By Jacques Audiard
The Cannes Film Festival is back again to celebrate its 77th anniversary, so many films and stars are expected on the most famous red carpet in the world, with a particular focus on exceptional returns as George Miller with the Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga World Premiere and Francis Ford Coppola with his long-awaited Megalopolis. In the next pages we have listed all the not to be missed Summer festivals and markets and collected the most peculiar news about the next Fall events, you will also find all the selected film in Competition at Cannes 77, a special focus on the Global Animation Trends by Parrot Analytics, a glimpse at the last Licensing events and much more…
Enjoy the reading and #follow our daily web gallery from the Red Carpet!
Stefania Veneri Editor in Chief
PRODUCTIONS - Photographe: Shanna Besson Fair ©Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd
Iscrizione ROC N° 37294
Direttore Editoriale: Stefania Veneri
Direttore Responsabile: Roberto Pinotti Periodico Trimestrale
Reg. Tribunale di Terni 1855/2021
ISSN- 2785-7174
Stampa: Grafiche VD © Tutti i diritti riservati
JUNE 5 - 16
The Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX, brings artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, music, audio storytelling, games, and XR. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is synonymous with creative expression and entertainment. Tribeca champions emerging and established voices, discovers award-winning talent, curates innovative experiences, and introduces new ideas through exclusive premieres, exhibitions, conversations, and live performances. The Festival was founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in 2001 to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan following the attacks on the World Trade Center. www.tribecafilm.com
JUNE 14 -18
Figari International Short Film Fest
JUNE 10 -13
Running from 10 to 13 June 2024 in Hotel Dubrovnik, the eleventh edition of CEE’s favourite TV market with a view will once again gather leading figures in the TV industry – from major buyers to CEO’s, CTO’s, VP’s, general managers, managing directors, and other numerous influential attendees Organizers shared first lineup of keynotes, speakers and some agenda highlights: BBC Studios and SkyShowtime to hold keynote speeches, Izzet Pinto to present on marketing in the entertainment industry, Keshet International and TV NOVA/Voyo to present hit crime/thriller Extractors. www.neweumarket.com
9 - 15
Annecy International Animation Film Festival
The Annecy Festival, the world’s leading reference for animation film, goes from exclusive presentations of the latest animated works to demonstrations of the latest and future trends, via meetings with seasoned directors and emerging talents, an exciting celebration in an exceptional setting. The Mifa (June 11 - 14), is the professional meeting place for the animation industry where discover new talents in animation and discuss about their inspirations and aspirations with them. For the XR&Games, in 2024 the Mifa created a brand-new area entirely devoted to XR and gaming content: Digital Experience Pitches, WIP XR, Mifa Conferences and Industry Panels dedicated to XR&Games will give tempo to the Mifa’s 4 days. www.annecyfestival.com
The Figari International Short Film Fest is an event based in Golfo Aranci – Sardinia - dedicated to short films, new media and digital arts. Born as a competitive forum for independent short films with a single competitive section, it has grown to be a recognized platform for the expression of young artists and established professionals. It is the first short film festival in Italy to be able to boast the presence of a real international market dedicated to short films, which makes it an excellence for Sardinia and for the entire Italian peninsula. The Figari Short Film Market in a short time has become a fundamental point of reference for international industry activities dedicated to the world of short films. A place of meeting and comparison between directors, producers and artists in an ideal natural and environmental context for establishing collaborations aimed at the development of new projects. www.figarifilmfest.it
Tribeca Festival
JUNE 14 – 18
For 63 years, the Principality of Monaco has been hosting its own international television Festival. Major studios, broadcast networks, digital platforms and renowned talent gather together over several days in this idyllic setting, to promote their programs to the press and public and compete for the prestigious Golden Nymph Awards.
