Tubi, Fox’s free streaming service, has announced its list of June titles. The June 2024 slate features new Tubi Originals as well as numerous action, art house, Black cinema, comedy, documentary, drama, horror, kids and family, romance, sci-fi and fantasy, thriller, and Western titles.
As a leading ad-supported video-on-demand service, the company engages diverse audiences through a personalized experience and the world’s largest content library: over 200,000 movies and TV episodes, a growing collection of Tubi Originals, and nearly 250 Fast channels.
You can watch the Tubi June 2024 lineup for free on Android and iOS mobile devices, Amazon Echo Show, Google Nest Hub Max, Comcast Xfinity X1, and Cox Contour.
You can also watch the service on connected television devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Vizio TVs, Sony TVs, Samsung TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Android TV, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and on the Tubi site.
Tubi Originals
Action
Continental...
As a leading ad-supported video-on-demand service, the company engages diverse audiences through a personalized experience and the world’s largest content library: over 200,000 movies and TV episodes, a growing collection of Tubi Originals, and nearly 250 Fast channels.
You can watch the Tubi June 2024 lineup for free on Android and iOS mobile devices, Amazon Echo Show, Google Nest Hub Max, Comcast Xfinity X1, and Cox Contour.
You can also watch the service on connected television devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Vizio TVs, Sony TVs, Samsung TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Android TV, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and on the Tubi site.
Tubi Originals
Action
Continental...
- 5/17/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
For 2024, Queer East Festival launches its fifth year milestone with a remarkable line up of film screenings, arts and performance events across London from 17 to 28 April 2024 and then across the UK later in the year. The programme includes contemporary feature films, documentaries and shorts as well as special anniversary and retrospective screenings that showcase a wide range of LGBTQ+ stories from East Asia, Southeast Asia and their diaspora communities.
Queer East Festival's ground-breaking film programme challenges conventions and stereotypes giving audiences an opportunity to explore the contemporary queer landscape across East and Southeast Asia. Amplifying the voices of Asian communities are the UK Premieres of features, documentaries and shorts exploring young queer love, gender nonconformity and asexual identity, as well as thought-provoking classics with the 20th Anniversary screening of Chinese-American romantic comedy Saving Face and 50th Anniversary screening of the once-considered-lost Japanese title Bye Bye Love. Furthermore, the festival's ‘Expanded'...
Queer East Festival's ground-breaking film programme challenges conventions and stereotypes giving audiences an opportunity to explore the contemporary queer landscape across East and Southeast Asia. Amplifying the voices of Asian communities are the UK Premieres of features, documentaries and shorts exploring young queer love, gender nonconformity and asexual identity, as well as thought-provoking classics with the 20th Anniversary screening of Chinese-American romantic comedy Saving Face and 50th Anniversary screening of the once-considered-lost Japanese title Bye Bye Love. Furthermore, the festival's ‘Expanded'...
- 3/20/2024
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy is once again in the line of Twitter fire after a recent interview by director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy on her upcoming “Star Wars” film. But Daily Wire cofounder Ben Shapiro’s attempt to chime in on the dunking has led to some sharp retorts.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Shapiro called Kennedy the “worst entertainment executive I’ve ever seen in my lifetime” in response to comments made by Obaid-Chinoy, an Oscar and Emmy-winning director who shot the Pakistan-set episodes of “Ms. Marvel” and who is attached to direct an upcoming “Star Wars” film that will see Daisy Ridley return as sequel trilogy protagonist Rey.
“I’m very thrilled about the project because I feel what we’re about to create is something very special,” Obaid-Chinoy told CNN. “We’re in 2024 now, and it’s about time that we had a woman come...
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Shapiro called Kennedy the “worst entertainment executive I’ve ever seen in my lifetime” in response to comments made by Obaid-Chinoy, an Oscar and Emmy-winning director who shot the Pakistan-set episodes of “Ms. Marvel” and who is attached to direct an upcoming “Star Wars” film that will see Daisy Ridley return as sequel trilogy protagonist Rey.
“I’m very thrilled about the project because I feel what we’re about to create is something very special,” Obaid-Chinoy told CNN. “We’re in 2024 now, and it’s about time that we had a woman come...
- 1/3/2024
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
This LGBTQ+ History Month, we're asking writers to reflect on a moment in queer pop culture history that has allowed them to experience queer liberation in their own lives. Check out our coverage here.
It was 2017, and I was sifting through a hundred pages of printed-out poetry, essays, photography, and art. Earlier that day, I'd gone to my college campus's library and paid - at a painful 10 cents per page - to have the soon-to-be journal issue printed in its entirety.
I was just starting an internship with Sinister Wisdom, the nearly 50-year-old pillar of lesbian literary and arts publishing. I was an editorial assistant of sorts, helping the editor ready a journal issue for print and distribution. Now, sitting on the floor of my bedroom with hundreds of pages of writing fanning out around me, it was time to order the manuscript, paying attention to flow, theme, and genre.
It was 2017, and I was sifting through a hundred pages of printed-out poetry, essays, photography, and art. Earlier that day, I'd gone to my college campus's library and paid - at a painful 10 cents per page - to have the soon-to-be journal issue printed in its entirety.
I was just starting an internship with Sinister Wisdom, the nearly 50-year-old pillar of lesbian literary and arts publishing. I was an editorial assistant of sorts, helping the editor ready a journal issue for print and distribution. Now, sitting on the floor of my bedroom with hundreds of pages of writing fanning out around me, it was time to order the manuscript, paying attention to flow, theme, and genre.
- 10/14/2023
- by Sara Youngblood Gregory
- Popsugar.com
This LGBTQ+ History Month, we're asking writers to reflect on a moment in queer pop culture history that has allowed them to experience queer liberation in their own lives. Check out our coverage here.
Long before the commercial success of "Crazy Rich Asians," "Shang-Chi," "Fire Island," and "Everything Everywhere All at Once" heralded a new age of Asian representation in Hollywood, Alice Wu's "Saving Face" paved the way for queer Asian visibility in 2004.
Last year, when I watched the film for the first time, I had a vague inkling that I aspired to become a screenwriter and filmmaker. I had taken a few screenwriting classes through a nonprofit arts organization, but I felt deep insecurity that the subjects I was writing about - my American-born Chinese experience of being queer in an ethno-burb in Los Angeles - were too specific and too esoteric to be relevant to any audience.
Long before the commercial success of "Crazy Rich Asians," "Shang-Chi," "Fire Island," and "Everything Everywhere All at Once" heralded a new age of Asian representation in Hollywood, Alice Wu's "Saving Face" paved the way for queer Asian visibility in 2004.
Last year, when I watched the film for the first time, I had a vague inkling that I aspired to become a screenwriter and filmmaker. I had taken a few screenwriting classes through a nonprofit arts organization, but I felt deep insecurity that the subjects I was writing about - my American-born Chinese experience of being queer in an ethno-burb in Los Angeles - were too specific and too esoteric to be relevant to any audience.
- 10/1/2023
- by Jireh Deng
- Popsugar.com
While Hollywood still has a long way to go in supporting queer stories and storytellers, we’re living in a relative golden age of LGBTQ cinema compared to what has come before. Netflix has not always chosen to support the LGBTQ community in their business decisions, but the streamer has played a major role in increasing the visibility of queer characters and storylines in both film and TV, and in supporting queer creators in telling stories.
As we celebrate Pride month and beyond, let’s take a look at some of the best LGBTQ movies Netflix currently has on offer. If you’re looking for a queer film to watch—satirically funny or devastatingly earnest, heart-stoppingly romantic or casually queer—try one of the many excellent and diverse options below.
Brokeback Mountain
“Brokeback Mountain,” a neo-Western film about two male cowboys who love one another in a deeply homophobic society,...
