The mood on Monday was upbeat for actors, who felt that the end of their strike is near as talks between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP resumed.
Several actors outside of Paramount Studios in Los Angeles told TheWrap that they believed a deal could come as early as that same day, or possibly by Friday, now that the WGA and the studios finally came to terms on ending the months-long writers’ strike.
“We feel like we see the end in sight,” said Anita Kalathara, whose credits include “Lady Bird” and “India Sweets and Spices.”
She and another actress were walking the line with a friend from the WGA. At least half of the picketers outside Paramount held picket signs that read “Wgaw Stands With SAG-AFTRA.” A former WGA strike captain said that the writers’ guild had had the new signs made to show their continued solidarity for the actors.
Actors Brooke Nevin...
Several actors outside of Paramount Studios in Los Angeles told TheWrap that they believed a deal could come as early as that same day, or possibly by Friday, now that the WGA and the studios finally came to terms on ending the months-long writers’ strike.
“We feel like we see the end in sight,” said Anita Kalathara, whose credits include “Lady Bird” and “India Sweets and Spices.”
She and another actress were walking the line with a friend from the WGA. At least half of the picketers outside Paramount held picket signs that read “Wgaw Stands With SAG-AFTRA.” A former WGA strike captain said that the writers’ guild had had the new signs made to show their continued solidarity for the actors.
Actors Brooke Nevin...
- 10/3/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
In “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” Francie Nolan sat on her fire escape, ate peppermint wafers, spied on her neighbors, and read books. In Aurora, I sat on my roof, ate pretzels, spied on my neighbors, and read “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.” I felt seen by Francie Nolan and it surprised me when people were surprised by the fact that I related to her. At a certain point, I understood that people assumed I’d have more in common with the slum kids in “City of Joy” than Francie. No matter what came out of my mouth, my skin had already spoken for me.
I grew up with films, books, art and music from all over the world and felt kinship with so many people who didn’t necessarily share my heritage. But I became a filmmaker because I wanted to be a part of the movement I saw...
I grew up with films, books, art and music from all over the world and felt kinship with so many people who didn’t necessarily share my heritage. But I became a filmmaker because I wanted to be a part of the movement I saw...
- 5/30/2022
- by Geeta Malik
- Variety Film + TV
Writer-director Geeta Malik’s “India Sweets and Spices” is set in the milieu of the Indian community in a New Jersey suburb, where the wealthy families with their weekend parties look down on the working-class fellow South Asians. The pic opened at Tribeca last year and played in theaters and will be on Hulu after March 8. This interview was edited for clarity and space.
Where did you get the idea for this film from? Did you go to these kinds of parties?
I went to these kinds of parties very often as a child. I grew up in Aurora, Colo., and the community there at the time was smallish, it wasn’t a huge community. We’d go to our friends’ and our neighbors’ dinner parties. It was just a way to keep up with the community and eat our own food and just relax and enjoy the company of...
Where did you get the idea for this film from? Did you go to these kinds of parties?
I went to these kinds of parties very often as a child. I grew up in Aurora, Colo., and the community there at the time was smallish, it wasn’t a huge community. We’d go to our friends’ and our neighbors’ dinner parties. It was just a way to keep up with the community and eat our own food and just relax and enjoy the company of...
- 3/1/2022
- by Shalini Dore
- Variety Film + TV
When actor Sophia Ali stepped into the shoes of Chloe Frazer, a fearless, badass treasure hunter in “Uncharted,” she felt unstoppable.
“I’m surprised I fit into rooms to be honest. I was on such a high,” she told Variety. “I was playing Chloe’s video game [‘Uncharted: The Lost Legacy’] while I was shooting because I wanted it to be special. I genuinely was like, ‘I’m Chloe, nothing can touch me. I’m untouchable.'”
While undergoing daily, eight-hour strength and endurance training for the physical, stunt-heavy role, parts of Chloe stuck with Ali in real life, even in unlikely, everyday situations.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been that strong before. When I had groceries to carry, I wasn’t thinking about ‘Is this going to be heavy? Do I have to come back for two rounds?'” she joked.
After starring in last year’s indie “India Sweets and Spices,...
“I’m surprised I fit into rooms to be honest. I was on such a high,” she told Variety. “I was playing Chloe’s video game [‘Uncharted: The Lost Legacy’] while I was shooting because I wanted it to be special. I genuinely was like, ‘I’m Chloe, nothing can touch me. I’m untouchable.'”
While undergoing daily, eight-hour strength and endurance training for the physical, stunt-heavy role, parts of Chloe stuck with Ali in real life, even in unlikely, everyday situations.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been that strong before. When I had groceries to carry, I wasn’t thinking about ‘Is this going to be heavy? Do I have to come back for two rounds?'” she joked.
After starring in last year’s indie “India Sweets and Spices,...
- 2/18/2022
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Hillary Rodham Clinton has done a lot in her long career. But until now, none of the tomes written by the former Secretary of State, U.S. senator, first lady and winner of the 2016 popular vote have gotten the big-screen treatment. That could change.
