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For the first time in its 70-year history, the Venice lineup includes three feature films produced by the lest itself through its Biennale College, which is turning the Lido into [...]

THOUGH TURKEY spans Europe, Asia and the Middle East, the vast country is considered Europe's most rapidly growing moviegoing market, a clear indication of its ongoing modernization--which Mars Entertainment Group [...]

Blighty chancellor resorts to Force; Spaniards salivate over food shows; France debates mobile tax 1 CHINA Django Eventually Unchained Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained returned to Chinese multiplexes May 12 after [...]

TEN YEARS after its launch as the first 24-hour free-to-air movie channel in the Arab world, Dubai-based private satcaster MBC2 has become Hollywood's strongest bridge to the Middle East and [...]

Europe resists U.S. inclusion; pols pressure biz in Russia and India; local pics buoy booming Brazil B.O. (1) INDIA President Pressures Biz President Pranab Mukherjee is urging the film industry [...]

India gets digital, China gets partners, Danes get zany (1) RUSSIA Cat People in Spotlight In Moscow, the world's only cat theater has reopened following a year-long closure for renovation. [...]

It's a land of hot springs, erupting volcanoes and bubbling creativity. And the world is watching this tiny pioneering country's plan to ban online porn. When the global economy collapsed [...]

One of the rising stars of emerging-market economies, Turkey is a sprawling territory that spans Europe, Asia and the Middle East, nicknamed both the New Tiger and China of Europe. [...]

Luxury living in Dubai, India film awards in Vancouver (1) Dubai The world's first Paramount-branded hotel is set for construction in Dubai, part of a $1 billion five-star facility, sold [...]

ROME While the election of Pope Francis was welcomed by global media as a fresh start for a scandal-riddled Catholic Church, on Thursday some questioned if the new pontiff will [...]

ROME Last week, Italians rekindled their love affair with show bizzers-turned-pols in inconclusive elections that saw comedian-turned-Web-activist Beppe Grillo win more votes than any other single party and TV mogul [...]

Having won awards for its coverage of the Arab Spring with a news operation that reports on events in far-flung countries with the hustle that has become its trademark, Al [...]

ROME Starting with its smart opener, Ang Lee's 3D epic 'Life of Pi,' the Dubai Intl. Film Festival has assembled a classy cross-cultural mix of pics for its ninth edition, [...]

Rome wasn't rebuilt in six months. But Marco Mueller has certainly put his distinctive stamp on what was previously a somewhat shapeless fest. Time constraints due to protracted political bickering [...]

ABU DHABI YouTube will start experimenting with charging subscription fees for some of its branded content following its partnerships with European TV content providers to feed 60 new channels. 'You [...]

The rebooted Rome Film Festival has unveiled its lineup of 59 world preems comprising a wide range of arthouse, genre and edgy fare peppered with more mainstream titles and a [...]

ABU DHABI From the eradication of diseases and poverty to the health of Hollywood, the future is bright thanks to emerging technology, Bill Gates and Ari Emanuel agreed Tuesday in [...]

ABU DHABI Politics and religion are hampering Oscar prospects for helmers not just in Iran, but across the Middle East. Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon entries were also noticeably absent [...]

Clear signals that the Middle East is fostering a truly international film industry pervade all sections of the 6th Abu Dhabi Film Festival, starting with its opener, Wall Street thriller [...]

As the White House and congressional leaders condemned the assaults on U.S. missions in Egypt and Libya, the mystery deepened over who is responsible for the anti-Muhammad film trailer. 'The [...]

VENICE South Korean helmet Kim Kiduk's twisted thriller 'Pieta,' the tale of a mean loan shark who softens after meeting a woman who claims to be his mother, won the [...]

VENICE The first Venice Film Market wrapped on a high note Monday with clear signs of intensive, mostly Eurocentric, dealmaking being done, industryites praising facilities and services, and the prospect [...]

Renewal is in the air as the 69th Venice Film Festival kicks off Wednesday with a new artistic director, the fest's first bona-fide market, mildly improved digs and the premiere [...]

Francesco Rosi, the insufficiently heralded Italian master best known for his socially engaged films, who, at 89, is being honored with Venice's Golden Lion for lifetime achievement, kicked off his [...]

With Alberto Barbera back as artistic director, the Venice Film Festival unveiled its full lineup Thursday, and both Barbera's remarks and his selections offered some pointed contrast to May's Cannes [...]

ROME Countering the notion that cinemagoing is recession-proof, box office returns are getting battered in countries hardest-hit by the deepening Eurozone crisis. Moviegoing is plummeting in Europe's economically weaker territories, [...]

