Latest news with #Playtime
Time Out
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
7 best highlights of Asia Pacific's first Disney's Stitch-themed outdoor festival in Singapore
Immersive, larger-than-life installations Playtime just got supersized with colourful, colossal sets that bring Stitch's adventures to life. Fancy surfing without saltwater in your nose? Climb aboard the Great 'Ohana Wave, a swoopy, loopy slide that lets kids catch imaginary curls like Lilo's sister Nani on her board. Then there's the Forest of Belonging, an inflatable playscape where young explorers can wander through interactive zones celebrating family, friendship, and the odd hijinks or two. Dial up the fun with Space Adventure, a mini mission where kids channel their inner space ranger, charging up with glowing light beams to save the galaxy – or at least complete the course. Over at Stitch's Mischief Makers, little hands can scoop, squeeze and shape kinetic sand, turning it into sandy masterpieces. Amp up the fun by picking up a free activity trail booklet at the event counter and collecting stamps at each station. Complete the trail to redeem an exclusive Stitch-themed postcard and sticker sheet set. Just a heads-up: while the festival runs until 9pm, the installations close at 7pm, so don't leave your adventure too late. Space and island-themed carnival games Over at the Stitch-themed carnival, the fun continues with games designed to keep active kids busy and adults very tempted to join in. Charges for carnival games and rides apply. Meet and greet sessions Fans will have the exciting opportunity to meet a special friend from Disney's Lilo & Stitch at the Supertree Grove Lawn. Come in your brightest tropical flair on June 7 and 8, snap a photo, score a hug, and create wonderful memories with your friends and family. Admission is free, but you'll have to be quick as there are only limited meet-and-greet passes per session – there are four sessions a day at 3.45pm, 4.45pm, 5.45pm, and 6.45pm. The queue for the passes opens 15 minutes before each session on a first-come, first-served basis. Terms and Conditions apply. Special edition of the Garden Rhapsody Stay a little longer after the sun sets and witness the Supertrees come to life in Garden Rhapsody – The Way to 'Ohana. This special edition of the nightly light and sound show is inspired by music from Lilo & Stitch. You'll hear familiar tunes like 'Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride' and other nostalgic earworms as lights ripple and shimmer across the Supertree Grove. There are two showtimes at 7.45pm and 8.45pm daily. Either way, it's the perfect, starry-eyed way to wrap up your visit. Retail pop-up with exclusive merchandise Some people come for the fun. Others, for the limited edition merch. And the retail pop-up along the North Colonnade won't disappoint. It's Stitch-core galore, with a curated collection of exclusive Gardens-themed goodies, including those featuring Stitch against a backdrop of Supertrees. Music and dance performances As the sun dips below the Supertrees, the energy kicks up a notch with The Great Island Series, a dazzling live show by Cake Theatre! that fuses music, movement, and plenty of tropical fun. Expect a bit of drama, a bit of whimsy, and a whole lot of crowd-pleasing moves set to the medley of catchy tunes and swaying island rhythms. The performances run from 5pm to 7pm on selected days, and are free. Just kick back and soak up some theatre under the skies. Creative workshops featuring plants Let your curious side take over with creative family-friendly workshops, where art meets eco-awareness in the most adorable, crafty way imaginable. From crafting floral keychains in Circle of Blooms and assembling a lei (flower garland) in Petals & Paradise to designing glowing, space-themed Cosmos Lanterns and smooshing up gooey DIY slime in Goo-ey Fun!, these sessions are both educational and endlessly entertaining. Your kids might even learn about canoe plants in the charming Plants on the Move! workshop that blends botany with play. Workshops are held at the Cannonball Room, and activity fees apply.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Playtime Launches Canneseries Winner Rafael Cobos' Debut Feature, ‘Golpes' (EXCLUSIVE)
Paris-based Playtime is launching worldwide sales on action thriller 'Golpes,' the directorial feature debut of Spanish screenwriter Rafael Cobos, whose first outing as a helmer, 'The Left-handed Son,' won best short form series at 2022's Canneseries. 'Golpes' stars four-time Goya winner Luis Tosar ('Cell 211'). More from Variety Kirill Serebrennikov Sets Cast for French-Language Feature 'Après,' With Ludivine Sagnier, Louis Garrel, Vincent Macaigne (EXCLUSIVE) Kim Novak Documentary Biopic 'Kim Novak's Vertigo' Acquired by Dogwoof (EXCLUSIVE) 'Robin and the Hoods,' Starring Naomie Harris and Gwendoline Christie, Sells to U.S., Multiple Other Territories, Ahead of Cannes Market (EXCLUSIVE) It's set in 1982, as Spain gallops towards a bright democratic future thanks to a Pact of Forgetting, decriminalizing human rights violations under Francisco Franco's dictatorship. 