Jafar Panahi Urges Academy to Break Government Stranglehold on International Oscar Submissions

At the Busan International Film Festival, acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi, honored as this year's 'Asian Filmmaker of the Year', urged the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to ensure that submissions for the Best International Film category are free from government influence. This call for independence in film selection is significant as it highlights the ongoing struggle for artistic freedom in cinema, especially in regions where government control can stifle creativity.

Colombia has chosen the acclaimed film 'A Poet' as its entry for the international feature category at the 98th Academy Awards. Directed by Simón Mesa Soto, the film has resonated well with audiences since its release in Colombian theaters, showcasing the country's rich cinematic talent. This recognition not only highlights the film's artistic merit but also elevates Colombia's presence in the global film industry, making it a significant moment for Colombian cinema.

France has selected Jafar Panahi's film 'It Was Just an Accident' to represent the country in the Oscars' International Feature category. This film, which won the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, stands out among other contenders like Richard Linklater's 'Nouvelle Vague' and Rebecca Zlotowski's 'A Private Life.' This selection not only highlights the film's artistic merit but also showcases France's commitment to promoting diverse cinematic voices on a global stage.

France has chosen Jafar Panahi's acclaimed film 'It Was Just An Accident' as its candidate for the Best International Feature Film at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. This selection, made by a committee from France's National Cinema Centre, highlights the film's artistic merit and the country's commitment to showcasing exceptional international cinema. Panahi's work has garnered significant recognition, and this nomination could further elevate his profile on the global stage.

Kristen Stewart's directorial debut, 'The Chronology of Water,' has been acquired by BFI Distribution for the UK and Ireland, following a successful festival tour that began with its premiere at Cannes. This acquisition is significant as it allows UK audiences to experience Stewart's artistic vision, showcasing her growth as a filmmaker and the film's potential impact on the indie film scene.

Jafar Panahi is set to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Rome Film Festival this October, a recognition that highlights his significant contributions to cinema. The award will be presented by Oscar-winning director Giuseppe Tornatore, adding to the event's prestige. Panahi will also showcase his film 'It Was Just An Accident,' which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes 2025. This honor not only celebrates Panahi's artistic legacy but also emphasizes the importance of supporting filmmakers who challenge societal norms.

Khadar Ayderus Ahmed, the talented Finnish Somali filmmaker known for his acclaimed debut 'The Gravedigger’s Wife,' is working on an exciting new project titled 'Thundering Smoke.' This film tells the story of a middle-aged Somali hitwoman seeking vengeance against a crime boss in her village. This project is significant as it showcases diverse narratives in cinema and highlights Ahmed's unique voice in storytelling, which will be presented at the Finnish Film Affair.

The Busan International Film Festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary with exciting changes under the new direction of Jung Hanseok. This year's festival promises to enhance the experience by increasing the number of films and screening venues, reflecting the growth of Korea's film industry since its inception in 1996. These updates not only aim to attract more audiences but also to strengthen the festival's position in the global cinema landscape, making it a significant event for filmmakers and movie lovers alike.

At the 30th Busan International Film Festival, Park Chan-wook expressed concerns about the future of Korean cinema during the press conference for his film 'No Other Choice.' This drama, which premiered in Venice, is based on Donald E. Westlake's novel 'The Ax.' Park's remarks highlight the challenges facing the industry, emphasizing the need for a revival in theatrical experiences. His insights resonate with many in the film community, making this discussion particularly relevant as the festival showcases new talent and stories.

Celluloid Dreams has secured worldwide sales rights for 'Shape of Momo,' the debut feature by Indian filmmaker Tribeny Rai. This film is set to make its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival and will also be showcased in the New Directors section at the San Sebastián Film Festival. This acquisition highlights the growing recognition of Indian cinema on international platforms, making it an exciting moment for both the filmmaker and audiences eager for fresh narratives.

Colombia has chosen Simón Mesa Soto's film 'A Poet' as its entry for the 2026 Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category. This film, which premiered at Cannes and won the jury prize in the Un Certain Regard section, has already made waves at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). This selection highlights Colombia's growing presence in the international film scene and showcases the talent of emerging filmmakers like Soto.

The first trailer for 'Hana Korea,' a North Korean refugee drama starring Kim Minha from 'Pachinko,' has been released ahead of its premiere at the Busan International Film Festival.

Editor’s Note: 'Hana Korea' highlights the struggles of North Korean refugees adapting to life in South Korea. This film is significant as it sheds light on a pressing humanitarian issue while showcasing diverse storytelling in cinema.

Tonight, Mawaan Rizwan's quirky comedy 'Juice' returns for its second series on BBC Three, bringing back the beloved character Jamma, who continues to navigate life while jobless and couch-surfing. With Russell Tovey guest-starring, this show promises to deliver laughs and surreal moments that fans have come to love. It's a great opportunity for viewers to enjoy fresh comedic content that resonates with the challenges of modern life, making it a must-watch this evening.

The Helsinki International Film Festival, known as Love & Anarchy, is set to begin its 38th edition, marking a significant transition as long-time artistic director Pekka Lanerva steps down. Incoming executive director Pauliina Ståhlberg is ready to take the helm, emphasizing the festival's mission to promote positive change through cinema. This shift not only highlights the festival's commitment to innovation but also its role in fostering a community that champions good storytelling and social impact, making it an exciting time for film lovers and creators alike.

Warner Bros. has announced an exciting new partnership with Japan's Toho-Towa Group, which will take charge of distributing its films in theaters across Japan starting in 2026. This collaboration is significant as it marks a strategic move to enhance Warner's presence in the Japanese market, beginning with the release of Emerald Fennell's adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights.' Such agreements not only broaden the reach of Hollywood films but also enrich the cinematic landscape in Japan, promising a diverse array of entertainment for local audiences.

The former editor of British Vogue has raised concerns that the fashion industry is regressing on diversity, suggesting that the ideals of being 'super-thin' and predominantly European are becoming the standard once more. This is significant as it highlights a troubling trend that could undermine the progress made towards inclusivity in fashion, affecting representation and body image perceptions in society.

The new thriller 'Him,' produced by Jordan Peele, dives deep into the intense world of American football through the eyes of Cameron Cade, a college star determined to make it big. This film not only showcases the physical challenges of the sport but also highlights the psychological toll it can take on players. As Cade navigates the pressures of the Combine, audiences are reminded that the game can be far scarier than it appears, making it a must-watch for both sports fans and thriller enthusiasts alike.

This week, fans of 'Gossip Girl' were treated to a delightful reunion between Ed Westwick and Kelly Rutherford, reminding us of the show's lasting impact on pop culture. Alongside this nostalgic moment, a collection of can't-miss celebrity sightings has surfaced, showcasing the vibrant lives of stars as they enjoy their time out and about. These glimpses into the lives of beloved figures not only entertain but also connect fans to the glamour and excitement of celebrity culture.