Presenting World Premieres, anniversary tributes, behind-the-scenes panels and signing sessions, the Festival creates a compelling must-attend experience for fans, press, studios, and platforms alike. As well as a key launch pad for new content, the Festival is an ideal backdrop for expanding professional networks through the Business Content, a tailored program of conference sessions and select Festival networking events, providing a relaxed and convivial atmosphere to engage and expand creative and business opportunities. www.tvfestival.com
JUNE 28 - JULY 6
ÔThe Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is the largest film festival in the Czech Republic and the most prestigious such festival in Central and Eastern Europe. It is one of the oldest A-list film festivals (i.e., non-specialized festivals with a competition for feature-length fiction films), a category it shares with the festivals in Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Locarno, San Sebastian, Montreal, Shanghai, and Tokyo. Every year, the festival presents some 200 films from around the world, and regularly hosts famous and important filmmakers. The Karlovy Vary festival is intended for both film professionals and the general public. www.kviff.com
JUNE 24 - 27
NATPE Budapest is the go-to global business forum for content producers, buyers and distributors across all platforms. Central and Eastern Europe’s most established content marketplace hosts over 375 top-tier buyers and is the region’s most trusted and effective sales and co-production marketplace. www.budapest.natpe.com
JULY 14 -18
San Diego Comic-Con International
Over the years, Comic-Con has become the focal point for the world of comics conventions. The event continues to offer the complete convention experience: a giant Exhibit Hall (topping over 460,000 square feet in its current incarnation) and a massive programming schedule featuring comics and all aspects of the popular arts, including hands-on workshops, educational and academic programming. www.comic-con.org
Since its beginnings, the Fantasia International Film Festival has explored the diverse realms of genre cinema, creating bridges between the cutting edge and the mainstream, and providing a festive but professional environment where emerging artists are given exposure alongside their more established counterparts, both locally and internationally. Located in the heart of Montreal, Fantasia is a cultural and professional destination point, and since its first edition, the festival’s ever-growing popularity has attracted the attention of the international film industry alongside a legion of attendees from across the world. www.fantasiafestival.com
The Locarno Film Festival’s Pardo d’Onore Manor will be awarded to Jane Campion on Friday 16 August.
The 77th edition of the Festival will feature screenings of two of her celebrated titles selected by the director herself: An Angel at My Table (1990) and The Piano (1993), the latter presented in a new 4K restoration that will make its debut on the Piazza Grande. The audience will have an opportunity to meet Campion on Saturday, August 17 in a panel conversation at Forum @ Spazio Cinema
Giona A. Nazzaro, Artistic Director of the Locarno Film Festival said: “With her directorial debut, Sweetie (1989), Jane Campion asserted herself from the start as a distinctive and unmistakable voice. More than thirty years later, the values and extraordinary qualities of her filmmaking remain undiminished. Campion has sustained genuine complexity in her artistic practice, free to weave a dialogue with audiences and with the film industry in which she works without ever compromising on her vision and her artistic ambitions. Her work, peopled with tortured, fascinating characters and marked by an astonishing skill in grappling with the more disturbing side of the human condition, represents one of the undisputed pinnacles of contemporary filmmaking. Jane Campion’s artistic freedom and willingness to take risks to find new and deeper insights into the richness and complexities of human experience make her an unparalleled point of reference for anybody who thinks of film as an instrument of expression and emancipation. To offer the Pardo d’Onore to Jane Campion means – today – to welcome cinema in all its infinite possibilities and to look to the future without fear.”
The 77th Locarno Film Festival will take place from 7 to 17 August 2024.
Celebrating the 13th annual Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival this year, this event brings together renowned filmmakers and emerging talent in the picturesque setting of Palma, the capital of the Balearic Islands.
