Belgian director Leonardo Van Dijl’s assured debut feature, Julie Keeps Quiet, builds a riveting psychological drama around the choice of a star player from an elite youth tennis academy not to speak up in the wake of tragedy. In her first acting role, young tennis ace Tessa Van den Broeck internalizes the title character’s brooding unease with slow-burn intensity. The movie’s silence is so loaded with the anxiety, obstinance, inchoate anger and desire for anonymity of the traumatized teenage sportswoman that the constant thwack of her racquet hitting the ball cuts through the tension like violent shocks.
Unfolding predominantly in static frames that keep the story laser-focused, with pinpoint use of American contemporary classical composer Caroline Shaw’s needling vocal score, this is an austerely effective work. It has a kinship with Laura Wandel’s Playground from 2021 and last year’s The Teachers’ Lounge by İlker Çatak,...
Unfolding predominantly in static frames that keep the story laser-focused, with pinpoint use of American contemporary classical composer Caroline Shaw’s needling vocal score, this is an austerely effective work. It has a kinship with Laura Wandel’s Playground from 2021 and last year’s The Teachers’ Lounge by İlker Çatak,...
- 5/22/2024
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Indie Sales is re-teaming with rising Belgian filmmaker Laura Wandel on her sophomore feature “In Adam’s Interest,” having previously sold around the world her critically acclaimed feature debut “Playground” which premiered at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard.
“In Adam’s Interest” also reunites Wandel with producer Stéphane Lhoest at Belgium’s Dragons Films, and is produced by Delphine Tomson at Les Films du Fleuve, the Dardenne’ brothers banner. Co-producers are Jan de Clercq at Lunanime, who will release the film in Benelux under his distribution company Lumière; and Marie-Ange Luciani’s Les Films de Pierre, the Oscar-nominated outfit behind “Anatomy of a Fall.” Memento will release “In Adam’s Interest” in French theaters.
A tense social drama, “In Adam’s Interest” follows four-year-old Adam who is suffering from malnutrition and has been taken to hospital following a court’s decision. Lucy, a pediatrics head nurse, authorizes Rebecca, Adam’s mother,...
“In Adam’s Interest” also reunites Wandel with producer Stéphane Lhoest at Belgium’s Dragons Films, and is produced by Delphine Tomson at Les Films du Fleuve, the Dardenne’ brothers banner. Co-producers are Jan de Clercq at Lunanime, who will release the film in Benelux under his distribution company Lumière; and Marie-Ange Luciani’s Les Films de Pierre, the Oscar-nominated outfit behind “Anatomy of a Fall.” Memento will release “In Adam’s Interest” in French theaters.
A tense social drama, “In Adam’s Interest” follows four-year-old Adam who is suffering from malnutrition and has been taken to hospital following a court’s decision. Lucy, a pediatrics head nurse, authorizes Rebecca, Adam’s mother,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The Disney Channels May 2024 programming lineup has been announced. Read on to see what is coming to Disney Channel, Disney Xd, and Disney Junior next month.
The programming slate for May includes Firebuds, Hailey’s On It!, Mickey Mouse Funhouse, Monsters at Work, Pupstruction, and SuperKitties.
Disney Channels May 2024 Schedule
The daily schedule follows. You can learn more about each by clicking on their titles.
Friday, May 3
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Pupstruction – “Pirate Party/A Playful Playground” (1-23)
(10:00-10:30 a.m. Edt on Disney Channel/9:00-9:30 a.m. Edt on Disney Junior, TV-y)
“Pirate Party” – The Pup Crew builds a pirate ship.
“A Playful Playground” – Pupstruction tries to build a playground that will make all the kids happy.
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Mickey Mouse Funhouse – “Goofy’s Birthday … in Space!” (3-03)
(10:30-11:00 a.
The programming slate for May includes Firebuds, Hailey’s On It!, Mickey Mouse Funhouse, Monsters at Work, Pupstruction, and SuperKitties.
Disney Channels May 2024 Schedule
The daily schedule follows. You can learn more about each by clicking on their titles.
Friday, May 3
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Pupstruction – “Pirate Party/A Playful Playground” (1-23)
(10:00-10:30 a.m. Edt on Disney Channel/9:00-9:30 a.m. Edt on Disney Junior, TV-y)
“Pirate Party” – The Pup Crew builds a pirate ship.
“A Playful Playground” – Pupstruction tries to build a playground that will make all the kids happy.
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Mickey Mouse Funhouse – “Goofy’s Birthday … in Space!” (3-03)
(10:30-11:00 a.
- 4/19/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Amazon’s free-of charge, ad-supported streaming platform that is only available in India, miniTV, is expanding its reach within the country. It is adding 200 shows and films for regional audiences and speakers of Tamil and Telugu.
The new line-up of dubbed titles includes marquee and fan-favourite Hindi originals including “Hunter- Tootega Nahi Todega,” “Physics Wallah,” action-packed patriotic series “Rakshak- India’s Braves,” and young romance series “Highway Love.”
Hollywood titles dubbed into Tamil and Telugu will include library titles “Twilight,” “Now You See Me,” the “Hunger Games” series, the “Step Up” franchise films and “Red.”
miniTV will also upload Korean, Turkish and Mandarin shows dubbed in Tamil and Telugu languages. But Amazon did not identify the new imported titles or their source.
“Our goal is to provide our viewers with a personalized and immersive viewing experience […] and ensure that everyone enjoys their favorite shows and movies in their preferred language,” said Amogh Dusad,...
The new line-up of dubbed titles includes marquee and fan-favourite Hindi originals including “Hunter- Tootega Nahi Todega,” “Physics Wallah,” action-packed patriotic series “Rakshak- India’s Braves,” and young romance series “Highway Love.”
Hollywood titles dubbed into Tamil and Telugu will include library titles “Twilight,” “Now You See Me,” the “Hunger Games” series, the “Step Up” franchise films and “Red.”
miniTV will also upload Korean, Turkish and Mandarin shows dubbed in Tamil and Telugu languages. But Amazon did not identify the new imported titles or their source.
“Our goal is to provide our viewers with a personalized and immersive viewing experience […] and ensure that everyone enjoys their favorite shows and movies in their preferred language,” said Amogh Dusad,...
- 4/19/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Mumbai, March 4 (Ians) India’s biggest YouTuber Carry Minati, who is returning with the 3rd season of the gaming reality show ‘Playground’, has said that despite India being the land of gamers and one of the biggest gaming markets in the world, the country is still at a nascent stage as a gaming market.
“I am thrilled to return to Playground as a mentor for the third season of the reality show. In the past two seasons, I’ve witnessed the commitment, dedication and skill set of the players, and I look forward to interacting with fresh talent this season. This season is all about embracing risks, pushing the limits, overcoming challenges, and unleashing the core ethos of gaming,” Carry Minati said.
“I’ve been an avid gaming enthusiast throughout my career and this association is a natural extension of my passion and vision.”
He said that the gaming is the future of the metaverse,...
“I am thrilled to return to Playground as a mentor for the third season of the reality show. In the past two seasons, I’ve witnessed the commitment, dedication and skill set of the players, and I look forward to interacting with fresh talent this season. This season is all about embracing risks, pushing the limits, overcoming challenges, and unleashing the core ethos of gaming,” Carry Minati said.
“I’ve been an avid gaming enthusiast throughout my career and this association is a natural extension of my passion and vision.”
He said that the gaming is the future of the metaverse,...
- 3/4/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
The bond between a child and her mother is explored in Yaxing Lin's poignant short film “Playground.” This low-budget production, which includes support from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, utilizes the available funds and cast to create a dreamlike experience of survival in a reality where the world is indifferent to those struggling. Additionally, it presents the perspective of a curious little girl protective of her single parent.
