Latest news with #HubertBalsFund
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Catalonia at Cannes: The Rise of a Cinematic Powerhouse
For the first time in history, two films from Catalan producers, Carla Simón's 'Romería' and Oliver Laxe's 'Sirat,' have secured coveted spots in the main competition at Cannes. This milestone signals the fruition of years of strategic investment, education and international collaboration that has transformed Catalonia into an emerging force of European auteur cinema. More from Variety Spcine Links With Hubert Bals Fund, South Africa's NFVF on Co-Development Initiatives 'Shōgun' Star Cosmo Jarvis to Lead 'Young Stalin' Biopic From 'Zone of Interest' Producer Access Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE) Al Pacino Joins Bobby Moresco-Directed Biopic 'Maserati: The Brothers' 'It's wonderful that things like this are happening, but it's not by chance,' says Oriol Maymó, the Catalan producer of 'Sirat' at Corte y Confección. 'This is the result of an industry that's been working with passion for many years, from institutions like ICEC [Catalan Institute for the Cultural Companies] to audiovisual training centers like ESCAC and Pompeu Fabra. Year after year, these schools produce highly skilled technicians and artists.' Indeed, education and institutional support form the backbone of Catalonia's cinematic surge. Executive producer Sandra Tapia points out, 'First, you need talent. Then, you need opportunities for training. Here, both public universities and film schools have been trusted for years to develop that talent.' The Catalan government, via ICEC, has played a pivotal role by not only financing productions but also promoting Catalan cinema internationally through Catalan Films. However, it's not just creative nurturing that's paying off. Catalonia's embrace of international co-productions has opened doors to broader markets. Both 'Romería' and 'Sirat' are backed by significant European co-producers, making them highly attractive prospects for global audiences. 'Romería' producer Maria Zamora highlights the long-term vision behind this shift, explaining, 'This is the confirmation of a new generation of directors and producers who have spent years working on the international reach of our projects from the very beginning, co-producing with other countries.' Zamora also emphasizes the cultural policies supporting young talent development: 'Talent isn't born on its own. It's encouraged through very specific cultural policies aimed at supporting young talent and auteur cinema.' Commercially, the effects are already visible. Maymó notes, 'I think Catalan films are becoming more marketable. Distributors and sales agents are paying closer attention because more projects are being made for wider audiences without losing their unique perspectives.' The creative evolution is palpable in the films themselves. 'Sirat,' co-written by Santiago Fillol and directed by Laxe, takes a gritty journey through Morocco's rave culture, while 'Romería' blends deeply personal memory with a universal search for identity. Though rooted in specific cultures, both films manage to resonate internationally. 'Very strong and deep-rooted cultures like Catalan, Galician or Basque create highly particular and genuine local stories that, because of their truthfulness, become universal,' Zamora explains. Sandra Tapia, an executive producer at Oscar-nominated Barcelona-based 'Robot Dreams' production company Arcadia Motion Pictures, adds another crucial dimension: the role of public broadcasters. TV3, Catalonia's regional television partner, has been instrumental in maintaining production momentum even as streaming platforms scale back commissions. 'Having strong public TV is crucial,' Tapia asserts. 'It ensures that when the market contracts, filmmakers still have vital support.' Of course, the success at Cannes also reflects the growing sophistication of Catalan producers in navigating international markets. 'Younger producers like us are much more comfortable traveling to markets, pitching internationally and co-producing across countries,' Tapia says. However, she points out a lingering challenge: Spain still lacks the robust international distribution support that countries like France provide. 'Public support often only kicks in once you've already succeeded at a major festival,' Tapia laments. Yet the momentum is undeniable. Zamora describes it as a movement that has been building strength for years: 'I remember when I started going to co-production forums 15 years ago, there were just two or three Spanish producers. Now, there are scores of young producers with projects everywhere.' Catalonia's cosmopolitan nature has also made it uniquely adept at building cross-border partnerships. 