I think it's fair to say that Monty Python movies, much like the TV show from which they sprung, are all great. The absurdist brilliance of "Monty Python's Flying Circus," which ran on the BBC from 1969 to 1974, saw comedians John Cleese, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam rewrite the rules of comedy. Alongside regular collaborators Carol Cleveland and Connie Booth, the Monty Python troupe established themselves as true comedic geniuses, leading to a run of feature films that remain just as beloved to this day as the "Flying Circus" itself.
Chief among those films is 1975's "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," a deconstruction of the British national identity by way of an irreverent retelling of Arthurian legend. The film was and is much more than its oft-quoted catchphrases would suggest, with the Python boys turning their subversive eye towards British history and sending up...
Chief among those films is 1975's "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," a deconstruction of the British national identity by way of an irreverent retelling of Arthurian legend. The film was and is much more than its oft-quoted catchphrases would suggest, with the Python boys turning their subversive eye towards British history and sending up...
- 8/17/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Four U.K. genre-bending titles from Zu Quirke (“Nocturne”), Corinna Faith (“The Power”), Anna Fredrikke Bjerke (writer of Netflix’s “Midsummer Night”) and Ashley Horner will be teased to potential Nordic partners Aug. 21, at the 19th Nordic Co-production Market in Haugesund, Norway.
The curated pitch slate forms the industry centrepiece of the second U.K. Focus, organised by Haugesund’s industry event New Nordic Films, in partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI).
“We are looking forward to the second U.K. Focus at Haugesund’s Nordic Co- Production Market, sparking co-production conversations for the participating U.K. producer/director teams in meeting potential Nordic partners,” said Denitsa Yordanova, head of the UK Global Screen Fund (Ukgsf), which is financed via the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) and administered by the BFI.
“The Nordics offers a very vibrant ecosystem of talents and co-production partners with strong track records.
The curated pitch slate forms the industry centrepiece of the second U.K. Focus, organised by Haugesund’s industry event New Nordic Films, in partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI).
“We are looking forward to the second U.K. Focus at Haugesund’s Nordic Co- Production Market, sparking co-production conversations for the participating U.K. producer/director teams in meeting potential Nordic partners,” said Denitsa Yordanova, head of the UK Global Screen Fund (Ukgsf), which is financed via the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) and administered by the BFI.
“The Nordics offers a very vibrant ecosystem of talents and co-production partners with strong track records.
- 8/6/2024
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
Am 2. Juli feierte Guy Nattivs „Tatami” seine Deutschlandpremiere im Rahmen des Filmfest München. Wild Bunch bringt den Film am 1. August in die deutschen Kinos.
Christoph Liedke (Wild Bunch), Moderatorin Shahrzad Eden Osterer, Regisseur Guy Nattiv, Komponistin Dascha Dauenhauer und Bernhard Karl (Filmfest München) bei der Premiere von „Tatami” (v.l.) (Credit: Sophie Mahler/Filmfest München)
Gestern Abend fand im Rio Kino die Deutschlandpremiere von „Tatami” im Rahmen des Filmfest München statt. Es handelt sich um die erste israelisch-iranische Ko-Regie von Guy Nattiv („Golda“) und Zar Amir. Es ist gleichzeitig das Regiedebüt der mit der Goldenen Palme ausgezeichneten Schauspielerin Zar Amir („Holy Spider“). Der Film erzählt von der iranischen Judoka Leila, die zur Judo-Weltmeisterschaft nach Tiflis reist. Als der Verlauf des Wettkampfs zeigt, dass sie auf eine Konkurrentin aus Israel treffen könnte, meldet sich das Teheraner Regime: Leila soll eine Verletzung vortäuschen und aus dem Wettbewerb aussteigen – eine unmögliche Entscheidung, die...
Christoph Liedke (Wild Bunch), Moderatorin Shahrzad Eden Osterer, Regisseur Guy Nattiv, Komponistin Dascha Dauenhauer und Bernhard Karl (Filmfest München) bei der Premiere von „Tatami” (v.l.) (Credit: Sophie Mahler/Filmfest München)
Gestern Abend fand im Rio Kino die Deutschlandpremiere von „Tatami” im Rahmen des Filmfest München statt. Es handelt sich um die erste israelisch-iranische Ko-Regie von Guy Nattiv („Golda“) und Zar Amir. Es ist gleichzeitig das Regiedebüt der mit der Goldenen Palme ausgezeichneten Schauspielerin Zar Amir („Holy Spider“). Der Film erzählt von der iranischen Judoka Leila, die zur Judo-Weltmeisterschaft nach Tiflis reist. Als der Verlauf des Wettkampfs zeigt, dass sie auf eine Konkurrentin aus Israel treffen könnte, meldet sich das Teheraner Regime: Leila soll eine Verletzung vortäuschen und aus dem Wettbewerb aussteigen – eine unmögliche Entscheidung, die...