Playground is screening at Osaka Asian Film Festival
In the story, a little girl named Jiajia wanders the streets at night, searching for her mother, Qun Lin. She happens upon the place where her mom works, which is an adult entertainment club. Shocked to see her daughter there but not wanting to send her back into the night, Lin lets her inside, so long as she allows her to work, and refers to her as “auntie” instead. Here, Jiajia is...
Playground is screening at Osaka Asian Film Festival
In the story, a little girl named Jiajia wanders the streets at night, searching for her mother, Qun Lin. She happens upon the place where her mom works, which is an adult entertainment club. Shocked to see her daughter there but not wanting to send her back into the night, Lin lets her inside, so long as she allows her to work, and refers to her as “auntie” instead. Here, Jiajia is...
- 3/2/2024
- by Sean Barry
- AsianMoviePulse
New Delhi, July 17 (Ians) Internet sensation and actress Uorfi Javed on Monday shared her bare makeup selfie, and revealed that she got eye-fillers as she faced trolling for dark circles.Sharing a selfie on Instagram Stories, Uorfi is showing her face with no makeup and redness around her both the eyes. She then expressed disappointment on why she got the eye fillers which made her under eyes “weird”.
She wrote: “I was trolled so much because of my dark circles, I got under eye fillers and now my face looks f*cked up !! The under eyes are uneven and weird! Now even makeup can’t hide my weird under eyes!! Why did I do this to myself.”
In another post she expressed her desire to not be photographed without makeup.
“Was so conscious with my under eyes dark circles, I always have been, I had them since I was a child.
She wrote: “I was trolled so much because of my dark circles, I got under eye fillers and now my face looks f*cked up !! The under eyes are uneven and weird! Now even makeup can’t hide my weird under eyes!! Why did I do this to myself.”
In another post she expressed her desire to not be photographed without makeup.
“Was so conscious with my under eyes dark circles, I always have been, I had them since I was a child.
- 7/17/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Long cutscenes (and lots of them) have been kind of a Final Fantasy tradition for decades now. Learning to love this franchise often means learning to love putting the controller down from time to time and simply watching the story unfold. That being said, Final Fantasy 16‘s potentially record-setting total cutscene length may test even the most patient franchise fans.
Earlier this year, Final Fantasy 16 producer Naoki Yoshida estimated that the game featured about 11 hours of “cinematic cutscenes” that were all “seamlessly interwoven into the game, playing in-engine in real-time.” He mentioned that the team really wanted to take the time to tell a complete story within the game, which many took as a reference to the fact that Final Fantasy 15‘s full story actually played out across multiple Dlc installments. Even if it wasn’t a reference to that controversial decision, many fans were happy to know that Final Fantasy 16 would offer a complete,...
Earlier this year, Final Fantasy 16 producer Naoki Yoshida estimated that the game featured about 11 hours of “cinematic cutscenes” that were all “seamlessly interwoven into the game, playing in-engine in real-time.” He mentioned that the team really wanted to take the time to tell a complete story within the game, which many took as a reference to the fact that Final Fantasy 15‘s full story actually played out across multiple Dlc installments. Even if it wasn’t a reference to that controversial decision, many fans were happy to know that Final Fantasy 16 would offer a complete,...
- 6/26/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Dead Island 2’s best moments are also its most ridiculous. Discovering that you can acquire superpowers. Setting your feet on fire and dropkicking a horde of zombies into a pile of gasoline cans. Finding an axe that’s basically a flame thrower and a pistol that’s actually a rocket launcher. These are the kinds of moments that make Dead Island 2 feel special.
It shouldn’t be surprising that Dead Island 2 functions best as an absurd game. Most of Dead Island 2’s marketing has centered on its parody humor, silly characters, and over-the-top gore. By the time you actually finish Dead Island 2, though, you may be surprised to find that the game just isn’t ridiculous enough. For all its obvious attempts at embracing chaos, the fact of the matter is that Dead Island 2 spends too much time trying to be a much more conventional game.
Specifically, Dead Island 2 too often feels like Dying Light.
It shouldn’t be surprising that Dead Island 2 functions best as an absurd game. Most of Dead Island 2’s marketing has centered on its parody humor, silly characters, and over-the-top gore. By the time you actually finish Dead Island 2, though, you may be surprised to find that the game just isn’t ridiculous enough. For all its obvious attempts at embracing chaos, the fact of the matter is that Dead Island 2 spends too much time trying to be a much more conventional game.
Specifically, Dead Island 2 too often feels like Dying Light.
- 4/25/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Fans often take an interest in celebrity health, seeing their favorite stars as aspirational figures when it comes to staying healthy and fit. Some stars lean into this by serving as spokespeople or even launching companies of their own. Christina Aguilera recently kicked off such a venture of her own with sexual wellness bland Playground, and in the process, the singer shared some personal details about her own life.
Christina Aguilera became a pop star in the late 1990s
Aguilera, of course, rose to fame in the late 1990s. Her first big single was “Reflection” from the Disney animated film Mulan in 1998. The following year, she released her self-titled debut album featuring such hits as “Genie in a Bottle,” “What a Girl Wants,” and “Come On Over (All I Want Is You).” That success continued with chart-topping albums such as 2002’s Stripped and 2006’s Back to Basics, both of which...
Christina Aguilera became a pop star in the late 1990s
Aguilera, of course, rose to fame in the late 1990s. Her first big single was “Reflection” from the Disney animated film Mulan in 1998. The following year, she released her self-titled debut album featuring such hits as “Genie in a Bottle,” “What a Girl Wants,” and “Come On Over (All I Want Is You).” That success continued with chart-topping albums such as 2002’s Stripped and 2006’s Back to Basics, both of which...
- 4/19/2023
- by Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Christina Aguilera is tapping into her feminine side and taking charge as the new Co-Founder and Chief Brand Advisor for Playground, a sexual wellness brand offering everyday intimacy products that can be ordered from the comfort and discretion of home.
As part of her new role, Aguilera will work with the Playground team to help de-stigmatize narratives around female sexuality, while working to “champion the brand’s mission...
Christina Aguilera is tapping into her feminine side and taking charge as the new Co-Founder and Chief Brand Advisor for Playground, a sexual wellness brand offering everyday intimacy products that can be ordered from the comfort and discretion of home.
As part of her new role, Aguilera will work with the Playground team to help de-stigmatize narratives around female sexuality, while working to “champion the brand’s mission...
- 3/28/2023
- by Tim Chan
- Rollingstone.com
Karl Jacobs is making a big move in the world of Roblox. The gamer, Twitch star, and MrBeast collaborator is teaming up with Misfits Gaming and KreekCraft to launch Pixel Playground, a studio devoted to Roblox game creation.
Pixel Playground will be led by Jacobs and KreekCraft (real name Forrest Waldron), who will serve as the studio’s Co-Founder and Creative Director, respectively. Misfits will supply the two creators with the resources and operational support they need to execute their Roblox game ideas.
Jacobs and Waldron also plan to collaborate with other prominent personalities in the Roblox space. Though many kids enjoy spending time in the virtual sandbox, Pixel Playground’s Roblox projects will be intended for players above the age of 13. By aging up its community, the new studio hopes to attract attention from advertisers.
Many of Jacobs’ early streams involved Roblox, though he’s better known for his adventures in Minecraft worlds.
Pixel Playground will be led by Jacobs and KreekCraft (real name Forrest Waldron), who will serve as the studio’s Co-Founder and Creative Director, respectively. Misfits will supply the two creators with the resources and operational support they need to execute their Roblox game ideas.
Jacobs and Waldron also plan to collaborate with other prominent personalities in the Roblox space. Though many kids enjoy spending time in the virtual sandbox, Pixel Playground’s Roblox projects will be intended for players above the age of 13. By aging up its community, the new studio hopes to attract attention from advertisers.
Many of Jacobs’ early streams involved Roblox, though he’s better known for his adventures in Minecraft worlds.
