mattie Do from Laos, German actress Nina Hoss, Singaporean director-producer-writer Eric Khoo, and executive director of the Hong Kong International Film Festival and producer Albert Lee, handed the $60,000 award to Limbo, saying that it was “a thought-provoking piece of work because of its in-depth exploration of society and also the relationship between culture and humanity. Combined with the director’s unique film language and a modern artistic style, it.
Pact Appointments
UK producers group Pact has appointed See-Saw Films’ TV chief Hakan Kousetta as Pact Chair for the next two years. Kousetta succeeds All3Media COO, Sara Geater, who stands down at the end of the year having served the maximum four-year term as Chair. During her tenure, Geater has overseen Pact’s re-negotiation of Terms of Trade with all of the domestic broadcasters, and played a key role in Pact’s Covid-19 response. The newly elected Pact Council Members are:
• Alex Jones, Red Planet Pictures – re-elected
• Claire Mundell, Synchronicity Films – re-elected
• Gwenda Carnie, Cardiff Productions, re-elected as National Representative for Wales
• Jacqueline Moreton, FremantleMedia – newly elected
• Jane Kelly, Big Mountain Productions, newly elected as National Representative for Northern Ireland
• Jane Muirhead, Raise The Roof Productions, uncontested and re-elected as National Representative for Scotland
• Kate Norrish, Hillbilly Films & Television – newly elected
• Laura Marshall, Icon Films – re-elected
• Marc Samuelson, Route 24 – re-elected
• Nicky Bentham,...
UK producers group Pact has appointed See-Saw Films’ TV chief Hakan Kousetta as Pact Chair for the next two years. Kousetta succeeds All3Media COO, Sara Geater, who stands down at the end of the year having served the maximum four-year term as Chair. During her tenure, Geater has overseen Pact’s re-negotiation of Terms of Trade with all of the domestic broadcasters, and played a key role in Pact’s Covid-19 response. The newly elected Pact Council Members are:
• Alex Jones, Red Planet Pictures – re-elected
• Claire Mundell, Synchronicity Films – re-elected
• Gwenda Carnie, Cardiff Productions, re-elected as National Representative for Wales
• Jacqueline Moreton, FremantleMedia – newly elected
• Jane Kelly, Big Mountain Productions, newly elected as National Representative for Northern Ireland
• Jane Muirhead, Raise The Roof Productions, uncontested and re-elected as National Representative for Scotland
• Kate Norrish, Hillbilly Films & Television – newly elected
• Laura Marshall, Icon Films – re-elected
• Marc Samuelson, Route 24 – re-elected
• Nicky Bentham,...
- 12/8/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Hirokazu Kore-eda also honoured for his achievements in film.
Ben Sharrock’s UK drama Limbo has been awarded the best film and best screenplay prizes at the International Film Festival & Awards Macao (IFFAM), which shifted online this year as a result of the pandemic.
Sharrock’s asylum seeker drama, which received a Cannes 2020 label and world premiered at Toronto, was among 11 titles by first and second-time filmmakers that competed in the festival’s international competition. The best film trophy is accompanied by a cash prize of £60,000.
Other awards saw France’s Suzanne Lindon win best director for her coming-of-age drama...
Ben Sharrock’s UK drama Limbo has been awarded the best film and best screenplay prizes at the International Film Festival & Awards Macao (IFFAM), which shifted online this year as a result of the pandemic.
Sharrock’s asylum seeker drama, which received a Cannes 2020 label and world premiered at Toronto, was among 11 titles by first and second-time filmmakers that competed in the festival’s international competition. The best film trophy is accompanied by a cash prize of £60,000.
Other awards saw France’s Suzanne Lindon win best director for her coming-of-age drama...
- 12/8/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
First-time feature pitches won three of the four prizes announced on Monday at the International Film Festival & Awards Macao (IFFAM).
The $15,000 cash reward for best project went to director Wang Haolu and producer Camille Gatin for “Fellow Travellers.” The project is an adaptation of a short story by Alastair Reynolds. Wang’s debut tells the story of a man who travels to a parallel world, replacing his alternate self, in an attempt to attain closure following the sudden death of his estranged wife in his own reality.
The festival is holding its fifth edition, entirely in digital form this year, Dec. 3-8. The accompanying industry hub, also in its fifth edition, ran 3-5 Dec.
It included 14 shortlisted projects in search of finance or distribution partners. Seven were making their market premiere, and a further six were Asian premieres. The project event, also held in digital form, was attended by more...