As we celebrate Pride month and beyond, let’s take a look at some of the best LGBTQ movies Netflix currently has on offer. If you’re looking for a queer film to watch—satirically funny or devastatingly earnest, heart-stoppingly romantic or casually queer—try one of the many excellent and diverse options below.
Brokeback Mountain
“Brokeback Mountain,” a neo-Western film about two male cowboys who love one another in a deeply homophobic society,...
- 6/17/2023
- by Kayti Burt
- The Wrap
Some noteworthy new releases, a bevy of library titles and the complete series of “Freaks and Geeks” are among the new additions to Amazon Prime Video this month. May will see the streaming availability of the 2022 films “She Said,” “Violent Night” and “Till” on Prime Video, while the beloved (and short-lived) TV series “Freaks and Geeks” will be streaming on Amazon starting May 4.
We’ve also included everything new to Freevee, which includes the first three “John Wick” movies, “Scarface” and “The Usual Suspects.”
Check out the complete list of everything new on Amazon Prime Video in May 2023 below.
Also Read:
The 41 Best Movies on Amazon Prime (April 2023)
Arriving May 1
MasterChef Mexico S1-4 (2015)
A Beautiful Mind (2002)
Amistad (1997)
Babe (1995)
Babe: Pig In The City (1998)
Babel (2006)
Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996)
Biker Boyz (2003)
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
Blue Crush (2002)
Blue Crush 2 (2011)
Bound (1996)
Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason (2004)
Bridget Jones’s Baby...
We’ve also included everything new to Freevee, which includes the first three “John Wick” movies, “Scarface” and “The Usual Suspects.”
Check out the complete list of everything new on Amazon Prime Video in May 2023 below.
Also Read:
The 41 Best Movies on Amazon Prime (April 2023)
Arriving May 1
MasterChef Mexico S1-4 (2015)
A Beautiful Mind (2002)
Amistad (1997)
Babe (1995)
Babe: Pig In The City (1998)
Babel (2006)
Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996)
Biker Boyz (2003)
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
Blue Crush (2002)
Blue Crush 2 (2011)
Bound (1996)
Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason (2004)
Bridget Jones’s Baby...
- 5/1/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
With its list of new releases for May 2023, Amazon Prime Video is increasing its global reach.
The streamer’s biggest original offering this month is a German series. Hohlbeins’ – The Gryphon, based on the works of Wolfgang Holhlbein, will present a sprawling fantasy tale about three teens discovering a fantastical world called The Black Tower where “the Gryphon, a world-devouring monster, mercilessly subjugates all living creatures.”
The only other original title of note in May is Freevee comedy Primo on the 19th. Written by author and journalist Shea Serrano and produced by Michael Schur (The Good Place), this coming-of-age series will follow a teenager balancing “college aspirations, societal expectations, and a hectic home life on the south side of San Antonio.”
And that’s pretty much it for Amazon Originals this month! Thankfully, there is a huge influx of library content to keep Prime Video subscribers entertained. May 4 sees the...
The streamer’s biggest original offering this month is a German series. Hohlbeins’ – The Gryphon, based on the works of Wolfgang Holhlbein, will present a sprawling fantasy tale about three teens discovering a fantastical world called The Black Tower where “the Gryphon, a world-devouring monster, mercilessly subjugates all living creatures.”
The only other original title of note in May is Freevee comedy Primo on the 19th. Written by author and journalist Shea Serrano and produced by Michael Schur (The Good Place), this coming-of-age series will follow a teenager balancing “college aspirations, societal expectations, and a hectic home life on the south side of San Antonio.”
And that’s pretty much it for Amazon Originals this month! Thankfully, there is a huge influx of library content to keep Prime Video subscribers entertained. May 4 sees the...
- 5/1/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Diane von Furstenberg, the influential fashion designer who popularized the women’s wrap dress, will be the subject of a new documentary at Hulu.
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the Oscar-winning filmmaker of the shorts “Saving Face” and “A Girl in the River,” is directing the film with Trish Dalton. A release date and title for the feature-length documentary will be announced at a later date.
Through archival footage and intimate interviews, the film takes a deep dive into the life and career of von Furstenberg, who forged a path for herself in a male-dominated industry and built a multi-million-dollar fashion empire. She was born in Belgium to Holocaust survivors and began designing women’s clothing around 1970, about a year after marrying Prince Egon von Fürstenberg. They divorced in 1983 and she later moved to New York, where her company’s flagship boutique is still located. Von Furstenberg’s designs have been worn by...
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the Oscar-winning filmmaker of the shorts “Saving Face” and “A Girl in the River,” is directing the film with Trish Dalton. A release date and title for the feature-length documentary will be announced at a later date.
Through archival footage and intimate interviews, the film takes a deep dive into the life and career of von Furstenberg, who forged a path for herself in a male-dominated industry and built a multi-million-dollar fashion empire. She was born in Belgium to Holocaust survivors and began designing women’s clothing around 1970, about a year after marrying Prince Egon von Fürstenberg. They divorced in 1983 and she later moved to New York, where her company’s flagship boutique is still located. Von Furstenberg’s designs have been worn by...
- 4/20/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
James Mangold, Dave Filoni also set to direct.
Lucasfilm is planning three new live-action Star Wars features which will see Daisy Ridley return as Rey and Pakistani director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy become the first woman and person of colour to direct a feature in the canon.
Speaking at Star Wars Celebration in London on Friday Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy identified James Mangold, Dave Filoni and Oscar winner Obaid-Chinoy as the three directors.
Obaid-Chinoy will direct from a screenplay by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) in what will be the first Star Wars feature since 2019’s Episode IX – The Rise Of Skywalker. It...
Lucasfilm is planning three new live-action Star Wars features which will see Daisy Ridley return as Rey and Pakistani director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy become the first woman and person of colour to direct a feature in the canon.
Speaking at Star Wars Celebration in London on Friday Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy identified James Mangold, Dave Filoni and Oscar winner Obaid-Chinoy as the three directors.
Obaid-Chinoy will direct from a screenplay by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) in what will be the first Star Wars feature since 2019’s Episode IX – The Rise Of Skywalker. It...
- 4/7/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Daisy Ridley will reprise her role as Rey in one of three new live-action Star Wars movies announced at the franchise’s big event in London Friday, April 7.
The as-yet-untitled project will be the first Star Wars film since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. It will reportedly follow the events of that film, following Rey as she sets out to establish a new Jedi Order. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy will direct the movie with a script from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
In helming the new Rey film, Obaid-Chinoy will become the...
The as-yet-untitled project will be the first Star Wars film since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. It will reportedly follow the events of that film, following Rey as she sets out to establish a new Jedi Order. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy will direct the movie with a script from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
In helming the new Rey film, Obaid-Chinoy will become the...
- 4/7/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Mando, Boba and Ahsoka appear to be bound for the big screen, in a new Star Wars movie to be directed by franchise expert Dave Filoni.
Appearing on-stage at the London Star Wars Celebration on Friday morning, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy announced no fewer than three new Star Wars films, to be directed by Star Wars Rebels creator/Mandalorian EP Filoni, Academy Award nominee James Mangold (Logan, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny) and two-time Academy Award winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (Saving Face, A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness).
More from TVLineAhsoka: Lars Mikkelsen to Return as Grand Admiral Thrawn,...
Appearing on-stage at the London Star Wars Celebration on Friday morning, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy announced no fewer than three new Star Wars films, to be directed by Star Wars Rebels creator/Mandalorian EP Filoni, Academy Award nominee James Mangold (Logan, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny) and two-time Academy Award winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (Saving Face, A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness).
More from TVLineAhsoka: Lars Mikkelsen to Return as Grand Admiral Thrawn,...
