Exclusive: Coming off her SXSW US feature debut, and TIFF 2023 world premiere, The Queen of My Dreams, Fawzia Mirza has signed on to direct the Australian feature film, Written in the Stars.
Penned by and starring Menik Gooneratne, Written in the Stars is an adaptation of the bestselling novel The Wedding Season by Su Dharmapala. Set in and around the Sri Lankan diaspora in Melbourne, the film centers on a woman (Gooneratne) who, when modern dating attempts fail, turns to Vedic Astrology and horoscope matching in the hopes of finding her true love.
Gooneratne’s screenplay received industry attention after making the 2021 Cape x Blacklist. The actor is best known for her work on the Peter Jackson sci-fi epic Mortal Engines and Oscar nominated Lion.
“Written in the Stars is a love letter to my hometown and community, and I am thrilled to have someone who brings such vibrancy and...
Penned by and starring Menik Gooneratne, Written in the Stars is an adaptation of the bestselling novel The Wedding Season by Su Dharmapala. Set in and around the Sri Lankan diaspora in Melbourne, the film centers on a woman (Gooneratne) who, when modern dating attempts fail, turns to Vedic Astrology and horoscope matching in the hopes of finding her true love.
Gooneratne’s screenplay received industry attention after making the 2021 Cape x Blacklist. The actor is best known for her work on the Peter Jackson sci-fi epic Mortal Engines and Oscar nominated Lion.
“Written in the Stars is a love letter to my hometown and community, and I am thrilled to have someone who brings such vibrancy and...
- 4/9/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
In collaboration with Cape, The Black List today announced the ten scripts selected for the third annual Cape List, highlighting scripts centered on diverse Asian and Pacific Islander characters and experiences from writers from Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
Eligible writers were able to submit their scripts for consideration via blcklst.com until July 16, 2021. Selected scripts include a protagonist with Asian and/or Pacific Islander heritage, as well as authentic, accurate and inclusive Asian and Pacific Islander representation that if removed, would significantly alter or affect the story. Scripts on The Cape List represent a diverse array of backgrounds and new voices, and collectively highlight the tremendous pool of creative talent in the Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
“We are thrilled to uplift these ten scripts that highlight the rich variety of stories within our communities,” said Michelle K. Sugihara, Executive Director of Cape. “Expanding this year’s partnership to...
Eligible writers were able to submit their scripts for consideration via blcklst.com until July 16, 2021. Selected scripts include a protagonist with Asian and/or Pacific Islander heritage, as well as authentic, accurate and inclusive Asian and Pacific Islander representation that if removed, would significantly alter or affect the story. Scripts on The Cape List represent a diverse array of backgrounds and new voices, and collectively highlight the tremendous pool of creative talent in the Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
“We are thrilled to uplift these ten scripts that highlight the rich variety of stories within our communities,” said Michelle K. Sugihara, Executive Director of Cape. “Expanding this year’s partnership to...
- 11/17/2021
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: As they come to an end of their second year, The Rosenzweig Group (Trg) has added Miranda Rae Mayo, Crystal Yu, Menik Gooneratne and Jonah Platt to their growing, diverse roster of actors, writers and producers.
Miranda Rae Mayo currently appears on NBC’s Chicago Fire as Stella Kidd. Her other credits include HBO’s second season of True Detective and ABC series Blood and Oil.
Crystal Yu has appeared on Casualty on BBC and will be featured in the forthcoming series For Life on AMC and Industry on HBO. She continues to be repped by Denton Brierly in the UK.
Menik Gooneratne was seen in Peter Jackson’s sci-fi epic Mortal Engines as well as the Oscar-nominated Lion. She was also a series regular on the Australian TV series Neighbours. She continues to be repped by Aam in Australia and attorney Jonathan Shikora at Lgnafc
Jonah Platt has appeared on stage and screen.
Miranda Rae Mayo currently appears on NBC’s Chicago Fire as Stella Kidd. Her other credits include HBO’s second season of True Detective and ABC series Blood and Oil.