The $15,000 cash reward for best project went to director Wang Haolu and producer Camille Gatin for “Fellow Travellers.” The project is an adaptation of a short story by Alastair Reynolds. Wang’s debut tells the story of a man who travels to a parallel world, replacing his alternate self, in an attempt to attain closure following the sudden death of his estranged wife in his own reality.
The festival is holding its fifth edition, entirely in digital form this year, Dec. 3-8. The accompanying industry hub, also in its fifth edition, ran 3-5 Dec.
It included 14 shortlisted projects in search of finance or distribution partners. Seven were making their market premiere, and a further six were Asian premieres. The project event, also held in digital form, was attended by more...
- 12/7/2020
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Bill Nighy To Narrate C5/Smithsonian River Series
Love Actually and Shaun Of The Dead star Bill Nighy is to narrate a six-part Channel 5 and Smithsonian Channel Canada series, titled World’s Most Scenic River Journeys. The exploration of famous rivers is a co-production between Argonon’s BriteSpark and Blue Ant Studios’ Saloon Media, who will shoot in Europe and North America respectively to get around Covid-19 travel restrictions. World’s Most Scenic River Journeys is executive produced by Tom Porter at BriteSpark, with Helen White acting as series producer. Steve Gamester is executive producer and producer at Saloon. Nighy has previously narrated Channel 5’s World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys, which was also made by BriteSpark.
‘The Witcher’ Director Develops Nent Group Ferry Disaster Series
Charlotte Brändström, who has helmed episodes of The Witcher and The Man In The High Castle, is creating a Nent Group series about...
Love Actually and Shaun Of The Dead star Bill Nighy is to narrate a six-part Channel 5 and Smithsonian Channel Canada series, titled World’s Most Scenic River Journeys. The exploration of famous rivers is a co-production between Argonon’s BriteSpark and Blue Ant Studios’ Saloon Media, who will shoot in Europe and North America respectively to get around Covid-19 travel restrictions. World’s Most Scenic River Journeys is executive produced by Tom Porter at BriteSpark, with Helen White acting as series producer. Steve Gamester is executive producer and producer at Saloon. Nighy has previously narrated Channel 5’s World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys, which was also made by BriteSpark.
‘The Witcher’ Director Develops Nent Group Ferry Disaster Series
Charlotte Brändström, who has helmed episodes of The Witcher and The Man In The High Castle, is creating a Nent Group series about...
- 12/7/2020
- by Jake Kanter and Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Although Asian Ott players have seen a big increase in viewership, speakers also discussed the challenging economics of streaming.
Coming right at the end of the year, this week’s Asia TV Forum & Market, which took place virtually from Singapore, reiterated may of the themes that we’ve been hearing globally throughout this Covid-hit year.
Speakers at the event’s ‘Mornings with Industry Leaders’ sessions agreed that the pandemic has just accelerated the trends that were already there, truncating into months the changes in consumer habits and business practices that were otherwise going to take a few years.
“We’re...
Coming right at the end of the year, this week’s Asia TV Forum & Market, which took place virtually from Singapore, reiterated may of the themes that we’ve been hearing globally throughout this Covid-hit year.
Speakers at the event’s ‘Mornings with Industry Leaders’ sessions agreed that the pandemic has just accelerated the trends that were already there, truncating into months the changes in consumer habits and business practices that were otherwise going to take a few years.
“We’re...
- 12/4/2020
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
WarnerMedia today announced the second season of the HBO Asia Original horror anthology series, “Folklore“. Principal photography for the seven-part hour-long series will commence early next year in seven Asian territories including Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. Each episode will be directed by a local director from each territory.
Helmed once again by Singapore’s award-winning filmmaker Eric Khoo, the second season of “Folklore” will ramp up the fear factor as it examines the human condition when exposed to supernatural powers in a mind-bending race against oneself, each story bringing a different take and perspective.
The directors for this season include Sittisiri Mongkolsiri from Thailand, Shih-Han Liao from Taiwan, Erik Matti from the Philippines, Billy Christian from Indonesia, Nicole Midori Woodford from Singapore, and Bradley Liew from Malaysia. Pop singer-songwriter Seiko Matsuda, who also appeared in Eric Khoo’s “Ramen Shop” will be making her directorial debut in the episode from Japan.
Helmed once again by Singapore’s award-winning filmmaker Eric Khoo, the second season of “Folklore” will ramp up the fear factor as it examines the human condition when exposed to supernatural powers in a mind-bending race against oneself, each story bringing a different take and perspective.
The directors for this season include Sittisiri Mongkolsiri from Thailand, Shih-Han Liao from Taiwan, Erik Matti from the Philippines, Billy Christian from Indonesia, Nicole Midori Woodford from Singapore, and Bradley Liew from Malaysia. Pop singer-songwriter Seiko Matsuda, who also appeared in Eric Khoo’s “Ramen Shop” will be making her directorial debut in the episode from Japan.
