The concept behind BlueTwelve Studio’s 2022 game Stray was very simple – play as a cat, and that’s it. However, this beautiful simplicity, along with an eerie atmosphere, wonderful art direction, a poignant story, and amazing cat mechanics, made the game being a massive hit.
And as it turns out, cat enthusiasts have more to look forward to in the gaming space, as Double Dagger Studio’s upcoming title, Little Kitty, Big City, is set to scratch its way onto Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch very soon, and Game Pass subscribers get to play it day one for free.
How Little Kitty, Big City Is Quite Different From Stray
Where Stray was atmospheric and moody, Little Kitty, Big City is just purely about joy and fun.
While comparisons to Stray are to be expected, Little Kitty, Big City offers up a very different experience. Where the former...
And as it turns out, cat enthusiasts have more to look forward to in the gaming space, as Double Dagger Studio’s upcoming title, Little Kitty, Big City, is set to scratch its way onto Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch very soon, and Game Pass subscribers get to play it day one for free.
How Little Kitty, Big City Is Quite Different From Stray
Where Stray was atmospheric and moody, Little Kitty, Big City is just purely about joy and fun.
While comparisons to Stray are to be expected, Little Kitty, Big City offers up a very different experience. Where the former...
- 5/3/2024
- by Viraaj Bhatnagar
- FandomWire
Exclusive: Rotterdam competition title Small Hours of the Night from Daniel Hui and SXSW premiere Adrianne & The Castle by Shannon Walsh have landed international reputation via non-fiction agency Indox.
Launched by former Dogwoof exec Luke Brawley, Indox provides international festival management for non-fiction projects. The company is entirely independent and run solely by Brawley, who will be on the ground at Cannes, Sheffield DocFest, and Docs Ireland, where he will present the two films to programmers and producers.
Hui’s experimental docu-fiction Small Hours of the Night premiered at the Rotterdam Film Festival in January, before moving on to its North American premiere at Doc Fortnight in February. Shot on 16mm in crisp black and white, and primarily confined within the walls of a claustrophobic interrogation chamber, Hui’s Small Hours of the Night is described as a captivating blend of docu-fiction and hybrid storytelling.
Launched by former Dogwoof exec Luke Brawley, Indox provides international festival management for non-fiction projects. The company is entirely independent and run solely by Brawley, who will be on the ground at Cannes, Sheffield DocFest, and Docs Ireland, where he will present the two films to programmers and producers.
Hui’s experimental docu-fiction Small Hours of the Night premiered at the Rotterdam Film Festival in January, before moving on to its North American premiere at Doc Fortnight in February. Shot on 16mm in crisp black and white, and primarily confined within the walls of a claustrophobic interrogation chamber, Hui’s Small Hours of the Night is described as a captivating blend of docu-fiction and hybrid storytelling.
- 4/24/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Cats, call your agents. Top creatives are increasingly giving the notoriously tough-to-train pets dramatic roles in live-action projects.
In Steven Zaillian’s acclaimed Netflix limited series Ripley, a Maine Coon dubbed Lucio has been called “a main character.” In Paramount’s upcoming A Quiet Place: Day One, Lupin Nyong’o plays woman struggling to escape an alien invasion with her tuxedo cat Frodo. Last fall, Disney’s The Marvels co-starred a deadly super-powered ginger cat Goose. In Matthew Vaughn’s spy comedy Argylle, which has just started streaming on Apple TV+, Bryce Dallas Howard is on the run from assassins with her Scottish Fold Alfie.
This streak is unusual, and likely unprecedented. Dogs get leading roles in a live-action movies all the time. Cats get leading roles in animated movies all the time. But cats in live action is a whole other ball of yarn. Occasionally a film will put...
In Steven Zaillian’s acclaimed Netflix limited series Ripley, a Maine Coon dubbed Lucio has been called “a main character.” In Paramount’s upcoming A Quiet Place: Day One, Lupin Nyong’o plays woman struggling to escape an alien invasion with her tuxedo cat Frodo. Last fall, Disney’s The Marvels co-starred a deadly super-powered ginger cat Goose. In Matthew Vaughn’s spy comedy Argylle, which has just started streaming on Apple TV+, Bryce Dallas Howard is on the run from assassins with her Scottish Fold Alfie.
This streak is unusual, and likely unprecedented. Dogs get leading roles in a live-action movies all the time. Cats get leading roles in animated movies all the time. But cats in live action is a whole other ball of yarn. Occasionally a film will put...
- 4/12/2024
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jxdn has had a lot of time for introspection — and he’s ready to give fans a look inside his mind.
As he released his single “What the Hell” on Friday, Jxdn (real name Jaden Hossler) announced that he’ll release his sophomore, 17-track album When the Music Stops on June 28 via Travis Barker’s Dta Records.
“What do I hear when the music stops? I heard silence like I had never heard before,” he said in a press release about the album. “I heard an emptiness that overtook me.
As he released his single “What the Hell” on Friday, Jxdn (real name Jaden Hossler) announced that he’ll release his sophomore, 17-track album When the Music Stops on June 28 via Travis Barker’s Dta Records.
“What do I hear when the music stops? I heard silence like I had never heard before,” he said in a press release about the album. “I heard an emptiness that overtook me.
- 3/15/2024
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
In early 2021, Megan Ellison emerged from a self-imposed Hollywood exile and did something she hadn’t done in over a year: She signed on to back a movie, Nimona. There was a time when this would not have been remarkable, when Ellison’s Annapurna Pictures was producing five films a year and she was considered the industry’s own Medici, the premier patron of prestige cinema. But Ellison had backed away from Hollywood in 2019 after a series of missteps and become elusive even to some of her own executives. When her former distribution chief, Erik Lomis, asked her whether she wanted to look at some reels of Nimona, which was about to get axed in Disney’s closure of Blue Sky Animation, “I wasn’t really engaging in new film projects at the time,” Ellison said, answering THR’s questions by email. “But being curious, I said yes.”
Ellison loved...
Ellison loved...
- 3/6/2024
- by Mia Galuppo and Rebecca Keegan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival (Cph:Dox) has unveiled the line-ups for its five competitive sections for its 2024 edition. All films in the main Dox:Award competition are world premieres for the second successive year.
Scroll down for the full list of competition titles
Titles in that section include Alessandra Celesia’s The Flats, a France-uk-Ireland-Belgium co-production about Belfast youngsters accessing their memories of the Troubles. Belfast-based Italian filmmaker Celesia has previously made documentaries including 2017’s Anatomy Of A Miracle, which played at Locarno.
The 12-strong Dox:Award competition also includes Manon Ouimet and Jacob Perlmutter’s UK title Two Strangers Trying Not To Kill Each Other,...
Scroll down for the full list of competition titles
Titles in that section include Alessandra Celesia’s The Flats, a France-uk-Ireland-Belgium co-production about Belfast youngsters accessing their memories of the Troubles. Belfast-based Italian filmmaker Celesia has previously made documentaries including 2017’s Anatomy Of A Miracle, which played at Locarno.
The 12-strong Dox:Award competition also includes Manon Ouimet and Jacob Perlmutter’s UK title Two Strangers Trying Not To Kill Each Other,...
- 2/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
Kadokawa unveiled its titles which generated the most income based on sales in its third-quarter (October – December 2023) financial results on Feb 8, 2024. Topping the video sales category was the anime series Oshi no Ko, followed by My Happy Marriage, The Eminence in Shadow, Overlord, and others.
On the other hand, Mushoku Tensei took the top spot in the publishing category.
Checkout the top 10 titles in video and publishing category below:
Top 10 In Video Category:
(This includes all works from the year they started airing to the most recent new series.)
RankTitle (Series)Initial Broadcast Year1Oshi no Ko20232My Happy Marriage20233The Eminence In Shadow20224Overlord20155Bungo Stray Dogs20166KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!20167Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World20168The Rising of the Shield Hero20199Gamera 196510Spy Classroom2023 Top 10 In Publishing Category:
(This includes all series from the first year of publication to the most recent new volume.
On the other hand, Mushoku Tensei took the top spot in the publishing category.
