Latest news with #RohanKanawade
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New Jax Film Studios in Ryadh Unveiled at Cannes by Saudi Film Commission
The Saudi Film Commission has unveiled a new a state-of-the-art production complex in the capital city of Riyadh that will complete construction later this year. The sprawling facility, which is called Jax Film Studios and located in the heart of Riyadh, will feature two 16,000-square-foot sound stages as well as a virtual production stage equipped with Sony's latest LED screen technology. More from Variety Sundance-Winning 'Cactus Pears' Director Rohan Kanawade Signs With Cinetic Media (EXCLUSIVE) Les Studios de Paris, Where 'Jackie' and 'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon' Filmed, Positions Itself as One Stop Shop for International Productions Polish Talents Continue to Rise as Industry Eyes Overhaul to Incentive Scheme: 'We Need a System Equal to the Needs of Poland' The new Saudi studios also include a private screening room, reception and meeting spaces, production prep areas, dining zones, and a dedicated VIP lounge. Jax Film Studios, which were unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival, will 'offer immediate access to the capital's five-star hotels, international airport, high-end dining, and a growing ecosystem of creative and technical talent,' according to a statement. 'Within a 20-minute radius, filmmakers can access everything required to support their work, from local crews to post-production services,' it added. 'Jax Film Studios represents a cornerstone in our strategy to develop a world-class film infrastructure in Saudi Arabia,' said Abdullah Al-Qahtani, CEO of the Saudi Film Commission, in the statement. 'As we become one of the region's premier production hubs, this facility is built to meet the highest international standards – empowering local creatives while attracting global talent,' he noted. Commented Abduljalil Alnasser, general manager of sector development and investment attraction at the Saudi Film Commission: 'With Jax Film Studios, we are introducing one of the world's most advanced and largest virtual production stages, powered by Sony's latest innovations, unlocking limitless creative possibilities.' The new Saudi studios announcement follows news earlier this month that Saudi Arabia's Film AlUla – the film commission for the swathe of northwest Saudi Arabia that comprises a lush oasis and vast sandstone canyons – signed a deal with The MBS Group, which comprises Manhattan Beach Studios – home to James Cameron's 'Avatar' sequels – that will exclusively manage and operate their state-of-the-art AlUla Studios. Neom, which is the site of Saudi's futuristic city in the making, also has spanking new film production facilities. Saudi Arabia offers a 40%-plus cash rebate on international film and TV productions. Ever since it lifted its 35-year-old religion-related ban on cinema in 2017, Saudi has been experiencing a boom in all aspects of film industry activity, becoming the Middle East and North Africa's top-grossing territory in terms of theatrical box office returns. Attracting international film and TV productions is clearly a key part of this government-driven effort. 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
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Female Film Club Launches Global Short-Film Fund at Cannes (EXCLUSIVE)
Female Film Club, the burgeoning global network for women and non-binary filmmakers, is unveiling a €10,000 ($11,260) Global Short-Film Fund during the Cannes Film Festival on Monday. The initiative represents a dedicated international fund designed specifically to support emerging directors regardless of geographical location. More from Variety New Jax Film Studios in Ryadh Unveiled at Cannes by Saudi Film Commission Sundance-Winning 'Cactus Pears' Director Rohan Kanawade Signs With Cinetic Media (EXCLUSIVE) Les Studios de Paris, Where 'Jackie' and 'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon' Filmed, Positions Itself as One Stop Shop for International Productions The fund, which will begin accepting submissions on June 16, emerges from strategic partnerships with a developer of artificial intelligence tools for filmmakers, and SMASH Media, an IP-matchmaking platform connecting creators with producers and financiers. According to the organization, the fund will provide a single grant of €10,000 to produce a short film. Eligibility extends to filmmakers who identify as women or non-binary from any country, provided their projects are in development or pre-production phases. Applications will undergo scrutiny from an international panel of female industry leaders, a process designed to ensure diverse perspectives and balanced regional representation. Winners will be announced during the BFI London Film Festival in October, with successful applicants invited to a London networking event featuring mentors and potential production partners. 'We've built a community of over 55 nationalities and thousands of members,' said Liza van der Smissen and Nicole Lieberman, who co-founded the organization. 'We know that access to funding is uneven – some regions have multiple grant opportunities, while others have none. This fund levels the playing field.' 'We're committed to supporting the very best regardless of geography. Whether you're in Nairobi, New Delhi, or São Paulo, this fund is for you,' the co-founders added. Since its 2020 inception, Female Film Club has established itself as more than just a funding source. The organization operates as an online members club offering weekly programming focused on mindset development, skill-building and networking. Their curriculum includes Neuro-Linguistic Programming-backed confidence training, goal-setting workshops, and strategic industry navigation, supplemented by masterclasses featuring award-winning female filmmakers. The organization reports that members have consistently secured project financing, agent representation, and festival premieres after joining their community of over 3,000 filmmakers across more than 55 nationalities. one of the fund's partners, specializes in AI-driven tools that streamline pre-production, editing, and VFX workflows. SMASH Media, the other key supporter, operates as an AI-assisted platform connecting Film & TV creators with producers, commissioners, and financiers worldwide. 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
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Sabar Bonda' continues strong festival run, wins audience award at IFFLA
Following its history-making win at the Sundance film festival earlier this year, Rohan Kanawade's Marathi-language queer drama Sabar Bonda has added another feather to its cap. The film, about a young man returning to his roots in rural Maharashtra, recently won the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) 2025. The film also received an Honorary Mention for Acting from the IFFLA jury for the performances of Bhushaan Manoj and Suraaj Suman. Sabar Bonda follows city-dweller Anand, played by Manoj, as he embarks on a 10-day mourning ritual in his ancestral village after his father's death. Speaking about the win at IFFLA, the producers in a joint statement said, 'From the beginning, we knew Sabar Bonda was a quiet recognition is not just for our team, but for the entire ecosystem of independent cinema.' They added: 'We're proud to see it embraced at such an iconic platform like IFFLA. An audience recognition like this one reaffirms something we've always held true: there is an audience for every story.' Back in February, Sabar Bonda became the first Indian fiction film to win in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the Sundance Film Festival. The film secured a theatrical release in North America via Strand Releasing.
