Latest news with #CactusPears'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New Jax Film Studios in Ryadh Unveiled at Cannes by Saudi Film Commission
The Saudi Film Commission has unveiled a new a state-of-the-art production complex in the capital city of Riyadh that will complete construction later this year. The sprawling facility, which is called Jax Film Studios and located in the heart of Riyadh, will feature two 16,000-square-foot sound stages as well as a virtual production stage equipped with Sony's latest LED screen technology. More from Variety Sundance-Winning 'Cactus Pears' Director Rohan Kanawade Signs With Cinetic Media (EXCLUSIVE) Les Studios de Paris, Where 'Jackie' and 'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon' Filmed, Positions Itself as One Stop Shop for International Productions Polish Talents Continue to Rise as Industry Eyes Overhaul to Incentive Scheme: 'We Need a System Equal to the Needs of Poland' The new Saudi studios also include a private screening room, reception and meeting spaces, production prep areas, dining zones, and a dedicated VIP lounge. Jax Film Studios, which were unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival, will 'offer immediate access to the capital's five-star hotels, international airport, high-end dining, and a growing ecosystem of creative and technical talent,' according to a statement. 'Within a 20-minute radius, filmmakers can access everything required to support their work, from local crews to post-production services,' it added. 'Jax Film Studios represents a cornerstone in our strategy to develop a world-class film infrastructure in Saudi Arabia,' said Abdullah Al-Qahtani, CEO of the Saudi Film Commission, in the statement. 'As we become one of the region's premier production hubs, this facility is built to meet the highest international standards – empowering local creatives while attracting global talent,' he noted. Commented Abduljalil Alnasser, general manager of sector development and investment attraction at the Saudi Film Commission: 'With Jax Film Studios, we are introducing one of the world's most advanced and largest virtual production stages, powered by Sony's latest innovations, unlocking limitless creative possibilities.' The new Saudi studios announcement follows news earlier this month that Saudi Arabia's Film AlUla – the film commission for the swathe of northwest Saudi Arabia that comprises a lush oasis and vast sandstone canyons – signed a deal with The MBS Group, which comprises Manhattan Beach Studios – home to James Cameron's 'Avatar' sequels – that will exclusively manage and operate their state-of-the-art AlUla Studios. Neom, which is the site of Saudi's futuristic city in the making, also has spanking new film production facilities. Saudi Arabia offers a 40%-plus cash rebate on international film and TV productions. Ever since it lifted its 35-year-old religion-related ban on cinema in 2017, Saudi has been experiencing a boom in all aspects of film industry activity, becoming the Middle East and North Africa's top-grossing territory in terms of theatrical box office returns. Attracting international film and TV productions is clearly a key part of this government-driven effort. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sundance-Winning ‘Cactus Pears' Director Rohan Kanawade Signs With Cinetic Media (EXCLUSIVE)
Following his historic Sundance Grand Jury Prize win for 'Cactus Pears' ('Sabar Bonda'), director Rohan Parashuram Kanawade has inked a management deal with Cinetic Media, it was revealed on the sidelines of the Cannes Film Festival. Kanawade's debut feature made history as the first Marathi-language film and first Indian fiction title to claim Sundance's top World Cinema Dramatic Competition honor this past January. More from Variety Les Studios de Paris, Where 'Jackie' and 'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon' Filmed, Positions Itself as One Stop Shop for International Productions Polish Talents Continue to Rise as Industry Eyes Overhaul to Incentive Scheme: 'We Need a System Equal to the Needs of Poland' 'The President's Cake' Review: Hasan Hadi's Warm and Heart-Tugging Tale Sends Dutiful Kids on an Odyssey in Saddam Hussein's Iraq 'It's an incredible honor to be represented by Cinetic Media, a company known for championing cinema that pushes creative boundaries and defies conventional norms,' Kanawade told Variety. 'For a story as personal and intimate as 'Sabar Bonda' to find global resonance – and now, a team that believes in its journey as much as we do – is both humbling and empowering. This partnership isn't just about where the film goes next – it's about what kinds of stories get to be seen, heard, and remembered. I hope this marks the beginning of a longer arc for regional, authentic and emotionally grounded Indian stories to travel across languages and borders.' In 'Cactus Pears,' a 30-something city dweller named Anand is forced to spend a 10-day mourning period for his father in rural western India, where he forms an unexpected bond with a local farmer struggling to remain unmarried. The emotionally resonant drama has connected with audiences across borders since its Sundance triumph. The film will receive a theatrical release via Strand Releasing this fall, following a festival run that included New Directors/New Films, San Francisco Film Festival (where