MetFilm Moves Into UK Distribution With Acquisition of Republic Film Distribution

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Singapore has banned the release of “#LookAtMe,” a feature film by local director Ken Kwek. The InfoComm Media Development Authority said that the film exceeds film classification guidelines because it denigrates a religious community. Supposedly based in true events, the film depicts a man who is offended by a pastor who preaches against homosexuality, but whose behavior contradicts his teachings. The protagonist’s viral video about the aberrant priest lands him in jail, causing the man’s gay identical twin to fight for justice. “#LookAtMe,” premiered at the New York Asian Film Festival and local media report that the film has been selected for next month’s Singapore International Film Festival. But the IMDA ruling means that it cannot now be shown in any form in Singapore unless Kwek is successful with an appeal.

Marta Balaga Fifth Season has acquired international distribution rights to Elisa Viihde original series “The Man Who Died.” The company, formerly known as Endeavor Content, is behind “The Lost Daughter” or “Cha Cha Real Smooth.” It also handles global distribution for such hit shows as “Killing Eve,” “The Morning Show” or “Normal People.”  Based on the bestselling book by Antti Tuomainen, the six-episode series is led by Jussi Vatanen, who will next be seen in Aki Kaurismäki’s upcoming feature “Dead Leaves.” Saara Kotkaniemi and Sara Soulié, his co-star in Solar Films’ drama “Forest Giant,” also star.   

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Emma Corrin showcased her edgy sense of style as she stepped out to the My Policeman premiere during 66th BFI London Film Festival at the Royal Festival Hall on Saturday. The actress, 26, wore a multicoloured one-shoulder mini dress with an abstract spray paint design. Screen star Emma's ensemble finished high above her knee, with the garment tied on her shoulder with a crimped length of material fanning out to the side.

Elsa Keslassy International Correspondent Iranian filmmaker Mani Haghighi had his passport confiscated at the airport as he was about to board a flight to attend the BFI London Film Festival. Haghighi was expected to present there the U.K. premiere of his latest film, “Subtraction.”  A BFI London Film Festival spokesperson confirmed the news to Variety and issued the following statement: “The Iranian filmmaker Mani Haghighi was due to travel to London today to support the UK premiere of his film Subtraction which is screening tomorrow at the BFI London Film Festival, but has been prevented from boarding his flight to the UK.  He was turned away by authorities in Iran and has his passport confiscated.  He has returned to his home in Tehran. We understand that no reason has been given to Mani Haghighi for the confiscation. The BFI London Film Festival supports Haghighi and all filmmakers in their freedom to make their films and present them around the world.

Taylor Swift is headed back to late night. announced on Friday that Swift is among an all-star slate of upcoming guests to appear during the show's «Fall-Star Favorites» week, beginning Monday, Oct. 24.

his role in “The Whale.”After the screening of the film at the London Film Festival on Tuesday, the audience gave a five-minute standing ovation, according to the Daily Mail.The 53-year-old actor broke down in tears as he bowed to the audience’s cheers and applause. This isn’t the first time Fraser was moved to tears by a standing ovation. At the Venice Film Festival in early September, he got emotional during a six-minute standing ovation for his performance in the film. Audience members got déjà vu from the standing ovation.“Am I at Venice? 5 min standing ovation for Brendan Fraser’s masterpiece performance in #TheWhale.

Japanese director Naomi Kawase will preside over the international jury of the 44th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival, running November 13 to 22.

EXCLUSIVE: Ava DuVernay’s Array Releasing has acquired Ivan Herrera’s drama Bantú Mama for distribution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. The company will be presenting the film — which has been named as the Dominican Republic’s 2023 entry for the Best International Feature Film Oscar — on select screens and on Netflix beginning November 17.

Italian producer Lorenzo Mieli gave a spirited and often humorous rundown of his career as a producer working with directors such as Luca Guadagnino and Paolo Sorrentino during a keynote talk at the London Film Festival Monday.

Dame Judi Dench has said her upcoming film Allelujah speaks to the “debt we owe” NHS staff. The veteran actress, 87, stars in the story about surviving old age alongside Absolutely Fabulous star Jennifer Saunders and Harry Potter’s David Bradley. Based on the stage play by Alan Bennett and written by Call The Midwife screenwriter Heidi Thomas, the film was directed by Sir Richard Eyre.