Sandra Lipski, the festival’s German-born founder, embodies the theme of “bridging cultures - bridging people” by merging Hollywood and European cinema while welcoming creatives from around the world. Notable attendees have included distributors like Magnolia Pictures, IFC Films, and Avalon. Recent editions featured Spanish premieres of films like The Promised Land and The Killer, with a special class conducted by cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt. The festival also hosts engaging Film Talks with industry luminaries and has honored actors like Mads Mikkelsen, Danny DeVito, and Ana de Armas. An exciting feature is the Mallorca Go! excursion tour, co-produced with Fundacion Mallorca Turisme, offering filmmakers a day trip across the island, including visits to Palma Pictures Studios and a traditional lunch by the sea at the festival hotel, Portixol, and a stop at partner Engel & Völkers newest properties on the island. The festival also offers generous assistance with travel expenses, and its submission-to-admission ratio is quite reasonable, considering you’re applying for admission to an island paradise.
www evolutionfilmfestival com
The Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival will take place from October 30 to November 5.
The American Film Market® (AFM®) will relocate to Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas for its 45th edition scheduled for November 5 to 10, 2024
Held in Los Angeles and Santa Monica for over four decades, AFM is a cornerstone event for the independent entertainment industry. The decision to move AFM to Las Vegas comes after a multi-city search and careful consideration of the needs of AFM’s Exhibiting Sales Companies and Buyers and reflects IFTA’s dedication to creating the optimal environment where the global film and television industry can converge, collaborate, and conduct business seamlessly. “After extensive research, discussions with the Board and invaluable feedback from stakeholders, this move underscores our determination to evolving AFM to meet today’s industry needs,” said Clay Epstein, IFTA Chairperson and President of Film Mode Entertainment. “The strength of the AFM lies in its ability to create com
munity and present a sophisticated platform for all our participants’ activities in one convenient location. The Palms enables us to do all of that and beyond.”
Palms Casino Resort offers a wealth of modern facilities and conveniences, all in a single location for an enhanced market experience. Highlights include newly renovated rooms and suites for Exhibitor office space and guest rooms, the Brenden Theatres’ 14 screen state-of-the-art multiplex, and more than 170,000 square feet of dedicated conference, meeting, and event space.
Epstein further added, “This move to Las Vegas is generating support and enthusiasm from colleagues around the world and we are excited to welcome everyone to AFM 2024 in November.”
Slamdance, the artist-led “by filmmakers for filmmakers” organization, announced that its annual film festival will move to Los Angeles, starting in February 2025. The move to Los Angeles, the heart of the entertainment industry, will allow for the continued growth of Slamdance’s year-round mission to provide an accessible and dynamic community for truly independent, visionary filmmakers and creators.
Existing and new programs will be featured at the festival, including Polytechnic, Slamdance’s free education endeavor; ’6ixty’, a series of one-minute short films made on any format; Next Wave LA, a program of new media work made by LA-based artists, and the experiential and cutting-edge DIG (Digital, Interactive, Gaming) program.
The festival will run February 20-26, 2025 at venues in and surrounding Hollywood, including the Landmark Theatres and the DGA Theater Complex, with more locations to be announced. The festival aims to be financially accessible with in-person passes starting at $50.00 and many programs free to the public.
Beginning of May, Juliette Binoche will be officially starting as President of the European Film Academy, succeeding Polish filmmaker Agniezska Holland in this important role. The new President was chosen after Agnieszka Holland had decided to step down in 2024.
The honorary role of President of the European Film Academy holds a strongly symbolic power and embodies what the Academy wishes to stand for.
Juliette Binoche, an active member of the European Film Academy for many years, has confirmed she is available to take on this role.
‘It’s an enormous pleasure to announce the endorsement of the membership of the board’s proposal to confirm Juliette Binoche as President of the European Film Academy,’ says producer and Chair of European Film Academy, Mike Downey, ‘she follows in the
steps of director Agnieszka Holland, who in turn took over from Wim Wenders, who trod the hallowed path of the giant of cinema that is Ingmar Bergman. To have an artist of the stature of Juliette follow on from these most eminent artists, continues a 35-year long tradition begun in 1989. It will be a privilege and a pleasure to serve European cinema alongside her.’
