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Springsteen criticizes Trump administration during show

Springsteen criticizes Trump administration during show

CNN5 hours ago

Springsteen criticizes Trump administration during show
Bruce Springsteen has criticized President Trump's administration on stage during a performance at the start of his UK tour in Manchester.
01:15 - Source: CNN
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Springsteen criticizes Trump administration during show
Bruce Springsteen has criticized President Trump's administration on stage during a performance at the start of his UK tour in Manchester.
01:15 - Source: CNN
Coco Gauff reacts to winning the French Open
Coco Gauff claimed her second career grand slam singles title, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the French Open women's final.
00:46 - Source: CNN
'More of a protest than it used to be': Pride takes on DC
The 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations has kicked off in the nation's capital this weekend with World Pride 2025. CNN's Julia Benbrook spoke to members and supporters of the LGBTQ community as they gathered in Washington, DC, to hear why some traveled hundreds of miles to attend.
01:06 - Source: CNN
Former 'Diddy' girlfriend reveals 'love contract'
A former romantic partner for Sean 'Diddy' Combs using the pseudonym 'Jane' described feeling financially coerced and revealed Combs is still paying for her rent, even as she testified against him at trial. Prosecutors hope the testimony by 'Jane' will drive home charges that include sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
01:30 - Source: CNN
Student works shift after graduation. Customer raises $200k
High school senior Mykale Baker went to his high school graduation, and after, decided to get some food for his family at Burger King, which is where he works. After seeing how short staffed they were, he decided to help out the team. Maria Mendoza saw him at work and started a GoFundMe page for him, which has raised almost $200 thousand dollars towards his college fund.
01:35 - Source: CNN
Fans wait for hours to buy Nintendo Switch 2
Eager gaming fans lined up for hours to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 after it hit shelves around the world on June 5. It's Nintendo's first major console launch since the original Switch arrived roughly eight years ago.
00:25 - Source: CNN
Greta Thunberg sails to Gaza
Greta Thunberg has set sail with eleven other activists to Gaza. The activist group they're part of, The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, is attempting to bring aid and raise international awareness over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the territory.
00:59 - Source: CNN
Judge threatens to remove 'Diddy' from his own trial
US District Judge Arun Subramanian warned the defense team for Sean 'Diddy' Combs that he will be removed from the New York City court room where he is on trial facing charges that include racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
01:18 - Source: CNN
'Good Night, and Good Luck's' scenic designer discusses how he created George Clooney's Broadway newsroom
Scenic Designer Scott Pask recreated the CBS newsroom and Edward R. Murrow's set for "Good Night, and Good Luck," the play that brings the 1950s McCarthy-era drama to life. Pask tells CNN why architectural accuracy is important for a play that's about 'speaking truth to power.' Tune in to CNN on Saturday, June 7 at 7pm to watch the play broadcast live from Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre.
02:13 - Source: CNN
Police shut down All-American Rejects backyard gig in college town
The All-American Rejects played a backyard gig in Columbia, Missouri, as part of their House Party Tour protesting against expensive arena shows. Police eventually shut it down, but not before letting the band play one final song.
01:05 - Source: CNN
Bringing 1950s style to Broadway
Costume Designer Brenda Abbandandolo mixed vintage, thrifted clothing with precise recreations of 1950s style to bring the Broadway play Good Night, and Good Luck to life. She tells CNN how she approached dressing George Clooney and Ilana Glazer with historic authenticity. Tune in to CNN on Saturday, June 7 at 7pm to watch the play broadcast live from Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre.
01:53 - Source: CNN
Cassie Ventura's friend testifies Diddy held her over a balcony
Bryana Bongolan, a friend of Cassie Ventura who goes by Bana, testified today about an incident with Sean 'Diddy' Combs in 2016 when she said that she was 'held over a 17-story balcony' by the music mogul. CNN's Elizabeth Wagmeister reports.
01:48 - Source: CNN

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‘Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake' Director Irene Iborra on Helping Kids Understand Big Feelings and Life Changes in a ‘Luminous, Gentle Way'
‘Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake' Director Irene Iborra on Helping Kids Understand Big Feelings and Life Changes in a ‘Luminous, Gentle Way'