Madison Wells, Gigi Pritzker’s entertainment company, has acquired and will develop a feature adaptation of “State of Terror,” a thriller that Clinton penned with help from best-selling writer Louise Penny. Both writers will serve as consultants on the project, as well as executive producers. Clinton certainly knows of what she writes. “State of Terror” is rooted in Foggy Bottom intrigue. It follows a novice Secretary of State Ellen Adams, who is unexpectedly brought into the administration by a newly-elected president, her political and personal adversary. Clinton, of course, got the state department gig after losing out in the 2008 presidential election to Barack Obama.
Penny is...
Madison Wells, Gigi Pritzker’s entertainment company, has acquired and will develop a feature adaptation of “State of Terror,” a thriller that Clinton penned with help from best-selling writer Louise Penny. Both writers will serve as consultants on the project, as well as executive producers. Clinton certainly knows of what she writes. “State of Terror” is rooted in Foggy Bottom intrigue. It follows a novice Secretary of State Ellen Adams, who is unexpectedly brought into the administration by a newly-elected president, her political and personal adversary. Clinton, of course, got the state department gig after losing out in the 2008 presidential election to Barack Obama.
Penny is...
- 2/17/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Thursday revealed the 276 feature films that are eligible for consideration at the 94rd Oscars, which are set to air live March 27 on ABC from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
The number is 90 fewer than last year’s 366, but this year’s eligibility period was only 10 months.
To be eligible for Best Picture consideration, films must have submitted a confidential Academy Representation and Inclusion Standards entry as part of the submission requirements. Nominations voting begins January 27 and concludes on February 1. The Oscar nominations will be revealed on Tuesday, February 8.
Today’s news comes about a month after the Academy released its shortlists in the International Film, Documentary Feature, Original Score, Original Song, Makeup & Hairstyling, Visual Effects, Sound and the Live-Action, Documentary and Animated Shorts categories.
Here is the full list of films eligible for Best Picture at the 94rd annual Academy Awards,...
The number is 90 fewer than last year’s 366, but this year’s eligibility period was only 10 months.
To be eligible for Best Picture consideration, films must have submitted a confidential Academy Representation and Inclusion Standards entry as part of the submission requirements. Nominations voting begins January 27 and concludes on February 1. The Oscar nominations will be revealed on Tuesday, February 8.
Today’s news comes about a month after the Academy released its shortlists in the International Film, Documentary Feature, Original Score, Original Song, Makeup & Hairstyling, Visual Effects, Sound and the Live-Action, Documentary and Animated Shorts categories.
Here is the full list of films eligible for Best Picture at the 94rd annual Academy Awards,...
- 1/20/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The award-winning comedy India Sweets And Spices has just been released today to on-demand platforms for audiences to watch at home. Starring Manisha Koirala and Sophia Ali, the widely acclaimed crowd-pleaser is now available on digital VOD platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple, Google Play, Vudu and others and is the perfect choice for movie night.
As our rave review says, “Filled with brilliant performances, especially Manisha Koirala who is outstanding, India Sweets and Spices is a unique film that is funny, moving, romantic, thought-provoking, and even more. It is not to be missed.”
A glimpse into the life of an Indian American family, India Sweets and Spices focuses on the story of Alia Kapur (Sophia Ali), who returns home and the family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year at UCLA. She quickly discovers that she is ready to trade in the lavish Saturday-night dinner parties...
As our rave review says, “Filled with brilliant performances, especially Manisha Koirala who is outstanding, India Sweets and Spices is a unique film that is funny, moving, romantic, thought-provoking, and even more. It is not to be missed.”
A glimpse into the life of an Indian American family, India Sweets and Spices focuses on the story of Alia Kapur (Sophia Ali), who returns home and the family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year at UCLA. She quickly discovers that she is ready to trade in the lavish Saturday-night dinner parties...
- 12/8/2021
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
With over 90 films to her career, Manisha Koirala is acknowledged as one of the finest Indian actresses to grace the big screen. With each new movie and character, the actress would completely disappear into her role in films like 1942: A Love Story, Khamoshi: The Musical, Dil Se, Company, and most recently Lust Stories and Sanju. Earning rave reviews for her work, audiences are always eager to see what brilliance she will bring to the big screen and this newest film does not disappoint. She is outstanding once again.
Directed by Geeta Malik, India Sweets and Spices is an entertaining film, often funny, and truly thought-provoking. It gives a glimpse of the life of an Indian American family. Ms. Koirala takes on the role of Sheila, a perfectionist, who is very proper and always acts in the manner that she thinks is the right way to be in her life.
Directed by Geeta Malik, India Sweets and Spices is an entertaining film, often funny, and truly thought-provoking. It gives a glimpse of the life of an Indian American family. Ms. Koirala takes on the role of Sheila, a perfectionist, who is very proper and always acts in the manner that she thinks is the right way to be in her life.
- 11/19/2021
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Sophia Ali (Grey’s Anatomy), is making her debut into films in a huge way. She is the lead character in the Geeta Malik directed film India Sweets and Spices. Her character is the central protagonist and has to carry the vibrant, often funny, always thought-provoking film on her shoulders, and she does it so well.
First, let’s set the scene…India Sweets and Spices follows the summer vacation of Alia Kapur (Sophia Ali). She has returned home to Ruby Hill, New Jersey, a posh suburban oasis of mini-mansions, backyard swimming pools, and luxury cars. However, for the first time in her life, Alia wonders if this is all there is to life. After a year at UCLA, she is ready to trade in the lavish Saturday-night dinner parties and gossiping “aunties” of her community for a more authentic life. During the course of the summer, she uncovers some secrets...
