The international endurance of Spanish film adaptations was front and center this year at the Malaga Festival Industry Zone’s (Mafiz) Remake Day event on Thursday, with a presentation of Shanghai-based Aim Media’s “Lose to Win,” the Chinese adaptation of the Latido Films-sold 2018 hit “Campeones” (“Champions”), directed by Javier Fesser.
“Champions” is produced by Luis Manso at Fesser’s Madrid-based Películas Pendleton (“Historias Lamentables”) alongside Alvaro Longoria at Spain’s Morena Films (“Everybody Knows”).
Global remakes of “Champions,” about a basketball coach who coaches a team of people with disabilities as community service, have so far included Arabic, German, U.S. (starring Woody Harrelson and directed by Bobby Farrelly) and Indian versions, not to mention a hugely successful Spanish sequel.
Discussing “Lose to Win,” directed by Gao Hu, ahead of a special screening of the film, Aim Media’s Emily Ruan detailed the benefits and challenges presented by the production.
“Champions” is produced by Luis Manso at Fesser’s Madrid-based Películas Pendleton (“Historias Lamentables”) alongside Alvaro Longoria at Spain’s Morena Films (“Everybody Knows”).
Global remakes of “Champions,” about a basketball coach who coaches a team of people with disabilities as community service, have so far included Arabic, German, U.S. (starring Woody Harrelson and directed by Bobby Farrelly) and Indian versions, not to mention a hugely successful Spanish sequel.
Discussing “Lose to Win,” directed by Gao Hu, ahead of a special screening of the film, Aim Media’s Emily Ruan detailed the benefits and challenges presented by the production.
- 3/7/2024
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
If there’s one thing Marvel is very good at, it’s casting. From Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man to Chris Hemsworth as Thor, the studio has a knack for finding the ideal actors to bring their favorite comic book characters to life. And it appears that they might have their sights set on another prominent face in the industry for their next big bad: Javier Bardem.
Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, could be portrayed by none other than the Spanish Oscar-winning actor in the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot. This follows on the heels of the announcement that Pedro Pascal is slated to star as Mr. Fantastic, providing yet another reason to look forward to the eagerly awaited superhero flick.
Galactus (via Marvel comics)
Bardem, known for his outstanding portrayal in No Country for Old Men and Everybody Knows, is reportedly Marvel’s first choice for the cosmic antagonist,...
Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, could be portrayed by none other than the Spanish Oscar-winning actor in the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot. This follows on the heels of the announcement that Pedro Pascal is slated to star as Mr. Fantastic, providing yet another reason to look forward to the eagerly awaited superhero flick.
Galactus (via Marvel comics)
Bardem, known for his outstanding portrayal in No Country for Old Men and Everybody Knows, is reportedly Marvel’s first choice for the cosmic antagonist,...
- 2/17/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Exclusive: Industry training platform Stage 32 has revealed the 11 finalists selected for its inaugural Empowering Women Script Competition, running in collaboration with production company Catalyst Studios.
Beyond offering a competition platform, the initiative will also provide ongoing development support and mentorship to the female and non-binary finalists.
“It’s not just about finding the next great script. This program fosters the talents of promising artists and empowers their voices to change the world,” said Stage 32 Managing Director Amanda Toney.
The winning writer will receive a guaranteed $5,000 option for their script and is eligible for up to $3,000,000 in financing from Catalyst for production.
In addition to financial support, the Catalyst team will collaborate with the winning writer on development, while Stage 32 will provide educational support for script development.
The partners also announced that outgoing Berlinale Managing Director Mariette Rissenbeek has joined the program as a mentor for the winner.
Catalyst Studios...
Beyond offering a competition platform, the initiative will also provide ongoing development support and mentorship to the female and non-binary finalists.
“It’s not just about finding the next great script. This program fosters the talents of promising artists and empowers their voices to change the world,” said Stage 32 Managing Director Amanda Toney.
The winning writer will receive a guaranteed $5,000 option for their script and is eligible for up to $3,000,000 in financing from Catalyst for production.
In addition to financial support, the Catalyst team will collaborate with the winning writer on development, while Stage 32 will provide educational support for script development.
The partners also announced that outgoing Berlinale Managing Director Mariette Rissenbeek has joined the program as a mentor for the winner.
Catalyst Studios...
- 1/19/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon’s Prime Video has ordered a series adaptation of the Ed Brubaker graphic novel “Criminal,” Variety has confirmed.
Brubaker created the graphic novel along with Sean Phillips. Both serve as executive producers. Brubaker also wrote the pilot script and will serve as co-showrunner alongside executive producer Jordan Harper.
“’Criminal’ is a beloved graphic novel created by the most iconic team in the history of comics,” said Nick Pepper, head of U.S. SVOD wholly owned development at Amazon MGM Studios. “I know our global Prime Video customers will immediately embrace this story, and I look forward to working with Ed, Jordan, and the team to bring it to the screen.”
The series is executive produced by Brubaker, Harper, and Sean Phillips, Sarah Carbiener, and Phillip Barnett. Legendary Television will also serve as an executive producer. The series is produced by Amazon MGM Studios.
“Sean and I have been building...
Brubaker created the graphic novel along with Sean Phillips. Both serve as executive producers. Brubaker also wrote the pilot script and will serve as co-showrunner alongside executive producer Jordan Harper.
“’Criminal’ is a beloved graphic novel created by the most iconic team in the history of comics,” said Nick Pepper, head of U.S. SVOD wholly owned development at Amazon MGM Studios. “I know our global Prime Video customers will immediately embrace this story, and I look forward to working with Ed, Jordan, and the team to bring it to the screen.”
The series is executive produced by Brubaker, Harper, and Sean Phillips, Sarah Carbiener, and Phillip Barnett. Legendary Television will also serve as an executive producer. The series is produced by Amazon MGM Studios.
“Sean and I have been building...
- 1/8/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Prime Video has given a series order to Criminal, a drama based on the multi-Eisner Award-winning graphic novel series created by Ed Brubaker, who writes the comic, and Sean Phillips, who illustrates it. Brubaker, who penned the pilot script, will co-showrun the TV series with crime fiction author Jordan Harper (Hightown).
The project, produced by Amazon MGM Studios, has been on fast track development at Amazon, which opened a writers room in early 2023. The process was interrupted by the WGA strike.
Criminal is described as an interlocking universe of crime stories. As Brubaker explained to Deadline in a 2019 interview, “Criminal tells the interweaving saga of several generations of families tied together by the crimes and murders of the past.”
Brubaker and Harper executive produce alongside Phillips, Sarah Carbiener, Phillip Barnett and Legendary Television.
“Criminal is a beloved graphic novel created by the most iconic team in the history of comics,...
The project, produced by Amazon MGM Studios, has been on fast track development at Amazon, which opened a writers room in early 2023. The process was interrupted by the WGA strike.
Criminal is described as an interlocking universe of crime stories. As Brubaker explained to Deadline in a 2019 interview, “Criminal tells the interweaving saga of several generations of families tied together by the crimes and murders of the past.”
Brubaker and Harper executive produce alongside Phillips, Sarah Carbiener, Phillip Barnett and Legendary Television.
“Criminal is a beloved graphic novel created by the most iconic team in the history of comics,...
- 1/8/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Ed Brubaker’s Criminal is moving forward at Amazon.
Nearly a year since it was first put in development, the retail giant and streamer has handed out a formal series order for the drama series based on the interlocking world of crime stories from the comic book powerhouse.
Brubaker, whose TV credits include Westworld and Batman: Caped Crusader, will serve as showrunner alongside crime fiction author Jordan Harper (Hightown, Gotham). Sean Phillips, who co-created Criminal alongside Brubaker, will also exec produce alongside Brubaker and Harper as well as Sarah Carbiener and Phillip Barnett. Legendary Television will also be credited as an exec producer. Amazon MGM Studios is the studio.
“Criminal is a beloved graphic novel created by the most iconic team in the history of comics,” said Nick Pepper, head of U.S. SVOD wholly owned development, Amazon MGM Studios. “I know our global Prime Video customers will immediately embrace this story,...
Nearly a year since it was first put in development, the retail giant and streamer has handed out a formal series order for the drama series based on the interlocking world of crime stories from the comic book powerhouse.