Crystal Yu has appeared on Casualty on BBC and will be featured in the forthcoming series For Life on AMC and Industry on HBO. She continues to be repped by Denton Brierly in the UK.
Menik Gooneratne was seen in Peter Jackson’s sci-fi epic Mortal Engines as well as the Oscar-nominated Lion. She was also a series regular on the Australian TV series Neighbours. She continues to be repped by Aam in Australia and attorney Jonathan Shikora at Lgnafc
Jonah Platt has appeared on stage and screen.
- 11/19/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: BAFTA Los Angeles has unveiled the participants for the latest edition of its Newcomers Program, which provides support to emerging international artists and industry professionals.
In 2018 the initiative was opened up to talents beyond the UK, and this year’s crop hail from countries including Australia, China, France, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Nigeria, Poland, South Africa and Turkey. Scroll down for the full list.
Since launching in 2007, the initiative has spotlighted the legacy of UK talents moving to the U.S. to expand their knowledge, develop their skills, and expand their network of peers. It includes professional networking opportunities, peer matching with others who have recently moved to the U.S., curated educational programming including BAFTA Briefing sessions, and access to BAFTA’s wider professional development event schedule including the BAFTA Insights series.
There are 25 new participants this year, taking the overall number on the four-year program to 71.
The...
In 2018 the initiative was opened up to talents beyond the UK, and this year’s crop hail from countries including Australia, China, France, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Nigeria, Poland, South Africa and Turkey. Scroll down for the full list.
Since launching in 2007, the initiative has spotlighted the legacy of UK talents moving to the U.S. to expand their knowledge, develop their skills, and expand their network of peers. It includes professional networking opportunities, peer matching with others who have recently moved to the U.S., curated educational programming including BAFTA Briefing sessions, and access to BAFTA’s wider professional development event schedule including the BAFTA Insights series.
There are 25 new participants this year, taking the overall number on the four-year program to 71.
The...
- 11/8/2019
- by Tom Grater and Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Stars: Hera Hilmar, Robert Sheenan, Hugo Weaving, Jihae, Ronan Raftery, Leila George, Patrick Malahide, Stephen Lang, Colin Salmon, Mark Mitchinson, Regé-Jean Page, Menik Gooneratne, Frankie Adams, Leifur Sigurdarson | Written by Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens | Directed by Christian Rivers
If Mortal Engines succeeds at anything it’s officially ending any chance of the original blockbuster existing in cinema from this point forward. Although the writing has been on the wall for a significant amount of time now, the Peter Jackson produced vehicle ultimately cements the death of a much-needed ideal in cinema.
Mortal Engines isn’t horrendous, nor is it quote-unquote “bad”, it’s just a calamitous bore from start to finish. Opening in such an effulgent and prolific manner undoubtedly engaging the full concentration of its audience with a tremendous scale and scope of outstanding visuals, but never from that moment forward can it successfully surpass such a...
If Mortal Engines succeeds at anything it’s officially ending any chance of the original blockbuster existing in cinema from this point forward. Although the writing has been on the wall for a significant amount of time now, the Peter Jackson produced vehicle ultimately cements the death of a much-needed ideal in cinema.
Mortal Engines isn’t horrendous, nor is it quote-unquote “bad”, it’s just a calamitous bore from start to finish. Opening in such an effulgent and prolific manner undoubtedly engaging the full concentration of its audience with a tremendous scale and scope of outstanding visuals, but never from that moment forward can it successfully surpass such a...
- 4/19/2019
- by Jak-Luke Sharp
- Nerdly
Stars: Hera Hilmar, Robert Sheenan, Hugo Weaving, Jihae, Ronan Raftery, Leila George, Patrick Malahide, Stephen Lang, Colin Salmon, Mark Mitchinson, Regé-Jean Page, Menik Gooneratne, Frankie Adams, Leifur Sigurdarson | Written by Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens | Directed by Christian Rivers
If Mortal Engines succeeds at anything it’s officially ending any chance of the original blockbuster existing in cinema from this point forward. Although the writing has been on the wall for a significant amount of time now, the Peter Jackson produced vehicle ultimately cements the death of a much-needed ideal in cinema.
