News

Göteborg’s prime Nordic Film Market where last year’s Cannes sensations “The Girl with the Needle,” “Armand” and “When the Light Breaks” were first showcased as works in progress, has announced exclusively to Variety its full 2025 program.

Over Jan. 29-31, more than 60 completed films, titles in development and post-production will be showcased to 500-plus industry delegates from 38 countries.

As always, several acclaimed-directors will share the spotlight with promising newcomers, as reflected in the centre-piece 15-title Works in Progress lineup.

Five years after his Cannes selection with “Godland,” Iceland’s festival darling Hlynur Pálmason makes a comeback with “The Love that Remains,” a vignette-driven family drama toplining Sverrir Guðnason and Saga Garðarsdóttir (“Balls”).

A Cannes Directors’ Fortnight habitué, Afghan-born Shahrbanoo Sadat (“The Orphanage”) will bring “No Good Men,” her first romcom, set inside a Kabul newsroom in 2021 pre-Taliban ruled-Afghanistan.

Sweden’s Lisa Langseth (“Pure”) returns to feature length after her...

In a new interview with StarWars.com, artist Ian McCaig touched on two significant Jedis in the franchise and their roles in 1999s Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. McCaig said at the end, George Lucas changed something significant.

McCaig, who worked on the film, said the Jedi characters, Qui-Gon Jinn, played by Liam Neeson, and Obi-Wan Kenobi, played by Ewan McGregor, experienced quite the story change.

"Its interesting how things evolve, McCaig said. For a time, the older Jedi was named Obi-Wan and the younger Jedi was named Qui-Gon. It was very poignant that at the end, as Obi-Wan dies and Qui-Gon defeats Darth Maul and stays with his Master as he passes away, he not only takes on his Masters quest, but he takes on his name.

Related Ahsoka and Hawkeye Lead Next Wave of Star Wars/Marvel Disney+ 4K Blu-ray Releases

Disney announces the next...

Ah, "Star Wars." George Lucas' fantastical sci-fi adventure saga set long ago in a galaxy far, far away has entertained audiences and inspired a generation of nerds (myself included) since 1977. What started as a thrilling tale of good versus evil somehow morphed into a sprawling epic about a powerful family, the Skywalkers, and their dealings with the Force. When Darth Vader uttered the immortal line, "I am your father," to his son, Luke Skywalker, Lucas effectively reconfigured his space epic into an intimate tale about fathers and sons, an idea that expanded to include a whole heap of Skywalkers -- even though Lucas didn't consider Luke the main character of the saga.

To that end, we're taking a look at the entire Skywalker family tree to explain how certain characters paved the way for more notable descendants down the line. Considering the confusing nature of the "Star Wars" series that...

Plenty of things in Star Wars weren't received well, but there are 12 characters, concepts, and projects that were judged much more harshly than they deserved to be. Star Wars has grown into such a massive franchise that it's rare any Star Wars show or movie can appeal to the entire fanbase. Even the best Star Wars movies and shows have aspects that don't work perfectly and earn the ire of audiences, and even the worst projects have some redeeming qualities. There are 12 things in Star Wars, however, that got a much more negative reception than they deserved.

Star Wars is very dear to many people, so it's completely understandable that certain new elements and decisions in the franchise aren't universally loved. There are also certain elements of Star Wars that are widely disliked for valid reasons, like certain story decisions in the sequel trilogy and shows. For all the valid criticisms of the franchise,...

Characters across the Star Wars universe frequently share their concerns through the iconic phrase "I have a bad feeling about this." This phrase appears in not only the movies but also TV shows like The Clone Wars and Rebels, showcasing its enduring popularity. Even with subtle twists on the phrase, like in Solo or The Last Jedi, the line remains a consistent and memorable part of the franchise.

Star Wars' now-iconic phrase - "I have a bad feeling about this" - has been a mainstay of almost every project, from TV shows to movies. Although the chronological order of Star Wars movies has since been altered, 1977's A New Hope was responsible for the origins of many iconic franchise elements. From lightsabers and ships to catchphrases and quotable lines, many elements from A New Hope have stood the test of time, and will likely continue to do so in upcoming Star Wars movies.

