Movie and TV show reviews

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I was thrilled to be part of the grand opening of the market in 2024, an event that truly lived up to expectations. With a whopping 151 booths set up and over 6,700 participants – producers, distributors, investors, and streaming platforms – flocking to it, the atmosphere was electric. The main festival itself, spanning eight days, managed to captivate no less than 24,462 visitors, a testament to its magnetic allure.

Gabriela Sandoval, based in Berlin, spearheaded the creation of “After Elena”, a production under her labels Cine Matriz and Storyboard Media, collaborating with Carlos Nuñez. This film represents the much-anticipated second feature by Chilean director-producer Shawn Garry, who previously captivated audiences with his debut, critically acclaimed movie “Desierto Sur”.

Sagnier served as part of the panel that chose the Shooting Stars, joined by Romanian filmmaker Radu Muntean, Swiss producer Amel Soudani, Swedish casting director Pauline Hansson, and Montenegrin journalist Vuk Perović.

From a young age, I’ve felt deeply appreciative for being exposed to a character who played a pivotal role in her narrative. Much like the show’s creators, Anne has had a profound impact on my life. She molded us as artists, as writers, and even shaped me as an actor, as I shared this with EbMaster.

In the pulsating cityscape of Rio de Janeiro during the late 1980s, I find myself in the role of Nando, portrayed by Johnny Massaro from “Hidden Truths”. Diagnosed as HIV positive amidst the rampant epidemic, my character decides to risk it all and smuggle AZT, a groundbreaking treatment yet unapproved by our local health authorities, back into our country. By my side throughout this ordeal is Bruna Linzmeyer, an actress I worked with in “Cidade’ Campo” last year alongside Juliana Rojas. She plays Léa, my closest friend, who must grapple not only with my diagnosis but also an unforeseen pregnancy stemming from a passionate affair with a married man.

The movie “Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy” brought in an astonishing $14.9 million (approximately £11.8 million) over its first three days across 2,250 screens in the U.K. and Ireland. This opening surpassed the debuts of both “Fifty Shades Darker” and “Fifty Shades Freed.” Furthermore, it set a new record for the highest-ever opening for a film produced by Working Title, and ranked as the 11th largest Universal opening in the market, positioning itself just behind “Jurassic World Dominion” and ahead of the opening weekends of “Oppenheimer,” “Minions,” and “Despicable Me 3.

Titled “Reincarnate,” this nine-episode series introduces Tulio, a man who spent 18 years in prison for killing his partner Caio. Upon his release from prison on his first day of freedom, Tulio contemplates suicide, but is visited by a teenager claiming to be the reborn Caio. The duo then embarks on a mission to uncover the truth behind Caio’s death, bring the real killer to justice, and restore Tulio’s tarnished reputation. Set amidst the Brazilian countryside, the series stars Taís Araujo (“Shades of Sin,” ‘A Mother’s Love’), Julia Dalavia (“Pantanal”), and Grace Passô (“The Day I Met You”).

In Berlin, EbMaster conversed with Fabiano Gullane, who highlighted that Gullane is intensifying its distribution endeavors. According to Fabiano, the trio has always found joy in the distribution aspect of their work and have recognized the potential of utilizing their extensive experience to manage some of their titles. To begin with, Gullane+ will prioritize documentaries and smaller productions, while continuing significant projects through their established partnership with Brazilian distributors such as Paris Filmes.

Cinétévé, based in Paris, has collaborated with France TV and Be-Films from Belgium to create ‘Danger in the Valley’. This thrilling production is set to debut at the February 23rd-27th edition of MIP London.

Third Ear Studio, a Scandinavian podcast production company, is also merging with the two film and TV production groups.