News

The wait is over—Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War 4 will bring back the Blood Ravens as one of its premier playable factions, and yes, that’s confirmed straight from this week’s biggest Gamescom stage. The new installment reboots the real-time strategy chaos that fans have missed, all set on planet Kronus with four distinct factions vying for dominance.

The Blood Ravens are woven into the heart of the campaign, and their return means players can expect narrative depth, classic unit options, and that iconic sense of mystery the chapter has been famous for since the series began.

That barely-2-minutes-long announcement trailer alone has veteran Warhammer 40K fans excited, but also a touch wary, given the memory of the failed experiment that was Dawn of War 3.

Who Are the Blood Ravens? Why Do They Matter? “No respite, no remorse, no mercy.” | Image Credit: King Art / Deep Silver

Blood Ravens are no ordinary Space Marines.

The Disney Twisted Wonderland phenomenon has captivated fans since its mobile game debut, blending Disney’s iconic villains with anime’s vibrant storytelling. Now, Disney Twisted Wonderland: The Animation is set to bring the magical chaos of Night Raven College to life, sparking excitement among Disney fans and anime enthusiasts alike. Born from a collaboration between Walt Disney Japan and Aniplex, this series promises a villain-inspired adventure that’s both nostalgic and fresh. With a confirmed release date, a multi-season commitment, and a place in Disney+’s growing anime lineup, here’s everything you need to know about when Twisted Wonderland hits Disney+, its development journey, and its role in the streaming anime boom.

Here’s the Tl;Dr:

Disney Twisted Wonderland: The Animation premieres on October 29, 2025, on Disney+.

First season (Episode of Heartslabyul) will have 8 weekly episodes.

Adapted from a mobile game created by Yana Toboso, blending Disney villains with anime flair.

In this exclusive conversation, director Mark Gill and acclaimed actor Tadanobu Asano dive deep into their haunting and poetic new film “Ravens”, a portrait of legendary Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase, best known for his iconic photo series Karasu (Ravens).

Director Mark Gill shares:

What inspired him to bring Fukase’s life to the screen

His extensive research process into Fukase, his complex relationship with Yoko, and the presence of his father

The emotional core of a man torn between artistic genius and personal tragedy

Tadanobu Asano opens up about:

What attracted him to the role of Fukase

The emotional depth he brought to portraying such a layered, troubled figure

His on-screen dynamic with Kanji Furutachi, and how it evolved since their collaboration on Harmonium

The most challenging scenes to shoot — and the ones he cherishes most...

The New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff) and Film at Lincoln Center today unveil the final wave of programming for its bold and boundary-pushing 24th edition, adding 50+ films to an already explosive lineup. Nyaff 2025 runs July 11–27 across four venues in Manhattan and champions one unifying theme: Cinema as Disruption.

Following last week’s first wave announcement, this second reveal includes the Uncaged Award competition, a historic Vietnam Cinema Night celebration, and provocative sidebars that challenge every assumption about Asian cinema.

Since 2002, Nyaff has served as North America’s premier showcase for Asian film, spotlighting the next generation of cinematic voices. It has introduced audiences to future icons—from early Bong Joon Ho to the Thai horror revolution—and continues to define the cultural moment.

“This completes our most ambitious program ever,” says Samuel Jamier, Nyaff Executive Director. “Eight breakthrough filmmakers competing for Uncaged, plus sidebars that reimagine what Asian cinema can be.

The 24th New York Asian Film Festival continues its theme of “Cinema as Disruption” adding 50+ films to its lineup, including the newly announced Uncaged Award nominees, a historic Vietnam Cinema Night celebration, and special programming spotlights that challenge every assumption about Asian cinema.

Since 2002, Nyaff has served as North America’s premier showcase for Asian film, spotlighting the next generation of cinematic voices. It has introduced audiences to future icons—from early Bong Joon Ho to the Thai horror revolution—and continues to define the cultural moment.

This year’s festival kicks off with the world premiere of Informant, a riotous Korean action-comedy with Director Kim Seok and actor Heo Sung-tae, internationally recognized for his memorable role in Squid Game, in attendance. Tadanobu Asano (Shōgun) will also attend the festival for Ravens, alongside the 4K restoration of horror classic Shutter and Thailand’s Attack 13 with the cast and director present.

“Informant,” starring “Squid Game” breakout Heo Sung-tae, will open the 24th New York Asian Film Festival with its world premiere on July 11, with both the actor and director Kim Seok attending the opening night screening.

The festival, running July 11-27 across four Manhattan venues, has unveiled its second wave of programming, revealing a lineup of 50+ additional films under the theme “Cinema as Disruption.”

The Korean action-comedy sets the tone for what organizers call “a radically inclusive lineup” featuring more than 50 filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals attending from across Asia and the global diaspora.