- 4/7/2023
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Dave Filoni and James Mangold are set to direct two new “Star Wars” movies, Lucasfilm revealed on Friday.
The directors will helm two separate films in the franchise. Meanwhile, a third movie that centers on Daisy Ridley’s Rey will be directed by Emmy- and Oscar-winning helmer Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy made the shock announcement at the studio’s showcase during London’s Star Wars Celebration, where fans were expecting the announcement of a single film and were pleasantly surprised by a trifecta of projects.
Mangold’s movie will go back to the dawn of the Jedi, while Filoni’s project will focus on the New Republic, and “close out” the interconnected stories that are told in series including “The Mandalorian,” “The Book of Boba Fett,” “Ahsoka” and other Disney+ shows.
“It’s a chance to tell the entire story of its own, the birth of the force,...
The directors will helm two separate films in the franchise. Meanwhile, a third movie that centers on Daisy Ridley’s Rey will be directed by Emmy- and Oscar-winning helmer Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy made the shock announcement at the studio’s showcase during London’s Star Wars Celebration, where fans were expecting the announcement of a single film and were pleasantly surprised by a trifecta of projects.
Mangold’s movie will go back to the dawn of the Jedi, while Filoni’s project will focus on the New Republic, and “close out” the interconnected stories that are told in series including “The Mandalorian,” “The Book of Boba Fett,” “Ahsoka” and other Disney+ shows.
“It’s a chance to tell the entire story of its own, the birth of the force,...
- 4/7/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The “Star Wars” movie future just came into sharper focus: Daisy Ridley’s Rey will be the center of the first “Star Wars” feature film since 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker,” Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy announced at Star Wars Celebration in London on Friday. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (“Ms. Marvel”) will direct from a script by Steven Knight (“Peaky Blinders”). The film follows the events of “Rise of Skywalker,” and will focus on Rey as she builds a new Jedi Order.
The project marks several major milestones for the franchise: Obaid-Chinoy is the first woman and the first person of color to direct a “Star Wars” movie. The Pakistani filmmaker won two Academy Awards for documentary short, in 2011 for “Saving Face” and in 2015 for “A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness,” and she most recently directed two episodes of “Ms. Marvel” for Disney+.
“It’s just exciting,” Jon Favreau told Variety after the panel.
The project marks several major milestones for the franchise: Obaid-Chinoy is the first woman and the first person of color to direct a “Star Wars” movie. The Pakistani filmmaker won two Academy Awards for documentary short, in 2011 for “Saving Face” and in 2015 for “A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness,” and she most recently directed two episodes of “Ms. Marvel” for Disney+.
“It’s just exciting,” Jon Favreau told Variety after the panel.
- 4/7/2023
- by Adam B. Vary and Amon Warmann
- Variety Film + TV
Three new live-action “Star Wars” movies were announced at Star Wars Celebration in London on Friday.
James Mangold will direct a story about the first Jedi, Dave Filoni will direct a film about the war between the Imperial remnant and the New Republic and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy will direct a film about rebuilding the new Jedi Order 15 years after the events of “The Rise of Skywalker,” which will also star Daisy Ridley as Rey.
“We came up with an incredible story about the dawning of the Force 25,000 years before,” Mangold said of his feature set in the far past. The director — who most recently helmed “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” for Lucasfilm — was attached in the early days of Lucasfilm under Disney to a Boba Fett movie that never materialized.
Filoni’s film will be set just before the events of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Filoni began working...
James Mangold will direct a story about the first Jedi, Dave Filoni will direct a film about the war between the Imperial remnant and the New Republic and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy will direct a film about rebuilding the new Jedi Order 15 years after the events of “The Rise of Skywalker,” which will also star Daisy Ridley as Rey.
“We came up with an incredible story about the dawning of the Force 25,000 years before,” Mangold said of his feature set in the far past. The director — who most recently helmed “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” for Lucasfilm — was attached in the early days of Lucasfilm under Disney to a Boba Fett movie that never materialized.
Filoni’s film will be set just before the events of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Filoni began working...
- 4/7/2023
- by Adam Chitwood and Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
A film project called “Brilliance” produced by Will Smith and his Westbrook Studios and set at Paramount has taken a step forward. The studio is in talks with “Ms. Marvel” filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy to direct the film, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Though “Brilliance” has been floating around for years, with Paramount optioning the script back in 2019 and Smith involved for years prior to that, Obaid-Chinoy coming aboard as a director is a new development. And Smith, who has not made a film since the infamous Oscars slap earlier this year ahead of his Best Actor win, is still attached to produce via his company Westbrook Studios alongside Jon Mone and Ryan Shimazaki.
Though Smith was at one point attached to star in the film, the individual says that he is not formally committed to star in “Brilliance” at this stage.
Also Read:
Apple May Give...
Though “Brilliance” has been floating around for years, with Paramount optioning the script back in 2019 and Smith involved for years prior to that, Obaid-Chinoy coming aboard as a director is a new development. And Smith, who has not made a film since the infamous Oscars slap earlier this year ahead of his Best Actor win, is still attached to produce via his company Westbrook Studios alongside Jon Mone and Ryan Shimazaki.
Though Smith was at one point attached to star in the film, the individual says that he is not formally committed to star in “Brilliance” at this stage.
Also Read:
Apple May Give...
- 9/20/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Updated, September 20 at 6:55pm Et: Paramount confirmed the following news to IndieWire via email.
Published earlier: Will Smith is set to produce an adaptation of the novel “Brilliance,” with two-time Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy making her narrative feature directorial debut.
Four-time Emmy winner Obaid-Chinoy most recently helmed Episodes 4 and 5 of Disney+ series “Ms. Marvel.” The adaptation of Marcus Sakey’s novel is produced by Paramount Pictures and has been dubbed a “passion project” for Oscar winner Smith and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, who collaborated on “I, Robot,” “I Am Legend,” and “Hancock.”
The book centers on Nick Cooper, a federal agent who works for the Department of Analysis and Response and is tasked with tracking down the 1 percent of non-neurotypical people deemed “abnorms,” or “Brilliants,” who are born with special powers. The character Nick is a parent of a Brilliant daughter and is also an abnorm himself, in a “Blade Runner”-esque twist.
Published earlier: Will Smith is set to produce an adaptation of the novel “Brilliance,” with two-time Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy making her narrative feature directorial debut.
Four-time Emmy winner Obaid-Chinoy most recently helmed Episodes 4 and 5 of Disney+ series “Ms. Marvel.” The adaptation of Marcus Sakey’s novel is produced by Paramount Pictures and has been dubbed a “passion project” for Oscar winner Smith and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, who collaborated on “I, Robot,” “I Am Legend,” and “Hancock.”
The book centers on Nick Cooper, a federal agent who works for the Department of Analysis and Response and is tasked with tracking down the 1 percent of non-neurotypical people deemed “abnorms,” or “Brilliants,” who are born with special powers. The character Nick is a parent of a Brilliant daughter and is also an abnorm himself, in a “Blade Runner”-esque twist.
- 9/20/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Four-time Emmy- and two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy will make her narrative feature directorial debut on Brilliance, the Paramount Pictures adaptation of the Marcus Sakey novel. Pic has been a passion project for Will Smith and Akiva Goldsman who did I, Robot, I Am Legend and Hancock together. The hope remains that the film is a star vehicle for Smith, though sources said he hasn’t committed to star. Goldsman wrote the script.
Obaid-Chinoy is best known for directing her Oscar-winning documentary shorts Saving Face and A Girl in the River, The Price of Forgiveness and most recently Ms Marvel. Smith is producing via his company Westbrook Studios with Jon Mone and Ryan Shimazaki. Goldsman and Greg Lessans are producing via Weed Road Pictures, along with Shane Salerno via The Story Factory, and James Lassiter. The author is co-producer.
