Latest news with #Spcine
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
São Paulo's Film Cash Rebate Delivers Early Wins, Sets Stage for 2025 Edition
Brazil's Spcine, the city of São Paulo's film-TV body, is delivering tangible results with its cash rebate program as it prepares for its third edition later this year. Four projects have advanced under the second rebate, including dark medical thriller 'Suture,' created by Fabio Montanari and produced by Boutique Filmes for Amazon Prime Video, which secured R$3 million ($527,000). The series follows Ícaro (Humberto Morais), a debt-ridden doctor and Dr. Mancini (Cláudia Abreu), a top surgeon battling trauma-induced tremors, as they lead a double life performing illegal procedures. More from Variety Brazil's Trailblazing Film-TV Org Spcine Turns 10 'Left-Handed Girl' Review: Sean Baker Collaborator Shih-Ching Tsou's Solo Debut Pulses Like Taipei After Dark Young Italian Filmmakers Come to the Fore at Cannes' Un Certain Regard Other partially funded projects include a Portuguese-language remake of Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis starrer 'Friends with Benefits' (Biônica Filmes, HBO Max), the telenovela 'Scars of Beauty' (Coração da Selva, HBO Max), and 'Maníaco do Parque' (Santa Rita Filmes, Prime Video), a dramatization of Brazil's most infamous serial killer. Launched in 2021, the initiative stood alone in Brazil as the country's first and at the time, only, production incentive. Ary Scapin, Director of economic development and strategic partnerships of Spcine, says 'the cash rebate program marked a groundbreaking step in Brazil's audiovisual industry. Its initial success not only validated the initiative but also inspired similar programs across the country.' The second edition, rebranded in 2022 as the Program for Attracting Film Productions to the City and State of São Paulo, substantially expanded funding to R$40 million ($7.03 million) through a partnership between São Paulo's City Hall and State Government. Module 1, targeting international co-productions or service-based productions, has taken applications since May 25, 2023, with R$25.5 million ($4.5 million) available. Eligible productions can receive between 20% and 30% reimbursement on qualified spend. Projects enhancing sustainability, diversity, and regional filming practices can get higher rebates. The program requires minimum eligible expenditures of R$10 million ($1.8 million) for live-action and R$7 million ($1.2 million) for animation. It also mandates that at least 20% of expenditures occur outside São Paulo's capital, buttressing regional development. Negotiations are ongoing to renew the successful city-state partnership, with a goal of 'expanding its impact and attracting even more large-scale national and international projects.' Scapin says. Spcine CEO Lyara Oliveira is not anticipating major structural changes to Spcine given their understanding of the sector but notes 'Our challenge is to keep up with this momentum, to grow alongside the sector, and to expand and diversify our actions as the industry itself transforms.' While the rebate alone may not be sufficient to spark a nationwide boom, signs point to growing government support, including talk of a R$800 million ($140.6 million) incentive from Brazil's Ministry of Culture. Scapin believes the production sector is still in a recovery phase. 'International productions often have financing cycles that take up to two years and many of the projects previously scouted are still securing funding,' Scapin says. 'Our policies are constantly evolving.' 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
Sofie Gråbøl, Sidse Babette Knudsen Talk ‘Good Mothers' as Oscar Nominee Jasmina Žbanić Reflects on the Female Side of War at Film i Väst Cannes Event
At today's star-studded press event hosted by Scandinavia's leading regional film Fund Film I Väst, star actresses Sofie Gråbøl ('The Killing,' 'Fortitude') and Sidse Babette Knuden ('Westworld,' 'Borgen') as well as Oscar-nominated Jasmila Žbanić ('Quo Vadis, Aida') raised their voices in the name of all mums and women in the world, in times of peace-and war. 'We're seeing what's happening now in Ukraine and Palestine [Gaza], and it's crazy. We see and hear only men's side of what's going on. But the female side of war needs to be told,' said a passionate Žbanić, discussing her upcoming project 'Quo Vadis, Aida – the Missing Part'. More from Variety 'Case 137' Review: Dominik Moll's Riveting Police Procedural Places Good Cop and Bad Cop on Opposite Sides São Paulo's Film Cash Rebate Delivers Early Wins, Sets Stage for 2025 Edition Brazil's Trailblazing Film-TV Org Spcine Turns 10 One of eight new projects co-produced by Film i Väst, the sequel to the 2021 Bosnian Oscar nominated film 'Quo Vadis, Aida' will be produced by Deblokada in co-production with Ruben Östlund's Swedish outfit Plattform Produktion. The story explores the aftermath of the tragic consequences of the 1990s' Bosnian War, from the viewpoints of wives and mothers uniting together after the genocide of thousands of husbands and sons and fighting for justice. 