When asked to name her organization’s biggest accomplishment so far, Charlene Deleon-Jones, the executive director for Film AlUla and Saudi Tourism leadership board member, doesn’t hesitate to name-check Norah, the first Saudi film to crack the Cannes lineup. The Tawfik Alzaidi-helmed indie movie, which will compete in the fest’s Un Certain Regard section, was shot in AlUla, the country’s 200,000-year-old “living museum” and first Unesco World Heritage Site, with a crew that was 40 percent Saudi and includes an all-Saudi cast. The latter includes teenager Maria Bahrawi in her debut role as the titular Norah, an orphaned girl who develops a nurturing bond with Nader, an artist and new teacher in her village, played by Saudi actor Yagoub Alfarhan. “That they were able to get to this stage is really impressive,” Deleon-Jones says. “Often, people can be very focused on what is seen as their ‘international piece,...
- 5/19/2024
- by Becky Lucas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The right costume can evoke emotions and awaken a character in a way that no other part of a film can. And this is why Film AlUla, the Royal Commission for AlUla’s film agency, has just announced that Italian-Japanese artistic and creative director Nicola Formichetti is its new costume mentor for its AlUla Creates initiative.
Developing AlUla as a tourist destination is a mega project for Saudi Arabia, and Film AlUla positions this northwest region in the country as an international filming destination, building it out with facilities and infrastructure for blockbuster film production. The 2023 film Kandahar, featuring Gerard Butler, was filmed in AlUla.
So, tapping Formichetti is a strategic move by Film AlUla, as his accomplishments in fashion have created iconic pop cultural moments in history. It was Formichetti who was behind Lady Gaga’s 2009 MTV Video Music Awards appearance, with her five dress changes in Jean Paul Gaultier...
Developing AlUla as a tourist destination is a mega project for Saudi Arabia, and Film AlUla positions this northwest region in the country as an international filming destination, building it out with facilities and infrastructure for blockbuster film production. The 2023 film Kandahar, featuring Gerard Butler, was filmed in AlUla.
So, tapping Formichetti is a strategic move by Film AlUla, as his accomplishments in fashion have created iconic pop cultural moments in history. It was Formichetti who was behind Lady Gaga’s 2009 MTV Video Music Awards appearance, with her five dress changes in Jean Paul Gaultier...
- 4/2/2024
- by Allyson Portee
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Christopher Nolan’s deal with Universal for “Oppenheimer” included this: The studio, a leader in early release of films to home platforms, would need to make a very big exception.
At 122 days, “Oppenheimer” had the longest theatrical window of 2023. Compared to the year’s 84 other wide releases, it was more than triple the industry average of 37 days. Universal’s second-longest window belonged to “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which was a bigger hit than Nolan’s film but lost theatrical exclusivity after 41 days.
Studios aren’t interested in specifics around theatrical windows — or, in offering PVOD data beyond top 10 lists that offer neither financial context nor independent verification. This is our attempt to provide a full-year view of theatrical windows, after prior surveys revealed a 30-day average for the first four months of 2023 and 40 days for early summer.
Seasonal differences can be stark; all five of this January’s releases are now on PVOD,...
At 122 days, “Oppenheimer” had the longest theatrical window of 2023. Compared to the year’s 84 other wide releases, it was more than triple the industry average of 37 days. Universal’s second-longest window belonged to “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which was a bigger hit than Nolan’s film but lost theatrical exclusivity after 41 days.
Studios aren’t interested in specifics around theatrical windows — or, in offering PVOD data beyond top 10 lists that offer neither financial context nor independent verification. This is our attempt to provide a full-year view of theatrical windows, after prior surveys revealed a 30-day average for the first four months of 2023 and 40 days for early summer.
Seasonal differences can be stark; all five of this January’s releases are now on PVOD,...
- 2/25/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Acclaimed Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf will serve as jury president at the 30th Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema (Viffac), which runs from February 6-13.
Held in France, this year’s edition will spotlight Taiwanese cinema and Malayalam-language films from India. A total of 92 films from 29 countries will be screened.
Makhmalbaf’s works include A Moment of Innocence (1996), which won a special mention at the Locarno Film Festival, as well as Kandahar (2001), which won the Ecumenical Jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
Other jury members at Viffac this year include Taiwanese director Zero Chou, winner of the Golden Bear at the Berlinale in 2007, Iranian actress Fatemed Motamed-Arya and Japanese actor Shogen.
There are 17 films across the fiction and documentary competitions, which come from China, Korea, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal and Taiwan. There are two world premieres, five international premieres, six European premieres and four French premieres.
Held in France, this year’s edition will spotlight Taiwanese cinema and Malayalam-language films from India. A total of 92 films from 29 countries will be screened.
Makhmalbaf’s works include A Moment of Innocence (1996), which won a special mention at the Locarno Film Festival, as well as Kandahar (2001), which won the Ecumenical Jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
Other jury members at Viffac this year include Taiwanese director Zero Chou, winner of the Golden Bear at the Berlinale in 2007, Iranian actress Fatemed Motamed-Arya and Japanese actor Shogen.
There are 17 films across the fiction and documentary competitions, which come from China, Korea, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal and Taiwan. There are two world premieres, five international premieres, six European premieres and four French premieres.
- 2/1/2024
- by Sara Merican
- Deadline Film + TV
Update 5.05 am Pt Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for AlUla (RCA) has said it is “continuing with business as usual’ following news of the arrest of its CEO Amr Al-Madani on corruption allegations.
The organization said an acting CEO had been put in place in the wake of the legal proceedings against Al-Madani.
“We understand legal proceedings have commenced against the staff member in question and Rcu has appointed an acting CEO, Abeer Al Akel,” the Rcu said in a statement sent to Deadline in response to a request for comment on the affair.
“Rcu is continuing with business as usual and moving forward to deliver against its ambitious vision and mission,” it added.
The Rcu was created in 2017 with the mission of transforming Saudi Arabia’s heritage region of AlUla in the northwest of the country into a major creative and tourist centre under the country’s 2030 Vision strategy...
The organization said an acting CEO had been put in place in the wake of the legal proceedings against Al-Madani.
“We understand legal proceedings have commenced against the staff member in question and Rcu has appointed an acting CEO, Abeer Al Akel,” the Rcu said in a statement sent to Deadline in response to a request for comment on the affair.
“Rcu is continuing with business as usual and moving forward to deliver against its ambitious vision and mission,” it added.
The Rcu was created in 2017 with the mission of transforming Saudi Arabia’s heritage region of AlUla in the northwest of the country into a major creative and tourist centre under the country’s 2030 Vision strategy...
- 1/31/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow and Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Amr Al-Madani, the CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for AlUla (Rcu) has been arrested in connection to allegations of corruption.
Nazaha, Saudia Arabia’s oversight and anti-corruption authority, posted a statement on Sunday saying Al-Madani had been arrested for his involvement in “crimes of abuse of authority and money laundering.”
He is accused of benefiting from “illegally obtained contracts” valued at around $55 million made between Saudia Arabia’s sustainable energy research sector and the National Talents Company, a group he partially owns. Al Madani is also accused of directly profiting from the projects through money transfers from two family members employed by the company, who, according to Nazaha, have also been arrested and confessed to their involvement. Al-Madani is in custody awaiting prosecution. He has been replaced as acting head of the commission by Abeer Al Akel.
Nazaha said Al-Madani continued to hold a stake in National Talents...
Nazaha, Saudia Arabia’s oversight and anti-corruption authority, posted a statement on Sunday saying Al-Madani had been arrested for his involvement in “crimes of abuse of authority and money laundering.”
He is accused of benefiting from “illegally obtained contracts” valued at around $55 million made between Saudia Arabia’s sustainable energy research sector and the National Talents Company, a group he partially owns. Al Madani is also accused of directly profiting from the projects through money transfers from two family members employed by the company, who, according to Nazaha, have also been arrested and confessed to their involvement. Al-Madani is in custody awaiting prosecution. He has been replaced as acting head of the commission by Abeer Al Akel.
Nazaha said Al-Madani continued to hold a stake in National Talents...
- 1/31/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Here’s the beautiful thing about David Ayer’s “The Beekeeper,” which is essentially a “John Wick” ripoff starring Jason Statham as a former top-secret government assassin who violently unretires after someone kills his bees: If for some twisted reason you showed me this movie right after I’d woken up from a 10-year coma and told me it was opening in theaters that Friday, I might not have any idea what year I was in, but I would know — within five minutes, and beyond a shadow of a doubt — that it was the second weekend of January.
Too silly for late August, too memorable for streaming, and so committed to its own stupidity that it starts to feel like smart counter-programming for prestige fare like “Poor Things” and “American Fiction,” “The Beekeeper” could reorient a lost critic to their current place in the film calendar as reliably as the...
