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The American Civil War was the most consequential conflict in United States history and has been powerfully depicted on screen countless times. From epic accounts of fierce battles to personal explorations of soldiers experiences, as a medium, film has the power to represent the full spectrum of this harrowing conflict, where brothers fought against brothers and communities turned on one another. This can often lead to emotional movie-viewing experiences, as, more so than any other art form, films allow audiences to witness the shocking, bloody, and uncomfortably graphic sides of warfare.

Like the best war movie, depictions of the Civil War highlight not just the challenges of society during that conflict but also today's social and political tensions. This can be seen through the racial representation in a movie like Glory or even as a thought experiment in the imagined dystopian conflict seen in Alex Garlands Civil War, which showcased...

Michel Gondry and Pharrell Williams are headed for Atlantis.

That’s the official title of their upcoming high-profile musical for Universal that will theaters on May 9, 2025, the studio revealed Thursday.

Universal also announced that the film will feature songs by Williams and by the Tony-, Oscar- and Grammy-winning team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (The Greatest Showman, La La Land).

The coming-of-age story is set in Virginia Beach during the summer of 1977 and is inspired by the Atlantis Apartments, the neighborhood where Williams grew up. Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Science of Sleep) is directing from a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson.

The previously revealed star-studded cast includes Janelle Monáe, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Brian Tyree Henry, Missy Elliott, Tim Meadows, Jayson Lee, Anderson .Paak, HeJayson Lee, Jamilah Rosemond and Jaboukie Young-White.

Atlantis is produced by Williams, Emmy winner Mimi Valdés (Hidden Figures,...

Universal has dated the Pharrell Williams-Michel Gondry musical feature Atlantis for May 9, 2025.

The pic is based on Williams’ childhood at the Virginia Beach Atlantis Apartments during the summer of 1977.

Piece by Piece, the Focus Features biopic about Williams told through Lego animation and directed by Morgan Neville, is making its world premiere at Telluride this week.

Atlantis is directed by Gondry from a screenplay by Martin Hynes (Toy Story 4) and the Tony award winning writer of Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen and the film adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s tick, tick … Boom!, Steven Levenson. Williams penned the songs along with near Egot-winning Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Williams produces with Emmy winner Mimi Valdés (EP of Hidden Figures and the series Harlem) and two-time Best Picture Oscar nominee Gil Netter.

EPs are Matthew Hirsch, Raffi Adlan, Jennie Lee, Shani Saxon, Michael Mayer,...

Pharrell Williams and Michel Gondry’s star-studded musical film now has its title and release date. Universal Pictures will release “Atlantis” wide on May 9, 2025.

While plot details remain under wraps, the film is described as an expedition into the summer of 1977 in the Virginia Beach neighborhood inspired by the Atlantis Apartments of Williams’ childhood.

The all-star cast includes Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Brian Tyree Henry, Quinta Brunson, Anderson .Paak, Janelle Monáe, Tim Meadows, Jayson Lee, Jamilah Rosemond, Jaboukie Young-White and Missy Elliott.

Academy Award-winning “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and “The Science of Sleep” filmmaker Gondry directs a screenplay by Martin Hynes (“Toy Story 4″) and Steven Levenson.

The coming-of-age film features songs by Williams and the decorated musical duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. “Atlantis” is produced by Williams, Mimi Valdés and Gil Netter.

The film is executive produced by Matthew Hirsch, Raffi Adlan, Jennie Lee,...

Exclusive: Amazon Studios has locked down film rights to the #1 New York Times bestseller The Beatryce Prophecy from two-time Newbery Medalist Kate Dicamillo, tapping two-time Emmy nominee Brad Copeland (Arrested Development) to script an adaptation.

Gil Netter will produce the fantasy pic for Netter Films, with the company’s VP of Development & Production Jennie Lee serving as exec producer.

Published by Candlewick in September of 2021 and featuring illustrations by Sophie Blackall, The Beatryce Prophecy is billed as a fantastical meditation on fate, love and the power of words to spell the world.

The book’s official synopsis goes as follows: In a time of war, a mysterious child appears at the monastery of the Order of the Chronicles of Sorrowing. Gentle Brother Edik finds the girl, Beatryce, curled in a stall, wracked with fever, coated in dirt and blood, and holding fast to the ear of Answelica the goat. As...

One of Amazon Prime’s most recent releases, The Devil’s Hour premiered on 28th October, and is a twisty, high-concept thriller that will keep you guessing all the way through its six episodes.