- 7/3/2024
- by Barbara Schuster
- Spot - Media & Film
For a biopic about Donald Trump, The Apprentice is surprisingly concerned with other things. The film has exactly what you might expect and somehow a curiosity around every corner, a familiar historical intrigue firmly planted in a tonal shock. The shock comes from its subtlety and perspective, the latter of which has a unique bent for a film about an ex-President debuting in an election year that spotlights his third campaign.
As you can imagine, there’s no shortage of American directors looking to cinematically take down Trump. But, for now, none of them get to. At least not as blatantly as Ali Abbasi, the international director who won the job to tell the story of the debased mogul from the early ’70s to the mid-80s.
The Apprentice––aptly named after both the reality TV show Trump (Sebastian Stan) created and young Trump’s relationship with Roy Cohn––marks...
As you can imagine, there’s no shortage of American directors looking to cinematically take down Trump. But, for now, none of them get to. At least not as blatantly as Ali Abbasi, the international director who won the job to tell the story of the debased mogul from the early ’70s to the mid-80s.
The Apprentice––aptly named after both the reality TV show Trump (Sebastian Stan) created and young Trump’s relationship with Roy Cohn––marks...
- 5/21/2024
- by Luke Hicks
- The Film Stage
The 77th Cannes Film Festival is poised to serve up a feast for film lovers, including new movies from celebrated directors such as Yorgos Lanthimos and Paolo Sorrentino, as well as living legends like Francis Ford Coppola, David Cronenberg and George Miller.
Lanthimos will bring Poor Things follow-up Kinds of Kindness to the Cannes competition. The Greek auteur’s latest, featuring the Oscar-winning Poor Things star Emma Stone, alongside Jesse Plemons and Willem Dafoe, will be high on every Cannes attendee’s must-see list. Sorrentino’s Parthenope, the Italian director’s 10th feature, will also premiere in competition on the Croisette.
Meanwhile, Coppola will unveil the highly anticipated Megalopolis, starring Adam Driver, Shia Labeouf, and Aubrey Plaza, in the competition lineup, while Canada’s Cronenberg returns with The Shrouds, a horror thriller with Vincent Cassel, Diane Kruger and Guy Pearce.
And among the Hollywood highlights at Cannes this year is...
Lanthimos will bring Poor Things follow-up Kinds of Kindness to the Cannes competition. The Greek auteur’s latest, featuring the Oscar-winning Poor Things star Emma Stone, alongside Jesse Plemons and Willem Dafoe, will be high on every Cannes attendee’s must-see list. Sorrentino’s Parthenope, the Italian director’s 10th feature, will also premiere in competition on the Croisette.
Meanwhile, Coppola will unveil the highly anticipated Megalopolis, starring Adam Driver, Shia Labeouf, and Aubrey Plaza, in the competition lineup, while Canada’s Cronenberg returns with The Shrouds, a horror thriller with Vincent Cassel, Diane Kruger and Guy Pearce.
And among the Hollywood highlights at Cannes this year is...
- 5/14/2024
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Right on time, Ermac has joined the Mortal Kombat 1 roster for those players who sprung for the Kombat Pack. Coinciding with Ermac’s arrival is the launch of Season 5: Storms for Mortal Kombat 1, which brings with it an all-new season of content themed around the arrival of Raiden as the main boss in Invasions mode.
Season 5 features fresh challenges, story elements, boss battles, and rewards including new character skins – Gaffer Johnny Cage, Sudden Overload Scorpion, Voltaic Deity Liu Kang, Electric Soul Liu Kang, Voltaic Warrior General Shao, Charged Frost Sub-Zero, Magnetic Courage Kung Lao, Glistening Mage Rain, Tainted by Evil Raiden, and more – which can all be earned through Invasions and Kombat League.
Meanwhile, Ermac joins the roster today as the latest downloadable content character via the early access period for Kombat Pack owners, with him being available to everyone on April 23. Upcoming Kameo Fighter Mavado will be available next month.
Season 5 features fresh challenges, story elements, boss battles, and rewards including new character skins – Gaffer Johnny Cage, Sudden Overload Scorpion, Voltaic Deity Liu Kang, Electric Soul Liu Kang, Voltaic Warrior General Shao, Charged Frost Sub-Zero, Magnetic Courage Kung Lao, Glistening Mage Rain, Tainted by Evil Raiden, and more – which can all be earned through Invasions and Kombat League.
Meanwhile, Ermac joins the roster today as the latest downloadable content character via the early access period for Kombat Pack owners, with him being available to everyone on April 23. Upcoming Kameo Fighter Mavado will be available next month.
- 4/18/2024
- by Mike Wilson
- bloody-disgusting.com
La película tendrá su estreno mundial en el Festival de Cannes.
Ya tenemos el primer vistazo a la película “The Apprentice”, que examina la carrera de Trump como empresario inmobiliario en Nueva York en las décadas de 1970 y 1980.
