Mediawan Rights, the distribution arm of the wider media group, manages scripted, unscripted, format and feature documentary sales, keying European content onto international airwaves. And if initially heritage titles, foreign-language fare and time-tested perennials made up much of the catalogue, the group’s expanding footprint and well-capitalized partnerships promise a new yield of premium fare developed in-house and marked by global ambitions.
“We’ve seen a radical shift,” says Mediawan Rights CEO Valérie Vleeschhouwer. “Our catalogue from six years ago has little in common with that of today. We really wanted to move upmarket, to increase our own creative output in both fiction and documentary distribution to better respond to global demand. [In doing so] we’ve gone from being a local player to a truly international one.”
As distribution titles like the Emmy-winning doc “Kubrick by Kubrick” and the Dutch thriller “The Golden Hour” travel far and wide – with the former selling...
“We’ve seen a radical shift,” says Mediawan Rights CEO Valérie Vleeschhouwer. “Our catalogue from six years ago has little in common with that of today. We really wanted to move upmarket, to increase our own creative output in both fiction and documentary distribution to better respond to global demand. [In doing so] we’ve gone from being a local player to a truly international one.”
As distribution titles like the Emmy-winning doc “Kubrick by Kubrick” and the Dutch thriller “The Golden Hour” travel far and wide – with the former selling...
- 5/16/2024
- by Ben Croll
- Variety Film + TV
This year’s Cannes Film Festival should prove particularly festive for Mediawan Pictures managing director Elisabeth d’Arvieu. With five in-house productions premiering in the official selection and another in Critics’ Week, the exec and her team will hit the Croisette with cause for celebration.
As an ardent cinephile, she bolstered an extracurricular passion for movies while getting an Mba from Baruch College in New York. She still takes in a film a day.
The Cannes celebration promises to start early for Mediawan, kicking off with Quentin Dupieux’s festival opener “The Second Act,” then Palme d’Or contending Hearts” from Gilles Lellouche and Kirill Serebrennikov’s “Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie,” the epic “The Count of Monte-Cristo” screening out of competition and Un Certain Regard player “Le Royaume” from
emerging talent Julien Colonna.
When taken as a whole, the strong showing nicely reflects the group’s wider ambitions, from...
As an ardent cinephile, she bolstered an extracurricular passion for movies while getting an Mba from Baruch College in New York. She still takes in a film a day.
The Cannes celebration promises to start early for Mediawan, kicking off with Quentin Dupieux’s festival opener “The Second Act,” then Palme d’Or contending Hearts” from Gilles Lellouche and Kirill Serebrennikov’s “Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie,” the epic “The Count of Monte-Cristo” screening out of competition and Un Certain Regard player “Le Royaume” from
emerging talent Julien Colonna.
When taken as a whole, the strong showing nicely reflects the group’s wider ambitions, from...
- 5/16/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy and Ben Croll
- Variety Film + TV
Mediawan Rights has boarded “Kabul,” a highly anticipated thriller series produced by France’s 24 25 Films and Cinétévé.
Shervin Alenabi (“Tehran”) and “Euphoria’s” Eric Dane (in a small role) have joined the international cast of the show, which already comprises Jonathan Zaccaï (“Le bureau des legendes”), Thibault Evrard (“The Night of the 12th”), Vassilis Kukalawi (“Kandahar”), Jeanne Goursaud (“Pax Massilia”), Gianmarco Saurino (“L’estate piu Calda”) and Valentina Cervi (“Medici: Masters of Florence”).
The series, set against the backdrop of U.S. troops’ withdrawal from Afghanistan and Taliban’s sweep to power, just started filming on April 1. Mediawan Rights will introduce the gripping series project to international buyers at upcoming markets, and is handling worldwide distribution with the participation of Entourage.
“Kabul” explores the chaotic evacuation of various characters, from diplomats to soldiers to civilians, who desperately seek refuge and solidarity in a country in crisis, with the arrival of the Taliban in Kabul.
Shervin Alenabi (“Tehran”) and “Euphoria’s” Eric Dane (in a small role) have joined the international cast of the show, which already comprises Jonathan Zaccaï (“Le bureau des legendes”), Thibault Evrard (“The Night of the 12th”), Vassilis Kukalawi (“Kandahar”), Jeanne Goursaud (“Pax Massilia”), Gianmarco Saurino (“L’estate piu Calda”) and Valentina Cervi (“Medici: Masters of Florence”).
The series, set against the backdrop of U.S. troops’ withdrawal from Afghanistan and Taliban’s sweep to power, just started filming on April 1. Mediawan Rights will introduce the gripping series project to international buyers at upcoming markets, and is handling worldwide distribution with the participation of Entourage.
“Kabul” explores the chaotic evacuation of various characters, from diplomats to soldiers to civilians, who desperately seek refuge and solidarity in a country in crisis, with the arrival of the Taliban in Kabul.
- 4/4/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Dramas based on well-known IP and starring A-list talent were front and centre at this year’s Series Mania.
Mediawan, for example, hosted a splashy showcase of its upcoming mini-series The Count of Monte-Cristo, produced by Italy’s Palomar with France’s Demd Productions, from Danish director Bille August, starring British actors Sam Claflin and Jeremy Irons.
During the festival, Paramount+ and France Télévisions also announced they had teamed up for an eight-episode adaptation of Zorro (working title) starring Jean Dujardin, the Oscar-winning actor of The Artist. France Televisions also announced a series commission for Lucky Luke, an adaptation of the cult Belgian comic book.
Mediawan, for example, hosted a splashy showcase of its upcoming mini-series The Count of Monte-Cristo, produced by Italy’s Palomar with France’s Demd Productions, from Danish director Bille August, starring British actors Sam Claflin and Jeremy Irons.
During the festival, Paramount+ and France Télévisions also announced they had teamed up for an eight-episode adaptation of Zorro (working title) starring Jean Dujardin, the Oscar-winning actor of The Artist. France Televisions also announced a series commission for Lucky Luke, an adaptation of the cult Belgian comic book.
- 3/22/2024
- ScreenDaily
Jeremy Irons and double-Palme d’Or winner Bille August are gearing up for their highly-anticipated Count of Monte Cristo series but when offered the chance to work on the project, they had certain red lines.
“I wouldn’t have taken it if it was a movie, it had to be TV,” Danish director August told Deadline at Series Mania. “The story is so rich and deserves TV. For this one it was obvious.”
Oscar-winner Irons said TV series can do “these great novels justice” in a way that some movies can’t, referencing his breakout work on 1981’s Brideshead Revisited, which was across 13 episodes. Both stars have skewed towards movies during their decorated careers and Count Of Monte Cristo has never been made for TV. A 2002 movie version saw Richard Harris play Irons’ role.
“With TV’s insatiable appetite for material it seemed for this great novel, we needed to...
“I wouldn’t have taken it if it was a movie, it had to be TV,” Danish director August told Deadline at Series Mania. “The story is so rich and deserves TV. For this one it was obvious.”
Oscar-winner Irons said TV series can do “these great novels justice” in a way that some movies can’t, referencing his breakout work on 1981’s Brideshead Revisited, which was across 13 episodes. Both stars have skewed towards movies during their decorated careers and Count Of Monte Cristo has never been made for TV. A 2002 movie version saw Richard Harris play Irons’ role.
“With TV’s insatiable appetite for material it seemed for this great novel, we needed to...
- 3/21/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
2023 was a year of sustained gains year-on-year across the Nordics, although moviegoing is still down 23%-30% from pre-covid times. The summer was exceptional thanks to the “Barbenheimer” mania that boosted all five Nordic countries. Iceland was the only territory where “Oppenheimer” ranked third, after the local comedy “Wild Game” one of three Icelandic titles that enabled local fare to jump 123% in box office for a 14% market share.
Norway enjoyed a solid year and a 27% market share for domestic fare, led by three blockbusters based on popular IPs, including the top seller “Christmas at Cobble Street.”
In Finland, the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon was perhaps the strongest among the Nordic nations, making July the biggest ever in Finnish cinema history. Also notable was the success of Aki Kaurismäki’s “Fallen Leaves,” the fourth biggest hit of the year, which helped local titles secure a 23.4% share.
Less glorious were results in Denmark where overall...
Norway enjoyed a solid year and a 27% market share for domestic fare, led by three blockbusters based on popular IPs, including the top seller “Christmas at Cobble Street.”