Brubaker, whose TV credits include Westworld and Batman: Caped Crusader, will serve as showrunner alongside crime fiction author Jordan Harper (Hightown, Gotham). Sean Phillips, who co-created Criminal alongside Brubaker, will also exec produce alongside Brubaker and Harper as well as Sarah Carbiener and Phillip Barnett. Legendary Television will also be credited as an exec producer. Amazon MGM Studios is the studio.
“Criminal is a beloved graphic novel created by the most iconic team in the history of comics,” said Nick Pepper, head of U.S. SVOD wholly owned development, Amazon MGM Studios. “I know our global Prime Video customers will immediately embrace this story,...
- 1/8/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actress Penelope Cruz’s children would love to see her star in a superhero movie. “If it’s something interesting, why not? It’s fun. As you could imagine, that’s what my kids ask me sometimes, ‘Are you ever going to do that, mom?’ Because I’ve done so much drama and so many films I can’t show to them yet,” the actress, who has Leo, 12, and Luna, ten with her husband Javier Bardem, told Variety.
Cruz is also keen to make a musical movie, and she’s already looking forward to the challenge. The actress shared: “I’m going to do one soon, I think. I was very fortunate to do ‘Nine’ with Rob Marshall. I had an incredible time. It forced me to go back to dancing to five hours a day. We’re planning something that makes me very happy.”
Cruz has worked with her...
Cruz is also keen to make a musical movie, and she’s already looking forward to the challenge. The actress shared: “I’m going to do one soon, I think. I was very fortunate to do ‘Nine’ with Rob Marshall. I had an incredible time. It forced me to go back to dancing to five hours a day. We’re planning something that makes me very happy.”
Cruz has worked with her...
- 1/7/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
It’s that time of year again. While some directors annually share their favorite films of the year, Steven Soderbergh lists everything he consumed, media-wise. For 2023––another year in which he not only Magic Mike’s Last Dance Review: Steven Soderbergh and Channing Tatum Take a Familiar, Gentle Bow”>released a new film, but dropped two TV series (Full Circle and Command Z“>Command Z) and shot another film (the Sundance-bound Presence)––he still got plenty of watching in.
Along with catching up on 2023’s new releases, Ferrari, Anatomy of a Fall, How to Blow Up a Pipeline, Air, Reality, Dead Reckoning, among others), he took in plenty of classics, including Eyes Wide Shut, Kind Hearts and Coronets, Casablanca, Out of the Past, The Shining, the epic War and Peace, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and, following Tom Wilkinson’s passing, Michael Clayton. He also got an early look at Pussy Island,...
Along with catching up on 2023’s new releases, Ferrari, Anatomy of a Fall, How to Blow Up a Pipeline, Air, Reality, Dead Reckoning, among others), he took in plenty of classics, including Eyes Wide Shut, Kind Hearts and Coronets, Casablanca, Out of the Past, The Shining, the epic War and Peace, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and, following Tom Wilkinson’s passing, Michael Clayton. He also got an early look at Pussy Island,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
Albert Brooks: Defending My Life (Rob Reiner)
One of the most brilliant comedic minds to ever live finally gets his due in Rob Reiner’s loving documentary. Framed around a conversation between the two, Brooks dives into all of his creative output while still proving he’s as witty as ever––and indeed, if you’ve never seen some of his early late-night bits, you’ll be howling along. And since you’ll be looking for more from Brooks to watch after watching, Lost in America and Defending Your Life are on Max, Modern Romance is on Tubi, and Real Life is on Kanopy.
Where to Stream: Max
Before, Now & Then (Kamila Andini)
In Before, Now & Then the social...
Albert Brooks: Defending My Life (Rob Reiner)
One of the most brilliant comedic minds to ever live finally gets his due in Rob Reiner’s loving documentary. Framed around a conversation between the two, Brooks dives into all of his creative output while still proving he’s as witty as ever––and indeed, if you’ve never seen some of his early late-night bits, you’ll be howling along. And since you’ll be looking for more from Brooks to watch after watching, Lost in America and Defending Your Life are on Max, Modern Romance is on Tubi, and Real Life is on Kanopy.
Where to Stream: Max
Before, Now & Then (Kamila Andini)
In Before, Now & Then the social...
- 11/17/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The list features 10 rising actors and filmmakers with the potential for breakout international careers.
The third edition of Spain Stars of Tomorrow, part of Screen International’s talent-spotting series, has been unveiled.
The list features 10 rising actors and filmmakers with the potential for breakout international careers.
Scroll down for profiles of the stars
The 2023 line-up will be presented on September 26 at a special launch event at the San Sebastian film festival.
The list of talents, featuring six actors and four filmmakers, was once again curated by Screen’s Spain correspondent Elisabet Cabeza.
The actors selected are Nourdin Batan, who made...
The third edition of Spain Stars of Tomorrow, part of Screen International’s talent-spotting series, has been unveiled.
The list features 10 rising actors and filmmakers with the potential for breakout international careers.
Scroll down for profiles of the stars
The 2023 line-up will be presented on September 26 at a special launch event at the San Sebastian film festival.
The list of talents, featuring six actors and four filmmakers, was once again curated by Screen’s Spain correspondent Elisabet Cabeza.
The actors selected are Nourdin Batan, who made...
- 9/22/2023
- by Elisabet Cabeza
- ScreenDaily
Penélope Cruz Depositphotos
Penélope Cruz Sánchez, born on April 28, 1974, is a renowned Spanish actress. She has made a name for herself in various film genres, particularly in Spanish-language films, and has received numerous awards and nominations for her exceptional performances. These accolades include an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Primetime Emmy Award nomination, four Golden Globe Award nominations, and five Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.
Cruz embarked on her acting career at a young age, signing with an agent at 15. She made her television debut at 16 and her first appearance in a feature film the following year in Jamón Jamón (1992). Her notable roles include Belle Époque (1992), Open Your Eyes (1997), Don Juan (1998), The Hi-Lo Country (1999), The Girl of Your Dreams (2000), and Woman on Top (2000). She is particularly recognized for her collaborations with acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar in films such as Live Flesh (1997), All About My Mother (1999), Volver...
Penélope Cruz Sánchez, born on April 28, 1974, is a renowned Spanish actress. She has made a name for herself in various film genres, particularly in Spanish-language films, and has received numerous awards and nominations for her exceptional performances. These accolades include an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Primetime Emmy Award nomination, four Golden Globe Award nominations, and five Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.
Cruz embarked on her acting career at a young age, signing with an agent at 15. She made her television debut at 16 and her first appearance in a feature film the following year in Jamón Jamón (1992). Her notable roles include Belle Époque (1992), Open Your Eyes (1997), Don Juan (1998), The Hi-Lo Country (1999), The Girl of Your Dreams (2000), and Woman on Top (2000). She is particularly recognized for her collaborations with acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar in films such as Live Flesh (1997), All About My Mother (1999), Volver...
- 7/29/2023
- by Movies Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
Asteroid City (Wes Anderson)
Wes Anderson has done it all: India by train, Rhode Island by foot, the Mediterranean by sub, France by bike, faux-Germany by hotel, apple-orchard America by fox, animated Japan by dog, motel Texas by friends, New York City by family. But––despite the feeling that this couldn’t possibly be true––he’s never told a story in western America. In setting he hasn’t gone further west than Houston. Until Asteroid City: Arizona desert by quarantine. – Luke H. (full review)
Where to Stream: VOD
Chile ’76 (Manuela Martelli)
Manuela Martelli’s debut film opens with a sequence that perfectly captures the tone and themes Chile ‘76 will explore. Carmen (played by Aline Kuppenheim) is at a paint shop,...
Asteroid City (Wes Anderson)
Wes Anderson has done it all: India by train, Rhode Island by foot, the Mediterranean by sub, France by bike, faux-Germany by hotel, apple-orchard America by fox, animated Japan by dog, motel Texas by friends, New York City by family. But––despite the feeling that this couldn’t possibly be true––he’s never told a story in western America. In setting he hasn’t gone further west than Houston. Until Asteroid City: Arizona desert by quarantine. – Luke H. (full review)
Where to Stream: VOD
Chile ’76 (Manuela Martelli)
Manuela Martelli’s debut film opens with a sequence that perfectly captures the tone and themes Chile ‘76 will explore. Carmen (played by Aline Kuppenheim) is at a paint shop,...