- 3/27/2023
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
The title might suggest somewhere to relax but there’s barely room to breathe in Ilker Çatak’s German school-set drama which thrums from start to almost finish with the sweaty tension of a looming maths test. At its heart - and following a quickening beat, heightened by the plucked strings of Marvin Miller’s insistent score - is new teacher Carla Nowack (Leonie Benesch).
Nowack takes the kids for maths and Pe but she soon finds it's the school ethics - and maybe even her own - that don’t add up. Çatak and his co-writer Johannes Duncker present the world within the school as a distilled microcosm of what lies outside it, complete with all its adult prejudices - joining a recent cohort of films on a similar subject, including 1982, Playground and Blue Jean. The first signs of conflict brew over a series of thefts. The school’s zero tolerance policy comes into.
Nowack takes the kids for maths and Pe but she soon finds it's the school ethics - and maybe even her own - that don’t add up. Çatak and his co-writer Johannes Duncker present the world within the school as a distilled microcosm of what lies outside it, complete with all its adult prejudices - joining a recent cohort of films on a similar subject, including 1982, Playground and Blue Jean. The first signs of conflict brew over a series of thefts. The school’s zero tolerance policy comes into.
- 3/22/2023
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Ashish Chanchlani, who is one of India’s biggest YouTubers, recently shared his views on the war between long-format and short-format content. He said that he too started off as a short-form creator and later diversified into long-format content.
The YouTuber, who is part of the streaming show ‘Playground’, said: “First of all, there is no war between long-format creators and short-format creators. Having said that, I feel that the magic of long-format content is here to stay. I too started off as a short-format creator when the concept of reels didn’t even exist. Eventually, we explored and diversified into the zone of long-format content.”
Ashish does feel that the audience’s attention span has taken a hit, stating that they have their own ways and preferences to watch content.
He said: “Yes, I agree that the attention span is decreasing, but then the audiences adjust themselves according to the content.
The YouTuber, who is part of the streaming show ‘Playground’, said: “First of all, there is no war between long-format creators and short-format creators. Having said that, I feel that the magic of long-format content is here to stay. I too started off as a short-format creator when the concept of reels didn’t even exist. Eventually, we explored and diversified into the zone of long-format content.”
Ashish does feel that the audience’s attention span has taken a hit, stating that they have their own ways and preferences to watch content.
He said: “Yes, I agree that the attention span is decreasing, but then the audiences adjust themselves according to the content.
- 3/21/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
After 18 days of in-person screenings, over 370 movies and the allocation of a new prize fund totaling 210,000 Aud the Melbourne International Film Festival (Miff) has to be one of the lengthiest, liveliest and now most lucrative film festivals in the world. The winning films were announced at Saturday evening’s closing gala, with Afrofuturist sci-fi musical “Neptune Frost,” a U.S.-Rwandan co-production directed by Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman, taking the Bright Horizons top prize of 140,000 Aud. Jub Clerc, the Indigenous Australian director of coming-of-age road movie “Sweet As,” scooped the Blackmagic Design Australian Innovation Award of 70,000 Aud.
This is the first year of the Bright Horizons competition. After being selected from an exceptionally strong 11-film lineup, which included festival favourites like Charlotte Wells’ “Aftersun,” Laura Wandel’s “Playground” and Natalia López Gallardo’s “Robe of Gems,” Williams and Uzeyman were clearly moved while accepting the award via Zoom.
“It...
This is the first year of the Bright Horizons competition. After being selected from an exceptionally strong 11-film lineup, which included festival favourites like Charlotte Wells’ “Aftersun,” Laura Wandel’s “Playground” and Natalia López Gallardo’s “Robe of Gems,” Williams and Uzeyman were clearly moved while accepting the award via Zoom.
“It...
- 8/20/2022
- by Jessica Kiang
- Variety Film + TV
Italy’s Valerio Ferrara was named the winner of the 25th edition La Cinef for his warm take on a hapless barber who believes in conspiracy theories in “A Conspiracy Man” (“Il Barbiere Complottista”). Laughing stock of his family, nobody takes him seriously. Until he is arrested by the police.
“Personally, I have a special affection for the cinema of this country,” said Canadian actor Monia Chokri, praising the director’s sense of humor. The film hails from Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia.
“Comedy, as a genre, is undervalued at festivals. And yet, from making comedies myself, I know it’s the most difficult one. It’s a cutthroat genre: you either laugh or you don’t. We all laughed spontaneously,” she added.
“You are crazy! All of you! Oh, my God,” exclaimed the filmmaker at the prize ceremony on Thursday evening.
“Comedy is always viewed as something that’s not serious.
“Personally, I have a special affection for the cinema of this country,” said Canadian actor Monia Chokri, praising the director’s sense of humor. The film hails from Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia.
“Comedy, as a genre, is undervalued at festivals. And yet, from making comedies myself, I know it’s the most difficult one. It’s a cutthroat genre: you either laugh or you don’t. We all laughed spontaneously,” she added.
“You are crazy! All of you! Oh, my God,” exclaimed the filmmaker at the prize ceremony on Thursday evening.
“Comedy is always viewed as something that’s not serious.
- 5/26/2022
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Model and VJ Benafsha Soonawalla, who last appeared in ‘Bigg Boss 11’, is now making her comeback with a new reality show called ‘Playground’. She participated in ‘Roadies X4’. After a hiatus of almost 5 years, she is ready to be a part of the new show. Expressing her excitement about the show, Benafsha said: […]...
- 5/25/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
New Release Wall
“Encanto” succeeded with the notion of “no villain, except generational trauma,” and Disney keeps that idea going with the delightful “Turning Red” (Walt Disney Home Entertainment), a young woman’s coming-of-age story that’s a metaphor for any number of growing-up issues, including that moment when the “model” child begins to chafe at parental domination. It’s charming and adorable, and the boy-band songs by Billie Eilish and Finneas have already made their way into the latter’s stage act.
Also available:
“The Batman” (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment) Does a three-hour superhero saga have deleted scenes? You bet your bat-hook, and they’re on the 4K/Blu-ray/DVD release alongside other extras.
“Blacklight” (Universal Pictures Home Entertainment) Liam Neeson in the first of two (to date) 2022 thrillers that suggest that maybe it’s time for him to put down the gun.
“Cyrano” (MGM/Universal) Peter Dinklage gives...
“Encanto” succeeded with the notion of “no villain, except generational trauma,” and Disney keeps that idea going with the delightful “Turning Red” (Walt Disney Home Entertainment), a young woman’s coming-of-age story that’s a metaphor for any number of growing-up issues, including that moment when the “model” child begins to chafe at parental domination. It’s charming and adorable, and the boy-band songs by Billie Eilish and Finneas have already made their way into the latter’s stage act.
Also available:
“The Batman” (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment) Does a three-hour superhero saga have deleted scenes? You bet your bat-hook, and they’re on the 4K/Blu-ray/DVD release alongside other extras.
“Blacklight” (Universal Pictures Home Entertainment) Liam Neeson in the first of two (to date) 2022 thrillers that suggest that maybe it’s time for him to put down the gun.
“Cyrano” (MGM/Universal) Peter Dinklage gives...
- 5/6/2022
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
Celebrated YouTuber and gaming star CarryMinati along with Triggered Insaan, Mortal and Scout are coming together in the first gaming entertainment show titled ‘Playground’ by Rusk Media. ‘Playground’ is a unique eSport gaming championship, featuring multiple casual and pro games, between four teams, each owned and mentored by Asia’s leading gaming superstars. Expressing his excitement […]...
- 4/22/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Maya Vanderbeque makes an amazing debut as seven-year-old Nora, who tells on the boys bullying her brother with nightmarish consequences
Laura Wandel’s debut feature was Belgium’s official submission for the Oscars: a kid’s-eye-view nightmare of playground bullying impossible to watch without a sick, jittery feeling of rage and dread. The original French title is “Un Monde” – “A World” – and the playground is a universe of fear which we all edit out of our adult memories.