Too silly for late August, too memorable for streaming, and so committed to its own stupidity that it starts to feel like smart counter-programming for prestige fare like “Poor Things” and “American Fiction,” “The Beekeeper” could reorient a lost critic to their current place in the film calendar as reliably as the...
- 1/10/2024
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
Gerard Butler is returning to the How to Train Your Dragon fold, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. The actor will reprise the father role of Stoick the Vast in the live-action remake that hails from original co-director Dean DeBlois.
The Black Phone‘s Mason Thames and The Last of Us‘ Nico Parker are leading the project, playing Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel in the original) and Astrid (America Ferrera), respectively. Universal has set a June 13, 2025 date for the project.
The original DreamWorks Animation trilogy was based on the books by Cressida Cowell, and told the story of a viking boy and his dragon, Toothless. The trilogy was released from 2010-19 and grossed more than $1.6 billion globally.
Marc Platt is producing via Marc Platt Productions alongside Adam Siegel, president of Platt’s banner. Lexi Barta is overseeing for Universal.
Butler broke out with the 2006 feature 300 and recently led the Lionsgate actioner...
The Black Phone‘s Mason Thames and The Last of Us‘ Nico Parker are leading the project, playing Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel in the original) and Astrid (America Ferrera), respectively. Universal has set a June 13, 2025 date for the project.
The original DreamWorks Animation trilogy was based on the books by Cressida Cowell, and told the story of a viking boy and his dragon, Toothless. The trilogy was released from 2010-19 and grossed more than $1.6 billion globally.
Marc Platt is producing via Marc Platt Productions alongside Adam Siegel, president of Platt’s banner. Lexi Barta is overseeing for Universal.
Butler broke out with the 2006 feature 300 and recently led the Lionsgate actioner...
- 1/5/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Universal Pictures’ live-action adaptation of the DreamWorks Animation franchise How to Train Your Dragon is bringing back a familiar face, as sources tell Deadline that Gerard Butler, who voiced Hiccup’s father Stoick in the original movies, will reprise the role. Mason Thames and Nico Parker are set to star as Hiccup and Astrid, with Dean DeBlois directing, writing and producing.
The film is set to bow on June 13, 2025.
The new pic will draw audiences deep into Dwa’s imaginative lore. Working from a single narrative tapestry, the adventures of Hiccup and Toothless have captivated fans across three films that have grossed more than $1.6 billion combined.
Marc Platt is producing the live-action movie for his Universal-based Marc Platt Productions alongside Marc Platt Productions president Adam Siegel. VP Production Lexi Barta will oversee the film on behalf of Universal.
While the studio went with new faces for Hiccup and...
The film is set to bow on June 13, 2025.
The new pic will draw audiences deep into Dwa’s imaginative lore. Working from a single narrative tapestry, the adventures of Hiccup and Toothless have captivated fans across three films that have grossed more than $1.6 billion combined.
Marc Platt is producing the live-action movie for his Universal-based Marc Platt Productions alongside Marc Platt Productions president Adam Siegel. VP Production Lexi Barta will oversee the film on behalf of Universal.
While the studio went with new faces for Hiccup and...
- 1/5/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Known for her work in ‘Kandahar’ and ‘Jugjugg Jeeyo’, among others, actress, model and singer Elnaaz Norouzi is now set to enthrall her fans with a cover of the Iranian song ‘Jamal Jamaalo’, which holds a special place in her heart.
The original Iranian song has been sung by Omid Jahan. The song recently became a hit with its inclusion in the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer action movie ‘Animal’. It is titled as ‘Jamal Kudu’.
The song featured actor Bobby Deol, who got a raving review over his entry in the film with this track.
Bobby’s entry song in the movie went viral in no time. His character Abrar enters dancing to ‘Jamal Kudu’, which has left a lasting impression. The peppy track is half-a-century old and finds its roots in Iranian poet Bijan Samandar.
Now, Elnaaz will enthrall her fans with a cover of the Iranian song. Being of Iranian descent herself,...
The original Iranian song has been sung by Omid Jahan. The song recently became a hit with its inclusion in the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer action movie ‘Animal’. It is titled as ‘Jamal Kudu’.
The song featured actor Bobby Deol, who got a raving review over his entry in the film with this track.
Bobby’s entry song in the movie went viral in no time. His character Abrar enters dancing to ‘Jamal Kudu’, which has left a lasting impression. The peppy track is half-a-century old and finds its roots in Iranian poet Bijan Samandar.
Now, Elnaaz will enthrall her fans with a cover of the Iranian song. Being of Iranian descent herself,...
- 12/29/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Mumbai, Dec 5 (Ians) With releases such as ‘Kandahar’ and ‘Khufiya’, actor Ali Fazal feels grateful that the year 2023 has been spectacular for him.
Ali Fazal expressed his gratitude and readiness for 2024. He said: “I’m genuinely grateful for the incredible opportunities and experiences these projects have brought in the last one year. I’m genuinely excited for ‘Mirzapur 3,’ as we know what is in store.”
“With this project coming for a return and working with the like of Anurag Basu, and few other new exciting news on the way, I’m excited to keep pushing the boundaries and ever evolving as an actor and delivering memorable performances.”
In ‘Kandahar’, Ali played the role of Kahil, one of the main antagonists in the movie. In ‘Khufiya’, he played Anand Mohan, a traitor.
He added: “It’s been quite a year with the two films one here and one in the west both having found incredible success,...
Ali Fazal expressed his gratitude and readiness for 2024. He said: “I’m genuinely grateful for the incredible opportunities and experiences these projects have brought in the last one year. I’m genuinely excited for ‘Mirzapur 3,’ as we know what is in store.”
“With this project coming for a return and working with the like of Anurag Basu, and few other new exciting news on the way, I’m excited to keep pushing the boundaries and ever evolving as an actor and delivering memorable performances.”
In ‘Kandahar’, Ali played the role of Kahil, one of the main antagonists in the movie. In ‘Khufiya’, he played Anand Mohan, a traitor.
He added: “It’s been quite a year with the two films one here and one in the west both having found incredible success,...
- 12/5/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Mumbai, Dec 5 (Ians) With releases such as ‘Kandahar’ and ‘Khufiya’, actor Ali Fazal feels grateful that the year 2023 has been spectacular for him.
Ali Fazal expressed his gratitude and readiness for 2024. He said: “I’m genuinely grateful for the incredible opportunities and experiences these projects have brought in the last one year. I’m genuinely excited for ‘Mirzapur 3,’ as we know what is in store.”
“With this project coming for a return and working with the like of Anurag Basu, and few other new exciting news on the way, I’m excited to keep pushing the boundaries and ever evolving as an actor and delivering memorable performances.”
In ‘Kandahar’, Ali played the role of Kahil, one of the main antagonists in the movie. In ‘Khufiya’, he played Anand Mohan, a traitor.
He added: “It’s been quite a year with the two films one here and one in the west both having found incredible success,...
Ali Fazal expressed his gratitude and readiness for 2024. He said: “I’m genuinely grateful for the incredible opportunities and experiences these projects have brought in the last one year. I’m genuinely excited for ‘Mirzapur 3,’ as we know what is in store.”
“With this project coming for a return and working with the like of Anurag Basu, and few other new exciting news on the way, I’m excited to keep pushing the boundaries and ever evolving as an actor and delivering memorable performances.”
In ‘Kandahar’, Ali played the role of Kahil, one of the main antagonists in the movie. In ‘Khufiya’, he played Anand Mohan, a traitor.
He added: “It’s been quite a year with the two films one here and one in the west both having found incredible success,...
- 12/5/2023
- by Agency News Desk
While introducing the Middle East and North Africa premiere of John Woo’s “Silent Night” at the Red Sea Film Festival, actor Joel Kinnaman emphasized the rare opportunity to have “everyone in the world watching the same film.” The actor is referring to the fact that Woo’s first U.S. film in 20 years features no language — no spoken language, that is — and so needs no subtitles.
The characters in the revenge thriller have not a single line of dialogue throughout the film, with the only snippets of speech coming from diegetic music, a few brief radio broadcasts and phone messages.
Speaking with Variety in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Swede said he had a suspicion early on that the film was going to translate in a way that “no other film does.”
“I grew up watching subtitled films but there is always a nuance in the language that gets lost.
The characters in the revenge thriller have not a single line of dialogue throughout the film, with the only snippets of speech coming from diegetic music, a few brief radio broadcasts and phone messages.
Speaking with Variety in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Swede said he had a suspicion early on that the film was going to translate in a way that “no other film does.”
“I grew up watching subtitled films but there is always a nuance in the language that gets lost.
