Venetian Vespers by John Banville review – a haunting honeymoon

Lebanon has proudly selected 'A Sad and Beautiful World' as its entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Directed by Cyril Aris, this romantic drama made its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the People's Choice Award, showcasing its strong reception. This nomination not only highlights Lebanon's cinematic talent but also brings attention to its rich storytelling, making it a significant moment for the country's film industry.

Lebanon has proudly selected 'A Sad and Beautiful World' as its entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Directed by Cyril Aris, this romantic drama made its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the People's Choice Award, showcasing its strong reception. This nomination not only highlights Lebanon's cinematic talent but also brings attention to its rich storytelling, making it a significant moment for the country's film industry.

The Slovak film 'Father,' directed by Tereza Nvotová and recently chosen as the country's Oscar entry, is gaining international traction after selling to multiple territories. This poignant drama, which explores themes of tragedy and humanity through the lens of a child's death, premiered at the Venice Film Festival and is set to compete at the Zurich Film Festival next. Its distribution in French-speaking Europe, facilitated by Intramovies and Fandango, highlights the film's universal appeal and the growing recognition of Slovak cinema on the global stage.

The Slovak film 'Father,' directed by Tereza Nvotová and recently chosen as the country's Oscar entry, is gaining international traction after selling to multiple territories. This poignant drama, which explores themes of tragedy and humanity through the lens of a child's death, premiered at the Venice Film Festival and is set to compete at the Zurich Film Festival next. Its distribution in French-speaking Europe, facilitated by Intramovies and Fandango, highlights the film's universal appeal and the growing recognition of Slovak cinema on the global stage.

Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, the talented Basque director, is gaining significant recognition in the film industry with her works 'Lullaby' and 'Querer.' After Pedro Almodóvar praised 'Lullaby' as one of the best debuts in Spanish cinema, her series 'Querer' won the top prize at Series Mania, Europe's leading TV festival. Her latest project, 'Sundays,' is already a critics' favorite at the San Sebastián Film Festival, showcasing her growing influence and the excitement surrounding her storytelling. This matters because it highlights the emergence of fresh voices in cinema, particularly from Spain, and the international acclaim they are receiving.

Warner Bros' latest film, 'One Battle After Another,' featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, is off to a strong start with preview earnings of around $2.5 million. This figure is comparable to the preview night of DiCaprio's previous film, 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' indicating a positive reception and growing interest in advance ticket sales across various cities. This success not only highlights the film's potential but also reflects the ongoing appeal of DiCaprio's projects in the competitive box office landscape.

Tonight marks the end of an era as the final episode of Masterchef airs, featuring the departure of hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode. This season has been particularly controversial, leaving both the BBC and contestants relieved as they wrap up their moments in the spotlight. The show has sparked discussions about its format and the future of competitive cooking on television, making this finale a significant moment for fans and critics alike.

The 21st Lau Haizetara Documentary Co-Production Forum at the San Sebastián Festival showcased powerful narratives, with Brazilian-Chilean production 'Mariana x BHP' and others winning top honors. This event highlights the importance of storytelling in addressing social issues, particularly the struggles faced by women, making it a significant platform for raising awareness and fostering dialogue.

Quickets and AnthroTek have emerged as winners at the Zinemaldia Startup Challenge during the San Sebastián Festival, showcasing innovative technology in the film industry. Quickets, which optimizes ticket sales like airlines do, took home the Best Spanish Project award and a Special Mention for Entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, AnthroTek, known for its fire stunt masks, highlights the importance of safety in film production. This recognition not only celebrates their achievements but also emphasizes the growing intersection of technology and cinema, paving the way for future innovations.

Jerry Bruckheimer has sparked excitement by hinting at potential sequels for 'F1: The Movie,' 'Top Gun 3,' and a new installment of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' during a recent talk at the Variety Entertainment & Technology Summit. This news is significant as it suggests that beloved franchises may continue to evolve, keeping fans engaged and entertained. Bruckheimer's insights into the film industry also shed light on the creative processes behind these major productions.