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‘Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake' Director Irene Iborra on Helping Kids Understand Big Feelings and Life Changes in a ‘Luminous, Gentle Way'

As the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival approaches, anticipation builds for the world premiere of 'Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake,' a poignant stop-motion feature directed by Spanish filmmaker Irene Iborra that charmed at the French festival with a Work in Progress presentation last year. Adapted from Maite Carranza's novel 'La Vie est un film,' the stop-motion feature – the first ever from Catalonia – follows 12-year-old Olivia, who, after her family is evicted, convinces her younger brother that their hardships are part of a movie they are starring in. This imaginative coping mechanism sets the stage for a luminous drama that explores themes of resilience, solidarity, and the power of storytelling in the face of adversity. More from Variety Laying the Foundation: How Catalonia Is Building a Global Animation Powerhouse Xilam and TF1 Team Up on Animated Series 'Turbo Twins' Ahead of Annecy, MIFA Dandelooo Cinéma Pre-Sells 'Born in the Jungle' to Several Key Territories (EXCLUSIVE) Iborra, making her feature directorial debut, brings a handcrafted aesthetic to the film, utilizing animated objects to create a tactile and emotionally resonant world. The film has been praised for its sensitive portrayal of complex social issues, such as housing insecurity and parental depression, making it accessible to both children and adults. Ahead of its Annecy debut, Variety sat down with Iborra to discuss the creative journey behind 'Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake,' the realities of making a stop-motion feature in Spain and the role of animation in addressing real-world issues. Variety: Did you realize you were making the first stop-motion feature film in Catalonia? Irene Iborra: Honestly, no. I didn't realize it was the first feature film in Catalonia until we were already in pre-production. For me, what really mattered was the story and telling it through stop-motion because of the textures and the poetry this technique brings, something you don't find in others. Only later did it dawn on me that it hadn't been done before here. But we already had a community; I'm a teacher in a master's program that's been running for 10 years. So people were already making short stop-motion films. This project felt like a natural evolution. The film is very grounded in Barcelona, even though it explores universal issues like the housing crisis. How did you approach the design of the characters and sets? We wanted to tackle difficult topics in a luminous, gentle way, making them visually pleasant. The characters were designed by Morgan Navarro, a French comic artist. They're stylized, but because their clothes are made from real textures, they feel close to us despite their abstract faces. For example, we used wool for the hair, a texture I had worked with in my short films. I also deliberately avoided the typical round shapes of children's animation. Instead, we went for more defined lines, especially in the noses, to break that mold while still keeping them appealing. The sets are highly realistic, including actual graffiti found around Barcelona. I took photos around the city with Morgan, and the set design team recreated them beautifully. There's a constant tension between stylized puppets and realistic settings, which helps us feel both immersed in the story and aware that it's a crafted world. Also, details like making the characters more saturated in color than the backgrounds were carefully planned to underline our concept that people shape the space around them. The film's portrayal of Olivia's anxiety is powerful. What influenced your depiction of her inner world? I really pushed some boundaries here. Themes like the mother's illness and Olivia's panic are hard to present to kids. So, while the ground opens up and she falls into darkness, what she finds is a more peaceful, inner space. The stress of the fall is balanced with calm lighting and gentle design as she descends. These decisions were made together with the cinematographer, using light to make the environment gradually more serene. In stop-motion shorts, mental health is a frequent topic, so it didn't feel foreign to me. For Olivia, I liked the idea that fear can send us inward, into a personal space filled with metaphors like the whale or the furniture. That's where solutions might lie. We debated a lot about sound design, too; we didn't want to terrify children. I hope I didn't go too far, though we'll see what age range responds best. The little brother is seven, but the film might be more suitable for eight or nine and up. Given that this is a family film, but also a social issue film, how are you approaching distribution? We always saw it as auteur cinema for children. It's an adventure film, fun, emotional, maybe even tear-jerking, but definitely adventurous. We have great distribution partners: Pyramide internationally, Filmax for Spain and strong support from broadcasters like Televisión Española, TV3 (Catalonia) and À Punt (Valencia). Belgian, Swiss and French TV are also on board. Despite the risks, many believed in the film's potential. What were the biggest production challenges, especially making your first feature film in stop-motion? We were passionate but inexperienced. It was my first feature, and [producer] Mikel [Mas]'s first stop-motion film of any length. That led to stressful situations. The budget, while high for a first film, was low for a stop-motion feature, which meant cutting corners. Sometimes we had to sacrifice quality or perfection in favor of practicality. That was hard for everyone, but I'm happy with the balance we struck. The arrival of more experienced French and Belgian producers helped stabilize things. But yes, we had to work under pressure, sometimes making tough calls like telling people, 'This isn't perfect, but it's what we can do with the resources we've got.' Do you think this opens the door for more stop-motion films in Spain? This is only the third stop-motion feature made in Spain, after 'O Apóstolo' and 'Pos eso.' So yes, it's rare. But this film has massively increased the experience level of the teams involved. Whether another project of this scale will happen soon, I don't know; it's not easy to gather five production companies from around the world again. But the talent and know-how are here now. What was the production setup like across so many countries? Initially, each production company had its own space, one for puppets in Barcelona, another for sets in Valencia, some decor and 3D face modeling from Chile, puppet work in France. Eventually, we centralized everything in a huge studio in Sant Martí for shooting. Post-production was spread out – some in Switzerland, France, Belgium – but the physical shoot was all in one place. Are you planning to travel with the film now that it's finished? Absolutely. I've been with this film since 2017, adapting Maite Carranza's novel, and I won't leave it now. I already have festivals lined up, including Annecy. I believe this film needs my presence. It's delicate, it touches on sensitive topics like anxiety and depression. As both executive producer and director, I feel a strong responsibility to support and explain it to audiences around the world. Best of Variety All the Godzilla Movies Ranked Final Oscar Predictions: International Feature – United Kingdom to Win Its First Statuette With 'The Zone of Interest' 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations in Northern Ireland to Open as Tourist Attractions

