Latest news with #Fantasporto
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prestige Acquires Worldwide Rights to Action Sci-Fi Film ‘Heavens: The Boy and His Robot' (EXCLUSIVE)
Prestige Intl. Pictures has acquired worldwide rights, excluding Japan and China, to action sci-fi film 'Heavens: The Boy and His Robot,' starring Jonathan See. The Singapore-produced movie, which screened at Fantasia and Fantasporto, will be introduced to Cannes buyers this week. More from Variety Tom Cruise Teases 'Never Been Done Before' Stunts in 'Mission: Impossible 8,' Including Wing-Walking: 'It Was So Violent on That Airplane' Cannes Staffers to Protest Working Conditions at Opening Ceremony Emma Roberts and Matt Rife to Star in Romantic Comedy 'Marriage Material' (EXCLUSIVE) Rich Ho wrote, directed and produced the film, which follows the journey of a struggling young pilot, Kai, and his fighter mecha, a giant humanoid robot named Little Dragon, set against a backdrop of epic galactic warfare. The movie explores Kai's dream of joining the Mecha Corps to bring peace to a war-torn world and the friendship that develops between him and his mecha. BC Tan, Takaki Nakadai, Sherman Ng, Penny Wall, Grant Bradley and Richard Stewart served as executive producers. The film was released theatrically in Japan by Henge. 'This film celebrates perseverance and unity in divisive times,' Ho said. ''Heavens' delivers a big-screen experience of pulse-pounding action, humor, and heart that global audiences of different ages can laugh and cry together.' Prestige president Carlos Rincon said: 'Rich Ho has delivered a masterful film, which was a labor of love, 12 years in the making. The film is filled with epic robot battles and groundbreaking VFX but more importantly it features an inspirational theme about not giving up on your dreams.' The film is Singapore's first live-action feature of the mecha genre, a genre of Japanese manga and anime that features or focuses on mechanical innovations such as robots and cyborgs. Ho also served as the film's music composer, art director, set designer, director of photography and co-visual effects supervisor. 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
Euronews
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Japanese cinema wins big at Portugal's Fantasporto film awards
'Dollhouse', presented at the world premiere, was the winner of the fantastic cinema competition at the Porto festival and promises to become a "J-horror" classic. ADVERTISEMENT Since the Annabelle doll became an instantly recognisable icon in the horror universe just over 10 years ago, the myth of the doll that comes to life (as old as cinematic horror itself) has come back into fashion. With Dollhouse, by Japanese director Shinobu Yaguchi, the big winner at this year's Fantasporto, which ended its 45th edition on Saturday in Porto, this myth makes its grand entrance into the J-horror universe. The film is produced by the giant Toho and had its world premiere here, bringing a team of more than 20 people to Porto and receiving a standing ovation of more than 10 minutes. A couple lose their five-year-old daughter in a domestic accident and decide to buy a lifelike doll to help make up for the dead girl's absence. Forgotten for years after the couple have a second daughter, the doll is rediscovered by the family's new daughter, who ends up establishing an unhealthy relationship with it. Dollhouse ends up fitting into all the canons of classic horror and, in the decision of the jury for the fantastic cinema competition, it beat out bolder productions such as Prédio Vazio, the new blood orgy by Brazilian Rodrigo Aragão (who the festival organisers consider to be the main successor to José Mojica Marins as the master of Brazilian horror) or the American Succubus (RJ Daniel Hanna), a modern tale about addiction to social networks and online contacts. According to the jury notes, Dollhouse is "remarkably realised, offering a poignant and unforgettable exploration of human vulnerability". Trailer for 'Dollhouse' It's true that the Porto festival has been establishing itself as a showcase for Asian cinema, particularly Japanese, in Europe. With three Japanese winners in the last five editions, is Fantasporto becoming too centred on the Land of the Rising Sun? Beatriz Pacheco Pereira, founder and director of the festival, says: "We don't prioritise Japanese films, in fact we have as many Japanese films as European ones in competition. The truth is that Japanese production has been very strong in recent years, particularly in the field of fantastic cinema, and it's normal for this to be reflected in the awards." Mário Dorminsky, who together with Beatriz Pacheco Pereira has been running the festival since it was founded in 1981, adds that the prominence that