Latest news with #MagnoliaPictures
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix fans have just days left to see 'must watch' documentary that changed everything
Centred around the captivity of Tilikum, an orca that was blamed for the deaths of three humans, Blackfish speaks to the consequences of keeping these wild creatures in captivity and features footage from some of the actual attacks. 'You won't forget Cowperthwaite's documentary, and you shouldn't,' says one critic of the 2013 documentary film, Blackfish. Having premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, 2013, Blackfish was picked up by CNN Films and Magnolia Pictures for a wider release. So impactful was Gabriela Cowperthwaite's Blackfish, it was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Documentary. Slated to leave Netflix on 1 June, viewers only have a few days left to catch this cinematically gut-wrenching offering. Centred around the captivity of Tilikum, an orca that was blamed for the deaths of three humans, Blackfish speaks to the consequences of keeping these beautiful, wild creatures in captivity. Featuring footage from some of the actual attacks, the documentary also includes coverage from 1983 — the year Tilikum was captured off the coast of Iceland. Lending an insight into the orca's purported harassment by fellow captive orcas at Sealand, Blackfish sees Cowperthwaite arguing about the contribution of these incidents to Tilikum's fatal aggression. The documentary film also features footage of Tilikum's attacks on trainers and other orcas in captivity, as well as interviews from witnesses and SeaWorld trainers. Cowperthwaite began working on the film following the death of Tilikum's trainer, Dawn Brancheau, in February 2010. The incident sparked speculation that the orca had targeted Brancheau because she wore her hair in a ponytail. Cowperthwaite contended that this was mere conjecture and believed that "there had to be more to this story." The vice president for zoological operations at SeaWorld San Diego - Michael Scarpuzzi, said Blackfish had misused Brancheau's death and its gruesome details not to 'inform the public, but, rather regrettably, because of the desire to sensationalize." He said in a statement: "We have altered how we care for, display and train these extraordinary animals. We have changed the facilities, equipment and procedures at our killer whale habitats. The care and educational presentation of these animals at SeaWorld has been made safer than ever. Does Blackfish inform its viewers of that fact? No, it does not." Critic and audience reviews for the documentary were filled with praise, as people connected to the heartbreaking subject matter of Blackfish. One critic said: 'That Blackfish led SeaWorld to phase out both orca breeding and performances speaks to how we should view the film's legacy over ten years later.' Another one called it: 'An illuminating documentary not only about the cruel conditions that killer whales endure at theme parks such as SeaWorld, but the biology and psychology of the mysterious and majestic sea wolf.' While one review said: 'There are few movies that can change the way you see the world in 83 minutes. If Blackfish is seen by enough people, it has the power to affect attendance at SeaWorld,' another said: '[It] remains decidedly one-sided. But when that "side" is such a vital, convincing proponent for the greater protection and understanding of such evolved and majestic creatures, it can't help but win.' Audiences were blown away by Cowperthwaite's film, as one detailed review said: 'While walking through the St. Louis Zoo recently, my mind kept coming back to this wonderful documentary about the controversial captivity of killer whales used in theme parks, particularly Sea World. And looking into the eyes of the animals we passed, I found my heart breaking just a little. This film has forever altered my feelings about animal confinement for human enjoyment, and that's the mark of a powerful movie. 'The story of an orca named Tilikum, who ended up killing three people, including a whale trainer, is one I will never forget. And the interviews with witnesses and experts are not only informative but often heartrending. I'm an animal lover, not necessarily an animal LOVER, but this documentary gave me a new appreciation and even respect for the creatures around us and how humans often exploit them.' Another viewer said: 'I tear up every time I watch this, so gut-wrenching but so good. It makes me angry about the world and how humans exploit animals, but it also makes me happy to see the people who truly care. This is a MUST SEE!!' One audience review of the documentary bluntly said: 'Really, really, really f*cking disturbing and disgusting. So many moments where it was borderline too hard to watch, but it had to be seen so we could get the intended message and effect.'