A rather amazing seven-year-old newcomer called Maya Vanderbeque stars as Nora, seen mostly in extreme, searching closeup. Just the opening shot of her crying face supplies pretty much enough emotional charge to power the whole film. Nora is just starting school, and her sobbing mini-drama-queen distress at the school gates discomforts her dad (Karim Leklou) and especially her older brother Abel (Günter Duret), a wannabe tough guy who doesn’t want his...
Laura Wandel’s debut feature was Belgium’s official submission for the Oscars: a kid’s-eye-view nightmare of playground bullying impossible to watch without a sick, jittery feeling of rage and dread. The original French title is “Un Monde” – “A World” – and the playground is a universe of fear which we all edit out of our adult memories.
A rather amazing seven-year-old newcomer called Maya Vanderbeque stars as Nora, seen mostly in extreme, searching closeup. Just the opening shot of her crying face supplies pretty much enough emotional charge to power the whole film. Nora is just starting school, and her sobbing mini-drama-queen distress at the school gates discomforts her dad (Karim Leklou) and especially her older brother Abel (Günter Duret), a wannabe tough guy who doesn’t want his...
- 4/21/2022
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
The schoolyard is a psychological minefield in Playground, Wandel’s stomach-churning debut. As the film is released in the UK, she reveals the secret to immersing the viewer in a child’s world
It has been quite a year for Brussels-born director Laura Wandel. Last July saw the premiere of her debut feature film, Playground, at the Cannes film festival; since then, this stomach-churning drama about the psychological minefield of the schoolyard has gone on to garner awards and adulation at festivals around the world and became Belgium’s entry for the 2022 best international feature Oscar..
Playground is about a seven-year-old girl named Nora who must quickly adapt to the social order of her new school with older kids, which includes her brother, Abel, who has his own bully-shaped obstacles to overcome. “What I was interested in,” says Wandel, “is a young child who leaves the world of their family...
It has been quite a year for Brussels-born director Laura Wandel. Last July saw the premiere of her debut feature film, Playground, at the Cannes film festival; since then, this stomach-churning drama about the psychological minefield of the schoolyard has gone on to garner awards and adulation at festivals around the world and became Belgium’s entry for the 2022 best international feature Oscar..
Playground is about a seven-year-old girl named Nora who must quickly adapt to the social order of her new school with older kids, which includes her brother, Abel, who has his own bully-shaped obstacles to overcome. “What I was interested in,” says Wandel, “is a young child who leaves the world of their family...
- 4/20/2022
- by Ben Nicholson
- The Guardian - Film News
“The Lost City” and “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” led the U.K. and Ireland box office over the four-day Easter holiday weekend.
Paramount’s “The Lost City,” with a star-studded cast including Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe and Brad Pitt, debuted with £2.7 million (3.5 million) atop the box office, according to numbers released by Comscore. Warner Bros.’ “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” was close behind with £2.6 million and has a total of £12.6 million after its second weekend.
In third position, Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” collected £2.04 million for a total of £16.3 million after three weekends.
Universal’s “The Northman,” directed by Robert Eggers and starring Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy and Ethan Hawke debuted in fourth position with £897,737.
Rounding off the top five was another debutant, Warner Bros.’ WWII drama “Operation Mincemeat,” starring Colin Firth, Matthew Macfadyen and Kelly Macdonald with £895,008.
There were two Indian debuts in the top 10 – “Beast,...
Paramount’s “The Lost City,” with a star-studded cast including Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe and Brad Pitt, debuted with £2.7 million (3.5 million) atop the box office, according to numbers released by Comscore. Warner Bros.’ “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” was close behind with £2.6 million and has a total of £12.6 million after its second weekend.
In third position, Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” collected £2.04 million for a total of £16.3 million after three weekends.
Universal’s “The Northman,” directed by Robert Eggers and starring Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy and Ethan Hawke debuted in fourth position with £897,737.
Rounding off the top five was another debutant, Warner Bros.’ WWII drama “Operation Mincemeat,” starring Colin Firth, Matthew Macfadyen and Kelly Macdonald with £895,008.
There were two Indian debuts in the top 10 – “Beast,...
- 4/19/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
It’s time to meet The Real Housewives of Dubai cast. The latest addition to Bravo’s Real Housewives franchise is set to debut June 1, Bravo announced April 1. And as with all of the franchise’s iterations, the series will document “the opulent, over-the-top lives” of its titular wives. Making up The Real Housewives of Dubai cast are Nina Ali, Chanel Ayan, Caroline Brooks, Dr. Sara Al Madani, Lesa Milan, and network fan-favorite Caroline Stanbury. “As the 11th city in the franchise, The Real Housewives of Dubai follows a powerful group of lavish women as they run business empires and expertly navigate a highly exclusive social scene within this ultra-luxe Billionaire’s Playground,” the series description says. “Whether they’re dining on a mountainside overlooking a valley of 1,000 camels or hosting the wedding event of the year, these ambitious and glamorous women prove everything is more extravagant in the ‘City of Gold.
- 4/1/2022
- TV Insider
Mubi U.S. Distribution Chief On NYC Cinema Pass Success, ‘Great Freedom’ Open – Specialty Box Office
Mubi’s German-language, post-wwii drama Great Freedom grossed a solid $8,814 at NYC’s Film Forum this weekend, the latest in a string of foreign films to open well and with younger demos previously atypical of the genre.
Austria’s shortlisted Oscar submission for Best International Feature was also Mubi’s pick of the week for its Mubi Go program that’s been available to NYC streaming subscribers since October. It offers one free ticket a week to a prestige pic (from diverse distributors) and is set to roll out to LA and other U.S. markets this spring.
“We are firm believers that the more people that see films in theaters the better. We are about the theatrical experience and a healthier film culture. Generally, it doesn’t exist just on screen or just in theaters. It’s a rising tide. People are more apt to watch something in a...
Austria’s shortlisted Oscar submission for Best International Feature was also Mubi’s pick of the week for its Mubi Go program that’s been available to NYC streaming subscribers since October. It offers one free ticket a week to a prestige pic (from diverse distributors) and is set to roll out to LA and other U.S. markets this spring.
“We are firm believers that the more people that see films in theaters the better. We are about the theatrical experience and a healthier film culture. Generally, it doesn’t exist just on screen or just in theaters. It’s a rising tide. People are more apt to watch something in a...
- 3/6/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
With her forceful feature debut Playground, Laura Wandel takes an intimate, intense look at the intricacies of abuse at school from a child’s point of view. Following 7-year-old Nora and her big brother Abel, Belgium’s Oscar short-listed drama is a microcosm of the cycles of bullying and violence playing out across the world.
“Wandel pulls no punches in her depiction, and both Leklou and Vanderbeque deliver performances well beyond their years. (A child’s ability to embark on roles this psychologically draining will never cease to amaze.),” Jared Mobarak said in his review. “With only 70 minutes at its disposal, Playground pushes forward with powerful intent. Not a second can be wasted. Not a single glance can be unmoored from the bigger picture. That sacrifice above is thus the catalyst for Abel’s rapid descent into abuse from those who know him and those who don’t.”
With the...
“Wandel pulls no punches in her depiction, and both Leklou and Vanderbeque deliver performances well beyond their years. (A child’s ability to embark on roles this psychologically draining will never cease to amaze.),” Jared Mobarak said in his review. “With only 70 minutes at its disposal, Playground pushes forward with powerful intent. Not a second can be wasted. Not a single glance can be unmoored from the bigger picture. That sacrifice above is thus the catalyst for Abel’s rapid descent into abuse from those who know him and those who don’t.”
With the...
- 2/16/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The awards took place In Brussels for the first time in two years after pandemic hiatus.
