Bill Kong is cautious, vastly experienced and has an impeccable reputation as a key gateway between Hollywood and China to maintain. He is someone far more likely to deadpan than gush.
So, to hear him getting into high gear with a pitch for his bucket list martial arts movie project “The Furious” immediately invites comparison with previous Kong-produced action pictures including Oscar-winner “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Jet Li’s Fearless” or the Zhang Yimou-directed “Hero.”
“I’m going to do an action movie that rocks the world. And to prove that Hong Kong still has something to give the film industry. I want to show that Asian people can still make an action movie that is better than the rest of the world,” Kong tells Variety.
Significantly, “The Furious” is a project made by Hong Kong, rather than made in Hong Kong. Kong’s Edko Films is financing and producing.
So, to hear him getting into high gear with a pitch for his bucket list martial arts movie project “The Furious” immediately invites comparison with previous Kong-produced action pictures including Oscar-winner “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Jet Li’s Fearless” or the Zhang Yimou-directed “Hero.”
“I’m going to do an action movie that rocks the world. And to prove that Hong Kong still has something to give the film industry. I want to show that Asian people can still make an action movie that is better than the rest of the world,” Kong tells Variety.
Significantly, “The Furious” is a project made by Hong Kong, rather than made in Hong Kong. Kong’s Edko Films is financing and producing.
- 4/25/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
More than two years have gone by since we heard that photographer Caitlin Cronenberg, daughter of legendary filmmaker David Cronenberg, would be making her feature directorial debut with a thriller called Humane. Production wrapped over a year ago – but we won’t have to wait much longer to see the film. IFC Films and the Shudder streaming service have picked up the U.S. distribution rights, with IFC planning to give the film a theatrical release on April 26th. It will then move to Shudder at a later date. Elevation Pictures will be handling Canadian distribution. With the theatrical release date right around the corner, a trailer for Humane has arrived online… and if you’ve been wondering what a movie by the daughter of David Cronenberg would look like, you can get an idea by checking out the trailer in the embed above.
Written and produced by Michael Sparaga of Victory Man Productions,...
Written and produced by Michael Sparaga of Victory Man Productions,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
More than two years have gone by since we heard that photographer Caitlin Cronenberg, daughter of legendary filmmaker David Cronenberg, would be making her feature directorial debut with a thriller called Humane. Now, more than a year after the project wrapped production, we finally know when we’re going to have the chance to see it: Variety reports that IFC Films and the Shudder streaming service have picked up the U.S. distribution rights, with IFC planning to give the film a theatrical release on April 26th. It will then move to Shudder at a later date. Elevation Pictures will be handling Canadian distribution.
Written and produced by Michael Sparaga of Victory Man Productions, Humane is described as a “dystopian satire” takes place over the course of a single day, months after a global environmental collapse has forced world leaders to take extreme measures to reduce the earth’s population.
Written and produced by Michael Sparaga of Victory Man Productions, Humane is described as a “dystopian satire” takes place over the course of a single day, months after a global environmental collapse has forced world leaders to take extreme measures to reduce the earth’s population.
- 3/4/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Artist and photographer Caitlin Cronenberg’s feature directorial debut “Humane” has found a home fitting its dark vision.
IFC Films and horror streamer Shudder have acquired the U.S. rights for the film, with a theatrical release set for April 26 and a debut on Shudder planned for later in the year. Elevation Pictures will handle Canadian distribution.
Cronenberg, whose portfolio includes work as a still photographer on dozens of film and TV productions, shot the film in Hamilton, Ontario, with a cast including Jay Baruchel, Emily Hampshire and Peter Gallagher. Victory Man Productions’ Michael Sparaga wrote and produced “Humane.”
The logline for “Humane” promises a “dystopian satire taking place over a single day, mere months after a global ecological collapse has forced world leaders to take extreme measures to reduce the earth’s population. In a wealthy enclave, a recently retired newsman has invited his grown children to dinner to...
IFC Films and horror streamer Shudder have acquired the U.S. rights for the film, with a theatrical release set for April 26 and a debut on Shudder planned for later in the year. Elevation Pictures will handle Canadian distribution.
Cronenberg, whose portfolio includes work as a still photographer on dozens of film and TV productions, shot the film in Hamilton, Ontario, with a cast including Jay Baruchel, Emily Hampshire and Peter Gallagher. Victory Man Productions’ Michael Sparaga wrote and produced “Humane.”
The logline for “Humane” promises a “dystopian satire taking place over a single day, mere months after a global ecological collapse has forced world leaders to take extreme measures to reduce the earth’s population. In a wealthy enclave, a recently retired newsman has invited his grown children to dinner to...
- 3/4/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Beware the Ides of March, but do keep an eye out for the lineup of titles taking over Screambox this month. There are a couple Canadian genre titles in the mix this month. If you know where to look in Exit Humanity you can see ScreenAnarchy lord and master Todd Brown play a zombie extra and take a bullet to the head. Back in the day, Jesse Thomas Cook, director of current titles Cult Hero and The Hyperborean made us squirm with his 2013 flick, Septic Man. One of the earlier monsters-are-attractive-and-hot series was BBC series Being Human. The first season will drop on March 22nd and another season will arrive every week after that. And if you feel that your life has...
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[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 3/1/2024
- Screen Anarchy
The debut feature of Argentine filmmaker Pedro Cristiani is titled Deus Irae, and Deadline has shared a bloody first-look image from the upcoming horror movie today (seen above).
XYZ Films just recently acquired the North American sales rights to Deus Irae, while Deadline reports this morning that Reel Suspects has taken world sales rights on the movie.
Deus Irea follows “Father Javier, a priest living a fractured existence. On one side, he assists families who claim to have witnessed miracles, and on the other he belongs to a trio of excommunicated priests who hunt the possessed down to exorcize them under their own terms: with Bibles, fire and shotguns.”
“But when the only way to crush Evil is by becoming something even worse, he must question how much of his own humanity — or sanity — he’s willing to sacrifice in order to defeat the Devil.”
The film is based on the same-titled short film.
XYZ Films just recently acquired the North American sales rights to Deus Irae, while Deadline reports this morning that Reel Suspects has taken world sales rights on the movie.
Deus Irea follows “Father Javier, a priest living a fractured existence. On one side, he assists families who claim to have witnessed miracles, and on the other he belongs to a trio of excommunicated priests who hunt the possessed down to exorcize them under their own terms: with Bibles, fire and shotguns.”
“But when the only way to crush Evil is by becoming something even worse, he must question how much of his own humanity — or sanity — he’s willing to sacrifice in order to defeat the Devil.”
The film is based on the same-titled short film.
- 1/24/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Benjamin Ree’s gamer documentary Ibelin led the winners at Tromso International Film Festival (TIFF) on Saturday, January 20; after Norwegian feature Grandmonster took the Fiction Norway pitching prize last week.
Ibelin took the audience award, playing at Tromso the day after its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival. The Norwegian title follows the story of Mats Steen, a gamer who died of a degenerative muscular disease aged 25; after which his parents began to receive messages from online friends around the world. Netflix acquired US distribution and worldwide streaming rights on the title following its Sundance premiere.
Scroll down for the...
Ibelin took the audience award, playing at Tromso the day after its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival. The Norwegian title follows the story of Mats Steen, a gamer who died of a degenerative muscular disease aged 25; after which his parents began to receive messages from online friends around the world. Netflix acquired US distribution and worldwide streaming rights on the title following its Sundance premiere.
Scroll down for the...
- 1/22/2024
- ScreenDaily
Sony has just unveiled the details for the 4K ultra HD Blu-ray of The Raid: Redemption. Physical media collectors rejoice as you can now see a higher resolution version of the popular martial arts film that became the world’s introduction of Iko Uwais after his debut in Merantau, which was also directed by The Raid: Redemption‘s Gareth Evans. The 2011 hard-hitting Indonesian action film wowed audiences with its non-stop martial arts sequences and gritty suspense about a Swat team becoming trapped in a building filled with criminals. Check out the specifications below. The Raid: Redemption will be available in 4K and in limited edition steelbook on January 16, 2024.
The synopsis for the film from Sony reads,
“Deep in the heart of Jakarta’s slums lies an impenetrable safe house for the world’s most dangerous killers and gangsters. Until now, the rundown apartment block has been considered untouchable. Cloaked under...