The premise: If 1 of the world’s children were born with powerful gifts,...
Obaid-Chinoy is best known for directing her Oscar-winning documentary shorts Saving Face and A Girl in the River, The Price of Forgiveness and most recently Ms Marvel. Smith is producing via his company Westbrook Studios with Jon Mone and Ryan Shimazaki. Goldsman and Greg Lessans are producing via Weed Road Pictures, along with Shane Salerno via The Story Factory, and James Lassiter. The author is co-producer.
The premise: If 1 of the world’s children were born with powerful gifts,...
- 9/20/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
by Fahmidul Haq
Bollywood is the flag-bearer of South Asian Cinema to the global audience. Bollywood produces films in Hindi language, with its signature song and dance numbers with the aesthetic values of Bhabas and Rasas evident in Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra (see Massey 1992). The industry evolved in the late-1990s with the films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hay (1998), Taal (1998) and many more. These films are produced in a liberalized and free market, with hybrid cultural values of both Indianness and global, by targeting NRIs as potential spectators (and satisfying the local audience too). The storyline often travels to European or American cities, however the characters always remain Indian by heart. In 1998, the government declared to give movies an ‘industry status’, and foreign equity was allowed up to 100 in production and distribution in 1999. Rajadhaykhsya (2003) describes this whole process as ‘the Bollywoodization’ and he observed that the...
Bollywood is the flag-bearer of South Asian Cinema to the global audience. Bollywood produces films in Hindi language, with its signature song and dance numbers with the aesthetic values of Bhabas and Rasas evident in Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra (see Massey 1992). The industry evolved in the late-1990s with the films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hay (1998), Taal (1998) and many more. These films are produced in a liberalized and free market, with hybrid cultural values of both Indianness and global, by targeting NRIs as potential spectators (and satisfying the local audience too). The storyline often travels to European or American cities, however the characters always remain Indian by heart. In 1998, the government declared to give movies an ‘industry status’, and foreign equity was allowed up to 100 in production and distribution in 1999. Rajadhaykhsya (2003) describes this whole process as ‘the Bollywoodization’ and he observed that the...
- 8/19/2022
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
Hollywood may have pinned its hopes on Tom Cruise, but the gays stopped waiting for him a long time ago. As blockbusters like “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” and the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise earn praise for meager nods to LGBTQ characters, queer audiences have turned elsewhere, finding far better and more diverse representation on TV. Save for a few highbrow exceptions like “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” or “Call Me by Your Name,” queer film has lagged behind television, which moves faster and has more screen time to fill.
That’s about to change this summer, with the premiere of two mainstream gay comedies: Joel Kim Booster and Andrew Ahn’s indie “Pride and Prejudice” riff “Fire Island” and Billy Eichner’s Judd Apatow-produced big-budget rom-com “Bros.” While only one will get a shot at the box office (catch “Fire Island” streaming on Hulu June 3), both...
That’s about to change this summer, with the premiere of two mainstream gay comedies: Joel Kim Booster and Andrew Ahn’s indie “Pride and Prejudice” riff “Fire Island” and Billy Eichner’s Judd Apatow-produced big-budget rom-com “Bros.” While only one will get a shot at the box office (catch “Fire Island” streaming on Hulu June 3), both...
- 5/11/2022
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
There are diverse streaming releases slates and then there is Hulu’s list of new releases for May 2022. There are no big franchises here, no big themes – just a whole bunch of original and library titles for everyone to enjoy.
Hulu’s major original releases in May come in the middle of the month. Candy premieres on May 9 and stars Jessica Biel as your friendly neighborhood axe murderer. If that sounds a bit outlandish, bear in mind that this limited series is based on the real life story of Candy Montgomery and her victim, the tragically named Betty Gore. On May 15, Hulu will play host to Conversations with Friends. This is the latest adaptation of the works of Sally Rooney. After the breakaway success of Normal People, Hulu is undoubtedly hoping for more lightning in a bottle.
On the movie side of things, May will welcome The Valet on May...
Hulu’s major original releases in May come in the middle of the month. Candy premieres on May 9 and stars Jessica Biel as your friendly neighborhood axe murderer. If that sounds a bit outlandish, bear in mind that this limited series is based on the real life story of Candy Montgomery and her victim, the tragically named Betty Gore. On May 15, Hulu will play host to Conversations with Friends. This is the latest adaptation of the works of Sally Rooney. After the breakaway success of Normal People, Hulu is undoubtedly hoping for more lightning in a bottle.
On the movie side of things, May will welcome The Valet on May...
- 5/1/2022
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
No two ways about it: April’s a great month for the Criterion Channel, which (among other things; more in a second) adds two recent favorites. We’re thrilled at the SVOD premiere of Hamaguchi’s entrancing Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy, our #3 of 2021, and Bruno Dumont’s lacerating France, featuring Léa Seydoux’s finest performance yet.
Ethan Hawke’s Adventures in Moviegoing runs the gamut from Eagle Pennell’s Last Night at the Alamo to 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, while a 14-film John Ford retro (mostly) skips westerns altogether. And no notes on the Delphine Seyrig retro—multiple by Akerman, Ulrike Ottinger, Duras, a smattering of Buñuel, and Seyrig’s own film Be Pretty and Shut Up! That of all things might be the crown jewl.
See the full list of April titles below and more on the Criterion Channel.
—
3 Bad Men, John Ford, 1926
Aar paar, Guru Dutt,...
Ethan Hawke’s Adventures in Moviegoing runs the gamut from Eagle Pennell’s Last Night at the Alamo to 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, while a 14-film John Ford retro (mostly) skips westerns altogether. And no notes on the Delphine Seyrig retro—multiple by Akerman, Ulrike Ottinger, Duras, a smattering of Buñuel, and Seyrig’s own film Be Pretty and Shut Up! That of all things might be the crown jewl.
See the full list of April titles below and more on the Criterion Channel.
—
3 Bad Men, John Ford, 1926
Aar paar, Guru Dutt,...
- 3/25/2022
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Exclusive: Award-winning filmmakers Daniel Junge and Sam Pollard are partnering on a documentary about the late Archbishop Carl Bean, the pioneering gay African American singer turned pastor and AIDS activist.
Production is underway on the feature I Was Born This Way, which takes its title from Bean’s 1977 Motown Records gay disco anthem that celebrated LGBTQ identity and later became the inspiration for Lady Gaga’s hit “Born This Way.” Junge, who won an Oscar for the 2012 documentary short Saving Face, and multiple Emmy-winner Pollard (When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts), are working with Bean’s estate to make their film.
The documentary will include “exclusive, in-depth interviews” with Bean filmed before his death in September 2021 at age 77, and will also incorporate “never before seen archival footage and rotoscope animated recreations,” according to a release from the filmmakers.
“Bean overcame brutal homophobia as a young man,” the release noted,...
Production is underway on the feature I Was Born This Way, which takes its title from Bean’s 1977 Motown Records gay disco anthem that celebrated LGBTQ identity and later became the inspiration for Lady Gaga’s hit “Born This Way.” Junge, who won an Oscar for the 2012 documentary short Saving Face, and multiple Emmy-winner Pollard (When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts), are working with Bean’s estate to make their film.
The documentary will include “exclusive, in-depth interviews” with Bean filmed before his death in September 2021 at age 77, and will also incorporate “never before seen archival footage and rotoscope animated recreations,” according to a release from the filmmakers.
“Bean overcame brutal homophobia as a young man,” the release noted,...