Laura Wandel’s drama Playground and Raphaël Balboni and Ann Sirot’s comedy drama Madly In Life tied as the top winners at Belgium’s Magritte awards on Saturday (February 12).
Both features won prizes in seven categories of the awards focused on French-language Belgian films.
Madly In Life stars Jo Deseure and Jean Le Peltier as a couple dealing with the dementia of the husband’s mother.
It won best film, screenplay, actress, actor, supporting actor (for Gilles Remiche), production design and costumes.
Playground...
Laura Wandel’s drama Playground and Raphaël Balboni and Ann Sirot’s comedy drama Madly In Life tied as the top winners at Belgium’s Magritte awards on Saturday (February 12).
Both features won prizes in seven categories of the awards focused on French-language Belgian films.
Madly In Life stars Jo Deseure and Jean Le Peltier as a couple dealing with the dementia of the husband’s mother.
It won best film, screenplay, actress, actor, supporting actor (for Gilles Remiche), production design and costumes.
Playground...
- 2/13/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
Opening today at New York’s Film Forum before, next week, rolling out to additional theaters across the country, is Laura Wandel’s Playground, an astonishingly immersive and nuanced drama that plunges the viewer into the complex childhood dynamics of school bullying. It’s Wandel’s debut following well-received shorts, and the film’s seeming simplicity belies a pre-production that had to be handled with incredible sensitivity. (As we discuss below, Wandel worked extensively with her young lead, using devices such as finger puppets to walk her through the emotional arc of her character as well make clear to her the “make believe” element of […]
The post “I Believe that School Defines Who We Become as Adults”: Director Laura Wandel on Her Astonishing School Bullying Drama, Playground first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “I Believe that School Defines Who We Become as Adults”: Director Laura Wandel on Her Astonishing School Bullying Drama, Playground first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 2/11/2022
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Opening today at New York’s Film Forum before, next week, rolling out to additional theaters across the country, is Laura Wandel’s Playground, an astonishingly immersive and nuanced drama that plunges the viewer into the complex childhood dynamics of school bullying. It’s Wandel’s debut following well-received shorts, and the film’s seeming simplicity belies a pre-production that had to be handled with incredible sensitivity. (As we discuss below, Wandel worked extensively with her young lead, using devices such as finger puppets to walk her through the emotional arc of her character as well make clear to her the “make believe” element of […]
The post “I Believe that School Defines Who We Become as Adults”: Director Laura Wandel on Her Astonishing School Bullying Drama, Playground first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “I Believe that School Defines Who We Become as Adults”: Director Laura Wandel on Her Astonishing School Bullying Drama, Playground first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 2/11/2022
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Audrey Diwan’s “Happening,” Jane Campion’s “The Power of the Dog,” Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s “Drive My Car” and Terence Davies’s “Benediction” won top prizes at the 2022 Ics Awards, which are handed out by the International Cinephile Society.
This 19th edition marked a milestone with female talents winning best picture, director, animated film, documentary, debut feature, breakthrough performance and cinematography.
“Happening,” a timely abortion drama set in 1960s France, took home best picture, while its star, Anamaria Vartolomei, won best breakthrough performance.
“Remarkable in its combination of artistic delicacy and brutal realism, yet resisting any hint of didacticism, the film quietly builds tension to a gut-wrenching emotional pitch,” stated the Ics.
Campion, meanwhile, won best director with her Western family drama “The Power of the Dog.” Runner-up for top film was Hamaguchi with “Drive My Car,” a road drama based on Haruki Murakami’s short story about guilt and grief.
This 19th edition marked a milestone with female talents winning best picture, director, animated film, documentary, debut feature, breakthrough performance and cinematography.
“Happening,” a timely abortion drama set in 1960s France, took home best picture, while its star, Anamaria Vartolomei, won best breakthrough performance.
“Remarkable in its combination of artistic delicacy and brutal realism, yet resisting any hint of didacticism, the film quietly builds tension to a gut-wrenching emotional pitch,” stated the Ics.
Campion, meanwhile, won best director with her Western family drama “The Power of the Dog.” Runner-up for top film was Hamaguchi with “Drive My Car,” a road drama based on Haruki Murakami’s short story about guilt and grief.
- 2/7/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
With a top prize of $44,000 it is one of the world’s most lucrative film awards.
Denmark won big with the two Dragon awards handed out in Goteborg on February 5, with Tea Lindeburg’s As In Heaven winning the prize for best Nordic film. With a prize of $44,000, it is one of the world’s most lucrative film awards.
The film, which previously won best director and best actress at San Sebastian, is about a girl in the 19thcentury who hopes to leave her family’s farm to be the first in her family to study. Her future prospects change...
Denmark won big with the two Dragon awards handed out in Goteborg on February 5, with Tea Lindeburg’s As In Heaven winning the prize for best Nordic film. With a prize of $44,000, it is one of the world’s most lucrative film awards.
The film, which previously won best director and best actress at San Sebastian, is about a girl in the 19thcentury who hopes to leave her family’s farm to be the first in her family to study. Her future prospects change...
- 2/7/2022
- by Wendy Mitchell
- ScreenDaily
In a new series, Variety catches up with the directors of the films shortlisted for the International Feature Film Oscar to discuss their road to the awards, what they’ve learned so far, and what’s taken them off guard.
Laura Wandel is the auteur behind “Playground” (“Un Monde”), her first feature, about the reality of schoolyard bullying. The film stars newcomer Maya Vanderbeque as seven-year-old Nora, who struggles to know what to do as she witnesses her older brother Abel (Günter Duret) bullied at school. The story is told through Nora’s eyes, including all the cinematography, which is captured at waist-height.
Congratulations on being shortlisted! What does it mean to you to be shortlisted for the best international feature Oscar?
Well of course, this is totally immense, gigantic. It moves me in the sense that it means that the film will be seen [throughout] the whole world. And that...
Laura Wandel is the auteur behind “Playground” (“Un Monde”), her first feature, about the reality of schoolyard bullying. The film stars newcomer Maya Vanderbeque as seven-year-old Nora, who struggles to know what to do as she witnesses her older brother Abel (Günter Duret) bullied at school. The story is told through Nora’s eyes, including all the cinematography, which is captured at waist-height.
Congratulations on being shortlisted! What does it mean to you to be shortlisted for the best international feature Oscar?
Well of course, this is totally immense, gigantic. It moves me in the sense that it means that the film will be seen [throughout] the whole world. And that...
- 2/7/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Danish debut feature helmer-writer Tea Lindeburg’s period drama “As In Heaven,” that portrays a fateful summer day and night in 19th century farming society, came away the biggest winner at the 44th Göteborg Film Festival, scoring on Saturday the best Nordic film kudo, this year worth approx. $44,000.
Meanwhile, Seidi Haarla of Finland’s Oscar-shortlisted drama, “Compartment No. 6” took the best acting prize. The film, helmed by Juho Kuosmanen, also nabbed the Fipresci critics nod.
Norway-born Dp Sturla Brandth Grøvlen claimed the Sven Nykvist Cinematography Award for his work on the Norwegian film “The Innocents,” directed by Eskil Vogt. The perfectly executed thriller about rival playmates with paranormal abilities also took the audience award for best Nordic film.
Danish helmer Simon Lereng Wilmont captured the best Nordic documentary title and a purse of approx. $27,000 for “A House Made Of Splinters,” a masterful portrayal of the children and daily life at an orphanage in Eastern Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Seidi Haarla of Finland’s Oscar-shortlisted drama, “Compartment No. 6” took the best acting prize. The film, helmed by Juho Kuosmanen, also nabbed the Fipresci critics nod.
Norway-born Dp Sturla Brandth Grøvlen claimed the Sven Nykvist Cinematography Award for his work on the Norwegian film “The Innocents,” directed by Eskil Vogt. The perfectly executed thriller about rival playmates with paranormal abilities also took the audience award for best Nordic film.