First, let’s set the scene…India Sweets and Spices follows the summer vacation of Alia Kapur (Sophia Ali). She has returned home to Ruby Hill, New Jersey, a posh suburban oasis of mini-mansions, backyard swimming pools, and luxury cars. However, for the first time in her life, Alia wonders if this is all there is to life. After a year at UCLA, she is ready to trade in the lavish Saturday-night dinner parties and gossiping “aunties” of her community for a more authentic life. During the course of the summer, she uncovers some secrets...
- 11/18/2021
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
The Ghostbusters are back this weekend in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, opening in 4,300 theaters including IMAX and other large screens. It is the fourth film in Sony’s franchise and a direct sequel to the first two films, disregarding the 2016 reboot. Afterlife is a family affair, being written and directed by Jason Reitman, whose father Ivan Reitman directed Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II and is producing Afterlife. Even the story keeps it the family, focusing on the grandchildren of O.G. ghostbuster Egon Spengler, who was played in the original films by the late Harold Ramis. The cast is headlined by Paul Rudd, Finn Wolfhard ("Stranger Things"), Carrie Coon, and Mckenna Grace, but the real treat for fans is the return of the old gang as the film brings back Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Annie Potts.
The original Ghostbusters was the highest grossing film of 1984, and it was...
The original Ghostbusters was the highest grossing film of 1984, and it was...
- 11/18/2021
- by Sam Mendelsohn <mail@boxofficemojo.com>
- Box Office Mojo
Gigi Prtizker’s Madison Wells banner has a new look, intended to reflect the company’s commitment to “spotlighting stories for, by and about badass women, as well as people who love pushing boundaries.”
Founded in 2015 by Pritzker, Madison Wells’ focus has been on bringing meaningful stories to life via film, television, theatre and podcasting, with projects that have ranged projects have ranged from Broadway musicals “Million Dollar Quartet” and “Hadestown” to National Geographic’s limited series “Genius” to the immersive art experience “Nevermore Park.”
The veteran producer — whose personal resume also includes “Drive,” ”Green Street Hooligans,” “Ender’s Game” and “Hell or High Water” — tells Variety that the need for a fresh start was inspired by the happenings of the last 18 months, which she notes have been a period of “thoughtful reflection.”
“I wanted to take this opportunity to more sharply focus and articulate our purpose as storytellers,” Pritzker explained.
Founded in 2015 by Pritzker, Madison Wells’ focus has been on bringing meaningful stories to life via film, television, theatre and podcasting, with projects that have ranged projects have ranged from Broadway musicals “Million Dollar Quartet” and “Hadestown” to National Geographic’s limited series “Genius” to the immersive art experience “Nevermore Park.”
The veteran producer — whose personal resume also includes “Drive,” ”Green Street Hooligans,” “Ender’s Game” and “Hell or High Water” — tells Variety that the need for a fresh start was inspired by the happenings of the last 18 months, which she notes have been a period of “thoughtful reflection.”
“I wanted to take this opportunity to more sharply focus and articulate our purpose as storytellers,” Pritzker explained.
- 11/18/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
In the wake of Sony’s attempt to reboot Ghostbusters in 2016 with a female leading cast, the studio hasn’t given up on the IP and finally is releasing an all-new Jason Reitman-directed sequel, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which it has protected for a theatrical release throughout the pandemic.
Exhibition bosses went nuts at CinemaCon for the movie, which has been described as having a Steven Spielberg-esque sensibility in its cast of kids — one of whom is the descendent of Harold Ramis’ Dr. Egon Spengler from the original 1980s movies. Franchise vets Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Annie Potts are back as well.
There’s been a fervent response to Ghostbusters: Afterlife from local press out of recent screenings, and Sony is betting that the feature, which is also produced by original Ghostbusters filmmaker Ivan Reitman, will be a holiday sleeper. If the pic comes up...
Exhibition bosses went nuts at CinemaCon for the movie, which has been described as having a Steven Spielberg-esque sensibility in its cast of kids — one of whom is the descendent of Harold Ramis’ Dr. Egon Spengler from the original 1980s movies. Franchise vets Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Annie Potts are back as well.
There’s been a fervent response to Ghostbusters: Afterlife from local press out of recent screenings, and Sony is betting that the feature, which is also produced by original Ghostbusters filmmaker Ivan Reitman, will be a holiday sleeper. If the pic comes up...
- 11/17/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Geeta Malik’s exceptional India Sweets and Spices is all set to open on November 19th in US theatres. The film has a fantastic cast that includes Sophia Ali, Deepti Gupta, Rish Shah, Amaran Shaikh, Ved Sapru, Anita Kalathara, Richa Chadha, and many others. It also features Bollywood superstars Manisha Koirala and Adil Hussain in outstanding performances.
India Sweets and Spices is a glimpse into the life of an Indian American family. It follows the story of Alia Kapur, who returns to her family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year away at college. She finds that she is ready to trade in the lavish Saturday-night dinner parties and gossiping “aunties” of her community for more, but what that is, she does not know. Along the way, many secrets are revealed, and it changes Alia, her mother Sophia (Manisha Koirala), and father Ranjit’s (Adil Hussain) lives forever...