'Catalonia has been very open to supporting important and emerging auteurs,' Zamora notes. 'It's about more than just local projects – it's about packaging important productions that can resonate internationally.' The selection of 'Romería' and 'Sirat' at Cannes isn't an outlier. It is a manifestation of a rich, deliberate evolution within Catalan cinema, one that values artistic ambition and commercial strategy equally. As Maymó puts it, 'If we keep believing in our industry, investing in broad-audience projects without losing our personal voice, Catalonia's presence at major festivals will not just continue, it will grow.' 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
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Catalan Animation Set for Landmark 2025
In 2023, Catalan animation reached a historic milestone when 'Robot Dreams' scored an Oscar nomination. Far from a singular achievement, that nomination signalled a broader shift already underway. Catalonia's animation industry is experiencing a dynamic evolution, fuelled by bold storytelling, international collaborations and a deepening commitment to cultural authenticity. As 2025 unfolds, a wave of ambitious new titles is poised to cement Catalonia's place on the global animation stage. First is 'The Light of Aisha,' a CG-animated adventure set in 11th-century Al-Andalus, which recently debuted in Spain. Directed by rising talent Shadi Adib, 'Aisha' highlights Spain's Arab heritage, blending rich historical detail with an adventurous spirit. 'This is a special project for us,' says Iván Díaz, head of international at Barcelona-based sales company Filmax. More from Variety Catalonia at Cannes: The Rise of a Cinematic Powerhouse Spcine Links With Hubert Bals Fund, South Africa's NFVF on Co-Development Initiatives 'Shōgun' Star Cosmo Jarvis to Lead 'Young Stalin' Biopic From 'Zone of Interest' Producer Access Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE) Díaz emphasized that Filmax's renewed investment in animationreflects both market opportunities and a commitment to stories with 'something unique or distinctive, critical factors when competing against major studios. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated 'Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake' is gearing up for its main competition debut at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the world's most prestigious animation event. Directed by Irene Iborra, the stop-motion film – the first-ever stop-motion feature produced in Catalonia – portrays a young girl coping with family homelessness through imagination and resilience. According to Iborra, the choice of stop-motion helps create a 'safe distance' for young audiences to engage with heavy themes while maintaining a sense of wonder and hope. Adding to the lineup, 'The Treasure of Barracuda' is set for theatrical release later this year. Based on Llanos Campos' beloved novel, the film follows a young girl, Sparks, who joins a pirate crew in search of hidden treasure. 'Barracuda' has already begun securing international deals. And set to launch during the 2025 holiday season, 'Hanna's Forgotten Christmas' is a CG-animated adventure directed by Elena Ruiz. This festive tale sees Hanna and her monster friends on a mission to save Christmas after a mischievous gargoyle erases the holiday from everyone's memories. The momentum behind Catalan animation isn't accidental. Sandra Tapia, executive producer at 'Robot Dreams' backer Arcadia Motion Pictures in Barcelona, attributes the sector's rise to a robust ecosystem built over decades. While talent is the most important factor in building an industry, she argues that nurturing and educating talented individuals is essential. Producers in Catalonia have tremendous pride in the work being done at educational facilities in the region. The Pompeu Fabra and ESCAC have been churned out loads of talent above and below the line and, crucially, the local government has stepped up with of regional grants from ICEC, the promotional efforts of Catalan Films, and the continued support of local broadcaster TV3. Still, challenges remain. Tapia points out that Spain's system still lags France in terms of international distribution support, a crucial factor in why French animated films often outperform their Spanish counterparts globally. 'We need help getting to the Oscars, not just celebrating afterward,' Tapia says. Diaz also stresses caution. While international appetite for animated films is growing, overproduction could flood the market. 'There's a limit,' he warns. 'You have to find your own voice in animation because competing head-to-head with the big studios is almost impossible without it.' Nevertheless, the foundation for long-term success is stronger than ever. With films like 'The Light of Aisha,' 'Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake,' 'The Treasure of Barracuda' and 'Hanna's Forgotten Christmas' poised to make waves, 2025 promises to be a landmark year for Catalan animation. 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