The series is written by Tom Moran, and comes from the team behind Sherlock and Dracula, including former Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat. The plot centres on a troubled woman who wakes up every night at 3.33am – the so-called devil’s hour – and sees terrifying visions, which get her caught up in a series of brutal murders and a disappearance from many years ago.

The show boasts an impressive lineup of acting talent – so let’s meet the cast of The Devil’s Hour:

Peter Capaldi as Gideon Shepherd

Capaldi plays the reclusive Gideon, an apparently murderous obsessive on a mission, and a mysterious, enigmatic figure. We’ve recently rounded up Peter Capaldi’s best roles, but...

Exclusive: We hear Paramount+ is developing Dee Takes Seoul, a K-pop dramedy from writer Diana Snyder Ritter (Young & Hungry), South Korean production company Cj Entertainment and Paramount Television Studios, with Jenny Lee attached as executive producer and showrunner.

Paramount+ declined to comment.

Written by Snyder Ritter, Dee Takes Seoul is a fish out of water dramedy that follows Dee Martinez, a twenty-something struggling choreographer who is about to give up on her dreams when she gets the opportunity of a lifetime— to become a choreographer for an up-and-coming girl group. There’s just one catch… they’re a K-pop band and the job requires Dee to move to South Korea. Now Dee, a Philly girl with the attitude to prove it, finds herself exploring, falling in love, and dancing her way through Seoul.

Snyder Ritter and Lee executive produce with Wendy Howard Goldberg and Nadine Schiff-Rosen. Cj Entertainment produces via Paramount Television Studios.

Twentieth Century Fox has acquired the life rights to legendary Marvel superhero creator Stan Lee with the intention of developing a ’70s-set action film, TheWrap has learned. The logline and title for the film are being kept under wraps. Senior VP of production Matt Reilly will oversee the project for the studio. Temple Hill producers Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen, who produced the “Twilight” film series, are attached to produce. The duo have “Power Rangers” at Lionsgate up next. Also Read: Spider-Man Creator Stan Lee Says Zendaya Will Be 'Absolutely Wonderful' as Mary Jane Lee is a renowned figure in the comics world,...

Sundance Institute today announced the films and music acts that will headline the Sundance Next Fest summer festival August 7-10 in Los Angeles. Next Fest, headquartered at the Theatre at Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, celebrates the intersection of film and music and the renegade spirit of independent artists. Tickets ($15-25) go on sale to Sundance Institute members today and all others tomorrow at sundance.org/next

In addition to a 10th Anniversary screening of "Napoleon Dynamite" with Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery as the festival’s kickoff event on August 7, Next Fest will present the Los Angeles premieres of six films that first screened at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, and offer unfettered creativity and fresh perspectives. The program features a zombie love story, an Iranian-set vampire movie, a modern tale of buried treasure, a thriller about a mysterious soldier, and films that explore the perils of artistic ambition amongst gang life in Watts and the literary world of New York respectively.

Each film screens once at the Theatre at Ace Hotel August 8-10 and will be paired with either a special music act that shares a complementary artistic sensibility or conversations that bring together filmmakers with those who inspired them. The Sundance Film Festival programming staff selected the films and music acts for Next Fest.

The festival is an extension of the popular Next <=> section at the Sundance Film Festival, which showcases stylistically adventurous and bold films, and builds on the Institute’s Next Weekend event, hosted in 2013.

John Cooper , Director of the Sundance Film Festival, said, “Next Fest is a continuation of our efforts to connect film-loving audiences with the next generation of independent filmmakers. The unique convergence of film and music enhances the experience of each and offers fresh insight into the talent and vision of these outstanding independent artists.”

Trevor Groth , Director of Programming for the Sundance Film Festival, said, “In the heart of one of the most creative cities in the world, Next Fest will launch a new wave of film and music talent into the artistic atmosphere. The Theatre at Ace Hotel, with its roots in cinematic trailblazing, will serve as the ideal hub for this cultural adventure.”