- 3/18/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
In 2013, Marvel Comics introduced Kamala Khan, a Pakistani American teenager from New Jersey who idolizes Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel. By 2014, Kamala had superhuman abilities, her own solo series and her own superhero moniker — Ms. Marvel — making her the first Muslim superhero to headline a Marvel comic.
Nine years later, Kamala is making history once again in “Ms. Marvel,” the latest Disney Plus series from Marvel Studios that debuted its first trailer on Tuesday. The series will debut on June 8.
Newcomer Iman Vellani won the title role after an extensive search by Marvel Studios. She’s joined by fresh face Saagar Shaikh as her older brother Aamir, Mohan Kapur (the Disney Plus Hotstar series “Crime Next Door”) and Zenobia Shroff (“The Big Sick”) as her parents Muneeba and Yusuf, Matt Lintz (“The Walking Dead”) as her best friend Bruno, and Aramis Knight (“Into the Badlands”) as the vigilante known as Red Dagger.
Nine years later, Kamala is making history once again in “Ms. Marvel,” the latest Disney Plus series from Marvel Studios that debuted its first trailer on Tuesday. The series will debut on June 8.
Newcomer Iman Vellani won the title role after an extensive search by Marvel Studios. She’s joined by fresh face Saagar Shaikh as her older brother Aamir, Mohan Kapur (the Disney Plus Hotstar series “Crime Next Door”) and Zenobia Shroff (“The Big Sick”) as her parents Muneeba and Yusuf, Matt Lintz (“The Walking Dead”) as her best friend Bruno, and Aramis Knight (“Into the Badlands”) as the vigilante known as Red Dagger.
- 3/15/2022
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
Man, those short film categories can be a real hassle, can’t they? It can be really tough to try and gauge what has a chance at winning and trying to predict what will get nominated can be even more of a headache. Well Derbyites, you no longer have reason to fear as we have your back on this! We’ve reviewed the shortlist for Best Documentary Short and have provided you with descriptions of each one of the 15 finalists that you can use to help select the five that you think will get nominated in our predictions center.
“Águilas” – Tells the story of Águilas del Desierto, or the Eagles of the Desert, a non-profit organization that conducts search and rescue missions for migrants lost along the United States’s border with Mexico.
“Audible” – The football team for the Maryland School for the Deaf attempts to keep up their winning...
“Águilas” – Tells the story of Águilas del Desierto, or the Eagles of the Desert, a non-profit organization that conducts search and rescue missions for migrants lost along the United States’s border with Mexico.
“Audible” – The football team for the Maryland School for the Deaf attempts to keep up their winning...
- 12/31/2021
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
Lynn Chen is the latest “Grey’s Anatomy” guest actor to get bumped up to recurring status, for the role of Dr. Michelle Lin.
Viewers of the ABC medical drama have already been introduced to Dr. Lin this season, as the exacting new head of plastic surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. With surgeons at Grey Sloan quitting because of burnout from the pandemic, and the hospital’s younger doctors having fallen behind because of how Covid affected the surgery schedule, Dr. Lin nearly didn’t take the job when it was offered to her. But then program director Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.), fired up by her critique, vowed to get the students’ skills up to speed. “Lin teaches by doing, and relies on the residents’ abilities to keep up with her,” reads ABC’s official description of the character.
In addition to recurring on “Shameless” and guest starring on...
Viewers of the ABC medical drama have already been introduced to Dr. Lin this season, as the exacting new head of plastic surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. With surgeons at Grey Sloan quitting because of burnout from the pandemic, and the hospital’s younger doctors having fallen behind because of how Covid affected the surgery schedule, Dr. Lin nearly didn’t take the job when it was offered to her. But then program director Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.), fired up by her critique, vowed to get the students’ skills up to speed. “Lin teaches by doing, and relies on the residents’ abilities to keep up with her,” reads ABC’s official description of the character.
In addition to recurring on “Shameless” and guest starring on...
- 11/2/2021
- by Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Twenty-year Sony Pictures executive Peter Calvin Nelson is joining Samuel Goldwyn Film as the Head of Production.
At Sony, Nelson served as SVP of Production Stage 6 Films and oversaw development and production on more than 125 motion pictures during his tenure with the Culver City lot.
Initially, during his time at Screen Gems, Nelson worked on a multitude of acquisitions and productions including Two Can Play that Game, Underworld, The Brothers and This Christmas. At Stage 6/Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Nelson supervised the theatrical motion pictures Jumping the Broom, Sparkle (Whitney Huston’s final film), When the Game Stands Tall (based on the eponymous book), the Sniper series of movies, as well as 55 Steps (the true story of Eleanor Riese) starring Helena Bonham Carter and Hilary Swank.
“I am thrilled to be joining the exceptional team at Samuel Goldwyn Films and to be working with Ben Feingold and Peter Goldwyn...
At Sony, Nelson served as SVP of Production Stage 6 Films and oversaw development and production on more than 125 motion pictures during his tenure with the Culver City lot.
Initially, during his time at Screen Gems, Nelson worked on a multitude of acquisitions and productions including Two Can Play that Game, Underworld, The Brothers and This Christmas. At Stage 6/Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Nelson supervised the theatrical motion pictures Jumping the Broom, Sparkle (Whitney Huston’s final film), When the Game Stands Tall (based on the eponymous book), the Sniper series of movies, as well as 55 Steps (the true story of Eleanor Riese) starring Helena Bonham Carter and Hilary Swank.
“I am thrilled to be joining the exceptional team at Samuel Goldwyn Films and to be working with Ben Feingold and Peter Goldwyn...
- 6/9/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (Aapi) Heritage Month in May, Fox’s free streaming service Tubi has curated a container of titles that highlight Asian American voices from its catalog. The collection features Academy Award nominees, films from female and male Asian American directors, Sundance Film Festival selections, documentaries, and titles that prominently feature Aapi stories, actors, and actresses.
Films
A Thousand Years of Good Prayers (2007) – Directed by Wayne Wang (Joy Luck Club)
Bitter Melon (2018) – Directed by Hp Mendoza
Children of Invention (2009) – Sundance Film Festival selection
Chu and Blossom (2015) – Featured in the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
Go Back to China (2019) – Starring comedian Anna Akana, written/directed by Emily Ting
I Will Make You Mine (2020) – Directed/written/produced by Lynn Chen, produced by Emily Ting
Love Arcadia (2014) – Featured in the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
Miss India America (2015) – Featured in the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film...
Films
A Thousand Years of Good Prayers (2007) – Directed by Wayne Wang (Joy Luck Club)
Bitter Melon (2018) – Directed by Hp Mendoza
Children of Invention (2009) – Sundance Film Festival selection
Chu and Blossom (2015) – Featured in the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
Go Back to China (2019) – Starring comedian Anna Akana, written/directed by Emily Ting
I Will Make You Mine (2020) – Directed/written/produced by Lynn Chen, produced by Emily Ting
Love Arcadia (2014) – Featured in the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
Miss India America (2015) – Featured in the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film...
- 4/29/2021
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
For decades, the three Oscar shorts prizes — live action, animated and especially documentary — have confounded those who watch the awards. Shorts were all but impossible to see and subject to a different set of rules. That was until ShortsTV came along to distribute the nominees, but even then, at the qualification stage, virtually every other category had to play theatrically, whereas the shorts didn’t, causing some to question whether they even belonged in the Oscar telecast at all. And then the pandemic hit: In 2020, hardly any features opened in cinemas, whereas short films enjoyed more exposure than ever, thanks to the rapidly expanding number of streaming platforms that carried them — from Netflix to Paramount Plus to outlets like The Guardian and The New York Times. Suddenly, the doc shorts category seems more accessible and relevant than ever.
When it comes to topicality, it’s hard to beat Sophia Nahli Allison...
When it comes to topicality, it’s hard to beat Sophia Nahli Allison...