- 12/3/2023
- by Rafa Sales Ross
- Variety Film + TV
The films are the first two titles in a 10-project deal between Stampede Ventures and Film AlUla.
Kidnap thriller Fourth Wall and romance adaptation Chasing Red have been revealed as the first two projects in a partnership between US outfit Stampede Ventures and Saudi Arabia’s Film AlUla.
It kicks off an agreement secured in October, which will bring 10 productions worth $350m to the region in north-west Saudi Arabia over the next three years. The announcement was made at Red Sea International Film Festival.
Stampede Ventures CEO Greg Silverman is a producer of Fourth Wall alongside Jon Berg. The thriller...
Kidnap thriller Fourth Wall and romance adaptation Chasing Red have been revealed as the first two projects in a partnership between US outfit Stampede Ventures and Saudi Arabia’s Film AlUla.
It kicks off an agreement secured in October, which will bring 10 productions worth $350m to the region in north-west Saudi Arabia over the next three years. The announcement was made at Red Sea International Film Festival.
Stampede Ventures CEO Greg Silverman is a producer of Fourth Wall alongside Jon Berg. The thriller...
- 12/2/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Kidnap thriller “Fourth Wall” and romance story “Chasing Red” are the first two titles to be shot at Saudi Arabia’s Film AlUla as part of its partnership with Hollywood indie Stampede Ventures.
The film entity, which is looking to attract international productions to a spectacular swathe of northwest Saudi, recently announced its partnership with Stampede Ventures that will bring 10 productions to the region over the next three years with a projected $350 million spend.
Stampede is headed by U.S. industry veteran Greg Silverman, former president of creative development and physical production at Warner Bros. Silverman launched Stampede Ventures in 2018.
Stampede Ventures and Wattpad Webtoon Studios teamed up on “Chasing Red,” which is a popular web novel by Isabelle Ronin centered around a straight-a student named Veronica and rich playboy called Caleb. Silverman will serve as lead producer on “Chasing Red” with Berg while Yu, Bosco, Tadross and Torre will...
The film entity, which is looking to attract international productions to a spectacular swathe of northwest Saudi, recently announced its partnership with Stampede Ventures that will bring 10 productions to the region over the next three years with a projected $350 million spend.
Stampede is headed by U.S. industry veteran Greg Silverman, former president of creative development and physical production at Warner Bros. Silverman launched Stampede Ventures in 2018.
Stampede Ventures and Wattpad Webtoon Studios teamed up on “Chasing Red,” which is a popular web novel by Isabelle Ronin centered around a straight-a student named Veronica and rich playboy called Caleb. Silverman will serve as lead producer on “Chasing Red” with Berg while Yu, Bosco, Tadross and Torre will...
- 12/2/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Stampede Ventures’ adaptation of Isabell Ronin’s YA romance webnovel Chasing Red will shoot in Saudi Arabia, it was announced at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah on Saturday.
The production is one of two films, alongside thriller Fourth Wall, that will kick-off a previously announced three-year, 10-project pact between Greg Silverman’s West Hollywood-based Stampede Ventures and the Royal Commission for AlUla’s film agency.
The news follows hot on the heels of the announcement this week by Stampede Ventures that the Chasing Red adaptation was in the works, in partnership with Wattpad Webtoon Studios.
The romantic drama revolves around straight-a student Veronica and rich playboy Caleb, who are brought together by an unexpected series of events.
Jessika Borsiczky is signed to direct, and casting is underway. Silverman is serving as producer with Jon Berg, while Gideon Yu, Chris Bosco, Mike Tadross and Grant Torre will be credited as Executive Producers.
The production is one of two films, alongside thriller Fourth Wall, that will kick-off a previously announced three-year, 10-project pact between Greg Silverman’s West Hollywood-based Stampede Ventures and the Royal Commission for AlUla’s film agency.
The news follows hot on the heels of the announcement this week by Stampede Ventures that the Chasing Red adaptation was in the works, in partnership with Wattpad Webtoon Studios.
The romantic drama revolves around straight-a student Veronica and rich playboy Caleb, who are brought together by an unexpected series of events.
Jessika Borsiczky is signed to direct, and casting is underway. Silverman is serving as producer with Jon Berg, while Gideon Yu, Chris Bosco, Mike Tadross and Grant Torre will be credited as Executive Producers.
- 12/2/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
There’s not much time left to get Hulu’s best bargain of the entire year!
It can be far too easy to miss the best streaming deals of the season at this time of year. There are a hundred different demands on one’s attention around the holidays, and Thanksgiving can leave shoppers stuffed and befuddled for days.
Fortunately, The Streamable is here to help remind consumers of the best streaming deals available. Hulu is offering an incredible price. New customers can subscribe to ad-supported Hulu for $0.99 per month for 12 months, a savings of 82%. But you’ve only got until 11:59 p.m. Pt on Tuesday, Nov. 28 to get this deal, so sign up now!
How to Get Hulu’s $0.99 per Month for 12 Months Deal Before it Expires Click here to get Hulu's deal now. Pick the ad-supported plan when checking out. Create your account, enter your payment information,...
It can be far too easy to miss the best streaming deals of the season at this time of year. There are a hundred different demands on one’s attention around the holidays, and Thanksgiving can leave shoppers stuffed and befuddled for days.
Fortunately, The Streamable is here to help remind consumers of the best streaming deals available. Hulu is offering an incredible price. New customers can subscribe to ad-supported Hulu for $0.99 per month for 12 months, a savings of 82%. But you’ve only got until 11:59 p.m. Pt on Tuesday, Nov. 28 to get this deal, so sign up now!
How to Get Hulu’s $0.99 per Month for 12 Months Deal Before it Expires Click here to get Hulu's deal now. Pick the ad-supported plan when checking out. Create your account, enter your payment information,...
- 11/27/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Asia Argento (“The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things”), Frances Barber (“A Bird Flew In”), Tamer Hassan (“The Football Factory”), Laura Whitmore (“Sadhbh”) and child actor Erin Ainsworth have joined the cast of “A Mother for an Hour.”
The film, which is being directed by Giga Agladze, follows the story of a woman who poses as the lost mother of a dying child and discovers through this act a world of deceit and violence.
Agladze’s most recent movie is surrealistic drama “The Other Me” (2022), starring Jim Sturgess and Andrea Pejic, executive produced by David Lynch.
“A Mother for an Hour” is being produced by Kirsty Bell, Goldfinch CEO and co-founder of The Number 44, and Ben Charles Edwards, also a co-founder of The Number 44. The executive producers are Phil McKenzie and David Kereselidze. It is shooting in the North of England, predominantly in Newcastle, Hartlepool and surrounding areas.
Production...
The film, which is being directed by Giga Agladze, follows the story of a woman who poses as the lost mother of a dying child and discovers through this act a world of deceit and violence.
Agladze’s most recent movie is surrealistic drama “The Other Me” (2022), starring Jim Sturgess and Andrea Pejic, executive produced by David Lynch.
“A Mother for an Hour” is being produced by Kirsty Bell, Goldfinch CEO and co-founder of The Number 44, and Ben Charles Edwards, also a co-founder of The Number 44. The executive producers are Phil McKenzie and David Kereselidze. It is shooting in the North of England, predominantly in Newcastle, Hartlepool and surrounding areas.
Production...
- 11/6/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Saudi Arabia’s Film AlUla, the film entity looking to attract international productions to a sprawling area of desert and giant boulders, has forged a partnership with Hollywood indie Stampede Ventures, bringing 10 productions to the region over the next three years with a projected $350 million spend.
The groundbreaking agreement with Stampede marks the first deal of this scale between Hollywood and Saudi since the kingdom lifted its ban on cinema in late 2017. Stampede is headed by U.S. industry veteran Greg Silverman, former president of creative development and physical production at Warner Bros. Silverman launched Stampede Ventures in 2018.
“It’s a huge step forward,” Film AlUla executive director Charlene Deleon-Jones told Variety, noting that the pact follows a successful partnership with Stampede on the film “K-Pops!,” the directorial debut of multiple Grammy-winner Anderson .Paak. That film is being partly shot in the spectacular swathe of northwest Saudi that boasts an...
The groundbreaking agreement with Stampede marks the first deal of this scale between Hollywood and Saudi since the kingdom lifted its ban on cinema in late 2017. Stampede is headed by U.S. industry veteran Greg Silverman, former president of creative development and physical production at Warner Bros. Silverman launched Stampede Ventures in 2018.
“It’s a huge step forward,” Film AlUla executive director Charlene Deleon-Jones told Variety, noting that the pact follows a successful partnership with Stampede on the film “K-Pops!,” the directorial debut of multiple Grammy-winner Anderson .Paak. That film is being partly shot in the spectacular swathe of northwest Saudi that boasts an...
