Spain Names Oliver Laxe’s “Sirât” as Official Oscar Contender, Join the Race with Cannes Acclaim and North American Distribution

Madrid, Spain — Director Oliver Laxe’s ambitious film “Sirât” has been chosen as Spain’s official submission for the best international feature film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Pablo Berger, who received an animated feature nomination last year for “Robot Dreams.” The selection follows a thorough voting process by the members of Spain’s Academy of the Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who evaluated several films over the summer before narrowing it down to three finalists: “Sirât,” Carla Simon’s “Romería,” and Eva Libertad’s “Deaf.” “Sirât,” which delivers an intense … Read more

From Acclaim to Disgrace: The Unraveling Tale of Director James Toback

James Toback, a once-prominent figure in Hollywood, has faced a severe setback in his career following numerous sexual misconduct accusations. Over three decades, Toback carved a niche for himself as a screenwriter and director recognized for films that probe the complexities of sexual mores and human behavior. However, his standing in the entertainment industry began to falter seriously in 2017 after reports surfaced detailing allegations from multiple women accusing him of sexual harassment and assault. These allegations suggest a pattern where Toback approached women on the streets of Manhattan, offering them opportunities in the film … Read more

Gia Coppola’s ‘The Last Showgirl’ Captivates at San Sebastián, Secures Special Jury Prize Amid Star-Studded Acclaim

San Sebastián, Spain – Gia Coppola’s film “The Last Showgirl” garnered significant recognition at the 2024 San Sebastián Film Festival, claiming the Special Jury Prize. The event, a fixture in Spain’s Basque Country, showcased an array of global cinema from Sept. 20-28. The film, lauded for its profound character portrayals and a sensitive narrative, delves into the life of a seasoned Las Vegas showgirl facing the abrupt end of her long-standing stage career. The festival’s jury highlighted the movie’s ability to capture the essence of impending obsolescence in a profession, noting its evocative and nuanced … Read more

Singaporean Film “Wonderland” Takes Home Local Jury Award at Palm Springs International Film Festival, Earning International Acclaim for its Heartfelt Story

PALM SPRINGS, California – Singaporean film “Wonderland” has emerged as the Local Jury Award winner at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. This Mandarin and Hokkien language film set in the 1980s features an all-Singaporean cast including Mark Lee, Peter Yu, Xenia Tan, Janice Seah, and Rajeswary Nadarajan. The Palm Springs International Film Festival, an American film festival that aims to showcase international cinema, took place from January 5 to 14 this year. The Local Jury Award is presented annually to the film that most effectively promotes understanding and acceptance between people. According to the … Read more