Sundance Prizewinning ‘Dead Pigs’ Nabbed by Film Movement For North America (EXCLUSIVE)

With vaccines getting distributed pretty damn fast in the US, we’re starting to see some cities begin to recover and make plans for in-person events in the summer and fall. In the world of film festivals, it appears that the first event to really attempt a full in-person experience is going to be this year’s Tribeca.

Peter Debruge Chief Film CriticAs a critic committed to maintaining a certain professional distance with those whose work I might review, I don’t often play the fan in the presence of filmmakers.

Vanessa Williams made history becoming the first African American woman to be crowned Miss America, but the road ahead for her was not an easy one. Thirty-eight years later, Williams, 58, says winning the title made her «grow up overnight.»«I really wasn't prepared [to handle how the country took my win] because I'd never been a part of the system before, so I didn't know what was the next step,» Williams told ET's Kevin Frazier.

Leo Barraclough International Features EditorARRI Media has closed a deal with Crescendo House – a new boutique distribution company – for North American rights on Marxist vampire comedy “Bloodsuckers,” following its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival.The film, which screened as part of the Berlinale’s Encounters section, was written and directed by Julian Radlmaier.Radlmaier’s script was praised by the jury as being “extravagant, bizarre, and hilarious” when he was presented with the

Sparks will be released in US and Canadian cinemas later this year.The Sparks Brothers takes a deep dive into the careers of Ron and Russell Mael over five decades, complete with an archive of TV and concert clips. A string of musical guests were interviewed for the documentary, including Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos and Flea from Red Hot Chilli Peppers.The Sparks Brothers premiered at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

EXCLUSIVE: Kino Lorber has acquired North American rights to Lisa Immordino Vreeland’s well-received documentary Truman and Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefA North American rights deal for mainland Chinese fantasy action film ‘God of War II, was one of several film sales deals struck by Hong Kong’s Media Asia at the recent European Film Market and the ongoing FilMart.Directed by Cai Cong, and starring Charles Lin, Liu Yuxi and David Wu, the film was completed in 2020.

EXCLUSIVE: We have learned that motion picture industry distribution vet Jim Zak has been named the SVP, North America of Vista Group’s Numero and Maccs. 

Ted K, the true crime drama that premiered at this year’s Berlin Film Festival, has been snapped up for North American distribution by Neon’s boutique label Super Ltd.

R.I.P…

EXCLUSIVE: Mrs. America and Mad Men writer Dahvi Waller has been set by Sony’s 3000 Pictures to adapt author Kazuo Ishiguro’s latest novel, Klara and the Sun.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief“Sexual Drive,” a Japanese film about desire which premiered at January’s Rotterdam film festival, will be released in North America, following a licensing deal between sales agent Fortissimo Films and local distributor Film Movement. The deal was agreed following the recent European Film Market.Film Movement plans to show “Sexual Drive” at other festivals and also release it theatrically this year.

Magnolia Pictures has acquired the North American rights to Berlin Golden Bear winner Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn by Romanian filmmaker Radu Jude. The satire follows a high school teacher struggling with the fallout of her sex tape leaking online.

From executive producer Lena Waithe and creator Little Marvin comes “Them”, a new anthology series that will explore terror in America set to premiere in April on Amazon. The streaming service shared the first official look at the first season, dubbed “Covenant” and starring Deborah Ayorinde, Ashley Thomas, Alison Pill, Melody Hurd, Shahadi Wright Joseph and Ryan Kwanten.

Elsa Keslassy International CorrespondentSamuel Goldwyn Films has acquired North American rights to “The Drover’s Wife,” an Australian revenge tale written, directed and starring Leah Purcell. Sold by Memento International, the film is an adaptation of Purcell’s successful Australian stage play.

Haley Bosselman editorIn today’s TV news roundup, Amazon Prime Video announced the premiere date for “Them” and NBC News will air “The Racism Virus,” about the stark rise in anti-Asian discrimination due to the pandemic.NBC News Now and NBC Asian America partnered for a special about racism experienced by the Asian American community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, “The Racism Virus,” airing March 10 at 8 p.m. Hosted by NBC News’ Vicky Nguyen, it features conversations with comedian Marga

Jazz Tangcay Artisans EditorThe Writers Guild of America West and East today unveiled a line-up of presenters scheduled to appear at the 2021 Writers Guild Awards joint virtual ceremony on Sunday, March 21.Among the presenters are Oscar contenders Riz Ahmed (“Sound of Metal”), Sacha Baron Cohen ( “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”) and Andra Day (“The United States vs. Billie Holiday.”)Also presenting are Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs.

Lena Waithe and creator Little Marvin comes, a new anthology series that will explore terror in America set to premiere in April on Amazon.