it won the Special Jury Prize – Visions), and the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (winner of the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature). Marcus Hu of Strand Releasing said: 'Strand is thrilled to hear this news and what a great partnership for the filmmaking team to get this representation.' Neeraj Churi, a producer on the film and founder of Lotus Visual Productions, added: 'While Cinetic Media has always aimed to champion films and filmmakers that are bold and original, this development reaffirms that the global film industry is expanding its gaze, ready to embrace not only big cinema but brave cinema. We also acknowledge the unique role played by NFDC lab, Co-pro market and India Cine Hub grant in shaping and propelling the film and Rohan into the international arena. With MPM premium, Strand Releasing and Cinetic, we are excited to collaborate with a team that truly understands nuance and recognizes the potential of Indian independent cinema in all its emotional complexity.' Kanawade's personal journey adds another layer to the film's success story. Raised in a one-room house in a Mumbai slum by a chauffeur father and illiterate homemaker mother, he is a self-made filmmaker with a background in interior design. His short films have screened globally, and 'Cactus Pears' was developed in the Venice Biennale College Cinema 2022-2023, and was also included in the Film London Production Finance Market 2021, NFDC Marathi Script Camp 2021, Film Bazaar 2022, Venice Gap Financing Market 2023 and Goes to Cannes 2024. The cast includes Bhushaan Manoj, Jayshri Jagtap, and Suraaj Suman. Behind the camera, Vikas Urs handled cinematography, with Anadi Athaley editing and Anirban Borthakur and Naren Chandavarkar as sound designers. Cinetic will represent Kanawade across all media. 'Cactus Pears' is produced by Neeraj Churi (Lotus Visual Productions, U.K.), Mohamed Khaki (Canada), Kaushik Ray (Taran Tantra Telefilms, U.K.), Naren Chandavarkar (Moonweave Films, India), Sidharth Meer (Bridge PostWorks, India) and Hareesh Reddypalli (Dark Stories, India), along with co-producer Jim Sarbh (Wonderful Entertainment, India) and associate producer Rajesh Parwatkar (U.K.).Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Female Film Club Launches Global Short-Film Fund at Cannes (EXCLUSIVE)
Female Film Club, the burgeoning global network for women and non-binary filmmakers, is unveiling a €10,000 ($11,260) Global Short-Film Fund during the Cannes Film Festival on Monday. The initiative represents a dedicated international fund designed specifically to support emerging directors regardless of geographical location. More from Variety New Jax Film Studios in Ryadh Unveiled at Cannes by Saudi Film Commission Sundance-Winning 'Cactus Pears' Director Rohan Kanawade Signs With Cinetic Media (EXCLUSIVE) Les Studios de Paris, Where 'Jackie' and 'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon' Filmed, Positions Itself as One Stop Shop for International Productions The fund, which will begin accepting submissions on June 16, emerges from strategic partnerships with a developer of artificial intelligence tools for filmmakers, and SMASH Media, an IP-matchmaking platform connecting creators with producers and financiers. According to the organization, the fund will provide a single grant of €10,000 to produce a short film. Eligibility extends to filmmakers who identify as women or non-binary from any country, provided their projects are in development or pre-production phases. Applications will undergo scrutiny from an international panel of female industry leaders, a process designed to ensure diverse perspectives and balanced regional representation. Winners will be announced during the BFI London Film Festival in October, with successful applicants invited to a London networking event featuring mentors and potential production partners. 'We've built a community of over 55 nationalities and thousands of members,' said Liza van der Smissen and Nicole Lieberman, who co-founded the organization. 'We know that access to funding is uneven – some regions have multiple grant opportunities, while others have none. This fund levels the playing field.' 'We're committed to supporting the very best regardless of geography. Whether you're in Nairobi, New Delhi, or São Paulo, this fund is for you,' the co-founders added. Since its 2020 inception, Female Film Club has established itself as more than just a funding source. The organization operates as an online members club offering weekly programming focused on mindset development, skill-building and networking. Their curriculum includes Neuro-Linguistic Programming-backed confidence training, goal-setting workshops, and strategic industry navigation, supplemented by masterclasses featuring award-winning female filmmakers. The organization reports that members have consistently secured project financing, agent representation, and festival premieres after joining their community of over 3,000 filmmakers across more than 55 nationalities. one of the fund's partners, specializes in AI-driven tools that streamline pre-production, editing, and VFX workflows. SMASH Media, the other key supporter, operates as an AI-assisted platform connecting Film & TV creators with producers, commissioners, and financiers worldwide. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