'Quo Vadis Aida' changed a lot of people [in Serbia],' said Žbanić about her multi-awarded drama turning on the Srebrenica massacre in 1995 which she said was able 'to overcome censorship at home thanks to the streamers.' 'I hope this film will also put people in the shoes of all the women who took action to bring to justice those responsible [of the massacre]. Because peace cannot be achieved without finding justice.' In Cannes to close the financing of her pic, Žbanić said she hopes to start filming in the spring 2026. In a totally different genre, the Danish thriller 'Good Mothers,' produced by Zentropa, will be a tense thriller about how far mothers –and dads – are willing to go to protect their children. Helmed by rising talent Amalie Næsby Fick ('Sex') from a script co-penned by Oscar-nominated Nicolaj Arcel ('The Promised Land' 'A Royal Affair') and Sara Isabella Jønsson ('Copenhagen Cowboy'), the character-driven drama stars Knudsen and Gråbøl – for the first time united on screen – and Asta Kamma August ('Families like Ours'). Set in a quiet suburban community, the story turns on three women whose friendship is challenged when one of their sons is accused of sexual assault. 'I read the script, loved it, but honestly, my main reason was the opportunity to work with Sidse!!,' said Gråbøl, in a laugh. 'She is a good friend and we've known each other decades but never got a chance to work together. So finally we can do this now!'About her role in the film and being a mother Gråbøl said: 'I have done research for 24 years now, having a son turning 24 soon. The balance between unconditional love, ambitions, expectations, is very interesting. It's like there are angels and demons inside this role [of being a mum]. This story plays in that whole field.' Arcel, who said he became a father of two sons in the last five years, confessed he was intrigued by the theme of parenthood – at any cost. 'Would you really defend your child, no matter what?' he asked. The project, in the final stages of financing. is being produced by Louise Vesth for Zentropa Entertainments3, in co-production with Zentropa Sweden, Topkapi Films and Film i Väst with support from Danish Film Institute Market Scheme, NL Film Fonds in co-operation with DR, SVT, September Film and Nordisk Film Distribution. Trust Nordisk handles sales. Family Themes Several other upcoming projects tackle family relationships. 'Bloody Men,' reuniting 'The Pirate Bay' helmer Jens Sjögren and producer Fredrik Heinig (B-Reel Films), is described by Sjögren as 'a coming-of age set in the 1980s, about a boy and his relationship with his mother-and her-showing and not showing love. 'It's about friendship and growing up, something we all connect to,' said the director who plans to fill his project with 'a punk aesthetic'. The story, penned by Karin Arrhenius ('Blackwater'), is based on Andrev Walden's best-selling book 'Jävla Karlar' which won the top literary August Prize 2023 and sold across Europe, including in the U.K. where it will launch this August. Headlining the cast are Filip Berg ('A Man Called Ove') and Aliette Opheim ('Black Crab,' 'Exit'). 'Bad Moon Rising', helmed by Norway's acclaimed filmmaker Erik Poppe ('Quisling the Final Days,' 'The Emigrants'), is based on Nobel Prize winning author Jon Fosse's only original script written for the screen. The story centres on a couple, from their first meeting, through to becoming parents until their separation. 'It's a beautiful love story about people, longing for something,' Poppe told Variety. According to the director's long-time producer Finn Gjerdrum, the cast will be announced this summer, before start of principal photography. Other projects pitched were Nordic Drama Queens' empowering drama 'Will You Care If I Die?' helmed by Rojda Sekersöz, announced exclusively by Variety, the animated pic 'Dante' from producer Linda Hambäck of Lee Film ( 'The Ape Star'), with Stellan Skarsgård and David Dencik lending their voices to the main characters, and the SVT series 'Burden of Justice' penned by Frans Wiklund from an idea by 'Easy Money' creator and author Jens Lapidus. Strive Stories is producing. Kristina Börjeson, Film I Väst's head of production also mentioned Cristian Mungiu''s family drama 'Fjord' toplining Renate Reinsve and Sebastian Stan. As announced in Variety, the pic, which wrapped