Checkout the top 10 titles in video and publishing category below:
Top 10 In Video Category:
(This includes all works from the year they started airing to the most recent new series.)
RankTitle (Series)Initial Broadcast Year1Oshi no Ko20232My Happy Marriage20233The Eminence In Shadow20224Overlord20155Bungo Stray Dogs20166KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!20167Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World20168The Rising of the Shield Hero20199Gamera 196510Spy Classroom2023 Top 10 In Publishing Category:
(This includes all series from the first year of publication to the most recent new volume.
- 2/10/2024
- by Ami Nazru
- AnimeHunch
Exclusive: The Gotham Film and Media Institute and HBO Documentary Films have set the cohort and mentors for the second edition of their Documentary Development Initiative. Launched in 2022, the initiative was designed for storytellers who identify as Bipoc, LGBTQ+, and/or storytellers with disabilities, the goal being to provide resources to develop thought-provoking, character-driven, contemporary ideas for documentary films and limited series.
This year’s participants are Rolake Bamgbose, Dan Chen, Elizabeth Lo, Andy Sarjahani, Krystal Tingle, and Monica Villamizar. Distinguished creatives serving as mentors will include Anthony Caronna, Zackary Drucker, David France, Dawn Porter, Fernando Villena, and Nanfu Wang.
Taking place throughout the fall of 2024, the second annual program will see selected filmmakers receive grants of $50,000 for research and creative development at an early stage. HBO and The Gotham will provide resources and mentorship to support the development of documentary projects and select grantees will have the opportunity to receive additional funding.
This year’s participants are Rolake Bamgbose, Dan Chen, Elizabeth Lo, Andy Sarjahani, Krystal Tingle, and Monica Villamizar. Distinguished creatives serving as mentors will include Anthony Caronna, Zackary Drucker, David France, Dawn Porter, Fernando Villena, and Nanfu Wang.
Taking place throughout the fall of 2024, the second annual program will see selected filmmakers receive grants of $50,000 for research and creative development at an early stage. HBO and The Gotham will provide resources and mentorship to support the development of documentary projects and select grantees will have the opportunity to receive additional funding.
- 1/9/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2024 Golden Disc Awards just wrapped in Jakarta!
The annual South Korean music awards ceremony honors achievements in the local music industry, and has been held since 1986, originally called the Korea Visual and Records Grand Prize Award.
The awards ceremony was hosted in South Korea until 2012, and has begun to be hosted internationally in various countries.
The 38th Golden Disc Awards were held on Saturday (January 6) at the Jakarta International Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, honoring the best in South Korean music released between mid-November 2022 and early-November 2023.
The event was hosted by Sung Si-kyung and Cha Eun-woo.
Keep reading to see who won…
Album of the Year (Daesang): Seventeen
Digital Song of the Year (Daesang): NewJeans
Best Album (Bonsang): aespa, Enhypen, Ive, Jungkook (BTS), Le Sserafim, Nct Dream, Seventeen, Stray Kids, Txt, Zerobaseone
Best Digital Song (Bonsang): (G)I-dle, Ive, Jisoo (Blackpink), Jungkook (BTS), Le Sserafim, NewJeans,...
The annual South Korean music awards ceremony honors achievements in the local music industry, and has been held since 1986, originally called the Korea Visual and Records Grand Prize Award.
The awards ceremony was hosted in South Korea until 2012, and has begun to be hosted internationally in various countries.
The 38th Golden Disc Awards were held on Saturday (January 6) at the Jakarta International Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, honoring the best in South Korean music released between mid-November 2022 and early-November 2023.
The event was hosted by Sung Si-kyung and Cha Eun-woo.
Keep reading to see who won…
Album of the Year (Daesang): Seventeen
Digital Song of the Year (Daesang): NewJeans
Best Album (Bonsang): aespa, Enhypen, Ive, Jungkook (BTS), Le Sserafim, Nct Dream, Seventeen, Stray Kids, Txt, Zerobaseone
Best Digital Song (Bonsang): (G)I-dle, Ive, Jisoo (Blackpink), Jungkook (BTS), Le Sserafim, NewJeans,...
- 1/7/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Annapurna, the entertainment studio founded in 2011 by Megan Ellison, just acquired one of South Africa’s top gaming companies. The acquisition of 24 Bit Games will allow the Johannesburg-based company to grow its development team and its technology as it continues its business under the Annapurna umbrella.
“Annapurna has been working with 24 Bit for many years, and we value not only the caliber of their work, but their team as well,” said Annapurna Interactive Co-Head Deborah Mars. “They’ve always shared our commitment to quality, and by taking our partnership to the next level we feel like anything is possible.”
24 Bit Games’ portfolio includes projects that range from porting to co-development to tool production for independent and Aaa studios, across platforms such as mobile, PC, VR, and consoles. The company’s client list includes a slew of publishers, developers, media companies, and tech platforms.
“We deeply respect Annapurna’s approach...
“Annapurna has been working with 24 Bit for many years, and we value not only the caliber of their work, but their team as well,” said Annapurna Interactive Co-Head Deborah Mars. “They’ve always shared our commitment to quality, and by taking our partnership to the next level we feel like anything is possible.”
24 Bit Games’ portfolio includes projects that range from porting to co-development to tool production for independent and Aaa studios, across platforms such as mobile, PC, VR, and consoles. The company’s client list includes a slew of publishers, developers, media companies, and tech platforms.
“We deeply respect Annapurna’s approach...
- 11/16/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards were the Taylor Swift show. She won every televised category she was nominated in, including Video of the Year for “Anti-Hero,” which marked her record-extending fourth victory in the category. Check out the complete list of VMA winners here.
Seevma winners list: Complete results in all categories at 2023 MTV Video Music Awards
Swift previously won Video of the Year for “Bad Blood” featuring Kendrick Lamar, “You Need to Calm Down” and “All Too Well.” No one else has ever claimed four Moon Persons in the category. in addition to Video of the Year, “Anti-Hero” also claimed prizes for Best Pop, Song of the Year and Best Direction. Swift helmed the video herself, and this marks her third victory as a director following her wins for “The Man” and “All Too Well.” She is now tied with Oscar winner Spike Jonze and Oscar nominee David Fincher...
Seevma winners list: Complete results in all categories at 2023 MTV Video Music Awards
Swift previously won Video of the Year for “Bad Blood” featuring Kendrick Lamar, “You Need to Calm Down” and “All Too Well.” No one else has ever claimed four Moon Persons in the category. in addition to Video of the Year, “Anti-Hero” also claimed prizes for Best Pop, Song of the Year and Best Direction. Swift helmed the video herself, and this marks her third victory as a director following her wins for “The Man” and “All Too Well.” She is now tied with Oscar winner Spike Jonze and Oscar nominee David Fincher...
- 9/13/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
There are few who rival Doja Cat’s witty antics and bizarre sense of style, and that’s why the internet can’t get enough. When she stepped on the pink carpet for the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards in, what we’re calling “floss and vibes” by the New York-based label Monse, it was the boldest fashion statement of the night.
“This stunning creation pays homage to [sculpture artist] Louise’s [Bourgeois] extraordinary work and the inspiration behind it — her mother’s dedication to textiles, mending, and repairing fabrics. A true masterpiece...
“This stunning creation pays homage to [sculpture artist] Louise’s [Bourgeois] extraordinary work and the inspiration behind it — her mother’s dedication to textiles, mending, and repairing fabrics. A true masterpiece...
- 9/13/2023
- by Kyle Lamar Rice
- Rollingstone.com
Following the release of its first animated feature, Nimona, Annapurna Animation has brought on director Nick Bruno and producer Julie Zackary to join their creative leadership team while expanding its upcoming feature slate to include an adaptation of video game Stray, along with Foo, an original title from Ice Age helmer and Blue Sky co-founder Chris Wedge.
Based on Nd Stevenson’s graphic novel of the same name, Nimona began its life at Blue Sky, and moved to Annapurna after Disney shut down the production and studio following its acquisition of Fox, which owned the animation umbrella. Netflix released the well-received Nimona in June.
Bruno — a Blue Sky alum, who made his directorial debut with Spies in Disguise — is already developing and directing an untitled original feature for the studio, while developing additional originals. Zackary is joining the studio as head of animation production, having previously served as vp of...