- 11/2/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Malayalam megastar Mohanlal is best known for his acting which has made him an icon in the Malayalam film industry. However, the megastar also holds the honourary rank of Lieutenant Colonel as he was part of the Territorial Army.
The actor on Wednesday wished his regiment and battalion on their 75th Raising Day.
Sharing a picture of himself with his battalion on X, the ‘Drishyam’ star wrote: “As a proud Terrier from the 122 Infantry Battalion Ta Madras, I wish my battalion a Happy Raising Day! May you continue to stand tall, strong, and proud in service to the nation. Jai Hind!”
Prior to becoming an actor, Mohanlal reportedly wanted to join the Indian Army but he was unable to clear the test.
His respect for the uniform, however, continued and as an actor he has time and again honoured the Indian armed forces, expressing immense gratitude for the country’s bravehearts through his interviews,...
The actor on Wednesday wished his regiment and battalion on their 75th Raising Day.
Sharing a picture of himself with his battalion on X, the ‘Drishyam’ star wrote: “As a proud Terrier from the 122 Infantry Battalion Ta Madras, I wish my battalion a Happy Raising Day! May you continue to stand tall, strong, and proud in service to the nation. Jai Hind!”
Prior to becoming an actor, Mohanlal reportedly wanted to join the Indian Army but he was unable to clear the test.
His respect for the uniform, however, continued and as an actor he has time and again honoured the Indian armed forces, expressing immense gratitude for the country’s bravehearts through his interviews,...
- 11/1/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Malayalam megastar Mohanlal is best known for his acting which has made him an icon in the Malayalam film industry. However, the megastar also holds the honourary rank of Lieutenant Colonel as he was part of the Territorial Army.
The actor on Wednesday wished his regiment and battalion on their 75th Raising Day.
Sharing a picture of himself with his battalion on X, the ‘Drishyam’ star wrote: “As a proud Terrier from the 122 Infantry Battalion Ta Madras, I wish my battalion a Happy Raising Day! May you continue to stand tall, strong, and proud in service to the nation. Jai Hind!”
Prior to becoming an actor, Mohanlal reportedly wanted to join the Indian Army but he was unable to clear the test.
His respect for the uniform, however, continued and as an actor he has time and again honoured the Indian armed forces, expressing immense gratitude for the country’s bravehearts through his interviews,...
The actor on Wednesday wished his regiment and battalion on their 75th Raising Day.
Sharing a picture of himself with his battalion on X, the ‘Drishyam’ star wrote: “As a proud Terrier from the 122 Infantry Battalion Ta Madras, I wish my battalion a Happy Raising Day! May you continue to stand tall, strong, and proud in service to the nation. Jai Hind!”
Prior to becoming an actor, Mohanlal reportedly wanted to join the Indian Army but he was unable to clear the test.
His respect for the uniform, however, continued and as an actor he has time and again honoured the Indian armed forces, expressing immense gratitude for the country’s bravehearts through his interviews,...
- 11/1/2023
- by Agency News Desk
Exclusive: Neill Blomkamp’s alien abduction thriller They Found Us has shut down pre-production in Saudi Arabia as it reworks its finance structure, we have learned.
Suicide Squad and For All Mankind star Joel Kinnaman is attached to star in the AGC Studios-backed movie, which was due to get underway in coming weeks. Cast had yet to travel to set.
A growing number of sizeable English-language movies are choosing to film in Saudi Arabia. Among big productions to recently shoot in the territory have been AGC’s Anthony Mackie pic Desert Warrior — currently in post-production — and Gerard Butler movie Kandahar. They Found Us is among a handful of U.S. productions being made in collaboration with Saudi production hub Neom.
The move to restructure the finance plan behind the independent movie comes just as tension in the region is growing due to the Israel-Gaza crisis.
Neom is hundreds of miles from Gaza,...
Suicide Squad and For All Mankind star Joel Kinnaman is attached to star in the AGC Studios-backed movie, which was due to get underway in coming weeks. Cast had yet to travel to set.
A growing number of sizeable English-language movies are choosing to film in Saudi Arabia. Among big productions to recently shoot in the territory have been AGC’s Anthony Mackie pic Desert Warrior — currently in post-production — and Gerard Butler movie Kandahar. They Found Us is among a handful of U.S. productions being made in collaboration with Saudi production hub Neom.
The move to restructure the finance plan behind the independent movie comes just as tension in the region is growing due to the Israel-Gaza crisis.
Neom is hundreds of miles from Gaza,...
- 10/17/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, who has recently collaborated with actor Ali Fazal for the spy thriller ‘Khufiya’, shared how he was fascinated by the latter’s previous performances, saying he was looking for an opportunity to work with him.
Ali is best known for his role of Guddu Pandit in the action crime thriller web series ‘Mirzapur’. Apart from Ali, it also stars Pankaj Tripathi, Shweta Tripathi Shamra, Divyenndu, Vikrant Massey, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rasika Dugal, Harshita Gaur and Kulbhushan Kharbanda in pivotal roles.
The actor is also known for his work in projects like ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Fukrey’, ‘Sonali Cable’, ‘Milan Talkies’, amongst many others.
In the Vishal Bhardwaj directorial ‘Khufiya’, Ali plays the character of Ravi Mohan.
Talking about casting Ali in the film, the National Film Award-winning director told Ians: “I have been seeing him for such a long time. Everyone has seen his work in ‘Mirzapur’. Entire country loved his performance.
Ali is best known for his role of Guddu Pandit in the action crime thriller web series ‘Mirzapur’. Apart from Ali, it also stars Pankaj Tripathi, Shweta Tripathi Shamra, Divyenndu, Vikrant Massey, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rasika Dugal, Harshita Gaur and Kulbhushan Kharbanda in pivotal roles.
The actor is also known for his work in projects like ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Fukrey’, ‘Sonali Cable’, ‘Milan Talkies’, amongst many others.
In the Vishal Bhardwaj directorial ‘Khufiya’, Ali plays the character of Ravi Mohan.
Talking about casting Ali in the film, the National Film Award-winning director told Ians: “I have been seeing him for such a long time. Everyone has seen his work in ‘Mirzapur’. Entire country loved his performance.
- 10/7/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, who has recently collaborated with actor Ali Fazal for the spy thriller ‘Khufiya’, shared how he was fascinated by the latter’s previous performances, saying he was looking for an opportunity to work with him.
Ali is best known for his role of Guddu Pandit in the action crime thriller web series ‘Mirzapur’. Apart from Ali, it also stars Pankaj Tripathi, Shweta Tripathi Shamra, Divyenndu, Vikrant Massey, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rasika Dugal, Harshita Gaur and Kulbhushan Kharbanda in pivotal roles.
The actor is also known for his work in projects like ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Fukrey’, ‘Sonali Cable’, ‘Milan Talkies’, amongst many others.
In the Vishal Bhardwaj directorial ‘Khufiya’, Ali plays the character of Ravi Mohan.
Talking about casting Ali in the film, the National Film Award-winning director told Ians: “I have been seeing him for such a long time. Everyone has seen his work in ‘Mirzapur’. Entire country loved his performance.
Ali is best known for his role of Guddu Pandit in the action crime thriller web series ‘Mirzapur’. Apart from Ali, it also stars Pankaj Tripathi, Shweta Tripathi Shamra, Divyenndu, Vikrant Massey, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rasika Dugal, Harshita Gaur and Kulbhushan Kharbanda in pivotal roles.
The actor is also known for his work in projects like ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Fukrey’, ‘Sonali Cable’, ‘Milan Talkies’, amongst many others.
In the Vishal Bhardwaj directorial ‘Khufiya’, Ali plays the character of Ravi Mohan.
Talking about casting Ali in the film, the National Film Award-winning director told Ians: “I have been seeing him for such a long time. Everyone has seen his work in ‘Mirzapur’. Entire country loved his performance.
- 10/7/2023
- by Agency News Desk
The feature will tell the story of a legendary Arabian warrior and celebrated poet.
Simon West, the UK director of Con Air and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, is set to film historic drama Antara in Saudi Arabia’s Neom.
Based on a true story, the feature centres on Antara ibn Shaddad, an imprisoned warrior who won his freedom to become a knight and one of the most celebrated poets in Arabian history.
The film is co-produced by Irish writer and producer Alexander Amartei. Celtic Films Entertainment CEO Stuart Sutherland is also a co-producer through his Jeddah-based production company Celtic Arabia.
Simon West, the UK director of Con Air and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, is set to film historic drama Antara in Saudi Arabia’s Neom.
Based on a true story, the feature centres on Antara ibn Shaddad, an imprisoned warrior who won his freedom to become a knight and one of the most celebrated poets in Arabian history.