In Finland, the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon was perhaps the strongest among the Nordic nations, making July the biggest ever in Finnish cinema history. Also notable was the success of Aki Kaurismäki’s “Fallen Leaves,” the fourth biggest hit of the year, which helped local titles secure a 23.4% share.
Less glorious were results in Denmark where overall...
- 2/2/2024
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
Bille August, the two-time Palme d’Or-winning director, found his creative match with the former Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II, who reinvented herself as a detail-oriented costume designer on his hit Netflix film “Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction.”
The film, which took a decade to bring to life, is nominated for three Robert Awards, the Danish equivalent to the Oscars. A playful royal scandal set in the early 19th century, “Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction” was penned by Anders August and based on a 1963 novella by Karen Blixen, the Danish baroness who was played by Meryl Streep in “Out of Africa.” The film revolves around Cazotte, a young portrait painter who considers himself an expert on love matters and is challenged by the Grand Duchess to seduce a young woman, as well as help her secure an heir.
Margrethe II, who just stepped down from her throne citing health reasons,...
The film, which took a decade to bring to life, is nominated for three Robert Awards, the Danish equivalent to the Oscars. A playful royal scandal set in the early 19th century, “Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction” was penned by Anders August and based on a 1963 novella by Karen Blixen, the Danish baroness who was played by Meryl Streep in “Out of Africa.” The film revolves around Cazotte, a young portrait painter who considers himself an expert on love matters and is challenged by the Grand Duchess to seduce a young woman, as well as help her secure an heir.
Margrethe II, who just stepped down from her throne citing health reasons,...
- 1/15/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
With The Mask of Zorro, Antonio Banderas truly marked himself as a genuine star and sex symbol across the globe. While he earned acclaim for his collaborations with Pedro Almodóvar in Spain and made his presence known in the States with Philadelphia and Interview with the Vampire, The Mask of Zorro was his first leading role to near $100 million at the domestic box office. But the iconic swordsman almost had another man behind the mask: Tom Cruise.
According to The Mask of Zorro‘s original director Mikael Salomon, executive producer Steven Spielberg wanted Tom Cruise to star. “Who else was [in the mix]? Some big — oh yeah, Tom Cruise. Early on, [Spielberg] wanted to offer it to him. Have you heard that? He wanted to offer it to Tom Cruise. And my friend and countryman Bille August had done The House of the Spirits with all non-Latinos, and he got in so much hot water because of that,...
According to The Mask of Zorro‘s original director Mikael Salomon, executive producer Steven Spielberg wanted Tom Cruise to star. “Who else was [in the mix]? Some big — oh yeah, Tom Cruise. Early on, [Spielberg] wanted to offer it to him. Have you heard that? He wanted to offer it to Tom Cruise. And my friend and countryman Bille August had done The House of the Spirits with all non-Latinos, and he got in so much hot water because of that,...
- 12/15/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
We’re once again proud to be a partner in the European Film Promotion’s celebration of the very best of European talent with the announcement of the 2024 Efp European Shooting Stars.
It has been a pleasure to highlight and get to know some of the brightest new stars in the sky. As before, we will look to catch up with the entire cohort to get to know them better at the 74th Berlinale next year, so check back for those interviews.
Until then, here’s a closer look at the ten Shooting Stars for 2024.
© Wil Coban Éanna Hardwicke / Ireland
Éanna Hardwicke’s first professional credit was as a child actor in Conor McPherson’s 2009 horror film The Eclipse. Before graduating from The Lír Academy in 2018 he was cast in Vivarium, which premiered at Cannes Critics’ Week 2019. In 2023, a busy year for Hardwicke, he was named a Screen International Rising...
It has been a pleasure to highlight and get to know some of the brightest new stars in the sky. As before, we will look to catch up with the entire cohort to get to know them better at the 74th Berlinale next year, so check back for those interviews.
Until then, here’s a closer look at the ten Shooting Stars for 2024.
© Wil Coban Éanna Hardwicke / Ireland
Éanna Hardwicke’s first professional credit was as a child actor in Conor McPherson’s 2009 horror film The Eclipse. Before graduating from The Lír Academy in 2018 he was cast in Vivarium, which premiered at Cannes Critics’ Week 2019. In 2023, a busy year for Hardwicke, he was named a Screen International Rising...
- 12/14/2023
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
European Film Promotion has announced the 10 up-and-coming European acting talents for its 2024 European Shooting Stars list.
The actors, which include performers from this year’s award-season contenders Poor Things, Ferrari, and The Peasants, among others, will be lauded at the Berlin International Film Festival in February, next year.
The Shooting Stars class of 2024 includes:
Suzy Bemba (France) Suzy Bemba in ‘Homecoming’
French actress Suzy Bemba, who plays a Parisian sex worker who befriends Emma Stone’s character in Poor Things, and whose credits include standout roles in Anthony Chen’s Sundance film Drift and Catherine Corsini’s Homecoming.
Valentina Bellè (Italy) Valentina Bellè in ‘The Good Mothers’
Valentina Bellè from Italy, who plays Cecilia Manzini in Michael Mann’s Ferarri, won Italy’s Nastro D’Argento award for best supporting actress for her turn in Disney+ mafia drama The Good Mothers and has appeared in Disney+ series Genius: Picasso with...
The actors, which include performers from this year’s award-season contenders Poor Things, Ferrari, and The Peasants, among others, will be lauded at the Berlin International Film Festival in February, next year.
The Shooting Stars class of 2024 includes:
Suzy Bemba (France) Suzy Bemba in ‘Homecoming’
French actress Suzy Bemba, who plays a Parisian sex worker who befriends Emma Stone’s character in Poor Things, and whose credits include standout roles in Anthony Chen’s Sundance film Drift and Catherine Corsini’s Homecoming.
Valentina Bellè (Italy) Valentina Bellè in ‘The Good Mothers’
Valentina Bellè from Italy, who plays Cecilia Manzini in Michael Mann’s Ferarri, won Italy’s Nastro D’Argento award for best supporting actress for her turn in Disney+ mafia drama The Good Mothers and has appeared in Disney+ series Genius: Picasso with...
- 12/14/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The film gods are a fickle bunch. If the flip of the coin had landed on a different outcome at various points in Hollywood history, the entire landscape of cinema as we know it could be completely changed. In fact, movie star Tom Cruise is something of a cottage industry to himself when it comes to major roles that he could've signed on for, but ended up little more than fascinating notes of trivia -- in our universe, at least. There's the infamous "Iron Man" scenario that could've seen him suit up as Tony Stark instead of Robert Downey, Jr., of course, along with the near-miss of starring in the classic "Shawshank Redemption." But there's one other little-known factoid that completes this little trilogy of alternate-history Cruise projects: one where he could've been cast as the lead of "The Mask of Zorro," incredibly enough.
Martin Campbell's beloved '90s...
Martin Campbell's beloved '90s...
- 12/11/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Somewhat mysterious and fearless, Oscar-winning British actor Jeremy Irons has played a host of different characters during his decades-long career, from Adrian Veidt in Damon Lindelof’s TV series “Watchmen,” to Rodolfo Gucci in Ridley Scott’s “House of Gucci,” British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in “Munich: The Edge of War” and Alfred Pennyworth in the DC Extended Universe films, including the latest “Justice League.” Reteaming with Palme d’Or winning Bille August for the third time, Irons will next play Abbé Faria, a noble and wise character, in the prestige limited series “The Count of Monte Cristo,” starring opposite fellow British actor Sam Claflin as Edmond Dantès. The premum limited series is distributed worldwide by Mediawan Rights, in cooperation with CAA (for North America).
Currently on the sprawling set of “Monte Cristo” in sun-drenched Malta, a cheerful Irons spoke to Variety about the timeliness of “Monte Cristo’s” story,...
Currently on the sprawling set of “Monte Cristo” in sun-drenched Malta, a cheerful Irons spoke to Variety about the timeliness of “Monte Cristo’s” story,...
- 11/28/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar winner Jeremy Irons has joined the cast of Palme d’Or-winning director Bille August’s prestige limited series “The Count of Monte Cristo,” which also stars Sam Claflin.
A sprawling adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel, the English-language series is produced by Mediawan’s banner Palomar, the leading Italian company behind “That Dirty Black Bag” and “The Name of the Rose,” in collaboration with another Mediawan label, France’s Demd Productions. The series’ five-month shoot will wrap in Malta in December, after having lensed in France and Italy.
The show underscores Mediawan’s strategy to pursue prestige scripted projects with strong international potential under its €100 million co-investment agreement signed earlier this year with private equity film Entourage Ventures.