Danish helmer Simon Lereng Wilmont captured the best Nordic documentary title and a purse of approx. $27,000 for “A House Made Of Splinters,” a masterful portrayal of the children and daily life at an orphanage in Eastern Ukraine.
- 2/5/2022
- by Alissa Simon
- Variety Film + TV
With Sundance now wrapped up, this month we turn our sights on Berlinale and a number of notable releases arriving both theatrically and digitally. From international Oscar contenders to long-delayed releases to musician-focused docs to our favorite group of jackasses, it’s an eclectic month. See our picks below.
15. The Sky Is Everywhere (Josephine Decker; Feb. 11 in theaters and Apple TV+)
Curiously absent from Sundance and Berlinale is the latest by an alum of both, Josephine Decker. Following Madeline’s Madeline and Shirley, the director is back with The Sky Is Everywhere, which was adapted by Jandy Nelson, based on her novel. Produced by A24 and Apple, it follows a high-schooler who loses her older sister and attempts to regain her footing in life. With the YA material, it looks like Decker is carving a new path; we’re curious to see the results.
14. Taste (Lê Bảo; Feb. 16 on Mubi...
15. The Sky Is Everywhere (Josephine Decker; Feb. 11 in theaters and Apple TV+)
Curiously absent from Sundance and Berlinale is the latest by an alum of both, Josephine Decker. Following Madeline’s Madeline and Shirley, the director is back with The Sky Is Everywhere, which was adapted by Jandy Nelson, based on her novel. Produced by A24 and Apple, it follows a high-schooler who loses her older sister and attempts to regain her footing in life. With the YA material, it looks like Decker is carving a new path; we’re curious to see the results.
14. Taste (Lê Bảo; Feb. 16 on Mubi...
- 2/2/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Belgium’s Oscar-shortlisted International Feature is an intimate child’s-eye view of bullying from debut writer-director Laura Wandel. Playground is known as Un Monde in its native French language, and this is set in a world of its own: the school that two siblings must navigate to get through the day.
We meet 7-year-old Nora (Maya Vanderbeque) and her older brother Abel (Günter Duret) when they are dropped off at the school gates by their father (Karim Leklou). Nervous Nora just wants to hang out with Abel, but he’s busy trying to impress children his own age. “I’m beating up the new kids with Antoine,” he says, setting the stage for a drama that’s dominated by peer pressure, shifting loyalties and violence — some of which could be life-threatening, even if the perpetrators may not realize it.
These may be children, but their problems feel as urgent as any thriller,...
We meet 7-year-old Nora (Maya Vanderbeque) and her older brother Abel (Günter Duret) when they are dropped off at the school gates by their father (Karim Leklou). Nervous Nora just wants to hang out with Abel, but he’s busy trying to impress children his own age. “I’m beating up the new kids with Antoine,” he says, setting the stage for a drama that’s dominated by peer pressure, shifting loyalties and violence — some of which could be life-threatening, even if the perpetrators may not realize it.
These may be children, but their problems feel as urgent as any thriller,...
- 1/31/2022
- by Anna Smith
- Deadline Film + TV
As the Best International Feature race comes to a close, it’s fairly clear to see who the favorites are. Since it premiered at Cannes last year, Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car has dominated the landscape, featuring highly in international critics’ awards and even penetrating the consciousness of the Golden Globes. But—as we saw at Cannes, where Hamaguchi only went home with Best Screenplay—critical mass doesn’t always impact on industry juries. It’s just as possible, then, that the Oscar might go to Norway’s The Worst Person in the World, a gently subversive romcom by Joachim Trier that captures the exact moment in a director’s career when they nail their style. To add a third alternative, Jonas Poher Rasmussen’s sobering emigrant story Flee has been quietly making history, a feat that will be cemented if it becomes, as many think it might, the...
- 1/30/2022
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
The academy released the 2022 Oscars shortlists in 10 categories on Tuesday, December 21. The hopefuls in a wide range of races found out if they remain in contention for the 94th annual Academy Awards. Among these are the marquee categories for Best International Feature Film (which was pared down to 10 films from the 92 submitted) and Best Documentary Feature (which went from 138 to 15).
Both music awards – Best Original Song and Best Original Score — were winnowed down to just 15 contenders from 84 and 137 submissions respectively. Likewise for the three awards for shorts – animated, documentary and live-action. The Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Sound and Best Visual Effects races were culled from dozens of entries to 10 apiece.
Documentary Feature
One hundred and thirty-eight films were eligible for consideration; there are 15 on the shortlist. Members of the Documentary Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees. The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:
“Ascension...
Both music awards – Best Original Song and Best Original Score — were winnowed down to just 15 contenders from 84 and 137 submissions respectively. Likewise for the three awards for shorts – animated, documentary and live-action. The Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Sound and Best Visual Effects races were culled from dozens of entries to 10 apiece.
Documentary Feature
One hundred and thirty-eight films were eligible for consideration; there are 15 on the shortlist. Members of the Documentary Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees. The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:
“Ascension...
- 1/27/2022
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Predicting the eventual five Oscar nominees for Best International Feature is made difficult by the three-step process that began after the November 1 deadline for countries to submit entries. To be part of the selection process for this category, which was called Best Foreign Language Film before 2020, requires a great deal of dedication. (Scroll down for the most up-to-date 2022 Oscar predictions for Best International Feature.)
First, the several hundred academy members of the International Feature screening committee were divided into groups and required to watch a minimum of 12 of the submissions over a six-week period that ended in mid December. They rated them from 6 to 10 and their top 15 vote-getters made it to the next round. That list of semi-finalists was revealed on December 21, 2021.
These 15 films are made available to the entire academy membership who can cast ballots for the final five nominees provided they attest to having watched all the entries.
First, the several hundred academy members of the International Feature screening committee were divided into groups and required to watch a minimum of 12 of the submissions over a six-week period that ended in mid December. They rated them from 6 to 10 and their top 15 vote-getters made it to the next round. That list of semi-finalists was revealed on December 21, 2021.
These 15 films are made available to the entire academy membership who can cast ballots for the final five nominees provided they attest to having watched all the entries.
- 1/24/2022
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
If you wanted to name a winner from the Oscar international film shortlist right now, it would be the Cannes Film Festival. Nine of the 15 titles that made the cut came from the fest, even though the Palme d’Or winner, France’s submission “Titane,” did not. But then only those who were not paying attention to past trends in stage one voting assumed that it would be included.
Although a record 93 countries put forward an entry, only 15 are moving on. The ones selected for the shortlist come from almost every continent, although Africa, despite some exciting entries such as Somalia’s “The Gravedigger’s Wife,” Chad’s “Lingui: The Sacred Bonds” and Morocco’s “Casablanca Beats,” was ignored (all three titles premiered at Cannes).
Cannes players that are in the mix include Iran’s “A Hero,” helmed by previous Oscar-winner Asghar Farhadi; Norway’s “The Worst Person in the World...
Although a record 93 countries put forward an entry, only 15 are moving on. The ones selected for the shortlist come from almost every continent, although Africa, despite some exciting entries such as Somalia’s “The Gravedigger’s Wife,” Chad’s “Lingui: The Sacred Bonds” and Morocco’s “Casablanca Beats,” was ignored (all three titles premiered at Cannes).
Cannes players that are in the mix include Iran’s “A Hero,” helmed by previous Oscar-winner Asghar Farhadi; Norway’s “The Worst Person in the World...
- 1/22/2022
- by Shalini Dore and Alissa Simon
- Variety Film + TV
Years ago, you wouldn’t have looked to the international feature category — or foreign-language film, as it was more insularly named back then — for much in the way of reflecting the modern world. World War II history and heartwarming child’s-eye family portraits were for a long time the staple diet of an award that shied away from more nervy topics. This year’s shortlist, however, sees a number of global filmmakers tackling more resonant, contemporary subject matter — with matters of gender and sexuality woven through a number of them.