In March the Academy Board unequivocally proposed Juliette Binoche as new Academy President to its members. The proposition has now officially been endorsed by the members of the European Film Academy. Ingmar Bergman served as the first President and was originally chosen by the 40 founding Academy members in 1989. Wim Wenders succeeded him in 1996 and he served until 2020, followed by Holland, as the Academy’s first female President.
Juliette Binoche_2024_photo_Eric Guillemain
In presenting the Women In Motion Award to Langley, Kering and the Festival de Cannes wish to celebrate a lifelong career committed to steadfast leadership and the fostering of a more inclusive industry that has helped shape diversity both in front and behind the camera. A singular force in the business, Langley (Chairman, NBCUniversal Stu-
dio Group and Chief Content Officer) has gained global recognition through her remarkable career supporting the creation of films that capture the cultural zeitgeist and provide a platform for women and diverse voices globally. For nearly two decades, she has worked with both acclaimed and emerging talent championing storytelling reflective of the world around her. In the process, she has been part of the vanguard of change in Hollywood, challenging the status quo and proving that inclusive casting, hiring and storytelling is smart business. Langley’s strategic leadership has also led to new distribution models that have carved a path for more films to be seen and accessed worldwide.
“Receiving the Women In Motion Award is an immense honor, and to be recognized amongst such remarkable recipients is a testament to the work Kering, the Festival de Cannes and our industry peers do to propel women forward, amplify their voices, create opportunities, and push boundaries.” Donna Langley, DBE
François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, Iris Knobloch, President of the Festival de Cannes, and Thierry Frémaux, Director of the Festival de Cannes, will present the 2024 Women In Motion Award to Dame Donna Langley, during the official dinner to be held in Cannes on Sunday, May 19, 2024.
WORDS OF WAR STARRING MAXINE PEAKE, CIARÁN HINDS AND JASON ISAACS LAUNCHES WORLD SALES IN CANNES WITH CONCOURSE MEDIA, AND RELEASES NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN STILLS AND FOOTAGE
New political drama/thriller based on the real-life story of Anna Politkovskaya, highlights the dangers that journalists face in the 21st century and the importance of protecting their right to report without fear of death or reprisal is presented to to buyers in Cannes for the first time
Rolling Pictures, Good Films Collective, and Concourse Media have partnered on WORDS OF WAR, which will launch worldwide sales in Cannes. The new political drama/thriller features an award-winning ensemble cast lead by Maxine Peake, Ciarán Hinds and Jason Isaacs, and is further bolstered by Ian Hart, Naomi Battrick, Harry Lawtey, Ellie Bamber, Agni Scott, Alec Newman, and Ben Miles. The film was written by Eric Poppen and is directed by James Strong (BROADCHURCH). The cast alone has combined box office earnings that surpass the $9 billion mark worldwide.
“The relevance of Anna’s story in today’s evolving geopolitical landscape is striking, and it’s more important than ever to ensure her story is told,” states Concourse CEO, Matthew Shreder. “Words of War is a gripping political thriller filled with intensity that will intrigue and enlighten audiences.”
“Before making this film, I was unaware this was an actual epidemic,” said producer Mark Maxey, reflecting on the shocking number of journalists who have been killed in recent years and added “Every journalist should have the right to report what is happening in the world without fear of death or reprisal.” Executive producer Sean Penn stated journalists are as “essential to all our freedoms as air.”
The film is based on the real-life story of American-Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya’s pioneering, brave crusade, fighting for an independent voice in Russia in the late 1990s and early 2000s. For seven years, she refused to give up reporting on the Second Chechen War despite numerous acts of intimidation and violence and was then assassinated in 2006. She gained widespread international renown for her criticisms of Russia and stands as a pillar of press freedom. The film and Anna significantly represent a microcosm of a global epidemic of a staggering number of journalists being silenced and murdered in the pursuit of uncovering and exposing the truth.