“The Count of Monte Cristo” marks Irons’ third collaboration with August, who directed him in “Night Train to Lisbon” and “The House of Spirits.” A revered Danish filmmaker, August previously won...
A sprawling adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel, the English-language series is produced by Mediawan’s banner Palomar, the leading Italian company behind “That Dirty Black Bag” and “The Name of the Rose,” in collaboration with another Mediawan label, France’s Demd Productions. The series’ five-month shoot will wrap in Malta in December, after having lensed in France and Italy.
The show underscores Mediawan’s strategy to pursue prestige scripted projects with strong international potential under its €100 million co-investment agreement signed earlier this year with private equity film Entourage Ventures.
“The Count of Monte Cristo” marks Irons’ third collaboration with August, who directed him in “Night Train to Lisbon” and “The House of Spirits.” A revered Danish filmmaker, August previously won...
- 11/20/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark is adding another title to her royal resume: costume designer.
The royal, who celebrated 50 years on the throne in 2022, served as the costume and production designer for Netflix film “Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction.” The feature was released in September 2023; Queen Margrethe II was not paid by the production companies for her work on the film.
“Ehrengard” is an adaptation of Karen Blixen’s fairytale about a lady-in-waiting who dodges a royal court painter’s advances. Blixen was a Danish baroness who published under pseudonym Isak Dinesen.
“It was great fun,” Queen Margrethe II told The New York Times of working on the movie adaptation. “I hope that Blixenites will accept the way we’ve done it.”
Queen Margrethe II designed 51 costumes and made 81 decoupages, or collages, for the film. The sets were based on her drawings and other artwork.
“I’ve been interested in...
The royal, who celebrated 50 years on the throne in 2022, served as the costume and production designer for Netflix film “Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction.” The feature was released in September 2023; Queen Margrethe II was not paid by the production companies for her work on the film.
“Ehrengard” is an adaptation of Karen Blixen’s fairytale about a lady-in-waiting who dodges a royal court painter’s advances. Blixen was a Danish baroness who published under pseudonym Isak Dinesen.
“It was great fun,” Queen Margrethe II told The New York Times of working on the movie adaptation. “I hope that Blixenites will accept the way we’ve done it.”
Queen Margrethe II designed 51 costumes and made 81 decoupages, or collages, for the film. The sets were based on her drawings and other artwork.
“I’ve been interested in...
- 11/3/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Europe’s major players in TV and film attending Mipcom Cannes sensed a wave of opportunity coming at them from across the Atlantic, as Hollywood muddles through a period of strategic uncertainty and steep losses from the transition to streaming platforms.
The extended labor strife in the U.S. this year, with the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA waging historic and concurrent strikes, has Euro producers touting the appeal of lensing on the continent with a strong pool of skilled talent accustomed to working at much lower price points.
Also looming over Mipcom was the intense security protocol deployed around the Palais and headlines of bomb scares in France. The country has been on high alert in the wake of Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7 and the murder of a high school teacher a few days later. Despite the tense geo-political backdrop, the overall mood of marketgoers seemed livelier than last year,...
The extended labor strife in the U.S. this year, with the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA waging historic and concurrent strikes, has Euro producers touting the appeal of lensing on the continent with a strong pool of skilled talent accustomed to working at much lower price points.
Also looming over Mipcom was the intense security protocol deployed around the Palais and headlines of bomb scares in France. The country has been on high alert in the wake of Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7 and the murder of a high school teacher a few days later. Despite the tense geo-political backdrop, the overall mood of marketgoers seemed livelier than last year,...
- 10/19/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton, Elsa Keslassy and John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Bille August, the two-time Palme d’Or winning director of “Pelle the Conqueror,” is directing a sprawling English language series adapted from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” starring an international cast led by Sam Claflin (“Peaky Blinders”).
“The Count of Monte Cristo” marks the first series which is entirely produced within Mediawan and represented by its distribution arm Mediawan Rights. As such, Italy’s Palomar is producing the eight-part series in collaboration with Demd Productions in France, in association with Entourage Ventures, as well as Rai Fiction and France Televisions which are the commissioning broadcasters in Italy and France, respectively.
The show underscores Mediawan’s strategy to pursue prestige scripted projects with strong international potential under its €100 million co-development agreement signed earlier this year with private equity film Entourage Ventures. Another recent Mediawan show in the same vein is the anticipated “Zorro” series reboot directed by...
“The Count of Monte Cristo” marks the first series which is entirely produced within Mediawan and represented by its distribution arm Mediawan Rights. As such, Italy’s Palomar is producing the eight-part series in collaboration with Demd Productions in France, in association with Entourage Ventures, as well as Rai Fiction and France Televisions which are the commissioning broadcasters in Italy and France, respectively.
The show underscores Mediawan’s strategy to pursue prestige scripted projects with strong international potential under its €100 million co-development agreement signed earlier this year with private equity film Entourage Ventures. Another recent Mediawan show in the same vein is the anticipated “Zorro” series reboot directed by...
- 10/11/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Rome’s Mia Market, dedicated to international TV series, animation, feature films, documentaries and more, kicked off Monday in the Eternal City’s 17th century Palazzo Barberini. There were some 2,300 registered industry execs on day one – roughly 300 of which are buyers – more than 120 selected projects on display, and plenty of panels.
At a press conference, Mia director Gaia Tridente noted that, sadly, a group of industry execs who were expected to arrive from Israel, including “Waltz With Bashir” director Ari Folman, are being forced to stay in the country by the war that has broken out with Palestinian militant group Hamas. “Our thoughts go out to them and we hope to be able to welcome them in Rome in a context of peace and security for all,” Tridente said.
The pre-Mipcom event, taking place Oct. 9 to 13, has expanded its scope this year, adding a full-fledged section dedicated to animation and...
At a press conference, Mia director Gaia Tridente noted that, sadly, a group of industry execs who were expected to arrive from Israel, including “Waltz With Bashir” director Ari Folman, are being forced to stay in the country by the war that has broken out with Palestinian militant group Hamas. “Our thoughts go out to them and we hope to be able to welcome them in Rome in a context of peace and security for all,” Tridente said.
The pre-Mipcom event, taking place Oct. 9 to 13, has expanded its scope this year, adding a full-fledged section dedicated to animation and...
- 10/9/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Denmark has submitted Nikolaj Arcel’s The Promised Land as its candidate for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.
The epic historic drama stars Mads Mikkelsen as the real-life Ludvig von Kahlen, a former soldier who tries to make his fortune by taming the then wild and lawless heath of the Danish Jutland peninsula, so it could be turned over to cultivation following a declaration by King Frederik V.
The film world premiered at Venice and then headed to Telluride and Toronto, is currently screening at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, and will next screen at the Zurich Film Festival, Filmfest Hamburg, Hamptons International Film Festival, and the Mill Valley Film Festival.
The film was selected from a short list which also included Anders Walter’s Before It Ends and Lea Glob’s documentary Apolonia, Apolonia.
The Danish Film Institute-backed film produced by Louise Vesth for...
The epic historic drama stars Mads Mikkelsen as the real-life Ludvig von Kahlen, a former soldier who tries to make his fortune by taming the then wild and lawless heath of the Danish Jutland peninsula, so it could be turned over to cultivation following a declaration by King Frederik V.
The film world premiered at Venice and then headed to Telluride and Toronto, is currently screening at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, and will next screen at the Zurich Film Festival, Filmfest Hamburg, Hamptons International Film Festival, and the Mill Valley Film Festival.
The film was selected from a short list which also included Anders Walter’s Before It Ends and Lea Glob’s documentary Apolonia, Apolonia.
The Danish Film Institute-backed film produced by Louise Vesth for...
- 9/26/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery is projecting huge losses from the impact of writer and actor strikes, but “Barbie” is still around to help them pay bills. It’s hardly news that as Greta Gerwig’s smash hit starts its initial post-theater platform release, it’s #1 on PVOD charts. The real story: that it’s doing so with a hefty premium price.
Gerwig’s #1 theatrical hit worldwide for 2023 (which will end up with around $1.5 billion in theatrical returns) is now renting on PVOD for $24.99, with the option to add it to your digital library permanently for $29.99. Studios recover 80 percent from revenues returned for these transactions, less a small slice for the carrier. That means Warner Bros. Discovery will recoup around $20 for each “Barbie” rental, $25 for each download. It’s a bonanza.
