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  • Australia to Launch National Indian Film Festival in 2025 – Global Bulletin

    Australia to Launch National Indian Film Festival in 2025 – Global Bulletin

    BOLLYWOOD BONANZA

    The Australian Centre for Indian Cinema is set to launch the National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) across seven cities from Feb. 13-16, 2025, marking the country’s first nationwide celebration of Indian cinema.

    The festival has secured partnerships with exhibitor Dendy Cinemas, Indian media giant NDTV, and cinema advertising firm Val Morgan. Filmmaker Anupam Sharma will head the initiative, with industry veteran Peter Castaldi serving as festival director.

    NIFFA will host screenings in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Darwin, and Hobart. One city will be selected to host the opening night festivities, workshops, and panels focusing on investment opportunities and co-production development. The festival plans to offer development grants for Australia-India screen content, with details to be announced in November. An Australia-India co-production treaty was ratified in 2023.

    The festival has secured support from Indian film distributors across Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, including Forum Films. Additional partners and program details will be unveiled at IFFI Goa in November, where Australia is the focus country. The complete festival program will be announced on Jan. 6, 2025.

    The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, which is separate from NIFFA, has been operating for 15 years.

    NUMBERS NEMESIS

    India’s Jio Studios and Baweja Studios have partnered for “Khwaabon Ka Jhamela,” a romantic comedy helmed by Danish Aslam (“Break Ke Baad”) set to premiere on streamer JioCinema Nov. 8. The film stars Prateik Babbar, Sayani Gupta and Kubbra Sait.

    Shot across India and the U.K., the story follows Zubin, who has a knack for numbers not romance, who faces rejection from his fiancée Shehnaz due to intimacy issues. His path crosses with Ruby, an intimacy coordinator, leading to unexpected developments.

    The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Pammi Baweja, Harman Baweja and Vicky Bahri. The project marks the second collaboration between the studios following “Mrs.,” starring Sanya Malhotra.

    Naman Ramachandran

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  • Kareena Kapoor Khan Film Festival Set for India’s PVR Inox Cinemas – Global Bulletin

    Kareena Kapoor Khan Film Festival Set for India’s PVR Inox Cinemas – Global Bulletin

    KAREENA KINEMA

    PVR Inox, India’s largest cinema exhibitor, is launching a film festival celebrating Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan‘s 25-year career. The week-long event will run from Sept. 20-27 across 30 cinemas in 15 Indian cities. The festival coincides with the release of Kapoor Khan’s latest film, “The Buckingham Murders,” directed by Hansal Mehta.

    The retrospective will feature a selection of Kapoor Khan’s films, including Santosh Sivan’s “Asoka,” Sudhir Mishra’s “Chameli,” Imtiaz Ali’s “Jab We Met,” Karan Johar’s “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” and Vishal Bhardwaj’s “Omkara.”

    “The last two decades have been exhilarating and seem like yesterday. It feels fantastic to be a part of an industry that I love dearly and an industry that has given so much to me,” Kapoor Khan said. “It is exciting to think that through the film festival people of all generations will get to experience these amazing films, and I can relive the memories tied to these wonderful films.”

    Niharika Bijli of PVR Inox added: “This initiative reflects our commitment to preserving the rich legacy of Indian films and offering a unique cinematic experience. Kareena Kapoor Khan is a rare artist who has consistently challenged conventions and delivered powerful performances over the last 25 years. Her work has not only entertained but also inspired generations of actors and cinephiles.”

    DRAGON BALL NEW SERIES

    “Dragon Ball DAIMA,” an upcoming original anime series based on a new “Dragon Ball” story and characters from creator Toriyama Akira, will be available to stream with subtitles on Crunchyroll starting Oct. 11 in the U.S., Canada, Latin America (including Brazil), Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India and Southeast Asia, followed by new weekly subtitled episodes simulcast with the Japanese TV broadcast.

    The series is directed by Yashima Yoshitaka (key animator on “Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge”) and Komaki Aya (series director “One Piece”) together with series composition and scenario by Kakihara Yuko and animation character design by Nakatsuru Katsuyoshi. Production is through Toei Animation.
    According to a supplied synopsis, due to a conspiracy, Goku and his friends are turned small. Adventure awaits them in the unknown world known as the Demon Realm.

