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The following article is an excerpt from the new edition of “In Review by David Ehrlich,” a biweekly newsletter in which our Chief Film Critic and Head Reviews Editor rounds up the site’s latest reviews and muses about current events in the movie world. Subscribe here to receive the newsletter in your inbox every other Friday.

Given the state of things at home, I thought that I’d give this week’s newsletter a decidedly foreign bent and focus what little attention I have left on my favorite contenders for this year’s Best International Feature race. The United States might feel like a lost cause at the moment, but at least the movies can spirit us away to idyllic places like … um, modern-day Iran and 18th century Austria.

Okay, so maybe America isn’t special in its suffering, but until the shock of what just happened wears off...

Greek filmmakers Stergios Dinopoulos and Krysianna Papadakis’ romantic adventure “Bearcave” and Turkish director Ahu Ozturk’s drama “The Hunchback” took the top prizes at the Thessaloniki Film Festival’s industry award ceremony Wednesday night.

Based on a 2023 short film of the same name, “Bearcave,” which is the feature debut of the Greek writing and directing duo, won the Authorwave Post-Production Award, the top prize in the Agora’s Works in Progress section, offering image services in post-production. The Crossroads Co-Production Forum, meanwhile, gave its top honors — the Two Thirty-Five Co-Production Award, offering full post-production image and sound to a film that’s currently in development — to “The Hunchback”, Ozturk’s sophomore feature and the follow-up to her 2015 Berlinale premiere “Dust Cloth.”

“Bearcave,” which tells the story of a mystical cave and an unexpected betrayal that spurs a romantic adventure between two childhood friends, was praised by the jury for its “unique style,...

20 Days In Mariupol, the Oscar-winning Frontline/PBS and Associated Press documentary, was one of the big victors at the UK’s prestigious Grierson Awards on Wednesday.

20 Days In Mariupol won Best Current Affairs Documentary and Best Cinema Documentary at the event staged at London’s Roundhouse (full winners below).

Other winners included Me and the Voice in My Head, Channel 4’s documentary spotlighting Joe Tracini, a comedian who lives with Borderline Personality Disorder. As well as picking up Best Single Documentary, Tracini won Best Documentary Presenter.

The Grierson Awards has found itself at the crucible of industry debate about the Israel-Gaza conflict after removing Oscar-winning director Asif Kapadia as a patron amid a backlash over social media posts considered to be antisemitic.

The decision, first revealed by Deadline, sparked a boycott among members of UK television’s Muslim and South Asian community. Senior industry figures wrote to...

The seventh edition of the El Gouna Film Festival felt like a solid step back into stability following the cancelation of the 2022 edition for a “reset” and the postponement of last year’s edition from October to December due to the war in Gaza. This year’s fete, which took place between Oct. 24-Nov. 1 in the Egyptian resort town, welcomed keen audiences and key regional and international players as part of market platform CineGouna.

“The program was always strong but the media concentrated the coverage on the glamour and red carpet,” artistic director Marianne Khoury tells Variety. “When I joined last year, I wanted to rebalance that a little bit and have the right coverage on all the programs, not just the glitz and glamour.”

And that is exactly how the festival felt this year, with filmmakers and industry heads all acutely aware of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East,...

Academy members who are voting in the Best International Feature Film category have been given 85 different films to consider, according to emails sent to voters on Friday and obtained by TheWrap.

The 85 films make up the smallest field in the category in nine years. Last year saw 88 qualifying films, after the total number of eligible films had topped 90 in five of the previous six years. The record was 93, set in 2000.

In late September, all prospective voters in the category received emails inviting them to vote in the international category and telling them that those who opted in would receive emails with their assigned viewing on Friday, Nov. 1. But those emails came a week early, going to prospective voters on Friday afternoon, Oct. 25, and separating the members into seven separate groups.

Each group was given a list of 12 or 13 films to view, either in the Academy’s members-only screening platform devoted...

Mark Ruffalo is known and loved for his role as Hulk in Marvel, but he’s more than just a character with monstrous strength. The actor himself is quite aware of current issues and is no stranger to voicing his opinions when a topic requires attention. Recently, he shared his thoughts about the U.S. presidential choices, specifically regarding the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/ Hulk in Avengers: Infinity War | Marvel Studios

He wasn’t one to hold back and used his influence and platforms to urge voters to consider what might happen if they voted for either one of the candidates. He didn’t mince his words, instead, he weighed in on the outcome of the presidency under either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.