As always, how much actual money is involved with these transactions is not known, but if five million domestic homes rent the film,...
Gerwig’s #1 theatrical hit worldwide for 2023 (which will end up with around $1.5 billion in theatrical returns) is now renting on PVOD for $24.99, with the option to add it to your digital library permanently for $29.99. Studios recover 80 percent from revenues returned for these transactions, less a small slice for the carrier. That means Warner Bros. Discovery will recoup around $20 for each “Barbie” rental, $25 for each download. It’s a bonanza.
As always, how much actual money is involved with these transactions is not known, but if five million domestic homes rent the film,...
- 9/19/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
This Danish period film is not as tantalizing as one would imagine but rather a tale as old as time. You can’t really call Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction a rom-com because, other than the romantic setting, there isn’t really any romance in this film. Additionally, the comedy falls flat and doesn’t pack a punch like it’s expected to. The film follows a not-so-young artist named Cazotte. On one of his portrait assignments, the Duchess of Babenhausen requests that he teach her young son the art of seduction because there’s a crisis and he must be married off immediately (tell us something new). For his services, the self-attested love doctor wants, in return, a connection with a beautiful woman named Ehrengard. This is when things start to get messy, and the result is a tale of mishaps and scandal.
For the most part, Ehrengard is extremely uncomfortable to watch,...
For the most part, Ehrengard is extremely uncomfortable to watch,...
- 9/14/2023
- by Ruchika Bhat
- Film Fugitives
Exclusive: Karlovy Vary competition pic The Hypnosis, starring Herbert Nordrum (The Worst Person In The World) and Asta August (The Kingdom), has inked a series of international deals for Totem Films.
Directed by Swedish filmmaker Ernst De Geer in his feature debut, the reported sales include Film Stop (Baltics), Arti Films (Benelux), Artcam (Czech Republic and Slovakia), Kinovista (France), One From the Heart (Greece), Sideral (Spain), Xenix (Switzerland), and Hooray Films (Taiwan). We understand the Paris-based Totem is currently in negotiations in multiple other territories.
The pic, a Swedish-Norwegian-French co-production, won three awards at Karlovy Vary: Best Actor, Fipresci Jury Award, and Europa Cinemas Label. The story follows André (Nordrum) and Vera (August), a young entrepreneurial couple who have been offered the opportunity to pitch their female health app at a prestigious competition. Before the presentation, Vera tries hypnotherapy to quit smoking. From this point, her attitude changes, and André starts to behave unexpectedly.
Directed by Swedish filmmaker Ernst De Geer in his feature debut, the reported sales include Film Stop (Baltics), Arti Films (Benelux), Artcam (Czech Republic and Slovakia), Kinovista (France), One From the Heart (Greece), Sideral (Spain), Xenix (Switzerland), and Hooray Films (Taiwan). We understand the Paris-based Totem is currently in negotiations in multiple other territories.
The pic, a Swedish-Norwegian-French co-production, won three awards at Karlovy Vary: Best Actor, Fipresci Jury Award, and Europa Cinemas Label. The story follows André (Nordrum) and Vera (August), a young entrepreneurial couple who have been offered the opportunity to pitch their female health app at a prestigious competition. Before the presentation, Vera tries hypnotherapy to quit smoking. From this point, her attitude changes, and André starts to behave unexpectedly.
- 8/29/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Newly minted best actor Oscar winner Brendan Fraser is headed to the Gulf of Naples, Italy, for the Ischia Global Film & Music Festival, where he will be honored as Global Actor of the Year, the fest announced on Saturday.
“We are proud to welcome to Ischia Brendan Fraser, a great artist and man who symbolizes rebirth and redemption,” festival founder and producer Pascal Vicedomini said in a statement.
Fraser, who garnered career-best reviews last year for The Whale and is associated with another awards hopeful this year, Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, will be feted on July 15.
On that same date, the fest will present Rob Marshall, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker most recently behind this year’s live-action version of The Little Mermaid, with its Luchino Visconti Legend Award. Diane Warren, the hit-machine songwriter who collected an honorary Oscar last year and hopes to finally be awarded a...
“We are proud to welcome to Ischia Brendan Fraser, a great artist and man who symbolizes rebirth and redemption,” festival founder and producer Pascal Vicedomini said in a statement.
Fraser, who garnered career-best reviews last year for The Whale and is associated with another awards hopeful this year, Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, will be feted on July 15.
On that same date, the fest will present Rob Marshall, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker most recently behind this year’s live-action version of The Little Mermaid, with its Luchino Visconti Legend Award. Diane Warren, the hit-machine songwriter who collected an honorary Oscar last year and hopes to finally be awarded a...
- 7/1/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michelle Yeoh is looking back on watching everything in competition at Cannes all at once while serving on the jury under then-president David Lynch in 2002.
Yeoh reflected on the particularly “emotional” year of films, ranging from Gaspar Noé’s jarringly violent sexual thriller “Irréversible” to Michael Moore’s school shooting documentary “Bowling for Columbine” and films like Olivier Assayas’ sex-trafficking mystery “Demonlover” and the Dardennes’ drama “The Son.” The Palme d’Or was eventually awarded to “The Pianist,” the harrowing Holocaust drama starring Adrien Brody and directed by Roman Polanski — who both went on to win Oscars.
Yeoh, who was fresh off of her iconic “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” role, served as part of the 2002 Cannes jury at a time when she admitted she may have been “too young” to refrain from getting “too emotional” watching the heavier films back-to-back.
“It is very intense, because you’re watching two or three movies a day,...
Yeoh reflected on the particularly “emotional” year of films, ranging from Gaspar Noé’s jarringly violent sexual thriller “Irréversible” to Michael Moore’s school shooting documentary “Bowling for Columbine” and films like Olivier Assayas’ sex-trafficking mystery “Demonlover” and the Dardennes’ drama “The Son.” The Palme d’Or was eventually awarded to “The Pianist,” the harrowing Holocaust drama starring Adrien Brody and directed by Roman Polanski — who both went on to win Oscars.
Yeoh, who was fresh off of her iconic “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” role, served as part of the 2002 Cannes jury at a time when she admitted she may have been “too young” to refrain from getting “too emotional” watching the heavier films back-to-back.
“It is very intense, because you’re watching two or three movies a day,...
- 5/23/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
No matter what Belgian filmmaking duo Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne, aka the Dardenne brothers, ever do, they will always be known as members of a very elite super club: two-time Palme d’Or winners at Cannes.
While their latest film, “Tori and Lokita” did not win the Palme d’Or prize last year, it competed at Cannes, which is pretty much the case any time the Dardennes ever deign us with a new film—it’s an instant Cannes competition title which is nothing to sneeze at.
Continue reading ‘Tori And Lokita’ Clip: Martin Scorsese Calls The Dardenne’s Latest Drama The “Most Devastating Cinematic Experiences” at The Playlist.
While their latest film, “Tori and Lokita” did not win the Palme d’Or prize last year, it competed at Cannes, which is pretty much the case any time the Dardennes ever deign us with a new film—it’s an instant Cannes competition title which is nothing to sneeze at.
Continue reading ‘Tori And Lokita’ Clip: Martin Scorsese Calls The Dardenne’s Latest Drama The “Most Devastating Cinematic Experiences” at The Playlist.
- 3/31/2023
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Co-production forum marks 20th anniversary this year.
Laurynas Bareisa, winner of the 2021 best film prize at Venice’s Orrizonti section for his debut Pilgrims, is among the directors presenting new projects at the 20th edition of the Sofia Meetings co-production forum (22-26 March).
The Lithuanian director is bringing Drowning Dry to Sofia where it is one of five projects in a section dedicated to second feature films.
The section’s line-up also includes The Last Slap by Italian director Matteo Oleotto whose debut feature Zoran, My Nephew The Idiot premiered in Venice’s Critics Week in 2013.
The Last Slap’s...
Laurynas Bareisa, winner of the 2021 best film prize at Venice’s Orrizonti section for his debut Pilgrims, is among the directors presenting new projects at the 20th edition of the Sofia Meetings co-production forum (22-26 March).
The Lithuanian director is bringing Drowning Dry to Sofia where it is one of five projects in a section dedicated to second feature films.
The section’s line-up also includes The Last Slap by Italian director Matteo Oleotto whose debut feature Zoran, My Nephew The Idiot premiered in Venice’s Critics Week in 2013.
The Last Slap’s...