- 7/14/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
In times of crisis, it can be easy to stand still and do nothing. This has been the choice of many Russians in light of the invasion of Ukraine, avoiding uncomfortable conversations and wanting it to simply blow over. Nonetheless, if anything is going to change at home, resistance to the regime might be crucial. With Everybody Knows, Russian Director Daria Geller – last seen on Dn with fractious relationship short Him & Her – counts the tragic cost of complacency, reducing everyone to a victim eventually. Shooting in a disused, brutalist-looking care home in Tel Aviv, her group scenes thrum with tension, warm 16mm images showing the mixture of emotions playing off idle, unspeaking rubberneckers. Featuring a new cover of Leonard Cohen’s classic song, it shows how the horrors are known by everyone, and how it can easily get worse if people refuse to speak up and make a difference, despite...
- 7/12/2023
- by Redmond Bacon
- Directors Notes
A selection at Venice Film Festival and Sundance Film Festival, Emanuele Crialese’s 1970s-set, Penélope Cruz-starring drama L’immensità opened in theaters earlier this summer from Music Box Films. Now, with the film arriving digitally today, we’re pleased to exclusively debut an alternate poster inspired by Federico Fellini classic. Along with the poster debut, we’re delighted to give away 10 digital codes to watch the film on AppleTV. To enter, sign up for The Film Stage’s free newsletter by July 16 (available to U.S. readers only).
Designed by Greenlight Creative, here’s their statement about the new poster: “The La Dolce Vita-inspired poster for L’immensità evolved out of the original design explorations for the film’s theatrical poster. We were looking to find a design style that would place the film in a vibrant mid-century or ’70s period setting, communicate a bittersweet, nostalgic tone, and provide a star platform for Penélope Cruz.
Designed by Greenlight Creative, here’s their statement about the new poster: “The La Dolce Vita-inspired poster for L’immensità evolved out of the original design explorations for the film’s theatrical poster. We were looking to find a design style that would place the film in a vibrant mid-century or ’70s period setting, communicate a bittersweet, nostalgic tone, and provide a star platform for Penélope Cruz.
- 7/11/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The loose, lolling chapters of “The Girls Are Alright” are marked and separated by a simple visual motif: for each one, a different close-up panel of ornately illustrated Toile de Jouy fabric, rendered in various pastel shades against a calico background. The material’s distinctive period pastoral scenes, depicting gussied-up women in various states of passive repose and their corresponding noblemen, contrast pleasingly with the more modern, less dependent portrait of 21st-century femininity presented in Spanish writer-director-star Itsaso Arana’s short, sweet, winsome freshman feature. When its female characters don Toile-appropriate corsets and hoop skirts, it’s with a postmodern, literally performative sense of irony.
For the five women descending on a sleepy, tucked-away villa at the outset of Arana’s film are all in the theater — four of them actors, one a playwright — with the reflective, hyper-examined ways of being that come with that environment, where even real life...
For the five women descending on a sleepy, tucked-away villa at the outset of Arana’s film are all in the theater — four of them actors, one a playwright — with the reflective, hyper-examined ways of being that come with that environment, where even real life...
- 7/8/2023
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV
Tucker Carlson — who was booted from Fox News in April — has made a serious pile of cash practicing what I like to call the conventional wisdom of the counterintuitive take. His worldview can be whittled down to this: everything you ever heard is wrong. And I mean everything. (He still believes the English alphabet has 26 letters but give him time.)
Last night, he began the Twitter phase of his lucrative career. Carlson was broadcasting from an undisclosed man cave of a studio — complete with unfinished wood and fishing rods that clashed with his preppy tie and blue blazer attire. It made him look like the country club money man wandering into a meeting of the Secret Society of Maladjusted Lunkheads who all loom right off-camera.
He then provided his rote 10-minute grocery list of Greenwald-meets-Greene grievances. It’s not clear if the speech was preplanned or tied to the news...
Last night, he began the Twitter phase of his lucrative career. Carlson was broadcasting from an undisclosed man cave of a studio — complete with unfinished wood and fishing rods that clashed with his preppy tie and blue blazer attire. It made him look like the country club money man wandering into a meeting of the Secret Society of Maladjusted Lunkheads who all loom right off-camera.
He then provided his rote 10-minute grocery list of Greenwald-meets-Greene grievances. It’s not clear if the speech was preplanned or tied to the news...
- 6/7/2023
- by Stephen Rodrick
- Variety Film + TV
Dr. Stacy Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, in collaboration with the Adobe Foundation, have launched The Inclusion List, a first-of-its-kind data website that ranks the most inclusive theatrically-released films, distributors and producers from 2019 to 2022.
The Inclusion List is a data-driven ranking system that analyzes theatrically-released films based on their levels of representation, with Gina Prince-Bythewood’s “The Woman King” and Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell” leading the list of the top 100 films.
Dr. Smith, founder and director of USC Annenberg’s Inclusion Initiative, and Amy White, director of corporate social responsibility at Adobe and the executive director of the Adobe Foundation, spearheaded the project, with the initiative’s Samuel Wheeler, Brooke Kong, Dr. Katherine Pieper and Smith authoring the report.
In the process of compiling the list, the research team sorted through 376 theatrically-released films across a span of 20 inclusion indicators, assessing gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQ, disability and age...
The Inclusion List is a data-driven ranking system that analyzes theatrically-released films based on their levels of representation, with Gina Prince-Bythewood’s “The Woman King” and Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell” leading the list of the top 100 films.
Dr. Smith, founder and director of USC Annenberg’s Inclusion Initiative, and Amy White, director of corporate social responsibility at Adobe and the executive director of the Adobe Foundation, spearheaded the project, with the initiative’s Samuel Wheeler, Brooke Kong, Dr. Katherine Pieper and Smith authoring the report.
In the process of compiling the list, the research team sorted through 376 theatrically-released films across a span of 20 inclusion indicators, assessing gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQ, disability and age...
- 5/18/2023
- by McKinley Franklin and Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Spain’s The Mediapro Studio is teaming with writer-director Marcel Barrena and Spanish star Eduard Fernández on real-life inspired social film “The 47.”
Scheduled to shoot in Catalan and Spanish June-July in Barcelona, “The 47” is based on the true story of Manolo Vital, a bus driver who, during the city’s expansion in the 1970s, help shape the Barcelona of today.
Produced by Jaume Roures and executive produced by Laura Fernández Espeso, Javier Méndez and Eva Garrido, the film is one of the projects The Mediapro Studio Distribution is presenting for international sales at the current Cannes’ Marché du Film.
Award-winning screenwriter-producer Alberto Marini co-wrote the script alongside Barrena.
Winner of three Goya Awards and a San Sebastian Silver Shell, Fernández plays the central character in the film.
The cast also takes in Clara Segura (“The Sea Inside”), Zoe Bonafonte, Salva Reina (“Con quién viajas”), Aimar Vega (“Prison 77”), Carlos Cuevas...
Scheduled to shoot in Catalan and Spanish June-July in Barcelona, “The 47” is based on the true story of Manolo Vital, a bus driver who, during the city’s expansion in the 1970s, help shape the Barcelona of today.
Produced by Jaume Roures and executive produced by Laura Fernández Espeso, Javier Méndez and Eva Garrido, the film is one of the projects The Mediapro Studio Distribution is presenting for international sales at the current Cannes’ Marché du Film.
Award-winning screenwriter-producer Alberto Marini co-wrote the script alongside Barrena.
Winner of three Goya Awards and a San Sebastian Silver Shell, Fernández plays the central character in the film.
The cast also takes in Clara Segura (“The Sea Inside”), Zoe Bonafonte, Salva Reina (“Con quién viajas”), Aimar Vega (“Prison 77”), Carlos Cuevas...
- 5/17/2023
- by Emiliano De Pablos
- Variety Film + TV
If you’ve perused our summer movie preview you may already have a sense of what films to keep on your radar this month, but it’s time to dig deeper into May. While much of our attention will be on the Cannes Film Festival, plenty of worthwhile offerings arrive stateside.