- 12/2/2020
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Production company BlackBox Multimedia has partnered with Italian producers Leader Produzioni and LatAm’s Eo Media Distribution for the TV series adaptation of Luis Sepúlveda’s novel Diary Of A Sentimental Killer. The story follows an unnamed assassin who has been left by his lover the day before he is set to embark on a crucial assignment. Chilean writer Sepúlveda, who died from Covid-19 in April 2020, saw his books sell more than 6 million copies worldwide and be translated into 40 languages.
Kim Engelbrecht and Iain Glen will lead the cast of Reyka, M-Net and Fremantle’s eight-part crime drama that will shoot in South Africa. The show follows a flawed but brilliant criminal profiler who investigates a string of brutal murders committed by a serial killer. The series is created and written by Rohan Dickson and is jointly produced by Serena Cullen for Serena Cullen Productions in the UK and Harriet Gavshon...
Kim Engelbrecht and Iain Glen will lead the cast of Reyka, M-Net and Fremantle’s eight-part crime drama that will shoot in South Africa. The show follows a flawed but brilliant criminal profiler who investigates a string of brutal murders committed by a serial killer. The series is created and written by Rohan Dickson and is jointly produced by Serena Cullen for Serena Cullen Productions in the UK and Harriet Gavshon...
- 12/1/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
WarnerMedia has confirmed a seven-episode second season of its HBO Asia original horror anthology series, “Folklore.” Each instalment will be directed by a local director from a different Asian territory.
With production again headed by Singapore-based film maker Eric Khoo, the new season will begin filming early in 2021. The competed series will be carried later in the year by HBO and HBO Go.
“Folklore Season 2” will feature a mix of established and up-and-coming auteurs, each with distinct sensibilities, including two female directors from the region, HBO said. None return from the first season. The company explained that the new season would “up the fear factor” and “examine the human condition when exposed to supernatural powers in a mind-bending race against oneself.”
The seven directors for the second season include: Sittisiri Mongkolsiri from Thailand; Shih-Han Liao from Taiwan; Erik Matti from the Philippines; Billy Christian from Indonesia’ Nicole Midori Woodford from...
With production again headed by Singapore-based film maker Eric Khoo, the new season will begin filming early in 2021. The competed series will be carried later in the year by HBO and HBO Go.
“Folklore Season 2” will feature a mix of established and up-and-coming auteurs, each with distinct sensibilities, including two female directors from the region, HBO said. None return from the first season. The company explained that the new season would “up the fear factor” and “examine the human condition when exposed to supernatural powers in a mind-bending race against oneself.”
The seven directors for the second season include: Sittisiri Mongkolsiri from Thailand; Shih-Han Liao from Taiwan; Erik Matti from the Philippines; Billy Christian from Indonesia’ Nicole Midori Woodford from...
- 12/1/2020
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
HBO Asia’s original horror anthology series Folklore has been renewed for a second season, WarnerMedia said Tuesday.
Singaporean filmmaker Eric Khoo will return as showrunner of the second season, with each hour-long episode directed by a different established or emerging Asian director. Principal photography for the seven-part series will commence early next year in seven Asian countries, including Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.
“The second season of Folklore will ramp up the fear factor as it examines the human condition when exposed to supernatural powers in a mind-bending race against oneself, each story bringing a different take ...
Singaporean filmmaker Eric Khoo will return as showrunner of the second season, with each hour-long episode directed by a different established or emerging Asian director. Principal photography for the seven-part series will commence early next year in seven Asian countries, including Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.
“The second season of Folklore will ramp up the fear factor as it examines the human condition when exposed to supernatural powers in a mind-bending race against oneself, each story bringing a different take ...
- 12/1/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
HBO Asia’s original horror anthology series Folklore has been renewed for a second season, WarnerMedia said Tuesday.
Singaporean filmmaker Eric Khoo will return as showrunner of the second season, with each hour-long episode directed by a different established or emerging Asian director. Principal photography for the seven-part series will commence early next year in seven Asian countries, including Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.
“The second season of Folklore will ramp up the fear factor as it examines the human condition when exposed to supernatural powers in a mind-bending race against oneself, each story bringing a different take ...
Singaporean filmmaker Eric Khoo will return as showrunner of the second season, with each hour-long episode directed by a different established or emerging Asian director. Principal photography for the seven-part series will commence early next year in seven Asian countries, including Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.
“The second season of Folklore will ramp up the fear factor as it examines the human condition when exposed to supernatural powers in a mind-bending race against oneself, each story bringing a different take ...