'Golpes' turns on Migueli (Jesus Carroza), a hardened ex-con who reunites his old crew for a series of bold heists — not for riches or revenge, but to reclaim the land where his father lies in an unmarked grave, soon to be erased by developers. With his brother, Sabino (Tosar) — a police officer — closing in and each job spiraling further into violence, Migueli must gamble everything to preserve a piece of history before it's lost forevever. Migueli is played by Jesús Carroza, a standout in the Cobos scripted 'Prison 77' and 'Survival' episode of series 'Apagón.' Cobos has said that 'Golpes' is 'a subtle fable that attempts to depict a country in the midst of transition – a contradictory, disorientated country unable to settle the score with its past. It's a thriller about blood ties and memory.' 'Playtime likes to have a diversified lineup and this new addition to our slate gives us the opportunity to bring to the market a high quality thriller. We know that buyers in Cannes are not only looking for festival films but also for highly marketable audience pleasers like 'Golpes,'' said Playtime co-CEO Nicolas Brigaud-Robert. Vaca Films ('Cell 211') produces with Grupo Tranquilo and Playtime Production. A career-long co-scribe on the movies and series of Alberto Rodríguez, Cobos won Spanish Academy screenplay Goyas for 'Marshland' and 'Smoke & Mirrors.' 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
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Playtime to Launch Sales on Safy Nebbou's ‘Nobody's Son' at Cannes, With Sony Pictures on Board for North America, Latin America and France (EXCLUSIVE)
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 Playtime ('Goodnight Mommy') is producing and repping international sales on Safy Nebbou's 'Nobody's Son,' a heart-wrenching adoption drama starring Romain Duris ('The Animal Kingdom'), at the Cannes film market. Co-produced by Mandarin & Compagnie, the project has been boarded by Sony Pictures International Productions which will handle the release in the U.S., Canada, South America and France. Playtime is handling sales in the rest of the world. More from Variety The film, penned by Nebbou, revolves around Thomas and his wife, Mathilda, who finally adopted four-year-old Mapring from Thailand. 'But just as their new life begins, Mathilde dies in a tragic accident, leaving Thomas alone with a child he barely knows and never truly wanted. Lost and grieving, he decides to return to Thailand in search of Mapring's roots and biological mother—and perhaps, in the process, heal both their fractured hearts,' reads the synopsis. Nicolas Brigaud-Robert, François Yon at Playtime Production, and Eric Altmayer and Nicolas Altmayer at Mandarin & Compagnie are producing the film. 'Nobody's Son' marks Nebbou's follow up to 'Who You Think I Am,' a romance thriller starring with Juliette Binoche and François Civil, which played at the Berlinale and sold to over 45 territories worldwide. Nebbou's other well-known credits include 'Mark of an Angel,' a box office hit which won accolades in festivals around the world and sold in more than 30 countries. His 2016 film 'In the Forests of Siberia,' starring Raphaël Personnaz and adapted from Sylvain Tesson's book, was heralded in France as one of the best book-to-screen films in decades. ''Nobody's Son' is a story that for us strongly resonates is today's world,' said Brigaud-Robert, Co-CEO of Playtime. 'Thomas' questioning of his role as a father and how he should accept or not his new life and responsibilities feel extremely contemporary. I have to say that Safy Nebbou takes us brilliantly on this emotional journey about fatherhood,' Brigaud-Robert continued. He also noted that Sony Pictures International Productions will give the film the 'full exposure it deserves in France and around the world.' Shebnem Askin, the EVP of creative production and head of Sony Pictures International Productions, said 'Nicolas Brigaud-Robert and Nicolas Altmayer and their teams at Playtime and Mandarin are top-notch and we are thrilled for the opportunity to collaborate with them and the talented Safy Nebbou.' The key crew for 'Nobody's Son' includes cinematographer Gilles Porte ('Who You Think I Am'), editor Sylvie Lager ('Love Life'), sound designer Martin Boissau ('In His Own Image') and music by Ibrahim Maalouf ('Who You Think I Am'). The film was already bought by France 3, Canal +, Paramount + and TaProd. Playtime, which is part of Vuelta Group, will present Tarik Saleh's 'Eagles of the Republic' in competition, and Thierry Klifa's 'The Richest Woman in the World' out of competition at the 2025 Festival de Cannes. Mandarin & Compagnie, meanwhile, will be at Cannes with Palme d'Or winner Julia Ducounau's 'Alpha' playing in competition. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
IOL News
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Ashwin Singh's 'Playtime': the anti-fairytale that stole the Best Short Film crown