- 3/17/2023
- by Martin Blaney
- ScreenDaily
It’s not a coincidence that Volker Schlöndorff’s latest film The Forest Maker, the environmental essay documentary about Australian agronomist Tony Rinaudo, who found a way to grow trees in the most barren areas of Africa, is opening the 27th Sofia International Film Festival kicking off Thursday in the Bulgarian capital.
One of the major film festivals in Eastern Europe is going green, and the veteran German filmmaker, winner of the Palme d’Or and what was then called the best foreign language Oscar for The Tin Drum (1979), will plant the first tree of the future Sofia Film Festival Forest.
“We wanted to remind ourselves of our deep connection to the land and our power to be agents of change together. We wish to engage the public in the global vision of sustainable development of society and a responsible attitude towards nature”, the festival organizers said about the green...
One of the major film festivals in Eastern Europe is going green, and the veteran German filmmaker, winner of the Palme d’Or and what was then called the best foreign language Oscar for The Tin Drum (1979), will plant the first tree of the future Sofia Film Festival Forest.
“We wanted to remind ourselves of our deep connection to the land and our power to be agents of change together. We wish to engage the public in the global vision of sustainable development of society and a responsible attitude towards nature”, the festival organizers said about the green...
- 3/16/2023
- by Stjepan Hundic
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The love affair between Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund and the Cannes Film Festival continues.
The 48-year-old director will return to the scene of his recent triumph, as it was just last year that his “Triangle of Sadness” came away with the coveted Palme d’Or, the top prize at the most prestigious festival in world cinema. (Don’t tell Venice I said that.)
“I am happy, proud, and humbled to be trusted with the honor of jury president for this year’s competition at the Festival de Cannes,” he wrote in an announcement released by the festival early Tuesday morning. “I am sincere when I say that cinema culture is in its most important period ever,” he continued.
Östlund’s “Triangle” is, of course, currently a long-shot Oscar candidate in three categories: Best Director (a nomination for Östlund), Best Original Screenplay (another nomination for Östlund), and Best Picture (a nomination...
The 48-year-old director will return to the scene of his recent triumph, as it was just last year that his “Triangle of Sadness” came away with the coveted Palme d’Or, the top prize at the most prestigious festival in world cinema. (Don’t tell Venice I said that.)
“I am happy, proud, and humbled to be trusted with the honor of jury president for this year’s competition at the Festival de Cannes,” he wrote in an announcement released by the festival early Tuesday morning. “I am sincere when I say that cinema culture is in its most important period ever,” he continued.
Östlund’s “Triangle” is, of course, currently a long-shot Oscar candidate in three categories: Best Director (a nomination for Östlund), Best Original Screenplay (another nomination for Östlund), and Best Picture (a nomination...
- 2/28/2023
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
Ruben Östlund has been named president of the jury at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Cannes organizers announced Tuesday morning in Paris.
Östlund is a two-time winner of Cannes’ highest honor, the Palme d’Or, which he won in 2017 for “The Square” and last year for “Triangle of Sadness,” which is currently an Oscar nominee for Best Picture. He is one of only nine directors to have won the Palme twice, and one of only three to win the award for consecutive films. (The others were Michael Haneke for “The White Ribbon” and “Amour” and Bille August for “Pelle the Conqueror” and “The Best Intentions.”)
Two other two-time winners, Francis Ford Coppola and Emir Kusturica, have previously served as jury presidents, but Östlund is the first to do it the year after winning the Palme. He will become the first jury president from Sweden since Ingmar Bergman served in the position...
Östlund is a two-time winner of Cannes’ highest honor, the Palme d’Or, which he won in 2017 for “The Square” and last year for “Triangle of Sadness,” which is currently an Oscar nominee for Best Picture. He is one of only nine directors to have won the Palme twice, and one of only three to win the award for consecutive films. (The others were Michael Haneke for “The White Ribbon” and “Amour” and Bille August for “Pelle the Conqueror” and “The Best Intentions.”)
Two other two-time winners, Francis Ford Coppola and Emir Kusturica, have previously served as jury presidents, but Östlund is the first to do it the year after winning the Palme. He will become the first jury president from Sweden since Ingmar Bergman served in the position...
- 2/28/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The theatrical market across the Nordics recovered in 2022 without reaching pre-pandemic levels, driven predominantly by U.S. fare, such as “Top Gun: Maverick,” the biggest hit in Denmark, Finland and Sweden, “Minions: The Rise of Gru” No 1 in Iceland, and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” No 1 in Norway.
As always Danish movies secured the biggest national market share (30), followed by Finland (27), Norway (23) Sweden (19.3), and Iceland (10). Revenues were often more equally split across a larger number of titles, reaching record levels in several territories, as a result of Covid, that created a bottleneck of new releases.
Denmark
After a quiet start of the year with theaters locked down for the first two weeks due to Covid, ticket sales kickstarted again and ended up at 10.23 million, which is 49 up over 2021, but 20 down on pre-pandemic levels.
Revenue-wise, the Danish market hit Dkk 994.67 million (144.3 million), up 52 from the 2021 annus horribilis for cinemas, but just 16 down on the 2019 trawl,...
As always Danish movies secured the biggest national market share (30), followed by Finland (27), Norway (23) Sweden (19.3), and Iceland (10). Revenues were often more equally split across a larger number of titles, reaching record levels in several territories, as a result of Covid, that created a bottleneck of new releases.
Denmark
After a quiet start of the year with theaters locked down for the first two weeks due to Covid, ticket sales kickstarted again and ended up at 10.23 million, which is 49 up over 2021, but 20 down on pre-pandemic levels.
Revenue-wise, the Danish market hit Dkk 994.67 million (144.3 million), up 52 from the 2021 annus horribilis for cinemas, but just 16 down on the 2019 trawl,...
- 2/3/2023
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
"Don't call it a comeback, I've been here for years." It's an LL Cool J lyric but it applies to one Geoffrey Rush, renowned Australian stage and screen actor. One of the few people who have earned an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy, and a Tony Award, Rush's resume is extensive and varied.
Following an early career on the stage with the Queensland Theater Company, Rush gained universal acclaim in a breakthrough performance in 1996 with "Shine," snagging that Best Actor Oscar. Roles of great gravitas would further cement his fame, like that of sneaky spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham in Shekhar Kapur's 1998 drama "Elizabeth" and the militant Javert in Bille August's 1998 film adaptation of "Les Miserables." Rush has also kept critics on their toes with oddball roles like that of Stephen Price (a fantastic nod to Vincent Price) in the 1999 remake of "The House on Haunted Hill." The kiddies...
Following an early career on the stage with the Queensland Theater Company, Rush gained universal acclaim in a breakthrough performance in 1996 with "Shine," snagging that Best Actor Oscar. Roles of great gravitas would further cement his fame, like that of sneaky spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham in Shekhar Kapur's 1998 drama "Elizabeth" and the militant Javert in Bille August's 1998 film adaptation of "Les Miserables." Rush has also kept critics on their toes with oddball roles like that of Stephen Price (a fantastic nod to Vincent Price) in the 1999 remake of "The House on Haunted Hill." The kiddies...
- 11/25/2022
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
Bill Murray will not appear in Wes Anderson’s next film “Asteroid City” and was replaced by Steve Carell in the project, TheWrap has learned, and the reason was because Murray had tested positive for Covid-19 prior to filming.
Fans who noticed the full cast list for Anderson’s “Asteroid City” after Focus Features acquired the film earlier this week may have wondered why Murray’s name, who has appeared in nearly all of Anderson’s movies in some form, was conspicuously absent. It was even Murray who first let slip that the film was in fact titled “Asteroid City.”
Also Read:
Wes Anderson’s ‘Asteroid City’ Acquired by Focus Features; Full Cast and 1950s-Set Plot Revealed
But a source close to the production says that Murray tested positive for Covid-19 shortly before “Asteroid City” went into production in September of last year, leading to the role being recast. It...
Fans who noticed the full cast list for Anderson’s “Asteroid City” after Focus Features acquired the film earlier this week may have wondered why Murray’s name, who has appeared in nearly all of Anderson’s movies in some form, was conspicuously absent. It was even Murray who first let slip that the film was in fact titled “Asteroid City.”
Also Read:
Wes Anderson’s ‘Asteroid City’ Acquired by Focus Features; Full Cast and 1950s-Set Plot Revealed
But a source close to the production says that Murray tested positive for Covid-19 shortly before “Asteroid City” went into production in September of last year, leading to the role being recast. It...
