International Insider: ’28 Years Later’ Arrives; Landmark Netflix-TF1 Deal; NHK At 100

Gailard Sartain, the beloved character actor known for his Southern charm and standout roles in Hee Haw and The Buddy Holly Story (where he played The Big Bopper), has passed away at 78 after a long illness. His death was shared by The Church on Facebook, marking the end of a career filled with memorable, good-ol’-boy performances.

Editor’s Note: Sartain was one of those actors who might not have been a household name, but his work left a lasting impression—especially in roles that celebrated Southern culture and music. His passing is a loss for fans of classic TV and film, reminding us of the quieter but vital players who helped shape entertainment history.

The Nantucket Film Festival is pulling out all the stops for its 30th anniversary in 2025, with a lineup that blends nostalgia, fresh indie hits, and star power. They’re kicking things off with two Sundance Audience Award winners, including Twinless—a quirky-sounding dramedy about grief and friendship starring Dylan O’Brien and Lauren Graham. The festival will also honor Jaws’ 50th (because what’s Nantucket without a little shark hype?) and host a comedy roundtable with Ben Stiller.

Editor’s Note: Film buffs and casual moviegoers alike should keep an eye on this—it’s not just another festival. The mix of legacy titles (Jaws), acclaimed indies (Twinless), and big-name participants (Stiller) makes it a standout cultural moment. Plus, celebrating 30 years cements Nantucket’s rep as a destination for storytelling that balances prestige with crowd-pleasing charm.

Geena Davis, the Oscar-winning actress and advocate for gender equality in Hollywood, is giving major props to Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning—not for its death-defying stunts (though those are wild), but for its diverse casting. At the Bentonville Film Festival, she highlighted the film as a sign of progress while emphasizing there’s still work to be done in making Hollywood more inclusive.

Editor’s Note: When a heavyweight like Geena Davis—who’s spent years pushing for better representation—calls out a blockbuster for getting casting right, it’s a big deal. It shows that even in action-packed franchises, diversity isn’t just an afterthought. But her note about "more opportunity for progress" is a reminder: celebrating wins doesn’t mean the job’s done. This sparks a bigger conversation about who gets to be front and center in major films.

The Sundance Institute just announced the 10 up-and-coming filmmakers who’ll be part of their 2025 Ignite x Adobe Fellowship. The selected talents—Omolola Ajao, Harlan Banks, and eight others—will spend a year developing their craft with support from Sundance and Adobe. It’s a big break for these emerging voices, giving them resources and industry connections to kickstart their careers.

Editor’s Note: Programs like this are a lifeline for new filmmakers who often struggle to break into the industry. Sundance’s stamp of approval can open doors, and Adobe’s involvement hints at how tech partnerships are shaping creative careers. For audiences, it means fresh stories and perspectives might soon hit screens—funded and mentored by some of the biggest names in film and digital tools.

The 2025 NCAA Men’s College World Series is down to the final two teams: Coastal Carolina University and Louisiana State University. The championship kicks off on June 21 at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska, and if you're looking to catch the action live, Hulu + Live TV has you covered. This piece breaks down how to tune in so you don’t miss a pitch.

Editor’s Note: For college baseball fans, this is the big one—the culmination of a season’s worth of intense competition. But with so many streaming options out there, it’s not always clear how to watch. This guide cuts through the noise, making it easy for viewers to support their team (or just enjoy the drama) without missing a moment. Plus, it’s a win for cord-cutters who still want live sports.