“The Apprentice” se centra principalmente en la relación de Trump (Stan) y Roy Cohn (Strong), un fiscal de Nueva York conocido por trabajar con el senador Joseph McCarthy durante el Segundo Temor Rojo.
El reparto está encabezado por Sebastian Stan (“Capitán América: El Primer Vengador”) como Donald Trump acompañado por Jeremy Strong (“Succession”) como Roy Cohn, Maria Bakalova como Ivana Trump y Martin Donovan (“Tenet”) como Fred Trump.
Dirigida por Ali Abbasi (“Holy Spider”) y con un guion de Gabriel Sherman, la película tendrá su estreno mundial en el Festival de Cine de Cannes en mayo de 2024.
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Ya tenemos el primer vistazo a la película “The Apprentice”, que examina la carrera de Trump como empresario inmobiliario en Nueva York en las décadas de 1970 y 1980.
“The Apprentice” se centra principalmente en la relación de Trump (Stan) y Roy Cohn (Strong), un fiscal de Nueva York conocido por trabajar con el senador Joseph McCarthy durante el Segundo Temor Rojo.
El reparto está encabezado por Sebastian Stan (“Capitán América: El Primer Vengador”) como Donald Trump acompañado por Jeremy Strong (“Succession”) como Roy Cohn, Maria Bakalova como Ivana Trump y Martin Donovan (“Tenet”) como Fred Trump.
Dirigida por Ali Abbasi (“Holy Spider”) y con un guion de Gabriel Sherman, la película tendrá su estreno mundial en el Festival de Cine de Cannes en mayo de 2024.
¡SÍGUENOS!
TikTok
YouTube
Threads
The post ¡Atención! Mira cómo Sebastian Stan se transforma...
- 4/15/2024
- by Marta Medina
- mundoCine
Alongside feature length documentary Bottom: Exposed, two extended episodes of Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson’s sitcom will debut on Gold this month.
As far as double acts go, to a certain generation Adrian Edmondson and Rik Mayall are at the apex of anarchic comedy.
Beginning their career at the start of the alternative comedy movement, performing alongside the likes of Hale and Pace, Ben Elton and Andy De La Tour, their violent Twentieth Century Coyote stage act went quickly from The Comedy Store to The Comic Strip, which itself made the leap to television with their now iconic first film Five Go Mad In Dorset. It was quite the transformative time for television comedy, as it was broadcast on Channel 4 exactly a week before the first episode of The Young Ones debuted on rival channel BBC Two.
In 1991, meanwhile, Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson debuted their masterpiece, Bottom.
As far as double acts go, to a certain generation Adrian Edmondson and Rik Mayall are at the apex of anarchic comedy.
Beginning their career at the start of the alternative comedy movement, performing alongside the likes of Hale and Pace, Ben Elton and Andy De La Tour, their violent Twentieth Century Coyote stage act went quickly from The Comedy Store to The Comic Strip, which itself made the leap to television with their now iconic first film Five Go Mad In Dorset. It was quite the transformative time for television comedy, as it was broadcast on Channel 4 exactly a week before the first episode of The Young Ones debuted on rival channel BBC Two.
In 1991, meanwhile, Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson debuted their masterpiece, Bottom.
- 4/4/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
The second day of Dublin’s Storyhouse screenwriting festival kicked off with a bang on Friday as established writer-directors Ali Abbasi (Holy Spider), Mounia Akl (Costa Brava Lebanon) and Stacey Gregg (Ballywalter) all discussed at length the process of how they achieve their best work and how they balance the writer-director relationship.
“I think it’s not necessarily a process of digging deeper – sometimes it’s about digging sideways,” Abbasi told the Light House cinema audience. “I don’t necessarily think that working on something for ten years makes it better.”
Abbasi’s Holy Spider is a film noir based on the true story of the “Spider Killer” Saeed Hanaei who saw himself as on a mission from God as he killed 16 women who were sex workers between 2000 and 2001 in the Iranian holy city of Mashhad, and Abbasi said that when it came to making the Palme d’Or contender...
“I think it’s not necessarily a process of digging deeper – sometimes it’s about digging sideways,” Abbasi told the Light House cinema audience. “I don’t necessarily think that working on something for ten years makes it better.”
Abbasi’s Holy Spider is a film noir based on the true story of the “Spider Killer” Saeed Hanaei who saw himself as on a mission from God as he killed 16 women who were sex workers between 2000 and 2001 in the Iranian holy city of Mashhad, and Abbasi said that when it came to making the Palme d’Or contender...
- 3/22/2024
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust era will be chronicled in the new box set Rock ‘n’ Roll Star!, out June 14 via Parlophone Records.
The 5-cd, Blu-Ray audio set tracks the late rock star’s creation of the Ziggy Stardust character, the release of 1972’s The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars, and the many U.K. radio sessions and TV appearances Bowie’s famous alter ego participated in.
The collection includes 29 unreleased tracks, from demos to outtakes to live performances. Highlights include a cover of...