- 4/23/2021
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Our official racetrack odds have “A Love Song for Latasha” ahead at the Oscars in the race for Best Documentary Short. But could another one of this year’s nominees sneak in and pull off an upset? Is one of them more of a traditional fit for the Oscars? Below, let’s take a closer look at all five of this year’s nominated short documentaries.
“Colette” – After refusing to go into Germany for 74 years, a former member of the French Resistance is persuaded by a history student to visit the concentration camp where her brother was executed by the Nazis.
“A Concerto is a Conversation” – Jazz pianist, film composer and Emmy winner Kris Bowers researches his family lineage with the help of his 91-year-old grandfather.
“Do Not Split” – The story of the protests in Hong Kong that began in 2019 are told through the perspective of several demonstrators as they...
“Colette” – After refusing to go into Germany for 74 years, a former member of the French Resistance is persuaded by a history student to visit the concentration camp where her brother was executed by the Nazis.
“A Concerto is a Conversation” – Jazz pianist, film composer and Emmy winner Kris Bowers researches his family lineage with the help of his 91-year-old grandfather.
“Do Not Split” – The story of the protests in Hong Kong that began in 2019 are told through the perspective of several demonstrators as they...
- 4/6/2021
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
You think predicting the winners of the short film categories is hard? Well, you should try predicting which ones will get nominated! But never fear loyal Derbyites, we have got your back on this. We’ve gone over the recent shortlist for Best Documentary Short and have provided descriptions of each of the 10 finalists that you can use to help select which five you think will get nominated in our predictions center.
“Abortion Helpline, This is Lisa” – Explores the counselors who staff an abortion helpline in Philadelphia who field calls from adult and teen women who do not have the resources to access proper reproductive healthcare.
“Call Center Blues” – A group of people deported from the United States and their loved ones seek to rebuild their lives in Tijuana, Mexico.
“Colette” – After refusing to go into Germany for 74 years, a former member of the French Resistance is persuaded by a...
“Abortion Helpline, This is Lisa” – Explores the counselors who staff an abortion helpline in Philadelphia who field calls from adult and teen women who do not have the resources to access proper reproductive healthcare.
“Call Center Blues” – A group of people deported from the United States and their loved ones seek to rebuild their lives in Tijuana, Mexico.
“Colette” – After refusing to go into Germany for 74 years, a former member of the French Resistance is persuaded by a...
- 2/16/2021
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
The Pakistan Academy Selection Committee has selected Sarmad Khoosat’s “Circus of Life” (aka “Zindagi Tamasha”) as the country’s entry in the 2020 Oscars’ international feature category.
The film had its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival in 2019, where it won the prestigious Kim Ji-seok award.
Set in Lahore, the film chronicles the chaos that ensues in the life of a staid, devout elderly man when a video featuring him gets uploaded onto social media.
After being cleared by the censor board, the film had its release in Pakistan in January disrupted when a political party said that the content was blasphemous.
“I did not make ‘Zindagi Tamasha’ to hurt, offend or malign anyone. It’s a story about a ‘good enough Muslim’ – there was/is no mention of a sect, party or faction of any sort,” Khoosat said in a letter he wrote to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in January.
The film had its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival in 2019, where it won the prestigious Kim Ji-seok award.
Set in Lahore, the film chronicles the chaos that ensues in the life of a staid, devout elderly man when a video featuring him gets uploaded onto social media.
After being cleared by the censor board, the film had its release in Pakistan in January disrupted when a political party said that the content was blasphemous.
“I did not make ‘Zindagi Tamasha’ to hurt, offend or malign anyone. It’s a story about a ‘good enough Muslim’ – there was/is no mention of a sect, party or faction of any sort,” Khoosat said in a letter he wrote to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in January.
- 11/29/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
“Ms. Marvel,” the upcoming Disney+ show centered around the first Muslim hero to headline a Marvel comic series, has tapped “Bad Boys For Life” filmmakers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, to direct episodes of the series, according to an individual with knowledge of the project. Additionally, two time Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Meera Menon also joined the directing roster for the series.
“Ms. Marvel” was created by writer G. Willow Wilson, artist Adrian Alphona and editors Sana Amanat and Stephen Wacker and made her comic book series debut in February 2014. Kamala Khan is a 16-year-old Pakistani-American from New Jersey, and she became Marvel Comics’ first Muslim character to headline her own comic book. Wilson was the sole writer on the Kamala Khan run of “Ms. Marvel” for five years and 60 issues. The “Ms. Marvel” series was announced last year during the D23 Expo, along with “Moon Knight” and “She-Hulk.
“Ms. Marvel” was created by writer G. Willow Wilson, artist Adrian Alphona and editors Sana Amanat and Stephen Wacker and made her comic book series debut in February 2014. Kamala Khan is a 16-year-old Pakistani-American from New Jersey, and she became Marvel Comics’ first Muslim character to headline her own comic book. Wilson was the sole writer on the Kamala Khan run of “Ms. Marvel” for five years and 60 issues. The “Ms. Marvel” series was announced last year during the D23 Expo, along with “Moon Knight” and “She-Hulk.
- 9/18/2020
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
The Challenger space shuttle explosion in 1986 was one of America’s most visceral tragedies. In real time, millions of Americans, including school children across the country, witnessed the shuttle disintegrate from a solid rocket booster failure, claiming the lives of all seven astronauts on board. The mission was of particular national interest because a high school teacher named Christa McAulife was selected to become the first private citizen in space, leading to increased media attention and fanfare.
Countless shows, documentaries, and books have covered all angles of the NASA mission gone horribly awry. Netflix’s new documentary series, Challenger: The Final Flight, stands out by telling the human stories behind the accident, including first-hand accounts from the decision makers at NASA and the astronauts’ families whose lives were changed irrevocably on the morning of January 28, 1986.
The project hails from J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions and executive Glen Zipper, and...
Countless shows, documentaries, and books have covered all angles of the NASA mission gone horribly awry. Netflix’s new documentary series, Challenger: The Final Flight, stands out by telling the human stories behind the accident, including first-hand accounts from the decision makers at NASA and the astronauts’ families whose lives were changed irrevocably on the morning of January 28, 1986.
The project hails from J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions and executive Glen Zipper, and...
- 9/17/2020
- by Chris Longo
- Den of Geek
The latest in our series of writers recommending underseen films highlights a French coming-of-age gay drama
In the absence of a proper Pride month this year, I’ve found myself hunting down LGBT cinema more than usual. Living through a time like this – severed from a larger, in-person queer community – has seen films such as Saving Face, Weekend and Beach Rats suddenly serve a bigger role in my life. Queer films are typically indie, underpromoted productions – but there is a certain subclass that come and go without making even the faintest buzz. I Am Jonas is one of those: a dark, atmospheric French drama I only stumbled upon because I was desperately looking for something I haven’t watched in Netflix’s LGBT category yet.
Related: My streaming gem: why you should watch Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...
In the absence of a proper Pride month this year, I’ve found myself hunting down LGBT cinema more than usual. Living through a time like this – severed from a larger, in-person queer community – has seen films such as Saving Face, Weekend and Beach Rats suddenly serve a bigger role in my life. Queer films are typically indie, underpromoted productions – but there is a certain subclass that come and go without making even the faintest buzz. I Am Jonas is one of those: a dark, atmospheric French drama I only stumbled upon because I was desperately looking for something I haven’t watched in Netflix’s LGBT category yet.
Related: My streaming gem: why you should watch Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...
- 7/13/2020
- by André Wheeler
- The Guardian - Film News
Lynn Chen didn’t seek out writing and directing her first feature, “I Will Make You Mine,” so much as she inherited it.