    FOUR FORMATS

    Nippon TV, a Japanese broadcaster that has been behind a slew of internationally-adapted formats, will unveil four new formats at next month’s MIPCOM. Two are scripted shows, two are unscripted.

    “Man or Mannequin?” is a game show format with a strong visual identity, a guessing game scaled to a new height and staged all around the city. “Unstoppable” is a conceptual game show in which the challengers never stop and always try to keep winning through a succession of irresistible games. 

    “Secret Makeover” and “Going Home” are scripted formats with stories about female protagonists who gather courage to change the irrational world and face unsolved mysteries as well as personal burdens from the past,” said Sayako Aoki, Head of Scripted, Nippon TV. 

    Nippon TV is a multiplatform broadcaster and the owner of streamer Hulu Japan. Over 90% of its content IP is fully-owned. The company has been active in bringing its content to the international market in the form of anime, ready-made programs, formats, and through co-production partnerships.

    APPOINTMENTS FOLLOW FRED MEDIA / RADAR MERGER

    WTFN has announced that it is integrating its Fred Media (content distribution) and Radar (digital) teams to capitalize on developments in the marketplace. The new-look business will officially debut at the MIPCOM in Cannes next month with new joint Fred Media/Radar branding.

    Derek Dyson, previously GM at Radar, has been promoted to chief commercial officer at WTFN, taking responsibility for the newly integrated team and its global business strategy, along with branded entertainment businesses, Empire Talent and WTFN BE.

    Louisa Emery has been appointed as GM at Radar. Prior to joining Radar, she headed up digital and social media teams at both Warner Bros. and Fremantle in Australia and masterminded the “Big Brother” relaunch campaign for Channel 7 and Endemol Shine.

    Sales, development, acquisitions and co-production executive Judy Levenson has joined Fred Media as a sales consultant, with responsibility for the Americas. She previously held senior roles at Showtime, National Geographic, Discovery and Scott Brothers Entertainment.

    Naman Ramachandran

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  • Zee Sets ‘Dhadak 2’ for November Theatrical Release – Global Bulletin

    Zee Sets ‘Dhadak 2’ for November Theatrical Release – Global Bulletin

    ROMANTIC REUNION

    India’s Zee Studios has set a late November theatrical release for “Dhadak 2,” a romance film challenging societal norms.

    The film is a sequel to 2016 hit “Dhadak,” that was itself a Hindi remake of the Marathi film “Sairat.” The 2016 title starred Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor, as well as the late Sridevi.

    The new film is directed by Shazia Iqbal and stars Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri in lead roles. Plot details were scarce, though Zee teased it with the logline: [the film] “explores barriers of class and status stitched in the minds of societies, underscoring a narrative of love that can never be fulfilled. Or can it?”

    Production is by Zee Studios, Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, and Cloud 9 Pictures and is slated for release on Nov. 22, 2024, a slot that falls neatly between Diwali and Christmas.

    Watch the teaser here:

    CALLING HER BLUFF

    Production is set to start imminently in Australia on “The Bluff,” a 19th-century-set film about a female pirate who must protect her family as the consequences of her past catch up with her. It stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Karl Urban and is being produced by AGBO for Amazon’s Prime Video service.

    The Bluff’ is set to be directed by Frank E. Flowers, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Joe Ballarini.

    The producers include Chopra Jonas, AGBO’s Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot and Michael Disco, Cinestar Pictures’ Cisely Saldana and Mariel Saldana.

    ‘The Bluff’ is the second collaboration between Chopra-Jonas, AGBO and Amazon MGM Studios, following the multinational crime action series “Citadel.”

    Chopra Jonas posted Instagram pictures of herself and her daughter arriving Down Under for the start of production.

    GIVING A FIG

    Australia’s Sharmill Films is to give a theatrical release to “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” the Cannes Special Award- and FIPRESCI Award-winning film by Iran’s Mohammad Rasoulof. The director was not permitted to leave his home country, but did so anyway to attend the Cannes Film Festival premiere of his picture.