Mark Ruffalo on Choosing Between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris Mark Ruffalo in I Know This Much is True | FilmNation Entertainment

At a recent rally,...

Dozens of students walked out of comedian Jerry Seinfeld‘s Duke University commencement speech on May 12.

A video posted on X showed students chanting “Free, free Palestine” as they left the stadium with pro-Palestine flags, and the walkouts seemed to be in protest of Seinfeld’s support of Israel. Seinfeld has publicly voiced his support for Israel since the October 7 Hamas-led attack.

Duke University students walking out of commencement ceremony as Jerry Seinfeld is introduced pic.twitter.com/ckJLAKUr97

— Your Thighness (@RevHonorable) May 12, 2024

Boos could be heard in the stadium, though it is unclear whether they were directed towards Seinfeld or the students exiting the stadium. The comedian was able to deliver his speech without any major interruptions.

Jessica Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld’s wife, posted on her social media supporting her husband’s commencement speech.

“Amazing crowd @dukeuniversity today where Jerry gave the commencement speech and received an honorary degree,...

While fans had no complaints about 2021’s Dune long run time, which clocked at 155 minutes, Zendaya had a rough time sitting throughout the film during the Venice Film Festival.

Over the past few years, the Marvel Star has become the biggest attraction in Award ceremonies and fashion shows following her breathtaking outfits, which often take the internet by storm. And similar was the case during the 78th Annual Venice International Film Festival, when she entered the event in a custom Balmain dress, but beauty came at a price for the actor.

Zendaya | Dune

Zendaya Couldn’t Focus on Dune Following the Complications of the Leather Gown

During Dune: Part One‘s premiere at the 78th Venice Film Festival, Zendaya proved why she is called the red carpet queen, as she entered the event in a custom Balmain leather dress. Speaking with Harpers Bazaar, Zendaya recalled that it wasn’t initially a dress,...

If you’re going to insist that President Joe Biden is too old for reelection, you should also take a closer look at who’s challenging him.

During a “surprise” appearance to mark the 10th anniversary of NBC’s Late Night With Seth Meyers, Biden addressed the concern American voters have about his advanced age. What began as playful interview — Meyers suggested he’d obtained “classified materials” revealing that the president is 81 years old, at which point Potus shot back, “Who the hell told you that? That’s classified!” — took a serious turn as Biden addressed his 77-year-old competitor, former President Donald Trump.

Dr. Phil McGraw appeared on The View Monday as part of the press tour for his upcoming book and primetime show, but a sudden segue into the topic of Covid and its effects on school children caught the hosts entirely by surprise.

The puzzling exchange began after Sara Haines asked the TV personality a question about how social media has caused parents to adapt to make sure they’re “the best voice” in children’s ears. McGraw discussed how after the adoption of smartphones, there was a huge spike in the levels of depression, anxiety and loneliness reported among children but,...

People protesting the Israel-Hamas war outside the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards could be heard inside throughout the ceremony on Sunday afternoon.

A handful of protesters were outside the tent located on the beach in Santa Monica playing previously recorded chants on a megaphone such as “free Palestine,” “long live Palestine” and “ceasefire now.” The chants continued as awards were presented inside and were also heard during the red carpet arrivals earlier in the day.

Protesters chant “Free, Free Palestine” and “Ceasefire Now” outside the 2024 #SpiritAwards pic.twitter.com/HajqDt1D76

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 25, 2024

Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that the chants were “very audible” inside the tent where the ceremony was taking place. They could also be heard on the livestream of the event on Film Independent and IMDb’s YouTube channels. At one point, while actor and comedian Jim Gaffigan was presenting, he appeared to be...

Melissa Barrera hit the frontlines of a pro-Palestine rally on Sunday (January 21) in Park City, Utah.

The 33-year-old actress is in town for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where she premiered her new movie Your Monster a few days before.

On Sunday, she attended the SAGindie Actors Only Brunch, pictured in the gallery, as well as joining the protestors, where she held up a poster that read, “In Our Lifetime,” and “Free Palestine” numerous times.

Keep reading to find out more…

During the rally, Melissa did not do interviews, understandably so, but she did give permission for people to take video of her.

She was seen chanting, “In our thousands, in our millions, we are all Palestinians!” along with others, via Deadline.

Melissa has been very vocal about her support for Palestine, which has led to her being fired from the upcoming Scream 7 movie.

At the Your Monster premiere days before joining the rally,...

