Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia for months after police said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage, and it is unclear when she will be able to return to the United States.The Phoenix Mercury player is currently in the middle of a trial in Moscow and faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison if found guilty. Brittney has an uphill battle to have her criminal case acquitted in a trial that experts say is unlikely to be fair and that Russian authorities are using her as a diplomatic bargaining chip amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.The Olympic gold medalist has played in Russia for the last seven winters, earning more than $1 million per season -- more than quadruple her WNBA salary, according to the Associated Press.
Quiver Distribution Acquires Coming-Of-Age Pic ‘1-800-HOT-NITE’ From Writer-Director Nick Richey
06.07.2022 - 19:35 / deadline.com
EXCLUSIVE: Quiver Distribution has acquired North American rights to Nick Richey’s sophomore feature 1-800-HOT-NITE, slating it for release November 4.
The coming-of-age drama written and directed by Richey centers on Tommy (Dallas Dupree Young), whose world is turned upside down from the moment police break down his door and arrest his father. Faced with a parentless future, Tommy escapes child protective services’ custody with his best friends Steve (Mylen Bradford) and O’Neill (Gerrison Machado) into the L.A. streets—packed with men trying to rob them, cops chasing them, a python, a fist fight, a first kiss and phone sex. Throughout it all, Tommy keeps calling an 800 number, as he feels the woman on the line (Ali Richey) is the only adult he can confide in. By the end of the night, the boys’ brotherhood breaks down as they cross the threshold into adulthood.
The adventure pic had its world premiere at the Santa Barbara Film Festival this past spring, most recently claiming the Audience Award for Fusion Features at Dances With Films. Pic is a Halfway Crooks production in association with Lexicon/Aloe Entertainment/Sugar Rush Pictures. Its producers are Nick Richey, Ali Richey, Zach Mann, Nathan Presley, Trevor Lee Georgeson, Phoenix Vaughn, Ben Jagger and Warren Pereira. Exec producers include Mark Mathias Sayre, Adam Merino, Mary Aloe, Andrea Bucko, Ryan Isaacson, Jason Marzano, Chai Mann and Joy Mann.
“Nick’s distinct vision deftly captures the thin line between youth and adulthood,” said Quiver Distribution co-presidents Berry Meyerowitz and Jeff Sackman. “With an exceptional up-and-coming cast paired with a fresh, heartfelt script, this urban odyssey is sure to provide lessons, laughs, tears, and lays bare the
‘Seriously Red’: Rose Byrne, Krew Boylan, Bobby Cannavale Music Icon Impersonator Comedy Acquired By Gravitas Ventures
EXCLUSIVE: Gravitas Ventures has picked up North American rights to Gracie Otto’s Seriously Red, the Dolly Parton impersonator comedy which stars and was produced by Rose Byrne, that made its world premiere at SXSW.
Ricky Martin Rejects Claims Of “Sexual & Romantic Relationship” With Nephew, Lawyer Says; Hearing Set In Puerto Rico Later This Month
EXCLUSIVE: Ricky Martin never had “any kind of sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew,” a lawyer for the singer said Friday as his client faces allegations of domestic abuse from the younger family member in Puerto Rico.
Brittney Griner: Everything We Know About the WNBA Star Detained in Russia
Post. "The U.S.
PETA Urges HBO to Investigate Horse Death on Set of ‘The Gilded Age’
The Gilded Age.”In a letter to HBO Chief Content Officer Casey Bloys, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) cited whistleblower reports that a 22-year old horse with possible health issues died last week during filming of the historical drama in Nassau County.“We’re calling on HBO to…hold the party or parties who allowed it to occur responsible,” Courtney Penley, coordinator for animals in film & television for PETA, wrote. “Finally, we’re asking you to take measures so that something similar never happens again.”After the letter was shared with the media, HBO confirmed that a horse had died on the set on June 28 during filming, but said it was “likely of natural causes, according to a veterinarian’s preliminary findings.” “The safety and well-being of animals on all our productions is a top priority, and the producers of ‘The Gilded Age’ work with American Humane to ensure full compliance with all safety precautions,” HBO added.
‘The Gilded Age’: HBO Responds To PETA’s Call For Investigation Following Horse Death
UPDATE: HBO released a statement following PETA’s request for an investigation.
WNBA Star Brittney Griner Pleads Guilty to Drug Charge in Russia, Faces Potential 10-Year Sentence
Reuters reports. “I’d like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare.” Griner has been in Russian custody since February and her next court hearing is set for July 14, per the outlet.
Taylor Swift Joins Margot Robbie, Chris Rock in ‘Amsterdam’: Everything to Know About the Star-Studded Movie
A star-studded mystery. Everything about the movie Amsterdam is being kept top-secret, but the crime-comedy makes it clear that the cast — which includes Taylor Swift and Chris Rock — is to die for.
WNBA Star Brittney Griner Begs Biden To Get Her Out Of Russia After Being Detained For MONTHS
Brittney Griner has written an open letter to President Joe Biden pleading for her freedom.
BBC News Ukraine Turns 30 as Russian Invasion Continues – Global Bulletin
Naman Ramachandran The BBC is marking the 30 anniversary of its Ukrainian-speaking service as the Russian invasion of the country continues. On June 1, 1992, the BBC started short- and medium-wave radio broadcasts for then newly independent Ukraine. Today, BBC News Ukraine operates via website bbc.ua, its YouTube channel, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Telegram, TikTok and Viber.
Quiver Distribution Buys SXSW Horror Favorite ‘Bitch Ass’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaQuiver Distribution has acquired North American rights to “Bitch Ass,” a horror movie that premiered at this year’s SXSW where it won the Midnighter’s Audience Award and earned praise for its sly reinvention of the slasher genre. The film stars Teon Kelley (“Tyler”), Tunde Laleye (“Black as Night”), Me’lisa Sellers (“Split”), Tony Todd (“Candyman”), and Sheaun McKinney (“The Neighborhood”) and was written and directed by Bill Posley (“Cobra Kai”).
Freeform’s Coming-of-Age Drama ‘AZNBBGRL’ Unveils Main Cast
Freeform and 20th Television’s “AZNBBGRL” has unveiled its main cast. The coming-of-age drama — about three Asian American teenagers in the vibrant Vietnamese community of Little Saigon in Orange County, Calif. — will star Cathy Bui, Lynn Kim Do and Jazelle Villanueva.The one-hour-long episodes will follow the three teens’ “desire to break free from generational expectations and carve out their own place in the world.