Latest news with #BeijingInternationalFilmFestival
India.com
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
This nail-biting crime thriller has won many awards even before release, has 7.1 IMDb rating, lead actor is…, film is…,
This film is the story of two modern-minded brothers who witness the abduction of a poor mother's child at a railway station in rural India. Driven by moral responsibility, one brother convinces the other to help the mother and join him on a risky quest to find the child. Brought to life by a powerful cast of Abhishek Banerjee, Harish Khanna, Mia Malzer, Sahidur Rahman and Shubham, Stolen will premiere on Prime Video on June 4 in India and in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Prime Video today announced that its new Hindi Original investigative crime thriller film, Stolen, will have its exclusive global premiere on June 4. Backed by an acclaimed team of executive producers – Anurag Kashyap, Kiran Rao, Nikkhil Advani and Vikramaditya Motwane – Stolen marks the directorial debut of Karan Tejpal and is produced by Gaurav Dhingra for Jungle Book Studios. The story of the film is written by Karan Tejpal along with Swapnil Salkar – Agadbam and Gaurav Dhingra. The first glimpse of this film has been revealed. At the same time, fans are seen praising it. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) Stolen made a strong debut at the Venice Film Festival where it received a standing ovation, following which the film went on to win many accolades and awards at several film festivals across the world. It won the Best Director, Best Cinematography and Best Actress awards at the Beijing International Film Festival. It won the Best Film and Best Director awards at the Skip City International D-Cinema Festival in Japan. The Zurich Film Festival also awarded Stolen a Special Mention, further cementing its reputation on the global stage. In India, the film premiered at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival and was later screened at the 28th Kerala International Film Festival. Executive Producer Anurag Kashyap said, 'Cinema that is strong, fearless, relentless and emotionally honest, that grabs you from the very first frame and doesn't let go till the very end, and Stolen did just that for me. What I love most about this film is its refusal to conform to conventions. For me, cinema should be fearless, and Karan Tejpal has made a film that reflects that spirit perfectly. I am glad that it has found a platform like Prime Video, and now the whole world will be able to see this amazing thriller. It is a film that challenges you, makes you jealous as a filmmaker and also inspires you at a time when you are looking for a ray of hope from desi cinema. Such cinema should always be supported. Stolen did that for me and I feel proud to be a part of it.' Speaking about the film, Executive Producer Kiran Rao said, 'Stolen is an extraordinary film that blends gripping storytelling with deep human emotion. Jhumpa's character stayed with me long after I finished watching the film—her fragility and combativeness are a reminder that strength lies in the most unexpected places. It's that special kind of film that captivates and captivates the audience even more with every frame. It's a great pleasure to bring this powerful film to Prime Video, and I feel privileged to support it.'
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Stolen OTT Release Date: When and where to watch Abhishek Banerjee and Mia Maelzer's crime thriller film online
Stolen OTT Release Date: If you enjoy movies that are raw, real, and keep you hooked with every twist, then mark your calendar. Stolen, a new Hindi crime thriller starring Abhishek Banerjee and Mia Maelzer, is all set to stream on Prime Video from June 4, 2025. The movie will be available in over 240 countries around the world. What is Stolen all about? Stolen is a hard-hitting story set in rural India. The plot follows two brothers from the city who witness a shocking incident at a small railway station - a baby gets kidnapped right in front of them. While one brother wants to walk away, the other feels responsible and decides to help the distraught mother. What follows is a dangerous and emotional journey to find the missing child. Meet the team behind the scenes Stolen is the debut film of director Karan Tejpal. And he is supported by a powerful team of executive producers that includes well-known names like Anurag Kashyap, Kiran Rao, Nikkhil Advani, and Vikramaditya Motwane. The movie is produced by Gaurav Dhingra under Jungle Book Studio and co-written by Karan Tejpal, Gaurav Dhingra, and Swapnil Salkar (also known as Agadbumb). The cast includes some very talented actors like Harish Khanna, Sahidur Rahaman, and Shubham Vardhan, along with the leads Abhishek Banerjee and Mia Maelzer. Global praise and film festival applause Before reaching Prime Video, Stolen has already been shown at major film festivals, and it's been a hit. It received a standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival in 2023 and has since won several awards. At the Beijing International Film Festival, it bagged Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Cinematography. It also won Best Film and Best Director at the Skip City International D-Cinema Festival in Japan. The Zurich Film Festival gave it a special mention. Back home, it was screened at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival and at the Kerala International Film Festival. So grab some popcorn, free up your schedule on June 4, and get ready for a thriller that hits close to the heart only on Prime Video.