Sundance Institute members have access to a host of benefits related to Next Fest, including the ability to purchase tickets today, before they go on sale to the general public tomorrow. At the August 7 screening with Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, members will enjoy a reserved seating section and receive an exclusive tote bag, screenprinted live at the event by Hit + Run. Members are also invited to a special party during Next Fest and are eligible to win a prize package including a three-night stay at the Ace Hotel plus airfare. For more information visit Here

The film schedule is as follows:

Thursday, August 7,

Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

"Napoleon Dynamite" (Director: Jared Hess, Screenwriters: Jared Hess, Jerusha Hess) — From the rural town of Preston, Idaho, comes Napoleon Dynamite – a new kind of hero. He spends his days drawing magical beasts, working on his computer hacking skills to impress the chicks, and begrudgingly feeding his Grandma's pet llama. When his friend Pedro runs for class president, Napoleon helps him triumph over adversity. The film premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. Cast: Jon Heder, Aaron Ruell, Jon Gries, Sandy Martin, Efren Ramirez. Special guests to be announced. 10th Anniversary Screening

Friday, August 8, 8:00 p.m.

Theatre at Ace Hotel

"Life After Beth" / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Jeff Baena) — Zach is devastated by the unexpected death of his girlfriend, Beth. When she mysteriously returns, he gets a second chance at love. Soon his whole world turns upside down... Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Dane DeHaan, John C. Reilly, Molly Shannon, Cheryl Hines, Paul Reiser. Los Angeles Premiere

Father John Misty — Father John Misty is the charismatic singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and performer who released his debut album, Fear Fun in 2012 to universal praise. The acclaim, emboldened by his incredible live show, led to multiple sold-out tours and high profile TV performances on Late Show with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Conan and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He is currently at work on his follow up, due in early 2015. Next Fest will feature a solo acoustic performance.

Saturday, August 9, 1:00 p.m.

Theatre at Ace Hotel

"Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter" / U.S.A. (Director: David Zellner Screenwriters: David Zellner, Nathan Zellner) — A lonely Japanese woman becomes convinced that a satchel of money buried in a fictional film is, in fact, real. Abandoning her structured life in Tokyo for the frozen Minnesota wilderness, she embarks on an impulsive quest to search for her lost mythical fortune. Cast: Rinko Kikuchi. Winner of a U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Musical Score at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. Los Angeles Premiere

Followed by a conversation between director David Zellner and co-screenwriter Nathan Zellner with a special guest to be announced.

Saturday, August 9, 4:45 p.m.

Theatre at Ace Hotel

"Listen Up Philip"/ U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Alex Ross Perry) — A story about changing seasons and changing attitudes, a newly accomplished writer faces mistakes and miseries affecting those around him, including his girlfriend, her sister, his idol, his idol's daughter, and all the ex-girlfriends and enemies that lie in wait on the open streets of New York. Cast: Jason Schwartzman, Elisabeth Moss, Jonathan Pryce, Krysten Ritter, Josephine de La Baume. Los Angeles Premiere

Followed by a conversation between director Alex Ross Perry and Jason Schwartzman with a special guest to be announced.

Saturday, August 9, 8:30 p.m.

Theatre at Ace Hotel

"Imperial Dreams" / U.S.A. (Director: Malik Vitthal, Screenwriters: Malik Vitthal, Ismet Prcic ) — A 21-year-old, reformed gangster's devotion to his family and his future are put to the test when he is released from prison and returns to his old stomping grounds in Watts, Los Angeles. Cast: John Boyega, Rotimi Akinosho, Glenn Plummer, Keke Palmer, De'aundre Bonds. Winner of the Audience Award: Best of Next <=> at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. Los Angeles Premiere

Tinashe : Tinashe does everything on her own terms. The stunning 21-year-old singer, songwriter and performer arrives with a distinct and dynamic vision of R&B punctuated by hip-hop attitude, pop flavor, rock swagger and electronica spark. It all comes to life vividly on Aquarius, her forthcoming full-length debut on RCA Records.

Sunday, August 10, 4:00 p.m.

Theatre at Ace Hotel

"The Guest" / U.S.A. (Director: Adam Wingard, Screenwriter: Simon Barrett) — A soldier on leave arrives at the home of a fallen comrade. Friendly and helpful, they welcome him in, but when people start mysteriously dying in town, mayhem ensues as their teenage daughter starts wondering if he’s responsible. Cast: Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, Leland Orser, Lance Reddick, Chase Williamson, Brendan Meyer. Los Angeles Premiere

Followed by a conversation between director Adam Wingard and a special guest to be announced.

Sunday, August 10, 7:45 p.m.