The film is co-produced by Irish writer and producer Alexander Amartei. Celtic Films Entertainment CEO Stuart Sutherland is also a co-producer through his Jeddah-based production company Celtic Arabia.
- 9/3/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
British director Simon West is set to direct Saudi Arabia-set epic “Antara” that will be shot in Neom, the sprawling production hub in Saudi Arabia’s northwestern corner.
The English-language blockbuster, based on Arab history, is the tale of Antara ibn Shaddad, a slave warrior who was propelled to mythical status in the sixth century after winning his freedom and becoming a beloved knight and a widely celebrated Bedouin poet in the region.
“Antara,” which was announced during the Venice Film Festival — where there is a strong Saudi industry presence — is co-produced by Irish entrepreneur, writer and producer Alexander Amartei. British producer Stuart Sutherland, CEO of Celtic Films Entertainment, is co-producing through his Celtic Arabia shingle. Sutherland, whose credits include “Killing Eve” and Saudi-set “Born a King,” co-produced recently released action thriller “Kandahar,” starring Gerard Butler, which was also shot in the kingdom.
The budget on “Antara,” which is bound to be substantial,...
The English-language blockbuster, based on Arab history, is the tale of Antara ibn Shaddad, a slave warrior who was propelled to mythical status in the sixth century after winning his freedom and becoming a beloved knight and a widely celebrated Bedouin poet in the region.
“Antara,” which was announced during the Venice Film Festival — where there is a strong Saudi industry presence — is co-produced by Irish entrepreneur, writer and producer Alexander Amartei. British producer Stuart Sutherland, CEO of Celtic Films Entertainment, is co-producing through his Celtic Arabia shingle. Sutherland, whose credits include “Killing Eve” and Saudi-set “Born a King,” co-produced recently released action thriller “Kandahar,” starring Gerard Butler, which was also shot in the kingdom.
The budget on “Antara,” which is bound to be substantial,...
- 9/3/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Con-Air and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider director Simon West will shoot his upcoming historic drama Antara in Saudi Arabia in the country’s growing production hub of Neom.
Based on a true story, the film revolves around Antara ibn Shaddad, an imprisoned warrior who was propelled to stardom in the sixth century, both as a knight and a poet.
The film is co-produced by writer and producer Alexander Amartei and producer Stuart Sutherland. Sutherland has experience of working in Saudi Arabia, having been a co-producer on the Gerard Butler-starring action picture Kandahar, which also shot in the country.
The production is scheduled to spend 12 weeks at Neom in northwest Saudi Arabia from early 2024.
The film will tap into Neom’s 40% cash rebate for feature films, TV dramas, reality shows, documentaries and commercials. It will be based at Neom...
Based on a true story, the film revolves around Antara ibn Shaddad, an imprisoned warrior who was propelled to stardom in the sixth century, both as a knight and a poet.
The film is co-produced by writer and producer Alexander Amartei and producer Stuart Sutherland. Sutherland has experience of working in Saudi Arabia, having been a co-producer on the Gerard Butler-starring action picture Kandahar, which also shot in the country.
The production is scheduled to spend 12 weeks at Neom in northwest Saudi Arabia from early 2024.
The film will tap into Neom’s 40% cash rebate for feature films, TV dramas, reality shows, documentaries and commercials. It will be based at Neom...
- 9/3/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Simon West, the director of Con Air, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and The Expendables 2, has set his next movie.
Based on a true story, swords-and-sandals epic Antara will follow Antara ibn Shaddad, a slave in the sixth century who won his freedom and became a knight and one of the most famous poets in ancient Arabia. The film will be set against the backdrop of the Neom region in northwest Saudi Arabia and is co-produced by writer and producer Alexander Amartei. Celtic Arabia’s Stuart Sutherland (Killing Eve, Born A King, The Man Who Fell To Earth), is also a co-producer and recently co-produced Kandahar, starring Gerard Butler, in the Kingdom.
Production in Neom, home to a proposed $500 billion megacity, is scheduled for 12 weeks to commence in early 2024, based at Bajdah Studios and tapping into the region’s 40 percent cash rebate program.
“Bringing the story of Antara ibn Shaddad...
Based on a true story, swords-and-sandals epic Antara will follow Antara ibn Shaddad, a slave in the sixth century who won his freedom and became a knight and one of the most famous poets in ancient Arabia. The film will be set against the backdrop of the Neom region in northwest Saudi Arabia and is co-produced by writer and producer Alexander Amartei. Celtic Arabia’s Stuart Sutherland (Killing Eve, Born A King, The Man Who Fell To Earth), is also a co-producer and recently co-produced Kandahar, starring Gerard Butler, in the Kingdom.
Production in Neom, home to a proposed $500 billion megacity, is scheduled for 12 weeks to commence in early 2024, based at Bajdah Studios and tapping into the region’s 40 percent cash rebate program.
“Bringing the story of Antara ibn Shaddad...
- 9/3/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warner Bros. isn’t happy with industry consensus appointing “Gran Turismo” as the weekend’s top-grossing film, beating “Barbie.”. It will be small solace, but Warners’ “Meg 2: The Trench” is the dominant title on this week’s VOD charts.
“Meg 2” moved to PVOD after 21 days — a quick turnaround previously reserved for Max exclusives and/or lower-budget titles like “Magic Mike’s Last Dance” and “House Party.” However, “Meg 2” is the $130 million sequel to a film that grossed over $500 million worldwide.
It dropped Friday and quickly reached #1 at iTunes. It also is #1 at Vudu, more impressive since its chart covers seven days and “it “Meg 2” was available for only three of them. Google Play, as always lagging a few days behind, has it at #3 and rising.
“Meg 2” opened two weeks after “Barbie,” yet came to PVOD at least 11 days ahead of Greta Gerwig’s #1 film for 2023. Though not confirmed, the PVOD...
“Meg 2” moved to PVOD after 21 days — a quick turnaround previously reserved for Max exclusives and/or lower-budget titles like “Magic Mike’s Last Dance” and “House Party.” However, “Meg 2” is the $130 million sequel to a film that grossed over $500 million worldwide.
It dropped Friday and quickly reached #1 at iTunes. It also is #1 at Vudu, more impressive since its chart covers seven days and “it “Meg 2” was available for only three of them. Google Play, as always lagging a few days behind, has it at #3 and rising.
“Meg 2” opened two weeks after “Barbie,” yet came to PVOD at least 11 days ahead of Greta Gerwig’s #1 film for 2023. Though not confirmed, the PVOD...
- 8/28/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
This week, the top title for at-home viewing is all a matter of perspective. New releases “Elemental” (Disney) and “No Hard Feelings” (Sony) took the top position at Vudu and iTunes, respectively, while last week’s unanimous #1 “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (Sony) kept the lead spot at GooglePlay. With “The Pope’s Exorcist” now #1 at Netflix, Sony topped three out of four lists.
Expect more changes to come: “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” (Paramount) reportedly debuts August 29 and unconfirmed reports have the PVOD of “Barbie” (Warner Bros.) as soon as September 5.
It’s notable that “Elemental” doesn’t dominate. The Pixar film sustained a better-than-anticipated theatrical run of $151 million domestic — five times its opening weekend — and $458 million worldwide. But with a reported $200 million production cost before marketing, it needs a very strong post-theatrical response that starts with PVOD.
Both “Elemental” and “No Hard Feelings” debuted as $19.99 sale titles rather than 72-hour rentals.
Expect more changes to come: “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” (Paramount) reportedly debuts August 29 and unconfirmed reports have the PVOD of “Barbie” (Warner Bros.) as soon as September 5.
It’s notable that “Elemental” doesn’t dominate. The Pixar film sustained a better-than-anticipated theatrical run of $151 million domestic — five times its opening weekend — and $458 million worldwide. But with a reported $200 million production cost before marketing, it needs a very strong post-theatrical response that starts with PVOD.
Both “Elemental” and “No Hard Feelings” debuted as $19.99 sale titles rather than 72-hour rentals.
- 8/21/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Amazon Prime Video France has signed a multi-year deal with leading French independent distributor Metropolitan FilmExport to bring over 100 movies to local subscribers.
Metropolitan FilmExport ranks as one of France’s top purveyors of U.S. franchise films, such as “Lord of the Rings,” “Hunger Games,” and “John Wick.” As such, this deal positions Prime Video in France as a home for premium content for wide audiences.
The streamer will also get access to new movies, which will land straight on the service in France without being released in local theaters and will be labeled Prime Video Exclusives. These include Gerard Butler title “Kandahar” directed by Ric Roman Waugh and “Kali,” Julien Seri’s (“Yamazaki”) action-packed revenge film starring Sabrina Ouazani. Prime Video also picked up “Kali” for Latin America, along with France.