    Dubai-based pay-TV and streamer OSN has renewed its multi-year partnership with Warner Bros under an expanded deal that will bring all new first-run Max Originals and Warner Bros. Pictures movies exclusively to its OSN+ streamer and OSNTV customers across the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. 

    REUPPING

    Dubai-based pay-TV and streamer OSN has renewed its multi-year partnership with Warner Bros. under an expanded deal that will bring all new first-run Max Originals and Warner Bros. Pictures movies exclusively to its OSN+ streamer and OSNTV customers across the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. 

    OSN subscribers will now have access to Warner Bros. Pictures’ film catalogue and exclusive Pay 1 features in MENA following their theatrical and home entertainment runs. High-profile titles include “Barbie”; “Wonka”; “Dune: Part Two” and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” as well as upcoming Max Originals “Dune: Prophecy” and “The Penguin.” 

    Joe Kawkabani, group CEO at OSN commented: “Today we strengthen our longstanding partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery with yet another exclusive deal that will further expand OSN+ and OSNtv’s content libraries and bring the studio’s biggest global films and new Max Originals to our platforms first.” 

    OSN REUPS WITH WARNER BROS.

    Patrick Frater

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  • BBC Launching Kids Subscription Service in Korea – Global Bulletin

    BBC Launching Kids Subscription Service in Korea – Global Bulletin

    BBC KOREA LAUNCH

    BBC Studios is launching ‘BBC Kids’ in Korea as a monthly subscription service on Genie TV Kids Land, a dedicated IPTV service for young children, in collaboration with telecoms and internet service provider KT. Through the partnership, BBC Studios Asia will bring a wide range of children’s content to Korean audiences, in one place for the first time. The service will feature a mix of content in English language as well as a variety of popular titles dubbed into Korean for the first time. Titles available include seasons 1-4 of BAFTA- and Emmy- award-winning pre-school animation series “Hey Duggee” on Genie TV Kids Land among IPTVs. Series 4 is exclusive to this service in Korea, “Andy’s Global Adventures,” “Yakka Dee,” “Go Jetters,” “Sarah & Duck,” and “My World Kitchen.” The service will be available for KRW5,000 ($3.70) per month.

    SONG’S BONDS

    Song Kang-ho (“Parasite,” “Snowpiercer”) stars in “Uncle Samsik,” a political thriller series set to launch on the Disney+ streaming platform from May 15. Set in the 1960s, the show follows an ambitious idealist who is driven to turn his country’s industrial fortunes around. He attracts the attentions of Uncle Samsik, a shady fixer and social chameleon. The pair form an uneasy alliance, navigating the complexities of the established system, united by their shared goal of a prosperous future.

    Written and directed by Shin Yeonshick (“Cassiopeia,” “Romans 8:37”), the show also stars Byun Yohan (“Mr. Sunshine,” “Six Flying Dragons”). The streamer will release the show’s first five episodes on May 15, followed by two episodes a week until a three-part season finale on June 19. It will also be available on Hulu in the U.S.

    BUNNY BOUNCE

    Box office in Hong Kong over the four-day Easter weekend (Friday to Monday) bounced by 22% compared with the same time last year. According to data from Hong Kong Box Office Ltd., theatrical revenues reached HK$36.8 million ($4.72 million), compared with HK$30.1 in 2023.

    The chart was led by “We 12,” a local film starring the members of Hong Kong’s Cantopop boy band Mirror. The film earned HK$13.2 million ($1.70 million) over the long weekend, comfortably ahead of “Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire” (with HK$9.82 million) and “Kung Fu Panda 4” (with HK$5.38 million).

    FREE FLOWN


    Radio Free Asia, a U.S.-government funded broadcast and online news operation, has closed its editorial office in Hong Kong. The company said on Friday that it has shut down its bureau as a reaction to the new Article 23 National Security Law which came into effect on March 23. RFA will keep its media registration in the city.

    The law, which is addition to the National Security Law injected into Hong Kong’s mini constitution in July 2020, imposes severe punishments for interference by foreign forces deemed to threaten national security and criminalizes the possession or disclosure of state secrets. These can include economic and social issues. It also criminalizes sedition.