- 7/22/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
I guess it’s now time for us to witness the James Franco comeback. After a few years away from the public eye, thanks to some sexual misconduct allegations stemming from his time as a teacher at an acting school, Franco has found his next gig in the upcoming drama, “Me, You.”
Read More: James Franco Opens Up About Sexual Misconduct Allegations & Talks About Fractured Seth Rogen Friendship
According to THR, James Franco has signed on to star alongside Tom Hollander and Daisy Jacob in the upcoming film, “Me, You.” Adapted from the novel, “Tu, Mia,” by author Erri De Luca, the new film follows the story of a young teen in the 1950s who sails alongside a “hardened fisherman” (played by Franco) and eventually becomes entranced by a young woman (Jacob).
Continue reading ‘Me, You’: James Franco To Make His Acting Comeback In Bille August’s New Drama at The Playlist.
Read More: James Franco Opens Up About Sexual Misconduct Allegations & Talks About Fractured Seth Rogen Friendship
According to THR, James Franco has signed on to star alongside Tom Hollander and Daisy Jacob in the upcoming film, “Me, You.” Adapted from the novel, “Tu, Mia,” by author Erri De Luca, the new film follows the story of a young teen in the 1950s who sails alongside a “hardened fisherman” (played by Franco) and eventually becomes entranced by a young woman (Jacob).
Continue reading ‘Me, You’: James Franco To Make His Acting Comeback In Bille August’s New Drama at The Playlist.
- 7/12/2022
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
Since taking a step back from acting after a series of sexual misconduct allegations in 2018 and 2019, Oscar nominee James Franco is slowly building a comeback effort. The latest is Bille August’s post-World War II drama “Me, You” opposite Tom Hollander and Daisy Jacob; principal photography is scheduled for September in Ischia.
Based on Erri De Luca’s novel “Tu, Mia,” the 1950s, Ischia-set film stars Franco as Nicola, a veteran-turned-fisherman who takes the story’s teen protagonist, Marco, under his wing while Marco’s family is on holiday. Hollander will play Marco’s father, Edward, and Jacob will play Caia, a summer love interest who, along with Nicola, ignites Marco’s impassioned coming-of-age and political fieriness.
Also Read:
James Franco Addresses Sexual Misconduct Accusations, Admits Sleeping With Students in His Acting School (Video)
Per the film’s logline: “Deeply tender and bittersweet, ‘Me, You’ explores the raw beauty and tragedy of love,...
Based on Erri De Luca’s novel “Tu, Mia,” the 1950s, Ischia-set film stars Franco as Nicola, a veteran-turned-fisherman who takes the story’s teen protagonist, Marco, under his wing while Marco’s family is on holiday. Hollander will play Marco’s father, Edward, and Jacob will play Caia, a summer love interest who, along with Nicola, ignites Marco’s impassioned coming-of-age and political fieriness.
Also Read:
James Franco Addresses Sexual Misconduct Accusations, Admits Sleeping With Students in His Acting School (Video)
Per the film’s logline: “Deeply tender and bittersweet, ‘Me, You’ explores the raw beauty and tragedy of love,...
- 7/12/2022
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
Principal photography is set to take place on the Italian island of Ischia from September.
US actor James Franco is to star in Danish director Bille August’s new coming-of-age drama Me, You, alongside Tom Hollander and Daisy Jacob, for London and Rome-based Brilliant Pictures.
Principal photography is set to take place on the Italian island of Ischia from September 2022.
The 1950s-set feature follows a 16-year-old boy across a life-changing summer on the island where he is holidaying from his Scottish boarding school. He spends his days sailing with a fisherman, played by Franco. Hollander plays his father, and Jacob...
US actor James Franco is to star in Danish director Bille August’s new coming-of-age drama Me, You, alongside Tom Hollander and Daisy Jacob, for London and Rome-based Brilliant Pictures.
Principal photography is set to take place on the Italian island of Ischia from September 2022.
The 1950s-set feature follows a 16-year-old boy across a life-changing summer on the island where he is holidaying from his Scottish boarding school. He spends his days sailing with a fisherman, played by Franco. Hollander plays his father, and Jacob...
- 7/12/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
James Franco is set to star in Bille August’s post-Second World War drama “Me, You.”
Franco will play “one of the lead roles” in the feature, which also stars Tom Hollander (“The Night Manager”) and Daisy Jacob (“Vanity Fair”).
A coming-of-age drama, “Me, You” takes place on the Italian island of Ischia in the 1950s. That’s where Marco, a 16-year-old on break from his dreary Scottish boarding school, befriends U.S. GI turned fisherman Nicola (played by Franco). The duo while away the hours sailing in the bay of Naples while Nicola regales his young friend with tales of war and oceans.
But when Marco meets the mysterious 20-year-old Caia (played by Jacob) he is entranced and upon finding out she is a concentration camp survivor, he vows to take revenge. Soon he is plotting to set fire to a villa occupied by a group of boorish German...
Franco will play “one of the lead roles” in the feature, which also stars Tom Hollander (“The Night Manager”) and Daisy Jacob (“Vanity Fair”).
A coming-of-age drama, “Me, You” takes place on the Italian island of Ischia in the 1950s. That’s where Marco, a 16-year-old on break from his dreary Scottish boarding school, befriends U.S. GI turned fisherman Nicola (played by Franco). The duo while away the hours sailing in the bay of Naples while Nicola regales his young friend with tales of war and oceans.
But when Marco meets the mysterious 20-year-old Caia (played by Jacob) he is entranced and upon finding out she is a concentration camp survivor, he vows to take revenge. Soon he is plotting to set fire to a villa occupied by a group of boorish German...
- 7/12/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
James Franco is stepping up his acting comeback and will play one of the lead roles in Danish director Bille August’s post-World War II coming-of-age drama Me, You, adapted from the novel Tu, Mia by Erri De Luca.
Franco will star alongside Tom Hollander (The Night Manager) and Daisy Jacob (Vanity Fair), with principal photography set to take place in Ischia starting in September.
Franco stepped away from acting after a series of allegations of sexual misconduct made by multiple women in early 2018, at the height of the #MeToo movement. Additionally, in 2019, students at Franco’s now-closed film and acting school, Studio 4, sued the actor and his partners accusing them of pushing acting students into performing in increasingly explicit sex scenes on camera. In 2021, Franco and associated entities agreed to pay 2,235,000 to resolve the lawsuit.
Set in Ischia in the 1950s,...
James Franco is stepping up his acting comeback and will play one of the lead roles in Danish director Bille August’s post-World War II coming-of-age drama Me, You, adapted from the novel Tu, Mia by Erri De Luca.
Franco will star alongside Tom Hollander (The Night Manager) and Daisy Jacob (Vanity Fair), with principal photography set to take place in Ischia starting in September.
Franco stepped away from acting after a series of allegations of sexual misconduct made by multiple women in early 2018, at the height of the #MeToo movement. Additionally, in 2019, students at Franco’s now-closed film and acting school, Studio 4, sued the actor and his partners accusing them of pushing acting students into performing in increasingly explicit sex scenes on camera. In 2021, Franco and associated entities agreed to pay 2,235,000 to resolve the lawsuit.
Set in Ischia in the 1950s,...
- 7/12/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush is at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival this week to receive its Crystal Globe for Outstanding Artistic Contribution at the closing ceremony Saturday.
The trip marks the Australian actor’s first high-profile outing in four years, when he began a defamation lawsuit against Sydney newspaper The Daily Telegraph. Rush brought the case following a report he had acted inappropriately towards an actress. Also in 2018, the actor denied a separate allegation of misconduct during a 2010 theater production.
So far, Rush’s stay in Karlovy Vary has gone well, with the veteran thespian getting a rousing welcome Wednesday at a packed screening of 2011 hit The King’s Speech, which is playing alongside Shine (for which he won an Oscar) and Quills as part of the tribute.
Talking with Deadline, Rush takes a question on the events of these last five years with good grace but makes it clear...
The trip marks the Australian actor’s first high-profile outing in four years, when he began a defamation lawsuit against Sydney newspaper The Daily Telegraph. Rush brought the case following a report he had acted inappropriately towards an actress. Also in 2018, the actor denied a separate allegation of misconduct during a 2010 theater production.
So far, Rush’s stay in Karlovy Vary has gone well, with the veteran thespian getting a rousing welcome Wednesday at a packed screening of 2011 hit The King’s Speech, which is playing alongside Shine (for which he won an Oscar) and Quills as part of the tribute.