the festival gives to Japanese cinema is also reflected in the prestige that Fantsasporto has achieved in Japan, where it is referred to as "one of the world's three main festivals in the field of the fantastic, alongside Sitges and Brussels". Beatriz Pacheco Pereira and Mário Dorminsky have been running Fantasporto film festival together since 1981 Ricardo Figueira/Euronews Cielo is not the limit If Dollhouse took the top prize, the other big winner was Cielo, a British production directed by Spaniard Alberto Sciamma and shot entirely in Bolivia. With "fabulous cinematography and an intentional and striking palette, enriched by the arid landscape of Bolivia", in the words of the jury, the film wowed both the public and the judges with its visual component, winning the Special Jury Prize, the Best Cinematography Award and the Audience Award. "This film stands out as one of the most original and mesmerising fantasy films of recent years," adds the jury. Trailer for 'Cielo' "The film was born out of two mental images," director Alberto Sciamma tells Euronews Culture. "In those images, I saw a little girl swallowing a fish and pushing a pram with her mother's body through the desert. I didn't have any storyline. I only began to imagine the story when I travelled to Bolivia in the company of producer John Dunton-Downer and pianist Ana-Maria Vera, who convinced me to shoot in Bolivia. The film owes a lot to the entire Bolivian team, especially the young actress, just eight years old, Fernanda Gutierrez Aranda. The entire technical team and actors, with the exception of myself, the producers and the director of photography, were hired in Bolivia, and their work was excellent and decisive for the final result of the film," adds the director. Alberto Sciamma Ricardo Figueira / Euronews Happiness index If all humans were obliged to have a happiness index of between 0 and 99 printed on their necks, as stated in the premise of the Hungarian short Happy People, winner of the award for best short film in fantastic cinema; what would be the index if you were market shopping in Budapest on a Saturday morning and received word of the prize and had to go to Porto the same evening to collect it? Balázs Budavári and Angéla Eke Ricardo Figueira/Euronews "It corresponds to an index of 98," say the couple formed by director Balázs Budavári and actress Angéla Eke. "The only reason it's not 99 is because the rest of the team couldn't be there," they say. The couple, who are preparing their first feature, chose Porto for the world premiere of the short. Portuguese cinema with opening honours Although he doesn't participate as a screenwriter or filmmaker, Luís Diogo is always present at Fantasporto, at least as a spectator each year. His previous film, A Sublime Life, became the most awarded Portuguese film ever. As a regular, it's not surprising that the organisation invited Luís Diogo to open the festival with his latest film, Criadores de Ídolos (Idol Makers), which featured in both the fantastic cinema competition and the Portuguese cinema competition, where it eventually won the best film honour. Luís Diogo Ricardo Figueira/Euronews The film is based on one of the many ideas that Luís Diogo comes up with: what if a secret society was murdering celebrities all over the world in order to make them universal idols and thus perpetuate the concept of the idol created by Socrates? Sofia is recruited into this secret society by her father and grandfather. Her mission is to assassinate a famous singer, whose brother she ends up getting involved with. Will she be able to carry out this macabre mission? Trailer for 'Criadores de Ídolos' Idol Makers is already guaranteed distribution in Portugal next autumn. However, Luís Diogo admites that he is not a fan of Portuguese cinema and that he doesn't write his films with the intention of making them in Portugal: "I always write a script first that can be filmed in the United States," he says. "Then I end up adapting them to the Portuguese reality." ADVERTISEMENT Still on the subject of Portuguese participation, it's worth highlighting the presence of another Fantasporto regular, José Pedro Lopes(A Floresta das Almas Perdidas) in the Luso-Brazilian collection Histórias Estranhas 2, presented out of competition, in which he is the only Portuguese participant, among six Brazilian filmmakers, including the aforementioned Rodrigo Aragão, who is also a regular at Fantas, and, entering this edition in double doses. "I started coming here as a teenager, as a spectator," José Pedro Lopes tells Euronews Culture. "So it's only natural that it's a great pleasure to come here as a filmmaker." It was at the festival that José Pedro Lopes met the organiser of the collection, Ricardo Ghiorzi. Trailer for 'Histórias Estranhas 2' Directors' Week and Orient Express Alongside the fantastic cinema section, Fantasporto also celebrates auteur cinema of all genres with the Directors' Week. While, as in the fantastic competition, Japanese cinema was in the spotlight, winning four of the six prizes on offer, the main prize in this section went to Zero (USA) by Jean-Luc Herbulot. Trailer for 'Zero' The first prize in the Orient Express section, dedicated to Asian cinema, once again went to a Japanese film, this time to River Returns, by Masakasu Kaneko. Trailer for 'River Returns' So it's sayonara from Fantasporto and see you in 2026. Check out the video below for some of the best moments from this year's edition. ADVERTISEMENT