France 24
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
UFC champ Zhang says acting 'experiment' and fighting not so different
Zhang co-stars as a fisherwoman with mutism in After Typhoon, a feminist indie film exploring themes of sexual assault and friendship by award-winning director Li Yu. On the surface it's an unexpected twist for the first Chinese mixed martial arts fighter to win a UFC title and the current strawweight champion, who first claimed her crown by knocking out her opponent in 42 seconds. "It's not really a career transition, I see it more as an experiment," the 35-year-old told AFP in Shanghai. "I believe everything is connected in some way and there's actually a lot in common between fighting and acting... I find it really interesting -- a fresh experience." Zhang told the Hollywood Reporter that she was initially against the idea of being in a film, but was compelled by the character of A Xi. Because she cannot speak, "I had to express emotions through eye contact and body language", Zhang told AFP. This is where her fighting experience came in useful because it has helped her "develop a richer physical language", she said. Li, the director, has said Zhang's performance, especially as a first-time actress, was "truly astonishing". "Her authenticity was bone-deep. It wasn't performance -- she was living as that person," she told a post-screening session at an offshoot of the Beijing International Film Festival. The movie was initially scheduled for wider release in April but has been postponed. Zhang suggested it might be released over the summer. The MMA star, who received the script at the same time she was preparing for a title defence, has taken some lessons from her time on set back to the octagon. "When the director would call 'cut' and say we had to do another take, and then another, that taught me patience," she laughed. Previously, when told by the coach to do another set of exercises in training, "I'd be really frustrated".
Borneo Post
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Malaysian films shine at Beijing International Film Festival
KOTA KINABALU (May 5): Two Malaysian films shot in China and Sabah shone at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival which was held from April 18 to 26. Malaysian filmmaker Michelle Xin has represented Malaysia in showcasing the two works that highlight the rich cultural and community spirit of Malaysia. The first, The Rise of Lion II, produced by Xin World Sdn Bhd, is an inspiring feature film rooted in the traditional art of lion dance, telling a story of perseverance, heritage and belief. The film starred Melissa Wong and Ricky Lee in the leading roles, and was filmed in Chengdu, China. The second is the heartfelt The Story of Papar Town, presented by Melissa of WSG Group, featuring an inspiring story about Datin Seri Panglima Chen Si Mui. 'I look forward to more international collaborations in the future, to bring more Malaysian stories to the world stage, and to bring the world back into our local communities,' Michelle the Beijing International Film Festival. This year also marks the 130th anniversary of cinema in the world and 120th anniversary of the birth of Chinese cinema. The Beijing International Film Festival not only showcases Chinese films to the world but also provides a gateway for foreign films to enter the Chinese market, serving as a platform for cultural exchange between filmmakers from China and around the globe. Michelle added that the participation in the Beijing International Film Festival marks an important step in strengthening cultural exchanges and promoting Malaysia's unique narratives globally. The Story of Papar Town made its official debut at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival in China recently. Produced by the WSG Group spearheaded by Sabahan property developer, Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen, the film showcases Malaysia's rich and diverse cultural heritage and communities. Its screening at the film festival not only brought the story of Sabah to the global stage, but also invited the world to step into the heart of the local community. Directed by Michelle, The Story of Papar Town was meticulously crafted over two months of preparation. The film involved 80 actors and took 10 days to shoot, and a month to edit. Filming took place across several locations, including Sandakan, Tenom, Keningau, Kinabatangan, Papar and Kota Kinabalu. The Story of Papar Town stars Melissa, Susan's daughter, in the lead role. She portrays the childhood version of her grandmother, Datin Seri Panglima Chen Si Mui. The male lead in this documentary short film is 37-year-old Sam Loo from Penang, who plays the younger version of Datuk Seri Panglima Wong Kwok. Sabah-born singer Wesley Liew takes on the role of the Chen's saviour, Kapitan Chen Chee On. Melissa, who is also a director of the WSG Group, brought The Story of Papar Town to the 15th Beijing International Film Festival. In an interview at the event, she expressed hope that the film would promote cultural exchange whilst share Malaysia's unique story with the world. Meanwhile, Susan said she often listened to her mother recounting stories about Papar when she was little. 