India Sweets and Spices is a glimpse into the life of an Indian American family. It follows the story of Alia Kapur, who returns to her family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year away at college. She finds that she is ready to trade in the lavish Saturday-night dinner parties and gossiping “aunties” of her community for more, but what that is, she does not know. Along the way, many secrets are revealed, and it changes Alia, her mother Sophia (Manisha Koirala), and father Ranjit’s (Adil Hussain) lives forever...
- 11/17/2021
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Starring Manisha Koirala and Adil Hussain, the Geeta Malik directed film India Sweets and Spices opens in theatres in North America on November 19th. Featuring Sophia Ali, the cast also includes Rish Shah, Deepti Gupta, Ved Sapru, Anita Kalathara, Richa Chandra, among many others.
A glimpse into the life of an Indian American family, India Sweets and Spices focuses on the story of Alia Kapur (Sophia Ali), who returns home and the family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year at UCLA. She quickly discovers that she is ready to trade in the lavish Saturday-night dinner parties and gossiping “aunties” of her community for a more authentic, worthwhile existence — even if she doesn’t quite know what that looks like yet. However, during her summer stay, Alia accidentally uncovers some family secrets about her straight-laced mom Sheila (Manisha Koirala) and her seemingly perfect dad Ranjit (Adil Hussain) that...
A glimpse into the life of an Indian American family, India Sweets and Spices focuses on the story of Alia Kapur (Sophia Ali), who returns home and the family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year at UCLA. She quickly discovers that she is ready to trade in the lavish Saturday-night dinner parties and gossiping “aunties” of her community for a more authentic, worthwhile existence — even if she doesn’t quite know what that looks like yet. However, during her summer stay, Alia accidentally uncovers some family secrets about her straight-laced mom Sheila (Manisha Koirala) and her seemingly perfect dad Ranjit (Adil Hussain) that...
- 11/15/2021
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Haley Hope Bartels (Pumping Black), Karin delaPeña Collison (Coming of Age), Byron Hamel (Shade of the Grapefruit Tree), R.J. Daniel Hanna (Shelter Animal) and Laura Kosann (The Ideal Woman) are the screenwriters and scripts chosen as the winners of the 2021 Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition, AMPAS announced today.
Each of the five fellows will receive a $35,000 prize, along with mentorship from an Academy member throughout their fellowship year, which will see them complete a feature-length screenplay. (The Academy will acquire no rights to the works of its fellows and does not involve itself commercially in any way with their completed scripts.)
From November 8-12, one fellow per day will be featured on the Academy’s YouTube channel, in conversations with filmmakers Destin Daniel Cretton, Phil Lord, Our Lady J, Rawson Marshall Thurber and Olivia Wilde, and other content.
Bartels, Collison, Hamel, Hanna and Kosann’s scripts were chosen from...
Each of the five fellows will receive a $35,000 prize, along with mentorship from an Academy member throughout their fellowship year, which will see them complete a feature-length screenplay. (The Academy will acquire no rights to the works of its fellows and does not involve itself commercially in any way with their completed scripts.)
From November 8-12, one fellow per day will be featured on the Academy’s YouTube channel, in conversations with filmmakers Destin Daniel Cretton, Phil Lord, Our Lady J, Rawson Marshall Thurber and Olivia Wilde, and other content.
Bartels, Collison, Hamel, Hanna and Kosann’s scripts were chosen from...
- 11/8/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Bleecker Street has landed U.S. rights to “Montana Story,” a Western drama starring Haley Lu Richardson.
The movie had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival to positive reviews. IndieWire praised “Montana Story” as “a patient, captivating portrait of the past that stays with us long after the wind stops blowing.” Bleecker Street plans to release it in theaters sometime in 2022.
Scott McGehee and David Siegel wrote and directed “Montana Story,” which co-stars Owen Teague, Gilbert Owuor, Kimberly Guerrero, Eugene Brave Rock and Asivak Koostachin. The neo-Western centers on two estranged siblings (Richardson and Teague), who return home to the sprawling ranch where they were raised.
“David and Scott’s film cuts to the quick of the pain haunting this American family,” said Andrew Karpen, CEO of Bleecker Street. “As their story unfolds, two siblings portrayed beautifully by Haley and Owen, find their own strength in the...
The movie had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival to positive reviews. IndieWire praised “Montana Story” as “a patient, captivating portrait of the past that stays with us long after the wind stops blowing.” Bleecker Street plans to release it in theaters sometime in 2022.
Scott McGehee and David Siegel wrote and directed “Montana Story,” which co-stars Owen Teague, Gilbert Owuor, Kimberly Guerrero, Eugene Brave Rock and Asivak Koostachin. The neo-Western centers on two estranged siblings (Richardson and Teague), who return home to the sprawling ranch where they were raised.
“David and Scott’s film cuts to the quick of the pain haunting this American family,” said Andrew Karpen, CEO of Bleecker Street. “As their story unfolds, two siblings portrayed beautifully by Haley and Owen, find their own strength in the...
- 11/3/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Bleecker Street has landed North American rights to “Sundown,” a suspenseful drama about family and privilege.
Filmmaker Michel Franco (” After Lucia”) wrote and directed the movie, which will be released in theaters sometime in 2022.
“Sundown” — starring Tim Roth, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Iazua Larios and Henry Goodman — follows a wealthy British family on a vacation abruptly cut short in Acapulco. When one relative disrupts the family’s tight-knit order, simmering tensions threaten to expose long-gestating rifts.