Based on Nd Stevenson’s graphic novel of the same name, Nimona began its life at Blue Sky, and moved to Annapurna after Disney shut down the production and studio following its acquisition of Fox, which owned the animation umbrella. Netflix released the well-received Nimona in June.
Bruno — a Blue Sky alum, who made his directorial debut with Spies in Disguise — is already developing and directing an untitled original feature for the studio, while developing additional originals. Zackary is joining the studio as head of animation production, having previously served as vp of...
- 9/6/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There's no shortage of kickass cyberpunk movies out there, but these stories tend to be exclusively told from the perspective of humans adapting to a not-so-distant future filled with androids and lots of bisexual lighting. Sure, it's cool to see how lone-wolf adults adjust to a world like "Blade Runner," but what about families with children? What about rural areas far from overpopulated cities with a lack of resources? What about beloved family pets? In 2022, BlueTwelve Studio and Annapurna Interactive flipped the script and pivoted to an unconventional protagonist in a cyberpunk environment: an adorably stealthy cat in the adventure game "Stray."
The game has players taking on the role of a stray cat who ends up in a walled-off city filled with robots and mutant bacteria. With the help of a friendly drone companion named B-12, you as the cat must evade the antagonistic Zurks and Sentinels which want you dead,...
The game has players taking on the role of a stray cat who ends up in a walled-off city filled with robots and mutant bacteria. With the help of a friendly drone companion named B-12, you as the cat must evade the antagonistic Zurks and Sentinels which want you dead,...
- 9/5/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Dogs had their shot at the multiplex this summer with Strays so cats, continuing the age-old struggle are striking back. Feline-focused sci-fi adventure game Stray is in the works as an animated movie from Annapurna Animation.
Nick Bruno, who was co-director on the excellent Nimona is herding the pixellation puss cats for this one, which originated with game developers BlueTwelve Studio (and was published by Annapurna Interactive).
Stray puts players in control of a stealthy cat who must traverse an underground city populated by robots and mutant bacteria with the help of a friendly drone, B-12. We liked the game — you can find our review here.
"This is a game that's all about what makes us human, and there are no humans in it," Annapurna Animation co-chief Robert Baird tells Entertainment Weekly. "It's a buddy comedy about a cat and a robot, and there's such a hilarious dynamic. So, there's comedy inherent in this,...
Nick Bruno, who was co-director on the excellent Nimona is herding the pixellation puss cats for this one, which originated with game developers BlueTwelve Studio (and was published by Annapurna Interactive).
Stray puts players in control of a stealthy cat who must traverse an underground city populated by robots and mutant bacteria with the help of a friendly drone, B-12. We liked the game — you can find our review here.
"This is a game that's all about what makes us human, and there are no humans in it," Annapurna Animation co-chief Robert Baird tells Entertainment Weekly. "It's a buddy comedy about a cat and a robot, and there's such a hilarious dynamic. So, there's comedy inherent in this,...
- 9/5/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Annapurna Interactive’s award-winning video game Stray will be getting its very own movie adaptation from the indie studio’s animation branch, Annapurna Animation. Stray, a 2022 adventure game from BlueTwelve Studio, takes players on a journey playing as a drone-equipped, stray cat trying to survive against robots and machines.
The Stray adaptation was announced by Robert Baird of Annapurna Animation. “This is a game that’s all about what makes us human, and there are no humans in it,” Baird told Entertainment Weekly. “It’s a buddy comedy about a cat and a robot, and there’s such a hilarious dynamic. So, there’s comedy inherent in this, but there’s not one human being in this movie. I think it’s one of the reasons why the game was incredibly popular, that you are seeing the world through the point of view of an adorable cat.”
Baird added that,...
The Stray adaptation was announced by Robert Baird of Annapurna Animation. “This is a game that’s all about what makes us human, and there are no humans in it,” Baird told Entertainment Weekly. “It’s a buddy comedy about a cat and a robot, and there’s such a hilarious dynamic. So, there’s comedy inherent in this, but there’s not one human being in this movie. I think it’s one of the reasons why the game was incredibly popular, that you are seeing the world through the point of view of an adorable cat.”
Baird added that,...
- 9/5/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
We have news that will make cat owners and gamers purr with anticipation! Stray, the award-winning adventure game from the developers at BlueTwelve Studio, is getting a film adaptation from Annapurna! According to Entertainment Weekly, Annapurna’s Nimona is a significant hit for the studio, and now Annapurna Animation is giving the green light to multiple projects, including a new venture from Nimona co-director Nick Bruno and the Stray movie adaptation from Ice Age director Chris Wedge.
“Lost, alone, and separated from family, a stray cat must untangle an ancient mystery to escape a long-forgotten city,” reads the game’s official synopsis. “Stray is a third-person cat adventure game set amidst the detailed, neon-lit alleys of a decaying cybercity and the murky environments of its seedy underbelly. Roam surroundings high and low, defend against unforeseen threats, and solve the mysteries of this unwelcoming place inhabited by curious droids and dangerous creatures.
“Lost, alone, and separated from family, a stray cat must untangle an ancient mystery to escape a long-forgotten city,” reads the game’s official synopsis. “Stray is a third-person cat adventure game set amidst the detailed, neon-lit alleys of a decaying cybercity and the murky environments of its seedy underbelly. Roam surroundings high and low, defend against unforeseen threats, and solve the mysteries of this unwelcoming place inhabited by curious droids and dangerous creatures.
- 9/5/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Annapurna Animation is kicking into overdrive, with director Nick Bruno (Netflix’s “Nimona” and 20th Century Studio’s “Spies in Disguise”) and producer Julie Zackary joining up.
They are also planning to expand their feature development slate, with the first flick being an adaptation of the acclaimed “play as a cat” video game “Stray.” Also on tap is a new film from Chris Wedge (“Ice Age”), an original called “Foo.” Along with directing an untitled original in development, Bruno is actively developing original ideas for Annapurna Animation.
“Stray,” an open-world adventure where you play as an ordinary cat, earned strong reviews and 2.5 million copies sold in the first month prior to even launching on Steam. The game came from Annapurna Interactive, so the synergy speaks for itself, and Annapurna plans to adapt more titles from its game library.
Wedge is an Academy Award-winning director and producer as well as a...
They are also planning to expand their feature development slate, with the first flick being an adaptation of the acclaimed “play as a cat” video game “Stray.” Also on tap is a new film from Chris Wedge (“Ice Age”), an original called “Foo.” Along with directing an untitled original in development, Bruno is actively developing original ideas for Annapurna Animation.
“Stray,” an open-world adventure where you play as an ordinary cat, earned strong reviews and 2.5 million copies sold in the first month prior to even launching on Steam. The game came from Annapurna Interactive, so the synergy speaks for itself, and Annapurna plans to adapt more titles from its game library.
Wedge is an Academy Award-winning director and producer as well as a...
- 9/5/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Stray, the 2022 adventure game that lets you play as a cat in a cyberpunk world, is getting an animated movie adaptation from Annapurna Animation, the studio announced on Monday. The movie will be co-produced by former Disney Animation executives Robert Baird and Andrew Millstein, who are also the co-heads of Annapurna Animation12.
Stray is a third-person cat adventure game set amid the detailed neon-lit alleys of a decaying cybercity and the murky environments of its seedy underbelly. The game follows the journey of a stray cat who befriends a drone named B12 and tries to find its way back home. Along the way, the cat encounters various challenges and mysteries, as well as other friendly and hostile animals. The game received critical acclaim for its immersive world, charming characters, and emotional story12.
Strays Trailer
Annapurna Animation is a newly launched division of Annapurna Pictures, which is known for producing and...
Stray is a third-person cat adventure game set amid the detailed neon-lit alleys of a decaying cybercity and the murky environments of its seedy underbelly. The game follows the journey of a stray cat who befriends a drone named B12 and tries to find its way back home. Along the way, the cat encounters various challenges and mysteries, as well as other friendly and hostile animals. The game received critical acclaim for its immersive world, charming characters, and emotional story12.
