Latest news with #HowtoHaveSex
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A24 Teaming With ‘How To Have Sex's Molly Manning Walker On Women's Soccer Series For Channel 4
EXCLUSIVE: Molly Manning Walker, whose debut feature How to Have Sex won the Cannes Un Certain Regard, is teaming with A24 and Channel 4 on her debut TV series. Major Players is about two girls on the brink of adulthood and their mission to start a women's soccer team. The series is described as a 'love letter to football and a funny and wild exploration of young people in London today, tackling topics from friendship to gender politics.' More from Deadline Breaking Baz: 'Bring Her Back' Star Billy Barratt Says He Performed Best In The Horror Pic After Being Locked Alone In A Room Without His Phone 'Crystal Lake' TV Series Casts William Catlett The Ongoing Allure Of A British Literary Star In 'Jane Austen Wrecked My Life' - Specialty Box Office The show is inspired by Manning Walker's high school experience. She is also the co-founder of Babe City FC, a London-based Sunday league soccer team for women and non-binary people in the film industry, which has more than 180 members. Manning Walker is exec producing, directing and co-writing Major Players with Yasmin Joseph, who wrote on Disney+'s A Thousand Blows and A24-Apple's upcoming Husbands starring Juno Temple. Joseph is also working with A24 on an unannounced Netflix project. Manning Walker's stock has soared since How to Have Sex, which starred Mia McKenna-Bruce as one of three teen best friends who encounter new friendships, sexual pressures and self-discovery during a holiday. The Film4 movie won the Cannes Un Certain Regard 2023 and earned two BAFTA nominations. Major Players is her first TV series. She is also working on an under-wraps irreverent comedy movie with Plan B. Manning Walker said: 'I can't wait to bring Major Players to life with this amazing team. It is a coming of age story, filled with first love, grief and bicycle kicks set in your local cage. I'm excited to shine a light on women's football which I'm a huge fan and supporter of.' Channel 4 drama and Film4 boss Ollie Madden, who worked with Manning Walker on How to Have Sex, described her as 'one of the most exciting new filmmaking voices to emerge from the UK in years.' 'It's a thrill to be continuing our journey with her on Major Players, alongside Yasmin Joseph and our friends at A24. With its mix of wit, heart and fearless energy, it's exactly the kind of fresh storytelling we champion across Film4 and Channel 4 Drama,' he said. Madden has been making a splash since taking over TV drama at Channel 4. He has commissioned the likes of Gillian Anderson-starrer Trespasses, an adaptation of buzzy novel The Rachel Incident and a remake of Channel 4's most-watched drama of all time, A Woman of Substance. He will be delighted with Channel 4's burgeoning relationship with the UK hub of American indie behemoth A24, which is run by ex-BBC execs Piers Wenger and Rose Garnett. A24 and Channel 4 are also working on a comedy together, Leo Reich's It Gets Worse. A24, meanwhile, has entered the TV soccer biz in a big way of late. Alongside Major Players, it is working on a Liverpool FC series with Adolescence co-creator Jack Thorne. Major Players was commissioned by Madden, Gwawr Lloyd, Commissioning Editor, Channel 4 Drama and Farhana Bhula, Deputy Director and Head of Creative, Film4. The series will be made by A24 and the producer is Matthew Mulot (Baby Reindeer). Manning Walker will direct and executive of Deadline Everything We Know About 'Stranger Things' Season 5 So Far 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘How to Have Sex' Director Molly Manning Walker Heads Up Cannes Un Certain Regard Jury
How to Have Sex director Molly Manning Walker will head up this year's jury for Cannes' Un Certain Regard sidebar. The British filmmaker, whose debut feature won the section's top prize in 2023, will be joined on the jury by French-Swiss director Louise Courvoisier, whose Holy Cow won Un Certain Regard's Youth Award last year, Italian filmmaker Roberto Minervini, the 2024 ex-aequno best director winner for The Damned, Argentinian actor Nahuel Pérez Biscayart (120 BPM), and International Film Festival Rotterdam director Vanja Kaludjercic. More from The Hollywood Reporter Cannes: Sally Hawkins, Matthew Broderick, Martin Freeman Join Simon Bird's 'I'm Not Here' Dwayne Johnson Takes a Prestige Swing in First 'The Smashing Machine' Trailer 'Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert - The 20th Anniversary Tour' to Take Flight (Exclusive) 'It's such an honour to return to Cannes as the President of the Un Certain Regard Jury,' Walker said in a statement. 