'I would follow my mother to my grandmother's house in Papar every school holiday. 'That's why Papar has left a deep impression on me — its memories are etched in my mind.' Susan said her mother has endured a difficult childhood in her hometown. 'I told myself that one day, when the time was right, I would turn my mother's stories into a documentary short film, so that future generations of our family, as well as the world, could understand the incidents that took place in the small town of Papar during the 1940s. 'Today, I have finally fulfilled that dream.' Told in the form of a memoir, the film recounts the hardships and struggles faced by Datin Seri Panglima Chen Si Mu during her early life in her hometown of Papar. It is a touching and emotional narrative, which culminates in a satisfying and fulfilling ending. The film highlights the remarkable resilience of individuals in the face of adversity. Set during the 1940s, amid the turmoil of World War II, the story depicts the difficult childhood of Chen, who came from a poor family. Her father tragically died after being tortured by the Japanese army, leaving her mother to raise several young children on her own. In her early teenage years, Chen was sold by her mother to a wealthy family as a child bride — but in reality, she lived a life of hardship akin to that of a slave. She had to wake up before sunrise at 4 am, to chop firewood, fetch water, and grind grains — taking on every household chore. Her meals consisted only of leftovers from the family, and at night, she slept on a wooden plank in a corner outside the house. As a teenage girl, she endured unbearable suffering. She recalled that another girl who had shared the same fate had once been tortured to death in that very place. And that planted the seed of escape in her heart. One dark, windy night, under the cover of darkness, she seized the moment while her masters were fast asleep. She ran with all her strength, heading toward a place where she saw lights in the distance. That night, she arrived at the home of Kapitan Chen, a prominent landowner in Papar town. Fortunately, he took her in with kindness and gave her refuge. The next day, the family tracked her down at the Chen's residence and came to reclaim her. After some negotiation, Kapitan Chen paid to redeem her freedom and kept her on as a helper in his household. From that moment on, Kapitan Chen became her life saviour.
Broadcast Pro
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Saudi Film Commission showcases Kingdom's cinematic growth at Beijing Int'l Film Festival
The commission aims to showcase Saudi films and local talent, highlight the development of the Kingdom's film industry, and strengthen collaboration with the Chinese and wider Asian film markets. The Saudi Film Commission has made a prominent appearance at the Beijing International Film Festival, held in the Chinese capital from April 19 to 22, 2025. This strategic participation underscores the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to elevate the global presence of Saudi cinema and strengthen international ties within the film industry. Established in 2011, the Beijing International Film Festival has grown into one of the major cinematic events in Asia and across the globe, offering a platform for cross-cultural dialogue and international collaboration in filmmaking. As part of its presence, the Saudi Film Commission has set up a dedicated pavilion in partnership with various industry stakeholders. The pavilion acts as a central hub for engaging with global visitors and filmmakers, highlighting the Commission's initiatives and spotlighting the wealth of creative and investment opportunities available in Saudi Arabia's fast-growing film sector. One of the key highlights of the Saudi programme is the special screening of Norah, a film that represents the depth and diversity of the Kingdom's emerging cinematic talent. The screening aims to introduce international audiences to the compelling stories and artistic vision coming from the region. Through its participation, the Film Commission seeks to promote Saudi films and filmmakers on a global stage, deepen collaboration with the Chinese and broader Asian film industries, and further position Saudi Arabia as an attractive destination for international productions. This initiative reflects a broader vision to embed Saudi cinema into the fabric of global filmmaking. By fostering partnerships, encouraging creative exchange and showcasing the Kingdom's filmmaking capabilities, the Commission is paving the way for Saudi Arabia to play a key role in the international film landscape.
