Steven Spielberg has announced he has no plans to retire and intends to continue making films, reflecting a broader trend among veteran filmmakers like Scorsese, Herzog, Coppola, and Scott who keep working into their 80s and beyond, driven by passion, experience, and the demanding nature of filmmaking.
The 2024 Tribeca Festival lineup has been announced, featuring a diverse array of films including documentaries, narrative features, and international selections. The festival will showcase 103 feature films from 114 filmmakers across 48 countries, with a focus on diverse voices and perspectives. Notable films include "Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge," "Jazzy," "Daddio," "Firebrand," and "Brats," with a strong emphasis on female and BIPOC directors. The festival will also feature live events, performances, and conversations as part of its Spotlight+ program.
Tribeca Festival has announced its feature film lineup for the 2024 festival, featuring films from actors Lily Gladstone and Michael Cera, and documentaries on Prince, Carlos Santana, and Dolly Parton. The festival will run from June 5-16 in New York City, showcasing 103 feature films from 114 filmmakers spanning 48 countries, with a focus on political activism and the power of art to spark change. The lineup includes a diverse range of films, with half directed by women and 35% by BIPOC filmmakers, and features 86 world premieres, two international premieres, six North American premieres, and eight New York premieres.
OpenAI has granted access to its Sora artificial intelligence video generator to professional artists and filmmakers, resulting in the creation of impressive videos. The AI tool has been used to produce realistic and surrealistic works, with creatives leveraging its capabilities to bring new and impossible ideas to life. While there are concerns about the source material used to train Sora, the platform has the potential to revolutionize video production, particularly for small-scale filmmakers and indie creators, although questions remain about cost, data provenance, and copyright.
Oscar-winning directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, also known as Daniels, are set to release their next film in 2026 under an exclusive first-look deal with Universal Pictures. Following the success of "Everything Everywhere All at Once," which grossed over $100 million and won seven Oscars, the details of their upcoming project remain undisclosed. The directing duo has garnered attention for their diverse body of work, including music videos and award-winning films, and Universal is looking forward to continuing their creative journey together.
A coalition of 35 filmmakers, including Steven Spielberg, Bradley Cooper, and Chloé Zhao, has acquired the historic Village Theater in Los Angeles with the mission to preserve its architectural significance and create a cultural landmark dedicated to the movie-going experience. Led by director Jason Reitman, the group aims to restore the theater to its former glory and plans to showcase both new releases and classic films, as well as display props and film prints from their personal collections.
Jason Reitman and a coalition of 35 filmmakers, including Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg, and Bradley Cooper, have purchased Westwood's historic Village Theater with the mission to preserve it as a cultural landmark dedicated to the moviegoing experience. The theater, known for its architectural significance and large screen, will showcase artifacts from the filmmakers' personal collections and undergo plans for a restaurant, bar, and gallery. The group aims to create a vibrant space for cinema enthusiasts and celebrate the art and craft of filmmaking, with plans to mark the theater's centennial in 2031.
Jason Reitman and a coalition of 35 filmmakers, including Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg, and Bradley Cooper, have purchased Westwood's historic Village Theater with the mission to preserve the architectural gem and create a cultural landmark dedicated to the moviegoing experience. The theater, known for its soaring tower and large screen, will showcase artifacts from the filmmakers' personal collections and remain open while plans for a restaurant, bar, and gallery are finalized. The group aims to celebrate cinema and community, with plans for the theater to mark its hundredth year in operation in 2031.
Jason Reitman and 35 other filmmakers have purchased the historic Village Theater in Los Angeles' Westwood neighborhood, with plans to preserve and upgrade the 93-year-old theater for first-run films and repertory programming. The group aims to showcase memorabilia from their personal collections and create a vibrant community for movie lovers. The coalition includes renowned directors such as Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, and Guillermo del Toro, who are committed to restoring the theater to its former glory as a cultural institution for film enthusiasts.
The Berlin Film Festival's international jury press conference was charged with discussions about Germany's far-right, Russia's war in Ukraine, and the conflict in Gaza. The jury members, including Lupita Nyong’o, engaged in testy discussions about their political stances, with Spanish filmmaker Albert Serra facing questions about his supposed admiration for Vladimir Putin. The festival's controversial opening ceremony invitation to the far-right party AfD and criticism over the festival's stance on the conflict in Gaza also sparked debate. The festival opens with the movie Small Things Like These, and the competition includes films starring Rooney Mara, Isabelle Huppert, and Gael Garcia Bernal.
Variety looks back at the 15 biggest director snubs of the last 25 years, including notable omissions like Denis Villeneuve for "Dune," Kathryn Bigelow for "Zero Dark Thirty," and Ava DuVernay for "Selma." The list also includes Bradley Cooper for "A Star is Born," Baz Luhrmann for "Moulin Rouge!," and Peter Jackson for "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers." Despite the Academy's historical oversight, there has been some improvement in recognizing diverse talent, but there is still work to be done in acknowledging comedies, horror films, animated and documentary filmmakers.
The Sundance Film Festival showcased a diverse range of films, from Jesse Eisenberg's poignant "A Real Pain" to the emotionally devastating "Daughters" and the thought-provoking "Eternal You." Other highlights included "Dìdi (弟弟)," a coming-of-age drama, the heartwarming "Every Little Thing," and the contemplative "Exhibiting Forgiveness," featuring a standout performance by Andre Holland. Additionally, "The Greatest Night in Pop" offers an intriguing behind-the-scenes look at the recording of "We Are the World."
The Sundance Film Festival is celebrating its 40th edition this year with a record 17,000 film submissions. Despite the milestone, the festival is focused on looking ahead rather than dwelling on the past. Sundance has a history of launching careers and showcasing groundbreaking films, and this year's lineup includes premieres of post-apocalyptic romance "Love Me," satire "The American Society of Magical Negroes," and documentary features on Frida Kahlo, Christopher Reeve, and more. Additionally, some filmmakers have collaborated with AI to tell their stories, sparking controversy within the industry.
The Sundance Film Festival is set to kick off with a mix of in-person and virtual offerings, showcasing over 80 feature films and documentaries. Some highly anticipated premieres include "Between the Temples" by Nathan Silver, "A Different Man" by Aaron Schimberg, "Freaky Tales" by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, "Handling the Undead" by Thea Hvistendahl, and "Ibelin" by Benjamin Ree. The festival will also feature a diverse range of films exploring various themes and genres, promising an exciting lineup for cinema enthusiasts.
Filmmakers Jamie Bailey and Simon Phillips discuss their upcoming horror movie "Mickey's Mouse Trap," which exploits Mickey Mouse's entry into the public domain. The film features a masked killer dressed as Mickey Mouse and is described as a playful and creative take on the iconic character. Bailey and Phillips express their surprise at being the first to capitalize on Mickey Mouse's public domain status and emphasize their love for Disney while acknowledging the likelihood of similar projects emerging. The release date for the movie is yet to be announced.