15. The Starling Girl (Laurel Parmet; May 12)
After breaking out in Babyteeth and Little Women, Eliza Scanlen finds an impressive new starring role with The Starling Girl. Michael Frank said in his review, “Scanlen shines as Starling, playing someone much younger than herself. She brings an assurance to the role. We belive in Jem. She’s naive-yet-overconfident, isolated-yet-connected, carefree-yet-shackled by a system designed to believe the word of men much older than her. Scanlen shows all of that and more. Her performance grounds a film that risks blending together with preceding pictures, raising it above any average trappings.”
14. L’immensita (Emanuele Crialese...
15. The Starling Girl (Laurel Parmet; May 12)
After breaking out in Babyteeth and Little Women, Eliza Scanlen finds an impressive new starring role with The Starling Girl. Michael Frank said in his review, “Scanlen shines as Starling, playing someone much younger than herself. She brings an assurance to the role. We belive in Jem. She’s naive-yet-overconfident, isolated-yet-connected, carefree-yet-shackled by a system designed to believe the word of men much older than her. Scanlen shows all of that and more. Her performance grounds a film that risks blending together with preceding pictures, raising it above any average trappings.”
14. L’immensita (Emanuele Crialese...
- 5/3/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The summer season is upon us and, per each year, we’ve dug beyond studio offerings (though a few potential highlights remain) to present an in-depth look at what should be on your radar. From festival winners of the past year to selections coming straight from Cannes to genre delights to, yes, a few blockbuster spectacles, there’s more than enough to anticipate.
Check out our picks below and return for monthly updates as more is sure to be added to the calendar.
Riceboy Sleeps (Anthony Shim; May 2)
So-Young (Choi Seung-yoon) didn’t want to leave South Korea. She had no choice. The father of her newborn son committed suicide and, as an orphan who was never adopted, she had no other family. So, with nowhere to turn and a boy who couldn’t legally become a citizen due to being born out of wedlock, she immigrated to Canada to start anew.
Check out our picks below and return for monthly updates as more is sure to be added to the calendar.
Riceboy Sleeps (Anthony Shim; May 2)
So-Young (Choi Seung-yoon) didn’t want to leave South Korea. She had no choice. The father of her newborn son committed suicide and, as an orphan who was never adopted, she had no other family. So, with nowhere to turn and a boy who couldn’t legally become a citizen due to being born out of wedlock, she immigrated to Canada to start anew.
- 4/25/2023
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
A selection at Venice Film Festival and Sundance Film Festival, Emanuele Crialese’s 1970s-set drama L’immensità follows Clara (Penélope Cruz) and her emotionally distant husband Felice (Vincenzo Amato) as they relocate to Rome to raise a family. Their eldest child, Andrew, isn’t fully able to discuss his transgender identity in a traditional society, and the film captures a coming-of-age tale as he blossoms under the guidance of his mother. Ahead of a release this May from Music Box Films, the new U.S. trailer has arrived.
Jose Solis said in his review, “In films like Volver, Parallel Mothers, Everybody Knows, and now L’immensità, Penélope Cruz has cornered the market on playing mother figures that are both larger than life and movingly earthy. As Clara, the loving Spaniard expatriate trying to raise her children while staying married to an unfaithful man in 1970s Rome, Cruz does some of the best work of her already incredible,...
Jose Solis said in his review, “In films like Volver, Parallel Mothers, Everybody Knows, and now L’immensità, Penélope Cruz has cornered the market on playing mother figures that are both larger than life and movingly earthy. As Clara, the loving Spaniard expatriate trying to raise her children while staying married to an unfaithful man in 1970s Rome, Cruz does some of the best work of her already incredible,...
- 4/20/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Two-time Oscar winner Asghar Farhadi, Iran’s best-known director, was at the Zurich Film Festival last September when protests following the death of Mahsa Amini erupted in his home country.
Since then, the auteur of “A Separation,” “The Salesman” and “A Hero” has not returned to Iran. He’s been working on a new film in Los Angeles and Europe. Interestingly, he says he plans to go back to his country before he shoots this film, even though he is not 100% sure they will let him out again. It’s clearly a risk that the enigmatic Farhadi is willing to take.
Farhadi was in Turin on Monday to give a masterclass at Italy’s National Museum of Cinema, where he also received a lifetime achievement award. In a rare interview, he took questions via e-mail from Variety.
Where are you living these days? I read that you are working on...
Since then, the auteur of “A Separation,” “The Salesman” and “A Hero” has not returned to Iran. He’s been working on a new film in Los Angeles and Europe. Interestingly, he says he plans to go back to his country before he shoots this film, even though he is not 100% sure they will let him out again. It’s clearly a risk that the enigmatic Farhadi is willing to take.
Farhadi was in Turin on Monday to give a masterclass at Italy’s National Museum of Cinema, where he also received a lifetime achievement award. In a rare interview, he took questions via e-mail from Variety.
Where are you living these days? I read that you are working on...
- 4/19/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Barcelona-based sales shingle Filmax has acquired international rights to Spanish thriller “Ellipsis,” directed and co-written by Goya-nominated David Marqués.
“Ellipsis” toplines a slew of Spanish-language world stars, including Diego Peretti, José Coronado (“No Rest for the Wicked”), and iconic Mexican thesp Cecilia Suárez (“The House of Flowers”) and rising star Georgina Amorós (“Elite”).
Peretti plays protagonist Leo, a well-known author of mystery novels. He is paid a visit by a man claiming to be a journalist in a secret location where Leo is penning his next novel. But only his agent knows where he is. Could it be that a dark secret from Adriana ( Amorós), his lover, is behind the surprise visit?
The script was co-written by Rafael Calatayud Cano (“Tales of the Lockdown”) and Marqués, who is best-known for writing Spanish comedy-drama “Champions,” a box office and format smash hit directed by Javier Fesser.
Marqués said: “‘Ellipsis’ is an...
“Ellipsis” toplines a slew of Spanish-language world stars, including Diego Peretti, José Coronado (“No Rest for the Wicked”), and iconic Mexican thesp Cecilia Suárez (“The House of Flowers”) and rising star Georgina Amorós (“Elite”).
Peretti plays protagonist Leo, a well-known author of mystery novels. He is paid a visit by a man claiming to be a journalist in a secret location where Leo is penning his next novel. But only his agent knows where he is. Could it be that a dark secret from Adriana ( Amorós), his lover, is behind the surprise visit?
The script was co-written by Rafael Calatayud Cano (“Tales of the Lockdown”) and Marqués, who is best-known for writing Spanish comedy-drama “Champions,” a box office and format smash hit directed by Javier Fesser.
Marqués said: “‘Ellipsis’ is an...
- 2/17/2023
- by Liza Foreman
- Variety Film + TV
In films like Volver, Parallel Mothers, Everybody Knows, and now L’immensità, Penélope Cruz has cornered the market on playing mother figures that are both larger than life and movingly earthy. As Clara, the loving Spaniard expatriate trying to raise her children while staying married to an unfaithful man in 1970s Rome, Cruz does some of the best work of her already incredible, multilingual career.
To say director Emanuele Crialese’s camera falls in love with Cruz would be an understatement. She is lovingly shot and framed (even her Sophia Loren bob brings attention to her expressive eyes) and we don’t even need to hear her speak to know whoever’s gaze she’s under has completely fallen under her spell.
This adoration takes on a heartbreaking twist when we realize the camera is acting as a surrogate for Clara’s eldest, Adriana (Luana Giuliani) who was assigned female at birth,...
To say director Emanuele Crialese’s camera falls in love with Cruz would be an understatement. She is lovingly shot and framed (even her Sophia Loren bob brings attention to her expressive eyes) and we don’t even need to hear her speak to know whoever’s gaze she’s under has completely fallen under her spell.
This adoration takes on a heartbreaking twist when we realize the camera is acting as a surrogate for Clara’s eldest, Adriana (Luana Giuliani) who was assigned female at birth,...
- 1/31/2023
- by Jose Solís
- The Film Stage
Atresplayer Premium, the burgeoning Ott service behind HBO Max hit “Veneno,” has renewed “The Gypsy Bride” (“La novia gitana”), whose Season 1, from “Penny Dreadful” director Paco Cabezas, world premieres at the San Sebastian Film Festival.