Mortal Engines isn’t horrendous, nor is it quote-unquote “bad”, it’s just a calamitous bore from start to finish. Opening in such an effulgent and prolific manner undoubtedly engaging the full concentration of its audience with a tremendous scale and scope of outstanding visuals, but never from that moment forward can it successfully surpass such a...
If Mortal Engines succeeds at anything it’s officially ending any chance of the original blockbuster existing in cinema from this point forward. Although the writing has been on the wall for a significant amount of time now, the Peter Jackson produced vehicle ultimately cements the death of a much-needed ideal in cinema.
Mortal Engines isn’t horrendous, nor is it quote-unquote “bad”, it’s just a calamitous bore from start to finish. Opening in such an effulgent and prolific manner undoubtedly engaging the full concentration of its audience with a tremendous scale and scope of outstanding visuals, but never from that moment forward can it successfully surpass such a...
- 12/21/2018
- by Jak-Luke Sharp
- Nerdly
BAFTA La is expanding its longstanding Newcomers Program for Brit arrivals in the city to include talent and industry professionals from international territories.
In its first year of expansion the support program will welcome professionals from Poland, South Africa, Australia, Israel, Korea, France, Turkey and Hong Kong. A full list of participants can be found below.
Each participant receives access to BAFTA membership events and initiatives aimed at supporting career development and the transition to living and working in the U.S.
This year’s 55 participants include 19 actors, 15 directors, nine producers, three screenwriters, two art directors, two executives, two composers, one cinematographer, one production designer, one agent and one publicist.
“As BAFTA extends its helping hand globally, we are thrilled that after 10 successful years supporting British talent in Los Angeles, the Newcomers Program now expands to include international talent,” said New Talent Committee Chairs, Sandro Monetti and Peter Morris.
“As our industry becomes increasingly global,...
In its first year of expansion the support program will welcome professionals from Poland, South Africa, Australia, Israel, Korea, France, Turkey and Hong Kong. A full list of participants can be found below.
Each participant receives access to BAFTA membership events and initiatives aimed at supporting career development and the transition to living and working in the U.S.
This year’s 55 participants include 19 actors, 15 directors, nine producers, three screenwriters, two art directors, two executives, two composers, one cinematographer, one production designer, one agent and one publicist.
“As BAFTA extends its helping hand globally, we are thrilled that after 10 successful years supporting British talent in Los Angeles, the Newcomers Program now expands to include international talent,” said New Talent Committee Chairs, Sandro Monetti and Peter Morris.
“As our industry becomes increasingly global,...
- 7/24/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Newcomers Programme to feature 31 UK professionals who have relocated to Los Angeles.
The British Academy of film and Television Arts Los Angeles (BAFTA Los Angeles) has announced the participants of its 2017-2018 Newcomers Programme.
Now in its 10th year, the programme aims to foster new global collaborations by supporting rising talent from the UK who have recently moved to Los Angeles to expand their knowledge, develop their skills, and expand their network of peers.
This year’s group contains 31 participants: eight actors, seven directors, six producers, three composers, two art directors, two screenwriters, one agent, one executive and one publicist.
These participants are divided into two groups – one that is entering their first year in the programme, and the other entering its second.
BAFTA La sees its Newcomers as the next wave of film, games, and television professionals who will go on to continue the tradition of successful collaborations between the Us and UK industries.
The Newcomers...
The British Academy of film and Television Arts Los Angeles (BAFTA Los Angeles) has announced the participants of its 2017-2018 Newcomers Programme.
Now in its 10th year, the programme aims to foster new global collaborations by supporting rising talent from the UK who have recently moved to Los Angeles to expand their knowledge, develop their skills, and expand their network of peers.