The synopsis for the film from Sony reads,
“Deep in the heart of Jakarta’s slums lies an impenetrable safe house for the world’s most dangerous killers and gangsters. Until now, the rundown apartment block has been considered untouchable. Cloaked under...
- 11/15/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: United Talent Agency has signed Zarrar Kahn, director of Pakistan’s Oscar entry In Flames, for representation in all areas.
In Flames premiered at this year’s Cannes film festival in Directors Fortnight and was recently named as Pakistan’s submission for the Best International Feature category of the Oscars. The film has also played at festivals including Toronto, Busan, Sitges, Pingyao, Helsinki, and SXSW Sydney.
The film, which is Kahn’s feature directorial debut, revolves around a mother and daughter whose precarious existence is ripped apart following the death of the family patriarch.
Produced by Anam Abbas and executive produced by Shant Joshi, Todd Brown and Maxime Cottray, the film recently won the Kevin Tierney Indiescreen Award for Emerging Producer at Toronto and Best Feature at the International South Asian Film Festival Canada.
Prior to In Flames, Kahn’s international breakout short film Dia, about a girl who...
In Flames premiered at this year’s Cannes film festival in Directors Fortnight and was recently named as Pakistan’s submission for the Best International Feature category of the Oscars. The film has also played at festivals including Toronto, Busan, Sitges, Pingyao, Helsinki, and SXSW Sydney.
The film, which is Kahn’s feature directorial debut, revolves around a mother and daughter whose precarious existence is ripped apart following the death of the family patriarch.
Produced by Anam Abbas and executive produced by Shant Joshi, Todd Brown and Maxime Cottray, the film recently won the Kevin Tierney Indiescreen Award for Emerging Producer at Toronto and Best Feature at the International South Asian Film Festival Canada.
Prior to In Flames, Kahn’s international breakout short film Dia, about a girl who...
- 10/31/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Pakistan: “In Flames”
Zarrar Kahn’s horror film “In Flames” is Pakistan’s entry for the international feature Oscar. The film debuted at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight earlier this year.
In the Karachi-set film, after the death of the family patriarch, a mother and daughter’s precarious existence is ripped apart by figures from their past – both real and phantasmal. They must find strength in each other if they are to survive the malevolent forces that threaten to engulf them.
The film, produced by Anam Abbas and executive produced by Shant Joshi, Todd Brown and Maxime Cottray, is part of XYZ’s New Visions slate. As revealed by Variety, XYZ had boarded the title last year.
“‘In Flames’ has resonated profoundly with our committee members, as it beautifully encapsulates the essence of our culture, art, and cinematic craftsmanship. We believe that the narrative, performances, direction, and every element that went into...
Zarrar Kahn’s horror film “In Flames” is Pakistan’s entry for the international feature Oscar. The film debuted at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight earlier this year.
In the Karachi-set film, after the death of the family patriarch, a mother and daughter’s precarious existence is ripped apart by figures from their past – both real and phantasmal. They must find strength in each other if they are to survive the malevolent forces that threaten to engulf them.
The film, produced by Anam Abbas and executive produced by Shant Joshi, Todd Brown and Maxime Cottray, is part of XYZ’s New Visions slate. As revealed by Variety, XYZ had boarded the title last year.
“‘In Flames’ has resonated profoundly with our committee members, as it beautifully encapsulates the essence of our culture, art, and cinematic craftsmanship. We believe that the narrative, performances, direction, and every element that went into...
- 10/28/2023
- by Patrick Frater, Leo Barraclough, Ellise Shafer, Elsa Keslassy, John Hopewell, Naman Ramachandran, Nick Vivarelli, K.J. Yossman and Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
The debut feature of Argentine filmmaker Pedro Cristiani is titled Deus Irae, and Variety brings us the word this week that XYZ Films has acquired the North American sales rights.
Additionally, the site has debuted a wild first-look trailer. Find it below.
Deus Irea follows “Father Javier, a priest living a fractured existence. On one side, he assists families who claim to have witnessed miracles, and on the other he belongs to a trio of excommunicated priests who hunt the possessed down to exorcize them under their own terms: with Bibles, fire and shotguns.”
“But when the only way to crush Evil is by becoming something even worse, he must question how much of his own humanity — or sanity — he’s willing to sacrifice in order to defeat the Devil.”
The film is based on the same-titled short. XYZ Films will introduce it to buyers at AFM.
“The goal of...
Additionally, the site has debuted a wild first-look trailer. Find it below.
Deus Irea follows “Father Javier, a priest living a fractured existence. On one side, he assists families who claim to have witnessed miracles, and on the other he belongs to a trio of excommunicated priests who hunt the possessed down to exorcize them under their own terms: with Bibles, fire and shotguns.”
“But when the only way to crush Evil is by becoming something even worse, he must question how much of his own humanity — or sanity — he’s willing to sacrifice in order to defeat the Devil.”
The film is based on the same-titled short. XYZ Films will introduce it to buyers at AFM.
“The goal of...
- 10/26/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
XYZ Films has acquired North American sales rights to the horror-thriller “Deus Irae,” the debut feature of Argentine filmmaker Pedro Cristiani, and will introduce the film to buyers at the upcoming AFM. Variety has been given exclusive access to the film’s bone-chilling trailer (see below).
Premiering at the Mar Del Plata Film Festival in November, “Deus Irae” follows Father Javier, a priest living a fractured existence. On one side, he assists families who claim to have witnessed miracles, and on the other he belongs to a trio of excommunicated priests who hunt the possessed down to exorcize them under their own terms: with Bibles, fire and shotguns.
But when the only way to crush Evil is by becoming something even worse, he must question how much of his own humanity — or sanity — he’s willing to sacrifice in order to defeat the Devil.
Produced by Molino Studio and Hudsonman,...
Premiering at the Mar Del Plata Film Festival in November, “Deus Irae” follows Father Javier, a priest living a fractured existence. On one side, he assists families who claim to have witnessed miracles, and on the other he belongs to a trio of excommunicated priests who hunt the possessed down to exorcize them under their own terms: with Bibles, fire and shotguns.
But when the only way to crush Evil is by becoming something even worse, he must question how much of his own humanity — or sanity — he’s willing to sacrifice in order to defeat the Devil.
Produced by Molino Studio and Hudsonman,...
- 10/26/2023
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
France, UK, Middle East among buyers.
XYZ Films has reported brisk trade on Zarrar Kahn’s Cannes Directors’ Fortnight entry In Flames and will continue talks with buyers on the New Visions sales title in TIFF.
Sales have closed with The Jokers for France, Blue Finch for the UK, NonStop for Scandinavia, Falcon for the Middle East, Game Theory for Canada, and Shaw for Singapore.
Several other territories are in active negotiations ahead of screenings at TIFF and Sitges in September and October, said the sales company,.
In Flames stars Ramesha Nawa in a Karachi-set thriller about a young Pakistani...
XYZ Films has reported brisk trade on Zarrar Kahn’s Cannes Directors’ Fortnight entry In Flames and will continue talks with buyers on the New Visions sales title in TIFF.
Sales have closed with The Jokers for France, Blue Finch for the UK, NonStop for Scandinavia, Falcon for the Middle East, Game Theory for Canada, and Shaw for Singapore.
Several other territories are in active negotiations ahead of screenings at TIFF and Sitges in September and October, said the sales company,.
In Flames stars Ramesha Nawa in a Karachi-set thriller about a young Pakistani...
- 8/29/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
XYZ Films will represent documentary “London Recruits” for North American sales, it was revealed at the ongoing Durban FilmMart.
Directed by Gordon Main, the film sheds light on a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history. In 1970, the struggle against the apartheid government in South Africa developed a new secret weapon. Oliver Tambo hatched a plan to infiltrate young British activists into the country, posing as tourists. Their mission, in the face of brutal lockdown by the racist regime, was to help inspire ordinary South Africans to join a liberation movement that would never give up till freedom was won.
To mark the partnership, Ronnie Kasrils, now 86, the former underground African National Congress (Anc) freedom fighter at the heart of the story, participated in detonating a bucket “leaflet bomb” outside the market hotel. These were the devices deployed in 1970 by amateur secret agents that Kasrils recruited in London on orders from Tambo.