Associated Press
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot Soars into New Cinematic Heights with Historic Japan Re-Release and Fantasporto 2025 Debut
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 February 2025 - Prepare for an interstellar cinematic journey as 'HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot,' a groundbreaking sci-fi adventure from Singapore, 12 years in the making, achieves two unprecedented milestones. On February 28, 2025, this visionary film will be the first Singaporean movie to enjoy a wide special re-release in Japan, screening simultaneously in 50 Aeon Cinemas across the nation. Furthermore, it will make its mark at the prestigious 45th Fantasporto Film Festival in Portugal, becoming the first Singaporean film ever nominated for Best International Feature Film and competing for up to eight additional awards. A Galactic Adventure for All Ages Official Logline: In a galaxy fractured by warfare, a young pilot and his loyal robot navigate through a universe in turmoil, to bring peace to the stars. 'HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot' offers a blend of thrilling action, unique humor, and deep emotional resonance, creating a cinematic experience that families across Asia Pacific will treasure. With its lavish visual effects and compelling narrative, the film has been celebrated by both audiences and critics. Described as 'a dream masterpiece' by Aki Suda (菅田愛貴) of Chō Tokimeki Sendenbu, it has been lauded for its 'enchanting' visuals and 'spectacular' storytelling. A Historic Re-Release in Japan The wide re-release in Japan signifies not only a cultural bridge but is also a testament to the film's universal appeal. This event is a landmark for Singaporean cinema, proving its potential to engage and captivate international audiences beyond arthouse and dramatic films. Critics have hailed it as a pivotal moment, calling the film a 'visually impressive blockbuster' and epic heartwarming narrative that resonates with viewers of all ages. A Grand Debut at Fantasporto 2025 At Fantasporto, one of the world's premier genre film festivals, 'HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot' stands out among 600 feature film submissions, and was selected as one of only 23 for the feature film competition. 'HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot' will represent the debut of Singapore cinema in Fantasporto's 45-year history. This nomination not only highlights the film's artistic merit but also marks a significant achievement for Singaporean filmmakers on the global stage. A Testament to Creativity and Perseverance Directed by the visionary Rich Ho, the film is the result of 12 years of dedication and perseverance, reflecting a journey that began from a small modest public housing flat in Singapore. The production traversed global borders and cultures, resulting in a cinematic piece worked on by hundreds of cast and crew from all over the world. 'This project was born out of a deep desire to encourage others to never give up. I also wanted to show how, with love and respect (humor and food too), the world can learn to work and walk together towards a common vision,' says Ho, emphasizing the film's message of hope, collaboration, and the transformative power of dreams. Critical Acclaim and Industry Praise With its lavish visual effects and compelling narrative, the film has already made history at multiple international festivals: Fantasporto 2025 (Portugal) – 1st Singaporean film ever nominated for Best International Feature Film in the festival's 45-year history, eligible for at least eight other awards. Fantasia International Film Festival 2024 (Canada) – 1st Singaporean film ever nominated for Best First International Feature Film in the festival's 28-year history. Les Utopiales de Nantes 2024 (France) – 1st Singaporean film ever nominated for Best International Feature Film in the festival's 24-year history. Trieste Science+Fiction Film Festival 2024 (Italy) – Significant nomination for Best International Feature Film (Asteroid Award), though not the first Singaporean