There are several moments in the Star Wars movies that were cut before their final version, and several of them could have changed the entire franchise. Some deleted scenes would have made their movies even better and easier to follow and given some great insight into individual characters. Other deleted scenes would have had major impacts on the entire Skywalker saga, and could have influenced the movies that came after them.

There have been many scenes and moments that were cut from the Star Wars movies, but 10 of them were absolutely huge, and could have changed the entire franchise. Scenes are deleted from movies for a wide variety of reasons, from not fitting with the overall tone to being seen as adding to the runtime unnecessarily. Most deleted scenes from the Star Wars movies were understandably cut for these reasons, but some should have remained. Not only did they add...

Grogu's species remains a mystery, though they are known for their long lifespans - Yoda lived nearly 900 years. Grogu was around 10 in The Phantom Menace, 20 in Attack of the Clones, and 23 during Order 66. Grogu's age aligns with key events in Star Wars history.

Despite his relatively young age, Grogu has become a major character in the Star Wars franchise, but very little is known about his life before he met Din Djarin. Though the Star Wars timeline is expansive, most of the franchises storytelling is confined to the Star Wars movies. Since Grogu was alive during the time of the Star Wars prequel trilogy and the original Star Wars trilogy both eras that had a significant impact on Grogus life during the reign of the New Republic its important to know what he might have experienced during those times, and how that might have affected him.

One of the...

Since its inception in 1977 by creator George Lucas, the Star Wars universe has invited some of Hollywood’s biggest names to participate in telling stories from a galaxy far, far away. On that note, imagine having the chance to star in one of the most iconic film sagas of all time, only to walk away with an unpleasant memory that seemed like it’d never fade.

Can an experience alongside a cinematic legend like Lucas ever be, dare we say, “boring”? Well, for Terence Stamp, acclaimed for his chilling portrayal of the villainous General Zod in Richard Donner’s Superman, a discouraging stint on the set of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace left an indelible mark.

A still from George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace | Lucasfilm Ltd.

The London-born actor, 85, earlier detailed his less-than-satisfactory experience collaborating with Lucas during the 1999 epic space opera flick.

The Phantom Menace was a glorious success in terms of box office earnings but the movie that was included in the Star Wars prequel trilogy met with heavy criticism for one primary reason. The trilogy, unlike the sequel movie series, seemed juvenile as considered by fans and critics.

George Lucas. Credit: Joey Gannon/Creative Commons

Now, a few decades later, the creator of Star Wars, George Lucas came to defend the prequel trilogy. However, fans are not ready to accept the reasoning the legendary director provided. Star Wars is one of the biggest and most successful franchises in the history of entertainment and Lucas was the mastermind behind the visionary sci-fi world which still adds shows and movies in it.

George Lucas Defends Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

A still from the Star Wars movie The Phantom Menace. Credit: 20th Century Studios.

George Lucas has finally responded...

Lor San Tekka's powerful family has ties to Naboo, dating back to the High Republic Era. Lor was a member of the Church of the Force, aiding Luke Skywalker in preserving Jedi knowledge during the New Republic Era. It would be rather fitting if Lor and Luke first met on Naboo, given their shared family history and connections.

The Force Awakens, the first Star Wars sequel trilogy movie, features a fascinating connection to The Phantom Menace, the first episode of the prequels. Despite 16 years separating their respective releases, The Force Awakens begins by briefly introducing a character with major ties to the prequels, specifically the planet Naboo. Hinting at a major family legacy beyond the Skywalkers, The Force Awakens' connection to The Phantom Menace is very subtle and wouldn't be fully fleshed out until the dawn of the High Republic Era.

In the first act of The Force Awakens, Captain...

The Phantom Menace has earned its place as the #1 Star Wars movie on Disney+. The Phantom Menace is currently celebrating 25 years since its initial release. A brief return to theaters earned The Phantom Menace third place at the box office.