    The Hong Kong government has criticized RFA, the BBC and other news organizations for their reporting about the new law. It says that it was its constitutional duty to enact the new law, rejects claims that Article 23 restricts personal freedoms or is substantially different from security laws in other developed territories.

    WARNER CONSUMER

    Vikram Sharma has been named group VP, head of consumer products, APAC, effective April 1. Sharma will report to Robert Oberschelp, head of Warner Bros. Discovery Global consumer products, and part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s revenue & strategy division headed by chief revenue & strategy officer Bruce Campbell. 

    Sharma will lead the APAC region of WBDGCP following longtime global consumer product executive Julian Moon’s previously announced retirement after 33 years with the company.  He will be based in Singapore and continue to work closely with WBD’s head of APAC, James Gibbons.

    Sharma has been with WBD for five years, working and leading teams in consumer products and licensing, ad sales, and partnership roles. Previously, he spent nearly nine years in similar roles with increasing responsibility in India and Southeast Asia at The Walt Disney Company. 

    SHANGHAI SWING

    The Shanghai International Film Festival has confirmed the dates for its 2024 edition. It will take place June 14-23 and hold its Golden Goblet Awards ceremony on June 22.

    In addition to the main competition section for feature films, the festival will operate: a short film section targeting films of five minutes in length; a science-fiction film week; the SIFF Young x Shanghai Young Filmmakers Support Program; and a market section that will also play host to seminars and conferences.

    NO YOLK

    Syracuse, New York-based The Dazey Phase has come on board as international sales agent for “Egghead & Twinkie,” a coming-of-age comedy film about coming out of the closet. Claiming to be the first feature film funded by TikTok, the film was directed by Sarah Kambe Holland and recently won the best comedy vanguard feature prize at the Austin Film Festival. The Dazey Phase first joined as consulting producers during the film’s post-production phase. The company was founded in 2021 by siblings Jake (“And Just Like That…”) and Eva Casey (“Stronghold”) with Danielle Benedict (“Hell Is Empty,” “Aloo”) joining the following year as head of business strategy & operations.

    Patrick Frater

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  • Malaysia Considers Extending Film Censorship System to Streaming – Global Bulletin

    Malaysia Considers Extending Film Censorship System to Streaming – Global Bulletin

    CENSORING STREAMERS

    Malaysia’s Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has said that he plans to hold meetings with the Communications Ministry with a view to extending the remit of the country’s Film Censorship Board (LPF) to video streamers. Currently, the LPF has jurisdiction over theatrical releases, but not content carried on the internet.

    Malaysia has been notable in demanding cuts – sometimes refused by rights holders – to imported and local films, especially where they touch on religion or homosexuality, even tangentially. Hollywood films “Thor” and “Lightyear” were both banned. Last year, local director Amanda Nell Eu denounced the censored cut of her prize-winning film “Tiger Stripes.”

    Speaking in parliament, Saifuddin said “the LPF will not approve the screening of any films that promote LGBTQ, communism, Islamophobia, and those conflicting Islamic beliefs.”

    VFX INVESTMENT

    Japanese broadcaster TBS Holdings has announced “a significant capital investment” in Megalis a Tokyo-based VFX production company headed by co-CEOs Christophe Rodo and Jeffrey Dillinger. No details of the scale of the investment were disclosed, nor its financial value.

    In a related move, TBS subsidiary The Seven has struck a partnership arrangement with Megalis. The company was formed in 2017 and works across film and TV drama with credits including Netflix’s “Yu Yu Hakusho” and the feature film “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead.”

    “By integrating Megalis’s unparalleled expertise in VFX production with its own diverse entertainment portfolio, it aims to enhance its content’s appeal on the global stage and expand its footprint,” TBS said. “These collaborations are pivotal to TBS Group’s ambitious global strategy, as outlined in its long-term vision, VISION 2030.”

    “This collaboration marks a significant step forward in bolstering the company’s production capabilities,” said The Seven president Sugai Tatsuo.