film nominated in the festival's history, it underscores the film's international recognition. The film has garnered praise from various quarters: Grant Watson, Fiction Machine: 'Boasting lavish visual effects, this science fiction giant robot epic looks just the sort of glossy, visually impressive blockbuster to compete internationally.' Sean Parker, 25YL: 'Everything about HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot is enchanting. It's a film that proves family adventure can be both heartwarming and spectacular.' Chris Jones, Overly Honest Reviews: 'HEAVENS signifies a pivotal moment for the Singaporean cinematic landscape. It reminds us that the boundaries of cinema are as limitless as the universe itself.' Rupert Bottenberg, Fantasia International Film Festival: 'Rich Ho's ambitious and spectacular introduction of his HEAVENS universe has at last launched into the stratosphere. HEAVENS demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.' Giles Edwards, 366 Weird Movies: 'A heartwarming and comedic story about Kai and his Mecha.' Théo Darmana, 'A science fiction gem that will amaze the whole family.' Zed Kosnar, 'HEAVENS is a great example of not giving up when you want to bring your dreams and ideas to life. And we need more of those.' Join the Journey Don't miss your chance to experience this historic moment in theaters, starting with Japan on 28th February 2025. 'HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot' invites families to share in a story where the bond between a boy and his robot can change the fate of worlds. Official Japan Twitter/X: Official Japan Instagram: The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. HEAVENS ENTERTAINMENT Established in 2016, Heavens Entertainment is a Singapore-based company managing the HEAVENS® entertainment franchise. Heavens Entertainment has a global vision to bring to international audiences entertainment that is good, clean and fun. Heavens Entertainment believes in employing innovative technology and visual effects production methods, introducing massive time and cost savings, in-turn transforming the film and entertainment industry. The HEAVENS® Universe continues to be shaped and formed through such collaborations with like-minded partners and creatives from all over the world. At the heart of the HEAVENS® franchise is a wish to captivate audiences with stories that inspire, and bring hope and joy. With plans in the pipeline to launch other media platforms, audiences can look forward to experiencing an immersive journey into the HEAVENS® Universe.
Zawya
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot Soars into New Cinematic Heights with Historic Japan Re-Release and Fantasporto 2025 Debut
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 February 2025 - Prepare for an interstellar cinematic journey as "HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot," a groundbreaking sci-fi adventure from Singapore, 12 years in the making, achieves two unprecedented milestones. On February 28, 2025, this visionary film will be the first Singaporean movie to enjoy a wide special re-release in Japan, screening simultaneously in 50 Aeon Cinemas across the nation. Furthermore, it will make its mark at the prestigious 45th Fantasporto Film Festival in Portugal, becoming the first Singaporean film ever nominated for Best International Feature Film and competing for up to eight additional awards. A Galactic Adventure for All Ages Official Logline: In a galaxy fractured by warfare, a young pilot and his loyal robot navigate through a universe in turmoil, to bring peace to the stars. "HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot" offers a blend of thrilling action, unique humor, and deep emotional resonance, creating a cinematic experience that families across Asia Pacific will treasure. With its lavish visual effects and compelling narrative, the film has been celebrated by both audiences and critics. Described as "a dream masterpiece" by Aki Suda (菅田愛貴) of Chō Tokimeki Sendenbu, it has been lauded for its "enchanting" visuals and "spectacular" storytelling. A Historic Re-Release in Japan The wide re-release in Japan signifies not only a cultural bridge but is also a testament to the film's universal appeal. This event is a landmark for Singaporean cinema, proving its potential to engage and captivate international audiences beyond arthouse and dramatic films. Critics have hailed it as a pivotal moment, calling the film a "visually impressive blockbuster" and epic heartwarming narrative that resonates with viewers of all ages. A Grand Debut at Fantasporto 2025 At Fantasporto, one of the world's premier genre film festivals, "HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot" stands out among 600 feature film submissions, and