Directed by Gordon Main, the film sheds light on a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history. In 1970, the struggle against the apartheid government in South Africa developed a new secret weapon. Oliver Tambo hatched a plan to infiltrate young British activists into the country, posing as tourists. Their mission, in the face of brutal lockdown by the racist regime, was to help inspire ordinary South Africans to join a liberation movement that would never give up till freedom was won.
To mark the partnership, Ronnie Kasrils, now 86, the former underground African National Congress (Anc) freedom fighter at the heart of the story, participated in detonating a bucket “leaflet bomb” outside the market hotel. These were the devices deployed in 1970 by amateur secret agents that Kasrils recruited in London on orders from Tambo.
- 7/23/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
XYZ Films has closed a raft of deals for Czech filmmaker Robert Hloz’s science-fiction feature “Restore Point,” which is part of the company’s recently launched New Visions slate of genre films.
The film has been sold to Germany and Switzerland (Plaion); Scandinavia (NonStop); France (The Jokers); and Australia/New Zealand (Umbrella). Several other territories are in active negotiations, while XYZ is also confirmed to handle the U.S. release of the film.
“Restore Point” is set in the year 2041, when the gaps in social and economic inequality have left the world on the brink. A breakthrough in science has given humanity the ability to bring victims of a violent crime back to life by backing up their brain every two days. This affords an ambitious young detective the opportunity to solve a case of a murdered couple when the restoration team is able to bring one of them back.
The film has been sold to Germany and Switzerland (Plaion); Scandinavia (NonStop); France (The Jokers); and Australia/New Zealand (Umbrella). Several other territories are in active negotiations, while XYZ is also confirmed to handle the U.S. release of the film.
“Restore Point” is set in the year 2041, when the gaps in social and economic inequality have left the world on the brink. A breakthrough in science has given humanity the ability to bring victims of a violent crime back to life by backing up their brain every two days. This affords an ambitious young detective the opportunity to solve a case of a murdered couple when the restoration team is able to bring one of them back.
- 5/26/2023
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
We've been madly anticipating Mad Heidi ever since our own Todd Brown reported on the film's crowdfunding campaign in 2018. Trent Haaga joined the screenwriting team in 2020, as our own Andrew Mack reported at the time. The finished film hit the festival circuit upon completion and, among other things, won the Audience Award at the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival, as our own Shelagh Rowan-Legg reported. Now, finally, we who reside in the lowly U.S. will have the glorious light of Mad Heidi shine upon us, though for one night only. (What? One night only?!) Yes, one night only means you'll possibly need to restructure your entire month around Wednesday, June 21, so that you can be in attendance for a very...
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[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 5/22/2023
- Screen Anarchy
XYZ Films has acquired North American sales rights to “StayOnline,” from Ukrainian director Anton Skrypets, which uses the innovative Screenlife format to tell the story of a young Kyiv woman who risks her life to help a boy whose parents have gone missing after the Russian invasion.
“StayOnline” was co-written by Skrypets and Eva Strelnikova, who also served as director of photography. It was produced by Marina Kvasova and Alla Lypovetska of the Organization of Ukrainian Producers (Oup) together with Anatoly Dudinsky of Amo Pictures. The film begins when a young woman volunteering in Kyiv is given one of the thousands of laptops donated by ordinary Ukrainians to support the war effort. She’s asked to install a sensitive military application and deliver the laptop to her brother serving on the frontline.
But the woman receives a mysterious video call from a young boy searching for his father, the laptop’s previous owner,...
“StayOnline” was co-written by Skrypets and Eva Strelnikova, who also served as director of photography. It was produced by Marina Kvasova and Alla Lypovetska of the Organization of Ukrainian Producers (Oup) together with Anatoly Dudinsky of Amo Pictures. The film begins when a young woman volunteering in Kyiv is given one of the thousands of laptops donated by ordinary Ukrainians to support the war effort. She’s asked to install a sensitive military application and deliver the laptop to her brother serving on the frontline.
But the woman receives a mysterious video call from a young boy searching for his father, the laptop’s previous owner,...
- 5/21/2023
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Has the war between streaming and theatrical reached détente?
After years defined by no quarter battling over releases, exclusive windows and global rights for the most in-demand independent films — battles fought most fiercely in Cannes — theatrical distributors and online platforms have put down their arms and started to work together.
Martin Scorsese’s hotly-anticipated Killers of the Flower Moon, which premieres out of competition in Cannes on Saturday, is an AppleTV+ production that will roll out in cinemas via Paramount Pictures, a theatrical-streamer co-op Apple will repeat with Ridley Scott’s Napoleon epic, which Sony will bow in cinemas worldwide in November, ahead of its AppleTV+ streaming release. This follows on the successful theatrical bow of Amazon Studios’ sports biopic Air, with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, which Warners released in most of the world, grossing a solid $90 million at the box office before it shifted to Amazon Prime.
“If...
After years defined by no quarter battling over releases, exclusive windows and global rights for the most in-demand independent films — battles fought most fiercely in Cannes — theatrical distributors and online platforms have put down their arms and started to work together.
Martin Scorsese’s hotly-anticipated Killers of the Flower Moon, which premieres out of competition in Cannes on Saturday, is an AppleTV+ production that will roll out in cinemas via Paramount Pictures, a theatrical-streamer co-op Apple will repeat with Ridley Scott’s Napoleon epic, which Sony will bow in cinemas worldwide in November, ahead of its AppleTV+ streaming release. This follows on the successful theatrical bow of Amazon Studios’ sports biopic Air, with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, which Warners released in most of the world, grossing a solid $90 million at the box office before it shifted to Amazon Prime.
“If...
- 5/20/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
XYZ Films has unveiled the first clip from Cannes Directors’ Fortnight selection “In Flames,” a Pakistani-Canadian horror film directed by Zarrar Kahn.
The film, produced by Anam Abbas and executive produced by Shant Joshi, Todd Brown and Maxime Cottray, is part of XYZ’s New Visions slate. As revealed by Variety, XYZ had boarded the title last year.
In the Karachi-set film, after the death of the family patriarch, a mother and daughter’s precarious existence is ripped apart by figures from their past – both real and phantasmal. They must find strength in each other if they are to survive the malevolent forces that threaten to engulf them.
It is the first Pakistan-set film in Directors’ Fortnight since Jamil Dehlavi’s “The Blood of Hussain” was selected in 1980.
Kahn, who is now based in Canada, was born in and grew up in Karachi. “In Flames,” which is Kahn’s feature debut grew out of “Dia,...
The film, produced by Anam Abbas and executive produced by Shant Joshi, Todd Brown and Maxime Cottray, is part of XYZ’s New Visions slate. As revealed by Variety, XYZ had boarded the title last year.
In the Karachi-set film, after the death of the family patriarch, a mother and daughter’s precarious existence is ripped apart by figures from their past – both real and phantasmal. They must find strength in each other if they are to survive the malevolent forces that threaten to engulf them.
It is the first Pakistan-set film in Directors’ Fortnight since Jamil Dehlavi’s “The Blood of Hussain” was selected in 1980.
Kahn, who is now based in Canada, was born in and grew up in Karachi. “In Flames,” which is Kahn’s feature debut grew out of “Dia,...
- 5/19/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
As striking writers continue to walk picket lines in Los Angeles and New York, buyers and sellers are marching the Croisette, making their way to the Cannes film market. Whether or not they pack their bags with films in hand is still unclear.
Heading into the festival, dealmakers were largely confident, or at least vocally so, that the WGA strike would not have a major impact on the film market. Scripts for splashy packages had been rushed to get in prior to the May 1 strike deadline and the projects with A-list talent like Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh seemed to have numbered more than many markets in recent memory.
Now, on the ground, a slightly more complicated picture is emerging
Top of mind is the potential for a multi-union strike. Less than a week before the opening of the Cannes market, the DGA entered contract negotiations with negotiations committee co-chair...
Heading into the festival, dealmakers were largely confident, or at least vocally so, that the WGA strike would not have a major impact on the film market. Scripts for splashy packages had been rushed to get in prior to the May 1 strike deadline and the projects with A-list talent like Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh seemed to have numbered more than many markets in recent memory.
Now, on the ground, a slightly more complicated picture is emerging
Top of mind is the potential for a multi-union strike. Less than a week before the opening of the Cannes market, the DGA entered contract negotiations with negotiations committee co-chair...