Strays Trailer
Annapurna Animation is a newly launched division of Annapurna Pictures, which is known for producing and...
- 9/5/2023
- by amalprasadappu
- https://thecinemanews.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_4649
Get ready to delve into The Music of Heatmiser. The Portland band best known as Elliott Smith’s pre-solo career springboard has announced a new rarities compilation arriving October 6th via Third Man Records, and a demo version of the track “Lowlife” is out now.
Heatmiser initially distributed The Music of Heatmiser — then a 6-song cassette — at local record stores and shows to promote the band before they released their 1993 debut LP, Dead Air. According to co-founding singer-guitarist Neil Gust, this longer package — featuring 23 additional demos, live tracks, rare versions, and previously unreleased songs — came together thanks to drummer Tony Lash.
“Tony found a bunch of forgotten recordings and started mixing them and sending them to me,” Gust said in a statement. “We were struck by the freewheeling energy of the band; you could hear how much fun we were having. In 1992 we could barely afford the studio so it...
Heatmiser initially distributed The Music of Heatmiser — then a 6-song cassette — at local record stores and shows to promote the band before they released their 1993 debut LP, Dead Air. According to co-founding singer-guitarist Neil Gust, this longer package — featuring 23 additional demos, live tracks, rare versions, and previously unreleased songs — came together thanks to drummer Tony Lash.
“Tony found a bunch of forgotten recordings and started mixing them and sending them to me,” Gust said in a statement. “We were struck by the freewheeling energy of the band; you could hear how much fun we were having. In 1992 we could barely afford the studio so it...
- 8/15/2023
- by Carys Anderson
- Consequence - Music
Last year, Shane Boris received two Oscar nominations for producing National Geographic’s “Fire of Love” and CNN Films’ “Navalny.” In March he garnered an Academy Award for his work on Daniel Roher’s “Navalny,” about anti-Putin freedom fighter Alexei Navalny. During a Hot Docs Industry talk, the producer spoke about a wide variety of topics, including his latest documentary, “King Coal,” what he’s looking for in a docu, and nonfiction’s current distribution landscape.
Boris made his first documentary “You’re Looking at Me Like I Live Here and I Don’t” in 2010. The film, which aired on PBS’s Independent Lens, follows Lee Gorewitz as she struggles to navigate the increasingly confused and confusing landscape of Alzheimers.
“That doc began as a fiction film,” Boris said. “But we went into the Alzheimer’s unit to scout our location, and the person that took us around was starting...
Boris made his first documentary “You’re Looking at Me Like I Live Here and I Don’t” in 2010. The film, which aired on PBS’s Independent Lens, follows Lee Gorewitz as she struggles to navigate the increasingly confused and confusing landscape of Alzheimers.
“That doc began as a fiction film,” Boris said. “But we went into the Alzheimer’s unit to scout our location, and the person that took us around was starting...
- 5/5/2023
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
A bloody battle into Norse mythology and a cat’s adventure through a cyberpunk world are the two most nominated games for this year’s BAFTA Games Awards.
Announced Thursday, Sony’s God of War Ragnarök — the sequel to God of War, which won the top BAFTA Game of the Year award in 2019 — leads the race, with 14 nominations, making it the most-nominated game since the awards began in 2004.
Meanwhile, Stray — following a stray cat trying to escape from a walled city and published by Annapurna — earned eight nominations, followed by seven nominations for role-playing fantasy adventure Elden Ring.
A Plague Tale: Requiem, Horizon Forbidden West, Immortality, Tunic and Vampire Survivors all have five nominations. Citizen Sleeper has four.
The shortlist for the Game of Year award, voted for by the public, is Elden Ring, God of War Ragnarök, Horizon Forbidden West, Immortality, Marvel Snap and Stray.
“Congratulations to all our nominees,...
Announced Thursday, Sony’s God of War Ragnarök — the sequel to God of War, which won the top BAFTA Game of the Year award in 2019 — leads the race, with 14 nominations, making it the most-nominated game since the awards began in 2004.
Meanwhile, Stray — following a stray cat trying to escape from a walled city and published by Annapurna — earned eight nominations, followed by seven nominations for role-playing fantasy adventure Elden Ring.
A Plague Tale: Requiem, Horizon Forbidden West, Immortality, Tunic and Vampire Survivors all have five nominations. Citizen Sleeper has four.
The shortlist for the Game of Year award, voted for by the public, is Elden Ring, God of War Ragnarök, Horizon Forbidden West, Immortality, Marvel Snap and Stray.
“Congratulations to all our nominees,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AC Independent, Anonymous Content’s new sales and finance division, is set to introduce Pippa Ehrlich’s anticipated follow-up to her Oscar-winning “My Octopus Teacher,” as well as Walter Salles’ “Sócrates,” to buyers at the Berlin Film Festival.
Ehrlich’s untitled new project and Salles’ “Sócrates” are part of AC Independent’s robust slate of documentary features from celebrated filmmakers.
In her upcoming project, Ehrlich will shed light on the secretive and endangered world of pangolins, a species viewed as mythological creatures. When Stevie, a baby pangolin, is rescued from death at the hands of poachers in Johannesburg, an investment manager pivots his life to become the animal’s caretaker, teaching him to trust the world again and, in doing so, rediscovers his own purpose. Hand-reared until his release back into the wild, Stevie takes Gareth into his dragon world and together they find freedom and healing in the wild.
Ehrlich’s untitled new project and Salles’ “Sócrates” are part of AC Independent’s robust slate of documentary features from celebrated filmmakers.
In her upcoming project, Ehrlich will shed light on the secretive and endangered world of pangolins, a species viewed as mythological creatures. When Stevie, a baby pangolin, is rescued from death at the hands of poachers in Johannesburg, an investment manager pivots his life to become the animal’s caretaker, teaching him to trust the world again and, in doing so, rediscovers his own purpose. Hand-reared until his release back into the wild, Stevie takes Gareth into his dragon world and together they find freedom and healing in the wild.
- 2/14/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Eleven of overall 24 projects directed or co-directed by women.
The first project from Palestine and Jordan has been selected for Frontières Co-Production Market organised by Fantasia International Film Festival with the participation of the Cannes Marché.
Said Zagha’s Weedestine (Pal-Jor-Swe) takes its place among the market titles alongside: Beasts Of Prey (It-Den) by Andrea Corsini; Bloody Bunny (Can) by Kat and Karissa Strain; Foxblood (Can) by Benjamin Steiger Levine; and Quantum Suicide (Phil-Jap-Can) by Mikhail Red.
The roster includes Space Beers (Neth) by Bouke van Veen and Maurice Schutte; Stray (UK) by Zam Salim; Surgat (USA) by Michael Borowiec and Sam Marine; and Switchback (Can) by Melanie Jones.
The first project from Palestine and Jordan has been selected for Frontières Co-Production Market organised by Fantasia International Film Festival with the participation of the Cannes Marché.
Said Zagha’s Weedestine (Pal-Jor-Swe) takes its place among the market titles alongside: Beasts Of Prey (It-Den) by Andrea Corsini; Bloody Bunny (Can) by Kat and Karissa Strain; Foxblood (Can) by Benjamin Steiger Levine; and Quantum Suicide (Phil-Jap-Can) by Mikhail Red.
The roster includes Space Beers (Neth) by Bouke van Veen and Maurice Schutte; Stray (UK) by Zam Salim; Surgat (USA) by Michael Borowiec and Sam Marine; and Switchback (Can) by Melanie Jones.
- 5/24/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Shudder has come aboard Jenn Wexler’s 1970s supernatural horror film The Sacrifice Game, starring Mena Massoud (Aladdin), Olivia Scott Welch (Fear Street), Gus Kenworthy (American Horror Story: 1984) and Chloë Levine (The Oa), which is heading into production next week. AMC Networks’ premium streamer for genre fare now holds all rights to the film in its territories, with Red Sea Media, Inc. having acquired international rights.
Wexler’s second feature following the 2018 horror film The Ranger (which was also distributed by Shudder) is set at a girls’ boarding school over Christmas break, 1971. It centers on Samantha and Clara, two students staying behind for the holidays, who must survive the night against uninvited visitors. Derek Johns (The Wolf and the Lion), Laurent Pitre (Under the Banner of Heaven), Madison Baines (1Up) and newcomer Georgia Acken will round out the cast.