'This selection will forever hold a special place in my heart. Being a part of it really changed my world. I can't wait to discover the films at the epicentre of new cinema. Right now more than ever I feel that cinema is so key to bringing us together and allowing us to feel, to connect with each other. To escape, wonder and learn about each other. I'm excited to go on this journey with the other Jury members as I know it will be one hell of an adventure escaping into these filmmakers' worlds.' The five-member jury will be tasked with awarding prizes for Cannes' main sidebar, which highlights emerging voices and formally adventurous work. Guan Hu's Black Dog won the Un Certain Regard prize for best film last year. This year's program includes 20 titles, and is packed with directorial debuts, including Scarlett Johansson's Eleanor the Great, starring June Squibb; Harrison Dickinson's Urchin, the first time behind the camera for the Babygirl and Triangle of Sadness star; and Akinola Davies' My Father's Shadow, starring Slow Horses actor Sope Dìrísù. The 2025 Un Certain Regard sections will open on Wednesday, May 14, with Promised Sky from Tunisian director Erige Sehiri. The 78th Festival de Cannes will runs from May 13 to May 24. Best of The Hollywood Reporter "A Nutless Monkey Could Do Your Job": From Abusive to Angst-Ridden, 16 Memorable Studio Exec Portrayals in Film and TV The 10 Best Baseball Movies of All Time, Ranked 20 Times the Oscars Got It Wrong
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bella Ramsey, Harris Dickinson, Nicola Coughlan, Paapa Essiedu & Molly Manning Walker Among 400+ Signatories Of Open Letter To UK Film & TV Industry On Trans Rights
EXCLUSIVE: The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey, Babygirl's Harris Dickinson, Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, The Outrun's Paapa Essiedu and How to Have Sex filmmaker Molly Manning Walker are among more than 400 industry professionals who have signed an open letter calling for industry action on trans rights following the UK Supreme Court ruling on April 17 that defines a woman based on biological sex. The letter, which was started by development producer Sid Strickland of Motive Pictures and script editor Jack Casey, expresses solidarity for the trans, non-binary and intersex communities impacted by the supreme court ruling. The ruling and subsequent Equalities & Human Rights Commission guidance will see trans people excluded from many single-sex facilities, which will have an impact across the industry from sets to cinemas. More from Deadline Paul Mescal, Letitia Wright, Monica Barbaro And Nicola Coughlan To Make Star Debuts At London's National Theatre Cannes: Molly Manning Walker To Preside Over Un Certain Regard Jury With Louise Courvoisier, Vanja Kaludjercic, Roberto Minervini & Nahuel Pérez Biscayart 'The Last Of Us': Differences Between HBO Series & Video Game Across Seasons 1 And 2 The letter calls on industry bodies and cultural institutions such as Bectu, BAFTA, BFI, Directors UK, Picturehouse, BBC, Writers Guild and Channel 4 to commit to protecting trans people within the industry and their respective organisations. 'We the undersigned film and television professionals stand in solidarity with the trans, non-binary and intersex communities who have been impacted by the Supreme Court ruling on April 17,' the letter said. 'We wish to add our voices to the 2000+ signatories of the Open Letter from UK Writers to the Trans Community published last week and call upon members of our industry and cultural bodies to join us. 'The Supreme Court's ruling that, under the Equality Act, 'woman' is defined by biological sex, states that 'the concept of sex is binary, a person is either a woman or a man'. We believe the ruling undermines the lived reality and threatens the safety of trans, non-binary and intersex people living in the UK.' It added: 'Film and television are powerful tools for empathy and education, and we believe passionately in the ability of the screen to change hearts and minds. This is our opportunity to be on the right side of history.' The letter has acquired more than 400 signatures in 24 hours and has also been signed by talents such as writer Jack Rooke (Big Boys), actor Faye Marsay (Adolescence) and writer-director Kate Herron (The Last of Us). Execs from companies such as New Pictures, Sister Pictures, Motive Pictures, Balloon Entertainment, World Productions, Federation Stories, Red Planet Pictures and Objective Fiction have also signed the letter, which can be found here. The UK Supreme Court ruled unanimously earlier this month that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law. The guidance now says in places like restaurants, shops and hospitals 'trans women (biological men) should not be permitted to use the women's facilities.' The ruling continues to divide those who are pro-trans rights and who are in opposition of them. J.K. Rowling, a longtime critic of transgender rights, celebrated the ruling on social media. Best of Deadline 'Ginny & Georgia' Season 3: Everything We Know So Far Everything We Know About The 'Reminders of Him' Movie So Far 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vuelta's Playtime to Merge Film Constellation and Global Screen to Form Global Constellation