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menaceis officially the top Star Wars movie on Disney+. Its first wide release came on May 19, 1999 and served as the first major Star Wars movie since 1983'sReturn of the Jedi.While it earned mixed reviews from critics and audiences, the first movie of the prequel trilogy has earned $1.044 billion since that initial release and helped to spark a resurgence of the Star Wars franchise. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Phantom Menace briefly returned to theaters, where it earned a third place spot at the box office.

As the anniversary approaches, Phantom Menace's star-studded cast can celebrate another accomplishment. Decades after its first release,...

Star Wars: Episode 1 The Phantom Menace returned to theaters in honor of May the Fourth, as well as the film's 25th anniversary. Its return was a success, as the 25-year-old film landed at No. 2 on the weekend box office chart.

Per THR, The Phantom Menace outperformed all but one new release to get its No. 2 spot. In No. 1 is The Fall Guy, the new film starring Ryan Reynolds and Emily Blunt which earned $28.5 million. This was the opening weekend for The Fall Guy, notably a big-budget film that happens to star actors from Barbie and Oppenheimer. This number is short of initial expectations of up to $35 million, and the total for the weekend is overall lower than the same time in 2023 when Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 debuted. The film, with a $130 million budget, will need to count on a strong turnout in the coming weeks in order to turn a profit.

Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace is the second highest grossing movie at the weekend box office, earning $8.1 million. The Phantom Menace surpassed Zendaya's Challengers and the new horror film Tarot in box office earnings. The film follows young Anakin Skywalker's journey and marks the beginning of the Skywalker family saga.

Star Wars: Episode 1 The Phantom Menace is the second highest grossing movie at the weekend box office. The prequel film is currently in theaters for a re-release marking its 25th anniversary.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Phantom Menace grossed $8.1 million, with only The Fall Guy beating it out at $28.5 million. The Phantom Menace came ahead of the Zendaya-led Challengers, which earned $7.1 million in its second weekend, and the new horror film Tarot, which opened to $6.5 million.

More to come...

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

The beginning of the Skywalker Saga,...

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace returns to the box office top 3 for the May 4th re-release. The prequel movie stars Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, and Jake Lloyd. The successful re-release comes 25 years after it was initially released.

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace is back in the box office top 3 for its May 4th re-release. The first of the prequel movies, Phantom Menace was initially released in 1999 and starred Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, and Jake Lloyd. It has earned over $1 billion at the box office across its various re-releases and was sent back to theaters in honor of the annual Star Wars holiday May the 4th.

While many members of The Phantom Menace's cast have moved on to other projects, Star Wars audiences have remained loyal. According to Deadline, The Phantom Menace has earned the third place slot at the...

"Fear is the path to the dark side..." Time to return to that galaxy far, far away. 20th Century has revealed a brand new trailer for the 25th anniversary re-release of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace in theaters this May. This highly anticipated prequel in the Star Wars series opened in the summer of 1999, some 25 years ago, and the hype was through the roof. I remember waiting in line just to get tickets, and all the mania waiting for it to open. Then everyone went to see it and did not like it. Now all these years later, is it time for a re-appraisal? In The Phantom Menace, two Jedi escape a hostile blockade and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to claim their original glory. We're introduced to Anakin, Jar Jar, Qui Gon, Amidala,...

Liam Neeson seems content putting his Star Wars Jedi adventuring days behind him.

In a recent ScreenRant interview, the Phantom Menace actor revealed whether he'd consider coming back as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn somehow, be it in live-action or cartoon form. Though he briefly returned as a Force Ghost in Obi-Wan Kenobi opposite co-star Ewan McGregor and "enjoyed very much being with Ewan and George Lucas on The Phantom Menace," Neeson felt it was time to move on from that character on the live-action side. "We shot that 26 years ago! Would I do it again? I don't think so," he said, adding that he's "too f***ing old, ya know? I can't see the situation, I really can't, you know?"

Related Naked Gun Creators Are 'Not Happy' About Liam Neeson's Upcoming Reboot Director David Zucker and co-writer Pat Proft share their frustrations with Paramount's Naked Gun reboot, also revealing why they aren't involved.

