It’s been an eventful 2023 for international TV and film. As the strikes shut down Hollywood and streamers retrenched from the mega-spends of the Covid era, shows and movies from far and wide came were already in demand like never before, as viewers look to new countries for inspiration. Call it the Squid Game effect, or whatever you want, but neither subtitles nor geographical boundaries are an impediment to content getting seen any more. Here, we run down each Deadline International journalist’s top pick from the year, for the most part avoiding spoilers (there are some though, so this is a fair warning). You’ll find big-ticket U.S. fare, Japanese anime, restaurant TV dramas and Australian newsroom stories among our eclectic selections.
International Documentary Association Names Arts Leader Dominic Asmall Willsdon As New Executive Director
04.12.2023 - 18:01 / deadline.com
The International Documentary Association has appointed Dominic Asmall Willsdon, a veteran arts curator and educator, as its new executive director, effective January 8.
Willsdon, who has served for the past five years as executive director of the Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, will take over from Ken Ikeda, the IDA’s interim director since January of this year. Ikeda, in turn, replaced Rick Pérez, who resigned as executive director a year ago after a stormy tenure that saw much of the nonprofit’s staff exit.
“An internationally renowned curator, educator and veteran nonprofit executive, Dominic Asmall Willsdon joins the documentary advocacy organization at a time of unique opportunity and impact unprecedented in its 41-year history,” a release from the IDA noted. “Following a year of significant progress, stabilization, and the groundbreaking ratification of its first collective bargaining agreement, Willsdon will be responsible for setting organizational strategies, with a focus on intentional advocacy efforts, expanding global reach, and deepening IDA’s commitment to a sustainable and equitable documentary ecosystem.”
The release said Willsdon’s appointment capped a “comprehensive and rigorous national search,” and it noted that IDA staff were included in the process.
“Dominic’s ability to work fluidly with independent storytellers from around the globe, across disciplines and audiences, is an extraordinary skill,” IDA board co-presidents Grace Lee and Chris Perez said in a statement. “He’s really an educator at heart, someone who is deeply committed to sharing knowledge, access, and culture from all parts of society. Combined with his extensive
Kourtney Kardashian melts hearts with first pictures of newborn son Rocky
Kourtney Kardashian has shared the first pictures of her newborn son Rocky, and the adorable snaps sent her fans into meltdown as they gushed over the family moment. The 44 year old star gazed down at her tiny tot in her arms, and posed with husband Travis Barker for more images in the sweet photo shoot.
Dylan Sprouse & Virginia Gardner Star In New Trailer for Upcoming Sequel 'Beautiful Wedding' - Watch!
Dylan Sprouse carries Virginia Gardner out of the ocean in the new trailer for their upcoming movie Beautiful Wedding!
Carlo Chatrian Talks Upcoming Berlinale Edition, Luring Major Stars to First Post-Strikes Festival and Why His Mandate Wasn’t Renewed
Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent Berlin Film Festival artistic director Carlo Chatrian is in an upbeat mood as he puts the finishing touches on assembling his fourth and final edition. It appears to be shaping up nicely with a rich mix comprising prestige star-driven titles, such as the world premiere of Netflix’s “Spaceman” in which Adam Sandler plays an imperiled astronaut, and films with “political elements” that are intrinsic to the fest’s DNA. The day before revealing his Berlin Special lineup that includes several star-studded galas – the main lineup will be announced on Jan.
‘Expats’ Trailer: Nicole Kidman and Lulu Wang Series Explores International Community in Hong Kong
Caroline Brew editor Amazon Prime Video has released the trailer for “Expats,” directed by Lulu Wang and starring Nicole Kidman, Sarayu Blue and Ji-young Yoo. The series will debut on Prime Video on Jan. 26, 2024, with new episodes launching weekly until the Feb.
‘Dario Argento Panico,’ Documentary Retrospective On Iconic Giallo Filmmaker, Acquired By Shudder
EXCLUSIVE: Shudder has acquired rights to Dario Argento Panico, Simone Scadfi’s documentary retrospective and personal portrait of the Italian giallo master, for the U.S., Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Pic debuts on the service on February 2, 2024, after making its world premiere at the 2023 Venice Film Festival.
International Film Festival Rotterdam Unveils 2024 Lineup
International Film Festival Rotterdam has revealed its lineup for the Tiger, Big Screen and Tiger Short competitions. The festival runs from January 25-February 4. Scroll down for the full lists.
‘We Dare to Dream’ Director Waad Al-Kateab and Producer Angelina Jolie Discuss Impact of Olympic Refugee Doc as Eurosport Acquires Streaming Rights (EXCLUSIVE)
Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent Discovery-owned Eurosport has acquired streaming rights in 54 countries to Olympic refugee documentary “We Dare to Dream” by Waad Al-Kateab, the Oscar-nominated Syrian director of “For Sama.” “We Dare to Dream” is the story of the refugee Olympic team that competed at the 2020 games in Tokyo, which featured stateless athletes from Iran, Syria, South Sudan and Cameroon who swim, run and fight their way to safety in host nations across the world. It’s told through the personal prism of Al-Kateab while she is coming to terms with the reality that she can never return to Aleppo, where she shot “For Sama.” The doc premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June and had an Oscar-qualifying theatrical run at New York City’s IFC Center in October.