This year’s group contains 31 participants: eight actors, seven directors, six producers, three composers, two art directors, two screenwriters, one agent, one executive and one publicist.
These participants are divided into two groups – one that is entering their first year in the programme, and the other entering its second.
BAFTA La sees its Newcomers as the next wave of film, games, and television professionals who will go on to continue the tradition of successful collaborations between the Us and UK industries.
The Newcomers...
- 7/28/2017
- ScreenDaily
Neighbours star Menik Gooneratne has claimed that the cast are forced to chew ice cubes before scenes. The actress, who plays school principal Priya Kapoor, disclosed details of the show's unusual filming methods involving summer scenes being shot in the winter. "With the way that filming works, because of how far ahead we are, usually in summer we're filming winter scenes, so even though you've got these glorious 40 degree days, we're in heavy jackets, sweating our asses off," she told MSN. "And then when we're filming summer scenes it's winter, so we're in our (more)...
- 1/31/2013
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Neighbours star Sachin Joab has told Digital Spy that there may be some hope left for his character's marriage. The actor's alter ego Ajay Kapoor is left devastated on UK screens this evening (January 28) as he discovers that his wife Priya has been cheating on him with bad boy Paul Robinson. Priya (Menik Gooneratne) recently ended her fling with Paul, but the truth comes out when the Kapoors' teenage daughter Rani (Coco-Jacinta Cherian) exposes her mother's betrayal. Joab told Digital Spy: "At first Ajay thinks his daughter is lying to hurt her mother. Priya and Rani haven't been getting along, so he puts it down initially to teenage angst. "But when Priya has to choose between calling her daughter a liar and admitting the truth, she realises she has to come clean. Ajay is obviously devastated." Viewers see another (more)...
- 1/28/2013
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours' Ajay Kapoor shows another side to his personality later this month as he punches Paul Robinson. Ajay's temper boils over after his daughter Rani informs him that Priya has been cheating on him with Paul, bringing the affair storyline to a dramatic conclusion. Although Ajay (Sachin Joab) initially thinks that a rebellious Rani is lying, Priya can't stand by and watch her daughter's credibility be called into question - so she tells her devastated husband the truth. A furious Ajay kicks Priya (Menik Gooneratne) out of their family home following her shock confession, and when he spots Paul out on the street the next day, he can't resist lashing out at his love rival. Ajay may feel slightly better after punishing Paul (Stefan Dennis), but is there any way that he and Priya can come back from this?
Neighbours (more)...
Neighbours (more)...
- 1/20/2013
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours star Menik Gooneratne has claimed that her character Priya Kapoor's affair could make her marriage "stronger". The school principal recently called off her fling with Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis), although their affair has since been exposed on Australian screens. Gooneratne gave her thoughts to MSN on why Priya cheated on husband Ajay (Sachin Joab) in the first place. "I think she was struggling in her marriage because she married quite young, she married because she fell pregnant," she said. "She was questioning, 'Is my husband married to me because he's doing the right thing or does he actually love me?' and all that she's seeing in the past is him choosing work over her and she thinks he's only in it to be the good father and the good husband. "And with Paul, he is the first time that someone (more)...
- 1/17/2013
- by By Paul Martinovic
- Digital Spy
Neighbours ends the year with a cliffhanger on UK screens later this month as Rani Kapoor gets a glimpse of what her cheating mum Priya has been up to with Paul Robinson. Priya (Menik Gooneratne) finally ends her affair with Paul in upcoming episodes, realising that she wants to make things work with her loyal husband Ajay. However, she is left fearing that her marriage could be destroyed forever when a bitter Paul (Stefan Dennis) threatens to tell Ajay the truth. Desperate to reason with her spurned lover, Priya arranges one last meeting with Paul so that she can beg him to see sense. Priya points out that they could never have a successful long-term relationship as Paul loves the thrill of the chase, so she wants them to leave their fling as a happy memory without anyone getting hurt. When Paul finally agrees to keep quiet about Priya's infidelity,...