Key Catalan Titles at the 2025 Annecy Animation Festival and MIFA Market
Key Catalan Titles at the 2025 Annecy Animation Festival and MIFA Market

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Key Catalan Titles at the 2025 Annecy Animation Festival and MIFA Market

For the third year in a row, an animated feature produced by Catalan companies will feature in Annecy's main competition. Following strong showings from the eventual Oscar nominee 'Robot Dreams' in 2023 and 'Rock Bottom' in 2024, the region's first-ever stop-motion feature 'Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake' will premiere in 2025. 'Olivia' isn't the only Catalan title looking to make waves at Annecy this year. Below, we take a closer look at some of the hottest upcoming Catalan productions set to impress at Annecy and its accompanying MIFA Market. More from Variety 'Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake' Director Irene Iborra on Helping Kids Understand Big Feelings and Life Changes in a 'Luminous, Gentle Way' Laying the Foundation: How Catalonia Is Building a Global Animation Powerhouse Xilam and TF1 Team Up on Animated Series 'Turbo Twins' Ahead of Annecy, MIFA 'Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake' Director: Irene Iborra Production: Cornelius Films, Citoplasmas, Panique!, Bigaro Films Spanish Distributor/Sales Agent: Filmax / Pyramide Films Screening: Premiere on June 9, 10:30, Grande Salle The jewel in this year's Catalan crown at Annecy, 'Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake' is the first-ever stop-motion feature produced in Catalonia and only the third from Spain. Playing in the festival's main competition, this heartfelt and socially conscious family feature follows young Olivia as she navigates a world that suddenly seems out of sync when her single-parent, middle-class family is evicted from their Barcelona apartment. Using imaginative and colorful visual metaphors, the film touches on childhood anxiety and resilience in a manner with which audiences of all ages can empathize. The collaborative production brings together studios from Spain, France, Belgium and Chile, marking a cross-cultural effort that enriches its narrative depth. 'Pink Punk Delta' (fka 'The Girl and the Flamingo') Director: Alba Sotorra Production: Alba Sotorra Productions, Artichoke (Slovakia), Pájaro (Chile) Pitch Event: June 12 – MIFA Feature Film Pitching Sessions – June 11, 9:00 and 10:45 Described as a punk feminist road movie in animated form, 'Pink Punk Delta' dives into themes of identity, queerness and rebellion. From Catalan super-producer and prolific filmmaker Alba Sotorra – producer of 2024 Contrechamp player 'Rock Bottom' – this project combines vibrant 2D animation with a raw, uncompromising narrative style. The project is currently in development and already generating buzz. The pitch promises a bold new voice in European adult animation. 'A Dangerous Journey' Director: Lucija Stojevic Production: Noon Films Screening: Ibermedia Next Pitch and networking event – June 11, 17:15 Blending documentary and fiction, this animated feature explores the treacherous paths of migration through the lens of personal testimony. Director Stojevic crafts a haunting visual journey that draws from real-world accounts, aiming to raise awareness with empathy and artistry. 