“Making this important film couldn’t come at a more appropriate time in history, given world events. Its relevance and significance show the cultural power of filmmaking. We have gathered an amazingly talented and acclaimed cast and an award-winning director, and we feel sure that we’re making something that pays fitting tribute to Anna and her courage; a film that strikes a balance between mould-breaking, dynamic entertainment and an inspiring, engaging homage to a true heroine of the 21st century.” Said Segal.
The prestigious National Press Club hosted a private screening for WORDS OF WAR (fka ANNA) last month in Washington, D.C., where a number of international luminaries and journalists were in attendance, including Sean Penn, journalist Bob Woodward, U.S. Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA), former CIA director John Brennan. A lively panel discussion led by National Press Club president Emily Wilkins followed the screening and explored the issues raised in the film with panelists Swalwell, Woodward and Brennan. Concourse Media has acquired world rights for WORDS OF WAR and will be presenting the film to buyers in Cannes for the first time.
WORDS OF WAR is produced by Mark Maxey and Miriam Segal. Sean Penn is executive producer, along with Stefanie Scott, Rick Crumly, Matthew Shreder, Grant Mohrman, Simon Fawcett, Andrew Wing, David and Alexandra Bell and co-executive producers Brett Nemeroff and John Pettit. ProducerMark Maxey
HOW DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND SHIFTING VIEWER HABITS ARE RESHAPING MARKET DEMANDS?
At CartoonNext 2024, Parrot Analytics’ Director for the EMEA region, Alex Cameron presented a report that delves into the dynamic interplay between content creation and consumption in the animation industry. The report underscores the critical role of sophisticated demand metrics that account for the complexities of today’s entertainment landscape, where traditional metrics fall short. Some key insights from the report Global trends in animation, for the full report visit www.parrotanalytics.com
Linear vs. digital content: Linear originals continue to perform strongly despite the growing number of platforms.
Travelability of genres: Japanese animation, animated sitcoms, and preschool titles show high levels of international appeal.
Supply vs demand of animation: Demand for adult animation consistently outpaces supply, indicating a robust market.
Demographics and preferences
Since January 2020, Demand for Adult Animation has continually outpaced Supply.
Adult animation is most popular among younger male audiences, presenting an opportunity to diversify content to attract a broader demographic, including females.
Content Adaptation
The dynamic landscape of source material adaptation reveals a robust inclination towards comics and literary origins, with video games rapidly ascending as fertile grounds for creative exploration. This trend highlights the untapped potential of interactive media converging with traditional animation storytelling.
The growing importance of known IP
-Literary Adaptations and Comic books remain the most adapted source materials for Animation.
-Video Games account for 18% of all adapted source materials, ahead of Toys & TV/Movie spin-offs.
- Adaptations from Video Game IP have seen the fastest growth over the past few years.
Up +150% since 2021.
FOTO PARROT 6
Technological advancements in the industry
Innovations in AI and machine learning are revolutionizing animation production, making it more cost-effective and efficient.
THE KEY ROLE OF DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION: YOUTUBE IS THE NO.1 KIDS PLATFORM IN THE WORLD
Distribution and monetization
YouTube 2merge sas a pivotal platform, especially for children’s content, significantly impacting how animations are distributed and consumed globally. YouTube accounts for 9% of total TV time, 24% of streaming TV time and also accounts for 45% of total CTV time.
Local Content, Global Audience
Platforms like YouTube and Netflix have revolutionised the way locally produced content gains international exposure. These digital distribution channels allow unique, culturally-specific stories to find a global audience, breaking traditional geographic and linguistic barriers. This trend not only enriches the global content pool but also encourages diversity in storytelling, enabling local creators to thrive on a worldwide stage
The future of animation looks promising with the continuous rise in demand and the evolving landscape of content consumption. Studios should adapt to these changes by embracing new technologies and exploring diverse content themes to appeal to a global audience. As the appetite for adult animation continues to grow, the genre is no longer just a niche but a dominant force in global entertainment.