- 5/19/2023
- by Mia Galuppo and Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Genre regular Maika Monroe – whose credits include The Guest, It Follows, Tau, Villains, The Stranger, Watcher, and the upcoming Nicolas Cage horror film Longlegs – and Troy Kotsur, who won an Oscar for his performance in the Best Picture winner Coda – have signed on to star in the thriller In Cold Light, which Deadline notes will mark the English-language debut of French-Canadian director Maxime Giroux (Felix and Meira). This will also be Kotsur’s first movie since he worked on Coda.
Scripted by by Patrick Whistler, In Cold Light has the following synopsis: Ava (Monroe) is trapped. Like a bull in a bucking chute, seconds before exploding onto the rodeo stage. She is hunted. Pursued by those who killed her brother, pursued by her own demons. Ava needs to make a choice. To either save herself and fight another day or to push and become the woman she wishes she could be.
Scripted by by Patrick Whistler, In Cold Light has the following synopsis: Ava (Monroe) is trapped. Like a bull in a bucking chute, seconds before exploding onto the rodeo stage. She is hunted. Pursued by those who killed her brother, pursued by her own demons. Ava needs to make a choice. To either save herself and fight another day or to push and become the woman she wishes she could be.
- 5/18/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Maika Monroe (It Follows) and Troy Kotsur (Coda) have been cast as leads in crime thriller In Cold Light, which will mark the English-language debut of French-Canadian director Maxime Giroux (Felix And Meira).
The project, due to shoot later this year, is Kotsur’s first movie since he memorably won the best supporting actor Oscar for Coda.
XYZ Films is handling world rights and is introducing the film to buyers at this week’s Cannes Market.
The official synopsis reads: “Ava (Monroe) is trapped. Like a bull in a bucking chute, seconds before exploding onto the rodeo stage. She is hunted. Pursued by those who killed her brother, pursued by her own demons. Ava needs to make a choice. To either save herself and fight another day or to push and become the woman she wishes she could be.”
Pic was written by Patrick Whistler, and is produced by...
The project, due to shoot later this year, is Kotsur’s first movie since he memorably won the best supporting actor Oscar for Coda.
XYZ Films is handling world rights and is introducing the film to buyers at this week’s Cannes Market.
The official synopsis reads: “Ava (Monroe) is trapped. Like a bull in a bucking chute, seconds before exploding onto the rodeo stage. She is hunted. Pursued by those who killed her brother, pursued by her own demons. Ava needs to make a choice. To either save herself and fight another day or to push and become the woman she wishes she could be.”
Pic was written by Patrick Whistler, and is produced by...
- 5/17/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Rev up your DeLorean and check that old flux capacitor because Cannes 2023 is looking like a trip back to the future.
After the disruption and near devastation brought on by the Covid pandemic, and concerns that the rising tide of global streamers would wash away the business model of independent film distributors worldwide, buyers and sellers arrive on the Croisette this year on a wave of good (ish) news on the return of the theatrical business and a bumper crop of big movies, both blockbuster-y and arthouse-esque, up for sale at the Marché.
“The box office in North America is back up pretty close [to pre-pandemic levels],” notes Rob Carney, vp of sales at FilmNation, referencing first-quarter figures that showed domestic revenues of $1.8 billion, just 25 percent off the record highs of 2019. Gross box office in the European Union (EU) and the U.K. last year, as reported by the European Audiovisual Observatory, was up 70 percent from the 2021 figures,...
After the disruption and near devastation brought on by the Covid pandemic, and concerns that the rising tide of global streamers would wash away the business model of independent film distributors worldwide, buyers and sellers arrive on the Croisette this year on a wave of good (ish) news on the return of the theatrical business and a bumper crop of big movies, both blockbuster-y and arthouse-esque, up for sale at the Marché.
“The box office in North America is back up pretty close [to pre-pandemic levels],” notes Rob Carney, vp of sales at FilmNation, referencing first-quarter figures that showed domestic revenues of $1.8 billion, just 25 percent off the record highs of 2019. Gross box office in the European Union (EU) and the U.K. last year, as reported by the European Audiovisual Observatory, was up 70 percent from the 2021 figures,...
- 5/16/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Renowned photographer Kourtney Roy makes feature film debut.
XYZ Films has added the psychothriller Krypto to the sales slate of its New Visions label launching in Cannes to champion bold cinematic voices and has released the first two first-looks.
Paris-based Canadian photographer Kourtney Roy makes her feature film debut on the Canadian-uk co-production about a woman’s search for a missing monster hunter and her growing realisation that she is inescapably linked to the creature being pursued. Chloe Pirrie stars and Paul Bromley wrote the screenplay.
Amber Ripley of Goodbye Productions produced Krypto alongside Sophie Venner of the UK’s Taletime Pictures and Josh Huculiak,...
XYZ Films has added the psychothriller Krypto to the sales slate of its New Visions label launching in Cannes to champion bold cinematic voices and has released the first two first-looks.
Paris-based Canadian photographer Kourtney Roy makes her feature film debut on the Canadian-uk co-production about a woman’s search for a missing monster hunter and her growing realisation that she is inescapably linked to the creature being pursued. Chloe Pirrie stars and Paul Bromley wrote the screenplay.
Amber Ripley of Goodbye Productions produced Krypto alongside Sophie Venner of the UK’s Taletime Pictures and Josh Huculiak,...
- 5/15/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Christina Hendricks is to star in 'Reckoner'.The 47-year-old actress will lead the cast of the psychological thriller that is written and directed by Nissar Modi, who is making his big-screen directorial debut.In the film, an affluent woman's carefully constructed life gets disrupted by a young man who is connected to a secret from her past.The movie – which will be sold at the Cannes Film Festival later this month – is based on a short story by the late writer Rachel Ingalls. It will be produced by XYZ Films and Two and Two Pictures, with the former financing the project.Modi said: "I'm delighted to be working with the immensely talented Christina Hendricks on this haunting tale of guilt, obsession and revenge."It's a film I've been envisioning for many years ever since I read Rachel Ingalls' remarkable short story, and am excited to finally bring it to life...
- 5/3/2023
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Christina Hendricks will lead the psychological thriller “Reckoner,” which will be sold at the Cannes Film Festival this month.
The project is written and directed by Nissar Modi (“Z for Zacharian”), who will be making his big screen directorial debut.
In the film, an affluent woman’s carefully constructed life is disrupted by a young man connected to a tightly-held secret from her past.
The film is based on a short story by late writer Rachel Ingalls and will be produced by XYZ Films and Two & Two Pictures, with XYZ Films financing. XYZ Films has also added “Reckoner” to its New Visions slate of films, with world sales launching in Cannes.
The recently launched New Visions is designed to spotlight new voices alongside established talent that are striking a new path in the international space. “Reckoner” will be the first package in pre-production to run through the new slate.
The project is written and directed by Nissar Modi (“Z for Zacharian”), who will be making his big screen directorial debut.
In the film, an affluent woman’s carefully constructed life is disrupted by a young man connected to a tightly-held secret from her past.
The film is based on a short story by late writer Rachel Ingalls and will be produced by XYZ Films and Two & Two Pictures, with XYZ Films financing. XYZ Films has also added “Reckoner” to its New Visions slate of films, with world sales launching in Cannes.
The recently launched New Visions is designed to spotlight new voices alongside established talent that are striking a new path in the international space. “Reckoner” will be the first package in pre-production to run through the new slate.
- 5/2/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Psychological thriller joins In Flames, The Seeding, Restore Point, All You Need Is Death on slate of
Christina Hendricks has been cast in the lead on the psychological thriller Reckoner, which becomes the first package to join XYZ Films’ New Visions Cannes initiative championing bold global voices.
Nissar Modi, the writer on writer of Z For Zachariah, will make his feature directorial debut based on his screenplay about an affluent woman whose carefully constructed life is disrupted by a young man connected to a secret from her past.
The film is based on a short story by Rachel Ingalls and...
Christina Hendricks has been cast in the lead on the psychological thriller Reckoner, which becomes the first package to join XYZ Films’ New Visions Cannes initiative championing bold global voices.
Nissar Modi, the writer on writer of Z For Zachariah, will make his feature directorial debut based on his screenplay about an affluent woman whose carefully constructed life is disrupted by a young man connected to a secret from her past.
The film is based on a short story by Rachel Ingalls and...