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Catalonia Serves Up Its Best at Cannes
Catalonia will cast a large shadow over this year's Cannes. Here's a look at its titles in the festival and accompanying Marché du Film. CANNES FESTIVAL More from Variety Catalonia at Cannes: The Rise of a Cinematic Powerhouse Spcine Links With Hubert Bals Fund, South Africa's NFVF on Co-Development Initiatives 'Shōgun' Star Cosmo Jarvis to Lead 'Young Stalin' Biopic From 'Zone of Interest' Producer Access Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE) 'Magellan,' Lav Díaz (Spain, Portugal, Philippines) Screening in Cannes Premiere, Gael Garcia Bernal-starrer 'Magalhães' is a historical epic about the life and voyages of the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. The film is a collaboration among multiple production companies, including the Catalan-based Andergraun Films, and showcases Lav Díaz's distinct, slow-cinema style in tackling historical material. Sales: Luxbox 'Romería,' Carla Simón (Spain) Part of Berlin Golden Bear-winner Simón's autobiographical trilogy, 'Romería' follows Marina, a young woman adopted at a young age, who travels to Vigo to meet her biological father's family for the first time. The film continues the deeply personal storytelling tradition that won Simón international acclaim with 'Alcarràs' and 'Summer 1993.' Sales: MK2 'Sirat,' Oliver Laxe (Spain, Portugal, France) After his Cannes Un Certain Regard win with 'Fire Will Come,' Oliver Laxe returns with 'Sirat,' a project shrouded in mystery but produced by major industry players like Pedro Almodóvar's El Deseo and Movistar Plus. In Cannes' main competition, the film promises Laxe's signature contemplative style and visually immersive landscapes. Sales: The Match Factory 'Sleepless City,' Guillermo Galoe (Spain, France) Debuting in Critics' Week, Guillermo Galoe's first feature, 'Sleepless City,' from Sintagma, Buenapinta Media, Encanta and BTeam Prods in Spain. The film explores the plight of a Romani family in one of Europe's largest illegal slums on the outskirts of Madrid. Sales: Best Friends Forever 'The Sorceress Echo,' Marc Camardons (Spain) Selected for La Cinéf, 'The Sorceress Echo' is a short film produced by ESCAC, one of Catalonia's most prominent film schools. A tale with supernatural roots from a first-time filmmaker, the title's selection marks it as another promising work from an emerging Catalan filmmaker. '+10k,' Gala Hernández (Spain, France) '+10k,' a short film playing Directors' Fortnight, is a new work by Gala Hernández. Produced by 15-L Films and Don Quichotte Films, it follows a 21-year-old who lives with his mother but is seduced by ultra-modern get-rich-quick schemes. MARCHÉ DU FILM 'Face of Grace,' Anna Martí Domingo and Laura Santos Martí (Spain) Included in the Focus COPRO' selection within Cinéma de Demain, 'Face of Grace' is produced by Allegra Pictures and Nocturna Pictures. The project exemplifies emerging Catalan talent at Cannes, offering a glimpse into new narrative voices committed to fresh cinematic language. 'The Flight of the Stork,' Soumaya Hidalgo Djahdou, Berta Vicente Salas (Spain) Another documentary participating in Cannes Docs, 'The Flight of the Stork' is produced by Migranta Films. It examines a mother-daughter relationship as a young woman of Algerian descent prepares for a trip to her homeland for Ramadan. Sales: Angencia Freak 'We Were a Great Family,' Chiara Marañón, Juan Soto Taborda, Cristina Rosselló (Spain) This documentary feature is part of Cannes Docs' Spanish Showcase for documentaries in progress. Produced by LaCima Producciones and Sandelion Productions, the film revisits Spanish history under dictator Francisco Franco through intimate family videos recorded between 1942 and 1999. Sales: Begin Again Films 'Who Knows?' Carlo Padial (Spain) Presented within the Frontières Proof of Concept section at the Marché du Film, 'Who Knows?' is a genre-driven project co-written with film critic and screenwriter Desirée de Fez. Produced by Catalunya Federation Studios and Federation Spain, this concept teases a bridge between European and North American markets for genre cinema. '1999,' David Casademunt (Spain) Selected for Fantastic 7, David Casademunt's '1999' is a high-concept fantasy project, with production led by Coming Soon Films and Anonymous Content Spain. Known for his genre expertise, Casademunt's new project further solidifies the Catalan presence – the region hosts the prestigious Sitges Film Festival for genre works – in the growing market for elevated genre storytelling. SHORT FILM CORNER 'Made of Sugar,' Clàudia Cedó (Spain) Part of Shortcat 2025 at the Short Film Corner, 'Made of Sugar' is produced by Lastor Media ('Alcarràs') and Suica Films. The short showcases Cedó's talents and reflects the diverse range of contemporary Catalan storytelling styles. 