'The Origin of Experience' ('El origen de la experiencia') Director: Zulu González Production: Cornelius Films (Catalonia), Hampa Studio (Spain), The42Film (Mexico), El Taller del Chucho (Mexico), La Corriente del Golfo (Mexico), Midralgar (France) Screening: Ibermedia Next Pitch and networking event – June 11, 17:15 A philosophical exploration of childhood, memory, and perception, this visually striking film mixes abstract storytelling with traditional animation. González's direction promises a cerebral but emotionally resonant work that challenges the conventions of animated cinema. 'Aya in the Desert' Director: Julia Horrillo Plá Producer: Alhena Production Presentation: Women in Animation from Spain – June 12, 10:00 Intended for adult audiences, this feature from first-timer Julia Horrillo Plá follows Awa, a 13-year-old girl fleeing war in the Ivory Coast, who is intercepted on the coast of Cádiz while disguised as a boy. Taken to a sports center, she recalls her perilous journey and separation from her mother. Drawing strength from imagined tales of warrior Akwa Boni, Awa finds resilience and hope as she tries to contact her cousin in Seville and dreams of reuniting with her mother. Currently in development. MIFA MARKET STANDOUTS 'The Treasure of Barracuda' Director: Adrià García Production: Inicia Films, Hampa Studio, Belvision Adapted from the beloved children's book, this colorful pirate adventure is full of charm and life lessons. Aimed at family audiences, it's scheduled for a Spanish theatrical release in October 2025. Helming is García, the rated director of Filmax's admired 'Nocturna,' and 'My Family and the Wolf,' from Didier Brunner's top French animation producer Folivari 'Hanna's Forgotten Christmas' Director: Elena Ruiz Guitart Production: Érase una vez films, Miyagi Films, Veligandu AIE A cozy holiday sequel to 'Hanna and the Monsters,' this warm tale follows young Hanna as she rekindles joy in her town. With its December 2025 release, it's poised to become a seasonal favorite. 'Black Moth' Producers: Format: 26 x 22' | Target Age: 7–12 A female-led superhero eco-adventure series about a girl whose music turns her into an environmental crusader. With themes of inclusivity, sustainability, and empowerment, Season 1 is already fully funded and due in autumn 2025, with Season 2 in development. 'My Little Heroes' Format: 52 x 11' Producers: Peekaboo Animation, Fabrique Fantastique Targeted at kids 4–8 years old, this educational and adventurous comedy series introduces kids to famous figures like Mandela and Mozart in their childhood, blending humor and historical insight. Based on a popular book series, it was honored with the Audience Award for Best Project Pitch at the 2023 CEE Animation Forum. 'Under the Sofa' Producer: Teidees Format: 52 x 7' A whimsical comedy-adventure about discarded household objects making a life together under a family's sofa. Highlighting reuse and the hidden value of forgotten items, this vibrant and cartoony series offers humor with an environmental twist. 'Jasmine & Jambo' Producer: Teidees Format: Feature Based on the successful animated series of the same name, this feature project turns on Jasmine, a curious girl, and Jambo, her loyal elephant friend. They journey through a vibrant jungle, meeting various animals and facing challenges. The film highlights themes of friendship, courage and nature conservation. With stunning visuals and a captivating storyline, it appeals to all ages, emphasizing the bond between humans and animals and the beauty of the natural world. Best of Variety All the Godzilla Movies Ranked Final Oscar Predictions: International Feature – United Kingdom to Win Its First Statuette With 'The Zone of Interest' 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations in Northern Ireland to Open as Tourist Attractions