It premiered at Venice Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival to solid reviews. Variety’s chief film critic Peter Debruge praised “Sundown,” calling it the “high-minded director’s most successful film to date.”
“‘Sundown’ is an intricate, unconventional puzzle — a mystery, complete with murder, in which the solution isn’t nearly so important as the process of putting it all together,” Debruge wrote in his review.
Franco says he hopes the movie sparks a dialogue.
Filmmaker Michel Franco (” After Lucia”) wrote and directed the movie, which will be released in theaters sometime in 2022.
“Sundown” — starring Tim Roth, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Iazua Larios and Henry Goodman — follows a wealthy British family on a vacation abruptly cut short in Acapulco. When one relative disrupts the family’s tight-knit order, simmering tensions threaten to expose long-gestating rifts.
It premiered at Venice Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival to solid reviews. Variety’s chief film critic Peter Debruge praised “Sundown,” calling it the “high-minded director’s most successful film to date.”
“‘Sundown’ is an intricate, unconventional puzzle — a mystery, complete with murder, in which the solution isn’t nearly so important as the process of putting it all together,” Debruge wrote in his review.
Franco says he hopes the movie sparks a dialogue.
- 10/26/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Bleecker Street has acquired North American rights to Sundown, the latest film from Mexican writer-director Michel Franco that world premiered this fall at the Venice Film Festival. A 2022 theatrical release in the U.S. is in the works for the tense family drama.
Tim Roth reunites with Franco (he starred in Franco’s 2015 pic Chronic) to star in Sundown with Charlotte Gainsbourg, Iazua Larios and Henry Goodman. Roth and Gainsbourg play Neil and Alice, the core of a wealthy British family on vacation in Acapulco with younger members Colin (Samuel Bottomley) and Alexa (Albertine Kotting McMillan) until a distant emergency cuts their trip short. When one relative disrupts the family’s tight-knit order, simmering tensions rise to the fore revealing long-gestating rifts.
Franco, Cristina Velasco L. and Eréndira Núñez Larios are producers in the Teorema production, a co-production with Film I Väst, CommonGround Pictures and Luxbox. Roth and Lorenzo Vigas are executive producers.
Tim Roth reunites with Franco (he starred in Franco’s 2015 pic Chronic) to star in Sundown with Charlotte Gainsbourg, Iazua Larios and Henry Goodman. Roth and Gainsbourg play Neil and Alice, the core of a wealthy British family on vacation in Acapulco with younger members Colin (Samuel Bottomley) and Alexa (Albertine Kotting McMillan) until a distant emergency cuts their trip short. When one relative disrupts the family’s tight-knit order, simmering tensions rise to the fore revealing long-gestating rifts.
Franco, Cristina Velasco L. and Eréndira Núñez Larios are producers in the Teorema production, a co-production with Film I Väst, CommonGround Pictures and Luxbox. Roth and Lorenzo Vigas are executive producers.
- 10/26/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Festival
The 65th BFI London Film Festival, which concluded Oct. 17, attracted crowds for in-person events and virtually. The festival unspooled over 12 days across London venues, 10 partner cinema venues around the U.K. and online. There were more than 139,000 physical attendances at screenings and events and over 152,000 virtual attendances.
The festival closed with the European premiere of “The Tragedy of Macbeth” at new festival venue, the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall with director Joel Coen and key cast, including Frances McDormand, in attendance.
There was a sting in the tail, however, as two people who attended the closing film and after party tested positive for Covid-19, compelling the BFI to send letters to attendees informing them about this. The positive tests came as no surprise as the U.K. is experiencing a dramatic surge in cases currently.
The array of celebrities who attended the festival in person included Jay Z,...
The 65th BFI London Film Festival, which concluded Oct. 17, attracted crowds for in-person events and virtually. The festival unspooled over 12 days across London venues, 10 partner cinema venues around the U.K. and online. There were more than 139,000 physical attendances at screenings and events and over 152,000 virtual attendances.
The festival closed with the European premiere of “The Tragedy of Macbeth” at new festival venue, the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall with director Joel Coen and key cast, including Frances McDormand, in attendance.
There was a sting in the tail, however, as two people who attended the closing film and after party tested positive for Covid-19, compelling the BFI to send letters to attendees informing them about this. The positive tests came as no surprise as the U.K. is experiencing a dramatic surge in cases currently.
The array of celebrities who attended the festival in person included Jay Z,...
- 10/25/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
"What if we are who we are, and then everything changes... and we don't recognize ourselves anymore." Bleecker Street Films has debuted an official trailer for an amusing romantic comedy titled India Sweets and Spices, the second feature from filmmaker Geeta Malik. After returning from college to her family's posh suburban New Jersey home, Alia Kapur upends their well-ordered life with her brash independence. She also falls for the son of the owners of a new local Indian grocery. Alia's surprise arrival at home turns to rebellion when she uncovers secrets about both her parents that push her toward a daring and ultimately hilarious confrontation. Sophia Ali (also seen in the Uncharted trailer) stars as Alia, with a cast including Manisha Koirala, Adil Hussain, Rish Shah, Deepti Gupta, Ved Sapru, and also Anita Kalathara. They're trying to marketing this as the Crazy Rich Asians but for an Indian family instead.