The landmark deal will mark Prime Video’s most extensive pact signed with a French distribution company.
Metropolitan FilmExport ranks as one of France’s top purveyors of U.S. franchise films, such as “Lord of the Rings,” “Hunger Games,” and “John Wick.” As such, this deal positions Prime Video in France as a home for premium content for wide audiences.
The streamer will also get access to new movies, which will land straight on the service in France without being released in local theaters and will be labeled Prime Video Exclusives. These include Gerard Butler title “Kandahar” directed by Ric Roman Waugh and “Kali,” Julien Seri’s (“Yamazaki”) action-packed revenge film starring Sabrina Ouazani. Prime Video also picked up “Kali” for Latin America, along with France.
The landmark deal will mark Prime Video’s most extensive pact signed with a French distribution company.
- 8/2/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The United Arab Emirates capital of Abu Dhabi has unveiled plans to build a major studio complex.
Announced by state-owned media hub twofour54, the project — entitled twofour54 studios and due for completion in 2025 — is set to span 400,000 square meters and will include 11 soundstages, a 3,000 square-meter exterior water tank and six standing sets, alongside 7000 square-meters of office space and other production facilities.
Abu Dhabi has already become a much-used backdrop for major Hollywood and Bollywood productions, with Dune, Star Wars and Fast and Furious all using it as an exterior location. More recently, major scenes from Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 were shot in the Emirate. The building of soundstages, however, would suggest there are hopes it can now become major destination for international projects beyond it on-location shoots.
The move also comes just as Abu Dhabi’s neighboring Saudi Arabia has begun to emerge as a major global location, backed...
Announced by state-owned media hub twofour54, the project — entitled twofour54 studios and due for completion in 2025 — is set to span 400,000 square meters and will include 11 soundstages, a 3,000 square-meter exterior water tank and six standing sets, alongside 7000 square-meters of office space and other production facilities.
Abu Dhabi has already become a much-used backdrop for major Hollywood and Bollywood productions, with Dune, Star Wars and Fast and Furious all using it as an exterior location. More recently, major scenes from Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 were shot in the Emirate. The building of soundstages, however, would suggest there are hopes it can now become major destination for international projects beyond it on-location shoots.
The move also comes just as Abu Dhabi’s neighboring Saudi Arabia has begun to emerge as a major global location, backed...
- 8/1/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actress Elnaaz Norouzi, who is known for her work in ‘Sacred Games’ and ‘Tehran’, will be soon seen in the upcoming season of the streaming series ‘Made In Heaven‘, the actress shared ahead of her birthday on July 9.
The news of the actress featuring in the second season is a special gift from the actress to her fans. When asked about her birthday plans this year and what makes it so special, Elnaaz shared, “I love Birthdays, I think they are so special and I always try and make my friends birthdays special for them – for me the greatest gift I could get is success and I feel being part of ‘Made in Heaven season 2’ this year (which by the way I totally manifested) I have all reasons to celebrate.”
Looking back at her journey ahead of her special day, she said, “Looking at where I came from and what I have today,...
The news of the actress featuring in the second season is a special gift from the actress to her fans. When asked about her birthday plans this year and what makes it so special, Elnaaz shared, “I love Birthdays, I think they are so special and I always try and make my friends birthdays special for them – for me the greatest gift I could get is success and I feel being part of ‘Made in Heaven season 2’ this year (which by the way I totally manifested) I have all reasons to celebrate.”
Looking back at her journey ahead of her special day, she said, “Looking at where I came from and what I have today,...
- 7/6/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Streaming
Prime Video India has revealed a blockbuster lineup of Indian and international titles ahead of Prime Day 2023 on July 15 and 16. The lineup includes the Hindi-language version of “Ponniyin Selvan 2,” starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, “Babylon,” headlined by Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie, Gerard Butler thriller “Kandahar” and Nawazuddin Siddiqui‘s Hindi-language drama-comedy “Tiku Weds Sheru.”
Hindi-language original horror series “Adhura,” headlined by Rasika Dugal, the final season of hit series “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan,” Tamil-language superhero film “Veeran” and Telugu-language family entertainer “Anni Manchi Sakunamule” are also part of the lineup as are Tamil-language series “Sweet Kaaram Coffee” that captures the journey of three women and Telugu-language Young Adult series “Hostel Days.”
The second season of the hit original series “The Summer I Turned Pretty” completes the lineup.
During this time, Prime members are eligible for discounts up to 50% discount when purchasing add-on subscriptions from the 18 streaming services available on Prime Video Channels.
Prime Video India has revealed a blockbuster lineup of Indian and international titles ahead of Prime Day 2023 on July 15 and 16. The lineup includes the Hindi-language version of “Ponniyin Selvan 2,” starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, “Babylon,” headlined by Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie, Gerard Butler thriller “Kandahar” and Nawazuddin Siddiqui‘s Hindi-language drama-comedy “Tiku Weds Sheru.”
Hindi-language original horror series “Adhura,” headlined by Rasika Dugal, the final season of hit series “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan,” Tamil-language superhero film “Veeran” and Telugu-language family entertainer “Anni Manchi Sakunamule” are also part of the lineup as are Tamil-language series “Sweet Kaaram Coffee” that captures the journey of three women and Telugu-language Young Adult series “Hostel Days.”
The second season of the hit original series “The Summer I Turned Pretty” completes the lineup.
During this time, Prime members are eligible for discounts up to 50% discount when purchasing add-on subscriptions from the 18 streaming services available on Prime Video Channels.
- 6/28/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Prime Video has announced a slate of upcoming releases for its India service ahead of Prime Day 2023 (July 15-16 in India), including horror series Adhura and a Telugu adaptation of hit YA drama Hostel Days.
Rasika Dugal, known for her role in Emmy-award winning show Delhi Crime, is heading the cast of Adhura, along with Ishwak Singh, Shrenik Arora and Poojan Chhabra. The seven-episode series is produced by Emmay Entertainment and co-directed by Ananya Banerjee and Gauravv K Chawla.
The story unfolds through two timelines, in 2022 and 2007, as a series of supernatural events plague the students and staff of a prestigious boarding school. The series will start streaming from July 7.
Hostel Days, which launches July 13, is a Telugu version of the hit Hindi-language YA drama about a group of students boarding together at an engineering college.
Also upcoming on Prime Video India are two Tamil-language productions...
Rasika Dugal, known for her role in Emmy-award winning show Delhi Crime, is heading the cast of Adhura, along with Ishwak Singh, Shrenik Arora and Poojan Chhabra. The seven-episode series is produced by Emmay Entertainment and co-directed by Ananya Banerjee and Gauravv K Chawla.
The story unfolds through two timelines, in 2022 and 2007, as a series of supernatural events plague the students and staff of a prestigious boarding school. The series will start streaming from July 7.
Hostel Days, which launches July 13, is a Telugu version of the hit Hindi-language YA drama about a group of students boarding together at an engineering college.
Also upcoming on Prime Video India are two Tamil-language productions...
- 6/28/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
On the VOD charts, action rules. A recent price drop to $5.99 has propelled “John Wick: Chapter 4” (Lionsgate) to continued #1 positions at iTunes and Google Play, while revenue-ranking Vudu kept “Fast X” (Universal) in the top position. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (Universal), price now reduced to $19.99 (including download) placed #2 at all three sites.
New entry “The Machine” (Sony), an action comedy starring Bert Kreischer, here adapting his semi-biographical stand-up routine, is #3 at Vudu at $19.99 while placing on a three charts. It hit home viewing after its fourth weekend in theaters, where it managed only $10 million in gross.
After a recent spate of theatrical releases dominating Netflix’s top ten movie chart, their home-grown titles took six of the slots this week. “Extraction 2” repeats at #1, with their usual eclectic mix taking other slots.
“Fast X” joined “John Wick,” “Super Mario,” and “The Machine” on all three charts, as well as...
New entry “The Machine” (Sony), an action comedy starring Bert Kreischer, here adapting his semi-biographical stand-up routine, is #3 at Vudu at $19.99 while placing on a three charts. It hit home viewing after its fourth weekend in theaters, where it managed only $10 million in gross.
After a recent spate of theatrical releases dominating Netflix’s top ten movie chart, their home-grown titles took six of the slots this week. “Extraction 2” repeats at #1, with their usual eclectic mix taking other slots.
“Fast X” joined “John Wick,” “Super Mario,” and “The Machine” on all three charts, as well as...