ALMOND ENTERTAINMENT is a leading company in the creation, production, and development of IPs. International successes like “Diary of a Nerd” and “Martin’s Adventures” are just a few of the bestsellers that have become cartoons, live action shows, and many other things. Almond also works on novelizations of cartoons and TV series to turn them into successful books and position them in the publishing markets. More than an agency, more than a creative studio, Almond today is also a developer of apps and platforms for kids’ entertainment.”
Innovative books turning into web toonS, interactive books, etc
Web and TV platforms for children’s education
Almond Entertainment counts among its authors Philip Osbourne, hailed by the press as the King of Pop for Kids... Almond handles the management of editorial, TV rights, and its development in various forms of IP. The most significant players worldwide publish Almond›s books, entrust us with their novelizations, and produce our cartoons and TV series. Almond embodies imagination and caters to kids and young adults.
Adapt our books for TV and film Our bestsellers are read in 70 countries
Reunions and Talks with Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Judd Apatow, Kieran Culkin
Tribeca kicks off on Wednesday, June 5 with the world premiere of Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge, an intimate look at the life of the fashion designer and cultural luminary. The film captures Diane von Furstenberg’s impact as a creative icon, who challenged the status quo with the bold inquiry, “Why shouldn’t a woman do what a man can do?”
Directed by Tribeca alumni Trish Dalton and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Woman in Charge opens the lineup of features.
The 2024 selection of feature films includes Jazzy with Lily Gladstone; Daddio starring Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn; Firebrand starring Alicia Vikander and Jude Law; Brats, directed by Andrew McCarthy, with Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Rob Lowe, Molly Ringwald, and Lea Thompson; Sacramento, directed by Michael Angarano, starring Michael Cera, Kristen Stewart, and Maya Erskine; Winter Spring Summer or Fall starring Jenna Ortega and Percy Hynes White; and Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story with Liza Minelli. Comedic stars are in Group Therapy, including Neil Patrick Harris, Mike Birbiglia, and Tig
Notaro; All That We Love stars Margaret Cho and Jesse Tyler Ferguson; and Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution features Lily Tomlin, Wanda Sykes, Rosie O’Donnell, Hannah Gadsby, and Joel Kim Booster Music documentaries highlight the boldest voices of each generation with They All Came Out To Montreux with Prince, Sting, Carlos Santana, Aretha Franklin, and Keith Richards; Satisfied about Renée Elise Goldsberry; Linda Perry: Let It Die Here with Linda Perry, Dolly Parton, Brandi Carlile, and Christina Aguilera; and Avicii - I’m Tim with Tim ”Avicii” Bergling, Chris Martin and David Guetta Renée Elise Goldsberry and Linda Perry will be performing following the world premiere of their respective films.
“Each year, the Tribeca Festival reflects our culture, capturing the essence of the present moment. We’re thrilled to showcase our 23rd edition, delving into captivating explorations of artificial intelligence with Demis Hassabis, thought-provoking discussions on the future of democracy, and so much more,” Tribeca Co-Founder and CEO Jane Rosenthal. “Storytelling
5-16 in New York City.
possesses a remarkable ability to bring us together, offering hope in these challenging times. We eagerly anticipate engaging with audiences on difficult yet timely subjects.”
The final selections were chosen from a record-breaking number of submissions (13,016). This year’s program includes 103 feature films from 114 filmmakers across 48 countries. The lineup comprises 86 world premieres, two international premieres, six North American premieres, and eight New York premieres. Half of the films in competition are directed by women. Additionally, 35% (36) of feature films are directed by BIPOC filmmakers. There are 30 films directed by first-time filmmakers and 25 directors retur-
ning to Tribeca with their latest projects.
The 2024 Tribeca Festival unveiled its lineup of talks with iconic artists, critically-acclaimed directors, and multi-hyphenate entertainers, as well as reunions and retrospectives of venerable and lauded films and TV series.