- 10/21/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Presented by the California Film Institute, the 44th Mill Valley Film Festival runs October 7-17, 2021. The Mvff is an acclaimed eleven-day cinema event celebrating the best in American independent and world cinema. Located just north of San Francisco, it’s known as a filmmakers’ festival, and the West Coast launch pad for many Academy Award®-winning films, annually showcasing 200+ films from over 50 countries. The Mvff creates a community that celebrates the best in international film as well as Tributes and Spotlights with major film talents. Below, we’ve got the whole roster of their Asian / Asian American film slate.
Features
Anima (Mo Er Dao Ga) A tale of tested fraternal bonds and ecological catastrophe shot on location in Mongolia’s national parklands, writer-director Cao Jinling’s gorgeous, thrilling drama forces viewers to ask themselves: What happens when we disrupt the harmony of our world? And how can we restore the balance?...
Features
Anima (Mo Er Dao Ga) A tale of tested fraternal bonds and ecological catastrophe shot on location in Mongolia’s national parklands, writer-director Cao Jinling’s gorgeous, thrilling drama forces viewers to ask themselves: What happens when we disrupt the harmony of our world? And how can we restore the balance?...
- 9/13/2021
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
Bleecker Street has acquired the U.S. rights to Geeta Malik’s “India Sweets and Spices,” premiering in theaters on Nov. 19.
The film, which debuted at Tribeca Film Festival, follows Alia Kapur (Sophia Ali) as she returns to her family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year away at college and turns their well-ordered life upside down. When she befriends Varun (Rish Shah), the handsome son of the new owners of the local Indian grocery store, she invites him to a family dinner party where family secrets fly.
Manisha Koirala, Adil Hussain, Deepti Gupta and Ved Sapru also star in the humorous coming-of-age tale, produced and financed by Madison Wells and Sk Global Entertainment, and producers Naomi Despres, Sidney Kimmel, John Penotti and Gigi Pritzker. Adrian Alperovich, Kilian Kerwin, Mark O’Connor, Bruce Toll and Rachel Shane executive produce.
The deal was brokered between Kent Sanderson and Avy Eschenasy of Bleecker Street and CAA,...
The film, which debuted at Tribeca Film Festival, follows Alia Kapur (Sophia Ali) as she returns to her family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year away at college and turns their well-ordered life upside down. When she befriends Varun (Rish Shah), the handsome son of the new owners of the local Indian grocery store, she invites him to a family dinner party where family secrets fly.
Manisha Koirala, Adil Hussain, Deepti Gupta and Ved Sapru also star in the humorous coming-of-age tale, produced and financed by Madison Wells and Sk Global Entertainment, and producers Naomi Despres, Sidney Kimmel, John Penotti and Gigi Pritzker. Adrian Alperovich, Kilian Kerwin, Mark O’Connor, Bruce Toll and Rachel Shane executive produce.
The deal was brokered between Kent Sanderson and Avy Eschenasy of Bleecker Street and CAA,...
- 9/13/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Bleecker Street announced on Monday that it acquired the rights to the coming-of-age comedy “India Sweets and Spices,” which is written and directed by Geeta Malik and stars “Uncharted” actress Sophia Ali. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and is set for release on November 19.
Ali plays Alia Kapur, an Indian-American college student who returns to her upscale family in New Jersey and soon upends her family’s orderly life with her newfound independence, especially after she discovers secrets about her parents during a family dinner with the son of the local Indian grocery store owners. Manisha Koirala, Adil Hussain, Rish Shah, Deepti Gupta, and Ved Sapru also star.
“’India Sweets and Spices’ is a film so close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to be working with such a passionate team at Bleecker Street,” said writer/director Geeta Malik. “I know we’re in great hands for...
Ali plays Alia Kapur, an Indian-American college student who returns to her upscale family in New Jersey and soon upends her family’s orderly life with her newfound independence, especially after she discovers secrets about her parents during a family dinner with the son of the local Indian grocery store owners. Manisha Koirala, Adil Hussain, Rish Shah, Deepti Gupta, and Ved Sapru also star.
“’India Sweets and Spices’ is a film so close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to be working with such a passionate team at Bleecker Street,” said writer/director Geeta Malik. “I know we’re in great hands for...
- 9/13/2021
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Bleecker Street has landed the U.S. rights to filmmaker Geeta Malik’s new comedy India Sweets and Spices, which made its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June. A theatrical release of November 19 has been set.
In the movie, Alia Kapur (Sophia Ali) returns to her family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year away at college and upends their well-ordered life with her brash independence. After befriending Varun (Rish Shah), the handsome son of the new owners of the local Indian grocery, she invites his family to a dinner party where family secrets are revealed. Alia’s surprise turns to rebellion when she uncovers secrets about both her parents that push her toward a daring and ultimately hilarious confrontation. Also starring are Manisha Koirala, Adil Hussain, Deepti Gupta and Ved Sapru.
“India Sweets and Spices is a film so close to my heart, and...
In the movie, Alia Kapur (Sophia Ali) returns to her family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year away at college and upends their well-ordered life with her brash independence. After befriending Varun (Rish Shah), the handsome son of the new owners of the local Indian grocery, she invites his family to a dinner party where family secrets are revealed. Alia’s surprise turns to rebellion when she uncovers secrets about both her parents that push her toward a daring and ultimately hilarious confrontation. Also starring are Manisha Koirala, Adil Hussain, Deepti Gupta and Ved Sapru.
