Latest news with #Filmmakers
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Film Commission Unveils Third Film Criticism Conference
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, July 27, 2025 / / -- The Film Commission announced the launch of the third annual Film Criticism Conference and its accompanying events, held under the theme 'Cinema: the Art of Place.' This year's conference will take place in three cultural hubs: Aseer in August, followed by Qatif in October, and concluding in Riyadh in November. The conference reflects the commission's commitment to building a critical landscape that transcends traditional event concepts, establishing an interactive knowledge framework that brings together critics, researchers, filmmakers, and emerging Saudi talents. The comprehensive program includes informative sessions, practical workshops, and specialized art exhibitions. This year's edition will open avenues for dialogue about the reciprocal relationship between cinema and place, viewing it as a means of identity establishment, narrative representation, and visual contemplation, enriching each other historically. It will explore the embodiment of place in cinema as both a symbol and a mirror of reality, or a window into imagination, thereby inviting diverse critical and philosophical approaches. The conference continues to strengthen its unique position, serving as a platform that celebrates the cinematic criticism movement in the region. Last year's edition attracted over 10,000 visitors from more than 30 countries, with participation from over 35 local and international entities, alongside prominent critics, directors, and film researchers. Ibraheem Habtar Benchmark email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Arab News
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
3 Saudi cities to host film criticism forum
RIYADH: The Film Commission has announced the launch of the third annual Film Criticism Conference and its related events, under the theme 'Cinema: the Art of Place.' This year's conference will be held at three cultural enters: Asir in August, Qatif in October, and Riyadh in November, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The event reflects the commission's commitment to creating a critical landscape beyond traditional events, establishing an interactive knowledge platform for critics, researchers, filmmakers, and emerging Saudi talents. The program includes informative sessions, practical workshops, and specialized art exhibitions, the SPA added. This edition opens dialogue on the relationship between cinema and place, viewing it as a means of identity, narrative, and visual reflection that enriches both historically. It will explore place in cinema as a symbol, a mirror of reality, or a window into imagination, inviting diverse critical and philosophical perspectives. The conference continues to strengthen its role as a platform celebrating cinematic criticism in the region, according to the SPA. Last year's event attracted more than 10,000 visitors from more than 30 countries, with participation from more than 35 local and international entities, along with prominent critics, directors, and researchers.
Geek Tyrant
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
James Gunn and Zack Snyder Clash Over SUPERMAN in RICK AND MORTY - 'Do More Shots of Him Punching' — GeekTyrant
The latest Rick and Morty episode, 'Ricker Than Fiction,' throws Superman filmmakers James Gunn and Zack Snyder into animated chaos and lets them roast each other in the process. They actually voiced themselves in the episode and the creative jabs were just as pointed as you'd hope. In the episode, Rick and Morty march into Warner Bros. to air their frustrations over Maximum Velocitree, their favorite movie franchise. Cue some well-timed corporate satire and a cafeteria run-in with Gunn and Snyder—animated versions. That's where the quote from Snyder drops, which lighting up social media: 'Just saw your new cut of Superman, and word of advice, he's the 'Man of Steel,' not the 'Man of Conversation.' Do more shots of him punching!' That's Snyder poking fun at Gunn's take on Superman with a not-so-subtle nod to his own action-heavy style. He even gives Gunn an impromptu explainer on slow motion. Both filmmakers recorded their lines together, that viral behind the scenes photo was taken after they recorded their lines, and according to Rick and Morty executive producer Scott Marder, they were all-in from the start. He told Variety: 'They were good sports. Both of those guys sort of implied that this is the show they watch when they have downtime. So they were thrilled to get to be a part of the world, and there was no pushback or bristling.' If anything, Gunn and Snyder were ready to lean into the absurdity. 'There were probably, frankly, even more digs and more silly things we could have used. All they did was laugh it off.' The idea to include them came naturally once the writers knew they'd be skewering Hollywood. 'We were like, if we're going to do a movie and we're going skewer Hollywood, we feel like we have to include our bosses. So we started thinking about Warner Bros. Who'd be a good face to be kind of the villain here? James Gunn just seemed like such a good choice.' Gunn, even in the middle of Superman production, jumped at the opportunity. 'He not only did he respond instantly with a yes, but I think he ran it up the chain at Warner Bros. that same day,' Marder said. 'We had people on our production side who were like, 'How is it that James Gunn and Zaslav and all these people already know about this episode?' We didn't think it would actually move this quickly.' Snyder brought that same energy. Marder added: 'I direct all the voices, so I directed both those guys. Snyder left, and he came back like a fan, saying, 'I'll do anything for the show. Throw me a tag. Throw me a thing.'' The result is a short but fun scene where two of the biggest minds behind Superman get hilariously self-aware in the most Rick and Morty way possible. Watch the clip below!