The 5-cd, Blu-Ray audio set tracks the late rock star’s creation of the Ziggy Stardust character, the release of 1972’s The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars, and the many U.K. radio sessions and TV appearances Bowie’s famous alter ego participated in.
The collection includes 29 unreleased tracks, from demos to outtakes to live performances. Highlights include a cover of...
- 3/21/2024
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour makes its streaming debut on Disney+ Thursday, and, at first, it won’t quite measure up to the stadium experience.
In May 2023, my five closest friends and I attended Swift’s show at MetLife Stadium — and it wasn’t just a concert. For a group of single twenty-something women, it was, in many ways, our wedding, our bachelorette party and maybe even our own funeral! What I mean is, it was a ritualistic occasion — a holy sacrament.
More from TVLineX-Men '97 Creator Fired From Disney+ Continuation Ahead of Series DebutWill Taylor Swift Steal Grey's Fans?...
In May 2023, my five closest friends and I attended Swift’s show at MetLife Stadium — and it wasn’t just a concert. For a group of single twenty-something women, it was, in many ways, our wedding, our bachelorette party and maybe even our own funeral! What I mean is, it was a ritualistic occasion — a holy sacrament.
More from TVLineX-Men '97 Creator Fired From Disney+ Continuation Ahead of Series DebutWill Taylor Swift Steal Grey's Fans?...
- 3/14/2024
- by Claire Franken
- TVLine.com
A Malaga competition contender, Antonio Chavarrías returns to the festival with “Holy Mother,” (“La abadesa”). His latest venture, sold by Film Constellation, transports us to the 9th century where Emma, a newly appointed abbess, is tasked with the formidable challenge of repopulating and revitalizing frontier lands on the edge of Muslim territorie,s at the bequest of her powerful family.
The film was set up at Chavarrias’ Barcelona-based Oberon Cinematográfica with Wanda Visión, Icono 2020 Aie, and Saga Film.
At the story’s center is Daniela Brown’s portrayal of Emma, a young abbess whose divine conviction is matched only by her unyielding resolve. “Emma always thinks that her power emanates directly from God; in that conviction there is a certain naivety,” reflects Chavarrías.
The portrayal illuminates Emma’s journey, as she navigates a maze of societal expectations and political intrigue, her every action surrounded by doubters.
“Ignorance preserves innocence,...
The film was set up at Chavarrias’ Barcelona-based Oberon Cinematográfica with Wanda Visión, Icono 2020 Aie, and Saga Film.
At the story’s center is Daniela Brown’s portrayal of Emma, a young abbess whose divine conviction is matched only by her unyielding resolve. “Emma always thinks that her power emanates directly from God; in that conviction there is a certain naivety,” reflects Chavarrías.
The portrayal illuminates Emma’s journey, as she navigates a maze of societal expectations and political intrigue, her every action surrounded by doubters.
“Ignorance preserves innocence,...
- 3/6/2024
- by Callum McLennan and Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Lil Nas X’s claim that he was accepted at Liberty University has been denied by the school.
Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, shared an acceptance letter to Liberty University, where he said he was planning to study Christian leadership and biblical studies.
Liberty University issued a statement rejecting the claim.
“We can confirm that Liberty University did not issue the Montero Hill acceptance letter posted yesterday to social media, and we have no record of Montero Hill applying to the University,” they said. “Liberty University exists to glorify God by equipping men and women in higher education in fidelity to the Christian faith expressed through the Holy Scriptures.”
Hill posted the letter on Instagram, which shows his acceptance letter to Liberty University, with a signature from Jerry Falwell, who died in 2007.
“I know some of y’all hate me right now but I want...
Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, shared an acceptance letter to Liberty University, where he said he was planning to study Christian leadership and biblical studies.
Liberty University issued a statement rejecting the claim.
“We can confirm that Liberty University did not issue the Montero Hill acceptance letter posted yesterday to social media, and we have no record of Montero Hill applying to the University,” they said. “Liberty University exists to glorify God by equipping men and women in higher education in fidelity to the Christian faith expressed through the Holy Scriptures.”
Hill posted the letter on Instagram, which shows his acceptance letter to Liberty University, with a signature from Jerry Falwell, who died in 2007.
“I know some of y’all hate me right now but I want...
- 1/14/2024
- by Zach Ament
- Uinterview
The Beatles‘ “Let It Be” is one of the most beloved hit songs of the 1970s. Florida Georgia Line have every reason to try to mimic the song. One of Florida Georgia Line’s biggest hits has a chord progression that sounds like that of “Let It Be.” Interestingly, a member of Florida Georgia Line said the band’s fans had a strong response to the song in question.
A Florida Georgia Line song has a structure like The Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’ and other hits
Florida Georgia Line became famous for “bro country” songs like “Cruise” and “This Is How We Roll” that focus on sexy ladies, partying, beer, and trucks. Their love song “H.O.L.Y.” is a departure from that style. “H.O.L.Y.,” an acronym for “high on loving you,” is a ballad that blends spirituality with sensuality.