- 5/2/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Horror will screen in Cannes market ahead of world premiere in New York in June.
XYZ Films has boarded worldwide sales on Tribeca Festival entry The Seeding for its New Visions roster and will screen the film for buyers in Cannes ahead of the world premiere in New York in June.
Barnaby Clay directed the horror about a man trapped in a desert canyon with a woman living off-grid who is captive to a pack of sadistic boys. Kate Lyn Sheil and Scott Haze star.
XYZ Films serves as executive producer and co-financier on The Seeding and its fund partner Ipr.Vc provided investment funding.
XYZ Films has boarded worldwide sales on Tribeca Festival entry The Seeding for its New Visions roster and will screen the film for buyers in Cannes ahead of the world premiere in New York in June.
Barnaby Clay directed the horror about a man trapped in a desert canyon with a woman living off-grid who is captive to a pack of sadistic boys. Kate Lyn Sheil and Scott Haze star.
XYZ Films serves as executive producer and co-financier on The Seeding and its fund partner Ipr.Vc provided investment funding.
- 4/26/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Former Film Factory executive Manon Barat joins company as dedicated sales executive.
Heading into Cannes XYZ Films has launched New Visions, an initiative to champion bold global voices, kicking off with Directors’ Fortnight entry In Flames.
Former Film Factory executive Manon Barat has joined the company as a dedicated sales executive and will work alongside longtime head of international acquisitions Todd Brown to oversee the slate.
The highly curated New Visions will discover and support the next generation of filmmakers and give established talents room to make smaller, more intimate and challenging work.
Besides Zarrar Kahn’s Pakistani-Canadian horror In Flames,...
Heading into Cannes XYZ Films has launched New Visions, an initiative to champion bold global voices, kicking off with Directors’ Fortnight entry In Flames.
Former Film Factory executive Manon Barat has joined the company as a dedicated sales executive and will work alongside longtime head of international acquisitions Todd Brown to oversee the slate.
The highly curated New Visions will discover and support the next generation of filmmakers and give established talents room to make smaller, more intimate and challenging work.
Besides Zarrar Kahn’s Pakistani-Canadian horror In Flames,...
- 4/19/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
XYZ Films has unveiled New Visions, an initiative designed to spotlight bold new voices alongside established talent striking a new path in the international cinema space.
The initiative will serve as a curated collection of films that “exists to discover and support the next generation of great filmmakers at the inception of their career, and to give established talents room to do something smaller, more intimate, or challenging outside of the usual box of independent filmmaking,” XYZ said in a statement.
The slate will launch in Cannes with Directors’ Fortnight selection “In Flames,” a Pakistani-Canadian horror film directed by Zarrar Kahn and executive produced by Shant Joshi. As revealed by Variety, XYZ had boarded the title last year. In the Karachi-set film, after the death of the family patriarch, a mother and daughter’s precarious existence is ripped apart by figures from their past – both real and phantasmal. They must...
The initiative will serve as a curated collection of films that “exists to discover and support the next generation of great filmmakers at the inception of their career, and to give established talents room to do something smaller, more intimate, or challenging outside of the usual box of independent filmmaking,” XYZ said in a statement.
The slate will launch in Cannes with Directors’ Fortnight selection “In Flames,” a Pakistani-Canadian horror film directed by Zarrar Kahn and executive produced by Shant Joshi. As revealed by Variety, XYZ had boarded the title last year. In the Karachi-set film, after the death of the family patriarch, a mother and daughter’s precarious existence is ripped apart by figures from their past – both real and phantasmal. They must...
- 4/19/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
XYZ Films have launched a new label for low-budget international genre films, called New Visions.
The company will launch its first New Visions slate at the Cannes Film Market next month with In Flames, the feature debut of Pakistani-Canadian director Zarrar Kahn. The Urdu-language horror movie, which was just picked for the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight lineup, follows a young woman who is tormented by vivid hallucinations after the death of her boyfriend. Other titles in the New Visions slate include the Czech science fiction title Restore Point from director Robert Hloz, and Irish folk horror All You Need Is Death from Very Extremely Dangerous helmer Paul Duane.
XYZ Films has hired Manon Barat, formerly a sales and marketing executive with Barcelona-based Film Factory Entertainment, as a dedicated sales executive overseeing the new slate, working alongside XYZ head of international acquisitions Todd Brown.
Brown framed the new label as a return to the roots for XYZ,...
The company will launch its first New Visions slate at the Cannes Film Market next month with In Flames, the feature debut of Pakistani-Canadian director Zarrar Kahn. The Urdu-language horror movie, which was just picked for the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight lineup, follows a young woman who is tormented by vivid hallucinations after the death of her boyfriend. Other titles in the New Visions slate include the Czech science fiction title Restore Point from director Robert Hloz, and Irish folk horror All You Need Is Death from Very Extremely Dangerous helmer Paul Duane.
XYZ Films has hired Manon Barat, formerly a sales and marketing executive with Barcelona-based Film Factory Entertainment, as a dedicated sales executive overseeing the new slate, working alongside XYZ head of international acquisitions Todd Brown.
Brown framed the new label as a return to the roots for XYZ,...
- 4/19/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
XYZ Films has hired Manon Barat, a former executive at the Spanish sales company Film Factory, to head a slate of titles that will fall under the company’s newly-launched global film initiative, New Visions.
Barat will work alongside XYZ Head of International Acquisitions Todd Brown to oversee the new slate, which the company has described as a “highly curated collection of films.”
XYZ will launch the new slate in Cannes with In Flames, a Pakistani-Canadian horror film directed by Zarrar Kahn and executive produced by Shant Joshi. The pic will screen as part of the Directors’ Fortnight sidebar. Check out a first-look image from the film below.
Other titles from the initial New Visions slate include the Czech sci-fi pic Restore Point, directed by Robert Hloz and produced by Jan Kallista, which will have footage screened at the Marché du Film as part of the Fantastic 7 lineup. Paul Duane...
Barat will work alongside XYZ Head of International Acquisitions Todd Brown to oversee the new slate, which the company has described as a “highly curated collection of films.”
XYZ will launch the new slate in Cannes with In Flames, a Pakistani-Canadian horror film directed by Zarrar Kahn and executive produced by Shant Joshi. The pic will screen as part of the Directors’ Fortnight sidebar. Check out a first-look image from the film below.
Other titles from the initial New Visions slate include the Czech sci-fi pic Restore Point, directed by Robert Hloz and produced by Jan Kallista, which will have footage screened at the Marché du Film as part of the Fantastic 7 lineup. Paul Duane...
- 4/19/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
The new genre-focused Fantastic Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film has unveiled plans for a series of six yet-to-be-announced special market screenings as well as an original logo that promises to unlock the imagination.
Due to the strong response and interest from independent producers, sales agents and distributors – seen again at Berlin’s European Film Market — Fantastic Pavilion organizers are presenting the Fantastic Pavilion Galas.
Offering a prime example of what participating sales companies will be offering to worldwide buyers at the Marché du Film, the six special market screenings will serve “as a magnifying glass, giving them a wide promotion to stand out among the crop of content available at the market,” organizers said. The Galas’ six films will be announced prior the Cannes market. Interested parties may contact Fantastic Pavilion organizers via their website.
“XYZ Films is thrilled to see the Fantastic Pavilion step...
Due to the strong response and interest from independent producers, sales agents and distributors – seen again at Berlin’s European Film Market — Fantastic Pavilion organizers are presenting the Fantastic Pavilion Galas.
Offering a prime example of what participating sales companies will be offering to worldwide buyers at the Marché du Film, the six special market screenings will serve “as a magnifying glass, giving them a wide promotion to stand out among the crop of content available at the market,” organizers said. The Galas’ six films will be announced prior the Cannes market. Interested parties may contact Fantastic Pavilion organizers via their website.
“XYZ Films is thrilled to see the Fantastic Pavilion step...
- 3/6/2023
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Nick Frost, Alicia Silverstone & Kevin Connolly To Star In Dark Comedy ‘Krazy House’
Nick Frost, Alicia Silverstone, and Kevin Connolly have signed on to star in the dark comedy Krazy House from writer-directors Steffen Haars and Flip van der Kuil. Production on the pic has just been completed in Amsterdam. The cast is rounded out by Gaite Jansen, Walt Klink, Jan Bijvoet, Chris Peters, and Matti Stooker. Maarten Swart will produce the film for Kaap Holland Film, in a co-production with Haars and van der Kuil. Kaap Holland Film’s Jorn Baars and XYZ’s Todd Brown are executive producers. Splendid Films is handling distribution in the Benelux. XYZ has North American sales rights.