Raquel Pillay as Samantha in a scene from Ashwin Singh's award-winning short film, "Playtime". Image: Supplied. Renowned South African playwright, novelist and film-maker Ashwin Singh has once again affirmed his status as a leading voice in contemporary cinema. He recently clinched the Best Short Film award at the prestigious Reels Film Festival, which was held in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, India, for his latest project, "Playtime". "Playtime" is a contemporary anti-fairy tale set against the backdrop of a deteriorating South African village, offering viewers a glimpse into the life of a courageous young girl named Samantha. The short film navigates themes of resilience and healing in an increasingly cynical and brutal world, focusing on Samantha's quest to secure both physical and emotional relief for her terminally ill brother, Rahul. With a star-studded cast that includes Raquel Pillay, Lisakhanya Zwane, Bryan Hiles, Derosha Moodley, Cara Roberts, Sandile Mthembu, Callum Trevor Peters, Cardelle Peters and Singh himself, the film unfolds in an atmosphere fraught with tension as Samantha embarks on a perilous journey to find Harry, a mysterious healer who may be able to save her brother. 'I feel elated! 'Playtime' was a difficult film to make, with its dark atmosphere and challenging locations (including a forest), but it was all worth it," Singh shared. "To be recognised for this effort with an international award at a festival featuring filmmakers from over sixty countries is deeply gratifying.' Award-winning playwright, novelist and film-maker Ashwin Singh. Image: Supplied. The narrative reveals the stark realities of child trafficking and the often-overlooked role that familial and economic pressures play in driving such heinous crimes. Singh is keenly aware of the urgency of highlighting these issues, stating, 'Child trafficking is a monstrous crime. It also requires a more detailed educational drive from the authorities in collaboration with civil society and schools. "Research indicates that trafficking, wherever it happens in the world, often involves the active co-operation of the victim's family with the trafficking organisation. This is horrifying and requires further study. "It is often tied to the economic circumstances of the family; many of the victims' families live in abject poverty," he shared. The gripping storyline depicts young Samantha facing formidable obstacles, including the threats posed by child traffickers and the looming fear of a witch that resides in the forest. 'She has to escape the shop boys, evade the witch and hope that Harry (the healer) will come to Rahul's aid,' Singh explained. 'But they're not just physical threats, they also represent the harsh realities that many children face today.' Singh intended to spark a crucial conversation about the vulnerabilities children encounter, complicating the role of parents in contemporary society. He poses challenging questions regarding the preparedness of adults to take on nurturing roles and the emotional intelligence required to guide young people through life's complexities. Singh wanted to make a film in a sensitive and substantial way to highlight these issues and to reveal the "courage of our youth as they are often forced to summon incredible inner strength to protect themselves from ruthless adults". Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Cara Roberts in a scene from "Playtime", a short film by Ashwin Singh. Image: Supplied. Singh said he creatively integrated suspense and visual symbolism into the film to engage audiences effectively. "Of course, a film is also obligated to provide entertainment value. In a film about trafficking, there can be no light entertainment, but I used suspense and visual symbolism in the forest to capture the viewers' attention," he said. "I avoid being didactic. I want the viewer to work during the film. These are serious issues, and there are no easy answers. So, depending on the viewers' specific perspectives and frames of reference, there may be differing conclusions as to the message of the film." He said he intended to highlight that our biggest dangers are often closest to home and that we have to re-evaluate the role of parents in contemporary society. "Are they truly playing the protective and nurturing role that they should be playing? Are these adults mature enough to have kids? Do they have any appreciation of the complexities of life as a modern teenager?" Working with child actors posed its own set of challenges, but Singh found it to be deeply rewarding. "My co-director, Quintin Lee White, and I were blessed to collaborate with committed and disciplined child actors. Our co-producer, clinical psychologist Shantal Singh, ensured that they always felt safe and appreciated. "Of course, having a child-minder on set is a legal requirement and we took this very seriously. "We were dealing with complex and disturbing issues, so we had to ensure that we communicated with sensitivity and compassion. "We also allowed the child actors' parents to be on set whenever they wanted so that everyone was always comfortable and lightened the mood whenever we could with some good, clean humour." Sandile Mthembu in a scene from the short film, "Playtime". Image: Supplied.
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