Rolling Stone reports that “H.O.L.Y.” uses a descending chord progression similar to The Beatles’ “Let It Be.
A Florida Georgia Line song has a structure like The Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’ and other hits
Florida Georgia Line became famous for “bro country” songs like “Cruise” and “This Is How We Roll” that focus on sexy ladies, partying, beer, and trucks. Their love song “H.O.L.Y.” is a departure from that style. “H.O.L.Y.,” an acronym for “high on loving you,” is a ballad that blends spirituality with sensuality.
Rolling Stone reports that “H.O.L.Y.” uses a descending chord progression similar to The Beatles’ “Let It Be.
- 1/12/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
While it sounds like a lot of country songs, Blake Shelton’s “God Gave Me You” has some unusual lyrics. The rock singer who wrote the song gave fans insight into his lyricism. Shelton also discussed what he thought when he first heard the track on the radio.
The writer of Blake Shelton’s ‘God Gave Me You’ likes the track’s line about martyrdom
Christian rock singer Dave Barnes wrote and recorded the original version of “God Gave Me You.” During a 2012 interview with American Songwriter, Barnes was asked about the writing of “God Gave Me You.”
“It didn’t take long at all to write,” he said. “I really do think I wrote it in an afternoon. Those are the nice ones, where a melody and lyric idea match up perfectly. It was quick.”
Barnes had a lot to say about the tune’s lyrics. “It’s funny...
The writer of Blake Shelton’s ‘God Gave Me You’ likes the track’s line about martyrdom
Christian rock singer Dave Barnes wrote and recorded the original version of “God Gave Me You.” During a 2012 interview with American Songwriter, Barnes was asked about the writing of “God Gave Me You.”
“It didn’t take long at all to write,” he said. “I really do think I wrote it in an afternoon. Those are the nice ones, where a melody and lyric idea match up perfectly. It was quick.”
Barnes had a lot to say about the tune’s lyrics. “It’s funny...
- 1/10/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“Lonely Hearts,” the highly-anticipated third feature from Brazil’s Berlinale-winner Caru Alves de Souza (“My Name Is Baghdad”), named among 10 Next Gen Talents to Track from the country by Variety in February, and a pair of additional homecoming narratives from burgeoning creatives, Uruguayan director Paula Botana’s“The Burned Women” and Dora Gomez’s “Blanca” out of Paraguay, are among the titles selected for Ventana Sur’s 2023 Punto Genero pitching sessions.
Histories unearthed and intimate interpersonal relationships are dominant themes in the remaining selections with films like Argentina-Spain co-production “Brücher. Unaudited Botanical Chronicle,” from Mariana Guzzante and Camila Menéndez,Natalia Solórzano title “She Was Covered In Sequins” and Marta María Borrás’s “The Passengers For The Last Trip.”
“This year, the juries wanted the projects to represent Latin America. We selected eight projects from Latin America, excluding the four projects from Argentina, and the juries decided on one project per country,...
Histories unearthed and intimate interpersonal relationships are dominant themes in the remaining selections with films like Argentina-Spain co-production “Brücher. Unaudited Botanical Chronicle,” from Mariana Guzzante and Camila Menéndez,Natalia Solórzano title “She Was Covered In Sequins” and Marta María Borrás’s “The Passengers For The Last Trip.”
“This year, the juries wanted the projects to represent Latin America. We selected eight projects from Latin America, excluding the four projects from Argentina, and the juries decided on one project per country,...
- 11/30/2023
- by Holly Jones
- Variety Film + TV
Emmy-nominated actor Sebastian Stan, best known for playing Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is set to play a young Donald Trump in The Apprentice, a new film from Cannes prize-winning director Ali Abbasi (Holy Spider). As first reported by Deadline, Stan will star alongside Emmy winner Jeremy Strong (Succession) and Academy Award nominee Maria Bakalova (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) in the upcoming feature, which will chronicle Trump’s efforts to build his real estate business in New York in the 1970s and 1980s. Described as “an exploration of power and ambition, set in a world of corruption and deceit,” The Apprentice will also dig into the former President’s relationship with infamous attorney Roy Cohn, charting the origins of a major American dynasty. Production started earlier this week. According to Deadline, Strong will play Cohn, while Bakalova will portray Trump’s first wife, Ivana.
- 11/30/2023
- TV Insider
The hugely popular Christian historical drama series The Chosen has released a trailer for its upcoming Christmas special, which is set to debut in theaters across the United States on December 12. According to the official synopsis, the special will focus on the Nativity Story, showing Jesus’ birth through the eyes of Mary and Joseph. It will combine Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night with the previous holiday special The Messengers and the show’s pilot episode, “The Shepherd,” into one remastered and re-scored story. In addition, the special will include a never-before-seen performance from Andrea and Matteo Bocelli, featuring seven music performances and two new monologues. “The Chosen Christmas special will have the authenticity and the magic of ‘The Shepherd’ matched with the production value, the caliber and the profound storytelling of The Messengers,” Katherine Warnock, vice president of original content at The Chosen, said in a statement. Other...