The Acolyte won't retcon Sith history from The Phantom Menace, even as it explores the Jedi Order in the High Republic Era. The red lightsaber in the trailer doesn't mean the Jedi knew the Sith weren't extinct, as the Sith were undercover. The prequel trilogy's perception of the Sith may not be entirely accurate, which The Acolyte will show by shedding new light without retconning history.

Star Wars: The Acolyte, Star Wars' newest Disney+ TV show, will officially release with a two-episode premiere on June 4, 2024, and, despite rampant speculation, the show will not be retconning the history of the Sith from Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. As one of the most thrilling inclusions in the lineup of Star Wars' upcoming TV shows, The Acolyte will be set in the Star Wars High Republic Era and explore the Jedi Order prior to the events of the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

Jake Lloyd's mother reveals his struggles with mental health, including a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. Despite rumors blaming Star Wars for his issues, his mother insists his problems were unrelated to the franchise. Lloyd's condition led to a 2015 car chase and prison stint, but he is now in a better place, and enjoys the new Star Wars shows.

Jake Lloyd scored the role of a lifetime when he was cast as young Anakin Skywalker in 1999's Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, but he has mostly stayed out of the limelight since the release of the film. While many have believed for some time that the response to the film from a toxic fanbase was responsible for Lloyd shying away from media attention, his mother, Lisa Lloyd, has now revealed that her son suffered from various mental health issues, but she also shared an optimistic update on her son's well-being today.

"It's not only things out there in the woods that could hurt you." Netflix has unveiled an official trailer for an adventure series from Sweden titled Ronja the Robber's Daughter, based on the book written by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren (creator of Pippi Longstocking). The live-action adaptation is a 6 episode limited series for Netflix, debuting in two parts starting this spring. Ronja the Robber’s Daughter follows the adventures of a spirited and rebellious girl born into a gang of robbers in a medieval Scandinavian castle. As Ronja grows up, she discovers the magical, but dangerous forest with its strange and mysterious creatures. Yet she feels more at home in the forest than behind the walls of the huge castle. When Ronja meets the young boy Birk from a rival gang, it marks the beginning of a dark family feud and a forbidden friendship emerges, all while a notorious bailiff...

Palpatine's deceptions as a senator of Naboo and mentor to Padmé showcase his cunning nature early on. Palpatine's feigned ignorance of Anakin and his acting as a reluctant power acceptor were key deceptions. Palpatine's intricate planning and manipulation of events, such as staging attacks, highlight his genius.

Although many of Emperor Palpatine's deceptions may seem obvious now, Palpatine is truly one of Star Wars' most cunning characters, and 11 tricks in particular prove why. Originally introduced as the cruel Sith Lord Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars' original trilogy, Palpatine appeared in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace as an inconspicuous senator of Naboo. Unlike the character development of characters like Anakin Skywalker, though, who grew from innocent to evil in the prequels, Palpatine was simply concealing his true nature as Star Wars' most powerful Sith.

While Emperor Palpatine's biggest and most successful scheme was the near-extinction of the Jedi,...

Skywalker family span legacy through galaxy's history, from Shmi to Rey, with most members possessing strong Force connection. Legends expands beyond official canon, introducing a variety of Skywalker family members like Mara Jade and Ben Skywalker. Legacy continues with Skywalker descendants in Legends universe, such as Kol, Cade, and Nat Skywalker, carrying on the family's Jedi tradition.

Skywalker is one of the most famous surnames in movie history. Even non-Star Wars fans know the name without watching a single minute of the franchise. The Skywalkers are prominent characters in Episodes I - IX, which has been dubbed "the Skywalker Saga". They possess a particularly strong connection with the Force; as Luke always reminds us, "The Force is strong with my family." The Skywalkers play a major role in galactic events across generations, involved with both the creation and destruction of the Galactic Empire.

Their legendary stories go beyond Disney's official canon.

The Skywalker family is the most iconic lineage in Star Wars, with a powerful and influential bloodline. Anakin Skywalker's journey from slave to Sith Lord to redemption is a key part of the Skywalker family story. Despite the end of the Skywalker bloodline, Rey, who was adopted into the family, carries on the Skywalker name and is mentored by its members.