“India Sweets and Spices is a film so close to my heart, and...
- 9/13/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Bleecker Street has nabbed the U.S. rights to writer-director Geeta Malik’s comedy India Sweets and Spices, which stars Sophia Ali, Manisha Koirala, Adil Hussain, Rish Shah and Deepti Gupta.
Bleecker Street plans a Nov. 19 theatrical release for the Indian American coming-of-age tale that debuted at Tribeca. India Sweets and Spices follows Alia Kapur, played by Ali, as she returns to her family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year at college and upends their lives with her brash independence.
Her rebellion climaxes at a dinner party where family secrets are revealed that push Alia toward a daring and ultimately ...
Bleecker Street plans a Nov. 19 theatrical release for the Indian American coming-of-age tale that debuted at Tribeca. India Sweets and Spices follows Alia Kapur, played by Ali, as she returns to her family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year at college and upends their lives with her brash independence.
Her rebellion climaxes at a dinner party where family secrets are revealed that push Alia toward a daring and ultimately ...
- 9/13/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Bleecker Street has nabbed the U.S. rights to writer/director Geeta Malik’s comedy India Sweets and Spices, which stars Sophia Ali, Manisha Koirala, Adil Hussain, Rish Shah and Deepti Gupta.
Bleecker Street plans a Nov. 19 theatrical release for the Indian American coming-of-age tale that debuted at Tribeca. India Sweets and Spices portrays Alia Kapur, played by Ali, as she returns to her family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year at college and upends their lives with her brash independence.
Her rebellion climaxes at a dinner party where family secrets are revealed and push Alia toward a daring and ultimately ...
Bleecker Street plans a Nov. 19 theatrical release for the Indian American coming-of-age tale that debuted at Tribeca. India Sweets and Spices portrays Alia Kapur, played by Ali, as she returns to her family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year at college and upends their lives with her brash independence.
Her rebellion climaxes at a dinner party where family secrets are revealed and push Alia toward a daring and ultimately ...
- 9/13/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“India Sweets and Spices” is an independent film about immigrants who face family complications and romantic entanglements in America.
India Sweets & Spices is a chain of Indian grocery stores across Southern California. Now the grocery chain, founded in 1984, is raising hell over the movie, which debuted at Tribeca earlier this month.
Raj Jawa, whose father started the franchise, has begun to wage an online campaign accusing the filmmakers of stealing his family’s trademark. He has written to the filmmakers’ representatives, urging them to change the title.
“We built up this goodwill and this name for years,” Jawa said in an interview. “And they’re just going to slap it on their product for marketing purposes.”
The director, Geeta Malik, is based in Los Angeles with graduate film degree from UCLA. The script for “India Sweets and Spices,” originally called “Dinner With Friends,” won an Academy’s Nicholl fellowship in 2016. In it,...
India Sweets & Spices is a chain of Indian grocery stores across Southern California. Now the grocery chain, founded in 1984, is raising hell over the movie, which debuted at Tribeca earlier this month.
Raj Jawa, whose father started the franchise, has begun to wage an online campaign accusing the filmmakers of stealing his family’s trademark. He has written to the filmmakers’ representatives, urging them to change the title.
“We built up this goodwill and this name for years,” Jawa said in an interview. “And they’re just going to slap it on their product for marketing purposes.”
The director, Geeta Malik, is based in Los Angeles with graduate film degree from UCLA. The script for “India Sweets and Spices,” originally called “Dinner With Friends,” won an Academy’s Nicholl fellowship in 2016. In it,...
- 6/23/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
For the cast and crew of “India Sweets and Spices,” the Tribeca Festival debut on June 12 served as a welcome reunion after a long year of What’sApp messaging during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.
“A lot of our cast is scattered throughout the world, and it’s been tough with this Covid situation so we really missed them,” Malik tells Variety about celebrating without a few film family members. “It would have been really special to have them here.”
Malik joined the cast — including Deepti Gupta, Anita Kalathara, Reena Shah, Rupal Pujara, Christina Burdette, Kayan Tara, Moses Das, Indra Dattagupta, Vee Bhakta, Kamran Shaikh, Priya Deva, Jia Patel and Richa Chandra — for the comedy’s world premiere at Brookfield Place in New York City.
The film festival premiere served as a launching pad for the movie, which focuses on a young woman named Alia (Sophia Ali), who comes home for...
“A lot of our cast is scattered throughout the world, and it’s been tough with this Covid situation so we really missed them,” Malik tells Variety about celebrating without a few film family members. “It would have been really special to have them here.”
Malik joined the cast — including Deepti Gupta, Anita Kalathara, Reena Shah, Rupal Pujara, Christina Burdette, Kayan Tara, Moses Das, Indra Dattagupta, Vee Bhakta, Kamran Shaikh, Priya Deva, Jia Patel and Richa Chandra — for the comedy’s world premiere at Brookfield Place in New York City.
The film festival premiere served as a launching pad for the movie, which focuses on a young woman named Alia (Sophia Ali), who comes home for...