- 11/2/2023
- TV Insider
“The number of talents and good films is amazing,” says Renata Santoro, head of programming at Giornate Degli Autori.
Connext, Flanders Image’s annual film and TV showcase, taking place from October 9-10 in Antwerp, is fast growing its reputation on the international stage.
Paolo Bertolin, a member of the selection committee of the Venice Film Festival, visited the Antwerp-based showcase for the first time in 2022 with a simple ambition to meet Belgian talent and discover the best up -and- coming projects from the region.
Among the projects he saw was Fien Troch’s Holly, a then work-in-progress about a...
Connext, Flanders Image’s annual film and TV showcase, taking place from October 9-10 in Antwerp, is fast growing its reputation on the international stage.
Paolo Bertolin, a member of the selection committee of the Venice Film Festival, visited the Antwerp-based showcase for the first time in 2022 with a simple ambition to meet Belgian talent and discover the best up -and- coming projects from the region.
Among the projects he saw was Fien Troch’s Holly, a then work-in-progress about a...
- 10/8/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Billed as the first feature film to be co-directed by an Iranian and an Israeli filmmaker, “Tatami” goes all in with a lean and tense narrative that is part sport movie, part political thriller — with both parts equally neatly realized. Directed by Guy Nattiv and “Holy Spider” lead actor Zar Amir Ebrahimi (who also stars), from a screenplay by Nattiv and Elham Erfani, the film is set during the Judo World Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, in which Iranian judo fighter Leila (Arienne Mandi) starts to perform better than anyone except perhaps her coach Maryam (Amir Ebrahimi) expected.
Leila’s success is a problem for the Iranian government since it means that she may go on to face an Israeli fighter in the final. The regime sees it as humiliating for Iran to potentially lose to Israel, so decides to eliminate any possibility of this happening by ordering Leila to either withdraw under a pretext,...
Leila’s success is a problem for the Iranian government since it means that she may go on to face an Israeli fighter in the final. The regime sees it as humiliating for Iran to potentially lose to Israel, so decides to eliminate any possibility of this happening by ordering Leila to either withdraw under a pretext,...
- 9/3/2023
- by Catherine Bray
- Variety Film + TV
“Holy Spider” breakout Zar Amir Ebrahimi and Guy Nattiv are set to make history with “Tatami,” the first feature co-directed by an Iranian and an Israeli filmmaker.
Premiering in Venice Film Festival’s Horizons section, “Tatami” shows Iranian female judo fighter Leila (played by “The L Word: Generation Q” star Arienne Mandi) heading to the world championships with her coach Maryam (Ebrahimi). Soon, they receive an ultimatum: in order to avoid squaring off against an Israeli opponent, Leila should immediately fake an injury and drop out.
“Can you imagine how many threats I have received after ‘Holy Spider,’ accusing me of ‘working with Jews’? We are not even allowed to call someone Israeli. It’s always ‘the occupying regime,’” Ebrahimi says.
Fearing for their safety, they decided to shoot in secret.
“We didn’t want anyone to know about it. We shot in Tbilisi in Georgia, two hours away from...
Premiering in Venice Film Festival’s Horizons section, “Tatami” shows Iranian female judo fighter Leila (played by “The L Word: Generation Q” star Arienne Mandi) heading to the world championships with her coach Maryam (Ebrahimi). Soon, they receive an ultimatum: in order to avoid squaring off against an Israeli opponent, Leila should immediately fake an injury and drop out.
“Can you imagine how many threats I have received after ‘Holy Spider,’ accusing me of ‘working with Jews’? We are not even allowed to call someone Israeli. It’s always ‘the occupying regime,’” Ebrahimi says.
Fearing for their safety, they decided to shoot in secret.
“We didn’t want anyone to know about it. We shot in Tbilisi in Georgia, two hours away from...
- 9/2/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Australia has selected Shayda, from Iranian-Australian debut writer and director Noora Niasari, as its submission for the Best International Feature Film Oscar race.
The drama, which counts Cate Blanchett among its executive producers and was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics for North America among other markets, world premiered at Sundance in January where it won the World Cinema Audience Award.
It went on to open the Melbourne International Film Festival and was the closing-night screening at Locarno. It is next set for TIFF and will be released in Oz on October 5 via Madman.
The story follows a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of Iranian New Year (Nowruz), which is celebrated as a time of renewal and rebirth. Aided by the strong community of women at the shelter, they seek their freedom in this new world of possibilities,...
The drama, which counts Cate Blanchett among its executive producers and was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics for North America among other markets, world premiered at Sundance in January where it won the World Cinema Audience Award.
It went on to open the Melbourne International Film Festival and was the closing-night screening at Locarno. It is next set for TIFF and will be released in Oz on October 5 via Madman.