'The Prince,' Àlex Sardà (Spain, Canada) Also in Shortcat 2025, 'The Prince' by Àlex Sardà is a co-production between 15-L Films and Canadian partners, broadening the international network for Catalan short filmmakers. 'Skin Despair,' Mireia Vilapuig (Spain) From Nanouk Films ('This Is Not Sweden'), 'Skin Despair' joins the Shortcat 2025 lineup, addressing deeply emotional and potentially provocative themes through its title and artistic ambitions. 'Our Room,' Jaume Claret (Spain) Produced by budding director Claret ('Strange River') and Dvein Films, Elías Querejeta Zine Eskola, and Miramemira, 'Our Room' promises a collaborative and interdisciplinary storytelling effort under Shortcat 2025. 'Mater Benefacta,' Marc Riba and Anna Solanas (Spain) From I+G Stop Motion, 'Mater Benefacta' highlights the longstanding strength of Catalan stop-motion animation, brought into focus at this year's Shortcat showcase. 'Where There is No Light,' Julia Garcia (Spain) Produced by Corte A Films, 'Where There is No Light' rounds out the Shortcat 2025 selection, continuing the tradition of innovative, auteur-driven short films representing Catalonia on the global stage. 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
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cate Blanchett-Spearheaded Displacement Film Fund Unveils First Recipients With Selection Committee Including Cynthia Erivo & Agnieszka Holland
Cate Blanchett and the International Film Festival Rotterdam's Hubert Bals Fund have announced the five recipients of the Displacement Film Fund, a new short film grant scheme first unveiled during the 2025 edition of the festival earlier this year. Spearheaded by actor and producer Blanchett, who is also a Global Goodwill Ambassador for UN refugee agency UNHCR, together with IFFR's Hubert Bals Fund, the initiative aims to champion and fund the work of displaced filmmakers, or filmmakers with a proven track record in creating authentic storytelling about the experiences of displaced people. More from Deadline David O. Russell To Direct Robert De Niro & Jenna Ortega In Pool Hustler Movie 'Shutout' For RK Films & Black Bear - Cannes Market Hot Project 'Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping' Set To Be Biggest Project On Sale At Cannes With A Budget North Of $150M - The Dish Ethan Coen's Cannes Midnight Title 'Honey Don't!' Lands Late Summer Release In this pilot version of the Fund – which is backed by a coalition of leading film industry experts, creators, business leaders and philanthropists – each of the nominated filmmakers will be bestowed with a production grant of €100,000. The completed projects will have their World Premieres at IFFR 2026. The five recipient filmmakers and their projects are Silk Road by Maryna Er Gorbach (Ukraine), Whispers of a Burning Scent by Mo Harawe (Somalia, Austria), Allies in Exile by Hasan Kattan (Syria), an untitled project by Mohamad Rasoulof (Iran), and Female Fitness of Kabul by Shahrbanoo Sadat (Afghanistan). 'Displacement may disrupt careers, but for artists it doesn't diminish the drive to tell urgent, human stories. In a time of growing division, film offers a powerful counterforce to remind us of our shared humanity. I can't wait to see what these exceptional filmmakers bring to life – whether addressing displacement directly, or exploring the universal threads that unite us,' said Blanchett. Er Gorbach, who won the directing award in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival for her film Klondike. Silk Road is billed as Ukraine–Europe road movie about a young Ukrainian woman whose family has been torn apart by war: while her children live in Europe, she and her husband remain in Kyiv, working in a children's hospital as the war goes on. Harawe was in Cannes last year with The Village Next to Paradise, which was selected for the Un Certain Regard section. Whispers of a Burning Scentis set against on the day of a pivotal court hearing, as a quiet man faces the unraveling