The Skywalker family is the most iconic lineage in all of Star Wars, which means their canon family tree is vitally important. Jedi are traditionally forbidden from marrying or having families, which means no dynasties have ever emerged within canon - at least until the Skywalker saga. Every main Star Wars movie to date focuses on the Skywalker lineage, one of phenomenal power and galactic influence.

In Star Wars Legends, the Skywalker dynasty stretched on for over a century after the time of Anakin and Luke. Canonically, however,...

Ewan McGregor played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, showcasing pivotal moments and earning him popularity as one of the best characters in the franchise. McGregor portrayed Obi-Wan at different ages, from being the apprentice of Liam Neeson's Qui-Gon Jin at 26 in The Phantom Menace to a more confident and capable, but still flawed Jedi at 32 in Revenge of the Sith. McGregor's final appearance as Obi-Wan was at age 50 in the Disney+ show Obi-Wan Kenobi, playing an older version of the character with more regrets.

Obi-Wan Kenobi was a central character in the Star Wars Skywalker saga, giving both Anakin and Luke precious guidance and wisdom, and Ewan McGregor has had the longest time in the role. McGregor played Obi-Wan in the prequel trilogy and acted as a Master and close friend to Anakin. He gave life to some of the most pivotal moments in all of Star Wars,...

Beloved Swedish classic novel “The Scarab Flies at Dusk” is being adapted into a premium family adventure series produced by Nordic Drama Queens, the top-notch production label backed by Fifth Season.

Swedish broadcaster Svt has already commissioned the show whose starry cast will be led by Tomas von Brömssen (“My Life as a Dog”), Pernilla August (“‘The Best Intentions”) Dag Malmberg (“The Bridge”) and Lena Endre (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”). Fifth Season is handling worldwide sales on the series and is introducing it to potential buyers attending the Göteborg Film Festival’s TV Drama Vision.

“Afterglow” filmmaker Atle Knudsen will be directing the series, which is penned by celebrated authors Ditta Bongenhielm (“Bonus Family“) and Lovisa Milles (“Jordskott“).

“The Scarab Flies at Dusk” will be filmed in Västra Götaland and produced by Nordic Drama Queens in collaboration with Svt, Film i Väst, TV2 Norway, Monster As and Dr...

Omar Rudberg and Edvin Ryding are back for the upcoming third season of Young Royals and Netflix just debuted the first look photos!

The two young stars reprise their fan-favorite roles of Simon and Wilhelm in the final season of the series and they are featured in most of the new stills.

Keep reading to find out more…

Here’s a series synopsis: When Prince Wilhelm (Ryding) arrives at the prestigious boarding school Hillerska he finally gets an opportunity to explore his true self and find out what kind of life he really wants. Wilhelm starts dreaming of a future filled with freedom and unconditional love far away from the royal obligations – but when he unexpectedly becomes next in line for the throne his dilemma is heightened as he has to make a choice. Love or duty.

Also starring in the show are Nikita Uggla, Malte Gårdinger, Frida Argento and Pernilla August.

European Film Promotion has announced the 10 up-and-coming European acting talents for its 2024 European Shooting Stars list.

The actors, which include performers from this year’s award-season contenders Poor Things, Ferrari, and The Peasants, among others, will be lauded at the Berlin International Film Festival in February, next year.

The Shooting Stars class of 2024 includes:

Suzy Bemba (France) Suzy Bemba in ‘Homecoming’

French actress Suzy Bemba, who plays a Parisian sex worker who befriends Emma Stone’s character in Poor Things, and whose credits include standout roles in Anthony Chen’s Sundance film Drift and Catherine Corsini’s Homecoming.

Valentina Bellè (Italy) Valentina Bellè in ‘The Good Mothers’

Valentina Bellè from Italy, who plays Cecilia Manzini in Michael Mann’s Ferarri, won Italy’s Nastro D’Argento award for best supporting actress for her turn in Disney+ mafia drama The Good Mothers and has appeared in Disney+ series Genius: Picasso with...