The festival’s star-studded guest list also includes Tadanobu Asano (“Shōgun”) attending the screening of “Ravens,” Taiwanese star Vivian Sung (“Our Times”) for Korean-Taiwanese co-production “The Secret House,” and Filipino sensation Sue Ramirez (“The Kingdom”) for closing night film “Flower Girl.”

Eight films have been nominated for the festival’s signature Uncaged Award for best feature film...

New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff) has unveiled the eight features that will compete for the Uncaged Award at its 24th edition, which is set to open with the world premiere of Korean action-comedy Informant.

The competition for best feature film at the festival, running July 11-27, includes titles that have already scored acclaim across Asia and chime with Nyaff theme this year of “cinema as disruption”. Organisers said its selection aimed to “challenge every assumption about Asian cinema”.

The nominees for its top prize include Time To Be Strong from South Korea’s Namkoon Sun, which won three awards...

Bali International Film Festival (Balinale) will hold its 18th edition of the festival, at Official Venue Partner, Icon Bali Mall, from Sunday, 1 June to Saturday 7 June 2025. The festival transforms Sanur into a gathering of global creativity, further positioning Bali as a vibrant center of local and international culture.

As Indonesia’s first and only Oscar®-Qualifying Film Festival, Balinale expands its global influence and celebrates nearly two decades of bringing outstanding cinema to Indonesia. Balinale supports and encourages the growth of independent cinema and promotes distinctive voices and creative talents.

The seven-day event will present over 72 films from 32 countries, including 8World, 25 Asian, and 16 International Premieres and includes 23 Indonesian films. Opening the Festival, is 2025 Academy® Award Winning feature animation Flow directed by Gints Zilbalodis (Latvia). Closing Night will feature two IMAX movies filmed in Indonesia Under The Sea by Howard Hall and Born To Be Wild by David Lickley (USA).

Deborah Gabinetti,...

Considering Japan’s fascination with photo books, it is no surprise that the concept of photography has become the basis for local movies a number of times, with titles like “Woman of the Photographs” and “Arakimentari” being among the first that come to mind. Mark Gill attempts his hand in the concept through a biopic about Masahisa Fukase, a renowned, as much as self-destructive photographer whose most renowned work is the titular album.

Check also this video

The movie sets the tone from the beginning. An elderly Fukase, in evident decline, is interacting with a huge black raven, who speaks in English for some reason. It turns out that the raven was always beside him, with him talking to it quite frequently, occasionally even in the presence of others, as his father’s words eloquently highlight later on in the movie. His father, Sukaze, is actually the second focal point of his life.

Quick Links Who Does Keanu Reeves Play in Armored Core: Asset Management? What Does Keanu Reeves' Pilot Do in Secret Level?

The following contains spoilers for Secret Level Episode 8, "Armored Core: Asset Management," which debuted Dec. 10 on Prime Video.

Keanu Reeves is one of Hollywood's most beloved actors. Fans will always hold a soft spot in their hearts for his movies like Speed, The Matrix, and John Wick. Next up is his role as Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Now, Prime Video's Secret Level has Reeves in a chapter linked to the Armored Core games that FromSoftware began in the 1990s. "Armored Core: Asset Management" turns out to be every bit as explosive as fans of the game anticipated. It builds to a macabre ending that leaves Reeves' character on a polarizing note.

Who Does Keanu Reeves Play in Armored Core: Asset Management? Reeves Voices a Tragic, Bitter Pilot...

The 2024 Austin Film Festival came and went last month, but there are still some accolades to hand out from the eight-day festival. Though the juried prizes have all been passed out, and the special honors have been presented, the festival just announced the winners of the audience prizes. Votes were cast after each screening during the festival's run from October 24 through 31, with winners being selected in 11 categories. Leading the charge as the winner in the Marquee Feature category was Mark Gill's dark fantasy biographical feature Ravens starring Shgun Emmy nominee Tadanobu Asano.

A portrait of the brilliantly gifted and deeply troubled Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase, “Ravens” is an arresting and engrossing slice of artistic life on the edge from “England Is Mine” director Mark Gill. A mix of dark fantasy and potent drama set largely in the ’60s and ’70s, Gill has fashioned his view of the turning points in Fukase’s life and career as a love triangle between the photographer; his wife and collaborator Yoko Wanibe; and Fukase’s inner demons and artistic desires, which come to startling life in the form of a giant talking raven. Starring Emmy-nominated “Shogun” actor Tadanobu Asano as the artist whose work continues to be discovered and celebrated long after his death in 2012, “Ravens” should appeal to adventurous viewers whether or not they’re familiar with Fukase.

Taking its title from a 10-year black-and-white project published to wide acclaim in 1986, “Ravens” opens with Fukase’s 1982 statement,...