- 6/27/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Hollywood action films set in the Middle East cover a considerable portion of the present action genre. America’s thirst for glory has no bounds, and the way it uses such movies as a tool of hegemony is rather lucid if one is looking for it. Some of you might be wondering where I’m headed with this, but all I’m saying is that in all these movies, America becomes a beacon of hope, valor, sacrifice, and “worth” (pun intended if you remember how Captain America lifted Thor’s hammer in Avengers: Endgame). Anyway, coming back to the topic, here are five movies like Kandahar that you can watch. Although there are many, the list I’ve made is based on the first few names that came to mind that I’ve seen and liked. To make the list shorter, all these movies are based in the Middle East...
- 6/20/2023
- by Shubhabrata Dutta
- Film Fugitives
In one of the many preparations for his part in his latest Hollywood movie, ‘Kandahar’, Ali Fazal had to learn dirt biking. Still a rare sport in India, Ali who plays the role of Kahil in the film, spent time during the shoot learning the new skill set required for his character. The film, which is a war thriller, has Ali star in his first ever high-octane action film. The actor shot the film extensively in the Al Ula region of Saudi Arabia.
Ali says, “So basically dirt biking has clearly become a very loved passion in my life. Also surprisingly dissipating me from regular biking on the busy roads of our cities. But you know you’ll never be as good as you wanna be because when you’re working with such an amazing stunt team on a film like Kandahar, where everything is totally measured and state-of-the-art, even...
Ali says, “So basically dirt biking has clearly become a very loved passion in my life. Also surprisingly dissipating me from regular biking on the busy roads of our cities. But you know you’ll never be as good as you wanna be because when you’re working with such an amazing stunt team on a film like Kandahar, where everything is totally measured and state-of-the-art, even...
- 6/20/2023
- by Editorial Desk
- GlamSham
Actor Ali Fazal, who plays the role of Kahil in ‘Kandahar’, spent time during the shoot learning a new skill set required for his character.
Ali said: “So basically dirt biking has clearly become a very loved passion in my life. Also surprisingly dissipating me from regular biking on the busy roads of our cities. But you know you’ll never be as good as you wanna be because when you’re working with such an amazing stunt team on a film like Kandahar, where everything is totally measured and state-of-the-art, even though the bike was a very simple bike, deliberately chose a very non pricey bike like a Ktm.”
He added why particularly this bike was chosen.
“This was because we actually had to do these stunts. I had to do these stunts in the desert. And we couldn’t fake a lot of this stuff. So I learned about dirt biking.
Ali said: “So basically dirt biking has clearly become a very loved passion in my life. Also surprisingly dissipating me from regular biking on the busy roads of our cities. But you know you’ll never be as good as you wanna be because when you’re working with such an amazing stunt team on a film like Kandahar, where everything is totally measured and state-of-the-art, even though the bike was a very simple bike, deliberately chose a very non pricey bike like a Ktm.”
He added why particularly this bike was chosen.
“This was because we actually had to do these stunts. I had to do these stunts in the desert. And we couldn’t fake a lot of this stuff. So I learned about dirt biking.
- 6/20/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
After three weeks of PVOD play, “John Wick: Chapter 4” (now $5.99) returns to #1 on two of the three leading top ten charts with the lower price. Lionsgate delayed home availability for an unusual two months for this hit theatrical release, thus making an earlier than usual reduction of price unsurprising. Nor is its return to #1 unexpected.
Vudu continues with the latest “Fast and Furious” franchise release — “Fast X” — at #1. It fell to #3 at iTunes, while almost certainly an error has resulted in it being nowhere currently on Google Play’s chart (it was #1 as recently as Saturday).
The appeal of action titles is also shown at both Netflix and elsewhere on the VOD charts. Netflix’s original film “Extraction 2” with Chris Hemsworth (and an added Idris Elba) is #1 there, with its 2020 predecessor #3. “Kandahar” (Open Road) with Gerard Butler in an Afghanistan rescue story, which grossed under $5 million in theaters...
Vudu continues with the latest “Fast and Furious” franchise release — “Fast X” — at #1. It fell to #3 at iTunes, while almost certainly an error has resulted in it being nowhere currently on Google Play’s chart (it was #1 as recently as Saturday).
The appeal of action titles is also shown at both Netflix and elsewhere on the VOD charts. Netflix’s original film “Extraction 2” with Chris Hemsworth (and an added Idris Elba) is #1 there, with its 2020 predecessor #3. “Kandahar” (Open Road) with Gerard Butler in an Afghanistan rescue story, which grossed under $5 million in theaters...
- 6/19/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Covert missions, secret agents, exotic locations, and a race against time have been the building blocks of the spy thriller genre. The allure of the characters in the movies of this genre revolves around our own fantasies about the lives of the intelligence operatives. Exciting but deadly assignments fuel our own imaginations about the adrenaline that would have filled our bodies if we were in one of those situations. The new movie Kandahar, starring 300 star Gerard Butler and directed by Ric Roman Waugh, fulfills all the tropes of the action thriller genre but tones down on the testosterone-fueled hyper-masculine duels and instead weaves gritty characters, most of whom just want to get home alive. He doesn’t try to subvert the genre altogether but surely adds more geopolitical nuance through the more human characters.
Kandahar follows a CIA intelligence officer, Tom Harris who is on a covert mission to destroy Iran’s nuclear base.
Kandahar follows a CIA intelligence officer, Tom Harris who is on a covert mission to destroy Iran’s nuclear base.
- 6/18/2023
- by Ayush Awasthi
- Film Fugitives
Kandahar, a 2023 spy action thriller, treads familiar ground without bringing much innovation to the table. The film revolves around the survival story of CIA asset Tom Harris (played by Gerard Butler) and his Afghan translator Mohammed Doud (played by Navid Negahban) as they face the daunting challenges posed by the Taliban, Pakistan’s Isi, and Iranian authorities in Afghanistan. While the movie primarily focuses on the gripping tale of Tom and Mo’s journey from Afghanistan to Kandahar, it sidelines the high-stakes espionage and the deeper geopolitical complexities common in films set in the Middle East. However, Kandahar features a number of thrilling and heart-pounding action scenes that will definitely give viewers a rush.
Spoilers Ahead
Plot Synopsis: What Happens In ‘Kandahar’?
In the opening scenes of Kandahar, the story unfolded in Qom, an Iranian city, where CIA asset Tom Harris and his partner Oliver, under the guise of being...
Spoilers Ahead
Plot Synopsis: What Happens In ‘Kandahar’?
In the opening scenes of Kandahar, the story unfolded in Qom, an Iranian city, where CIA asset Tom Harris and his partner Oliver, under the guise of being...
- 6/17/2023
- by Poulami Nanda
- Film Fugitives
Ahead of its tenth release anniversary, team ‘Fukrey’, including Richa Chadha, Varun Sharma, Pulkit Samrat, Ali Fazal, Manjot Singh, Vishakha Sing and Priya Anand, along with the filmmaker Mrigdeep Singh Lamba, hosted a special event in Mumbai on Tuesday.
A box-office sensation, ‘Fukrey’ was released on June 14, 2013. Produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, under the Excel Entertainment banner, the film opened poorly with bad reviews but slowly turned into a sleeper hit. The Rs 8-crore film raked in Rs 49 crore at the box office.
One movie release quickly turned into a franchise, which had its second instalment out in 2017, which too turned out to be a hit, encouraging the makers ot release an animated series for young adults, ‘Fukrey Boyzzz’.
Ahead of its threequel titled ‘Fukrey 3’ release, the film cast got together and posed happily for the shutterbugs. Pankaj Tripathi, incidentally, has been roped in for ‘Fukrey 3’ as well.
A box-office sensation, ‘Fukrey’ was released on June 14, 2013. Produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, under the Excel Entertainment banner, the film opened poorly with bad reviews but slowly turned into a sleeper hit. The Rs 8-crore film raked in Rs 49 crore at the box office.
One movie release quickly turned into a franchise, which had its second instalment out in 2017, which too turned out to be a hit, encouraging the makers ot release an animated series for young adults, ‘Fukrey Boyzzz’.
Ahead of its threequel titled ‘Fukrey 3’ release, the film cast got together and posed happily for the shutterbugs. Pankaj Tripathi, incidentally, has been roped in for ‘Fukrey 3’ as well.
- 6/13/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Mumbai, June 13 (Ians) The upcoming action-thriller film ‘Kandahar’ which stars Gerard Butler and Ali Fazal is set to release on Ott platform Prime Video on June 16.
The film is directed by Ric Roman Waugh and features Navid Negahban, Bahador Foladi, Nina Toussaint-White, Vassilis Koukalani, Mark Arnold, Corey Johnson, and Abdullah Alnaji in main roles.
The film follows the story of an undercover CIA operative, Tom Harris (Gerard Butler), taking viewers on an adrenaline-fueled journey deep into a hostile territory in Afghanistan.