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nicolas Cage's ‘The Carpenter's Son' Lands at Magnolia
Magnolia Pictures has picked up the U.S. rights to the Nicolas Cage-led movie, The Carpenter's Son, ahead of the Cannes Film Festival. The horror pic, now in post-production, is directed by Lotfy Nathan and tells the childhood story of Jesus Christ, with Cage playing The Carpenter, Noah Jupe plays the Son and his Honey Boy co-star FKA Twigs is the Mother. More from The Hollywood Reporter Cannes: Aaron Eckhart to Star in Angel Studios' 'The Old Man in the Dunes' (Exclusive) Cannes Late Additions Include Eugene Jarecki's Julian Assange Doc 'The Six Billion Dollar Man' 'Little Amélie,' World Premiering at Cannes, Lets Us See the World Through a Young Girl's Eyes (Trailer With English Subtitles) The Carpenter's Son has a theatrical release planned for later this year. Inspired by the Gospel of Thomas, the film, also written by Nathan, centers on a family hiding out in Roman Egypt. Known only as 'the Boy', the son is driven to doubt by another mysterious child and rebels against his guardian, the Carpenter. As the Boy exercises his own power, he and his family become the target of natural and divine horrors. Goodfellas, Anonymous Content and WME Independent are handling sales of The Carpenter's Son in Cannes. 'With The Carpenter's Son, Lotfy Nathan has delivered a genre-bending spectacle that defies expectations at every turn,' Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley said in a joint statement on Friday. The Carpenter's Son has Julie Viez sharing the producer credits with Alex Hughes, Riccardo Maddalosso and Cage on behalf of Saturn Films. David Levine and Nick Shumaker executive produce along with Noémie Devide, Jennifer Venditti, Nathan, Theo Vieljeux and Eugene Kotlyarenko. The distribution deal was negotiated by Magnolia's senior vp of acquisitions John Von Thaden, with AC Independent, a division of AC Studios, WME Independent, Goodfellas and Feig Finkel LLP acting for the filmmakers. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now "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
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Magnolia Takes Nicolas Cage, FKA Twigs & Noah Jupe Young Jesus Christ Pic ‘The Carpenter's Son'
EXCLUSIVE: We understand that Magnolia Pictures has acquired U.S. rights to The Carpenter's Son, a rarely told story about Jesus' childhood starring Nicolas Cage as The Carpenter, FKA Twigs as Mother and Noah Jupe as the Boy. The Lotfy Nathan (Harka) directed movie is currently in post-production, with a theatrical release planned for later this year. Inspired by the apocryphal Infancy Gospel of Thomas, The Carpenter's Son tells the dark story of a family hiding out in Roman Egypt. Known only as 'the Boy', the son is driven to doubt by another mysterious child and rebels against his guardian, the Carpenter, revealing inherent powers and a fate beyond his comprehension. As he exercises his own power, the Boy and his family become the target of horrors both natural and divine. More from Deadline Raven Banner Launching Sales On Madeline Zima & Leonardo Nam Horror Pic 'Love Is The Monster' - Cannes Vincent Maël Cardona Talks Lottery Ticket Thriller 'No One Will Know' + First Clip - Cannes Midnight Screenings Scarlett Johansson And Miles Teller To Star Opposite Adam Driver In James Gray's Next Film 'Paper Tiger'; Filming To Begin Next Month & Sales To Continue At Cannes Market 'With The Carpenter's Son, Lotfy Nathan has delivered a genre-bending spectacle that defies expectations at every turn,' said Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley. Nathan also wrote the movie. Julie Viez produced for Cinenovo, with Alex Hughes and Riccardo Maddalosso at Spacemaker, and Cage on behalf of Saturn Films. David Levine and Nick Shumaker executive produced on behalf of Anonymous Content alongside Noëmie Devide for Goodfellas, Jennifer Venditti, Nathan and Theo Vieljeux. Eugene Kotlyarenko executive produced on behalf of Spacemaker. The deal was negotiated by Magnolia's SVP of Acquisitions John Von Thaden, with AC Independent, a division of AC Studios, WME Independent, Goodfellas, and Feig Finkel LLP on behalf of the filmmakers. Goodfellas has secured sales in other territories, including France (Le Pacte), Benelux (18K Films), UK, Eire (Altitude), Portugal (Cinemundo), Bulgaria (Beta Film), Former Yugoslavia, Adriatics (MCF), Hungary (Vertigo Media), Romania (Independenta), Poland (Kino Swiat), Turkey (Sugarworkz), Latin America (Imagem), Indonesia (Prima Cinema), Mongolia (Film Bridge). Best of Deadline All The Songs In Netflix's 'Forever': From Tyler The Creator To SZA 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern Docu ‘Prime Minister' Acquired By Magnolia, HBO Docu Films & CNN Films After Prize-Winning Sundance Bow
