Section

Film & TV

In-depth coverage of the latest film and television releases, industry trends, and creative talent.

Actor Aidan Gillen in a thoughtful pose, with a backdrop symbolizing the evolution of British television production.

Aidan Gillen critiques British drama's changing landscape

The actor Aidan Gillen, whose first major role in 1993 won a BAFTA for best single drama, now contends that even high-end television is being 'dumbed down' by sheer volume.

Julian Mercer· Jun 20· 2 min
Tony Leung, acclaimed actor, contemplates the future of cinema and his dedication to his craft during a masterclass.

Tony Leung on 'Silent Friend' & Cinema at Shanghai Masterclass

To prepare for his neuroscientist role in 'Silent Friend', Tony Leung spent six months immersed in research, reading books and visiting laboratories.

Julian Mercer· Jun 20· 2 min
Director and AI collaborating on a holographic film reel at the Shanghai Film Festival, symbolizing the future of cinema.

Shanghai Film Festival Spotlights Emerging Talent Amid AI Wave

The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival is undergoing a notable change.

Julian Mercer· Jun 14· 3 min
A young man contemplates a decision at a symbolic crossroads, representing a shift in artistic direction and emotional exploration.

Milagros Mumenthaler Prepares First Male-Led Project

Milagros Mumenthaler, an acclaimed director recognized for her intimate female-led dramas, is preparing a new project that will center on a young male protagonist for the first time in her...

Julian Mercer· Jun 13· 4 min
Cinematic icon Tony Leung Chiu-wai presides over the jury at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, a gathering of global film talent.

Tony Leung Chairs 28th Shanghai Film Festival Jury

All 12 films vying for the Golden Goblet at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival are world premieres, setting an unprecedented bar for the jury led by cinematic icon Tony Leung Chiu-wai.

Julian Mercer· Jun 12· 3 min
Actress Emily Watson accepting the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo award at the Sarajevo Film Festival, a moment of cinematic recognition.

Emily Watson to Receive Honorary Heart of Sarajevo Award

British actress Emily Watson will not only chair the jury at the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival but will also be honored with the prestigious Honorary Heart of Sarajevo award, though the festival's exact

Julian Mercer· Jun 11· 3 min
Australian screen producers in a high-stakes meeting with representatives of major streaming platforms, discussing the future of local content.

Australian screen producers demand new rules from streaming giants

New Australian children's programming on commercial free-to-air television has plummeted from 391 hours pre-deregulation to just 48 hours in 2024.

Julian Mercer· Jun 11· 3 min
Aamir Khan on stage at the London Indian Film Festival, celebrating the 25th anniversary of his film 'Lagaan'.

London Indian Film Festival 2026 Unveils Aamir Khan's 'Lagaan' Anniversary

Aamir Khan, one of India's most celebrated actors, will close the 17th London Indian Film Festival with a conversation at BFI Southbank on July 16.

Julian Mercer· Jun 9· 3 min
Split screen image showing Graham Platner with a rising sun and Susan Collins with an overcast sky, symbolizing the Maine Senate race poll results.

Platner Leads Collins Slightly in Maine Senate Race Polls

In a surprising turn for Maine's U.

Julian Mercer· Jun 9· 3 min
Young European filmmakers gathered in a grand hall, looking towards a screen displaying abstract film imagery at a prestigious festival.

Young European filmmakers to showcase work at Karlovy Vary 2026

Finnish filmmaker Helmi Donner's short film 'The Lightning Rod' achieved selection for La Cinef at Cannes, a prestigious section for film school shorts.

Julian Mercer· Jun 9· 3 min
Split screen showing a futuristic AI interface and a documentary filmmaker capturing a candid moment, symbolizing the festival's focus on truth in the age of AI.

Monte-Carlo TV Festival Previews New Documentaries and Series

Joshua Seftel, head of the Monte-Carlo TV Festival's Documentary and News jury, posits that AI's rise will paradoxically fuel a deeper global craving for reality and truth in filmmaking, according to

Julian Mercer· Jun 8· 3 min
A somber, cinematic image representing Patrick Godfrey, with conflicting dates and ages, symbolizing the confusion surrounding his reported death.

Patrick Godfrey: Conflicting Death Reports Emerge

Veteran actor Patrick Godfrey, known for his role as Leonardo da Vinci in 'Ever After', has been reported dead by multiple outlets, yet his age at passing is cited as both 93 and 67, and his death dat

Julian Mercer· Jun 7· 3 min
Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. share a comedic yet tense moment on a suburban street, evoking the dark humor of their new Hulu pilot inspired by The Cable Guy.

Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. Star in Hulu Comedy Pilot

Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr.

Julian Mercer· Jun 6· 3 min
Diverse group of women participating in a film and TV mentorship program, fostering collaboration and career growth in a professional studio setting.

Film and TV Groups Offer Mentorship Programs for Women

Enora Hope, a participant in a targeted mentorship program, was recently chosen for Forbes' "40 Women" list in 2025, highlighting the tangible impact of structured support on emerging female talent, a

Julian Mercer· Jun 3· 4 min
The historic theater facade of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival venue, adorned with lights and film motifs, under a twilight sky.

Karlovy Vary Film Festival 2026 Lineup Announced

The Karlovy Vary Film Festival's 60th edition, set for July 3-11, 2026, will feature an unprecedented 15 first-time directors across its main competitions and special screenings.

Julian Mercer· Jun 2· 3 min
Jay-Z performs as the headliner at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, joined by surprise guests Meek Mill, Bilal, Jazmine Sullivan, and Beanie Sigel.