When an intelligence leak exposes his identity and mission, he must navigate through the perilous obstacles alongside his Afghan translator Mo (Navid Negahban), to an extraction point in Kandahar, all whilst avoiding the elite special forces unit tasked with hunting them down.
Ali Fazal plays the role of Kahil in the movie who goes up against Tom Harris in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The movie draws...
The film is directed by Ric Roman Waugh and features Navid Negahban, Bahador Foladi, Nina Toussaint-White, Vassilis Koukalani, Mark Arnold, Corey Johnson, and Abdullah Alnaji in main roles.
The film follows the story of an undercover CIA operative, Tom Harris (Gerard Butler), taking viewers on an adrenaline-fueled journey deep into a hostile territory in Afghanistan.
When an intelligence leak exposes his identity and mission, he must navigate through the perilous obstacles alongside his Afghan translator Mo (Navid Negahban), to an extraction point in Kandahar, all whilst avoiding the elite special forces unit tasked with hunting them down.
Ali Fazal plays the role of Kahil in the movie who goes up against Tom Harris in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The movie draws...
- 6/13/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
A new film stands atop the box-office weekend for the second consecutive week as Transformers: Rise of the Beasts debuted with $60.5 million over the weekend, which proved $5.1 more than its closest competition, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Despite debuting on top of the weekend box office, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts bested second-place Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse by $5.1 million as Spider-Man brought in $55.4 million over its second weekend in release to bring its overall total to $225.4 million for the last two weeks. Meanwhile, The Little Mermaid was pushed to third place with $22.8 million over the weekend, giving the live-action remake a three-week total of $228.8 million. Holding its ground in fourth place was Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 with $7.0 million, giving it a six-week total of $335.4 million. Dropping from third to fifth-place this weekend was The Boogeyman which added $6.9 million over the last three days to bring its two-week total to $24.7 million.
Despite debuting on top of the weekend box office, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts bested second-place Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse by $5.1 million as Spider-Man brought in $55.4 million over its second weekend in release to bring its overall total to $225.4 million for the last two weeks. Meanwhile, The Little Mermaid was pushed to third place with $22.8 million over the weekend, giving the live-action remake a three-week total of $228.8 million. Holding its ground in fourth place was Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 with $7.0 million, giving it a six-week total of $335.4 million. Dropping from third to fifth-place this weekend was The Boogeyman which added $6.9 million over the last three days to bring its two-week total to $24.7 million.
- 6/12/2023
- by Mike Tyrkus
- CinemaNerdz
A new film stands atop the box-office weekend for the second consecutive week as Transformers: Rise of the Beasts debuted with $60.5 million over the weekend, which proved $5.1 more than its closest competition, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Despite debuting on top of the weekend box office, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts bested second-place Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse by $5.1 million as Spider-Man brought in $55.4 million over its second weekend in release to bring its overall total to $225.4 million for the last two weeks. Meanwhile, The Little Mermaid was pushed to third place with $22.8 million over the weekend, giving the live-action remake a three-week total of $228.8 million. Holding its ground in fourth place was Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 with $7.0 million, giving it a six-week total of $335.4 million. Dropping from third to fifth-place this weekend was The Boogeyman which added $6.9 million over the last three days to bring its two-week total to $24.7 million.
Despite debuting on top of the weekend box office, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts bested second-place Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse by $5.1 million as Spider-Man brought in $55.4 million over its second weekend in release to bring its overall total to $225.4 million for the last two weeks. Meanwhile, The Little Mermaid was pushed to third place with $22.8 million over the weekend, giving the live-action remake a three-week total of $228.8 million. Holding its ground in fourth place was Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 with $7.0 million, giving it a six-week total of $335.4 million. Dropping from third to fifth-place this weekend was The Boogeyman which added $6.9 million over the last three days to bring its two-week total to $24.7 million.
- 6/12/2023
- by Mike Tyrkus
- CinemaNerdz
Once again, a new film adorns the top of the box-office weekend as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse finished almost $80 million ahead of The Little Mermaid.
In its first weekend, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse brought in $120.5 million, easily taking the top spot of the top ten. Last weekend’s top film, The Little Mermaid, was pushed to second place with $40.6 million over the weekend, giving it an overall total of $186.2 million. Meanwhile, The Boogeyman debuted in third place with $12.3 million over the last three days. This pushed Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 wo fourth place with $10.2 million, though the film still sports a five-week total of $322.7 million. Dropping from second down to fifth-place was Fast X with $9.2 million over its third weekend in release. The film now claims an overall total of $128.5 million.
Falling two spots to land in sixth place was The Super Mario Bros. Movie as it...
In its first weekend, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse brought in $120.5 million, easily taking the top spot of the top ten. Last weekend’s top film, The Little Mermaid, was pushed to second place with $40.6 million over the weekend, giving it an overall total of $186.2 million. Meanwhile, The Boogeyman debuted in third place with $12.3 million over the last three days. This pushed Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 wo fourth place with $10.2 million, though the film still sports a five-week total of $322.7 million. Dropping from second down to fifth-place was Fast X with $9.2 million over its third weekend in release. The film now claims an overall total of $128.5 million.
Falling two spots to land in sixth place was The Super Mario Bros. Movie as it...
- 6/5/2023
- by Mike Tyrkus
- CinemaNerdz
Celine Song’s Past Lives from A24 is very much here and now, grossing $232k on four screens for over $58k per location, a nice number for Song’s debut film as the second-biggest limited opening of the year so far. A24 also had the highest in April with Beau Is Afraid at $80k per theater at four locations, testament to helmer Ari Aster’s devoted fan base.
Song’s love story was a Sundance favorite and is high scoring (96% Rotten Tomatoes Certified Fresh with critics; 92 Metacritic Must-See). The distributor says 18 shows were sold out among the four opening theaters through Saturday amid strong exit polls. The film starring Greta Lee and Teo Yoo as childhood friends who reuinte will roll out into top markets over the next few weeks ahead of a nationwide expansion on June 3.
Event cinema: Fathom Events’ Suga / Agust D Tour ‘D-day’ in Japan: Live...
Song’s love story was a Sundance favorite and is high scoring (96% Rotten Tomatoes Certified Fresh with critics; 92 Metacritic Must-See). The distributor says 18 shows were sold out among the four opening theaters through Saturday amid strong exit polls. The film starring Greta Lee and Teo Yoo as childhood friends who reuinte will roll out into top markets over the next few weeks ahead of a nationwide expansion on June 3.
Event cinema: Fathom Events’ Suga / Agust D Tour ‘D-day’ in Japan: Live...
- 6/4/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Last night at the world premiere of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse there was a huge sigh of relief from the mass of animators inside Westwood’s Regency Village Theater: the $100M budgeted sequel to the Oscar winning animated movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, was done; having completed post-production literally just ten days ago after a five-year trek to the screen which included a Covid delay due to the backlog in post-production houses. Starting today abroad, and into tomorrow in U.S./Canada, the continuing adventures of Miles Morales will see the light of day in what is expected to be a $150M global opening.
Overseas that’s a projected $60M opening, including $20M from China –which loves Spider-Man (the first animated pic grossed over $62M there)— as well as Belgium, France, Netherlands today; Australia, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Mexico, UK tomorrow, and Spain and the Prc on Friday. The first...
Overseas that’s a projected $60M opening, including $20M from China –which loves Spider-Man (the first animated pic grossed over $62M there)— as well as Belgium, France, Netherlands today; Australia, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Mexico, UK tomorrow, and Spain and the Prc on Friday. The first...
- 5/31/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Memorial Day weekend came and went, with Disney's "The Little Mermaid" taking the lion's share of the attention from moviegoers, as expected, with a $95.4 million opening weekend. These Disney live-action remakes generally make a lot of money, and that isn't changing yet (huge budget be damned). Meanwhile, movies like "Fast X" and "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" were still pulling in meaningful amounts of money. Those blockbusters dominated the conversation, and as a result, a trio of new original films flopped hard upon arrival, painting a grim picture of the state of non-branded movies in the theatrical marketplace.
Bert Kreischer's "The Machine," Sebastian Maniscalco's "About My Father," and Gerard Butler's action flick "Kandahar" all arrived in theaters over the holiday weekend -- and all three of them failed to do much business. "The Machine," inspired by the comedian's viral stand-up bit, did the best of the bunch,...
Bert Kreischer's "The Machine," Sebastian Maniscalco's "About My Father," and Gerard Butler's action flick "Kandahar" all arrived in theaters over the holiday weekend -- and all three of them failed to do much business. "The Machine," inspired by the comedian's viral stand-up bit, did the best of the bunch,...
- 5/30/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
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