Vuelta Group's international sales division, Playtime, has completed the full acquisition of sales house Film Constellation from Fabien Westerhoff, and integrated its operations with Global Screen, the German-based international sales outfit under Playtime. Together, these entities will form Global Constellation. Global Constellation will be part of the Playtime Group, which includes sales companies Playtime, Film Boutique, and Be for Films. More from Variety 'How to Have Sex' Director Molly Manning Walker to Preside Over Cannes' Un Certain Regard Jury 'Frozen' Animator Lino DiSalvo's Next Film 'Twisted' Starts Production and Enlists French Partners; Sola Media to Show First Footage at Cannes (EXCLUSIVE) Epsilon Boards Animated Feature 'Dreamers - The Hunt for Shadowclaw' (EXCLUSIVE) Westerhoff takes an executive role as managing director of the theatrical film division bringing together the strengths of both companies with a strategic market focus on animation, family entertainment, and genre cinema. Ulrike Schroder will be managing director of the TV division, heading the hub for international TV distribution within Vuelta. Global Constellation will collaborate closely with Vuelta Germany, Vuelta's German film distribution arm, born from the merger of Squareone and Telepool. This positions Global Constellation as the 'go-to partner for German and international filmmakers seeking pan-European collaborations and international reach,' said Vuelta. The first joint projects will be unveiled at next month's Cannes Film Market. Global Constellation's film slate includes: 'Olmo' by Fernando Eimbcke and 'Welcome Home Baby' by Andreas Prochaska, which premiered in the Panorama section at the 2025 Berlinale; animated features 'The Last Dinosaur' by Ben Smith, 'The Last Whale Singer' by Reza Memari, 'The Growcodile' by Joost Van den Bosch and Erik Verkerk, and 'Carmen' by Sebastien Laudenbach; historical epic 'The Captive' by Alejandro Amenábar; and survival horror thriller 'Fear Is the Rider' by John Michael McDonagh; 'Call Me Queen,' the first foray into English-language by German-French director Emily Atef; and 'Paradise' by Academy Award nominated Jeremy Comte. On the TV side, Global Constellation has a strong current lineup comprising among others: True crime miniseries 'Murder on the Inca Trail,' produced by Westside Filmproduktion/Constantin Television, directed by Nina Wolfrum; and the second season of hit TV show 'Recipes for Love and Murder,' a light crime series, directed by Jozua Malherbe and Karen Jeynes and produced by Thierry Cassuto in partnership with AMC Networks' Acorn TV, Multichoice and Both Worlds Pictures. New projects will be unveiled at the upcoming Cannes Film Market and before NATPE for TV. François Yon, Vuelta's CEO, said: 'When shaping the ambition of Vuelta, it appeared to us that a sales company, focused on a strong market segment and a dedicated TV sales arm was needed. Merging the expertise of the Film Constellation team with the footprint of German anchored Global Screen made a lot of sense.' Westerhoff added: 'It is an exciting time to join Vuelta, tapping into the strength of the group's multi-territory distribution and production capacities. I am delighted to bring Constellation's strong filmmaker ties to curate a bold slate, bridging visionary storytelling with global market appeal. Global Constellation offers end-to-end expertise from early packaging to international sales, working closely with leading producers, emerging talent, and major distribution partners across all territories.' Schroder said: 'Global Constellation will continue its proven tradition as an integrated house of cinema and TV world sales in the new set-up and, with the support of an assertive corporate network of local production, distribution and sales that makes up Vuelta, representing even stronger content and achieve even greater reach and weight.' Chairman of Vuelta Media, Jerome Levy, commented: 'Global Constellation is an integral part of Vuelta's broader strategy – to create an ambitious, collaborative, and integrated European film studio, bringing together development, production, distribution, and international sales under one roof. I am excited about this talented and creative group of people we have brought together.' Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in May 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in May 2025
The Independent
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Hay Festival 2025: ‘Carnival of ideas' returns with new events programme
Hay Festival has unveiled its full programme for 2025 filled to the brim with everything arts and culture, reflecting the 'high stakes of our times'. The 38th spring edition of the annual cultural event will take place in Hay-on-Wyre, the idyllic and picturesque 'Town of Books'. Spread over 11 days, festival-goers will be treated to an overflowing itinerary of over 600 events between 22 May and 1 June 2025. The star-studded lineup includes Mary Trump, Michael Sheen, Jameela Jamil, and more. The Independent will partner with the Festival once again to host a series of morning panels titled The News Review, welcoming guests including historian Kehinde Andrews, philosopher AC Grayling and broadcaster Anushka Asthana. The publication's journalists will explore current affairs with leading figures from politics, science, the arts and comedy every morning. Branding it 'the carnival of ideas', Hay Festival president Stephen Fry stressed the importance of the celebration in the current climate. 