Talking with Deadline, Rush takes a question on the events of these last five years with good grace but makes it clear...
- 7/7/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2022 Cannes Film Festival is nearing its conclusion, and soon the jury will be selecting awards for this year’s impressive, albeit quieter, slate of films. After last year’s “Titane” from Julia Ducournau made history as the first female-directed film to fully win the Palme d’Or (Jane Campion’s “The Piano” tied with “Farewell My Concubine” in 1993), at this point in the festival, it doesn’t seem likely that a woman-directed project will walk away with it this year.
“Forever Young” by French-Italian director Valeria Bruni Tedeschi seems to be the only film directed by a woman that has so far invoked any passion for bringing it to the finish line. Claire Denis’ “Stars at Noon,” Kelly Reichardt’s “Showing Up,” Leonor Serraille’s “Mother and Son” and Charlotte Vandermeersch and Felix van Groeningen’s “Eight Mountains” are the other titles directed by women among the 21 contending features.
“Forever Young” by French-Italian director Valeria Bruni Tedeschi seems to be the only film directed by a woman that has so far invoked any passion for bringing it to the finish line. Claire Denis’ “Stars at Noon,” Kelly Reichardt’s “Showing Up,” Leonor Serraille’s “Mother and Son” and Charlotte Vandermeersch and Felix van Groeningen’s “Eight Mountains” are the other titles directed by women among the 21 contending features.
- 5/26/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Daisy Jacob and Alessandro Gassmann also set to star.
Bafta-winner Tom Hollander is to play one of the lead roles in post-World War II coming-of-age drama, Me, You directed by Oscar and Palme d’Or winner Bille August.
The film will begin shooting in Ischia, Italy, in September 2022 with Daisy Jacob and Alessandro Gassmann also starring.
Set in 1950’s Ischia, Me, You is the story of a shy 16-year-old Marco who falls in love with 20-year-old Caia while on holiday with his father. When she reveals her painful childhood caused by the SS during World War II, an infatuated Marco...
Bafta-winner Tom Hollander is to play one of the lead roles in post-World War II coming-of-age drama, Me, You directed by Oscar and Palme d’Or winner Bille August.
The film will begin shooting in Ischia, Italy, in September 2022 with Daisy Jacob and Alessandro Gassmann also starring.
Set in 1950’s Ischia, Me, You is the story of a shy 16-year-old Marco who falls in love with 20-year-old Caia while on holiday with his father. When she reveals her painful childhood caused by the SS during World War II, an infatuated Marco...
- 5/24/2022
- by Melissa Kasule
- ScreenDaily
Tom Hollander (“The Night Manager”) has been cast in an adaptation of Erri De Luca’s novel “Me, You” alongside Alessandro Gassmann (“Transporter 2”) and Daisy Jacob (“Vanity Fair”).
The film, set to be directed Bille August (“Pelle the Conqueror”), is set to go into production this Fall on the island of Ischia, near Naples in Italy.
“Me, You” is set in the 1950s, in post-war Italy, where 16-year-old London native Marco is on holiday with his father Edward (Hollander). He soon finds himself accompanying fisherman Nicola (Gassman) on his sojourns into the bay of Naples. For Marco, who has been condemned to a Scottish boarding school, the tranquil waters and Nicola’s war stories provide a blessed distraction from his usual life, especially when he meets the 20-year-old Caia (Jacob) and immediately falls for her. When Marco finds out she narrowly escaped a concentration camp after her father threw her out of a train,...
The film, set to be directed Bille August (“Pelle the Conqueror”), is set to go into production this Fall on the island of Ischia, near Naples in Italy.
“Me, You” is set in the 1950s, in post-war Italy, where 16-year-old London native Marco is on holiday with his father Edward (Hollander). He soon finds himself accompanying fisherman Nicola (Gassman) on his sojourns into the bay of Naples. For Marco, who has been condemned to a Scottish boarding school, the tranquil waters and Nicola’s war stories provide a blessed distraction from his usual life, especially when he meets the 20-year-old Caia (Jacob) and immediately falls for her. When Marco finds out she narrowly escaped a concentration camp after her father threw her out of a train,...
- 5/24/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The 75th Cannes Film Festival returns with international auteurs, Palme d’Or winning filmmakers, potential summer blockbusters, and many films that will, if everything breaks their way, be campaigning for Oscar come the fall.
In short, the competition lineup is loaded with promise.
The track record for Palme d’Or winners going onto Oscar success has varied over the years. Over the past two decades, Roman Polanski’s “The Pianist” (2002), Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life” (2011), Michael Haneke’s “Amour” (2012) and Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” (2019) have received best picture nominations. However, “Parasite” is one of only two Cannes winners that have matched with Oscar, with the other being “Marty” (1955).
And yet, other Cannes winners have gone on to receive other nominations, such as Hirokazu Kore-media’s “Shoplifters” (2018) and Ruben Östlund’s “The Square” (2017), both of which have films playing in the this year’s fest with “Broker” and “Triangle of Sadness” respectively.
In short, the competition lineup is loaded with promise.
The track record for Palme d’Or winners going onto Oscar success has varied over the years. Over the past two decades, Roman Polanski’s “The Pianist” (2002), Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life” (2011), Michael Haneke’s “Amour” (2012) and Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” (2019) have received best picture nominations. However, “Parasite” is one of only two Cannes winners that have matched with Oscar, with the other being “Marty” (1955).
And yet, other Cannes winners have gone on to receive other nominations, such as Hirokazu Kore-media’s “Shoplifters” (2018) and Ruben Östlund’s “The Square” (2017), both of which have films playing in the this year’s fest with “Broker” and “Triangle of Sadness” respectively.
- 5/18/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Competition titles ‘Pacification’, ‘Triangle Of Sadness’, ‘Boy From Heaven’ also backed.
Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk’s Ukrainian co-production Pamfir is one of 49 European films at this year’s Marché du Film to receive Film Sales Support (Fss) from the European Film Promotion (Efp) network.
Twenty-one sales companies are receiving a total of €78,000 for promotion and marketing campaigns of the 49 titles. Thirty-three of the films are completed, with a further 13 still in later stages of production.
Pamfir is Ukrainian director Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk’s debut feature, and plays in Directors’ Fortnight at the festival. A co-production between Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany, Chile and Luxembourg, it...
Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk’s Ukrainian co-production Pamfir is one of 49 European films at this year’s Marché du Film to receive Film Sales Support (Fss) from the European Film Promotion (Efp) network.
Twenty-one sales companies are receiving a total of €78,000 for promotion and marketing campaigns of the 49 titles. Thirty-three of the films are completed, with a further 13 still in later stages of production.
Pamfir is Ukrainian director Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk’s debut feature, and plays in Directors’ Fortnight at the festival. A co-production between Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany, Chile and Luxembourg, it...
- 5/12/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Tom Cruise to hit the Cannes Croisette in Top Gun: Maverick on 25 May Photo: Paramount Pictures Superstar Tom Cruise will be in attendance in Cannes on May 18, 2022 for the premiere screening of Top Gun: Maverick at the Cannes Film Festival in May when a special tribute to will be given with an onstage event.
The festival bow coincides with the roll-out of one of the year’s most anticipated titles in cinemas all over the world. Cruise has made only one appearance at the festival previously, in 1992, for Ron Howard’s Far And Away, the closing film of the 45th festival. That evening, he awarded the Palme d'or to director Bille August for his film The Best Intentions.
Exactly 30 years later, on 18 May, the Festival will pay him an exceptional tribute for his lifetime achievements. Cruise will have an on-stage conversation with journalist Didier Allouch in the afternoon and will...
The festival bow coincides with the roll-out of one of the year’s most anticipated titles in cinemas all over the world. Cruise has made only one appearance at the festival previously, in 1992, for Ron Howard’s Far And Away, the closing film of the 45th festival. That evening, he awarded the Palme d'or to director Bille August for his film The Best Intentions.
Exactly 30 years later, on 18 May, the Festival will pay him an exceptional tribute for his lifetime achievements. Cruise will have an on-stage conversation with journalist Didier Allouch in the afternoon and will...
- 4/1/2022
- by Richard Mowe
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Cannes has confirmed our scoop from last month by announcing details of the Top Gun: Maverick screening and the Tom Cruise special tribute. This is expected to be the film’s international premiere with the global premiere in San Diego. Press release from the festival below:
“Tom Cruise will be in attendance in Cannes on May 18, 2022 for the screening of Top Gun: Maverick, scheduled for release on May 25 in France and May 27 in the US. The Festival will also pay a special tribute to Tom Cruise for his career.