Soaked by several days of rain, the by-product of a nearby typhoon, the Tokyo International Film Festival and its accompanying Tiffcom industry event might have been forgiven for being a little soggy. But spirits were rarely dampened. And, as the rains eased off at the festival’s midpoint, a handful of largely positive themes had been washed clear.

Chinese Hotspot

The Tokyo festival represents a surprising springboard for Chinese films to make their international festival comeback – Chinese and Japanese political relations remain testy at best – but for the second year in a row there were three mainland Chinese indie pics in Tokyo’s main competition. Add in “Papa,” a divisive Hong Kong drama that had been offered to Cannes and Venice, but was turned down, and a Taiwan-Japan co-production and the Chinese influences were hard to escape.

That is no accident in the sense that Tokyo’s artistic director Ichiyama...

Filmmakers with works selected for the Tokyo Film Festival’s Nippon Cinema Now section took part in a panel alongside Christian Jeune, Cannes’ film department director and deputy general delegate.

“I’ve been coming to Japan for the past 45 years and know the directors that have been to Cannes well, like Hirokazu Kore-eda and Takashi Miike,” said Jeune. “But six to seven years back, I was a bit desperate for new voices.

“I had heard that many directors had trouble financing their films, or their film treatments were very local and difficult to travel for an international audience. However, now we are seeing a new generation of filmmakers, like those behind Plan 75 or Happyend. I wouldn’t say that it’s a wave yet, but there’s something exciting happening,” added Jeune.

The panel was moderated by the Tokyo fest’s programming director Shozo Ichiyama.

Two filmmakers on the...

Christian Jeune, director of the film department at Cannes Film Festival, has hailed the next generation of filmmakers chosen for the Tokyo International Film Festival’s (TIFF) Nippon Cinema Now strand.

“If I go back to six, seven years, I was a bit desperate to find new voices [from Japan], and I got the impression that there was nobody really, or maybe young directors had difficulties to finance or even to cross over,” Jeune said. He was speaking at the festival’s TIFF Lounge series of talks. “I must say, for the last three, four years, [I’ve been] very optimistic, because we have seen, not only at Cannes but other festivals, we see this new generation emerging.” Jeune provided the example of Hayakawa Chie and her film “Plan 75” which bowed at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard in 2022.

The talk, moderated by TIFF artistic director Ichiyama Shozo, saw the participation of Tokyo-born Kim Yunsoo, an...

The 37th Tokyo International Film Festival got off to a memorably splashy start Monday night with the world premiere of filmmaker Shiraishi Kazuya’s frenetic and wildly bloody samurai action flick 11 Rebels.

In recent years, Japan’s preeminent cinema event has been attempting to revitalize and rebrand itself as a not-to-be-missed cultural occasion in the Asia-Pacific region. After years of organizational drift, the festival, under the leadership of current chairman Hiroyasu Ando, is on a mission to boost its reach and reputation into something more commensurate with the country’s powerful cinematic past and the ever-growing appeal of Japanese culture around the globe.

In that sense, 11 Rebels was perhaps the perfect pick for this year’s opening gala screening. A throw-back samurai slasher, the film is based on a decades-old screenplay by the late, great scriptwriter Kasahara Kazuo, best known for his cult classic yakuza film Battles Without Honor and Humanity...

Japan’s prime minster Shigeru Ishiba delivered a message of support to the local film industry during the opening of the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) on Monday (October 28).

Speaking via video message, Ishiba said work was underway to further develop Japan’s screen industries.

“The Japanese content industry has an export scale comparable to that of the steel and semiconductor industries,” said the prime minister. “The source of its competitiveness lies in the individual creators such as film directors and those on the production floor, along with their companies. The government is working to lay the groundwork to...

The Tokyo International Film Festival got underway Monday, just hours after a general election delivered a reduced parliamentary mandate for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. But if Japanese voters once again demonstrated their political apathy, there are signs that Japanese audiences have maintained their appetite for the entertainment industry – and further signals that the Japanese screen industry is coping well with sector disruption.

After a strong recovery in 2023, moderate further growth of the theatrical box office is predicted for this year. One forecast put the year end total at $1.88 billion, cementing Japan as the world’s third largest cinema market.

More importantly for the overall health of the industry, local films continue to dominate. So far this year, Japanese movies account for nine of the top ten titles, headed by the $103 million-grossing “Detective Conan: The Billion Dollar Pentagram.” But what is good for Japanese producers has become a tougher market for Hollywood to penetrate.

Warning: Spoilers for Titans #15!The Titans' iconic catchphrase, Titans Together! has taken on a whole new meaning as the Nightwing-led team unlocks DCs version of Marvels Infinity Gauntlet, crafting one of the most overpowered weapons in the Dcu. Whats particularly unique about this new weapon is that only the Titans can wield it, ensuring that it will never fall into the wrong hands.