Wexler and Sean Redlitz wrote the script. Wexler, Philip Kalin-Hajdu,...
Wexler’s second feature following the 2018 horror film The Ranger (which was also distributed by Shudder) is set at a girls’ boarding school over Christmas break, 1971. It centers on Samantha and Clara, two students staying behind for the holidays, who must survive the night against uninvited visitors. Derek Johns (The Wolf and the Lion), Laurent Pitre (Under the Banner of Heaven), Madison Baines (1Up) and newcomer Georgia Acken will round out the cast.
Wexler and Sean Redlitz wrote the script. Wexler, Philip Kalin-Hajdu,...
- 5/6/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
For those of you wondering what’s become of BlueTwelve Studio and Annapurna Interactive’s post-apocalyptic adventure title Stray, the game is still very much in development. In fact, the game is aiming for release later this year. While nothing has been confirmed, a recent Tweet from PlayStation alludes to Stray being released later this year (though […]
The post Post-Apocalyptic Adventure Game ‘Stray’ Teased for Release Later This Year appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
The post Post-Apocalyptic Adventure Game ‘Stray’ Teased for Release Later This Year appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
- 5/2/2022
- by Mike Wilson
- bloody-disgusting.com
Stars: Valeria San Martin, Agustin Olcese, Marlene Pedersen Chauviere, Bruno Giacobbe, Agustin Bogliano, Marcos Bogliano, Martín Canalicchio, Ines Corengia, Pablo Vilela | Written by Ariel Luque, Daniel J. Phillips Directed by Chris Beyrooty, Dean Law, Ariel Luque, Jiwon Moon, Daniel J. Phillips, Dean Puckett, Nicolás Onetti
I seem like I say it quite regularly but I do really enjoy horror anthologies. There are obviously plenty of poor ones out there but generally if the runtime of each segment is kept short, then there’s always a good short or two in each anthology. And if you’re not enjoying one, then it’s never much of a wait until that one is over and another new story will start.
The wrap-around segment of The Red Book Ritual shows three friends playing the red book ‘game’. Kind of like a Ouija board but what they don’t know is that in the...
I seem like I say it quite regularly but I do really enjoy horror anthologies. There are obviously plenty of poor ones out there but generally if the runtime of each segment is kept short, then there’s always a good short or two in each anthology. And if you’re not enjoying one, then it’s never much of a wait until that one is over and another new story will start.
The wrap-around segment of The Red Book Ritual shows three friends playing the red book ‘game’. Kind of like a Ouija board but what they don’t know is that in the...
- 4/19/2022
- by Alain Elliott
- Nerdly
In conjunction with International Women’s Day, ESPN has revealed details about its month-long “Fifty/50” initiative celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX in June.
ESPN is programming a series of short and long-form documentaries directed and produced by women to commemorate the landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational institution that receives federal funding and gives women the equal opportunity to play.
“This is an important milestone for Title IX and we wanted to find creative ways to celebrate it across ESPN and the Walt Disney Company,” says Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content.
Debra OConnell, president of Networks for Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, called Fifty/50 a significant initiative for the company and its affiliates, adding, “the breadth of content is a reflection of the progress that has occurred over the last 50 years and how much more is still to be done.”
In...
ESPN is programming a series of short and long-form documentaries directed and produced by women to commemorate the landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational institution that receives federal funding and gives women the equal opportunity to play.
“This is an important milestone for Title IX and we wanted to find creative ways to celebrate it across ESPN and the Walt Disney Company,” says Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content.
Debra OConnell, president of Networks for Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, called Fifty/50 a significant initiative for the company and its affiliates, adding, “the breadth of content is a reflection of the progress that has occurred over the last 50 years and how much more is still to be done.”
In...
- 3/8/2022
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Copenhagen Intl. Documentary Film Festival, which runs March 21-April 3, has revealed the lineup for its international financing and co-production event Cph:forum.
Women are taking central stage in the lineup both as characters and storytellers, and the Forum will feature new projects by Jialing Zhang (“One Child Nation”), Ilinca Calugareanu (“Chuck Norris vs. Communism”), Tova Mozard (“Psychic”), Elizabeth Lo (“Stray”) and Lana Wilson (“Miss Americana”) among others.
The selection of 30 projects in this year’s Cph:forum represents a variety of topics, genres and artistic approaches from a diverse group of filmmakers. According to the festival, “Seeking to demonstrate the richness and heterogeneity of the documentary genre, Cph:forum presents a curated slate of films that speak to the major issues of the world we live in.”
Topics of race, equity and colonial legacy connect a personal film of Barbadian filmmaker Jason Fitzroy Jeffers (“Papa Machete”), and the newest project of the Dutch...
Women are taking central stage in the lineup both as characters and storytellers, and the Forum will feature new projects by Jialing Zhang (“One Child Nation”), Ilinca Calugareanu (“Chuck Norris vs. Communism”), Tova Mozard (“Psychic”), Elizabeth Lo (“Stray”) and Lana Wilson (“Miss Americana”) among others.
The selection of 30 projects in this year’s Cph:forum represents a variety of topics, genres and artistic approaches from a diverse group of filmmakers. According to the festival, “Seeking to demonstrate the richness and heterogeneity of the documentary genre, Cph:forum presents a curated slate of films that speak to the major issues of the world we live in.”
Topics of race, equity and colonial legacy connect a personal film of Barbadian filmmaker Jason Fitzroy Jeffers (“Papa Machete”), and the newest project of the Dutch...
- 2/10/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Annapurna has promoted its interactive chief Nathan Gary to president of the company.
Megan Ellison, CEO of the indie studio, announced on Friday that Gary will now oversee all of the company’s divisions, including film, TV, theater and interactive. He joins the existing executive team of Ellison, chief content officer Sue Naegle and Chris Corabi, president of legal and business affairs. With Gary’s promotion, Deborah Mars and Nathan Vella will now co-head interactive.
“Nathan has helped build Annapurna Interactive from the ground up, showing impressive leadership as well as the innate ability to identify and foster creative voices,” Ellison said in a statement. “I respect and appreciate Nathan’s vision, instincts and acumen and can’t think of a better person to help lead Annapurna as we continue to thrive in film, television, theatre and interactive.”
The interactive group was founded in 2016 with Gary and AI executive James Masi,...
Megan Ellison, CEO of the indie studio, announced on Friday that Gary will now oversee all of the company’s divisions, including film, TV, theater and interactive. He joins the existing executive team of Ellison, chief content officer Sue Naegle and Chris Corabi, president of legal and business affairs. With Gary’s promotion, Deborah Mars and Nathan Vella will now co-head interactive.
“Nathan has helped build Annapurna Interactive from the ground up, showing impressive leadership as well as the innate ability to identify and foster creative voices,” Ellison said in a statement. “I respect and appreciate Nathan’s vision, instincts and acumen and can’t think of a better person to help lead Annapurna as we continue to thrive in film, television, theatre and interactive.”
The interactive group was founded in 2016 with Gary and AI executive James Masi,...
- 11/5/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Annapurna has elevated Annapurna Interactive (AI) President Nathan Gary to President of Annapurna.
In his new position, Gary will take on the central leadership role overseeing all divisions, film, TV, theater, and interactive. He will join the executive team alongside founder and CEO Megan Ellison, Chief Content Officer Sue Naegle, and President of Legal and Business Affairs Chris Corabi.
Gary and AI executive James Masi, alongside Ellison, co-founded Annapurna Interactive in 2016 and have built the company’s Interactive business.
As Gary moves into his new position at Annapurna, Deborah Mars and Nathan Vella of Annapurna Interactive will now co-head the studio’s interactive division.
During Annapurna Interactive’s run, they’ve launched such games as the BAFTA Best Game award winners What Remains of Edith Finch and Outer Wilds.
Annapurna Interactive’s portfolio also includes Gorogoa, If Found…, Sayonara Wild Hearts, Donut Country, Florence, Telling Lies, The Pathless, Last Stop,...