Top Gun hero Maverick, will be back in cinemas all over the world and Tom Cruise will return to the Festival de Cannes where he has made only one appearance before: on May 18, 1992, for Ron Howard’s Far and Away, the closing film of the 45th Festival. That evening, he had awarded the Palme d’or to director Bille August for his film The Best Intentions.
“Tom Cruise will be in attendance in Cannes on May 18, 2022 for the screening of Top Gun: Maverick, scheduled for release on May 25 in France and May 27 in the US. The Festival will also pay a special tribute to Tom Cruise for his career.
Top Gun hero Maverick, will be back in cinemas all over the world and Tom Cruise will return to the Festival de Cannes where he has made only one appearance before: on May 18, 1992, for Ron Howard’s Far and Away, the closing film of the 45th Festival. That evening, he had awarded the Palme d’or to director Bille August for his film The Best Intentions.
- 4/1/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor and producer will attend the festival for the premiere of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’.
Tom Cruise is set to return to the Cannes Film Festival (May 17-28) exactly 30 years after his last visit where an “exceptional tribute” will be paid to his career.
The US actor and producer will take part in an on-stage conversation with journalist Didier Allouch on May 18 before the world premiere of Paramount Pictures’ Top Gun: Maverick, will play as a special screening.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, Top Gun: Maverick will then be released in France on May 25 and the US on May 27.
Cruise made his...
Tom Cruise is set to return to the Cannes Film Festival (May 17-28) exactly 30 years after his last visit where an “exceptional tribute” will be paid to his career.
The US actor and producer will take part in an on-stage conversation with journalist Didier Allouch on May 18 before the world premiere of Paramount Pictures’ Top Gun: Maverick, will play as a special screening.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, Top Gun: Maverick will then be released in France on May 25 and the US on May 27.
Cruise made his...
- 4/1/2022
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Birthe Neumann as Karen Blixen with Thorkild Bjørnvig (Simon Bennebjerg) in The Pact, Bille August’s elegant take on creation and destruction.
Karen Blixen herself, if you take her word for it, had made a deal with the devil in exchange for the power to tell tales. In Bille August’s The Pact (Pagten), co-written with Christian Torpe and based on the memoir by Thorkild Bjørnvig, starring Birthe Neumann as Blixen, opposite Simon Bennebjerg as Bjørnvig, she tests her own devilishness, and yet remains always very human. Blixen’s Seven Gothic Tales and Out Of Africa, plus Sydney Pollack’s film version of the latter with Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, and Klaus Maria Brandauer may float in and out of our memory while watching the machinations of mutual manipulation unfold.
Bille August with Anne-Katrin Titze on Karen Blixen: “Doing this film I was trying to understand how she worked as a storyteller,...
Karen Blixen herself, if you take her word for it, had made a deal with the devil in exchange for the power to tell tales. In Bille August’s The Pact (Pagten), co-written with Christian Torpe and based on the memoir by Thorkild Bjørnvig, starring Birthe Neumann as Blixen, opposite Simon Bennebjerg as Bjørnvig, she tests her own devilishness, and yet remains always very human. Blixen’s Seven Gothic Tales and Out Of Africa, plus Sydney Pollack’s film version of the latter with Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, and Klaus Maria Brandauer may float in and out of our memory while watching the machinations of mutual manipulation unfold.
Bille August with Anne-Katrin Titze on Karen Blixen: “Doing this film I was trying to understand how she worked as a storyteller,...
- 2/11/2022
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
For many of us, the first mental image prompted by the name Karen Blixen is of a radiant Meryl Streep, resplendent in oatmeal linen and undulating safari hat, romantically lit in the tawny Kenyan dusk. If you wish that to remain the case, best to steer clear of “The Pact” — not that Bille August’s flat, unflattering portrait of the older Blixen should be appointment viewing for anyone. Drawn from Danish poet Thorkild Bjørnvig’s memoir of his thorny friendship with, and tutelage under, the older literary icon, this well-dressed midcentury period piece keeps teasing a darker, more perverse take on a familiar story of cross-generational creative mentorship. Yet despite a performance of unnerving severity by Birthe Neumann as the rancorous Blixen, the film remains too polite and light on incident to deliver on that promise.
Written by Danish TV heavyweight Christian Torpe (“Rita”), the screenplay of “The Pact” bristles with quiet but disquieting tensions,...
Written by Danish TV heavyweight Christian Torpe (“Rita”), the screenplay of “The Pact” bristles with quiet but disquieting tensions,...
- 2/11/2022
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV
2021 was another annus horribilis for cinemagoing in the Nordics, due to on-going and strict Covid restrictions that halved admissions compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Released late September/early October when cinemas for once ran at full capacity, “No Time to Die” literally saved the film year, and even ranked No. 1 among all James Bond movies ever released in Denmark.
Aside from Sweden, strong homegrown offers such as “Checkered Ninja 2” in Denmark, “Class Reunion 3” in Finland, “Cop Secret” in Iceland, “Three Wishes for Cinderella” in Norway enabled the Nordic nations to secure bullish market shares.
Denmark
In 2021, “No Time to Die” smashed all B.O. records for a James Bond movie in Denmark. That, however, didn’t prevent overall ticket sales from plummeting 45% from 2019, due to the pandemic.
The Danish film year opened and ended with closed cinemas, and faced a record 138 days of full cinema lockdown, according to the cinema association Danske biografer.
Released late September/early October when cinemas for once ran at full capacity, “No Time to Die” literally saved the film year, and even ranked No. 1 among all James Bond movies ever released in Denmark.
Aside from Sweden, strong homegrown offers such as “Checkered Ninja 2” in Denmark, “Class Reunion 3” in Finland, “Cop Secret” in Iceland, “Three Wishes for Cinderella” in Norway enabled the Nordic nations to secure bullish market shares.
Denmark
In 2021, “No Time to Die” smashed all B.O. records for a James Bond movie in Denmark. That, however, didn’t prevent overall ticket sales from plummeting 45% from 2019, due to the pandemic.
The Danish film year opened and ended with closed cinemas, and faced a record 138 days of full cinema lockdown, according to the cinema association Danske biografer.
- 2/6/2022
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
The Pact Juno Films Reviewed for Shockya.com & BigAppleReviews.net, linked from Rotten Tomatoes by Harvey Karten Director: Bille August Screenwriter: Christian Torpe, from Thorkild Bjørnvig’s book “The Pact: My Friendship with Isak Dinesen”) Cast: Birthe Neumkann, Simon Bennebjerg, Nanna Skaarup Voss, Asta Kamma August Screened at: Critics’ link, NYC, 1/5/22 Opens: February 11, 2022 I […]
The post The Pact Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post The Pact Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 2/6/2022
- by Harvey Karten
- ShockYa
Oscar and double Palme d’Or winning director Bille August is attending the Göteborg Film Festival for a Director’s Talk and the gala screening of his psycho-drama “The Pact”.
He will also pitch at the adjoining Nordic Film Market (Feb. 3-6), the work in progress of his upcoming Danish pic “The Kiss”.
August spoke exclusively to Variety about “The Kiss,” his enduring interest in the complexity of human beings, book-to-screen adaptations and his belief in the big screen experience.
Loosely based on Stefan Zweig’s novel “Beware of Pity and transposed from an Austrian to a Danish setting, “The Kiss” is a romantic drama set in 1913. The helmer has reunited with “A Fortunate Man”’s lead Espen Smed, cast as cavalry officer trainee Anton. Introduced to Baron von Løvenskjold’s daughter Edith, a wheelchair user following an accident, Anton is attracted to her, but unsure if his feelings are of pity or true love.
He will also pitch at the adjoining Nordic Film Market (Feb. 3-6), the work in progress of his upcoming Danish pic “The Kiss”.
August spoke exclusively to Variety about “The Kiss,” his enduring interest in the complexity of human beings, book-to-screen adaptations and his belief in the big screen experience.
Loosely based on Stefan Zweig’s novel “Beware of Pity and transposed from an Austrian to a Danish setting, “The Kiss” is a romantic drama set in 1913. The helmer has reunited with “A Fortunate Man”’s lead Espen Smed, cast as cavalry officer trainee Anton. Introduced to Baron von Løvenskjold’s daughter Edith, a wheelchair user following an accident, Anton is attracted to her, but unsure if his feelings are of pity or true love.
- 1/31/2022
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
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