There are plenty of stories out there about actors getting injured by other actors on set. Harrison Ford was famously (accidentally) punched in the face by Ryan Gosling on the set of "Blade Runner 2049." Dolph Lundgren punched Sylvester Stallone so hard in "Rocky IV" that the latter's heart swelled. Usually, however, they aren't injured by someone who isn't going to be seen on camera. However, during the shoot for 1999's "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace," Andrew Secombe, the actor who played the CG character Watto, caused a big injury for Liam Neeson, aka Qui-Gon Jinn. In fact, he nearly broke Neeson's nose, according to "Star Wars Insider" #196. 

This all happened on Secombe's very first day of shooting. Watto, of course, is the Toydarian character who owns the secondhand shop in Mos Espa and forces the enslaved Shmi Skywalker (Pernilla August) and her son Anakin (Jake Lloyd) to work as his underlings.

The "Star Wars" prequels bring up a lot of things for people. Some grew up with the original trilogy and didn't love the backstory for Darth Vader. Others saw their first "Star Wars" film with "The Phantom Menace" and fell in love with the franchise because of it. Whatever side you fall on, or even if you rest somewhere in the middle, there are a few parts of the prequels that are largely considered problematic. Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best was bullied to an insane degree, though he did return as Jedi Kelleran Beq in "The Mandalorian" season 3 to much admiration. Then there is Watto (Andrew Secombe), the Toydarian who ran a second-hand shop in Mos Espa on Tatooine, and forced the enslaved Shmi Skywalker (Pernilla August) and her son Anakin (Jake Lloyd) to work for him. 

The character has been accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes, and while I won't go into that here,...

Films can be reevaluated and appreciated in a more positive light over time, even after initial criticism and box office failure. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace and It's a Wonderful Life are examples of films that gained appreciation years after their release. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and Fight Club were initially underwhelming but became cult classics due to their unique qualities.

Audiences' cinematic tastes remain unpredictable, and no one can know which movie will become an instant success and which one will be hated long after its initial release for the most bizarre reasons. While one film can receive criticism for the cast's unconvincing performance or disappointing visuals, another can be bashed because of a confusing directorial perspective or complicated plot that is impossible to follow for an average viewer. The fun part is how films can be reevaluated in a more positive light in the...

The award was handed out tonight during a ceremony at Oslo’s Opera House.

Danish drama Empire (Viften) has won the lucrative Nordic Council Film Prize for 2023.

The prize, worth $45,000, is split between director Frederikke Aspöck, screenwriter Anna Neye and producers Pernille Munk Skydsgaard, Nina Leidersdorff and Meta Louise Foldager Sørensen.

The award was handed out tonight during a ceremony at Oslo’s Opera House.

Empire celebrated its world premiere in Göteborg and opened in Danish cinemas in April via Sf Studios. REinvent handles international sales.

The film was selected among six Nordic candidates by a jury consisting...

There are a wide variety of Jesus movies that range from traditional biblical epics to more nuanced and creative approaches to the story. Some of the best Jesus movies highlight the role of Mary in Jesus' life and explore unique perspectives on his story, such as through satire, character studies, or experimental filmmaking. These films aim to showcase the awe-inspiring power of Jesus, his miracles, and the impact he had on his communities, making him a popular figure in cinema, particularly among the Christian community.

There has been a wide variety of films about Christianity's Messiah and son of God since the birth of cinema, and the end result is some of the best Jesus movies ever made. As far back as the silent era, several films have been made about Jesus Christ, and he still remains a popular figure within cinema, especially among the Christian community. There are plenty of movies that provide deep,...

The most rudimentary research into the creative origins of the groundbreaking 1977 sci-fi flick "Star Wars" will reveal to the reader that creator George Lucas was inspired by "Flash Gordon" serials from the 1930s, as well as Akira Kurosawa's 1958 epic "The Hidden Fortress." Kurosawa's film famously opened with two clownish characters (Kamatari Fujiwara and Minoru Chiaki) who aimed to earn their fortune as samurai. After several misadventures, the peasants unwittingly become embroiled in a much larger plot about a missing princess (Misa Uehara), a war, and a brave protective warrior (Toshiro Mifune). "Star Wars" borrowed that film's structure, introducing audiences to its sci-fi action through the eyes (lenses?) of the robotic characters C-3Po (Anthony Daniels) and the non-humanoid R2-D2. 