Germany’s entry, “I’m Your Man,” even strays into science fiction, a genre rarely given much attention in this category. Maria Schrader’s witty, philosophical romantic comedy begins as a battle of wills between Alma (Maren Eggert), an independent, career-oriented academic, and Tom (Dan Stevens), the android boyfriend tailored directly for her needs in a lab — though it seems he...
Germany’s entry, “I’m Your Man,” even strays into science fiction, a genre rarely given much attention in this category. Maria Schrader’s witty, philosophical romantic comedy begins as a battle of wills between Alma (Maren Eggert), an independent, career-oriented academic, and Tom (Dan Stevens), the android boyfriend tailored directly for her needs in a lab — though it seems he...
- 1/22/2022
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV
The Oscars have announced that 276 feature films are eligible for this year’s Academy Awards, with nomination voting set to begin Thursday, Jan. 27 until Tuesday, Feb. 1.
Last year, the Academy extended the eligibility year until Feb. 28, 2021 due to the pandemic, which produced 366 eligible films, the largest number of submissions since 1970. With only 10 months in this period, 2022’s eligibility list is on par with previous submission years.
All of the presumed Oscar contenders are on the list including “Being the Ricardos” (Amazon Studios), “Belfast” (Focus Features), “C’mon C’mon” (A24), “Candyman” (Universal Pictures), “Coda” (Apple Original Films), “Dune” (Warner Bros), “Encanto” (Walt Disney Pictures), “House of Gucci” (MGM/United Artists Releasing), “Nightmare Alley” (Searchlight Pictures), “Parallel Mothers” (Sony Pictures Classics), “The Power of the Dog” (Netflix), “A Quiet Place Part II” (Paramount Pictures), “Spencer” (Neon/Topic Studios), “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (Sony Pictures) and “West Side Story” (20th Century Studios).
Some of...
Last year, the Academy extended the eligibility year until Feb. 28, 2021 due to the pandemic, which produced 366 eligible films, the largest number of submissions since 1970. With only 10 months in this period, 2022’s eligibility list is on par with previous submission years.
All of the presumed Oscar contenders are on the list including “Being the Ricardos” (Amazon Studios), “Belfast” (Focus Features), “C’mon C’mon” (A24), “Candyman” (Universal Pictures), “Coda” (Apple Original Films), “Dune” (Warner Bros), “Encanto” (Walt Disney Pictures), “House of Gucci” (MGM/United Artists Releasing), “Nightmare Alley” (Searchlight Pictures), “Parallel Mothers” (Sony Pictures Classics), “The Power of the Dog” (Netflix), “A Quiet Place Part II” (Paramount Pictures), “Spencer” (Neon/Topic Studios), “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (Sony Pictures) and “West Side Story” (20th Century Studios).
Some of...
- 1/20/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Playground Trailer — Laura Wandel‘s Playground / Un monde (2021) movie trailer has been released by Film Movement. The Playground trailer stars Maya Vanderbeque, Günter Duret, Karim Leklou, Thao Maerten, Lena Girard Voss, and Laura Verlinden. Crew Laura Wandel wrote the screenplay for Playground. Frédéric Noirhomme crafted the cinematography for film. Nicolas Rumpl conducted the [...]
Continue reading: Playground (2021) Movie Trailer: A 7-year-old Girl Witnesses the Continuous Bullying of Her Brother in Laura Wandel’s Film...
Continue reading: Playground (2021) Movie Trailer: A 7-year-old Girl Witnesses the Continuous Bullying of Her Brother in Laura Wandel’s Film...
- 12/29/2021
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
"What did you see?" Film Movement has unveiled an official US trailer for an acclaimed Belgian indie film titled Playground, also known as Un Monde (A World) in French. The film premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, where it won the Fipresci Prize, before stopping by other festivals throughout this year. Seven-year-old Nora and her big brother Abel are back to school. When Nora witnesses Abel being bullied by other kids, she rushes to protect him, but Abel forces her to remain silent. Caught in a conflict of loyalty, Nora will ultimately try to find her place, torn between children's and adults' worlds. "Transposing the gritty realism of such filmmakers as Jacques Audiard and the Dardennes Brothers to the inner world of kids, Wandel crafts an empathetic and visceral portrait of the cruelty of children, and the failure of adults to protect them." It's...
- 12/27/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Belgium’s Oscar entry “Playground” has an official trailer.
The film, which documents the brutal reality of playground bullying, opened at Cannes Un Certain Regard before going on to screen at the San Sebastian and the BFI film festivals. It also won the Fipresci award. Variety’s reviewer described it as “raw” and “rattling.”
“Playground” tells the story of 7-year-old Nora who sees her big brother Abel being bullied at school. When she tries to tell their father Abel dissuades her, imploring her to remain silent. Nora must navigate her way between the brutality of the children’s world and its adult counterpart as she tries to work out her loyalties.
The film is told through Nora’s eyes.
Laura Wandel, who directed and wrote the film’s screenplay worked on the film for five years, thoroughly researching the subject of schoolyard politics. She says she wanted to show the playground as a “micro-society,...
The film, which documents the brutal reality of playground bullying, opened at Cannes Un Certain Regard before going on to screen at the San Sebastian and the BFI film festivals. It also won the Fipresci award. Variety’s reviewer described it as “raw” and “rattling.”
“Playground” tells the story of 7-year-old Nora who sees her big brother Abel being bullied at school. When she tries to tell their father Abel dissuades her, imploring her to remain silent. Nora must navigate her way between the brutality of the children’s world and its adult counterpart as she tries to work out her loyalties.
The film is told through Nora’s eyes.
Laura Wandel, who directed and wrote the film’s screenplay worked on the film for five years, thoroughly researching the subject of schoolyard politics. She says she wanted to show the playground as a “micro-society,...
- 12/23/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Paolo Sorrentino, director of the 86th Academy Awards winner The Great Beauty, has his latest The Hand Of God (a Netflix release) shortlisted for the 94th Academy Awards Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
From Kosovo, Hive, Blerta Basholli director; Belgium, Playground, Laura Wandel director; Bhutan, Lunana: A Yak In The Classroom, Pawo Choyning Dorji director; Austria, Great Freedom, Sebastian Meise director; Germany, I’m Your Man, Maria Schrader director; Italy, The Hand Of God, Paolo Sorrentino director (also of the Oscar-winning The Great Beauty at the 86th Academy Awards); Japan, Drive My Car, Ryusuke Hamaguchi director; Panama, Plaza Catedral, Abner Benaim director; Norway, The Worst Person In The World, Joachim Trier director; Iran, A Hero, Asghar Farhadi director; Spain, The Good Boss, Fernando León de Aranoa director; Denmark, Flee, Jonas Poher Rasmussen director; Mexico, Prayers For The Stolen, Tatiana Huezo director; Finland, Compartment No. 6, Juho Kuosmanen director, and Iceland, Lamb, Valdimar Jóhannsson director...
From Kosovo, Hive, Blerta Basholli director; Belgium, Playground, Laura Wandel director; Bhutan, Lunana: A Yak In The Classroom, Pawo Choyning Dorji director; Austria, Great Freedom, Sebastian Meise director; Germany, I’m Your Man, Maria Schrader director; Italy, The Hand Of God, Paolo Sorrentino director (also of the Oscar-winning The Great Beauty at the 86th Academy Awards); Japan, Drive My Car, Ryusuke Hamaguchi director; Panama, Plaza Catedral, Abner Benaim director; Norway, The Worst Person In The World, Joachim Trier director; Iran, A Hero, Asghar Farhadi director; Spain, The Good Boss, Fernando León de Aranoa director; Denmark, Flee, Jonas Poher Rasmussen director; Mexico, Prayers For The Stolen, Tatiana Huezo director; Finland, Compartment No. 6, Juho Kuosmanen director, and Iceland, Lamb, Valdimar Jóhannsson director...