The story follows a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of Iranian New Year (Nowruz), which is celebrated as a time of renewal and rebirth. Aided by the strong community of women at the shelter, they seek their freedom in this new world of possibilities,...
- 8/30/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
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We all know "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" to be one of the funniest films of all time. What the film gets less credit for is being remarkably ingenuous in its use of limited resources. They may be regarded as a legendary comedy troupe now, but when they were creating their take on the King Arthur legend, they only a few hundred thousand pounds to work with. Adjusted for inflation, it still wouldn't even be £3 million five decades later. "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" is a rather expansive film, as each knight of the Round Table has their own storyline that sends them to various places.
So, how were they able to have such a large scope with so little money? Clever framing, specific set decoration, and the beauty of a historical location. The vast majority of "Holy...
We all know "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" to be one of the funniest films of all time. What the film gets less credit for is being remarkably ingenuous in its use of limited resources. They may be regarded as a legendary comedy troupe now, but when they were creating their take on the King Arthur legend, they only a few hundred thousand pounds to work with. Adjusted for inflation, it still wouldn't even be £3 million five decades later. "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" is a rather expansive film, as each knight of the Round Table has their own storyline that sends them to various places.
So, how were they able to have such a large scope with so little money? Clever framing, specific set decoration, and the beauty of a historical location. The vast majority of "Holy...
- 8/19/2023
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
Iranian filmmaker Ali Ahmadzadeh clinched the Golden Leopard in the main international competition of the 76th Locarno Film Festival with his latest feature Critical Zone (Mantagheye Bohrani).
Ahmadzadeh was not in attendance to receive the award as he is currently banned from leaving his native Iran. Last month, the country’s authorities summoned Ahmadzadeh to the Ministry of Security, where he was pressured to pull Critical Zone from Locarno’s official competition. The film’s international sales agent Luxbox Paris and the producer, Sina Ataeian Dena, also said they had received threatening emails and messages demanding the film be pulled from the fest.
The pic, described as “a hymn to freedom and resistance in Iran,” was shot without permission from authorities before recent protests started. The plot follows a man who drives through Tehran’s underworld with his dog, dealing drugs and healing troubled souls. Born in Tehran in 1986, Critical Zone...
Ahmadzadeh was not in attendance to receive the award as he is currently banned from leaving his native Iran. Last month, the country’s authorities summoned Ahmadzadeh to the Ministry of Security, where he was pressured to pull Critical Zone from Locarno’s official competition. The film’s international sales agent Luxbox Paris and the producer, Sina Ataeian Dena, also said they had received threatening emails and messages demanding the film be pulled from the fest.
The pic, described as “a hymn to freedom and resistance in Iran,” was shot without permission from authorities before recent protests started. The plot follows a man who drives through Tehran’s underworld with his dog, dealing drugs and healing troubled souls. Born in Tehran in 1986, Critical Zone...
- 8/12/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s that time of year again — the break between Cannes and the fall festivals, when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences makes its membership invitations. The Oscars group said today that it has extended offers to 398 artists and execs — one more than last year — who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to motion pictures.
The list includes actors, directors, writers, producers, musicians, executives, artist reps, publicists and below-the-liners such as casting directors, cinematographers, costume designers, film editors, makeup artists and hairstylists, production designers and sound pros.
“The Academy is proud to welcome these artists and professionals into our membership,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in a statement. “They represent extraordinary global talent across cinematic disciplines and have made a vital impact on the arts and sciences of motion pictures and on movie fans worldwide.”
As usual, the invitees include newly minted Oscar winners,...
The list includes actors, directors, writers, producers, musicians, executives, artist reps, publicists and below-the-liners such as casting directors, cinematographers, costume designers, film editors, makeup artists and hairstylists, production designers and sound pros.
“The Academy is proud to welcome these artists and professionals into our membership,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in a statement. “They represent extraordinary global talent across cinematic disciplines and have made a vital impact on the arts and sciences of motion pictures and on movie fans worldwide.”
As usual, the invitees include newly minted Oscar winners,...
- 6/28/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Duff McKagan has announced his third solo album, Lighthouse, due October 20th. In advance of its release, the Guns N’ Roses bassist has unveiled the title track.
The 11-song effort ends with three tracks boasting notable guest musicians: “Hope,” featuring McKagan’s Gn’R bandmate Slash; “I Just Don’t Know,” featuring Alice in Chains’ Jerry Cantrell; and “Lighthouse (Reprise)” featuring punk godfather Iggy Pop.
On the title track, McKagan sounds like a punk-rock Bob Dylan as he sings the initial verses over an acoustic guitar line for the first minute or so of the tune. From there, the song kicks in with multi-track vocals and pounding drums for the soaring chorus.
McKagan says of the new album and its theme, “The crashing…. the cresting waves, the falling through of all that surrounds you. Life sometimes tosses us around, and we feel the want of comfort and the pull of home.