C-3Po was a prissy, fastidious droid who seemed impatient with the foibles of the organic beings he lived with, and was frequently panicked and afraid. The only time...

Six nominees vying for the lucrative annual award.

The Nordic Council Film Prize is including a Greenlandic nominee for the first time, with six titles in the running for the prize, worth $45,000.

The full list of nominees this year are:

The Edge Of The Shadow (Greenland) Directed and written by Malik Kleist and produced by Nina Paninnguaq for PaniNoir and Imalik Film. Empire (Den) Directed by Frederikke Aspöck, written by Anna Neye and Frederikke Aspöck and produced by Pernille Munk Skydsgaard, Nina Leidersdorff and Meta Louise Foldager Sørensen for Meta Film Bubble (Fin) Directed by Aleksi Salmenperä , written by Reeta Ruotsalainen and Aleksi Salmenperä,...

Company behind Netflix’s ‘Midsummer Night’ adds offices in Sweden, Denmark and UK.

Norwegian production company The Global Ensemble Drama is expanding with a new CEO and adding offices in Sweden, Denmark and the UK.

Petter Testmann-Koch - former CEO at FremantleMedia Norway – takes over as CEO, starting in autumn 2023 and replacing current CEO Janne Hjeltnes, who becomes COO/producer.

Norwegian director, writer and producer Per-Olav Sørensen founded the company in Oslo in 2021 and remains as Cco and a director.

Tge Drama is opening branches in Sweden and Denmark, as well as in London, which will lead on its international co-productions.

Back in the early '90s, television audiences were treated to "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" — which have now been retitled "The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones." These adventures explored the earliest adventures of everyone's favorite archeologist, long before he chose that as his profession.

The series is split with two actors playing Indy. The youngest, Corey Carrier, gets to examine Indiana Jones in his school days, whisked around the world by his parents with a tutor in tow. Those episodes put him in contact with everyone from Theodore Roosevelt to Pablo Picasso and were nothing short of charming. Sean Patrick Flanery took the role of Indiana Jones during his late teens and early 20s, a sliver of the part that was originated by River Phoenix in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."

Originally, each episode was bookended with an intro and outro from a one-eyed, 80-year-old Indiana Jones played by George Hall.

Exclusive: Nordic programmer Viaplay has set the slate of projects it will debut on the North American version of its streaming platform this summer.

The crop of projects will include a mix of films and series, including the three-part docuseries Liv Ullmann – A Road Less Travelled, which will debut on June 22. The doc, which features contributions from Cate Blanchett, Jessica Chastain, and Jeremy Irons, offers an intimate portrait of Ullman’s decades-long career.

Synopsis reads: Actor. Director. Script writer. Author. Activist. Honorary Oscar winner. Few women carry all these titles, and even fewer do it successfully to the level of Liv Ullmann for 62 years and counting. This intimate portrait explores the greatness, legacy and longevity in the life of a world-famous artist, but it also explores the struggles all women face in their fight for having a career, a voice and the respect they deserve – a fight that Liv Ullmann...

The Cannes Film Festival will pay tribute to iconic late director Jean-Luc Godard, following his death last September, with a trio of works in its Cannes Classic cinema heritage line-up.

A highlight of the homage to Godard, who died last year at 91, will be the world premiere of the 20-minute trailer he created for a film that will never get made: ‘Drôles de Guerres (Phoney Wars).

The 20-minute work is billed as A Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello and Vixens production, in coproduction with L’Atelier.

“Jean-Luc Godard often transformed his synopses into aesthetic programs. Phoney Wars follows in this tradition and will remain as the ultimate gesture of cinema,” said the festival.

It quoted the text that accompanies the short work to give an indication of the director’s intention. It reads: “To no longer trust the billions of diktats of the alphabet to give back freedom to the incessant...

Spoiler Alert: This interview contains spoilers from Season 2 of “Young Royals,” now streaming on Netflix.

Well, that is certainly one way to get the attention of the entire country of Sweden.