Related: Deadline’s Berlin Film Festival Coverage
TIFF Title ‘The Young Arsonists’ Picked Up By Game Theory
Exclusive: Game Theory Films has acquired US and Canadian rights to The Young Arsonists from filmmaker and artist Sheila Pye.
Nick Frost, Alicia Silverstone, and Kevin Connolly have signed on to star in the dark comedy Krazy House from writer-directors Steffen Haars and Flip van der Kuil. Production on the pic has just been completed in Amsterdam. The cast is rounded out by Gaite Jansen, Walt Klink, Jan Bijvoet, Chris Peters, and Matti Stooker. Maarten Swart will produce the film for Kaap Holland Film, in a co-production with Haars and van der Kuil. Kaap Holland Film’s Jorn Baars and XYZ’s Todd Brown are executive producers. Splendid Films is handling distribution in the Benelux. XYZ has North American sales rights.
Related: Deadline’s Berlin Film Festival Coverage
TIFF Title ‘The Young Arsonists’ Picked Up By Game Theory
Exclusive: Game Theory Films has acquired US and Canadian rights to The Young Arsonists from filmmaker and artist Sheila Pye.
- 2/18/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Steffen Haars and Flip van der Kuil make English-language feature debut.
XYZ Films has signed on to represent North American sales on Krazy House starring Nick Frost, Alicia Silverstone and Kevin Connolly, which marks the English-language feature debut of Dutch filmmaking duo Steffen Haars and Flip van der Kuil
The producers have signed a deal with Splendid Films to distribute in Benelux and are expected to bring on an international sales agent shortly.
Production has just wrapped in Amsterdam on the 1990s-set story about a religious man (Frost) who must protect his family when Russian workers at their home turn...
XYZ Films has signed on to represent North American sales on Krazy House starring Nick Frost, Alicia Silverstone and Kevin Connolly, which marks the English-language feature debut of Dutch filmmaking duo Steffen Haars and Flip van der Kuil
The producers have signed a deal with Splendid Films to distribute in Benelux and are expected to bring on an international sales agent shortly.
Production has just wrapped in Amsterdam on the 1990s-set story about a religious man (Frost) who must protect his family when Russian workers at their home turn...
- 2/18/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Nick Frost, Alicia Silverstone and Kevin Connolly will star in the dark comedy “Krazy House” from writers-directors Steffen Haars and Flip van der Kuil, marking the first English-language film by the duo.
Dutch Gaite Jansen, Walt Klink, Jan Bijvoet, Chris Peters and Matti Stooker round out the cast. Production on the film has just been completed in Amsterdam.
Set in the 90s, “Krazy House” is about religious homemaker Bernie (Frost) and his sitcom family. When Russian workers in Bernie’s house turn out to be wanted criminals, they make Bernie and his family tear the place up in search of some old hidden loot. In order to free himself, Bernie has to man up and save his imprisoned family, while slowly going crazy.
Maarten Swart will produce the film for Kaap Holland Film, in a co-production with Haars and van der Kuil. Kaap Holland Film’s Jorn Baars and XYZ...
Dutch Gaite Jansen, Walt Klink, Jan Bijvoet, Chris Peters and Matti Stooker round out the cast. Production on the film has just been completed in Amsterdam.
Set in the 90s, “Krazy House” is about religious homemaker Bernie (Frost) and his sitcom family. When Russian workers in Bernie’s house turn out to be wanted criminals, they make Bernie and his family tear the place up in search of some old hidden loot. In order to free himself, Bernie has to man up and save his imprisoned family, while slowly going crazy.
Maarten Swart will produce the film for Kaap Holland Film, in a co-production with Haars and van der Kuil. Kaap Holland Film’s Jorn Baars and XYZ...
- 2/18/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Alicia Silverstone — whose latest feature Perpetrator is having its world premiere in the Berlinale — has just shot another film over the German border.
The Clueless star joined Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) and Kevin Connolly (Entourage) in the newly-announced dark comedy Krazy House, which recently wrapped production in Amsterdam. The feature marks the first English-language film from Dutch writer-director duo Steffen Haars and Flip van der Kuil (New Kids Turbo, Bro’s Before Ho’s, Ron Goossens: Low-Budget Stuntman), with Kaap Holland Film producing.
Set in the 1990s, Krazy House follows religious homemaker Bernie (Frost) and his sitcom family. When Russian workers in Bernie’s house turn out to be wanted criminals, they make Bernie and his family tear the place up in search of some old hidden loot. In order to free himself, Bernie has to man up and save his imprisoned family, while slowly going crazy.
Gaite Jansen (Jett,...
The Clueless star joined Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) and Kevin Connolly (Entourage) in the newly-announced dark comedy Krazy House, which recently wrapped production in Amsterdam. The feature marks the first English-language film from Dutch writer-director duo Steffen Haars and Flip van der Kuil (New Kids Turbo, Bro’s Before Ho’s, Ron Goossens: Low-Budget Stuntman), with Kaap Holland Film producing.
Set in the 1990s, Krazy House follows religious homemaker Bernie (Frost) and his sitcom family. When Russian workers in Bernie’s house turn out to be wanted criminals, they make Bernie and his family tear the place up in search of some old hidden loot. In order to free himself, Bernie has to man up and save his imprisoned family, while slowly going crazy.
Gaite Jansen (Jett,...
- 2/18/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
ProducerLAND, a curated training and networking program for producers from South Asia, is bowing Ascent – a project accelerator designed to help experienced producers by providing them with global expertise and support to maximize their project’s potential.
Ascent is an immersive three-module program where six selected producers will develop their projects for international markets and audiences. The modules will focus on creative producing, audiences, funding, coproductions, positioning, markets and impact producing.
The first module is a residency in Goa, India from Jan. 29 – Feb. 5 where participants will interact with mentors and industry experts that have been brought on board to suit their specific projects, and develop them to be mounted as international projects.
The program’s lead mentor and curator is France’s Tanja Meissner, who was previously VP International Sales at Celluloid, and head of international sales at Memento.
Mentors also include Ajay Rai, U.K.-based producer and faculty...
Ascent is an immersive three-module program where six selected producers will develop their projects for international markets and audiences. The modules will focus on creative producing, audiences, funding, coproductions, positioning, markets and impact producing.
The first module is a residency in Goa, India from Jan. 29 – Feb. 5 where participants will interact with mentors and industry experts that have been brought on board to suit their specific projects, and develop them to be mounted as international projects.
The program’s lead mentor and curator is France’s Tanja Meissner, who was previously VP International Sales at Celluloid, and head of international sales at Memento.
Mentors also include Ajay Rai, U.K.-based producer and faculty...
- 1/23/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Apurva Chandra, Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Ministry, on Thursday confirmed plans to create a national streaming platform within the National Film Development Corporation website. The move is an integral part of plans to promote India as a global content hub.
“We are planning to do that on the website so that not just Nfdc co-produced and produced films, but so we are also able to curate and showcase shorts and other films. Because some of those who are producing in India are not able to get a market otherwise. The Nfdc platform can be used to focus on such talent and promote good quality content also,” Chandra told Variety.
He was speaking in Goa ahead of a panel at Nfdc’s Film Bazaar which discussed the content hub proposal.
Chandra also confirmed a focus on supporting the animation, visual effects and gaming sectors.
“In India the cost would be...
“We are planning to do that on the website so that not just Nfdc co-produced and produced films, but so we are also able to curate and showcase shorts and other films. Because some of those who are producing in India are not able to get a market otherwise. The Nfdc platform can be used to focus on such talent and promote good quality content also,” Chandra told Variety.
He was speaking in Goa ahead of a panel at Nfdc’s Film Bazaar which discussed the content hub proposal.
Chandra also confirmed a focus on supporting the animation, visual effects and gaming sectors.
“In India the cost would be...
- 11/25/2022
- by Udita Jhunjhunwala
- Variety Film + TV
XYZ Films will handle North American sales rights on the upcoming In Flames, Variety reports this morning, with the website also sharing the first-look image from the movie up above.