was selected as one of only 23 for the feature film competition. "HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot" will represent the debut of Singapore cinema in Fantasporto's 45-year history. This nomination not only highlights the film's artistic merit but also marks a significant achievement for Singaporean filmmakers on the global stage. A Testament to Creativity and Perseverance Directed by the visionary Rich Ho, the film is the result of 12 years of dedication and perseverance, reflecting a journey that began from a small modest public housing flat in Singapore. The production traversed global borders and cultures, resulting in a cinematic piece worked on by hundreds of cast and crew from all over the world. "This project was born out of a deep desire to encourage others to never give up. I also wanted to show how, with love and respect (humor and food too), the world can learn to work and walk together towards a common vision," says Ho, emphasizing the film's message of hope, collaboration, and the transformative power of dreams. Critical Acclaim and Industry Praise With its lavish visual effects and compelling narrative, the film has already made history at multiple international festivals: Fantasporto 2025 (Portugal) – 1st Singaporean film ever nominated for Best International Feature Film in the festival's 45-year history, eligible for at least eight other awards. Fantasia International Film Festival 2024 (Canada) – 1st Singaporean film ever nominated for Best First International Feature Film in the festival's 28-year history. Les Utopiales de Nantes 2024 (France) – 1st Singaporean film ever nominated for Best International Feature Film in the festival's 24-year history. Trieste Science+Fiction Film Festival 2024 (Italy) – Significant nomination for Best International Feature Film (Asteroid Award), though not the first Singaporean film nominated in the festival's history, it underscores the film's international recognition. The film has garnered praise from various quarters: Grant Watson, Fiction Machine:"Boasting lavish visual effects, this science fiction giant robot epic looks just the sort of glossy, visually impressive blockbuster to compete internationally." Sean Parker, 25YL:"Everything about HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot is enchanting. It's a film that proves family adventure can be both heartwarming and spectacular." Chris Jones, Overly Honest Reviews:"HEAVENS signifies a pivotal moment for the Singaporean cinematic landscape. It reminds us that the boundaries of cinema are as limitless as the universe itself." Rupert Bottenberg, Fantasia International Film Festival:"Rich Ho's ambitious and spectacular introduction of his HEAVENS universe has at last launched into the stratosphere. HEAVENS demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible." Giles Edwards, 366 Weird Movies:"A heartwarming and comedic story about Kai and his Mecha." Théo Darmana, "A science fiction gem that will amaze the whole family." Zed Kosnar, is a great example of not giving up when you want to bring your dreams and ideas to life. And we need more of those." Join the Journey Don't miss your chance to experience this historic moment in theaters, starting with Japan on 28 th February 2025. "HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot" invites families to share in a story where the bond between a boy and his robot can change the fate of worlds. View HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot (Mechaverse: Shōnen to Robotto) Official Trailer for Japan here Hashtag: #heavens_ent_sg #mechaverse_jp #NeverAlone #NeverGiveUp Official Movie in Japan Website: Official Japan Twitter/X: Official Japan Instagram: Official Facebook: The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. HEAVENS ENTERTAINMENT Established in 2016, Heavens Entertainment is a Singapore-based company managing the HEAVENS ® entertainment franchise. Heavens Entertainment has a global vision to bring to international audiences entertainment that is good, clean and fun. Heavens Entertainment believes in employing innovative technology and visual effects production methods, introducing massive time and cost savings, in-turn transforming the film and entertainment industry. The HEAVENS ® Universe continues to be shaped and formed through such collaborations with like-minded partners and creatives from all over the world. At the heart of the HEAVENS® franchise is a wish to captivate audiences with stories that inspire, and bring hope and joy. With plans in the pipeline to launch other media platforms, audiences can look forward to experiencing an immersive journey into the HEAVENS ® Universe. For more information about HEAVENS: The Boy and His Robot and Heavens Entertainment, please visit: Heavens Entertainment