“Tribeca is proud to present an incredible roster of talent who have impacted the cultural zeitgeist in significant ways across disciplines,” said Meredith Mohr, Vice President of Artist Relations at Tribeca. “This year’s stellar lineup of Talks—including the beloved Storytellers and Directors Series—and Reunions aims to spark meaningful dialogue while celebrating diverse artistry, imaginative storytelling, and creative achievements.”
THE SECOND ACT (Opening Film)
By Quentin Dupieux
With Léa Seydoux, Vincent Lindon, Louis Garrel, and Raphaël Quenard
THE APPRENTICE
By Ali Abbasi
With Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, Maria Bakalova, Martin Donovan.
MOTEL DESTINO
By Karim Aïnouz
With Fábio Assunção, Nataly Rocha, Iago Xavier.
BIRD
By Andrea Arnold
With James Nelson-Joyce, Barry Keoghan, Jasmine Jobson, Franz Rogowski.
EMILIA PEREZ
By Jacques Audiard
With Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, Edgar Ramírez, Mark Ivanir.
ANORA
By Sean Baker
With Mikey Madison, Yura Borisov, Ivy Wolk, Darya Ekamasova.
MEGALOPOLIS
By Francis Ford Coppola
With Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Giancarlo Esposito, Kathryn Hunter, Dustin Hoffman.
THE SHROUDS
By David Cronenberg
With Vincent Cassel, Diane Kruger, Guy Pearce, Sandrine Holt.
THE SUBSTANCE
By Coralie Fargeat
With Margaret Qualley, Demi Moore, Gore Abrams, Tom Morton, Tiffany Hofstetter.
GRAND TOUR
By Miguel Gomes
With Jani Zhao, Lang Khê Tran, Gonçalo Waddington, Teresa Madruga
LA PLUS PRÉCIEUSE DES MARCHANDISES
By Michel Hazanavicius Animation
MARCELLO MIO
By Christophe Honoré
With Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Fabrice Luchini, Nicole Garcia, Melvil Poupaud.
CAUGHT BY THE TIDES
By Jia Zhang-Ke
With Tao Zhao, You Zhou, Xu Changchu, Zhubin Li.
ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT
By Payal Kapadia
With Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, Hridhu Haroon.
KINDS OF KINDNESS
By Yorgos Lanthimos
With Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Joe Alwyn, Mamoudou Athie, Hunter Schafer.
L’AMOUR OUF
(BEATING HEARTS)
By Gilles Lellouche
With Adèle Exarchopoulos, François Civil, Raphaël Quenard, Élodie Bouchez
TREI KILOMETRI PANA LA CAPATUL LUMII
(THREE KILOMETRES TO THE END OF THE WORLD)
By Emanuel Pârvu
With Laura Vasiliu, Bogdan Dumitrache, Adrian Titieni, Valeriu Andriuta
THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG
By Mohammad Rasoulof
WILD DIAMOND
By Agathe Riedinger
With Malou Khebizi, Idir Azougli, Andréa Bescond, Ashley Romano, Alexis Manenti
OH CANADA
By Paul Schrader
With Uma Thurman, Jacob Elordi, Richard Gere, Michael Imperioli.
LIMONOV - THE BALLAD
By Kirill Serebrennikov
With Ben Whishaw, Viktoria Miroshnichenko, Sandrine Bonnaire, Tomas Arana.
PARTHENOPE
By Paolo Sorrentino
With Dario Aita, Celeste Dalla Porta, Luisa Ranieri, Stefania Sandrelli, Isabella Ferrari, Gary Oldman, Silvio Orlando.
PIGEN MED NÅLEN
(THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE)
By Magnus von Horn
With Victoria Carmen Sonne, Trine Dyrholm, Besir Zeciri, Ava Knox Martin.
Written by Gabriel Sherman, the film is a dive into the underbelly of the American empire. It charts a young Donald Trump’s ascent to power through a Faustian deal with the influential right-wing lawyer and political fixer Roy Cohn.