Theatre at Ace Hotel

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Ana Lily Amirpour) — In the Iranian ghost town of Bad City, a place that reeks of death and loneliness, depraved denizens are unaware they are being stalked by a lonesome vampire. Cast: Sheila Vand, Arash Marandi, Dominic Rains, Marshall Manesh, Mozhan Marnó, Milad Eghbali. Los Angeles Premiere

Warpaint — Warpaint was formed in 2004 and comprises Emily Kokal, Theresa Wayman, Jenny Lee Lindberg and Stella Mozgawa. They recently released their self-titled second album to rave reviews. Rolling Stone described it as, “The perfect backdrop for your next midnight séance or moonlit dance party” and W Magazine said, “If the La band’s first album was the sonic equivalent of falling into happy slumber, then its newly released follow-up is a beautifully lucid dream...

The Observer's film critic reflects on The King's Speech – and how his own speech impediment has contributed to his life and character

From as early as I can remember until 1952, when I left home at the age of 18 to go into the army, there was an annual ritual on the afternoon of Christmas Day. Dinner, which meant turkey and all the trimmings followed by plum pudding, began around two o'clock and was carefully timed to end so that everyone could sit there beneath the paper decorations, wearing the hats that came out of the crackers, and earnestly, reverently listen to the king's Christmas message on the radio.

This hallowed national tradition, initiated by Sir John Reith in 1932, was not five years old when George V, who'd given four of them, died. His successor Edward VIII's landmark contribution to broadcasting was his 1936 abdication speech: there was no Christmas message that year.

HollywoodNews.com: With ‘Lost’ coming to a close, the characters you’ve grown to love are going to be moving on to other things.

Actor Jeff Fahey has just been cast to star in the small-town comedy “Dadgum, Texas” by Charles Huddleston. Principal photography is underway in a small town outside Austin and the film is set to be released next year.

“Dadgum” stars Michele Martin as Jennie Lee “Baby” Magee, a young woman “fixin’ to get herself hitched,” and Martin Morales as her flamboyant wedding designer, Sanchez Horowitz. Jennie Lee’s happiest day before the happiest day of her life is progressively and hilariously destroyed when she finds out the perfect life she thought she had was a lie and the wedding dress store is held up by two bumbling bandits. Fahey plays Jennie Lee’s proud father and the mayor of the small town of Dadgum. Jennie Lee’s mother,...

Jeff Fahey to star in Dadgum, Texas Actor Jeff Fahey of Lost and the upcoming controversial Robert Rodriguez film Machete has been cast in the small-town comedy Dadgum, Texas from independent production company Terran Enterprises and director Charles Huddleston.

Dadgum, Texas stars Michele Martin as Jennie Lee "Baby" Magee, a young woman "fixin' to get herself hitched," and Martin Morales as her flamboyant wedding designer, Sanchez Horowitz. Jennie Lee's happiest day before the happiest day of her life is progressively and hilariously destroyed when she finds out the perfect life she thought she had was a lie and the wedding dress store is held up by two bumbling bandits. Fahey plays Jennie Lee's proud father and the mayor of the small town of Dadgum. Jennie Lee's mother, oblivious to the insanity around her and obsessed with planning a perfect wedding, is played by Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, who starred...

"Lost" star Jeff Fahey, who can next be seen on the big screen in Robert Rodriguez's Machete , has been cast in the small-town comedy Dadgum, Texas from independent production company Terran Enterprises and director Charles Huddleston. The film stars Michele Martin as Jennie Lee "Baby" Magee, a young woman "fixin' to get herself hitched," and Martin Morales as her flamboyant wedding designer, Sanchez Horowitz. Jennie Lee's happiest day before the happiest day of her life is progressively and hilariously destroyed when she finds out the perfect life she thought she had was a lie and the wedding dress store is held up by two bumbling bandits. Fahey plays Jennie Lee's proud father and the mayor of the small town of Dadgum. Jennie Lee's mother,...

Canadian Christians Casting Crowns were the big winners at Wednesday, April 21 Dove Awards, taking home the night's Artist of the Year honours. The group, who also performed at the annual celebration of gospel and inspirational music, has claimed the event's Group of the Year title for the past five years.

This year, that award went to South Carolina band Needtobreathe. Sidewalk Prophets claimed the Best New Artist Dove, while Brandon Heath picked up his second successive Male Vocalist prize and Francesca Battistelli ended Natalie Grant's four-year Female Vocalist run. It was a very happy night for Battistelli, who also claimed the award for Short Form Music Video (Free to be Me) and performed - she used the event to announce she is pregnant.

Jennie Lee Riddle was also a double winner - she claimed Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year (By Your Side) honours.

The 41st...