Atresmedia Television will produce with Banijay Iberia’s Diagonal TV, producer of Netflix hit “Heirs to the Land.”Produced by Vis with the participation of Atresmedia Television and the collaboration of the Diagonal TV, the first season of “The Gypsy Bride” will bow on Atresplayer Premium on Sept. 25.
Directed in its totality by Cabezas, whose credits also include “American Gods,” Season 1 is set in a gypsy community on Madrid’s humble outskirts as homicide inspector Elena Blanco, is called in to investigate the torture and assassination of a young woman just before her wedding.
Channelling echoes of a Lorca tragedy, the series, shot with large visual ambition by Cabezas – mixing bold panoramics and hand-held camerawork...
Atresmedia Television will produce with Banijay Iberia’s Diagonal TV, producer of Netflix hit “Heirs to the Land.”Produced by Vis with the participation of Atresmedia Television and the collaboration of the Diagonal TV, the first season of “The Gypsy Bride” will bow on Atresplayer Premium on Sept. 25.
Directed in its totality by Cabezas, whose credits also include “American Gods,” Season 1 is set in a gypsy community on Madrid’s humble outskirts as homicide inspector Elena Blanco, is called in to investigate the torture and assassination of a young woman just before her wedding.
Channelling echoes of a Lorca tragedy, the series, shot with large visual ambition by Cabezas – mixing bold panoramics and hand-held camerawork...
- 9/15/2022
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
“Tequila, Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll,” from Goya Award-winning producer-helmer Alvaro Longoria, has been acquired for international sales by Latido Films.
Set up at Madrid’s Morena Films, which Longoria co-founded, doc marks a return to directing for Longoria, whose 2012 debut, “Sons of the Clouds,” produced by Javier Bardem, scored a Spanish Academy Goya while 2015’s “The Propaganda Game” nabbed a nomination. Meanwhile, just in the last few years, Longoria has produced Asghar Farhadi’s Cannes opener “Everybody Knows” and Spanish box office juggernaut “Champions.”
“I produce, that is how I make a living, but I direct documentaries as a passion.’ said Longoria.
Set to world premiere at this month’s San Sebastian Festival as part of its Made in Spain showcase, “Tequila” charts the rise of the Argentine-Spanish rock band fronted by Ariel Rot and Alejo Stivel.
The two are set to perform again in a series of post-film screening concerts.
Set up at Madrid’s Morena Films, which Longoria co-founded, doc marks a return to directing for Longoria, whose 2012 debut, “Sons of the Clouds,” produced by Javier Bardem, scored a Spanish Academy Goya while 2015’s “The Propaganda Game” nabbed a nomination. Meanwhile, just in the last few years, Longoria has produced Asghar Farhadi’s Cannes opener “Everybody Knows” and Spanish box office juggernaut “Champions.”
“I produce, that is how I make a living, but I direct documentaries as a passion.’ said Longoria.
Set to world premiere at this month’s San Sebastian Festival as part of its Made in Spain showcase, “Tequila” charts the rise of the Argentine-Spanish rock band fronted by Ariel Rot and Alejo Stivel.
The two are set to perform again in a series of post-film screening concerts.
- 9/5/2022
- by Callum McLennan
- Variety Film + TV
Quad Cinema has announced that “Boundless Bardem,” a retrospective on Javier Bardem’s acting career tied to the release of his upcoming film “The Good Boss,” will run at The Quad in New York City from August 19th – 25th.
The films in the retrospective are Julian Schnabel’s “Before Night Falls“ (35mm); Bigas Luna’s “Golden Balls” (35mm) and “Jamón Jamón” (35mm); Pedro Almodóvar’s “Live Flesh” (35mm); Bond film “Skyfall” (4K); Asghar Farhadi’s “Everybody Knows”; Ethan and Joel Coen’s “No Country for Old Men,” Fernando León de Aranoa’s “Loving Pablo” and “Mondays in the Sun”; Álex de la Iglesia’s “Perdita Durango”, Darren Aronofsky’s “Mother!”; and Alejandro Amenábar’s “The Sea Inside.”
The screening series will be co-produced with the Consulate General of Spain in New York.
“One of the most exciting moments of my work as a Cultural Consul are the times when we...
The films in the retrospective are Julian Schnabel’s “Before Night Falls“ (35mm); Bigas Luna’s “Golden Balls” (35mm) and “Jamón Jamón” (35mm); Pedro Almodóvar’s “Live Flesh” (35mm); Bond film “Skyfall” (4K); Asghar Farhadi’s “Everybody Knows”; Ethan and Joel Coen’s “No Country for Old Men,” Fernando León de Aranoa’s “Loving Pablo” and “Mondays in the Sun”; Álex de la Iglesia’s “Perdita Durango”, Darren Aronofsky’s “Mother!”; and Alejandro Amenábar’s “The Sea Inside.”
The screening series will be co-produced with the Consulate General of Spain in New York.
“One of the most exciting moments of my work as a Cultural Consul are the times when we...
- 8/12/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
The last French acting star to preside over the jury was Isabelle Huppert in 2009.
French actor Vincent Lindon has been named president of the jury for the 75th Cannes Film Festival, running May 17-28.
He will be joined by eight other jury members comprising UK actress and director Rebecca Hall, Indian actress Deepika Padukone, Swedish actress Noomi Rapace, Italian actress and director Jasmine Trinca, Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, French director Ladj Ly, US director Jeff Nichols and Norwegian director Joachim Trier.
In the same release, Cannes also announced that Trinca’s debut feature Marcel! will world premiere as a Special Screening.
French actor Vincent Lindon has been named president of the jury for the 75th Cannes Film Festival, running May 17-28.
He will be joined by eight other jury members comprising UK actress and director Rebecca Hall, Indian actress Deepika Padukone, Swedish actress Noomi Rapace, Italian actress and director Jasmine Trinca, Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, French director Ladj Ly, US director Jeff Nichols and Norwegian director Joachim Trier.
In the same release, Cannes also announced that Trinca’s debut feature Marcel! will world premiere as a Special Screening.
- 4/26/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
Update: An Iranian court has determined that film director Asghar Farhadi violated the copyright of a former student, Azadeh Masihzadeh, for Farhadi’s latest film, “A Hero.” According to The Hollywood Reporter, which first broke the news early on Tuesday, “The case will now pass to a second judge, whose ruling can then be challenged in an appellate court. The judge can also order the case to be re-examined.” It was previously reported that Farhadi had been convicted of plagiarism, but that has not yet occurred according to a new report from Entertainment Weekly.
Earlier, Deadline noted that Farhadi’s lawyer, Kaveh Rad, said on social media that the reports are premature, and that “the decision is not the final verdict of the court and is considered part of the trial process.” In a statement to EW, French producer Alexandre Mallet-Guy said, “We firmly believe that the court will dismiss Ms.
Earlier, Deadline noted that Farhadi’s lawyer, Kaveh Rad, said on social media that the reports are premature, and that “the decision is not the final verdict of the court and is considered part of the trial process.” In a statement to EW, French producer Alexandre Mallet-Guy said, “We firmly believe that the court will dismiss Ms.
- 4/5/2022
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Film Movement Classics has acquired North American rights to 2K digital restorations of Asghar Farhadi’s first two features Dancing in the Dust and Beautiful City, which have been signed off on by the two-time Oscar winner himself. Both restored dramas will be released theatrically this year, with a release on all heading home entertainment and digital platforms to follow.
In Farhadi’s 2003 feature directorial debut Dancing in the Dust, Nazar (Yousef Khodaparast) is pressured into divorcing his wife (Baran Kosari) because of her family’s bad reputation. This leads to money problems, and before long, he’s on the run due to debts that he can’t pay. Hiding out in the desert, he meets an eccentric elderly man (Faramarz Gharibian) who makes a living by collecting venom from poisonous snakes. Nazar becomes his unlikely partner and gets an unexpected chance at redemption. The film won Best Director,...
In Farhadi’s 2003 feature directorial debut Dancing in the Dust, Nazar (Yousef Khodaparast) is pressured into divorcing his wife (Baran Kosari) because of her family’s bad reputation. This leads to money problems, and before long, he’s on the run due to debts that he can’t pay. Hiding out in the desert, he meets an eccentric elderly man (Faramarz Gharibian) who makes a living by collecting venom from poisonous snakes. Nazar becomes his unlikely partner and gets an unexpected chance at redemption. The film won Best Director,...