- 12/1/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours' Australian fans will see Priya Kapoor's affair exposed before the end of the year, reports have confirmed. As the soap's dramatic 2012 finale week plays out, Priya (Menik Gooneratne) has some explaining to do when her husband Ajay discovers that she has been sleeping with bad boy Paul Robinson. The beginning of the end for Priya's deception comes when her suspicious daughter Rani uncovers undeniable proof of her infidelity, snatching Paul's phone and finding incriminating messages on it. While a shocked Rani (Coco-Jacinta Cherian) initially tries to escape the situation by heading (more)...
- 11/22/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours love cheat Priya Kapoor could find herself in hot water as her daughter Rani finds undeniable proof of her affair with Paul Robinson. Australian viewers have already seen Rani become suspicious after spotting her mother in an embrace with Paul, leaving Priya scrambling to come up with an innocent explanation for what she saw. Rani (Coco-Jacinta Cherian) continues to fear that she cannot trust Priya (Menik Gooneratne) when one of her earrings is mysteriously found in a Lassiters hotel room in an upcoming episode. Deciding that she can no longer accept her (more)...
- 11/19/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours love cheat Priya Kapoor will lie to her own daughter over her affair with Paul Robinson. As revealed last week, schoolgirl Rani (Coco-Jacinta Cherian) will soon be left stunned when she spots her mum sharing an intimate moment with Paul (Stefan Dennis) outside Lassiter's. The pair are saying an emotional goodbye to each other after agreeing to end their fling. Priya is later thrown into turmoil when Rani confronts her, but she tries to come up with a quick and convincing cover story. Menik Gooneratne, who plays Priya, told TV Week: "Priya has to think very fast for a plausible explanation as to what her daughter witnessed. Rani's a smart girl - she's definitely her mother's daughter - and Priya knows that (more)...
- 11/12/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours' UK fans see Priya Kapoor edge closer to cheating on husband Ajay later this month as she almost shares a kiss with Paul Robinson. Paul has appeared to be interested in school principal Priya (Menik Gooneratne) for quite some time, and he continues to show this by defending her when a negative newspaper article is printed regarding her recent actions at Erinsborough High. Priya doesn't take kindly to Paul's interference but also can't help feeling attracted to him, so she tries to take her mind off the bad boy by organising a romantic homemade meal for her and Ajay. However, when a busy Ajay is forced to cancel and Paul (Stefan Dennis) ends up paying a visit, Priya finds herself relaxing in his company and almost lets him kiss her. Priya is shocked that she came so close to temptation and kicks Paul out - but he is...
- 10/12/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours characters Priya Kapoor and Paul Robinson are to start an affair in the coming weeks. The Ramsay Street pair, who have been flirting for weeks, will succumb to their passion for one another on Paul's doorstep in an episode airing next week on Australia's Eleven channel. Stefan Dennis confirmed to TV Week: "This is an affair borne out of hatred and, for both Paul and Priya, that seems to make it even more passionate. Paul also discovers that Priya loves the danger of an affair as much as he does. "Paul is obviously physically attracted to Priya, but he also loves women who challenge him." Menik Gooneratne, who plays married principal (more)...
- 9/24/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Neighbours star Menik Gooneratne has revealed that her character Priya Kapoor will come close to kissing Paul Robinson in an upcoming episode. Viewers have already noticed a spark between the pair, and Priya starts to find Paul more difficult to resist in scenes soon to air in Australia. When a negative article about Erinsborough High appears in the local newspaper, Paul is a sole voice of support for Priya's abilities as school principal - which leaves her with food for thought. Gooneratne told TV Week: "It's so surprising to Priya that Paul would defend her. Earlier, Ajay was not supporting her over this article in the newspaper, even though she has supported him through all of his things. "All she really wanted was for Ajay to say that he's behind her 100% and believes in her. But instead of getting that support from her husband, she (more)...