In the Pakistani horror movie from writer/director Zarrar Kahn…
“After the death of the family patriarch, a mother and daughter’s precarious existence is ripped apart by figures from their past – both real and phantasmal. They must find strength in each other if they are to survive the malevolent forces that threaten to engulf them.”
Variety notes that In Flames is a Canada-Pakistan co-production with support from Telefilm Canada. Production companies include CityLights Media, Other Memory Media and Fae Pictures.
Kahn said in a statement, “We’re thrilled to partner with XYZ films in bringing In Flames to audiences. Our goal was to create a film that speaks to the international potential of Pakistani genre cinema, and it is...
In the Pakistani horror movie from writer/director Zarrar Kahn…
“After the death of the family patriarch, a mother and daughter’s precarious existence is ripped apart by figures from their past – both real and phantasmal. They must find strength in each other if they are to survive the malevolent forces that threaten to engulf them.”
Variety notes that In Flames is a Canada-Pakistan co-production with support from Telefilm Canada. Production companies include CityLights Media, Other Memory Media and Fae Pictures.
Kahn said in a statement, “We’re thrilled to partner with XYZ films in bringing In Flames to audiences. Our goal was to create a film that speaks to the international potential of Pakistani genre cinema, and it is...
- 11/23/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
XYZ Films has boarded horror film “In Flames” and will handle North American sales rights.
In the Karachi-set film, after the death of the family patriarch, a mother and daughter’s precarious existence is ripped apart by figures from their past – both real and phantasmal. They must find strength in each other if they are to survive the malevolent forces that threaten to engulf them.
The film is directed by Zarrar Kahn, an award-winning Pakistani-Canadian writer, director and producer, produced by Pakistani-Canadian Anam Abbas and executive produced by Indian-American Shant Joshi.
“In Flames” is officially a Canada-Pakistan co-production with support from Telefilm Canada. Production companies include CityLights Media, Other Memory Media and Fae Pictures.
The film is currently in post production and working towards a festival premiere in 2023.
Kahn said: “We’re thrilled to partner with XYZ films in bringing ‘In Flames’ to audiences. Our goal was to create a...
In the Karachi-set film, after the death of the family patriarch, a mother and daughter’s precarious existence is ripped apart by figures from their past – both real and phantasmal. They must find strength in each other if they are to survive the malevolent forces that threaten to engulf them.
The film is directed by Zarrar Kahn, an award-winning Pakistani-Canadian writer, director and producer, produced by Pakistani-Canadian Anam Abbas and executive produced by Indian-American Shant Joshi.
“In Flames” is officially a Canada-Pakistan co-production with support from Telefilm Canada. Production companies include CityLights Media, Other Memory Media and Fae Pictures.
The film is currently in post production and working towards a festival premiere in 2023.
Kahn said: “We’re thrilled to partner with XYZ films in bringing ‘In Flames’ to audiences. Our goal was to create a...
- 11/23/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Eleven months ago, we heard that photographer Caitlin Cronenberg, daughter of legendary filmmaker David Cronenberg, would be making her feature directorial debut with a thriller called Humane. That project has now wrapped its four-week shoot in Hamilton, Ontario – and now that filming is complete, Deadline has revealed the names of several cast members! Humane stars Emily Hampshire (Chapelwaite), Jay Baruchel (Random Acts of Violence), Peter Gallagher (Grace and Frankie), Sebastian Chacon (Emergency), Alanna Bale (Cardinal), and Sirena Gulamgaus (Transplant).
Written and produced by Michael Sparaga of Victory Man Productions, Humane takes place over the course of a single day,
months after a global environmental collapse has forced world leaders to take extreme measures to reduce the earth’s population. In a wealthy enclave, a recently retired newsman invites his four grown children to dinner to announce his intentions to enlist in the nation’s new euthanasia program. But when the...
Written and produced by Michael Sparaga of Victory Man Productions, Humane takes place over the course of a single day,
months after a global environmental collapse has forced world leaders to take extreme measures to reduce the earth’s population. In a wealthy enclave, a recently retired newsman invites his four grown children to dinner to announce his intentions to enlist in the nation’s new euthanasia program. But when the...
- 11/22/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Click here to read the full article.
Jay Baruchel, Emily Hampshire and Peter Gallagher have nabbed lead roles in Humane, Caitlin Cronenberg’s thriller scripted by Michael Sparaga.
Production on the feature directorial debut by the daughter of director David Cronenberg has just wrapped in Hamilton, Ontario. The ensemble cast included Enrico Colantoni, Sebastian Chacon, Alanna Bale and Sirena Gulamgaus.
Humane takes place over one day and months after a global environmental collapse forced world leaders to reduce the earth’s population. In a wealthy enclave, a recently retired newsman tells his four grown children he will join a new euthanasia program, only to see his plan go horribly wrong, with chaos among his children as the result.
Humane is produced by Sparaga’s Victory Man Productions and is executive produced by Martin Katz, Karen Wookey, Todd Brown, Nick Spicer, Adrian Love and Laurie May. Elevation Pictures is distributing in Canada.
Jay Baruchel, Emily Hampshire and Peter Gallagher have nabbed lead roles in Humane, Caitlin Cronenberg’s thriller scripted by Michael Sparaga.
Production on the feature directorial debut by the daughter of director David Cronenberg has just wrapped in Hamilton, Ontario. The ensemble cast included Enrico Colantoni, Sebastian Chacon, Alanna Bale and Sirena Gulamgaus.
Humane takes place over one day and months after a global environmental collapse forced world leaders to reduce the earth’s population. In a wealthy enclave, a recently retired newsman tells his four grown children he will join a new euthanasia program, only to see his plan go horribly wrong, with chaos among his children as the result.
Humane is produced by Sparaga’s Victory Man Productions and is executive produced by Martin Katz, Karen Wookey, Todd Brown, Nick Spicer, Adrian Love and Laurie May. Elevation Pictures is distributing in Canada.
- 11/22/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Caitlin Cronenberg’s has wrapped the four-week shoot in Hamilton, Ontario of her directorial debut, the environment-themed thriller Humane.
The production has also unveiled the cast featuring Jay Baruchel (This Is The End), Emily Hampshire (Schitt’s Creek), Peter Gallagher (Grace and Frankie), Sebastian Chacon (Emergency), Alanna Bale and Sirena Gulamgaus (Transplant).
Humane takes place over a single day months after a global environmental collapse has forced world leaders to take extreme measures to reduce the earth’s population.
In a wealthy enclave, a recently retired newsman invites his four grown children to dinner to announce his intentions to enlist in the nation’s new euthanasia program. But when the father’s plan goes horribly awry, tensions flare and chaos erupts among his children.
The picture is written and produced by Victory Man Productions’ Michael Sparaga.
“From my very first read, the all-too-possible dystopian world of Michael’s script left me breathless,...
The production has also unveiled the cast featuring Jay Baruchel (This Is The End), Emily Hampshire (Schitt’s Creek), Peter Gallagher (Grace and Frankie), Sebastian Chacon (Emergency), Alanna Bale and Sirena Gulamgaus (Transplant).
Humane takes place over a single day months after a global environmental collapse has forced world leaders to take extreme measures to reduce the earth’s population.
In a wealthy enclave, a recently retired newsman invites his four grown children to dinner to announce his intentions to enlist in the nation’s new euthanasia program. But when the father’s plan goes horribly awry, tensions flare and chaos erupts among his children.
The picture is written and produced by Victory Man Productions’ Michael Sparaga.
“From my very first read, the all-too-possible dystopian world of Michael’s script left me breathless,...
- 11/22/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Jalmari Helander’s WWII action thriller “Sisu” has made good on its upbeat reception at Toronto Midnight Madness – Variety called it “outrageously entertaining” – winning the top award at this year’s Sitges – International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia which is showing, like genre itself, clear signs of expansion.
The over 70,000 tickets sold at 2022’s Sitges were 10 up on 2019, and an all-time record. Sitges guests stood at 610, also the biggest figure ever, announced Mònica García Massagué, director of the Sitges Foundation.
One of the other big winners at Sitges was “The House of the Devil’s” Ti West, with “Pearl,” a prequel to porn shoot slasher “X” which plays like a cross between “Psycho” and “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?,” Variety announced in its review.
In further awards, Michele Garza’s body horror thriller “Huesera,” a probing motherhood drama and arresting mix of Lgtbq passion and genre innovation, added to...