Tom Taylor, Lucas Meyer, and Adriano Lucas Dark-Winged Queen storyline comes to a close in Titans #15. In this issue, fans witness Raven and the Titans battling her dark counterpart, the Dark-Winged Queen, along with her father, Trigon. However, the story takes a turn when the two Ravens settle their differences and decide to merge.

Despite this union, the Dark-Winged Queen and Raven still lack the power to defeat Trigon. Fortunately, Raven isnt alone in her fight; the rest of the Titans volunteer to become temporary gemstones in her crown,...

Your browser does not support the video tag.

The Legend of Vox Machina season 3 premieres October 3 on Prime Video, and Screen Rant had a fantastic time chatting with the creative minds behind the show. Fans are about to be plunged into a darker version of Exandria than they have previously experienced. While based on Matthew Mercer's Critical Role actual play campaign, the animated show continues to spread its wings and take liberties with its source material, though the presence of the original writers and cast ensures it always maintains its DnD-heavy spirit.

While The Legend of Vox Machina season 2 saw Vax (voiced by Liam O'Brien) give his life for his sister, he managed to be resurrected and converted into the Champion of Ravens. This doesn't stop his beloved Keyleth (Marisha Ray) from feeling the loss, however, or Vex (Laura Bailey) from feeling the guilt. But whatever inner demons and external rifts they undergo,...

Oscar race contenders Justin Kurzel’s The Order, Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist and Tim Fehlbaum’s September 5 have joined the lineup for the Austin Film Festival, which has unveiled the full screening lineup for its 31st edition.

The Order, the neo-Nazi crime thriller starring Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult, will be a Centerpiece Film presentation, with writer Zach Baylin and star Tye Sheridan attending. And the Oct. 24 to 31 festival will open with Malcolm Washington’s The Piano Lesson, which stars Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington and Danielle Deadwyler. Virgil Williams, who co-wrote the Netflix stage-to-screen adaptation produced by Denzel Washington, will attend.

Also headed to Austin is Maria, Pablo Larrain’s Maria Callas biopic for Netflix that stars Angelina Jolie. This year’s world premieres include the paranoia-thriller Crossword, co-written, directed and also starring Michael Vlamis in his directorial debut; the folk-horror pic The Fetch, starring Robert Longstreet...

Tadanobu Asano is set to receive The Hollywood Reporter’s Trailblazer Award at the upcoming 37th installment of the Tokyo International Film Festival next month.

The chameleonic screen actor has been a mainstay of Japanese cinema for nearly three decades while regularly appearing in prominent supporting parts in big Hollywood productions. But his swaggering recent performance as the irascible samurai Yabushige on FX‘s smash-hit series Shogun has given him an all-new level of global recognition over the past year. In the process of becoming an indelible fan favorite, Asano also received his first Emmy nomination for the part.

THR’s Trailblazer Award, whose recent honorees include six-time Emmy winner Jean Smart, David Oyelowo, Eva Longoria, Matt Bomer, Niecy Nash-Betts and America Ferrera, is given to artists whose work and careers illuminate stories and characters who have been traditionally marginalized in Hollywood. International editor Abid Rahman will present Asano with the award on Oct.

K5 Intl. has come on board for worldwide sales of the feature film “Ravens,” starring Tadanobu Asano, Emmy nominated for “Shōgun,” and Kumi Takuichi.

The film is directed by Mark Gill, known for Morrissey portrait “England Is Mine” (2017), and short film “The Voorman Problem” (2011), which was Oscar and BAFTA nominated.

K5 Intl. will present “Ravens” at a special screening at Toronto Film Festival and the film will have its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival at the end of October, as Variety exclusively announced.

The film depicts the turbulent love-triangle between maverick Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase, his model and wife Yoko, and Fukase’s Art, incarnated as an eight-foot talking Raven. “Tender, mischievous and packing emotional sucker-punches, ‘Ravens’ maps the peaks, troughs and collateral damage of a life devoted to art,” according to a statement.

The film is produced by Vestapol, Ark Entertainment, Minded Factory, Katsize Films and The...

Taking place alongside Filmart, the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf) is one of Asia’s oldest and most established project markets, helping a string of award-winning films to get made.

Recent Haf successes include Mongolian drama If Only I Could Hibernate, which was selected for last year’s Cannes Un Certain Regard, and Huang Ji and Ryuji Otsuka’s Stonewalling, which won best film at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards and was sold to KimStim for North America.

However, Haf is now just one component in an expanding range of activities organised by Hkiff Industry, the industry platform of Hong Kong International Film Festival (Hkiff). This year, the festival has partnered with CAA China to launch the Hkiff Industry-caa China Genre Initiative (Hcg), which is presenting six selected projects to an industry-wide audience during Haf.

Hkiff Industry director Jacob Wong explains that a genre initiative is a logical next...