- 12/1/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Viggo Mortensen’s directorial debut “Falling” and the already acclaimed Chinese film “The Cloud in her Room” form part of the 11-title competition section announced by the International Film Festival & Awards Macao. The festival will take place entirely online this year, running Dec. 3-8.
The competition, which focuses on first and second films, also includes: Wang Xiaozhen’s “Love Poem,” which won the top prize at the First International Film Festival this year; Jeonju prize-winner “Black Light,” by Bae Jongdae; Cannes 2020 Label titles “Limbo,” by the U.K.’s Ben Sharrock, “Spring Blossom” by France’s Suzanne Lindon, and “Sweat” by Magnus von Horn; and “Back To The Wharf,” by China’s Li Xiaofeng.
Three other titles joining the competition are: “Servants,” by Ivan Ostrochovsky of the Czech Republic; “Shorta,” by Frederik Louis Hviid and Anders Olholm from Denmark; and “Tragic Jungle,” by Yulene Olaizola, from Mexico.
Prizes will be...
The competition, which focuses on first and second films, also includes: Wang Xiaozhen’s “Love Poem,” which won the top prize at the First International Film Festival this year; Jeonju prize-winner “Black Light,” by Bae Jongdae; Cannes 2020 Label titles “Limbo,” by the U.K.’s Ben Sharrock, “Spring Blossom” by France’s Suzanne Lindon, and “Sweat” by Magnus von Horn; and “Back To The Wharf,” by China’s Li Xiaofeng.
Three other titles joining the competition are: “Servants,” by Ivan Ostrochovsky of the Czech Republic; “Shorta,” by Frederik Louis Hviid and Anders Olholm from Denmark; and “Tragic Jungle,” by Yulene Olaizola, from Mexico.
Prizes will be...
- 11/10/2020
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The International Film Festival & Awards Macao has unveiled its program and jury ahead of its 5th edition taking place digitally December 3 – 8.
Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda will receive the festival’s ‘Spirit of Cinema’ award at a virtual awards ceremony taking place online December 8. The event will also screen films via a dedicated video streaming platform and host five in conversation events virtually.
Competing in the International Competition are: Viggo Mortenson’s directorial debut Falling; Love Poem which won the top prize at the First International Film Festival this year; Jeonju prize-winner Black Light; Rotterdam Tiger winner The Cloud In Her Room and Cannes 2020 Label titles Limbo, Spring Blossom and Sweat.
The competition jury, which awards a $60,000 prize to the best feature, will be comprised of: filmmaker Ning Hao (president), filmmaker Mattie Do, actress Nina Hoss, director Eric Khoo, and Hong Kong Film Festival head Albert Lee.
The five in conversations...
Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda will receive the festival’s ‘Spirit of Cinema’ award at a virtual awards ceremony taking place online December 8. The event will also screen films via a dedicated video streaming platform and host five in conversation events virtually.
Competing in the International Competition are: Viggo Mortenson’s directorial debut Falling; Love Poem which won the top prize at the First International Film Festival this year; Jeonju prize-winner Black Light; Rotterdam Tiger winner The Cloud In Her Room and Cannes 2020 Label titles Limbo, Spring Blossom and Sweat.
The competition jury, which awards a $60,000 prize to the best feature, will be comprised of: filmmaker Ning Hao (president), filmmaker Mattie Do, actress Nina Hoss, director Eric Khoo, and Hong Kong Film Festival head Albert Lee.
The five in conversations...
- 11/10/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Programme includes competition section of 11 features from first and second-time directors.
The International Film Festival & Awards Macao (Iffam) has confirmed that it is moving online for its fifth edition (December 3-8) and announced its full programme, including an international competition for first and second-time filmmakers.
The competition line-up of 11 features including actor Viggo Mortensen’s directing debut Falling; Cannes 2020 Label titles Limbo, Spring Blossom and Sweat; Jeonju film festival winner Black Light; and Chinese titles Love Poem, which won the top prize at this year’s First International Film Festival, and The Cloud In Her Room, which took the Tiger...
The International Film Festival & Awards Macao (Iffam) has confirmed that it is moving online for its fifth edition (December 3-8) and announced its full programme, including an international competition for first and second-time filmmakers.
The competition line-up of 11 features including actor Viggo Mortensen’s directing debut Falling; Cannes 2020 Label titles Limbo, Spring Blossom and Sweat; Jeonju film festival winner Black Light; and Chinese titles Love Poem, which won the top prize at this year’s First International Film Festival, and The Cloud In Her Room, which took the Tiger...
- 11/10/2020
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
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