48 films selected for California film and TV tax credit program

French media powerhouse Canal+ has cleared a major hurdle in its bid to acquire MultiChoice, Africa’s biggest pay-TV operator. South Africa’s Competition Tribunal greenlit the deal—but with strings attached, like keeping money flowing into local entertainment and sports, plus more opportunities for homegrown creators. Both companies confirmed the approval, though the fine print of those "agreed conditions" isn’t fully public yet.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just corporate chess—it’s a big deal for African content. MultiChoice (think DStv) dominates the continent’s screens, and Canal+ (backed by Vivendi) wants a bigger slice. The conditions suggest regulators are wary of foreign ownership gutting local storytelling. If the deal closes, expect shake-ups in what African viewers watch—and who gets to make it.

Music icons and fans worldwide are mourning the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic Black Sabbath frontman whose wild persona and groundbreaking sound defined heavy metal. Tributes are pouring in from fellow artists, many calling him irreplaceable—a true legend who shaped generations of rock music.

Editor’s Note: Ozzy wasn’t just a singer; he was a cultural force. His influence stretches far beyond Black Sabbath, shaping everything from metal to pop culture with his unapologetic style. His death marks the end of an era, but his legacy? That’s immortal.

A chilling new horror flick, The Bride, is making waves even before its release. This Thailand-Vietnam collaboration, backed by Skyline Media, is gearing up for a global rollout starting with a Vietnam premiere on August 29. Distribution deals are already locked in for Australia, New Zealand, and other territories—meaning international horror fans won’t have to wait long to see it.

Editor’s Note: Horror fans, take note—this isn’t just another jump-scare factory. The Bride represents a growing trend of Southeast Asian co-productions breaking into global markets. With strong pre-release buzz and international distribution secured, it could signal more cross-border collaborations in the genre. If it delivers, we might see even more Asian horror gems hitting screens worldwide.

The National Theatre in London just dropped some eye-catching first-look images of Rosamund Pike starring in Inter Alia, a new play by Suzie Miller. The photos, shot by Manuel Harlan, show Pike in full force as Jessica Parks—a high-powered judge shaking up the legal system. If the stills are any indication, she’s bringing the same magnetic intensity she’s known for on-screen to the stage.

Editor’s Note: Theater fans and Pike admirers alike have something to buzz about. This isn’t just another celebrity stage debut—it’s a meaty role in a play tackling big themes (justice, power, reform), and the early visuals suggest it’s going to be a commanding performance. Plus, with the National Theatre’s rep for bold productions, Inter Alia could be one of those talked-about shows that bridges prestige drama and real-world relevance.

Korea’s CJ ENM, a powerhouse in media and entertainment, is planting its flag in Saudi Arabia by launching a new subsidiary—the first major Korean company to do so. This isn’t just a one-off deal; it’s part of a bigger push into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), where Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector is booming. Think of it as a strategic bet on a fast-growing market that’s hungry for content.

Editor’s Note: Saudi Arabia’s entertainment scene is heating up, and CJ ENM isn’t missing the party. This move signals how global media giants are eyeing the MENA region, especially Saudi Arabia, as the next big growth market. For fans, it could mean more K-dramas, films, or even concerts making their way there—and for the industry, it’s a sign that cultural exports are becoming a two-way street.