- 9/17/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours' UK fans see Paul Robinson and Priya Kapoor strike up a surprising new friendship later this month. Paul (Stefan Dennis) has often found himself at odds with Priya (Menik Gooneratne), but he leaves her stunned in an upcoming episode by supporting her at a difficult school board meeting. As Priya proposes suspending the kitchen garden scheme and the Vet course to get the school's budget back on track, she faces strong opposition from around the table - but Paul backs her by insisting that she is right. Although Priya loses the vote, she cannot believe that Paul has aligned himself with her for once, and thanks him for his support. Later, the pair catch up further at Charlie's over drinks, discussing everything from parenting to Erinsborough High's future. While on the surface it seems to just be a friendship, Priya isn't exactly (more)...
- 8/31/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours' Kapoor family secure a permanent place on Ramsay Street on UK screens later this month as Ajay makes a shock bid for Number 24. Ajay (Sachin Joab) suffers a setback in the coming days when he loses the local council election thanks to his nemesis Paul Robinson, who publishes a hatchet article against him in the newspaper just prior to the vote. Left to consider the future, Ajay is suddenly intrigued when he attends the auction for the Ramsay house, which sees Lucas pull ahead as the top bidder. Just before Lucas can celebrate, however, Ajay makes a rash decision to join the bidding - and it turns out that he's prepared to stump up a much higher value than everyone else. As the Kapoors are officially announced as the new owners of Number 24, Priya (Menik Gooneratne) is livid that Ajay has gone ahead with the idea without consulting her.
- 8/10/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours stars Sachin Joab and Menik Gooneratne have revealed the extent of their characters' upcoming problems. Ajay and Priya Kapoor's relationship starts to unravel as Ramsay Street's newest residents argue over buying a new house. Their issues begin when Ajay buys number 24 without consulting Priya. Gooneratne, who plays Priya, told the Channel 5 website: "Priya is the one that keeps it together, and when Ajay makes decisions without her involvement, she doesn't like it. I think it's (more)...
- 8/8/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Neighbours bosses have today (May 29) confirmed that the Kapoor family are moving into Ramsay Street. Show chiefs released a sneak peek of the trio in their new home of Number 24 ahead of their on-screen move later this year. A Neighbours statement teased that "how, when and why they come to be the proud new owners will all be revealed in upcoming episodes". Menik Gooneratne, who plays Priya Kapoor, revealed that she has attempted to create a homely feeling on the set by decorating it with some of her own family photos. She told Channel 5: "Although I'm officially (more)...
- 5/29/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower has lamented the racist abuse directed at the soap's new Indian family. A vocal minority of fans expressed outrage at the announcement last week that the Kapoor family will become regular fixtures in Erinsborough in the New Year, claiming that their casting is "un-Australian". Bower responded by taking out a column in the country's Herald Sun newspaper saying that although she "expected" the backlash, she was disappointed with the extent of negative feeling towards the Kapoors and believed that actors Sachin Joab, Menik Gooneratne and Coco-Jacinta Cherian had received "a rather sad introduction" to the show. "I should say that for every negative comment about the Kapoor family there were 10 or 15 positive ones," she said. "These racists are certainly (more)...
- 12/12/2011
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Neighbours bosses have announced that the Kapoor family are being added to the soap's regular cast. Local councillor Ajay Kapoor (Sachin Joab) has been appearing as a guest on the show since the summer, while his wife Priya (Menik Gooneratne) has also featured on screen. The couple will become regular fixtures in early 2012 along with their teenage daughter Rani, who will be played by newcomer Coco-Jacinta Cherian. Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower commented: "I'm delighted by how the Kapoors have been introduced. Viewers already know them because of their role in the community and link with other characters, and their cultural background is secondary. "We have had many individual characters who have been representative of Australia's diverse cultural landscape, however to have a family of Indian and Sri (more)...
- 12/7/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
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