    TICKET TO RISE

    Chinese cinema ticketing agency, Maoyan saw net profits grow three-fold in 2023 as audiences returned to theaters after the ending of COVID restrictions. Adjusted net profit hit RMB1.03 billion ($143 million) in calendar and financial year 2023. Revenues doubled to RMB4.76 billion ($661 million).

    According to data released by the China Film Administration, total box office in China was RMB54.9 billion, a year-over-year increase of 83%. Local movies accounted for RMB46.0 billion of the total.

    Maoyan has moved upstream into production investment and distribution services. Last year it was involved with the distribution or marketing of Chinese titles including “Full River Red,” “Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms” and “Shining For One Thing.”

    In the current year slate, Maoyan was producer and lead distributor for “Pegasus 2” and had a distribution role in two other Lunar New Year hits “YOLO” and “Boonie Bears: Time Twist.”

    WINSING WAYS


    Chinese cartoon firm Winsing Animation, known for its “Jonny Jetboy” TV series and its “GG Bond” film franchise, has completed its first anime-style series “Shadows of the Void.”

    A sci-fi anime with a narrative about two spirited girls who bravely confront the catastrophe “Voidflux,” overcoming formidable challenges and safeguard their homeland, will premiere from April 10 on the Bilibili platform.

    The show is, “Infused with rich Chinese cultural influences, the series intricately weaves elements such as character attire inspired by Chinese motifs and combat sequences rooted in traditional martial arts like Wing Chun. The landscapes of the “Sand Zone” draw inspiration from the ancient Chinese city of Dunhuang,” the company said.

    Patrick Frater

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  • Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone Sci-Fi Epic ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ Sets Release Date – Global Bulletin

    Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone Sci-Fi Epic ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ Sets Release Date – Global Bulletin

    DISTRIBUTION

    “Kalki 2898 AD,” the Indian sci-fi epic starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone and Disha Patani, will release theatrically worldwide on May 9. The date was unveiled across Indian cities Varanasi, Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh, Chennai, Madurai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Guntur, Bhimavaram, Kashmir and Vijayawada by actors in the raider costumes featured in the film.

    The film, which is directed by Nag Ashwin and backed by Vyjayanthi Movies, was teased at the San Diego Comic-Con last year. While a budget for the film has not been revealed, Variety understands that it is in the region of $75 million, which will make it one of the most expensive Indian films of all time.

    Vyjayanthi Movies founder and producer C. Ashwini Dutt said: “As Vyjayanthi Movies marked its 50th year, the importance of May 9 in our cinematic journey remains evident. From the iconic ‘Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari’ to the award-winning ‘Mahanati’ and ‘Maharshi,’ this date has etched its place in our history. Now, the release of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ featuring gifted artists like Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, Kamal Haasan and Deepika Padukone marks a special moment for us and aligns with the banner’s milestone 50th year, making it even more meaningful as we continue our journey at Vyjayanthi Movies.”

    CONCERT TOUR

    U.S. rapper G-Eazy is touring India for the first time. Produced by Spacebound, backers of popular Indian dance music festival Sunburn, the concerts will be at Bengaluru on Feb. 10, New Delhi on Feb. 11 and Mumbai on Feb. 15. G-Easy will be joined by local hip-hop support acts, who will be revealed imminently.

    G-Eazy said: “Namaste India! I’m beyond excited to bring my music to the incredible fans in a place that I’ve heard so many amazing stories about. This marks my first-ever tour in the country, and I can’t wait to experience the energy and enthusiasm that Indian audiences are known for. Get ready for an unforgettable night – we’re going to make history together.”

    Naman Ramachandran

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  • ‘Temptation Island’ Sets France Return – Global Bulletin

    ‘Temptation Island’ Sets France Return – Global Bulletin

    FORMAT

    Banijay Productions France is reviving hit reality format “Temptation Island” for French network W9, marking its return to the country after five years.

    “Temptation Island” sees couples at a crossroads in their relationship embark on a journey to test their commitment. Separated in two different beach resorts, the couples interact with a group of singles to determine if their love is strong enough to withstand the challenges they will encounter on the island.