shooting in Norway, was just picked up by Neon for the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand. Asked to comment on yet another top year in Cannes for Film i Väst, with five titles in official selection including three Palme d'or contenders – 'The Eagles of the Republic,' 'Sentimental Value' and 'The History of Sound' – Börjeson said: 'It's really hard work! No, but jokes aside it's one of our objectives, and we've managed to achieve this through a combination of long-time relations with producers and directors as well as a 'good nose' to find new talents,' the inhouse 'nose' being senior executive, in charge of international co-productions Anthony Muir. Börjeson said she's hoping that in 2026 the Film i Väst protégé and Palme d'Or winner Ruben Östlund will again challenge the audience and the jury with his upcoming pic 'The Entertainment is Down.' 'Then we'll celebrate a 10-year-in-a-row-strike rate in competition in Cannes,' she said. 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
Brazil's Trailblazing Film-TV Org Spcine Turns 10
Founded in 2015, film-TV body Spcine began as São Paulo's film commission but has grown into a driving force in Brazil's film and television industry. Beyond supporting productions, it has launched a citywide theater circuit, a public streaming platform, and, in 2021, Brazil's first local production incentive. It also supports training programs focused on diversity and inclusion and gathers data via its Audiovisual Observatory. During the pandemic and amid deep federal cuts to film funding under former president Jair Bolsonaro, Spcine became a pillar of industry resilience—and a powerful symbol of Brazil's commitment to cultural diversity. More from Variety 'Left-Handed Girl' Review: Sean Baker Collaborator Shih-Ching Tsou's Solo Debut Pulses Like Taipei After Dark Young Italian Filmmakers Come to the Fore at Cannes' Un Certain Regard Canadian Cinema Pushes Its Evolution With Arthouse Pics, Auteurs, Indigenous Filmmakers and Animated Offerings at Cannes 'Spcine's journey can be understood in phases, each marked by important milestones,' says Spcine CEO Lyara Oliveira. 'The initial stage was focused on establishing foundational structures that remain central to our mission today — such as the creation of the São Paulo Film Commission, the Spcine Circuit and our first public funding initiatives. 'The following phase saw consolidation and growth. We expanded our public policies significantly, launching training programs and implementing dedicated initiatives for the gaming sector,' she said, adding: 'We also faced a challenging period, marked by institutional tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic, which required us to adapt and scale back. Nevertheless, we maintained operations and continued delivering on our public policy commitments to the sector.' Surviving the Bolsonaro years exacted even more demands from the organization. Fortunately, as a public company with its own administration, it had more resource control and is insulated from political instability, unlike traditional agencies, said Oliveira. 'Since Spcine is a municipal entity, federal-level changes often have a milder impact. Additionally, São Paulo's environment favors business continuity and development. The city historically values entrepreneurship, legal and administrative stability and fosters conditions for businesses to thrive — regardless of political shifts,' she stressed. Totó Parente, secretary of culture of the City of São Paulo, notes that thecity is already 'the largest audiovisual production hub in the SouthernHemisphere.' 'The sector is strategic not only for its creative and cultural relevance but also for its economic power. It generates over 57,000 jobs and accounts for 22.3% of Brazil's audiovisual GDP, with an estimated direct impact of $1.2 billion and total transactions surpassing $1.6 billion. Film and TV are key drivers of innovation, employment and international projection for the city,' Parente says. The São Paulo City Hall's investment in the audiovisual sector has grown significantly, particularly through Spcine, he added, pointing to its various initiatives that include Brazil's first cash rebate program for local and foreign productions, which reimburses up to 30% of local expenses. 'Across two editions, the city invested around $8.65 million, generating a return of over $15 million in production expenditures — a clear sign of the sector's economic potential,' he points out. Now in its second decade, Spcine seeks to expand global partnerships, promote sustainable production, boost Latin American collaboration and grow its innovation and training initiatives, says Parente. 