Andy Serkis' ‘Animal Farm' Reveals First Footage: Seth Rogen, Kieran Culkin and Gaten Matarazzo Voice Power-Hungry Pigs in Animated George Orwell Adaptation (EXCLUSIVE)
Andy Serkis' ‘Animal Farm' Reveals First Footage: Seth Rogen, Kieran Culkin and Gaten Matarazzo Voice Power-Hungry Pigs in Animated George Orwell Adaptation (EXCLUSIVE)

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Andy Serkis' ‘Animal Farm' Reveals First Footage: Seth Rogen, Kieran Culkin and Gaten Matarazzo Voice Power-Hungry Pigs in Animated George Orwell Adaptation (EXCLUSIVE)

The highly anticipated animated adaptation of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm,' world premiering on Monday at the Annecy Animation Festival, has debuted its first footage, Variety can reveal exclusively. In the clip, we get our first look at Seth Rogen's Napoleon, Gaten Matarazzo's Lucky and Kieran Culkin's Squealer as the trio catch up post-animal rebellion. Other notable Hollywood stars not present in the clip but who lend their voices to the cast include Woody Harrelson, Glenn Close, Steve Buscemi, Laverne Cox, Jim Parsons, Kathleen Turner, Iman Vellani and Serkis himself. More from Variety Stop-Motion Animation 'Tales From the Magic Garden' Sells to Multiple Territories (EXCLUSIVE) Filmax Swoops on 'Jasmine & Jambo,' the Feature Spin-Off From the Multi-Prized and Robustly Sold Catalan Animation Series (EXCLUSIVE) Key Catalan Titles at the 2025 Annecy Animation Festival and MIFA Market The film's official synopsis reads: 'When a group of farm animals rebel and kick their neglectful farmer off the land, life is good and the dream of a free, equitable future is within sight. But power struggles among some of literature's most infamous characters ensue, and the realities of living in a world designed for mankind complicate and corrupt the satirical and allegorical, Animal Farm.' Serkis, known for his groundbreaking work in performance capture, trades mo-cap for stylized CG animation in what he describes as a 'cinematic storybook.' 'I didn't want pantomime performances. I wanted internalized emotion, each close-up had to carry weight,' the director explains in the film's press materials. 'It's a political fairytale that needed to feel both painterly and real.' The visual style, a blend of traditional storytelling with grounded realism, is immediately apparent in the first clip. Lush, sun-drenched shots at the Golden Hour of the ramshackle farm contrast with dialogue that hints at something more sinister to come. This adaptation doesn't shy away from the novella's chilling themes. 'It's 'Wolf of Wall Street' meets 'Bronx Tale,' through the eyes of a pig,' Serkis explains. With Nick Stoller adapting Orwell's classic and an eclectic soundtrack ranging from Carl Cox to Little Richard, 'Animal Farm' promises to be a satirical spectacle as entertaining as it is thought-provoking and one of Annecy's main highlights this year. 'Animal Farm' is produced by Aniventure and Imaginarium, with Adam Nagle, Dave Rosenbaum, Jonathan Cavendish and Serkis. Harrelson also serves as executive producer alongside 'The Batman' director-producer Matt Reeves. Animation was provided by Cinesite, produced by Connie Nartonis Thompson. Casting was headed by Margery Simkin. Goodfellas is handling international sales. Best of Variety 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Animated Program — Can Netflix Score Big With 'Arcane,' 'Devil May Cry' and the Final Season of 'Big Mouth?'

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