    The format previously played nine seasons in France, last airing in 2019. Distributed globally by Banijay, it has been adapted in 26 countries including Italy, Germany, Finland and India.

    Florence Fayard, CEO Banijay Productions France, said: “‘Temptation Island’ is a tried and tested global hit, enticing viewers around the world with its drama, emotional declarations, and conversation-inciting topics. At Banijay Productions France, we love to produce bold reality formats and we are very much looking forward to using our expertise in the genre to bring this exceptional IP back to France.”

    DOCUMENTARY SEASON

    After a successful inaugural edition in June, 2023, the second Italian Doc Season returns to London’s Bertha DocHouse (Jan. 27-28) with a trio of acclaimed documentaries with the filmmakers in attendance. Valentina Cocogna and Mattia Colombo’s “Pure Unknown” revolves around Dr. Cristina Cattaneo’s autopsy room where unnamed migrant bodies, rejected by the Mediterranean Sea onto the shores of Italy, land and she raises concerns about their right to dignity. The film had festival play at Visions du Reel, Hot Docs and Karlovy Vary and won the audience award at Biografilm. Erik Gandini’s CPH: DOX and Hot Docs title “After Work” mulls the post AI workplace scenario via the experiences of its protagonists in Kuwait, South Korea, U.S. and Italy and explores what could be the new work ethic, compatible with a future ‘work free existence,’ with Elon Musk and Noam Chomsky weighing in. Mark Cousins‘ IDFA winner “The March on Rome” narrates the ascent of fascism in Italy and its fall-out across 1930s Europe through little-seen archive footage and cinematic analysis.

    THEATRICAL RELEASE

    Dogwoof will release Rachel Ramsay and James Erskine’s Toronto and London-selected documentary “Copa 71,” executive produced by Serena Williams and Venus Williams and Alex Morgan, on March 8. Told by the pioneering women who participated in it and built from archive unseen for 50 years, the film tells the story of the 1971 women’s soccer World Cup, a tournament witnessed by record crowds that was written out of sporting history.

    Naman Ramachandran

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  • ‘Filipinana,’ ‘The Remotes’ Win Top Prizes at QCinema Project Market in The Philippines – Global Bulletin

    ‘Filipinana,’ ‘The Remotes’ Win Top Prizes at QCinema Project Market in The Philippines – Global Bulletin

    PROJECT MARKET AWARDS WINNERS

    The QCinema Project Market, the industry initiative that accompanies The Philippines’ QCinema International Film Festival, revealed its winners list on Tuesday delivering almost $500,000 of grants and in-kind support.

    The prizes followed a two-day networking and pitching event on Nov. 18 and 19 for 19 feature-length fiction film projects from Southeast Asia.

    Two projects received the QCinema Project Market – Philippines Co-production Grant, with both collecting $55,000 (PHP3 million). They were: “The Remotes” from director-producer John Torres; and “Filipiñana,” by director Rafael Manuel. “Filipinana,” a black comedy set on a golf course, won a second prize on the night worth another $18,000. At the recent Asian Project Market in Busan it had also been a multiple prize winner.

    Two film projects also received the QCinema Project Market – Philippines Co-production Grant worth $27,000 (PHP1.5 million) each: “The Boy and the Fight of Spiders (Diwalwal)” by director Jarell Serencio and “Ella Arcangel: Ballad of Tooth and Claw” an adaptation of the comic book series of the same name, by director Mervin Malonzo. It was the only animation project in the roster.

    QCinema Project Market – Southeast Asia Co-production Grant worth $35,000 each was given to “The Sea is Calm Tonight” by Vietnamese director Le Bao and two film projects from Singapore — “The Drought” and “Trinity” from directors Nelson Yeo and Boo Junfeng, respectively. “The Sea is Calm Tonight” won two further awards at QCinema: one providing color grading support, the other worth $9,000.

    “QCinema Project Market has been met with warm welcome and overwhelming interest from the country and the region and we hope to be able to continue this as an annual integral program inside QCinema,” said QCinema artistic director Ed Lejano.