Melissa Barrera and Indya Moore were among the several husband protestors in support of Palestine chanting “Free Palestine” and “stop the genocide” at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

The 29-year-old Pose actress is in town for the festival premiere of Ponyboi, and took the mic to say: “I’m gay as — God forgive me — f-ck. I love everybody. I love people. I have Israeli friends. I have Jewish friends. I have Palestinian friends. Everybody sees what’s happening. They all agree. There needs to be a ceasefire.”

Keep reading to find out more…

“Stop telling us to hate each other. Stop telling us they hate each other. They also know that the Palestinian children that have been murdered are not responsible for freeing the hostages right now. That’s just the truth, right? The children are innocent,” she continued, with the former 33-year-old Scream star, who was...

The traffic congestion experienced by Golden Globes attendees Sunday made clear that while here may not appear to not be as much security onsite as in the recent past, things are actually much more buttoned down than usual.

Unlike previous years when there would be a wall of Swat trucks and bomb-cop trucks, the bulk of the Beverly Hills police presence was more behind the scenes today. There was a police perimeter with squad cars and motorcycles set up near the Hilton, 0.2 miles before its entrance, creating a black sedan and limo back-up for those arriving to the red carpet.

With Israel’s powerful response to the murderous Hamas attack October 7 spurring demonstrations almost every few days in Los Angeles County, West Coast law enforcement has been echoing the stern stance the NYPD took on New Year’s Eve. There were a handful apparent protesters out near the Beverly Hills Hilton today,...

They were testing the New Year’s Eve ball Saturday in Times Square ahead of Sunday’s celebrations, but the real spectacle was happening on the streets.

In a self-declared “heightened threat environment” since Hamas’ murderous assault on Israeli communities near the border with Gaza and the butchering of thousands on October 7, and the punishing military response by the Jewish state, the NYPD is pulling out all security stops openly and behind the scenes in anticipation of protests and potential violence on New Year’s Eve.

With big Nye specials in the final stages, networks are gearing up for an anticipated unruly night.

Amidst bubbling online chatter and activist promises of a big turnout of pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli protestors December 31, New York Mayor Eric Adams insisted Friday in a Times Square press conference with Chief Jeff Maddrey and other top cops that “there are no specific threats to the city.

Shortlist of 15 films to be announced December 21, nominations out on January 23, 2024.

The Academy has announced eligible features in the categories of international feature film, animation, and documentary for the 96th Academy Awards on March 10, 2024.

The shortlist of 15 films will be announced on December 21, and the nominations announcement is January 23, 2024.

International

Eighty-eight countries or regions have submitted films eligible for consideration in the international feature film category. An international feature film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (more than 40 minutes long) produced outside the US with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track. Namibia is a first-time entrant.

Academy members...

On Thursday morning, Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City was briefly disrupted by Pro-Palestinian protesters who wanted to call attention to the current Israel-Hamas war. They wore white jumpsuits and glued themselves to the ground.

The protesters gathered along Sixth Avenue, with banners that read phrases such as “Free Palestine” and “Liberation for Palestine and Planet.”

Various news outlets captured footage of the demonstration. The jumpsuits worn by the protesters were marked with the words “colonialism,” “capitalism” and “racism.”

The New York Police Department said 34 protesters were arrested. However, authorities did disclose that multiple individuals were taken into custody.

One of the protesters said, “I will not celebrate the genocide of thousands of children who are being bombed and buried under rubble. We have nothing to celebrate.”

In a video shared on Instagram, climate coalition Seven Circles Alliance claimed responsibility for the demonstration and cited...

Updated: Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, appearing at a Los Angeles re-election fundraiser tonight, each addressed the Israel-Gaza war protests that have highlighted a split on the left.

About two dozen pro-Palestinian demonstrators were outside the event, held at the home of entertainment attorney Cliff Gilbert-Lurie and Leslie Gilbert-Lurie, and some of the protesters chanted “Free Palestine” and held a banner that read “No pride in genocide,” according to a pool report. Demonstrators also threw fake blood in front of the home, and placed their red handprints on the ground, as they have at other protests.

Inside, with about 140 people in attendance, Leslie Gilbert-Lurie introduced Emhoff and told the crowd, “At this heart breaking moment when antisemitism is rapidly gaining traction along with Islamophobia, racism and xenophobia, it is so reassuring to know that the Second Gentleman understands what many of us are experiencing.”

Per the pool report,...

One of Hollywood’s busiest main intersections was shut down during rush hour today by a group advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Jewish activist groups protesting the conflict filled the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue on Wednesday. The location houses the Dolby Theater and is in the heart of Hollywood’s tourist district.

