In Bernard Lessa’s “The Cuban Doctor,” there unfolds a pivotal scene where Akin, the doctor, compassionately persuades a hesitant indigenous mother to opt for surgery to restore her daughter’s vision in the left eye. Demonstrating kindness, respect, and patience, Akin’s approach stands in stark contrast to the political upheaval surrounding him in Bolsonaro’s Brazil in 2018. Lessa, shedding light on the research behind the script, uncovered that the Cuban approach to practicing medicine is markedly more humane and less bureaucratic than the familiar Brazilian model. In an interview with Variety, he emphasized, “Bolsonaro became the spokesperson for the angry Brazilian…
Author: Jane
Shah Rukh Khan’s “Jawan” and “Pathaan,” Rajinikanth’s “Jailer,” and Sunny Deol’s “Gadar 2” have secured prominent positions in Amazon’s IMDb, standing out as the most sought-after Indian theatrical releases in 2023. IMDb’s year-end rankings reflect the films’ box office triumphs, showcasing them as the year’s blockbuster hits. Netflix dominates the top echelons of IMDb’s 10 most popular streaming films for the year, claiming the first and second positions with “Lust Stories 2” and “Jaane Jaan.” The dynamic duo Krishna D.K. and Raj Nidimoru’s “Farzi” and the Netflix series “Guns & Gulaabs” lead the charts as the top two streaming series…
Renowned diplomat and statesman Henry Kissinger, a key figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Nixon and Ford administrations, has passed away at the age of 100. His demise occurred at his residence in Connecticut on Wednesday, as announced by his consulting firm. Having served as both national security advisor and U.S. secretary of state from 1969 to 1977, Kissinger played a pivotal role in significant diplomatic events, including the groundbreaking opening to China in 1972, the resolution of the Yom Kippur War in the Middle East, and the U.S. disengagement from the Vietnam War. Born Heinz Alfred Kissinger…
The current cinematic landscape is witnessing an extraordinary renaissance of the Hollywood biographical drama, commonly referred to as a biopic, a term that can sometimes evoke the imagery of a dental instrument. Christopher Nolan’s monumental three-hour epic, “Oppenheimer,” exploring the life of the atomic bomb’s architect, has not only demonstrated that biographical films can be as expansive and dazzling as the cosmos but has also earned Nolan unparalleled acclaim. Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” narrating the journey of Priscilla Presley from her teenage encounter with Elvis to her years entwined with a fading illusion, has captivated audiences and garnered widespread praise. In…
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival exemplifies the nation’s resolute commitment to establishing itself as a major player in the film and TV industry, navigating regional conflicts, political turbulence, and societal shifts. Despite the cancellations of various movie celebrations in the Arab world due to the Israel-Hamas war, including the Cairo Film Festival and Tunisia’s Carthage Film Days, the Red Sea Festival is moving forward with its third edition scheduled for Nov. 30-Dec. 9 in Jeddah. After the war erupted in early October, organizers, led by CEO Mohammed Al Turki, consulted with filmmakers in the Middle East and North Africa…
Welcome to the thrilling world of The Last of Us, where a post-apocalyptic tale of survival unfolds on your screens. Imagine a world turned upside down by a crazy fungal infection, turning people into zombie-like creatures and leaving society in shambles. This HBO series follows Joel (Pedro Pascal), a tough smuggler, on a mission to protect Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a teenager with a special immunity. The show’s first season, filmed in beautiful places like Alberta, wowed audiences with its great acting, awesome story, and haunting soundtrack by Gustavo Santaolalla and David Fleming. If you live in the USA, you can…
Lightning International, a content distribution and solutions company based in Hong Kong and the U.K., is gearing up for the upcoming Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) in Singapore by expanding its team. Eric Tan has been appointed as the Director of Content Sales Asia, taking charge of all aspects of channel and content distribution. With a background in the telecommunications and broadcasting industries, Tan brings experience from roles at Singtel, Da Vinci Learning, and Sony Pictures Entertainment Networks Asia. His base will be in Singapore. As part of its strategic growth, Lightning has welcomed David Newton as the Director…
Egypt’s El Gouna Film Festival, initially delayed due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, has declared its intention to host a distinctive edition from December 14 to 21. Situated in a coastal resort near Hurghada, a tourist hub 250 miles south of Cairo, the festival will showcase its previously disclosed full array of films, featuring a dedicated program to Palestinian cinema in collaboration with the Palestine Film Institute. A noteworthy aspect includes a planned fundraising dinner during the festival, aimed at collecting donations for humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza, coordinated with the Egyptian Red Crescent. The festival organizers…
Sony’s grand masterpiece “Napoleon,” under the direction of Ridley Scott, made a majestic entrance at the summit of the U.K. and Ireland box office, raking in an impressive £5.2 million ($6.6 million), as reported by Comscore. In its second week, Lionsgate’s “The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes” gracefully descended to the second position, amassing £2.6 million and reaching a cumulative total of £10.1 million. The third spot was claimed by Disney’s enchanting debut, “Wish,” which amassed £2.4 million. In the fourth position, Warner Bros.’ “Saltburn” added £572,728 to its coffers during its second weekend, accumulating a total…
At the recent Gotham Awards, renowned for honoring independent cinema, Cailee Spaeny injected a hint of anticipation for 20th Century Studios’ upcoming venture, “Alien: Romulus,” while gracing the red carpet on Monday night. The luminary from “Priscilla” is taking the helm in the Fede Alvarez-directed revival, touted as a distinctive narrative within the expansive “Alien” universe. Spaeny, shedding light on the film’s position in the franchise’s chronology, has confirmed a prevailing rumor. According to Spaeny, “Alien: Romulus” is slated to unfold between the inaugural and sophomore installments of the franchise. Drawing parallels to the James Cameron-helmed “Aliens,” Spaeny reveals that…