- 6/22/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Everything starts and ends with tradition in “India Sweets and Spices,” an inviting intergenerational dramedy of comforting flavors, both witty and familiar. Packing a conventional coming-of-age tale into its pleasantly paced running time, Geeta Malik’s sophomore feature — about old-fashioned multicultural families with storied roots and their modern, independently minded offspring — doesn’t offer all that much that is thematically surprising. But the writer-director’s hearty enthusiasm for her Indian American characters of different stripes, as well as a memorably zesty lead performance by Sophia Ali, manage to deliver distinct yet relatable tastes to the viewer all the same.
These virtues surprisingly feel enough to make up for some bland, sitcom directing and instances of uneven acting throughout. They also warrant a wide audience for the universal story that “India Sweets and Spices” tells with earnestness, even when the script leans schematic at times. And much like the diverse crowds...
These virtues surprisingly feel enough to make up for some bland, sitcom directing and instances of uneven acting throughout. They also warrant a wide audience for the universal story that “India Sweets and Spices” tells with earnestness, even when the script leans schematic at times. And much like the diverse crowds...
- 6/12/2021
- by Tomris Laffly
- Variety Film + TV
After a Covid-induced hiatus, Tribeca Festival returns with in-person premieres and an exciting mix of studio productions and low-fi indies. The festival has ditched the word “film” from its title in order to emphasize the fact that Tribeca now encompasses podcasting, gaming, TV and so much more. But who are they kidding? For most New Yorkers, it’s all about the movies. With that in mind, here are 11 films that should be on every festival-goer’s must-see list.
12 Mighty Orphans
Director: Ty Roberts
Cast: Luke Wilson, Vinessa Shaw, Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall, Wayne Knight, Jake Austin Walker
Meet your next uplifting sports drama. In the tradition of “Rudy” or “Hoosiers” comes “12 Mighty Orphans,” the story of the Mighty Mites, the football team of a Fort Worth orphanage who became unlikely Texas state championship contenders. In the process, their plucky come-from-nowhere run inspired a country reeling from the Great Depression.
12 Mighty Orphans
Director: Ty Roberts
Cast: Luke Wilson, Vinessa Shaw, Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall, Wayne Knight, Jake Austin Walker
Meet your next uplifting sports drama. In the tradition of “Rudy” or “Hoosiers” comes “12 Mighty Orphans,” the story of the Mighty Mites, the football team of a Fort Worth orphanage who became unlikely Texas state championship contenders. In the process, their plucky come-from-nowhere run inspired a country reeling from the Great Depression.
- 6/10/2021
- by Brent Lang and Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
After a Covid hiatus, the Tribeca Festival is back, hosting panels and film premieres in the heart of New York City. At the same time, it is demonstrating that the city’s arteries stretch far beyond a radius of a few blocks.
This edition, which runs from June 9 through June 20, will look a little different from previous iterations, and that’s not just because Gotham is slowly reemerging from months of social distancing and lockdowns. Tribeca is ditching the word “film” from its moniker and moving far beyond the sliver of lower Manhattan that shares its name. Instead, the festival will be held largely outdoors across all of New York’s five boroughs, offering screenings at the likes of MetroTech Commons in Brooklyn, the Empire Outlets on Staten Island, and the United Palace theater in Washington Heights.
“A film festival comes to town in every sense,” says Jane Rosenthal, one of Tribeca’s founders.
This edition, which runs from June 9 through June 20, will look a little different from previous iterations, and that’s not just because Gotham is slowly reemerging from months of social distancing and lockdowns. Tribeca is ditching the word “film” from its moniker and moving far beyond the sliver of lower Manhattan that shares its name. Instead, the festival will be held largely outdoors across all of New York’s five boroughs, offering screenings at the likes of MetroTech Commons in Brooklyn, the Empire Outlets on Staten Island, and the United Palace theater in Washington Heights.
“A film festival comes to town in every sense,” says Jane Rosenthal, one of Tribeca’s founders.
- 6/8/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Henry Golding and his Long House Productions label have signed a two-year first-look film and TV development and production deal with Sk Global, the co-financiers and producers of Warner Bros.’ “Crazy Rich Asians.”
The deal will cover opportunities for Golding both in front of and behind the camera. The projects developed under the new partnership will include features and scripted and unscripted TV series for the global market. They will seek to appeal to both U.S. and local-language audiences abroad, the companies said, looking specifically at collaborations with partners in Japan, Southeast Asia and China.
Golding first linked up with Sk Global for the groundbreaking 2018 rom-com “Crazy Rich Asians,” whose sequel is set to begin shooting “imminently,” the firm said.
He launched Long House Productions in partnership with China’s deep-pocketed Starlight Cultural Entertainment Group in 2019 to develop content across all media that highlights Asian voices. Its first feature will be “The Inheritance,...
The deal will cover opportunities for Golding both in front of and behind the camera. The projects developed under the new partnership will include features and scripted and unscripted TV series for the global market. They will seek to appeal to both U.S. and local-language audiences abroad, the companies said, looking specifically at collaborations with partners in Japan, Southeast Asia and China.
Golding first linked up with Sk Global for the groundbreaking 2018 rom-com “Crazy Rich Asians,” whose sequel is set to begin shooting “imminently,” the firm said.
He launched Long House Productions in partnership with China’s deep-pocketed Starlight Cultural Entertainment Group in 2019 to develop content across all media that highlights Asian voices. Its first feature will be “The Inheritance,...
- 5/20/2021
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
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