The Chinese box office is predicted to exceed 20 billion yuan ($3.17 billion) this year, Stealing the No. 2 slot from Japan, according to a report from Entgroup, which analyzes [...]

On March 23, as early numbers for 'The Hunger Games' started coming in, Imax CEO Richard Gelfond was plotting a major push into Italy from a posh Rome hotel suite [...]

In the first tangible sign that Italy's harsh economic climate is impacting the local entertainment biz, more than 500 Italian industryites have fired off an angry missive to RAI, blasting [...]

The biopic "Modì," directed by Johnny Depp, has secured a distribution deal in Italy with Be Water. The film stars Riccardo Scamarcio as Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani and features Al Pacino as art collector Maurice Gangnat. Be Water is handling the Italian distribution in collaboration with Maestro Distribution. The international sales for "Modì" are represented by Veterans and Range Media Partners. [Extracted from the article]

Brazilian social impact entertainment company Maria Farinha Films has acquired a minority stake in London-based Violet Films. Violet Films is known for producing documentaries such as "White Helmets," "Virunga," "The Edge of Democracy," and Prince Harry's Netflix series "Invictus." Leonardo Di Caprio and Barry Jenkins are involved in Violet Films' upcoming feature film adaptation of "Virunga" for Netflix. The two companies believe in the power of storytelling to make a positive impact on the world and are committed to supporting new international talent. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. [Extracted from the article]

Italian cinema continues to thrive despite financial challenges, with a diverse range of films in production. Notable upcoming releases include "Basileia," a debut film by Isabella Torre about an archaeologist who awakens ancient forces while exploring a tomb in Southern Italy; "Le deluge," a period drama by Gianluca Iodice set in the Royal Palace of Caserta; "First Life, Then Cinema," a personal film by Francesca Comencini paying homage to her father; "Iddu," a drama about Cosa Nostra boss Matteo Messina Denaro during his fugitive years; "Parthenope," a love letter to Naples by Paolo Sorrentino; "Queer," Luca Guadagnino's adaptation of a William S. Burroughs novel; "The Tearsmith," a young adult romance that became a global hit on Netflix; and an untitled kung fu movie set in Rome's Piazza Vittorio quarter by Gabriele Mainetti. [Extracted from the article]

Italy's film industry is facing challenges due to political disruptions and market forces. The country's right-wing government is delaying modifications to key regulations, including tax incentives for film and TV production. Industry figures, including prominent directors, have criticized the government's slow approval process for new guidelines and the uncertainty surrounding the availability of tax credit funds. Italy is also contending with fierce international competition from countries like France, the U.K., and Spain, which offer more public funds for film production. The government's focus on promoting nationalistic narratives in films and TV series has further complicated the situation. Despite these challenges, new players like Be Water are entering the Italian industry, and top producers are partnering on new projects. [Extracted from the article]

Arab cinema is making strides in breaking new ground with a range of social dramas that explore female empowerment. These films include stories of a young woman faking her death to start anew and a rape-revenge thriller called "Beretta." Other upcoming Arabic-language films cover topics such as immigration, small-town life, and the role of women in Saudi society. These films offer diverse perspectives and will be showcased at festivals or available for streaming. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the presence of Arab filmmakers at the Cannes Film Festival, highlighting the diversity of stories being told. Saudi Arabia leads the Arab cinema contingent with the film "Norah," which premiered at the Red Sea Film Festival and is the first Saudi film to screen at Cannes. The film tells the story of a young woman in 1990s Saudi Arabia who discovers a passion for art and seeks a better life. Other films from Egypt, Palestine, and Morocco also showcase the challenges faced by filmmakers in the region. The article emphasizes the growing importance of Saudi Arabia as a theatrical market and the role of the Red Sea festival in fostering filmmaking in the country. It also mentions the presence of Egyptian and Danish-Palestinian directors at Cannes, highlighting the struggles faced by artists in their respective countries. French-Moroccan director Nabil Ayouch is also featured with his film "Everybody Loves Touda," which explores female empowerment in Morocco. The article concludes with a quote from Palestinian director Mahdi Fleifel, emphasizing the need for Palestinian stories and challenging media stereotypes. [Extracted from the article]

Fremantle's group COO and CEO for continental Europe, Andrea Scrosati, discusses the company's strategy and recent success in the Cannes official selection. Scrosati explains that Fremantle's diversity of titles, including films from different geographies and cultures, is a result of their strategy. He also discusses the company's expansion into the film industry and the importance of diversification. Scrosati mentions recent changes in the Italian division of Fremantle, including the departure of founding partners and the acquisition of new companies. Overall, Fremantle aims to be a place where talent can work on various projects and genres. [Extracted from the article]