In his new position, Gary will take on the central leadership role overseeing all divisions, film, TV, theater, and interactive. He will join the executive team alongside founder and CEO Megan Ellison, Chief Content Officer Sue Naegle, and President of Legal and Business Affairs Chris Corabi.
Gary and AI executive James Masi, alongside Ellison, co-founded Annapurna Interactive in 2016 and have built the company’s Interactive business.
As Gary moves into his new position at Annapurna, Deborah Mars and Nathan Vella of Annapurna Interactive will now co-head the studio’s interactive division.
During Annapurna Interactive’s run, they’ve launched such games as the BAFTA Best Game award winners What Remains of Edith Finch and Outer Wilds.
Annapurna Interactive’s portfolio also includes Gorogoa, If Found…, Sayonara Wild Hearts, Donut Country, Florence, Telling Lies, The Pathless, Last Stop,...
- 11/5/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Jonas Poher Rasmussen’s animated documentary “Flee” – already awarded at Sundance and Annecy – was granted the Grand Prix – Bank Millennium Award at the 18th edition of Millennium Docs Against Gravity, which will continue online from September 16 until October 3. Jurors Agnieszka Holland, Christian Frei and Tomasz Wolski were taken by the story of a man who, about to marry his husband, decides to finally open up about his refugee past. The film also picked up the “Zwierciadło” award for the Best Film on Psychology.
“This film speaks about a real, extremely important subject in an artistically powerful, compelling, and complex way,” it was argued. “The original form, the sincerity of the main character, the lack of sentimentality and its strong emotional content make it not only an attractive movie for the wider audience, but also an important statement about the real situation of today’s refugees, helping us to understand their...
“This film speaks about a real, extremely important subject in an artistically powerful, compelling, and complex way,” it was argued. “The original form, the sincerity of the main character, the lack of sentimentality and its strong emotional content make it not only an attractive movie for the wider audience, but also an important statement about the real situation of today’s refugees, helping us to understand their...
- 9/10/2021
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Poland’s documentary festival Millennium Docs Against Gravity is set to finally come of age after postponing its 18th edition due to Covid-19 restrictions, originally slated to take place in May. Once again unspooling in seven different cities between Sept. 3-12, with local authorities sponsoring their own respective awards, the event will then continue online, wrapping on Oct. 3.
“The government’s decision to, so to speak, ‘liberate cinemas’ came too late,” says founder Artur Liebhart, explaining the change. “But we have not given up on our audience, not even for a moment. Most documentary festivals cater to the needs of the industry but to us, the audience and their willingness to participate is the absolute priority.”
The festival’s collaboration with cinemas all over Poland is “based on mutual respect,” says Liebhart, which is why it forgoes the usual hybrid model. “First, we will watch films on 42 screens and only then will we move online,...
“The government’s decision to, so to speak, ‘liberate cinemas’ came too late,” says founder Artur Liebhart, explaining the change. “But we have not given up on our audience, not even for a moment. Most documentary festivals cater to the needs of the industry but to us, the audience and their willingness to participate is the absolute priority.”
The festival’s collaboration with cinemas all over Poland is “based on mutual respect,” says Liebhart, which is why it forgoes the usual hybrid model. “First, we will watch films on 42 screens and only then will we move online,...
- 9/5/2021
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
In a sad blow, the Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) has announced it will cancel its in-cinema screenings given the current Covid situation in the city.
The festival, always designed as a hybrid event, will continue nationally on Miff Play, with the festival securing an additional 30 titles for the platform. These include some direct-from-Cannes titles such as The Hill Where Lionesses Roar, La Civil, Rehana Maryam Noor and Babi Yar, and Australian films Ablaze, Chef Antonio’s Recipes for Revolution, Little Tornadoes and Paper City.
However, some of the festival most anticipated films, including local films such as Leah Purcell’s The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, intended as the Opening Night Gala, and Justin Kurzel’s Nitram are not available on the service.
As regional Victoria is no longer in lockdown, the festival’s regional season will proceed, with required changes to the line-up to be advised through local operators.
The festival, always designed as a hybrid event, will continue nationally on Miff Play, with the festival securing an additional 30 titles for the platform. These include some direct-from-Cannes titles such as The Hill Where Lionesses Roar, La Civil, Rehana Maryam Noor and Babi Yar, and Australian films Ablaze, Chef Antonio’s Recipes for Revolution, Little Tornadoes and Paper City.
However, some of the festival most anticipated films, including local films such as Leah Purcell’s The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, intended as the Opening Night Gala, and Justin Kurzel’s Nitram are not available on the service.
As regional Victoria is no longer in lockdown, the festival’s regional season will proceed, with required changes to the line-up to be advised through local operators.
- 8/10/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Playing a part of the animal kingdom in video games is not really out of the ordinary. Everything from Spider to Maneater experimented with this concept. Even though this sub-genre is not exactly on everyone’s radar, there’s no doubt that these types of games bring a certain amount of freshness to the gaming community. Stray is the newest addition to this category and it brings a new perspective in escapism with which gamers are enamored. In Stray, players take control of a cat that somehow ended up in a strange, out worldly city that’s crawling with both robotic friendlies and
Stray Is An Indie Game Coming Soon That Has All The Right Ingredients...
Stray Is An Indie Game Coming Soon That Has All The Right Ingredients...
- 8/3/2021
- by Jason Nichols
- TVovermind.com
If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “I wonder what it’s like to be a cat.” Well, there’s good news! Bluetwelve just released a new gameplay trailer for Stray, their game about a cat lost in a futuristic city, and they’ve absolutely captured every aspect of life as a furry feline. Last summer, Stray was revealed […]
The post New ‘Stray’ Gameplay Trailer Shows the Dangers & Joys of Being a Cat in a Futuristic City appeared first on Cinelinx | Movies. Games. Geek Culture..
The post New ‘Stray’ Gameplay Trailer Shows the Dangers & Joys of Being a Cat in a Futuristic City appeared first on Cinelinx | Movies. Games. Geek Culture..
- 7/30/2021
- by Matt Malliaros
- Cinelinx
It’s summer, everyone! And with its relatively sparse list of new releases for July 2021, Hulu seems to be subtlety imploring its subscribers to go outside.
Don’t get us wrong: Hulu’s library offerings get a big upgrade this month. July 1 sees the arrival of great films like Galaxy Quest, Fargo, and Caddyshack. Bill and Ted Face the Music premieres on July 2 and its followed by Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar on July 9. Not bad stuff! It’s just that, outside of the library titles, there isn’t much to go off of.
Hulu’s only major original release this month is the FX on Hulu production American Horror Stories on July 15. As its name implies, the show is a spinoff of American Horror Story and will feature self-contained horror episodes rather than a season-long arc. If you’ll allow this geriatric millennial to deploy one truly ancient meme: “Yo dawg,...
Don’t get us wrong: Hulu’s library offerings get a big upgrade this month. July 1 sees the arrival of great films like Galaxy Quest, Fargo, and Caddyshack. Bill and Ted Face the Music premieres on July 2 and its followed by Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar on July 9. Not bad stuff! It’s just that, outside of the library titles, there isn’t much to go off of.
Hulu’s only major original release this month is the FX on Hulu production American Horror Stories on July 15. As its name implies, the show is a spinoff of American Horror Story and will feature self-contained horror episodes rather than a season-long arc. If you’ll allow this geriatric millennial to deploy one truly ancient meme: “Yo dawg,...
- 7/1/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Filmmakers have a new reason to rejoice. The U.S. unit of Munich-based camera and imaging giant Arri has expanded its Franz Wieser Grant program, which provides aspiring creatives with access to Arri products and resources.
The program will now extend beyond features, shorts and documentaries to encompass photography, live events, worship, and broadcast projects. The initiative, open to U.S. filmmakers, has supported 45 feature-length films, shorts, documentaries, and music videos since its inception.
Launched in 2013 as the Amira Grant program, it is now named after the late Franz Wieser, the longtime Arri exec who worked to empower filmmakers. Bavaria-born Wieser first joined Arri in the U.S. as an intern nearly three decades ago, rose to the position of VP, marketing and was a force behind the industry’s transition from film to digital. He passed away in 2019.