'A key goal is to consolidate São Paulo's position not just as the largest audiovisual hub in the Southern Hemisphere, but as a global model for inclusive and forward-looking public policy in the creative economy,' he adds. Political and sector coordination remains the key challenge of Spcine, says Oliveira. 'Our aim is to sustain and expand these networks, secure funding to keep supporting our incentive programs, and implement new initiatives aligned with the sector's current realities,' she says. 'We recognize that audiovisual is a constantly evolving field, with new business models and technologies emerging regularly. That's why we stay alert to these developments, striving to create responsive, forward-thinking public policies.' 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
Spcine Links With Hubert Bals Fund, South Africa's NFVF on Co-Development Initiatives
'Our goal is to keep supporting São Paulo's — and by extension, Brazil's — presence on the global audiovisual stage. We want our films, stories, and professionals to be seen, recognized, and valued worldwide,' says Spcine CEO Lyara Oliveira. One milestone move in international outreach looks set to be made at the Cannes' Marché du Film, where Spcine and South Africa's National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) will launch a joint call for submissions for a pilot international co-development program. More from Variety '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' Tessa Thompson to Present First-Ever Cannes Golden Globe Prize for Documentary (EXCLUSIVE) In Cannes, Spcine and Brazil's Riofilme and Projeto Paradiso will reveal a development scheme in partnership with Rotterdam's Hubert Bals Fund to launch to launch HBF+Brazil: Co-development Support. Put together, the two initiatives take Spcine's international outreach to a trailblazing new level. HBF+Brazil targets the early development of projects by first and second time filmmakers from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and the rest of Brazil. In the pilot year of the planned three-year initiative, HBF+Brazil will support up to nine fiction film projects in early development, directed by a Brazilian filmmaker and with a Brazilian production company attached, giving grants of €10,000 ($11,300) to each title. As the management partner, HBF will launch the call for projects in the second half of 2025 on HBF+Brazil partners , however, will sign a co-operation agreement at the Cannes Film Festival. The scheme targets 'unique, innovative and culturally significant storytelling' from Brazil via financial support and the enhanced international visibility of Brazilian filmmaking talent, while fostering international collaboration, the partners said May 12. Many of Brazil's leading filmmakers – including Kleber Mendonça Filho, Marcelo Gomes, Gabriel Mascaro and Julia de Simone – have benefitted from HBF support at key moments in their careers, noted Vanja Kalujdercic, IFFR festival director and Tamara Tatishvili, head of the Hubert Bals Fund. 'Together, we're acting on a shared commitment to new forms of cooperation – and to contributing meaningfully to Brazil's independent film sector,' they added. 'The initiative expands the reach of our talents and connects São Paulo to global networks of creation and development. It is a step aligned with our strategy for internationalization and strengthening the local industry,' said Oliveira. Spcine add South Africa's NFVF aim to start co-developing two projects, rising to a total four titles, marrying writers and producers from the two countries, says Yolanda Ncokotwana, NFVF head of department, industry development. 'The call offers financial and institutional support for the development and production of audiovisual works,' says Ary Scarpin, Spcine's newly-appointed director of economic development and strategic partnerships 'This partnership strengthens the commitment to building a more collaborative and diverse audiovisual industry and promotes direct dialogue among countries of the Global South,' he adds. One topic which looks to interest both Brazil and South Africa is the African diaspora to Brazil during the Atlantic slave trade, says Ncokotwana. The partners are looking, however, at 'anything that connects us, such as a glimpse of how the future could look, how the Global South reimagines itself,' she notes. 'We hope that putting together creators will be the spark that lights the fire in terms of just more collaboration,' she says. In the longterm, she adds, she hopes that the projects will be seen in both countries and that in general more Brazilian content will be watched in South Africa and vice-versa. First projects may be announced as early as the Durban FilmMart in late July. 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