The Herald
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
African creatives gear up for crucial conversation about the future of storytelling
The future of African storytelling is stepping into the digital age and artificial intelligence (AI) is taking centre stage. Set to take place on August 8 at the Protea Hotel in Midrand, the AI in Film: Empowering African Filmmakers conference will gather some of the continent's most influential voices in tech and the arts to explore how AI is shaping the future of African cinema. Speakers include actor and producer Tumisho Masha, AI consultant Johan Steyn and media personalities Penny Lebyane and Masechaba Mposwa, who will facilitate discussions with actors' unions, tech experts, broadcasters and industry stakeholders. Under the theme 'AI's Role in African Storytelling's Future', the one-day conference will unpack how AI is changing the way stories are scripted, visualised and distributed while raising critical questions about ownership, authenticity and cultural preservation. 'This is a long overdue conversation for African creatives. Our industry shouldn't sit on the sidelines while global AI trends reshape the creative economy. We must lead with agency and ethical innovation that reflects our cultural voice,' said co-founder Mfundo Ntsibande. The event, hosted by digital consultancy Sci-Thagorus, will feature live demos, panel talks and networking masterclasses. Key topics will cover AI's role in scriptwriting and production, ethical boundaries in human-AI collaboration and the thorny issue of copyright in AI-generated content. Founder and CEO Lwazi Sithole said the conference aims to empower creatives with the tools and frameworks to integrate AI responsibly. 'It's about enabling innovation while safeguarding cultural integrity.'
National Post
20-06-2025
- Politics
- National Post
Doug Ford on Netflix documentary about brother: 'Poor Rob's been dead for 9 years.... Leave the guy alone'
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has commented on a Netflix documentary about his late brother and former mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford. Article content 'They're disgusting people,' he said, referring to the filmmakers, at a news conference on Tuesday. 'Poor Rob's been dead for nine years and they just want to keep going after him. I talked to one person that saw it. It's just disgusting. Leave the guy alone. Let him rest in peace. Let his family rest in peace.' Article content Article content The premier said that he would not be watching the documentary, entitled Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem. It was released on the streaming service in Canada on June 17. The 49-minute film covers Rob's rise to prominence as a politician, from city councillor to mayor, in Canada's largest city. Article content Article content As his former staffer Tom Beyer described it in the film, there were often two reactions when people saw him driving Rob's campaign bus on the streets while he was running for mayor. 'People would be waving and cheering, and others would be giving me the finger,' said Beyer. 'There was no middle ground.' Article content Rob was elected mayor in 2010. In the first year of his mayoralty, he was 'able to get his agenda passed,' city councillor Josh Matlow said in the documentary. 'He was ticking off, piece by piece, his plan to make the city work and end the waste,' said Mark Towhey, Rob's former chief of staff. Article content However, Rob was also known for making off the cuff remarks to the media and in city hall's council chambers. He was accused of inappropriate behaviour while intoxicated, including showing up at a gala while drunk, confronting a couple at a Maple Leafs game, and drinking in his City Hall office on St. Patrick's Day in 2012. Photos and videos allegedly showing him inebriated surfaced many times during his mayoralty, according to media reports at the time, which prompted him to either deny wrongdoings, or in some cases, apologize. Article content Article content The situation became more dire in 2013 when reports circulated that there was a video of Rob smoking crack cocaine out of a glass pipe. He denied the drug use at first, but later, in November of that year, admitted to it.