    PETTING TWO

    Animal hospital series, “For the Love of Pets” has been licensed by National Geographic for broadcast in the U.S. The network has picked up both seasons in a license deal with Escapade Media.

    The Context Media series is narrated by Australian star Jai Courtney and recently started its second season on the country’s Nine Network.

    It was previously licensed to the U.K.’s Channel 5, and has now secured other deals with TVNZ, New Zealand, and with Truevisions in Thailand for one season.

    Courtney was recently seen in: Texas-noir drama “Catching Dust,” which premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Festival; Netflix non-linear heist series “Kaleidoscope”; Prime Video’s action thriller series “The Terminal List” alongside Chris Pratt; and in the film “Black Site” for Redbox.

    Patrick Frater

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  • Oscar-Winning Producer Guneet Monga Kapoor, Celebrity Chef Vikas Khanna Board Animation ‘American Sikh’ (EXCLUSIVE) – Global Bulletin

    Oscar-Winning Producer Guneet Monga Kapoor, Celebrity Chef Vikas Khanna Board Animation ‘American Sikh’ (EXCLUSIVE) – Global Bulletin

    OSCAR CONTENDER

    Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor (“The Elephant Whisperers”) and Michelin-starred chef and filmmaker Vikas Khanna (“The Last Color”) have boarded Oscar-qualified animated short “American Sikh” as executive producers.

    The film tells the true story of an American-born, turban-wearing Sikh illustrator, writer, performance artist, diversity speaker and creator of Sikhtoons.com, Vishavjit Singh, who after a lifetime of facing prejudice, self-doubt and violence, finally finds acceptance in a superhero costume. Singh is publicly known for his Captain America persona — a turbaned and bearded Sikh — fighting against bigotry, intolerance and perceptions of what an American should look like post 9/11.

    “American Sikh” was created in partnership with Singh as the director-producer and director Ryan Westra (live action short “Red, White and Beard,” starring Singh). It was animated by Studio Showoff, a Melbourne-based production house founded by Ivan Dixon and Sean Zwan that has produced work for Childish Gambino, HBO and Cartoon Network.

    The film has won best short animation at Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham, Alabama, best animation at San Diego International Film Festival, the grand jury award for best short documentary at and the audience choice award at the Tasveer Film Festival in Seattle, a special mention at Chicago International Film Festival and an honorable mention at Tallgrass Film Festival.


    HELLO ‘GOODBYE’

    Production is now under way on anthology film “Good Goodbye,” from Singapore production firm MM2 Entertainment. It comprises three interconnected stories about attitudes towards death, dying and palliative care. “The film will explore the courage to pursue one’s dreams despite the fear of mortality, the significance of reconciling with family by letting go of regret and resentment, and the importance of releasing self-imposed limitations to live a life filled with love,” the company said.

    Award-winning director Daniel Yam (“4Love,” “Wonder Boy”) directs Tosh Zhang (“Ah Boys To Men” franchise movies), Julie Tan (“Wonder Boy”), Shane Pow (“Ajoomma”), Golden Horse Award nominee Yang Shi Bin (“Wet Season”), Andie Chen (“Circle Line”), beauty queen Teo Ser Lee and child actor Aster Yeow. The film is set to release in 2024.

    88 + 1

    88rising, the music and media company amplifying Asian talent and culture, has appointed Mike Chuthakieo as its first chief revenue officer. He will report directly to CEO and founder Sean Miyashiro. In this newly created role, Chuthakieo will spearhead the direction and execution of brand partnership strategies across the globe.

    The company has had a busy 2023. Its flagship Head In The Clouds Music and Arts Festival celebrated its fifth year in Los Angeles, and made its debut in New York City and Guangzhou, China this year, following expansions to Manila, Philippines and Jakarta, Indonesia the previous year. 

    Its contracted artist, Joji’s “Glimpse of Us” reached #8 on Billboard’s Hot 100, while his album “Smithereens” debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200, and his North American tour sold out. Niki’s North America and Asia tours were fully sold-out. And Jackson Wang’s “Magic Man” became the highest Billboard charting album from a Chinese artist, reaching #15 and his debut solo global tour quickly sold out.

    Naman Ramachandran

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