The 11-song effort ends with three tracks boasting notable guest musicians: “Hope,” featuring McKagan’s Gn’R bandmate Slash; “I Just Don’t Know,” featuring Alice in Chains’ Jerry Cantrell; and “Lighthouse (Reprise)” featuring punk godfather Iggy Pop.
On the title track, McKagan sounds like a punk-rock Bob Dylan as he sings the initial verses over an acoustic guitar line for the first minute or so of the tune. From there, the song kicks in with multi-track vocals and pounding drums for the soaring chorus.
McKagan says of the new album and its theme, “The crashing…. the cresting waves, the falling through of all that surrounds you. Life sometimes tosses us around, and we feel the want of comfort and the pull of home.
- 6/14/2023
- by Spencer Kaufman
- Consequence - Music
Killer Mike’s Michael is the Mc’s first solo album since he and rapper/producer El-p formed Run the Jewels over a decade ago. Boasting a different sound and mood than the duo’s four collaborative albums, Michael emphasizes Killer Mike’s Atlanta heritage by harkening back to a style of Southern rap influenced by gospel, soul, and blues.
Traces of more contemporary Atl sounds like trap music are palpable on “Run,” which features Atlanta native Young Thug, though tracks rife with religious imagery like “High and Holy” and “Don’t Let the Devil” lean heavier on warm pianos and organs than cicada-style hi-hat fills. Unlike the more synth-based production of, say, RTJ4, most of Michael was created with live instrumentation to complement samples of Curtis Mayfield, Three 6 Mafia, and others.
Killer Mike’s tribute to his lineage extends to the women in his life on “Shed Tears,” “Motherless,...
Traces of more contemporary Atl sounds like trap music are palpable on “Run,” which features Atlanta native Young Thug, though tracks rife with religious imagery like “High and Holy” and “Don’t Let the Devil” lean heavier on warm pianos and organs than cicada-style hi-hat fills. Unlike the more synth-based production of, say, RTJ4, most of Michael was created with live instrumentation to complement samples of Curtis Mayfield, Three 6 Mafia, and others.
Killer Mike’s tribute to his lineage extends to the women in his life on “Shed Tears,” “Motherless,...
- 6/14/2023
- by Steve Erickson
- Slant Magazine
Beyonce and Jay-Z just bought themselves a picturesque view of the Pacific Ocean — and, on a clear day, quite possibly heaven — after reportedly dropping a whopping $200 million for an opulent compound in Malibu.
According to TMZ, who first broke the news, the power couple plunked down the small fortune for the 30,000-square-foot home in an area known to rich folks as Billionaire’s Row. The outlet reports the purchase price makes the sale the most expensive real estate ever sold in California, surpassing the previous record of $177 million.
For the record, the most expensive piece of real estate ever sold belongs to the state of New York, where someone bought a New York City apartment for $238 million.
As for Bey and Jay’s new digs, it’s a beaut designed by Japanese master architect Tadao Ando, whom the outlet also reports is currently designing Kanye West’s house, which is...
According to TMZ, who first broke the news, the power couple plunked down the small fortune for the 30,000-square-foot home in an area known to rich folks as Billionaire’s Row. The outlet reports the purchase price makes the sale the most expensive real estate ever sold in California, surpassing the previous record of $177 million.
For the record, the most expensive piece of real estate ever sold belongs to the state of New York, where someone bought a New York City apartment for $238 million.
As for Bey and Jay’s new digs, it’s a beaut designed by Japanese master architect Tadao Ando, whom the outlet also reports is currently designing Kanye West’s house, which is...
- 5/20/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
While Led Zeppelin is one of the greatest rock n’ roll bands ever, it would be hard to tell by looking at the charts. The main reason is that the band rarely released any singles as they wanted the focus to be on their albums. It cost them a chance at a No. 1 hit, but it didn’t seem like they cared.
Led Zeppelin never had a song reach No. 1 on the charts Led Zeppelin | Dick Barnatt/Redferns
Led Zeppelin has many memorable songs like “Stairway to Heaven”, “When the Levee Breaks”, and “Kashmir”. However, none of these songs charted well because the band rarely released singles. This most likely drove their record company, Atlantic Records, crazy, as the band’s singles would have sold tremendously well.
They did release 10 singles in the U.S., but none of them ever reached No. 1. A few of these include “Immigrant Song”, which peaked at No.
Led Zeppelin never had a song reach No. 1 on the charts Led Zeppelin | Dick Barnatt/Redferns
Led Zeppelin has many memorable songs like “Stairway to Heaven”, “When the Levee Breaks”, and “Kashmir”. However, none of these songs charted well because the band rarely released singles. This most likely drove their record company, Atlantic Records, crazy, as the band’s singles would have sold tremendously well.
They did release 10 singles in the U.S., but none of them ever reached No. 1. A few of these include “Immigrant Song”, which peaked at No.
- 5/9/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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