Filmmakers benefiting from the program include Brenna Malloy, writer and director of “Rocket,...
The program will now extend beyond features, shorts and documentaries to encompass photography, live events, worship, and broadcast projects. The initiative, open to U.S. filmmakers, has supported 45 feature-length films, shorts, documentaries, and music videos since its inception.
Launched in 2013 as the Amira Grant program, it is now named after the late Franz Wieser, the longtime Arri exec who worked to empower filmmakers. Bavaria-born Wieser first joined Arri in the U.S. as an intern nearly three decades ago, rose to the position of VP, marketing and was a force behind the industry’s transition from film to digital. He passed away in 2019.
Filmmakers benefiting from the program include Brenna Malloy, writer and director of “Rocket,...
- 5/26/2021
- by Peter Caranicas
- Variety Film + TV
Fido award winner The Truffle Hunters
Michael Dwek and Gregory Kershaw's The Truffle Hunters and Elizabeth Lo's Stray were jointly proclaimed Best in the World at this year's Fido Awards ceremony in London yesterday, "because they're both so brilliant," as the presenter put it. They also shared the Dog Dox award.
The event, presided over by Toby Rose, celebrated the work of canine cast members in international cinema. Rose said that one of his own favourites was The United States Vs Billie Holliday, whose four legged ensemble won in the Historical Hound category, because it was a reflection on how vital dogs had been in supporting the singer throughout her difficult life.
Several canine nominees attended the ceremony and were very well behaved. The winners were given special collars. Human guests said that they wanted to thank dogs in general for the contribution they have made in recent...
Michael Dwek and Gregory Kershaw's The Truffle Hunters and Elizabeth Lo's Stray were jointly proclaimed Best in the World at this year's Fido Awards ceremony in London yesterday, "because they're both so brilliant," as the presenter put it. They also shared the Dog Dox award.
The event, presided over by Toby Rose, celebrated the work of canine cast members in international cinema. Rose said that one of his own favourites was The United States Vs Billie Holliday, whose four legged ensemble won in the Historical Hound category, because it was a reflection on how vital dogs had been in supporting the singer throughout her difficult life.
Several canine nominees attended the ceremony and were very well behaved. The winners were given special collars. Human guests said that they wanted to thank dogs in general for the contribution they have made in recent...
- 5/24/2021
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Paws for applause: dogs featured in the documentaries The Truffle Hunters and Stray have shared the top prize at the annual Fido Awards, presented today in London, which recognize the best canine appearances in cinema. The pair picked up the “Best in the World” collar and also shared the “Dog Dox” prize at the irreverent ceremony, presided over by journalist Toby Rose.
Actors Kerry Fox and Christopher Biggins were among the guests at the Fidos’ pop-up in London’s trendy Coal Drops Yard, and plenty of four-legged friends were also in attendance. Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland continued to bolster its awards haul, winning the “Mutt Moment” prize for the black retriever cross in the movie. Pearl, the beagle from Spenser Confidential, took “Blockbuster Bowser”; Theia, the Scottish Dearhound in One Way to Denmark won “Comedy Canine”; the dogs from 23 Walks scored “Rom-Com Rover”; and the canine cast of The United States vs.
Actors Kerry Fox and Christopher Biggins were among the guests at the Fidos’ pop-up in London’s trendy Coal Drops Yard, and plenty of four-legged friends were also in attendance. Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland continued to bolster its awards haul, winning the “Mutt Moment” prize for the black retriever cross in the movie. Pearl, the beagle from Spenser Confidential, took “Blockbuster Bowser”; Theia, the Scottish Dearhound in One Way to Denmark won “Comedy Canine”; the dogs from 23 Walks scored “Rom-Com Rover”; and the canine cast of The United States vs.
- 5/23/2021
- by Joe Utichi
- Deadline Film + TV
Spirit Awards 2021 Winners List: ‘Nomadland,’ ‘I May Destroy You,’ Riz Ahmed, Carey Mulligan Win Big
“Mank” is the big leader at the 2021 Oscars with 10 nominations, but that wasn’t the case at the 36th Film Independent Spirit Awards. The nomination leader at this ceremony was Eliza Hittman’s acclaimed “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” which the Academy shut out from the Oscars. The same goes for other beloved Spirit Award nominees like “First Cow,” “Miss Juneteenth,” and “The Assistant.” In other words, the Indie Spirit Awards were a breath of fresh air in this elongated awards season where underdog indie contenders finally get their due in the spotlight.
“Minari” also preformed strong at the Indie Spirits, earning six nominations to match its six Oscar nominations. Fellow Oscar nominees “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Nomadland” each picked up five Spirit Award nominations. Netflix was the most nominated studio with 16 nominations, followed by Focus Features with 10 and A24 with 9.
“Nomadland” was the big winner, taking home the prizes...
“Minari” also preformed strong at the Indie Spirits, earning six nominations to match its six Oscar nominations. Fellow Oscar nominees “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Nomadland” each picked up five Spirit Award nominations. Netflix was the most nominated studio with 16 nominations, followed by Focus Features with 10 and A24 with 9.
“Nomadland” was the big winner, taking home the prizes...
- 4/23/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
The 2021 Film Independent Spirit Awards are finally upon us, after the nominations were announced three months ago, and the ceremony is taking place just a few days ahead of the Academy Awards. This year, the Spirit Awards won’t be held midday in a hangar in Santa Monica, but will instead live-stream on IFC on Thursday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m. Pt/10:00 p.m. Et. In addition to the linear broadcast, the Spirit Awards will also stream simultaneously on AMC+. Following the broadcast, the full awards ceremony will be made available on demand across AMC+ and IFC platforms starting Friday, April 23. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by “Saturday Night Love” comedian Melissa Villaseñor.
If you’re cord cutter who doesn’t have cable, you can watch IFC live with one of these streaming services, many of which offer a free trial: Philo, fuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV,...
If you’re cord cutter who doesn’t have cable, you can watch IFC live with one of these streaming services, many of which offer a free trial: Philo, fuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV,...
- 4/21/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Once seen as rather elitist and niche, the documentary feature market is expanding as audience demand for real life stories continues to grow.
Documentaries have become a huge genre in their own right, says Lia Devlin, head of distribution at Altitude Films, whose slate includes “Tina,” “Zappa,” “David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet,” and festival hit “Gunda,” which it releases this June.
“Audiences have reappraised the documentary genre. They are treated very much now as feature films and a solid entertainment format.”
Streamers have played a key part in helping broaden the appeal of feature docs, offering thrilling and emotional real-life stories that are often as dramatic as anything that fiction could dream up. Netflix, in particular, has helped to raise awareness. The streamer, for example, has two hotly tipped Oscar documentary contenders this year, “My Octopus Teacher” and “Crip Camp,” having previously won the category in 2018 with “Icarus” and in 2020 with “American Factory.
Documentaries have become a huge genre in their own right, says Lia Devlin, head of distribution at Altitude Films, whose slate includes “Tina,” “Zappa,” “David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet,” and festival hit “Gunda,” which it releases this June.
“Audiences have reappraised the documentary genre. They are treated very much now as feature films and a solid entertainment format.”
Streamers have played a key part in helping broaden the appeal of feature docs, offering thrilling and emotional real-life stories that are often as dramatic as anything that fiction could dream up. Netflix, in particular, has helped to raise awareness. The streamer, for example, has two hotly tipped Oscar documentary contenders this year, “My Octopus Teacher” and “Crip Camp,” having previously won the category in 2018 with “Icarus” and in 2020 with “American Factory.
- 4/20/2021
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
To mark the release of Stray on 26th April, we’ve been given 2 copies to give away on Blu-ray.
Directed by Elizabeth Lo. An unique, moving and universal documentary, Stray explores what it means to live as a being without status or security – through the eyes of three stray dogs wandering the streets of Istanbul. As they search for food and shelter, Zeytin, Nazar and Kartal embark on inconspicuous journeys through Turkish society that allow us an unvarnished portrait of human life — and their own canine culture.