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways EXCLUSIVE: The documentary about former New Zealand leader Jacinda Ardern that electrified in its Sundance Film Festival debut has found a home. Magnolia Pictures, HBO Documentary Films and CNN Films have joined forces to release Prime Minister in theaters on June 13, with special preview screenings featuring a live Q&A with Rt. Honorable Dame Jacinda Ardern on June 8. Windows on HBO and CNN will follow, and the film will be streamed on Max. More from Deadline The film made its global premiere at January's Sundance, where it won the Audience Award in the World Cinema Documentary Competition category. The docu provides a view inside the life of former New Zealand PM, capturing her through five tumultuous years in power as she redefined leadership on the world stage. When Ardern took the top spot at age 37 to run New Zealand, she quickly discovered she and her mate Clark Gayford were pregnant with their first child. She was only the second female nation leader to give birth while on the job, and the initial press narrative — can a new mother govern while breast feeding — became frivolity when real crises arose that tested the mettle of an emerging leader. Ardern found herself championing a successful ban of semi-automatic weapons after a devastating massacre rocked the country; she oversaw the decriminalizing of abortion; and she faced tough choices when Covid shut down the world. She leaned into the saving of lives more than the re-starting of the economy. Ardern then walked away and is now a climate rights activist who wrote her first major book, A Different Kind of Power, and who among other things is a Senior Fellow in the Women and Public Policy Program at Harvard. Ardern got a raucous reaction at her Sundance debut after the premiere of the film showed it is possible for the leader of a nation to be strong, without losing empathy. 'We're thrilled at the opportunity to partner with our friends at HBO Documentary Films and CNN Films to bring audiences another bold work from the amazing team at Madison Wells,' said Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley. Madison Wells founder/CEO and the film's producer Gigi Pritzker said: 'The combination of Magnolia, HBO and CNN is a best-in-class team to bring 'Prime Minister' to eager audiences across the U.S. and Canada. We are truly excited to be working together and for the journey ahead. We are so grateful to Jacinda, co-directors Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz, as well as the entire filmmaking team for making such a compelling, entertaining movie about modern leadership that we are certain will resonate now and well into the future.' 'I hope people can see in this story that I was human and that actually traits of kindness and empathy are also successful traits in leadership and politics, and that hopefully more people will emulate them,' said Ardern in an interview she gave to Deadline during Sundance. International distribution plans for the film, including New Zealand, will be announced shortly. Prime Minister is directed by Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz. Producers are Pritzker and Rachel Shane for Madison Wells, Cass Avery and Leon Kirkbeck for Dark Doris, Katie Peck for Prodigy and Gayford, who also serves as cinematographer. Executive producers are Chris Matson and Michael Cleaver for Divergent Pictures. CAA Media Finance brokered the deal. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Magnolia Pictures Acquires Sundance Documentary ‘Folktales' About Arctic Norwegian Teens & Their Sled Dogs
EXCLUSIVE: Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to Academy Award-nominated filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady's Folktales. A July 25 theatrical release is planned. The acquisition puts the filmmaking duo behind the Oscar-nominated Jesus Camp back in business with Magnolia. More from Deadline Magnolia Takes Global Rights To Sundance-Winning Thriller 'Plainclothes' Magnolia Pictures Acquires Sci-Fi Thriller 'The Assessment' Starring Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Olsen & Himesh Patel Magnolia Pictures Acquires Action-Thriller '40 Acres' Starring Danielle Deadwyler The new documentary, which had its world premiere in January at the Sundance Film Festival, follows teenagers who converge at a traditional folk high school in Arctic Norway during a gap year where they must rely on only themselves, one another and a loyal pack of sled dogs as they all grow in unexpected directions. In Norse mythology, the three 'Norns' are powerful deities who weave the threads of fate and shape humans' futures. Today, Pasvik Folk High School in northern Norway aims to produce a similar life-changing effect on its students. Guided by patient teachers and a yard full of heroic Alaskan huskies, the teens discover their own potential and develop deep relationships with the land, animals and humans around them. 'Twenty years after the seminal Jesus Camp, we're ecstatic to welcome Heidi & Rachel back home, at the height of their powers, with this visually thrilling exploration of the transformative bond between humans, dogs, and nature,' said Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley. 'Every single frame of Folktales was designed with the big screen in mind. It's a movie best experienced with others, so having the rare opportunity to show it to the public the way it was truly intended to be seen is an absolute thrill for both of us,' said Ewing and Grady. 'Folktales is a film about growing up, a love letter to that sacred in-between time where the wild can teach us what it means to be human. We hope audiences feel the magic we discovered while shooting in this wondrously remote corner of the world.' Folktales is co-produced by Kari Anne Moe and Gudmundur Gunnarsson. Executive producers are Lisa Schejola Akin, Jeffrey Akin, Maiken Baird, Michael Bloom, Christine Connor, Ian Darling, Ryan Heller, Kelsey Koenig, Mary Lisio, Jenny Raskin, Regina K. Scully and Ian Stratford. The doc is a Loki Films, Impact Partners, Topic Studios and Fifth Season production. The deal was negotiated by Magnolia Pictures SVP Acquisitions John Von Thaden, with WME and Hayden Goldblat at FKKS on behalf of the filmmakers. Best of Deadline 'Ginny & Georgia' Season 3: Everything We Know So Far Everything We Know About The 'Reminders of Him' Movie So Far Everything We Know About 'The Phoenician Scheme' So Far