The Los Angeles Police Department said that traffic was closed around the demonstration, with protesters sitting in the intersection shortly after 5 Pm.

Hollywood Boulevard was shut down between Orange Drive and Las Palmas Avenue, while Highland Avenue was closed from Franklin Place to Sunset Boulevard.

The groups IfNotNow and Jewish Voices for Peace claimed responsibility for the protest, with both urging a ceasefire in Gaza. Signs reading, “Jews say no to genocide,” and chants of “Rain or shine, Free Palestine!” were part of the protest.

The protesters gathered in De Longpre Park at 2:30 p.

International Documentary Festival Amsterdam has long enjoyed a reputation as a politically engaged festival – standing up for artists and speaking out for freedom of expression. For instance, IDFA forcefully advocated for Ukrainian filmmakers at last year’s event, making no secret of its position on Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine.

But that reputation for taking bold stances on geopolitical issues has put the world’s largest documentary gathering in a very tenuous position in the starkly polarized context of the Israel-Hamas war and the relentless bombing of Gaza. For IDFA to say nothing about the violence is unthinkable. To say anything at all almost guarantees backlash.

IDFA’s attempt to walk a fine line – publicly acknowledging the trauma experienced by Palestinians and Israelis, while trying to avoid injuring feelings with its statements on the issue – has proven virtually impossible to achieve. It has found itself the target of vociferous...

Updated with details on the Palestinian solidarity demonstration outside the Internationaal Theater Amsterdam. About 200 people gathered outside the main hub of the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam today, to demand a ceasefire in Gaza, and to criticize IDFA for its response to a protest on the festival’s opening night, which saw three demonstrators display a banner with the slogan, “From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free.”

On Friday, the festival apologized for the opening night disruption and called the slogan “hurtful.” Many Jews consider it not simply hurtful, but inherently antisemitic and a threat to wipe out the state of Israel. The festival wrote, “That slogan does not represent us, and we do not endorse it in any way. We are truly sorry that it was hurtful to many.”

Yara Yuri Safadi (L) and others at the “Stand Up for Palestine” demonstration at IDFA.

But at today’s demonstration,...

The war between Israel and the militant group Hamas, now in its fifth week, has claimed thousands of lives and ignited a geopolitical firestorm. Amid this bloody chaos, another struggle has played out across the internet, with politicians, activists, influencers, and media outlets grappling for control of the narratives around the conflict. Bad actors have further muddied the waters with fake images and misinformation meant to advance their own agendas.

But while the stories of those under bombardment by Idf forces in Gaza are mostly told by a patchwork of embedded journalists,...

ITV News has apologized after giving over airtime to a journalist for Iranian state TV, who described Hamas’ attack on Israel as a “moment of triumph.”

ITV News London interviewed Latifa Abouchakra on Monday, describing her as a “British Palestinian woman living in London” and quoting her views on the discrimination faced by Muslim people in the UK.

The ITN-produced news show did not disclose that Abouchakra works as a reporter for Press TV, the Iranian propaganda machine that has been banned from broadcasting in the UK.

In an Instagram post on October 7, Abouchakra hailed Hamas’ attack on Israel, during which more than 1,400 people were killed.

“Nothing will ever be able to take back this moment, this moment of triumph, this moment of resistance, this moment of surprise, this moment of humiliation on behalf of the Zionist entity,” she said.

And if anyone was in doubt this is what...

The Rough Cut Presentations section has expanded, including five additional projects from Ukraine.

IDFA Forum (November 12-15), the co-production and co-financing market of International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), has selected its 2023 edition titles, with the likes of Aboozar Amini, Asmae El Moudir and Michael Madsen returning with their latest projects to Forum Pitch, while the Rough Cut Presentations section has expanded.

Afghanistan-born, Netherlands-based filmmaker Amini’s Kabul, City In The Wind screened at IDFA in 2018, and is now pitching Kabul, Year Zero, which threads together four vivid coming-of-age stories against the backdrop of war.

After presenting The Postcard at IDFA...

Rage Against the Machine, Serj Tankian, Roger Waters, Run the Jewels and Patti Smith are among the 600 musicians who have signed an open letter asking fellow artists to boycott performing in Israel until there is a “free Palestine.”

The Musicians for Palestine letter was also signed by the Strokes’ Julian Casablancas, the Roots’ Black Thought and Questlove, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Thurston Moore, Bun B, Royce Da 5’9″, Cypress Hill, Talib Kweli and hundreds more.

“As musicians, we cannot be silent. Today it is essential that we stand with Palestine. We...