Overqualified and undervalued, Rita is a lawyer at a large firm that is more interested in getting criminals off the hook than bringing them to justice. One day, she is given an unexpected way out, when cartel leader Manitas hires her to help him withdraw from his business and realize a plan he has been secretly preparing for years: to become the woman he has always dreamt of being.
A revolutionary militant, a thug, an underground writer, a butler to a millionaire in Manhattan. But also a switchblade-waving poet, a lover of beautiful women, a warmonger, a political agitator, and a novelist who wrote of his greatness. Eduard Limonov’s life story is a journey through Russia, America, and Europe during the second half of the 20th century.
The long journey of Parthenope’s life, from her birth in 1950 till today. A feminine epic, devoid of heroism but brimming with an inexorable passion for freedom, Naples, and the faces of love— all those true, pointless, and unspeakable loves. The perfect Capri summer, the lightheartedness of youth. Which ends in ambush. And then all the others-the Neapolitans, men and women, observed and loved, disillusioned and vital, their waves of melancholy, their tragic ironies and dejected glances. Life, be it ordinary or memorable, knows how to be very long. The passing of time offers up a vast repertoire of emotions. And there in the background, so close and so very far, is Naples, this ineffable city that bewitches, enchants, screams, laughs, and always knows how to hurt you.
Is a triptych fable, following a man without choice who tries to take control of his own life; a policeman who is alarmed that his wife who was missing-at-sea has returned and seems a different person; and a woman determined to find a specific someone with a special ability, who is destined to become a prodigious spiritual leader.
Famed Canadian-American leftist documentary filmmaker Leonard Fife was one of sixty thousand draft evaders and deserters who fled to Canada to avoid serving in Vietnam. Now in his late seventies, Fife is dying of cancer in Montreal and has agreed to a final interview in which he is determined to bare all his secrets at last, to demythologize his mythologized life.
The events closed their doors after three days of innovative product showcases, trading, knowledge exchange and networking attracting 67,295 visitors and 1,420 exhibitors from 70 countries and regions to the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center from 8 – 10 April 2024.
Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, expressed her satisfaction with the increased diversity of participants across the four halls this year: “With a greater number of global attendees seen across the 130,000 sqm exhibition space, we are thrilled with the resounding success of this edition – exceeding our expectations. International visitors have risen over 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels, indicating a full resurgence of this global trading platform. The positive feedback from fairgoers underscores the value of this platform and motivates us to continue hosting events that drive these three interconnected industries forward.” Toy & Edu China, Baby & Stroller China and Licensing China will return to the same venue from 7 – 9 April 2025.
320 exhibitors, cross-industry business opportunities and more than 550 brands and licensing projects
The curtains fell on the annual flagship event of Asia’s licensing industry, Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS), on April 29 after the three-day event organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), drawing over 320 exhibitors and showcasing an extensive array of more than 550 brands and licensing projects. At the concurrent Asian Licensing Conference (ALC), some 30 esteemed global licensing leaders engaged in profound discussions on industry hot topics, including the ever-evolving global industry trends, sustainable development, the empowering potential of generative AI, the emergence of new forces in licensing, and innovative marketing strategies. The two events provided a platform for business development across regions and industries, creating business opportunities for participants and promoting the development of IP trading in the region.
HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Dr Patrick Lau said: “Under the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong has been supported by the Central Government to develop into a regional intellectual property (IP) trading centre. As an international business hub and sourcing platform, Hong Kong has been a trading centre for all types of IPs for many years, helping to promote the development of IP trading in the region. Licensing is an important part of IP trading and Hong Kong is one of the most developed and mature licensing markets in Asia. We are pleased to see that licensing has a wide range of applications and product categories, including not only the traditional characters, but also different areas such as arts, cultural and creative industries, sports and lifestyle sectors. Development of AI technologies will expand the quantity of creative digital content and generate enormous demand for and supply of branded, licensed content, further accelerating the already rapid growth of the industry.”