Los Angeles-based Scatena & Rosner Films has acquired worldwide rights to the horror film "The Hermit," which stars Lou Ferrigno as a cannibalistic pig farmer. The film, directed by Salvatore Sclafani and produced by Gerry Pass, is now in post-production and will be launched for sales at the Cannes Market. This is Sclafani's first English-language feature as a director and producer, following his previous work on the 2019 pandemic thriller "Tyger Tiger." [Extracted from the article]

German actors Elisa Schlott, Max Riemelt, and Alma Hasun have been cast in Italian director Silvio Soldini's upcoming drama "The Tasters." The film, based on Rosella Postorino's book "At the Wolf's Table," tells the true story of women who were conscripted to be Adolf Hitler's food tasters. The women are forced to eat potentially poisoned food to ensure Hitler's safety, leading to a divide among them. The film will begin shooting in Italy's northern Alto Adige region and is being produced by Lumière & Co. in co-production with Tarantula and Tellfilm. [Extracted from the article]

Italian auteur Pietro Marcello ("Martin Eden") is shooting "Duse," a movie about legendary Italian stage diva Eleonora Duse. Valeria Bruni Tedeschi stars as Duse and Noémie Merlant plays her daughter.The Match Factory has acquired international rights to "Duse" and is kicking off sales in Cannes.Duse, who was born in 1858 and died in 1924, was considered by many the greatest actress of her time. Marcello's "Duse" will look at the latter part of her life, after the best part of her career is over."Duse" is co-produced by Italy's Palomar and Avventurosa with France's Ad Vitam. [Extracted from the article]

Italian producers Mario Gianani and Lorenzo Mieli have joined Mediawan after leaving Fremantle to form their own independent company. Mediawan is in the process of acquiring a 51% majority stake in Gianani and Mieli's Our Films company, which will officially close in September. Despite leaving Fremantle, Gianani and Mieli still have a co-production deal with the company and will continue to work on several projects. Mediawan's acquisition of Our Films is part of their larger consolidation in the Italian market, with plans to further expand their presence in Italy. [Extracted from the article]

Mad World, a newly launched sales company based in Dubai, has acquired worldwide rights to Lebanese director Ghassan Salhab's upcoming film "The Last City," which is set in a collapsing Beirut overrun by vampires. Salhab, known for his arthouse films, is considered one of Lebanon's standout directors. "The Last City" is a co-production between Lebanon and France, with support from various organizations. Italian media company Be Water has also announced its partners and business activities, including film production, distribution, podcasts, and live events. [Extracted from the article]

Dubai-based sales company Mad World has acquired worldwide rights to Lebanese director Ghassan Salhab's upcoming film "The Last City," which is set in a collapsing Beirut overrun by vampires. Salhab is known for his arthouse films such as "Terra Incognita" and "The Valley." The film is a co-production between Lebanon and France, with support from various organizations. Mad World aims to bring Arab filmmaking talent to the international stage. [Extracted from the article]

Saudi Arabian director Shahad Ameen is shooting a drama called "Hijra," which focuses on the bond between different generations of Saudi women during a journey across the desert. The story follows a grandmother and her two granddaughters as they travel from Taif to Mecca in search of the eldest granddaughter who has gone missing. The film is being shot in various Saudi cities and urban areas and is supported by the Saudi Film Commission's Daw Initiative and Neom. It is set to be edited in Paris and features a predominantly Saudi and Arab crew. [Extracted from the article]

A power play at the Venice Film Festival has prompted the appointment of Alberto Barbera as the Lido's new artistic director, replacing Marco Mueller, who has been ousted after successfully [...]

This year's list of foreign-language film Oscar contenders includes a goodly number of pics that world preemed at major Europebased international film festivals. While the Academy's choices sometimes confuse or [...]

Deal or no deal? Time Warner will have to wait a while for Endemol's response to that question. The Dutch production giant has let it be known that it has [...]

Silvio Berlusconi resigned Saturday as Italy's prime minister, ending an unprecedented 17-year political run marked by the billionaire media mogul's dual role as the country's leading pol and top showbiz [...]

The Rome Film Festival, after years, is starting to look like a somewhat seasoned player on the fest circuit where its mission to cater to the international industry, along with [...]

George Clooney dominated the Wednesday opening of the Venice Film Festival, where 'The Ides of March,' his drama-thriller about cynical American politics, drew positive buzz and provided the Lido with [...]

The 68th Venice Film Festival kicks offtoday with George Clooney's political drama 'The Ides of March' world preeming on the Lido, where boatloads of A-list talent are set to disembark, [...]