Tokyo Gap-Financing Market Launches Awards Program, Taps Cannes and Venice Reps for Producer Sessions

Ari Aster's highly anticipated film 'Eddington' is set to stream on HBO Max starting November 14, following its impressive debut at Cannes where it received a nearly seven-minute standing ovation. This genre-bending satire, featuring stars Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, promises to captivate audiences with its unique storytelling. The film's release on HBO Max is significant as it brings Aster's creative vision to a wider audience, allowing more viewers to experience the buzz surrounding this innovative project.

Tallinn is making waves in the film industry by unveiling 18 exciting works in progress, including the highly anticipated psycho thriller 'Lex Julia' by Laura Hyppönen and the fantasy drama 'Dice-Ching-o-Mat' by Kristijonas Vildžiūnas, who recently gained recognition at Cannes. This showcase not only highlights established talents but also rising stars like Josef Brandl and Claudia Estrada Tarascó, making it a significant event for filmmakers and audiences alike. It’s a great opportunity for these projects to gain visibility and support in the competitive film landscape.

The Tokyo Gap Financing Market (TGFM) is making waves by launching its first-ever project awards and a series of seminars aimed at producers interested in international co-production. This initiative includes the Tokyo Projects Award, valued at $13,300, and the Asian Gen-Z Award, worth $3,300, both designed to encourage creativity and collaboration in the film industry. This is significant as it not only recognizes emerging talent but also fosters connections between filmmakers and investors, paving the way for innovative projects in the global market.

The upcoming Proyecta co-production platform at Ventana Sur 2025 is set to showcase exciting new films, including Ana Elena Tejera's 'Culebra Cut,' Theo Montoya's 'False Positive,' and Roxana Stroe's 'Houses Are Silent.' This event, now in its 8th edition, highlights the collaboration between Ventana Sur, Cannes' Marché du Film, and the San Sebastián Festival, making it a significant opportunity for filmmakers to gain visibility and support in the industry.

Brazilian director Kleber Mendonça Filho expresses his dismay over the political climate in Brazil, particularly under former president Jair Bolsonaro, while discussing his film 'The Secret Agent.' Set in the 1970s, the film serves as a poignant reflection on contemporary issues, highlighting the dangers of political amnesia. Mendonça Filho's comments resonate with many who feel a sense of urgency to confront the past and its implications for the future, making this discussion not just about cinema but about the very fabric of Brazilian society.

Neon is celebrating another success with its latest Cannes Palme d'Or winner, 'It Was Just An Accident' by Iranian director Jafar Panahi. The film opened to a strong $68,000 over the weekend across three screens, totaling $115,000 since its debut on Wednesday. This achievement not only highlights the film's artistic merit but also reinforces Neon's reputation as a leading distributor of critically acclaimed cinema, making it a significant player in the upcoming awards season.

Disney has officially renewed 'Project Runway' for its 22nd season, set to premiere in 2026 on Freeform, Disney+, and Hulu. This beloved fashion competition will see the return of host Heidi Klum, alongside mentor Christian Siriano and judges Law Roach and Nina Garcia. The show's continuation is exciting news for fans, as it promises to bring fresh talent and creativity to the runway, reinforcing Disney's commitment to quality entertainment.

Great news for fashion fans! Disney has officially renewed 'Project Runway' for its 22nd season, set to premiere in 2026 on Hulu, Disney+, and Freeform. With Heidi Klum returning as host and judge, alongside mentor Christian Siriano and judges Law Roach and Nina Garcia, viewers can expect another exciting round of creativity and competition. This renewal highlights the show's enduring popularity and Disney's commitment to delivering quality entertainment.

Alan Hamel is honoring the memory of his late wife, Suzanne Somers, by creating an AI clone of her two years after her passing from breast cancer. This innovative project not only reflects his enduring love but also showcases the potential of technology to keep memories alive. It raises intriguing questions about the intersection of love, loss, and artificial intelligence, making it a significant development in how we remember those we've lost.

Mortal Kombat 2 is set to hit theaters a week earlier than expected, now premiering on May 8 instead of May 15. This change places it in the same weekend as Amazon MGM Studios' Sheep Detectives, making for an exciting Mother's Day weekend for moviegoers. The anticipation surrounding Mortal Kombat 2 has been building, and this earlier release is sure to thrill fans eager to see the next installment of this beloved franchise.

In the latest episode of the 'Daily Variety' podcast, Rebecca Rubin discusses the impressive performance of 'Black Phone 2' at the box office, highlighting its strong connection with audiences. This year has seen a record-breaking tally for the horror genre, showcasing its growing popularity. Additionally, Todd Spangler provides insights into the upcoming Q3 earnings for major players like Netflix and Disney, making this episode a must-listen for film and business enthusiasts alike.

Julia Masli's unique comic show, 'ha ha ha ha ha ha ha,' which has already gained popularity in Edinburgh, is now making its way to the Pasadena Playhouse. This performance aims to tackle the everyday problems of theatergoers in a humorous way, offering a fresh perspective on personal challenges. It's a delightful blend of comedy and relatability that not only entertains but also encourages audiences to reflect on their own lives.