- 12/21/2021
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today unveiled its shortlist of 15 films that will advance to the next stage of voting in the International Feature Film category at the Oscars. Notable among omissions is Julia Ducournau’s Titane, the entry from France which won the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or — becoming only the second movie directed by a woman to scoop that prize.
Elsewhere, there are no major shocks, though neither Costa Rica’s well-received Clara Sola nor Chad’s Lingui: The Sacred Bonds factor.
Overall, 12 of the movies on the shortlist are ones we recently put forth as strong contenders. Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car from Japan made the roster today, and has picked up great momentum in the past few weeks, scoring overall Best Film honors from both the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and the New York Film Critics Circle.
Other international...
Elsewhere, there are no major shocks, though neither Costa Rica’s well-received Clara Sola nor Chad’s Lingui: The Sacred Bonds factor.
Overall, 12 of the movies on the shortlist are ones we recently put forth as strong contenders. Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car from Japan made the roster today, and has picked up great momentum in the past few weeks, scoring overall Best Film honors from both the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and the New York Film Critics Circle.
Other international...
- 12/21/2021
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Cary Joji Fukunaga’s Bond film No Time to Die and Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic Dune led in craft recognition today when the Academy’s shortlists for the 2022 Oscars were unveiled.
The former secured slots in the areas of Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Sound and Visual Effects, with the latter preparing to compete in all of the same categories apart from Song.
Four additional studio films snagged slots in Score and Song, including Adam McKay’s Netflix satire Don’t Look Up, Jared Bush and Byron Howard’s Disney animated pic Encanto, Jeymes Samuel’s Netflix Western The Harder They Fall and Reinaldo Marcus Green’s Warner Bros. drama King Richard.
Jane Campion’s Netflix Western The Power of the Dog, Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical Focus pic Belfast and and Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of West Side Story all scored additional slots in the Sound category,...
The former secured slots in the areas of Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Sound and Visual Effects, with the latter preparing to compete in all of the same categories apart from Song.
Four additional studio films snagged slots in Score and Song, including Adam McKay’s Netflix satire Don’t Look Up, Jared Bush and Byron Howard’s Disney animated pic Encanto, Jeymes Samuel’s Netflix Western The Harder They Fall and Reinaldo Marcus Green’s Warner Bros. drama King Richard.
Jane Campion’s Netflix Western The Power of the Dog, Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical Focus pic Belfast and and Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of West Side Story all scored additional slots in the Sound category,...
- 12/21/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Composers Hans Zimmer and Jonny Greenwood came in strong on the Academy’s shortlist for Best Original Score, securing two slots apiece from a total of 15. Zimmer enters the next phase of Oscars competition with his scores for Denis Villeneuve’s Dune and Cary Fukunaga’s Bond film No Time to Die. Greenwood, meanwhile, moves forward with his soundtracks for Jane Campion’s Western The Power of the Dog and Pablo Larraín’s Princess Diana drama, Spencer.
Zimmer is an 11-time nominee who won an Oscar for his score to The Lion King in 1995, most recently vying for gold with Christopher Nolan’s 2018 World War II drama, Dunkirk. Greenwood—who also scored Paul Thomas Anderson’s recently released Licorice Pizza—earned his first nomination that same year with Anderson’s Phantom Thread.
The only past Oscar winner in contention this year, apart from Zimmer, is Alexandre Desplat—who nabbed a slot with The French Dispatch.
Zimmer is an 11-time nominee who won an Oscar for his score to The Lion King in 1995, most recently vying for gold with Christopher Nolan’s 2018 World War II drama, Dunkirk. Greenwood—who also scored Paul Thomas Anderson’s recently released Licorice Pizza—earned his first nomination that same year with Anderson’s Phantom Thread.
The only past Oscar winner in contention this year, apart from Zimmer, is Alexandre Desplat—who nabbed a slot with The French Dispatch.
- 12/21/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The long journey to the March 27 Academy Awards just got a little bit shorter with the announcement of 10 shortlists for the following categories: International Feature Film, Documentary, Original Score, Original Song, Makeup and Hairstyling, Visual Effects, Live-Action Short Film, Documentary Short Subject, and Animated Short Film, with Sound added to the mix this year. As in previous years, members of the Academy will select from these reduced lists of contenders in each category to pick the nominees for the 2022 Oscars. This year marked the fourth in a row the Academy released the full lineup of its shortlists on the same day.
Oscar nominations voting begins 9 a.m. Pt on Thursday, January 27. Voting ends the next week at 5 p.m. Pt on Tuesday, February 1, with nominations announced on the morning of Tuesday, February 8. At that point, we’ll see a reduction in these contenders and have the final five in each category.
Oscar nominations voting begins 9 a.m. Pt on Thursday, January 27. Voting ends the next week at 5 p.m. Pt on Tuesday, February 1, with nominations announced on the morning of Tuesday, February 8. At that point, we’ll see a reduction in these contenders and have the final five in each category.
- 12/21/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Oscars Shortlists Out: ‘No Time To Die’ And ‘Dune’ Lead Mentions; France’s Palme D’Or Winner Snubbed
The 25th James Bond film, No Time to Die, made a strong showing the shortlists released Tuesday for the 94th Oscars, with mentions in five categories to lead all films. Dune, with four mentions in the same categories except Song was close behind.
The Oscars shortlists cover 10 categories overall including Documentary Feature; International Film; Animated, Live Action, and Documentary Shorts; Makeup and Hairstyling; Music Score; Original Song; Sound; and Visual Effects.
Denmark’s Flee made the cut for both Documentary Feature and International Film. It is also eligible for Animated Feature (not a shortlisted category) this year, and should it eventually score final nominations in all three categories it will set an Oscar record for that triple play.
See all the lists below.
Although there weren’t many surprises this morning, for some the most shocking omission will likely be in International Feature,...
The Oscars shortlists cover 10 categories overall including Documentary Feature; International Film; Animated, Live Action, and Documentary Shorts; Makeup and Hairstyling; Music Score; Original Song; Sound; and Visual Effects.
Denmark’s Flee made the cut for both Documentary Feature and International Film. It is also eligible for Animated Feature (not a shortlisted category) this year, and should it eventually score final nominations in all three categories it will set an Oscar record for that triple play.
See all the lists below.
Although there weren’t many surprises this morning, for some the most shocking omission will likely be in International Feature,...
- 12/21/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
“Aloners,” a critically-acclaimed debut feature about loneliness, is set to receive a theatrical release in North America in early 2022. All rights in the region were acquired by Film Movement.
The film, directed by South Korea’s Hong Sung-eun, reflects on the growing phenomenon of one-person households and tells a tale of an anti-social woman who is forced out of her shell.
It was produced by the Korean Academy of Film Arts and represented in international markets by M-Line Distribution. Film Movement plans a theatrical outing in North American theaters that will be followed by releases to all leading home entertainment and digital platforms.
The film made its first appearance at the Jeonju International Film Festival, where it won the Cgv Arthouse Award Distribution Support prize and the best actress prize for Gong Seung-yeon. Gong also won the Korean Association of Film Critics prize for best new actress in the central role.
The film, directed by South Korea’s Hong Sung-eun, reflects on the growing phenomenon of one-person households and tells a tale of an anti-social woman who is forced out of her shell.
It was produced by the Korean Academy of Film Arts and represented in international markets by M-Line Distribution. Film Movement plans a theatrical outing in North American theaters that will be followed by releases to all leading home entertainment and digital platforms.
The film made its first appearance at the Jeonju International Film Festival, where it won the Cgv Arthouse Award Distribution Support prize and the best actress prize for Gong Seung-yeon. Gong also won the Korean Association of Film Critics prize for best new actress in the central role.
- 12/9/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
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