15 Actors Who Refused To Return For The Sequel And Made A Good Choice, Honestly

A promising new indie film called "Mad Bills to Pay"—directed by Joel Alfonso Vargas—is making waves on the festival circuit. After winning a jury award at Sundance and securing a spot at Berlinale, the Paris- and Berlin-based distributor Salaud Morisset has snapped it up for festival, theatrical, and non-commercial rights. Now, it’s headed to Karlovy Vary for another high-profile screening.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another indie flick—it’s a breakout success story. The fact that a buzzy distributor like Salaud Morisset is backing it suggests strong faith in its appeal, both critically and commercially. For film buffs, this means another must-watch title is on the horizon, and for up-and-coming filmmakers, it’s proof that festival momentum can lead to real opportunities.

A new international thriller series called Decalcomania is in the works, thanks to a collaboration between Singapore’s Mocha Chai Laboratories and Thailand’s The One Enterprise. The eight-episode show, set to debut in December, revolves around two women—a Bangkok nightclub owner with a dark past and another unnamed character—who inexplicably swap bodies after a car crash. Filming is underway in both Singapore and Bangkok, promising a mix of urban grit and supernatural intrigue.

Editor’s Note: Cross-border co-productions like this are becoming a bigger deal in Asia’s streaming boom, blending creative talent and regional appeal. Body-swapping stories aren’t new, but pairing it with a Thai-Singaporean lens could freshen up the trope. For fans of twisty, high-stakes dramas, this one’s worth keeping an eye on—especially if it taps into the cultural contrasts between the two cities.

The Locarno Film Festival is shaking things up this year with its Pardi di Domani competition, spotlighting fresh short and medium-length films from emerging and established directors. Notable names like Neo Sora (Happyend) and Salvatore Mereu (Three-Step Dance) are bringing new works to the table, alongside 40 other world premieres. It’s a showcase for bold, bite-sized storytelling.

Editor’s Note: Locarno’s focus on shorter formats gives indie and rising filmmakers a rare spotlight—something big festivals often overlook. For cinephiles, it’s a chance to discover raw, innovative storytelling before it hits the mainstream. And for the industry, it’s a pulse check on what’s next in global cinema.

The UK's Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, condemned what he called "vile Jew-hatred" during punk duo Bob Vylan's Glastonbury set, which was broadcast by the BBC. He described the incident as a "national shame," though the specific content he objected to hasn't been detailed in this excerpt.

Editor’s Note: When a high-profile religious leader calls out hate speech at a major cultural event like Glastonbury, it forces a public reckoning. This isn’t just about one performance—it’s about what’s tolerated (or ignored) in mainstream spaces. The BBC’s involvement adds another layer, since public broadcasters often face scrutiny over balancing free expression with accountability.

Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey just dropped its cast list, and it’s an absolute powerhouse of A-listers and rising stars. Think of it like a cinematic all-star game—everyone you’d want in a Nolan epic seems to be here. The excitement is real, especially for film buffs who’ve been waiting for his next big project.

Editor’s Note: Nolan’s movies are always events, and this cast announcement is like throwing gasoline on the hype fire. It’s not just about big names—it signals ambition, scale, and the kind of filmmaking that gets people lining up for midnight showings. For fans, this is Christmas morning energy.