Two years ago, the actor had been hiking with friend Dave Boyle, who had directed Chen in the first two movies of the indie Surrogate Valentine series, “Surrogate Valentine” (2011) and “Daylight Savings” (2012). A third had yet to materialize — which Chen remembers probing him about. Turns out, Boyle did not intend to make one. “And when he said that, my heart broke, not only because I wanted a job,” she says, “but also because I felt bad for these characters who I wanted to see live on, and I didn’t feel like they’d had their story told.”
For two decades, Chen, a Taiwanese American actor, has carved out a career in film and TV, earning an Asian Excellence Award for Outstanding Newcomer for her starring turn...
Two years ago, the actor had been hiking with friend Dave Boyle, who had directed Chen in the first two movies of the indie Surrogate Valentine series, “Surrogate Valentine” (2011) and “Daylight Savings” (2012). A third had yet to materialize — which Chen remembers probing him about. Turns out, Boyle did not intend to make one. “And when he said that, my heart broke, not only because I wanted a job,” she says, “but also because I felt bad for these characters who I wanted to see live on, and I didn’t feel like they’d had their story told.”
For two decades, Chen, a Taiwanese American actor, has carved out a career in film and TV, earning an Asian Excellence Award for Outstanding Newcomer for her starring turn...
- 6/10/2020
- by Audrey Cleo Yap
- Variety Film + TV
During a time when film festivals are being canceled and postponed, Tribeca Enterprises is looking to lift up the film community by teaming with YouTube for We Are One: A Global Film Festival. The fest will stream exclusively on YouTube for free and feature over 100 films co-curated by 21 of the most renowned festivals, including Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Sundance, Toronto and, of course, Tribeca. The 10-day fest will kick off on May 29 and will not only provide entertainment but also offer relief to the Covid-19 pandemic via supporting organizations.
When they say this is a “global” festival, they really mean it. The programming will provide a lens to different cultures from all over the world, with films representing over 35 countries and include 23 narrative and 8 documentary features, 57 narrative and 15 documentary short films, 15 archived talks along with 4 festival exclusives and 5 Vr programming pieces. The fest will include 13 world premieres, 31 online premieres and 5 international online premieres.
When they say this is a “global” festival, they really mean it. The programming will provide a lens to different cultures from all over the world, with films representing over 35 countries and include 23 narrative and 8 documentary features, 57 narrative and 15 documentary short films, 15 archived talks along with 4 festival exclusives and 5 Vr programming pieces. The fest will include 13 world premieres, 31 online premieres and 5 international online premieres.
- 5/26/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Get in touch to send in cinephile news and discoveries. For daily updates follow us @NotebookMUBI.NEWSThe on-demand success of Trolls: World Tour, and subsequent comments made by NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell, has led to a significant development in the friction between studios and cinemas: AMC Theatres announced it will no longer play any Universal movies. The ongoing dispute speaks to the many changes likely to take place as response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Recommended VIEWINGThe Walker Art Center has made available more than 60 "in-depth portraits of directors, actors, writers, and producers who were celebrated in the Walker Cinema at pivotal moments in their careers." This abundant archive includes Bong Joon-ho, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Stan Brakhage, Julie Dash, and even Tom Hanks. Grasshopper's official trailer for Dan Sallitt's Fourteen, which stars Tallie Mehdel and Norma Kuhling as two long-time friends in New York. Read our review of the film here.
- 5/6/2020
- MUBI
Alice Wu thought she was done with Hollywood for good. After directing the lesbian romantic dramedy Saving Face to critical acclaim in 2004, which was partly inspired by her own coming-out experiences, Wu left the industry to take care of her mother. “I was just really living my life and it was a very rich time […]
The post ‘The Half of It’ is Director Alice Wu’s Ode to Platonic Soulmates [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘The Half of It’ is Director Alice Wu’s Ode to Platonic Soulmates [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
- 5/1/2020
- by Hoai-Tran Bui
- Slash Film
“Cyrano de Bergerac” sure gets around. Ever since Edmond Rostand’s play about the 17th-century French dramatist became boffo box office in 1897, the story has been adapted countless times in countless ways. Ayn Rand used it as inspiration for the 1945 movie “Love Letters,” which was set in World War II; “Electric Dreams” gave it a 1984 sci-fi spin; Steve Martin’s “Roxanne” transplanted it to a Washington firehouse; “Futurama” and “Bob’s Burgers” both used it as inspiration for animated TV episodes; and Netflix borrowed from the story for “Sierra Burgess Is a Loser,” a teen comedy that aired in September 2018.
Those projects only scratch the surface of Cyrano spinoffs, and there’s still life in the old guy. In fact, Netflix is back on the Bergerac beat with Alice Wu’s “The Half of It,” which premieres on the service on Friday. That’s only two days after the film won...
Those projects only scratch the surface of Cyrano spinoffs, and there’s still life in the old guy. In fact, Netflix is back on the Bergerac beat with Alice Wu’s “The Half of It,” which premieres on the service on Friday. That’s only two days after the film won...
- 5/1/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Alice Wu’s film The Half of It was set to debut at the Tribeca Film Festival. It had a prime spot on opening weekend and it was good to go for a theatrical release but then Covid-19 happened. Like all festivals, it was canceled, but Wu just rolled with the punches.
“I’m bummed that my friends and family aren’t going to see it in the theater because honestly, this film just really works in the theater… the way we shot it, the sound design — everything,” Wu told Deadline. “Maybe I’m in denial, but I actually wasn’t as bummed as one might have thought.”
More from DeadlineRyan Murphy And Michelle Krusiec On "Being Seen" In 'Hollywood', Giving Anna May Wong And Marginalized Acting Legends The Spotlight They DeservedNetflix Pulls 'Designated Survivor' Episode In Turkey Following Government Censor DemandNetflix & Sf Studios Set Cast For Streamer's First Swedish...
“I’m bummed that my friends and family aren’t going to see it in the theater because honestly, this film just really works in the theater… the way we shot it, the sound design — everything,” Wu told Deadline. “Maybe I’m in denial, but I actually wasn’t as bummed as one might have thought.”
More from DeadlineRyan Murphy And Michelle Krusiec On "Being Seen" In 'Hollywood', Giving Anna May Wong And Marginalized Acting Legends The Spotlight They DeservedNetflix Pulls 'Designated Survivor' Episode In Turkey Following Government Censor DemandNetflix & Sf Studios Set Cast For Streamer's First Swedish...
- 5/1/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Filmmaker Alice Wu admits that she is someone who needs deadlines. “I guess I respond to external pressure,” she says with a laugh when discussing how she was trying to write her second film, “The Half of It.” Prone to procrastination, she went to extreme measures. “I wrote a check for a thousand dollars to the NRA and gave it to one of my best friends,” she reveals. “I gave myself five weeks and said if I don’t have a first draft, you are sending that check in. It was the most stressful five weeks of my life.”
But it worked; within that time frame she had her first draft for “The Half of It,” which eventually morphed into one of the year’s biggest surprises; a charming and poignant coming-of-age story that hits Netflix May 1 with every chance of being a word-of-mouth sensation. The story focuses on Asian-American...
But it worked; within that time frame she had her first draft for “The Half of It,” which eventually morphed into one of the year’s biggest surprises; a charming and poignant coming-of-age story that hits Netflix May 1 with every chance of being a word-of-mouth sensation. The story focuses on Asian-American...
- 5/1/2020
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Though it postponed its annual in-person gathering, the Tribeca Film Festival on Wednesday handed out awards for the 2020 juried competition. Top narrative and nonfiction honors went to two queer films, Alice Wu’s coming-of-age tale “The Half of It” and Bo McGuire’s hybrid documentary “Socks on Fire,” while Jan Komasa’s “The Hater” won Best International Narrative Feature. Other winners include “Cowboys,” “Materna,” “Kokoloko,” and “Asia.”