Jay-Z Headlines Roots Picnic With Surprise Guests

Jay-Z delivered his first headlining solo performance since at least 2019 at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, according to Variety .

Julian Mercer· May 31· 3 min
Actor Alan Ritchson, star of 'Reacher', signs a new three-year first-look television development deal with Amazon MGM Studios.

Alan Ritchson Signs First-Look TV Deal with Amazon MGM Studios

Despite already starring in Amazon's hit series 'Reacher' and holding multiple film deals, Alan Ritchson has just signed another major agreement: a three-year first-look TV deal with Amazon MGM Studio

Julian Mercer· May 29· 3 min
The grand opening night of the Shanghai International Film Festival, with a red carpet and searchlights, celebrating the premiere of Keane T.K. Wong's 'Afterpiece'.

Keane T.K. Wong's 'Afterpiece' Opens Shanghai Film Festival

A debut filmmaker, Keane T.

Julian Mercer· May 28· 3 min
Filmmaker accepting a jury prize trophy on stage at the Mammoth Lakes Film Festival awards ceremony, with an audience watching.

"Mono 222" Wins North American Narrative Jury Prize

"Mono 222," a North American narrative feature, secured the jury prize at the 12th Mammoth Lakes Film Festival.

Julian Mercer· May 25· 3 min
Nika King as Leslie Bennett, Rue's mother, speaks on the phone with a concerned expression in a dimly lit scene from Euphoria Season 3.

Nika King Appears Briefly as Rue's Mom in Euphoria Season 3

In Euphoria Season 3, episode 6, actress Nika King, who plays Rue's mother Leslie Bennett, appeared for the first time since 2022.

Julian Mercer· May 24· 3 min
The Mandalorian and Grogu strike a heroic pose in a vibrant spaceport setting, highlighting their successful box office debut.

The Mandalorian & Grogu Earns $82 Million Opening Weekend

The Mandalorian and Grogu collected $82 million in its opening weekend, contributing nearly half of the entire $221 million Memorial Day box office haul.

Julian Mercer· May 24· 3 min
A young wizard in mid-air on a broomstick during a Quidditch game, with a glimpse of a historical city skyline in the distance.

HBO Max Trailer Reveals New Harry Potter Footage, Teases Gilded Age

The new HBO Max "Coming Soon" promo features the titular boy wizard on the Quidditch field, teasing the "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone" series debut on December 25, 2026, according to Varie

Julian Mercer· May 24· 3 min
A man silhouetted against the sun and a woman studying a map in a Bulgarian port, suggesting a gangster's return and an archaeologist's investigation.

Valeska Grisebach's 'The Dreamed Adventure' subverts gangster genre

At Cannes, Valeska Grisebach's 'The Dreamed Adventure' opens with a gangster's return to Bulgaria, only to pivot unexpectedly to an archaeologist investigating his disappearance and taking over his il

Julian Mercer· May 22· 4 min
Montage of David Lean's epic film scenes and candid on-set photos, reflecting his directorial career and personal life.

Cannes Premiere: Maverick Doc Explores David Lean's Epic Adventures

After the critical reception of 'Ryan's Daughter', legendary director David Lean did not direct a single film for 14 years, a period of silence that belied the epic scale of his earlier triumphs and t

Julian Mercer· May 22· 4 min
A shadowy, atmospheric scene depicting a father and son in conversation, representing the themes of secrecy and prejudice in 'The Black Ball' film.

The Black Ball film review explores Lorca's gay drama

In 1932, a father asked his son why he received a 'black ball' for social club membership.

Julian Mercer· May 21· 3 min
The premiere of Los Javis' film 'La Bola Negra' at the Cannes Film Festival, with a red carpet and excited attendees.

Los Javis' 'La Bola Negra' Debuts at Cannes

'La Bola Negra,' the debut film from Los Javis's new production division, Suma Content Films, is one of only three Spanish films selected for the Official Competition at Cannes 2026.

Julian Mercer· May 21· 3 min
Bill Lawrence overseeing a diverse slate of successful TV shows, including 'Ted Lasso,' 'Shrinking,' and a 'Scrubs' revival, representing his expanded production deal with Warner Bros. Television.

Bill Lawrence and Warner Bros. Expand Production Slate

Bill Lawrence, the architect of 'Ted Lasso,' now commands three series—'Shrinking,' 'Rooster,' and a 'Scrubs' revival—all poised for 2026 Emmy contention.

Julian Mercer· May 21· 3 min
Mexican actor Alfonso Herrera signs a significant deal with Sony Pictures Television, expanding his role to directing and executive producing.

Alfonso Herrera signs TV series deal with Sony Pictures Television

Mexican actor Alfonso Herrera, known for his on-screen performances, signed a significant deal with Sony Pictures Television.

Julian Mercer· May 20· 3 min
Chris Noriega is promoted to partner at Verve, a significant internal milestone amidst broader industry changes and client/manager departures.

Verve Promotes Chris Noriega, Ninth Partner Amid Industry Shifts

For the first time since its founding in 2010, Verve has promoted a former assistant, Chris Noriega, to partner, even as a key manager and her clients depart for rival Range Media Partners.

Julian Mercer· May 19· 4 min
Iconic Brazilian landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain with tourists, symbolizing a new era of film, TV, and gaming-driven tourism promotion.

Brazil Embratur Boosts Tourism with Film, TV, Gaming Strategy

Brazil's tourism board is offering $15,000 awards to film projects, part of an ambitious eight-pronged strategy to transform how the nation attracts visitors.

Julian Mercer· May 18· 3 min