The over 70,000 tickets sold at 2022’s Sitges were 10 up on 2019, and an all-time record. Sitges guests stood at 610, also the biggest figure ever, announced Mònica García Massagué, director of the Sitges Foundation.
One of the other big winners at Sitges was “The House of the Devil’s” Ti West, with “Pearl,” a prequel to porn shoot slasher “X” which plays like a cross between “Psycho” and “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?,” Variety announced in its review.
In further awards, Michele Garza’s body horror thriller “Huesera,” a probing motherhood drama and arresting mix of Lgtbq passion and genre innovation, added to...
- 10/16/2022
- by Pablo Sandoval
- Variety Film + TV
The Durban FilmMart Institute has selected a nine-person advisory committee for its long-running co-production and finance market, which takes place in the coastal South African city every year.
Drawing on a mix of industry veterans from Africa, Europe and North America, the committee is tasked with helping the institute in its efforts to facilitate trade and investment in African content while assisting African filmmakers to access international markets.
“We are privileged to have been afforded access to a diverse group of industry role players who are committed to taking African content to the global market, thereby ensuring that Dfmi remains a key entry point that connects our industry to the world,” said Jacintha de Nobrega, chairperson of the Dfmi board of directors.
The advisory committee consists of Cécile Gérardin, head of drama at Canal Plus International; Dana Sims, talent agent at CAA; Jihan El-Tahri, Emmy-nominated filmmaker and general director at Dox Box; Judy Kibinge,...
Drawing on a mix of industry veterans from Africa, Europe and North America, the committee is tasked with helping the institute in its efforts to facilitate trade and investment in African content while assisting African filmmakers to access international markets.
“We are privileged to have been afforded access to a diverse group of industry role players who are committed to taking African content to the global market, thereby ensuring that Dfmi remains a key entry point that connects our industry to the world,” said Jacintha de Nobrega, chairperson of the Dfmi board of directors.
The advisory committee consists of Cécile Gérardin, head of drama at Canal Plus International; Dana Sims, talent agent at CAA; Jihan El-Tahri, Emmy-nominated filmmaker and general director at Dox Box; Judy Kibinge,...
- 7/13/2022
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Michelle Garza Cervera’s ’Huesera’ won two awards at Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year.
Mexican writer-director Michelle Garza Cervera, whose debut feature Huesera won two awards at Tribeca Film Festival last month, is now writing an English-language horror film called The Tyrant Woman (La Tirana) to be set in the world of salsa dancing.
“To me, salsa speaks so much about the dark sides of humanity but it’s funny because you are dancing to it,” the writer-director said of the project which she plans to set in Miami.
Cervera is also developing a cyberpunk drama series called Lagunitas,...
Mexican writer-director Michelle Garza Cervera, whose debut feature Huesera won two awards at Tribeca Film Festival last month, is now writing an English-language horror film called The Tyrant Woman (La Tirana) to be set in the world of salsa dancing.
“To me, salsa speaks so much about the dark sides of humanity but it’s funny because you are dancing to it,” the writer-director said of the project which she plans to set in Miami.
Cervera is also developing a cyberpunk drama series called Lagunitas,...
- 7/7/2022
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Zombie Action-Horror Wyrmwood: Apocalypse has released new BTS photos and gory character posters ahead of the April 14 VOD release from XYZ Films.
Rhys lives in the zombie-infested wasteland. His job is to capture civilians and deliver them to what’s left of the military. When Rhys captures a half-zombie-half-human named Grace, he comes to believe she is the key to ending the apocalypse.
Check out the trailer.
The latest feature from Australian filmmaking brother duo Kiah Roache-Turner and Tristan Roache-Turner, whose previous collaborations include their breakout feature debut Wyrmwood: Road Of The Dead, which premiered at the 2014 Fantastic Fest and put them on the map internationally for their creative use of low-budget gore and highly effective horrific story, and the 2018 TIFF Midnight Madness premiere Nekrotronic. The two share co-writing credits while Kiah handles direction with energetic ease and Tristan produces.
With a mix of new and familiar faces from...
Rhys lives in the zombie-infested wasteland. His job is to capture civilians and deliver them to what’s left of the military. When Rhys captures a half-zombie-half-human named Grace, he comes to believe she is the key to ending the apocalypse.
Check out the trailer.
The latest feature from Australian filmmaking brother duo Kiah Roache-Turner and Tristan Roache-Turner, whose previous collaborations include their breakout feature debut Wyrmwood: Road Of The Dead, which premiered at the 2014 Fantastic Fest and put them on the map internationally for their creative use of low-budget gore and highly effective horrific story, and the 2018 TIFF Midnight Madness premiere Nekrotronic. The two share co-writing credits while Kiah handles direction with energetic ease and Tristan produces.
With a mix of new and familiar faces from...
- 4/5/2022
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Alright horror fans, the new new trailer has dropped for XYZ Films’ Wyrmwood: Apocalypse.
Rhys lives in the zombie-infested wasteland. His job is to capture civilians and deliver them to what’s left of the military. When Rhys captures a half-zombie-half-human named Grace, he comes to believe she is the key to ending the apocalypse.
The latest feature from Australian filmmaking brother duo Kiah Roache-Turner and Tristan Roache-Turner, whose previous collaborations include their breakout feature debut Wyrmwood: Road Of The Dead, which premiered at the 2014 Fantastic Fest and put them on the map internationally for their creative use of low-budget gore and highly effective horrific story, and the 2018 TIFF Midnight Madness premiere Nekrotronic. The two share co-writing credits while Kiah handles direction with energetic ease and Tristan produces.
With a mix of new and familiar faces from the creative worlds of the Roache-Turner brothers , Wyrmwood: Apocalypse stars Luke McKenzie,...
Rhys lives in the zombie-infested wasteland. His job is to capture civilians and deliver them to what’s left of the military. When Rhys captures a half-zombie-half-human named Grace, he comes to believe she is the key to ending the apocalypse.
The latest feature from Australian filmmaking brother duo Kiah Roache-Turner and Tristan Roache-Turner, whose previous collaborations include their breakout feature debut Wyrmwood: Road Of The Dead, which premiered at the 2014 Fantastic Fest and put them on the map internationally for their creative use of low-budget gore and highly effective horrific story, and the 2018 TIFF Midnight Madness premiere Nekrotronic. The two share co-writing credits while Kiah handles direction with energetic ease and Tristan produces.
With a mix of new and familiar faces from the creative worlds of the Roache-Turner brothers , Wyrmwood: Apocalypse stars Luke McKenzie,...
- 3/25/2022
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Watch the Trailer for Wyrmwood: Apocalypse: "The latest feature from Australian filmmaking brother duo Kiah Roache-Turner and Tristan Roache-Turner, whose previous collaborations include their breakout feature debut Wyrmwood: Road Of The Dead, which premiered at the 2014 Fantastic Fest and put them on the map internationally for their creative use of low-budget gore and highly effective horrific story, and the 2018 TIFF Midnight Madness premiere Nekrotronic. The two share co-writing credits while Kiah handles direction with energetic ease and Tristan produces.
With a mix of new and familiar faces from the creative worlds of the Roache-Turner brothers , Wyrmwood: Apocalypse stars Luke McKenzie, Bianca Bradey (Wyrmwood: Road Of The Dead), Shantae Barnes-Cowan (Total Control), Tasia Zalar (Mystery Road), Jay Gallagher, and Nicholas Boshier (Soul Mates).
Blake Northfield (Streamline) produced alongside Tristan Roache-Turner, and Todd Brown and Maxime Cottray executive produced for XYZ Films.
Synopsis: Rhys lives in the zombie-infested wasteland. His job...
With a mix of new and familiar faces from the creative worlds of the Roache-Turner brothers , Wyrmwood: Apocalypse stars Luke McKenzie, Bianca Bradey (Wyrmwood: Road Of The Dead), Shantae Barnes-Cowan (Total Control), Tasia Zalar (Mystery Road), Jay Gallagher, and Nicholas Boshier (Soul Mates).
Blake Northfield (Streamline) produced alongside Tristan Roache-Turner, and Todd Brown and Maxime Cottray executive produced for XYZ Films.
Synopsis: Rhys lives in the zombie-infested wasteland. His job...
- 3/25/2022
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
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