of his marriage and the judgment of his stepchildren, while searching for solace in what once gave his life meaning. Kattan is bestknown as theco-director of Last Men in Aleppo, which was shortlisted for the Academy Awards and secured the prestigious Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. His short, Allies in Exile, revolves around two Syrian filmmakers, bound by a 14-year friendship forged in war, who document their shared exile in the UK asylum system – until one is granted refuge and the other returns to a changed Syria, reflecting the impossible choices refugees face today. Rasoulof hit the headlines ahead of the Cannes Film Festival last year after he was fled Iran for Germany, after being sentenced by the Islamic Republic to flogging ad eight years in prison, following the selection of his film The Seed of the Sacred Fig in the main competition at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. His untitled short is set in the wake of the death of an exiled writer as his family tries to fulfill his wish to be buried according to his will, which leads to unexpected complications. Sadat, who fled her home city of Kabul in 2021 after the Taliban took control, first broke through her debut film Wolf and Sheep won the top award in the 2016 Directors' Fortnight section at Cannes. Female Fitness of Kabul is set inside a crumbling Kabul gym, which opens to women for only a few hours each day, Afghan housewives in scarves and long dresses reclaim not just their bodies, but also their spirits, their bonds, and their sense of self. Blanchett will join Er Gorbach and Harawe, and Rajendra Roy, Chief Curator of Film at the The Museum of Modern Art (NY), in a panel event at the Cannes Film Festival, hosted by IFFR Managing Director to Clare Stewart to address the evolution and purpose of the fund, the recipient filmmakers and their projects, and wider industry actions in support of displaced filmmakers. Rajendra Roy is also Co-Chair of the International Film Award Executive Committee, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences which recently announced that Academy Award® eligibility for the Best International Feature Film Award has been expanded to include filmmakers with refugee or asylum status. 'The Displacement Film Fund responds to the urgency of a growing global crisis, and is underpinned by a belief that film continues to be a force for positive change,' said Clare Stewart, and Tamara Tatishvili, Head of the Hubert Bals Fund. 'The HBF is committed to supporting funding that creates an impact, and the Displacement Film Fund aligns perfectly with the HBF's mission and legacy. We are honoured to be entrusted with the management of this fund, and to work with these exceptional filmmakers to support the realisation of their projects.' Commenting on the Cannes Film Festival's hosting of the panel event, Delegate General Thierry Frémaux said: 'The Cannes Film Festival is proud and honoured to host the Displacement Film Fund panel, giving voice to artists whose journeys have been marked by exile and displacement. By embracing their perspectives, the Festival reaffirms — more than ever — its role as a refuge: a home for those who see cinema as a free and universal act, one that transmits, resists, and bears witness to the world around us.' For the Displacement Film Fund's selection process, a longlist of filmmakers was determined by the Nominations Committee, which included founding members Cate Blanchett, Isaac Kwaku Fokuo, Echo Quan, Ke Huy Quan, Ayman Tamer, and Koji Yanai, together with Droom en Daad's Wim Pijbes, IFFR's Clare Stewart and HBF's Tamara Tatishvili. The Selection Committee, who then determined the final recipients, was chaired by Cate Blanchett and included journalist and documentarian Waad Al Kateab (We Dare to Dream, For Sama), actor, producer and musician Cynthia Erivo (Wicked, Drift), director and screenwriter Agnieszka Holland (Green Border), IFFR Festival Director Vanja Kaludjercic, educator, activist and refugee Aisha Khurram, filmmaker Jonas Poher Rasmussen (Flee), and Amin Nawabi [alias], an LGBTQ+ asylum seeker who is Jonas' inspiration for the story of Flee. The Founding Partners of the Displacement Film Fund's pilot scheme are Master Mind, Uniqlo, Droom en Daad, the Tamer Family Foundation and Amahoro Coalition whose generous contributions enabled the scheme. The HBF is the Management Partner and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is supporting the project as Strategic Partner. Best of Deadline Book-To-Movie Adaptations Coming Out In 2025 TV Show Book Adaptations Arriving In 2025 So Far Everything We Know About 'Emily In Paris' Season 5 So Far