In mid-March, festival organizers postponed the festival just weeks before it was set to bow in New York City. In the interim, some programming for the 19th annual festival was made available online, while its brass still hopes to hold a traditional festival in the coming months.
“We are fortunate that technology allowed for our jury to come together this year to honor our filmmakers,” said Tribeca co-founder and CEO Jane Rosenthal in an official statement. “Despite not being able to be together physically,...
In mid-March, festival organizers postponed the festival just weeks before it was set to bow in New York City. In the interim, some programming for the 19th annual festival was made available online, while its brass still hopes to hold a traditional festival in the coming months.
“We are fortunate that technology allowed for our jury to come together this year to honor our filmmakers,” said Tribeca co-founder and CEO Jane Rosenthal in an official statement. “Despite not being able to be together physically,...
- 4/29/2020
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Picture a modernized, queer-teen version of Cyrano de Bergerac, in which the title character is a closeted Chinese-American girl who’s hired by a tongue-tied jock to write love letters to win the heart and mind the high-school queen they both secretly love. That’s the starting point for Alice Wu’s sweetly subversive The Half of It, a romcom (streaming on Netflix starting May 1st) that undercuts Hollywood formula at every turn.
Instead of Paris, where Cyrano is set, this revisionist take on the classic transpires in bluntly un-romantic Squahamish,...
Instead of Paris, where Cyrano is set, this revisionist take on the classic transpires in bluntly un-romantic Squahamish,...
- 4/29/2020
- by Peter Travers
- Rollingstone.com
When Alice Wu’s first film, the instant queer classic “Saving Face,” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2004, no one was more surprised than her. The product of five years’ work, Wu loosely based the film on her own experiences coming out as a lesbian to her traditional Chinese family. Fourteen years before Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell,” Wu’s film was also populated almost exclusively by Chinese actors (many of whom spoke Mandarin in the film) and was deeply rooted in the immigrant experience.
“Who the hell thought that movie would get made?,” Wu said in a recent interview with IndieWire. “I thought, ‘I’ll just have to go back and get a job doing something else.'”
What unfolded instead was something far more unexpected. Wu didn’t have to give up her big-screen dreams — an all-too-common story for female directors and filmmakers of color — but...
“Who the hell thought that movie would get made?,” Wu said in a recent interview with IndieWire. “I thought, ‘I’ll just have to go back and get a job doing something else.'”
What unfolded instead was something far more unexpected. Wu didn’t have to give up her big-screen dreams — an all-too-common story for female directors and filmmakers of color — but...
- 4/29/2020
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Like many teen movies, “The Half of It” begins with an animated illustration of the origins of love from Plato’s Symposium, much like that other queer cinema classic, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” What’s that? The last Ya movie you watched on Netflix didn’t devote entire scenes to explaining the major tenets of existentialism through discussions on “No Exit”? From waxing poetic on Wim Wenders to cleverly chosen “Casablanca” references, “The Half of It” is a smart riff on “Cyrano de Bergerac” that celebrates friendship and self-acceptance over romance. It’s no wonder the film so — writer/director Alice Wu knows her stuff.
Best known for her 2004 indie hit “Saving Face,” Wu makes her long-awaited return to feature filmmaking with this breezy and heartfelt teen comedy. Though both of Wu’s films follow young Chinese-American women coming into their queerness, “The Half of It” is clearly aimed...
Best known for her 2004 indie hit “Saving Face,” Wu makes her long-awaited return to feature filmmaking with this breezy and heartfelt teen comedy. Though both of Wu’s films follow young Chinese-American women coming into their queerness, “The Half of It” is clearly aimed...
- 4/28/2020
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Ellie Chu is a small-town Cyrano, with a twist, in Netflix original “The Half of It,” which could well be the most literary high school movie to come along in the short lives of its adolescent audience — and not just because writer-director Alice Wu was loosely inspired by a late-19th-century French play that most teens won’t have read. “The Half of It” qualifies as literary because it loves language; it relishes reading, respects writing and believes in the power of words to make skeptics fall in love.
Right, no need to get all purple about it. What’s this about a twist, you ask?
Well, “The Half of It” hews pretty close to a handful of teen movie genres. It belongs to the “Clueless” tradition, of course, transposing a classic romance to the hormonal petri dish of adolescence. There’s the John Hughes-ian dimension, offering yet another...
Right, no need to get all purple about it. What’s this about a twist, you ask?
Well, “The Half of It” hews pretty close to a handful of teen movie genres. It belongs to the “Clueless” tradition, of course, transposing a classic romance to the hormonal petri dish of adolescence. There’s the John Hughes-ian dimension, offering yet another...
- 4/28/2020
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Following the success of its frothy Ya romance “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” Netflix is doubling down on young adult-focused features with girls in the lead, and this time it’s courting queer audiences. Having just released a charming first trailer, “The Half of It” is a grounded coming-of-age story about a teenage girl discovering romance isn’t all there is to life. Taking a page out of Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play “Cyrano de Bergerac,” as many storytellers have before, the epistolary plot will be recognizable to many. In “Saving Face” filmmaker Alice Wu’s capable hands, it is entirely transformed for contemporary audiences.
Here’s the official synopsis: “Bookish introvert Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) is perfectly content with her life: watching old movies with her widowed father and ghostwriting papers for her high school classmates to help pay the bills. But her side gig turns personal when...
Here’s the official synopsis: “Bookish introvert Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) is perfectly content with her life: watching old movies with her widowed father and ghostwriting papers for her high school classmates to help pay the bills. But her side gig turns personal when...
- 4/10/2020
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Editors’ Note: With full acknowledgment of the big-picture implications of a pandemic that has already claimed thousands of lives, cratered global economies and closed international borders, Deadline’s Coping With Covid-19 Crisis series is a forum for those in the entertainment space grappling with myriad consequences of seeing a great industry screech to a halt. The hope is for an exchange of ideas and experiences, and suggestions on how businesses and individuals can best ride out a crisis that doesn’t look like it will abate any time soon. If you have a story, email mike@deadline.com.
Lynn Chen has been seen on numerous TV series including Silicon Valley, The Affair and Shameless, and starred in Nice Girls Crew from Sundance winner Tanuj Chopra. Her indie résumé includes the recent Emily Ting comedy Go Back to China, and she is probably best known for her role in Alice Wu’s film Saving Face.
Lynn Chen has been seen on numerous TV series including Silicon Valley, The Affair and Shameless, and starred in Nice Girls Crew from Sundance winner Tanuj Chopra. Her indie résumé includes the recent Emily Ting comedy Go Back to China, and she is probably best known for her role in Alice Wu’s film Saving Face.
- 3/24/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
If you look at our official racetrack odds, you’d see that the short film, “Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl),” is thought to be far out front for this year’s prize for Best Documentary Short. The odds that are displayed there are taken from the forecasts made by our Expert film journalists, Gold Derby Editors, Top 24 Users and the thousands of regular Gold Derby readers making their predictions at home.
But could another one of this year’s nominees sneak in and pull off an upset? Are there any other shorts that is more of a traditional fit for the Oscars? Below, let’s take a closer look at all five of this year’s nominated short documentaries, in order by their current Gold Derby odds.
See Oscars Upsets: 24 Potential Surprise Winners To Watch For
“Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You...
But could another one of this year’s nominees sneak in and pull off an upset? Are there any other shorts that is more of a traditional fit for the Oscars? Below, let’s take a closer look at all five of this year’s nominated short documentaries, in order by their current Gold Derby odds.
See Oscars Upsets: 24 Potential Surprise Winners To Watch For
“Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You...
- 2/9/2020
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
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