- 3/2/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
As other European TV giants such as the Rtl Group, Spain’s Atresmedia, owner of the Ott service Atresplayer Premium, is finding the sweet spot between auteur and broad audience shows.
Launched two years ago, Atresplayer Premium boasts fast growth in terms of subscriptions – reaching 400,000 users in Spain alone – and content production volume, readying some 20 new TV projects for this year.
Promoting original voices, the platform is winning international visibility. Iconic original series “Veneno,” created by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, “Los Javis,” successfully launched on HBO Max in the U.S. and Latin America, with a strong impact on the international media, which contributed to strengthening the Atresplayer brand.
Now, “Cardo,” from creators and writers Claudia Costafreda and Ana Rujas, executive produced by Los Javis after becoming one of the hottest indie series of last year for TV critics and audiences, is close to an important international distribution deal.
Launched two years ago, Atresplayer Premium boasts fast growth in terms of subscriptions – reaching 400,000 users in Spain alone – and content production volume, readying some 20 new TV projects for this year.
Promoting original voices, the platform is winning international visibility. Iconic original series “Veneno,” created by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, “Los Javis,” successfully launched on HBO Max in the U.S. and Latin America, with a strong impact on the international media, which contributed to strengthening the Atresplayer brand.
Now, “Cardo,” from creators and writers Claudia Costafreda and Ana Rujas, executive produced by Los Javis after becoming one of the hottest indie series of last year for TV critics and audiences, is close to an important international distribution deal.
- 2/15/2022
- by Emiliano De Pablos and John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
A Hero (Asghar Farhadi)
In A Hero, the discovery of a bag of gold coins sets the scene for a knotted Bressonian morality tale. The director is Asghar Farhadi, a filmmaker who has spent his career examining those blurred lines between right and wrong; decency and hubris; righteousness and folly. Taking place in the city of Shiraz, it proves a return to familiar ground for him: both the first he has made in his native Iran after the awful misstep that was Everybody Knows, as well as a return to the moral complexities of A Separation, still his finest film to date. – Rory O. (full review)
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime
Attica (Stanley Nelson and Traci Curry)
There’s a moment towards...
A Hero (Asghar Farhadi)
In A Hero, the discovery of a bag of gold coins sets the scene for a knotted Bressonian morality tale. The director is Asghar Farhadi, a filmmaker who has spent his career examining those blurred lines between right and wrong; decency and hubris; righteousness and folly. Taking place in the city of Shiraz, it proves a return to familiar ground for him: both the first he has made in his native Iran after the awful misstep that was Everybody Knows, as well as a return to the moral complexities of A Separation, still his finest film to date. – Rory O. (full review)
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime
Attica (Stanley Nelson and Traci Curry)
There’s a moment towards...
- 1/21/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Asghar Farhadi and Luca Guadagnino had never met before Amazon Studios brought the two directors together for an online conversation. The topic was Farhadi’s drama “A Hero,” which is Iran’s candidate at the upcoming Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
Yet they seem so symbiotic — and also, uncannily, look physically similar — as they chat about “A Hero,” which is about an earnest-looking man named Rahim who while on furlough after being imprisoned for debt returns a lost handbag full of gold coins. An act which appears to make him a Good Samaritan. But the story is more complicated.
“We cannot doubt that our Rahim is a hero, but at the same time his fate is not that of a hero. Ambiguity plays a very large significant role – in your movies, and in this one specifically,” says Guadagnino.
Farhadi points out that he tried “in this...
Yet they seem so symbiotic — and also, uncannily, look physically similar — as they chat about “A Hero,” which is about an earnest-looking man named Rahim who while on furlough after being imprisoned for debt returns a lost handbag full of gold coins. An act which appears to make him a Good Samaritan. But the story is more complicated.
“We cannot doubt that our Rahim is a hero, but at the same time his fate is not that of a hero. Ambiguity plays a very large significant role – in your movies, and in this one specifically,” says Guadagnino.
Farhadi points out that he tried “in this...
- 1/13/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
This review of “A Hero” was first published after the film’s July 2021 premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
Twice an Oscar winner, for “A Separation” and “The Salesman,” Iranian director Asghar Farhadi may be a contender again for his latest film, “A Hero,” which premiered last July in the Cannes competition.
Indeed, the film’s plot and premise turning on that filmic staple of a bag of treasure — in this case, 17 gold coins found in a handbag at a bus stop in the city of Shiraz.
The coins come into the possession of a man, Rahim Soltani (Amir Jadidi), who is out on a few days release from debtor’s prison. He sees the money as a sure-fire way of paying off his debts, getting out of jail and beginning a new life with his girlfriend Farkondeh, in whose custody to coins appear to be.
However, when the pair excitedly visit a gold dealer,...
Twice an Oscar winner, for “A Separation” and “The Salesman,” Iranian director Asghar Farhadi may be a contender again for his latest film, “A Hero,” which premiered last July in the Cannes competition.
Indeed, the film’s plot and premise turning on that filmic staple of a bag of treasure — in this case, 17 gold coins found in a handbag at a bus stop in the city of Shiraz.
The coins come into the possession of a man, Rahim Soltani (Amir Jadidi), who is out on a few days release from debtor’s prison. He sees the money as a sure-fire way of paying off his debts, getting out of jail and beginning a new life with his girlfriend Farkondeh, in whose custody to coins appear to be.
However, when the pair excitedly visit a gold dealer,...
- 1/5/2022
- by Jason Solomons
- The Wrap
Spain’s Atresplayer Premium unveiled a slate of new and returning programs on Monday evening in a live presentation streamed from Madrid’s famed Gran Via, hosted by the streamer and featuring some of the most recognizable faces behind its impressive lineup of original local programming.
2021 was a banner year for Atresplayer, which closed agreements with major broadcasting and streaming partners including Movistar, Vodafone, Google and Apple. Due to its global reach, the service has also become a lifeline to Spaniards living abroad, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers worldwide who tune in to keep up on Spanish news and culture.
Below, highlights from the first Atresplayer Premium Day:
“Vestidas de azul” A continuation of the service’s award-winning global hit series “Veneno,” picked as one of Variety’s best international series in 2020 which sold to HBO Max in the U.S. Series creators Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi are back to produce,...
2021 was a banner year for Atresplayer, which closed agreements with major broadcasting and streaming partners including Movistar, Vodafone, Google and Apple. Due to its global reach, the service has also become a lifeline to Spaniards living abroad, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers worldwide who tune in to keep up on Spanish news and culture.
Below, highlights from the first Atresplayer Premium Day:
“Vestidas de azul” A continuation of the service’s award-winning global hit series “Veneno,” picked as one of Variety’s best international series in 2020 which sold to HBO Max in the U.S. Series creators Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi are back to produce,...
- 12/14/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Asghar Farhadi to Receive Variety’s Creative Impact in Directing Award at Palm Springs Film Festival
Variety will honor two-time Academy Award-winning director Asghar Farhadi at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on Friday, Jan. 7 as part of the publication’s annual “10 Directors to Watch” and Creative Impact Awards brunch at the Parker Palm Springs.
Farhadi will be celebrated for his recent film “A Hero”, released by Amazon Studios, as well his entire body of work which includes “A Separation,” “Everybody Knows” and “The Salesman.”
“With ‘A Hero,’ Oscar-winning filmmaker Asghar Farhadi reaffirms his place at the forefront of international writer-directors,” said Variety’s executive vice president of content, Steven Gaydos. “The film’s Grand Prix award at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival was only the beginning of its international acclaim. As with ‘A Separation’ and ‘The Salesman,’ Farhadi has again elicited praise from film critics and awards voters who value Farhadi’s now-trademark virtues of densely layered screenplays and complex, sophisticated performances, all in the hands...
Farhadi will be celebrated for his recent film “A Hero”, released by Amazon Studios, as well his entire body of work which includes “A Separation,” “Everybody Knows” and “The Salesman.”
“With ‘A Hero,’ Oscar-winning filmmaker Asghar Farhadi reaffirms his place at the forefront of international writer-directors,” said Variety’s executive vice president of content, Steven Gaydos. “The film’s Grand Prix award at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival was only the beginning of its international acclaim. As with ‘A Separation’ and ‘The Salesman,’ Farhadi has again elicited praise from film critics and awards voters who value Farhadi’s now-trademark virtues of densely layered screenplays and complex, sophisticated performances, all in the hands...