'Besides the fun and joy of gathering to share stories, it is also the antidote to disinformation and division,' he said. As well as its usual literary offerings, the Festival will launch its first cinema section with the MUBI cinema hosting screenings of Bergman Island; How to Have Sex; Fallen Leaves; Queer; First Cow; Alcarràs; Dahomey; Decision to Leave; Aftersun; Priscilla; Perfect Days; Petite Maman; and The Worst Person in the World. They will be followed by discussion and analysis by screenwriters including Hot Milk' s Rebecca Lenkiewicz, The Power 's Sarah Quintrell, and His Dark Materials producer Jane Tranter. Conclave novelist Robert Harris will also discuss the Oscar-nominated adaptation of his work. Special guests at Hay this year include Good Omens star Michael Sheen, The Good Place actor Jameela Jamil, artist Grayson Perry, comedian Miranda Hart, musician and author Paloma Faith, ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly, actor Sara Pascoe, and activist Katie Piper. They will be joined by British screenwriter and producer Jesse Armstrong, one of the minds behind Succession, Peep Show and Four Lions. 'Hay Festival is a gathering of the world's greatest storytellers,' CEO Julie Finch told The Independent. 'This year we're pleased to be showcasing talent from the worlds of stage and screen like never before, facing into the power of film, TV and social media to connect us.' Activist Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the late Russian dissident Alexei Navalny will sit with Alastair Campbell to discuss her late husband. Mary Trump, the niece of US president Donald Trump will also join the lineup. The event will be headlined by acclaimed writers including Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah, Turkish-British novelist Elif Shafak, playwright Hanif Kureishi, bestselling author Robert Harris, and beloved children's favourite Jacqueline Wilson. Other literary highlights will include exclusive conversations celebrating the soon-to-be-announced winners of the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize, International Booker Prize and the inaugural Climate Fiction Prize. Organisers of the Women's Prize for Fiction and for Non-Fiction will offer insights from behind the scenes. Conversations will take place with familiar faces including Susie Dent who will discuss the crime and thriller works of TV personalities Jeremy Vine as well as Rob Rinder. Fan favourites and international bestselling authors Jojo Moyes and Matt Haig will also be present. With a special focus on themes such as natural wonders, wild adventures, and climate change, a special programme of events focused on nature have been curated to celebrate the works of travel and nature writers. Robert Macfarlane author of Is a River Alive? and farmer James Rebanks, author of The Shepherd's Life are among the authors featured in this vein. Science, tech and artificial intelligence (AI) will also be discussed as panellists tackle the biggest issues of our time. Kamran Abbasi, editor of the British Medical Journal, and Richard and Daniel Susskind will unpack the challenges and opportunities posed by AI. Meanwhile, comedian Ruby Wax, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Stacey Dooley, and others will share inspiring life stories emphasising real world issues such as motherhood, being Muslim, and growing older. 'The Past Reimagined' will feature a look at history with Scottish historian and author of The Golden Road, William Dalrymple, present to explore how colonialism has impacted the world. There will also be a strand to focus on global issues with South to North Conversations, supported by the Open Society Foundation, to explore issues facing the Global South. Inaugural lectures celebrating journalists George Alagiah and John Caldon will also be launched at the summer event. The 'Debut Discoveries' segment will see established authors Joanne Harris, Laura Bates, Shon Faye, and Fry in conversation with new writing talent including Booker Prize shortlisted Yael van der Wouden and new novelist Nussaibah Younis. In addition to lectures and discussions, music, comedy, and innovative performances will be offered at the event for an immersive experience, as well as live poetry sessions and spoken word. Sessions will be held to engage young creatives, with family events, activities for children and young people, and a free schools programme that will be offered on 22-23 May. After a successful inaugural opening, Sports Day will also return with Fry umpiring the event's annual cricket match. BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 2 will broadcast live from the event with podcasts for the TLS and Sentimental Garbage recorded on site. 'Over the past 12 months, we've seen the speed at which our world can change and the high stakes for our times,' said Finch. 'Here's a Hay Festival programme to tackle our shared challenges head-on with purpose and hope, celebrating new ideas and the power of storytelling to improve our lives.' She added: 'Woven throughout you'll find our core themes for 2025 – the impacts of AI, health and wellbeing, new political orders and intergenerational exchanges – plus, as we celebrate 20 years since our first overseas event, we open more global exchange through new platforms. This is a festival for everyone. Join us in a world of different ideas.'