Communications Firm The Lippin Group Ups Trio To Managing Director In New Executive Structure
Communications firm The Lippin Group has created a new management structure and elevated three company veterans to the position of managing director.
German Film Industry Anxiously Awaits New Berlinale Director Amid Swirling Rumors
Ed Meza @edmezavar The German film industry is eagerly awaiting the appointment of the Berlin Film Festival’s new director, expected to be announced tomorrow, and as the guessing game surrounding the choice shifts into high gear, one thing looks increasingly clear: the new head will face considerable financial and political challenges at the Berlinale. Speculation in the local industry has been rife with likely candidates to succeed Carlo Chatrian and Mariëtte Rissenbeek, who have co-led the Berlinale as artistic and executive directors since 2020 and will step down after this year’s edition when their respective mandates end.
James Ivory Documentary Leads New York’s Min(d) Studio Slate (EXCLUSIVE)
Naman Ramachandran A documentary on revered filmmaker James Ivory is part of an eclectic slate from Min(d) Studio, New York, it was revealed on the sidelines of Singapore’s Asia TV Forum and Market. The boutique studio, the brainchild of Dev Benegal (New York City), Maya Patel (London and Hong Kong), Neeraj Jain (Los Angeles), came together during the pandemic with a shared vision to tell stories about people and cultures that are often unheard and unseen.
Michelle Obama Steps Out In Support Of ‘American Symphony,’ Award-Winning Documentary About Musician Jon Batiste And Wife Suleika Jaouad
Michelle Obama is giving a boost to American Symphony, the Oscar-contending documentary about musician Jon Batiste and his wife, musician Suleika Jaouad.
50 Cent to Make Diddy Documentary About Assault Allegations Amid Decades-Long Feud with the Rapper
50 Cent is making a new documentary about Diddy and the assault allegations against him.
Cineworld Group Names Hospitality Exec Thomas Song Its New CFO
Cineworld has named Thomas Song its chief financial officer overseeing the group’s finance and accounting management and with a leadership role in the company’s strategic planning and analytics.
50 Cent announces documentary on Diddy’s alleged sexual assaults to benefit victims
documentary on Sean “Diddy” Combs will go to victims of sexual assault and rape as more alleged victims come forward with accusations against the “Bad Boy 4 Life” rapper. A rep for 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, and G-Unit Film and TV told The Post on Wednesday, “I can confirm that the untitled ‘Diddy’ documentary is in development through G-Unit Film and Television with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson serving as Executive Producer, proceeds from this documentary that G-Unit Film & Television receives will go to victims of sexual assault and rape.”The “In Da Club” rapper also teased the project on Instagram with a sneak peek at an interview with Bad Boy artist Mark Curry, who claimed Diddy would have designated spiked bottles for women to drink from at his parties.
National Board of Review Names Best Movies & Actors of 2023 - Full Winners List Revealed!
The National Board of Review is announcing their picks for the best of the best in film!
‘Battle in the Box’ Korean Game Show Format Unpacks Further International Deals – ATF
Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Something Special, the Seoul-based international format agency founded by format specialists Jin Woo Hwang (president and executive producer) and Kim In Soon (EVP & head of content) announce that ITV Studios has optioned the hit Korean celebrity format “Battle in the Box” for France, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel. The deal was unveiled on Wednewday, the first full day of the Asia Television Forum and Market (ATF) in Singapore. “Battle in the Box,” created by Korea’s NMedia and represented globally by Something Special, has previously seen deals announced with Fremantle for Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal.
50 Cent is reportedly working on a documentary about Diddy’s sexual assault allegations
Warning: This article contains details and accusations of sexual and physical abuse50 Cent is reportedly working on a documentary about the recent sexual assault allegations around Diddy.Following a two-decade long, on-and-off feud between the two rappers, reports have now surfaced that 50 Cent is making a TV documentary about the numerous claims facing Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.While it’s yet to be confirmed or denied by the ‘Candy Shop’ rapper, Page Six has reported that a new project is already in production from the artist’s G-Unit film and TV production company.Combs was accused of rape and physical abuse by ex-girlfriend Cassie last month, before they settled the lawsuit one day after it was formally filed.Since then, Combs has been accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in an act of “revenge porn” in a new lawsuit, before a third accuser filed claims of sexual assault against the rapper.“These are fabricated claims falsely alleging misconduct from over 30 years ago and filed at the last minute,” a spokesperson for Combs wrote in a statement to PEOPLE in the wake of the third allegation. “This is nothing but a money grab.
BBC Names Royals Accused In Omid Scobie Book Of Commenting On Skin Color Of Harry & Meghan’s Son
The BBC has joined other news outlets in naming the senior British royals accused of making comments about the skin color of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s son Archie.
‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’ Named Best Film Of 2023 By New York Film Critics Circle
The New York Film Critics Circle kicked off the annual year-end deluge of critics’ honors by announcing their best of 2023 today and the big winner was Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of The Flower Moon” which took Best Film. Christopher Nolan won Best Director for “Oppenheimer” while Celine Song’s “Past Lives” won Best First Film.