Please note: This competition is open to UK residents only
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Small Print
Open to UK residents only The competition will close 29th April 2021 at 23.59 GMT The winner will be picked at random from entries received No cash alternative is available Please note prizes may be delayed due to Covid-19 To coincide with Gdpr regulations, competition entry information will not...
Directed by Elizabeth Lo. An unique, moving and universal documentary, Stray explores what it means to live as a being without status or security – through the eyes of three stray dogs wandering the streets of Istanbul. As they search for food and shelter, Zeytin, Nazar and Kartal embark on inconspicuous journeys through Turkish society that allow us an unvarnished portrait of human life — and their own canine culture.
Please note: This competition is open to UK residents only
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Small Print
Open to UK residents only The competition will close 29th April 2021 at 23.59 GMT The winner will be picked at random from entries received No cash alternative is available Please note prizes may be delayed due to Covid-19 To coincide with Gdpr regulations, competition entry information will not...
- 4/19/2021
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Photo: ‘We Don’t Deserve Dogs’/Netflix The above photo is of a dog in Nepal during the 'National Dog Day' Festival known as Kukur Puja. Nepal is the only country in the world where they have a day to celebrate dogs for their friendship and loyalty. The Unconditional Love of a Dog It is a universal truth that dogs are man’s best friend. With an unconditional, unwavering sense of love, dogs give what humans often cannot. They accept you for who you are, and love you for it too. They stand by your side, no matter what. They are kind and non-judgmental. As seen in one scene in ‘We Don’t Deserve Dogs’, where dogs in Finland help young children read, they do not care if you mess up a sentence or word – they are simple in awe that you can get through a sentence! Related article: 10 Must-Watch...
- 4/12/2021
- by Lana Nguyen
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
Our canine companions have long been an inspiration to auteurs and sentimental film-makers alike
Britain, we’re told, has recently reached “peak dog”. With many of us housebound in the past year, it has seemed the ideal time to adopt a dog – prompting a lot of “for life, not just for Covid” messaging from anxious animal shelters. If you’ve felt the urge for some canine companionship but just don’t feel ready to commit, the movies have you covered — the vicarious subgenre of cinéma du chien is a rich and varied one.
It also gets a fine new entry this week (streamable on Amazon) in Elizabeth Lo’s lovely dogumentary Stray, a moving but notably unsentimental study of Istanbul’s street dogs — a sort of bookend to the same city’s cat-centred travelogue Kedi some years ago, albeit from a different filmmaker. Filming over the course of three years,...
Britain, we’re told, has recently reached “peak dog”. With many of us housebound in the past year, it has seemed the ideal time to adopt a dog – prompting a lot of “for life, not just for Covid” messaging from anxious animal shelters. If you’ve felt the urge for some canine companionship but just don’t feel ready to commit, the movies have you covered — the vicarious subgenre of cinéma du chien is a rich and varied one.
It also gets a fine new entry this week (streamable on Amazon) in Elizabeth Lo’s lovely dogumentary Stray, a moving but notably unsentimental study of Istanbul’s street dogs — a sort of bookend to the same city’s cat-centred travelogue Kedi some years ago, albeit from a different filmmaker. Filming over the course of three years,...
- 3/27/2021
- by Guy Lodge
- The Guardian - Film News
To mark National Puppy Day, Elizabeth Lo’s acclaimed film Stray gives humans rare insight into the canine gaze, courtesy of homeless mutts in Istanbul
From the moment Zeytin makes her first appearance in Elizabeth Lo’s feature Stray, there is no doubt you are in the presence of a unique spirit. As she surveys an Istanbul side street at dawn, her features are alert, her gaze is uncompromising and her deep, dark eyes sparkle with intelligence. There’s something of Katharine Hepburn in The African Queen about her, or maybe Brad Pitt in one of his less kempt moments. But non-dog comparisons don’t do her justice. This is one indomitable bitch.
Lo first encountered Zeytin and her friend Nazar on a 2017 casting trip to Turkey, and knew immediately that she had found the star she was looking for – which is to say, a dog who could carry a human film.
From the moment Zeytin makes her first appearance in Elizabeth Lo’s feature Stray, there is no doubt you are in the presence of a unique spirit. As she surveys an Istanbul side street at dawn, her features are alert, her gaze is uncompromising and her deep, dark eyes sparkle with intelligence. There’s something of Katharine Hepburn in The African Queen about her, or maybe Brad Pitt in one of his less kempt moments. But non-dog comparisons don’t do her justice. This is one indomitable bitch.
Lo first encountered Zeytin and her friend Nazar on a 2017 casting trip to Turkey, and knew immediately that she had found the star she was looking for – which is to say, a dog who could carry a human film.
- 3/23/2021
- by Richard Godwin
- The Guardian - Film News
It has long been said that we really don’t deserve dogs. Their loyalty, their love, their undivided attention. And considering humanity’s cruel and atrocious track record in how we treat man’s best friend, there really is a lot of weight to this argument. We breed them, beat them, sell them on the internet and even maim them for sadistic fun or greed. Dogs (and animals in general for that matter) are the best of the world and, while falling victim to the biggest scum on this earth, they can also bring out the best of us, and in Elizabeth Lo’s utterly captivating documentary Stray, we have a moving testament to the power of dogs in the face of life’s harshness. As well as one of the most emotionally investing documentaries of the year.
Just like Ceyda Torun’s Kedi did with cats, Lo’s Stray shows us the joy,...
Just like Ceyda Torun’s Kedi did with cats, Lo’s Stray shows us the joy,...
- 3/22/2021
- by Jack Bottomley
- The Cultural Post
Leading documentary festival Hot Docs has selected the 20 projects that will be presented during the online edition of its project market, Hot Docs Forum, which runs May 4-5.
Among the projects’ 25 filmmakers, 10 helmers are Black, Indigenous or People of Color, and 20 directors are women. The projects represent 16 countries.
Lisa Valencia-Svensson, acting industry programs director for Hot Docs, said this year’s edition is “a bold and powerful mix of cinematic artistry and journalism.”
She added: “The slate of projects gives us hope about the future of non-fiction filmmaking in its many forms, and excites us about films that are just over the horizon and will soon reach cinema audiences around the world.”
Dorota Lech, Hot Docs Forum producer, said the projects reflect Hot Docs’ “unwavering commitment to uplifting emerging filmmakers who, due to industry-wide financial constraints, combined with a lack of access to festivals as meeting places to approach bubbles...
Among the projects’ 25 filmmakers, 10 helmers are Black, Indigenous or People of Color, and 20 directors are women. The projects represent 16 countries.
Lisa Valencia-Svensson, acting industry programs director for Hot Docs, said this year’s edition is “a bold and powerful mix of cinematic artistry and journalism.”
She added: “The slate of projects gives us hope about the future of non-fiction filmmaking in its many forms, and excites us about films that are just over the horizon and will soon reach cinema audiences around the world.”
Dorota Lech, Hot Docs Forum producer, said the projects reflect Hot Docs’ “unwavering commitment to uplifting emerging filmmakers who, due to industry-wide financial constraints, combined with a lack of access to festivals as meeting places to approach bubbles...
- 3/17/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Previous winner Shaka King named honourary chair for this year’s Spirit Awards.
Film Independent has revealed the winners of its three emerging filmmaker awards, each of which comes with a $25,000 unrestricted cash grant.
Ekwa Msangi, director of 2020 Sundance competition entry Farewell Amor, gets the Someone to Watch Award for so far under-recognised “filmmakers of singular vision.” Other finalists for the award were David Midell, director of The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain, and Bull director Annie Silverstein.
Gerry Kim, one of the producers of Mexican drama I’m No Longer Here, shortlisted for this year’s international film Oscar, wins the...
Film Independent has revealed the winners of its three emerging filmmaker awards, each of which comes with a $25,000 unrestricted cash grant.
Ekwa Msangi, director of 2020 Sundance competition entry Farewell Amor, gets the Someone to Watch Award for so far under-recognised “filmmakers of singular vision.” Other finalists for the award were David Midell, director of The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain, and Bull director Annie Silverstein.
Gerry Kim, one of the producers of Mexican drama I’m No Longer Here, shortlisted for this year’s international film Oscar, wins the...
- 3/16/2021
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
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