Elsa Keslassy International Correspondent Award-winning filmmakers Alice Diop (“Saint Omer”), Audrey Diwan (“Happening”), Julia Ducournau (“Titane”), Michel Hazanavicius (“The Artist”), Jacques Audiard (“Dheepan”), and actors Juliette Binoche, Marion Cotillard, Isabelle Huppert, Lea Seydoux are among nearly 1,000 prominent French film figures who have signed an open letter to support Iranian women and civil rights activists in their revolt over the death of 22 year-old Mahsa Amini, as well as denounce the “murderous violence” of the Iranian regime. Amini, a Kurdish woman, died in custody on Sept. 16, three days after being arrested in Tehran because she allegedly breached the Islamic republic’s strict dress code for women. Her death has sparked protests across Iran, including in Tehran, Isfahan and Yazd, and in cities around the world, including in Paris, Istanbul and Los Angeles. Amnesty International said Iranian authorities have been “intentionally using lethal force against the protesters,” causing more than more 52 deaths (as of Sept. 30). The organization has urged international action “beyond statements of condemnation” to prevent more people from being killed.

K.J. Yossman MetFilm is expanding into distribution with the acquisition of U.K. distribution company Republic Film Distribution (“Brittany Runs a Marathon”). Republic, which is run by former Icon Films exec Zak Brilliant, will be re-branded as MetFilm Distribution. Brilliant will take on the role of head of MetFilm distribution and MetFilm sales, working with the existing sales team, comprised of Mitch Clare, Jenny Bohnhoff and Ella Pham. The company is already planning to increase its headcount. MetFilm Distribution will aim to release six to eight titles annually. The films they take on will have a strong theatrical focus, starting with November’s “A Bunch of Amateurs” by Kim Hopkins, which won the Sheffield DocFest audience award.

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greeted with accusations of Islamophobia after its Sundance premiere from several Muslim and Arab filmmakers, Meg Smaker has told The New York Times that very few festivals have chosen to screen her film while she has struggled financially to promote it. “I don’t have the money or influence to fight this out,” Smaker said. “I’m not sure I see a way out.”“In my naïveté, I kept thinking people would get the anger out of their system and realize thisfilm was not what they said,” she added.

Nathan Fillion keeps his private life out of the spotlight and is currently believed to be single, but that doesn't mean that he's always been unattached. The Rookie star once popped the question to his girlfriend, who was none-other-than actress Vanessa Marcil, who was famous for her roles on Beverly Hills 90210 and General Hospital.MORE: Nathan Fillion: inside The Rookie star’s feud with Castle co-star Stana KaticNathan starred on the soap alongside her and asked her to marry him in  1995 after eight months of dating. WATCH: Nathan Fillion looks so different when starring in Castle However, the couple were together for just over half a year before they called it quits and went their separate ways.Vanessa has a 20-year-old son, Kassius, with Brian Austin Green and was once married to Corey Feldman.MORE: Nathan Fillion's former Castle co-star Stana Katic - where is she now?MORE: The Rookie star Nathan Fillion reunites with former co-star for season 5Nathan's engagement to Vanessa wasn't his first and last. The actor proposed to Mikaela Hoover, just months into their relationship.  Nathan was engaged to Vanessa Marcil The pair began dating in April 2013 and were engaged before the year was out.

When September rolls around, it means one thing for many of the top filmmakers in the world – time to hit the road. Venice, Telluride and Toronto come in rapid succession, to the point of overlapping. But for documentary filmmakers eager to showcase their work, there’s another important stop to make in September: the Camden International Film Festival in mid-coast Maine.

Shania Twain has put out her new song, "Waking Up Dreaming;" the country sensations first new song in five years, and she has changed things up. She released her new song under a brand-new label, Republic Nashville, where she is the debut artist.

On Thursday’s “The Tonight Show,” host Jimmy Fallon had a string of jokes that showed just how baffling a claim it is that Donald Trump could declassify documents just by thinking about it, as the former president told Sean Hannity in a now-viral interview Wednesday. Fallon also joked that such a gaff will only help Florida governor Ron DeSantis’ presidential prospects for 2024.