- 12/10/2021
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Iranian writer-director Asghar Farhadi revealed that a long gestation period in his head and a subsequent copious amount of real-world rehearsal time allowed him to shape A Hero into the critically hailed film that it’s become.
Speaking through a translator at Deadline’s Contenders Film: Los Angeles awards-season event Sunday, Farhadi explained that the germ of the notion for the film – which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival in July – first took root in his mind when he was a college student. He saw a British play put on by students, which sparked his interest in local stories about altruistic strangers who become celebrated for kindnesses like returning lost items by tracking down their owners. “They very soon become like a regional hero,” he said.
Farhadi said the notion that “societies makes heroes was in my head all the time.” Still, “at that time I never thought,...
Speaking through a translator at Deadline’s Contenders Film: Los Angeles awards-season event Sunday, Farhadi explained that the germ of the notion for the film – which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival in July – first took root in his mind when he was a college student. He saw a British play put on by students, which sparked his interest in local stories about altruistic strangers who become celebrated for kindnesses like returning lost items by tracking down their owners. “They very soon become like a regional hero,” he said.
Farhadi said the notion that “societies makes heroes was in my head all the time.” Still, “at that time I never thought,...
- 11/14/2021
- by Scott Huver
- Deadline Film + TV
Penélope Cruz will be honored at the Museum of Modern Art’s 2021 Film Benefit.
The event, presented by Chanel, will return as an in-person gala on Dec. 14 at the New York City museum.
“Penélope Cruz has mesmerized cinema audiences since 1992 as an artist who is as compelling in action-adventures as she is in auteur-driven pictures,” Rajendra Roy, the Celeste Bartos Chief Curator of Film at MoMA, said in a statement Tuesday. “Perhaps most beloved for her collaborations with Pedro Almodóvar, her smashing performance in his film ‘Parallel Mothers’ cements her status as an artist of global stature. The first Spanish actress to be nominated for and win an Academy Award, Penélope Cruz is truly in a category all her own.”
Programing for the 14th annual Film Benefit will include screenings of Cruz movies, including “Everybody Knows,” “Volver,” and “Blow,” from Nov. 19-30.
Cruz’s newest collaboration with Almodóvar,...
The event, presented by Chanel, will return as an in-person gala on Dec. 14 at the New York City museum.
“Penélope Cruz has mesmerized cinema audiences since 1992 as an artist who is as compelling in action-adventures as she is in auteur-driven pictures,” Rajendra Roy, the Celeste Bartos Chief Curator of Film at MoMA, said in a statement Tuesday. “Perhaps most beloved for her collaborations with Pedro Almodóvar, her smashing performance in his film ‘Parallel Mothers’ cements her status as an artist of global stature. The first Spanish actress to be nominated for and win an Academy Award, Penélope Cruz is truly in a category all her own.”
Programing for the 14th annual Film Benefit will include screenings of Cruz movies, including “Everybody Knows,” “Volver,” and “Blow,” from Nov. 19-30.
Cruz’s newest collaboration with Almodóvar,...
- 11/9/2021
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
"It's the talk of the neighborhood. People called to say you make them proud." Amazon has unveiled a new US trailer for the outstanding new film from Oscar-nominated Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi, best known for A Separation, The Past, The Salesman, and Everybody Knows. His latest is titled A Hero, and it first premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, where it won the Grand Prix prize during the festival. Rahim is in prison because of a debt he was unable to repay. During a two-day leave, he tries to convince his creditor to withdraw his complaint against the payment of part of the sum. But things don't go as planned. When he returns a woman's purse full of coins, he is hailed as a hero, but the complexities of society and old grudges come back to ruin his newfound fame. Amir Jadidi stars as Rahim in one...
- 10/28/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
While his post-a Separation career has received quite a wide range of responses, Iranian director Asghar Farhadi triumphantly returned to Cannes Film Festival this summer with A Hero, which went on to win the Grand Pix. The film follows Rahim (Amir Jadidi), who is in prison because of a debt he was unable to repay, as he tries to convince his creditor (Mohsen Tanabandeh) during a two-day leave to withdraw his complaint against the payment of part of the sum. Set to arrive in theaters on January 7 followed by an Amazon Prime bow two weeks later, the first trailer for Iran’s Oscar entry has now arrived.
Rory O’Connor said in his Cannes review, “In A Hero, the discovery of a bag of gold coins sets the scene for a knotted Bressonian morality tale. The director is Asghar Farhadi, a filmmaker who has spent his career examining those blurred lines...
Rory O’Connor said in his Cannes review, “In A Hero, the discovery of a bag of gold coins sets the scene for a knotted Bressonian morality tale. The director is Asghar Farhadi, a filmmaker who has spent his career examining those blurred lines...
- 10/28/2021
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Asghar Farhadi is back and in top form with “A Hero,” which premiered to rave reviews at the Cannes Film Festival over the summer. The filmmaker was awarded the Grand Prix by Spike Lee’s Cannes jury. The film is Farhadi’s follow-up to “Everybody Knows” and has been selected by Iran as the country’s official Oscar entry in the 2022 race for Best International Feature. Farhadi has won the category twice before thanks to “A Separation” and “The Salesman.” According to IndieWire’s awards expert Anne Thompson, “A Hero” is a near-lock to earn an Oscar nomination and is a leading frontrunner for the win.
The official synopsis for Farhadi’s latest reads: “‘A Hero’ follows the story of Rahim — a man in jail for a debt he can’t repay. When a plan to erase his debt goes awry, he unexpectedly gains unwelcome notoriety. And in his attempt...
The official synopsis for Farhadi’s latest reads: “‘A Hero’ follows the story of Rahim — a man in jail for a debt he can’t repay. When a plan to erase his debt goes awry, he unexpectedly gains unwelcome notoriety. And in his attempt...
- 10/28/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Amazon Studios has dropped the international trailer for Ashgar Farhadi’s “A Hero,” which is Iran’s candidate to represent the country at the upcoming Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
The film, which launched positively in July from the Cannes Film Festival where it tied for the Grand Prix, the fest’s runner-up prize – and subsequently went to both Toronto and Telluride – will be released in U.S. theaters on January 7 before its online launch on Amazon Prime Video on January 21.
“A Hero” is the Iranian auteur’s fourth film to world premiere in the Cannes competition after “The Past,” “The Salesman” and Spanish-language “Everybody Knows.”
The drama, which saw Farhadi back to shooting in Iran, is about a man named Rahim who is in prison because of an unpaid debt. While on a two-day release, he and the women he loves hatch a plan to...
The film, which launched positively in July from the Cannes Film Festival where it tied for the Grand Prix, the fest’s runner-up prize – and subsequently went to both Toronto and Telluride – will be released in U.S. theaters on January 7 before its online launch on Amazon Prime Video on January 21.
“A Hero” is the Iranian auteur’s fourth film to world premiere in the Cannes competition after “The Past,” “The Salesman” and Spanish-language “Everybody Knows.”
The drama, which saw Farhadi back to shooting in Iran, is about a man named Rahim who is in prison because of an unpaid debt. While on a two-day release, he and the women he loves hatch a plan to...
- 10/28/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Principal photography has begun on Penélope Cruz drama On The Fringe (En Los Márgenes), directed by Juna Diego Botto, and written by Botto and Olga Rodríguez.
Currently filming on location in Madrid, the Spanish-language film stars an ensemble cast which includes Oscar winner Cruz (Pain and Glory), Luis Tosar (Miami Vice), Aixa Villagrán (Loco Por Ella), Adelfa Calvo (Madres Paralelas), Nur Levi (Hablar) and Christian Checa. Above is a first look at director Botto, Cruz and Tosar on set.
Told over the course of one day, the movie will follow interweaving stories, including that of a woman (Cruz) who has 24 hours to prevent herself and her family being evicted from their home by a bank intent on repossessing it. Cell 211 star Tosar will play a passionate lawyer and activist.
The film is a Spanish-Belgian co-production and is produced by Cruz and Álvaro Longoria for Morena Films. The duo recently...
Currently filming on location in Madrid, the Spanish-language film stars an ensemble cast which includes Oscar winner Cruz (Pain and Glory), Luis Tosar (Miami Vice), Aixa Villagrán (Loco Por Ella), Adelfa Calvo (Madres Paralelas), Nur Levi (Hablar) and Christian Checa. Above is a first look at director Botto, Cruz and Tosar on set.
Told over the course of one day, the movie will follow interweaving stories, including that of a woman (Cruz) who has 24 hours to prevent herself and her family being evicted from their home by a bank intent on repossessing it. Cell 211 star Tosar will play a passionate lawyer and activist.
The film is a Spanish-Belgian co-production and is produced by Cruz and Álvaro Longoria for Morena Films. The duo recently...
- 10/28/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Iran has picked A Hero, Asghar Farhadi’s drama about honesty, honor and the price of freedom, to represent the country for the 2021 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Category.
The Iranian-French co-production, which first bowed in competition in Cannes to critical acclaim, sees the Iranian auteur make a welcome return to his homeland following his Spanish-set Everybody Knows with stars Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem. In Cannes it won both the Grand Prix and the François Chalais Prize.
Even before it was selected by the Iranian Film Committee, A Hero was considered among the frontrunners to make the Oscar shortlist,...
The Iranian-French co-production, which first bowed in competition in Cannes to critical acclaim, sees the Iranian auteur make a welcome return to his homeland following his Spanish-set Everybody Knows with stars Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem. In Cannes it won both the Grand Prix and the François Chalais Prize.
Even before it was selected by the Iranian Film Committee, A Hero was considered among the frontrunners to make the Oscar shortlist,...
- 10/21/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
In A Hero, the discovery of a bag of gold coins sets the scene for a knotted Bressonian morality tale. The director is Asghar Farhadi, a filmmaker who has spent his career examining those blurred lines between right and wrong; decency and hubris; righteousness and folly. Taking place in the city of Shiraz, it proves a return to familiar ground for him: both the first he has made in his native Iran after the awful misstep that was Everybody Knows, as well as a return to the moral complexities of A Separation, still his finest film to date.
Farhadi stakes a claim for his latest’s fable credentials with an opening flourish: a weightless craning shot across the marvelous facade of Persepolis, the ancient capital of Persia where visiting nobles would come to present their offerings. Rahim (Amir Jadidi) is not a noble man, per se, but certainly one with...
Farhadi stakes a claim for his latest’s fable credentials with an opening flourish: a weightless craning shot across the marvelous facade of Persepolis, the ancient capital of Persia where visiting nobles would come to present their offerings. Rahim (Amir Jadidi) is not a noble man, per se, but certainly one with...
- 7/17/2021
- by Rory O'Connor
- The Film Stage
After opening the competition in 2018 with Everybody Knows, Asghar Farhadi truly is in a return to form mode with the set in Iran drama, A Hero – a title that Amazon Studios landed well before the Cannes premiere. Winner of the Best Foreign Language Film for A Separation (2012) and The Salesman (also a comp title in 2017), he also presented The Past in 2013. This features Amir Jadidi in the lead role – pulled in just about every direction.
It was a double dose of great cinema with A Hero being unveiled just before Titane. With a combined average of 3.6, eleven of our critics are giving this 3.5’s and 4’s — making this a great challenger for the Palme d’Or and is that fails – the best choice in the Best Screenplay category.…...
It was a double dose of great cinema with A Hero being unveiled just before Titane. With a combined average of 3.6, eleven of our critics are giving this 3.5’s and 4’s — making this a great challenger for the Palme d’Or and is that fails – the best choice in the Best Screenplay category.…...
- 7/14/2021
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Julia Ducournau’s title lands behind ‘Lingui, The Scared Bonds’ on the jury grid.
Julia Ducournau’s Titane landed with a thud on Screen’s Cannes 2021 jury grid, scoring an average of just 1.6 with our critics.
That places it fourth from last on the grid to date, only ahead of Sean Penn’s Flag Day (1.1), Catherine Corsini’s The Divide (1.4) and Nanni Moretti’s Three Floors (1.5).
Starring Agathe Rousselle and Vincent Lindon, Titane is Ducournau’s much-discussed follow-up to her feature debut Raw, which debuted in Critics’ Week in 2016.
Liberation’s critics Julien Gester and Didier Péron were not impressed,...
Julia Ducournau’s Titane landed with a thud on Screen’s Cannes 2021 jury grid, scoring an average of just 1.6 with our critics.
That places it fourth from last on the grid to date, only ahead of Sean Penn’s Flag Day (1.1), Catherine Corsini’s The Divide (1.4) and Nanni Moretti’s Three Floors (1.5).
Starring Agathe Rousselle and Vincent Lindon, Titane is Ducournau’s much-discussed follow-up to her feature debut Raw, which debuted in Critics’ Week in 2016.
Liberation’s critics Julien Gester and Didier Péron were not impressed,...
- 7/14/2021
- by Melissa Kasule
- ScreenDaily
Julia Ducournau’s title lands behind ‘Lingui, The Scared Bonds’ on the jury grid.
Julia Ducournau’s Titane landed with a thud on Screen’s Cannes 2021 jury grid, scoring an average of just 1.6 with our critics.
That places it fourth from last on the grid to date, only ahead of Sean Penn’s Flag Day (1.1), Catherine Corsini’s The Divide (1.4) and Nanni Moretti’s Three Floors (1.5).
Starring Agathe Rousselle and Vincent Lindon, Titane is Ducournau’s much-discussed follow-up to her feature debut Raw, which debuted in Critics’ Week in 2016.
Liberation’s critics Julien Gester and Didier Péron were not impressed,...
Julia Ducournau’s Titane landed with a thud on Screen’s Cannes 2021 jury grid, scoring an average of just 1.6 with our critics.
That places it fourth from last on the grid to date, only ahead of Sean Penn’s Flag Day (1.1), Catherine Corsini’s The Divide (1.4) and Nanni Moretti’s Three Floors (1.5).
Starring Agathe Rousselle and Vincent Lindon, Titane is Ducournau’s much-discussed follow-up to her feature debut Raw, which debuted in Critics’ Week in 2016.
Liberation’s critics Julien Gester and Didier Péron were not impressed,...
- 7/14/2021
- by Melissa Kasule
- ScreenDaily
Asghar Farhadi, an Oscar winner for “A Separation” and “The Salesman,” is in Cannes with “A Hero,” the Iranian auteur’s fourth film to world premiere in the festival’s competition after “The Past,” “The Salesman” and Spanish-language “Everybody Knows.”
“A Hero,” which sees Farhadi returning to filmmaking in Iran, is about a man named Rahim who is in prison because of an unpaid debt. While on a two-day release, he and the woman he loves hatch a plan to try and convince the creditor to let him off the hook. But it spirals out of control due to social media, which plays an important part in this drama exposing the pitfalls of media manipulation in Iran’s repressive regime but also, by extension, the world. Farhadi spoke to Variety in Cannes about his concerns over social media and his certainty that the best antidote to the disconnect it can create is cinema.
“A Hero,” which sees Farhadi returning to filmmaking in Iran, is about a man named Rahim who is in prison because of an unpaid debt. While on a two-day release, he and the woman he loves hatch a plan to try and convince the creditor to let him off the hook. But it spirals out of control due to social media, which plays an important part in this drama exposing the pitfalls of media manipulation in Iran’s repressive regime but also, by extension, the world. Farhadi spoke to Variety in Cannes about his concerns over social media and his certainty that the best antidote to the disconnect it can create is cinema.
- 7/13/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Perhaps owing to his work in theater, writer-director Asghar Farhadi seems able to find drama in the most surprising places. After his Spanish-set Everybody Knows with stars Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem and a string of short movies, he makes a welcome return to his native Iran with A Hero (Ghahreman), a very fine film about honesty, honor and the price of freedom.
The Iranian-French coprod is a small film in format, pointing it to art house fans who can pick over the director’s typical themes amid subtle symbolism and refined technical work. Its reception at Cannes, where it’s competing, should indicate how ...
The Iranian-French coprod is a small film in format, pointing it to art house fans who can pick over the director’s typical themes amid subtle symbolism and refined technical work. Its reception at Cannes, where it’s competing, should indicate how ...
- 7/13/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.