In the Season 2 finale of Netflix’s global sensation “Young Royals,” Sweden’s teenaged Crown Prince Wilhelm (Edvin Ryding) used a nationally broadcasted speech at his school Hillerska’s 120th anniversary jubilee to confess to his classmates, his family and his country that he’d lied about not being in the illegally distributed sex tape with Simon (Omar Rudberg). The very public moment of candor and bravery came after a season of regret over being forced to deny being in the video by his mother, the Queen Kristina of Sweden (Pernilla August) — a decision that drove a wedge between Wilhelm and Simon.

For this series-defining moment, “Young Royals” co-creator and head writer Lisa Ambjörn told Variety it was important...

Two very important steps in the evolution of Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) happen in 2002's "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones": he massacres an entire village of Sand People -- including women and children -- in retaliation for the murder of his mother Shmi (Pernilla August), and later weds Senator Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman) in secret. These two opposite poles of his character do not happen in a vacuum, as Padmé is aware of the rage murder incident that has happened, so she knows what Anakin is capable of before she decides to fatefully tie that knot.

Now author E.K. Johnston is coming out with a...

The post New Star Wars Novel Confirms Some Tragic Anakin Skywalker Details appeared first on /Film.

"Join Jonna and Gorilla on their quest!" Viva Pictures has released a new US trailer for a Swedish animated movie called Ape Star, or The Ape Star, which also opens in theaters in Sweden this month. Telling the story of a young orphan girl who meets the perfect parent – that just so happens to be a gorilla. Jonna has lived at the orphanage all her life. One day a Gorilla comes and adopts her. It takes some time for Jonna to get used to her new mother, but just as everything starts becoming good, the local authorities threaten their existence. Featuring the voices of Rebecca Gerstmann as Jonna, Pernilla August as Gorillan, Melinda Kinnaman as Gerd, Stellan Skarsgård as Tord, with Jack Bergenholz and Gunnar Bolin. Playing at this year's Annecy Film Festival before opening. This looks like it has lovely animation and a heartfelt story. Here's the official US...

Photo: ‘The Investigation’/HBO The tragic murder of Kim Wall is one the most chilling true crime stories in recent years. Dubbed “the submarine case”, it was a story that dominated headlines in Denmark and even garnered some media attention in other parts of the world. HBO’s ‘The Investigation’, a six-part limited series from Denmark, tells that story entirely from the point of view of those trying to figure out the truth of what happened: chief inspector Jens Møller (Søren Malling) and his detectives, prosecutor Jakob Buch-Jepsen (Pilou Asbaek), and Kim Wall’s parents Joachim and Ingrid (Rolf Lassgård and Pernilla August). The result is a slow and subdued but absorbing entry in the true-crime subgenre, told with genuine sensitivity and respect for all involved. Related article: 25 Royally Shocking Revelations From Prince Harry & Meghan Markle During Oprah Interview Related article: Why Queen Elizabeth II Is One Of The Greatest...

Towards the end of the new limited series “The Investigation,” the show’s central police inquiry seems stalled. Nothing is moving in the right direction, and all players seem understandably frustrated. One cop (Laura Christensen) sets things right with an unlikely note of encouragement. “This isn’t a perfect crime,” she tells her boss (Søren Malling). “It’s a clumsy, disgusting crime. So we must have overlooked something.”

This is an unexpected note for the TV procedural — which thrives on the sleuth as genius, seeing through a case that comes as a shock to the viewer. But “The Investigation,” written and directed by Tobias Lindholm and airing stateside on HBO after having debuted overseas, is no ordinary show. For one thing, the outcome will be known already to readers of the news: These Danish-speaking cops, in Copenhagen, are looking into the real-life 2017 killing of Swedish journalist Kim Wall, reported missing...

HBO has acquired the rights to “The Investigation,” Tobias Lindholm’s limited series regarding the 2017 murder of journalist Kim Wall. The premium cabler unveiled the trailer for the six-episode show on Monday.

“The Investigation” will explore the complex real-life investigation surrounding the murder of Wall, who boarded a submarine built by former entrepreneur Peter Madsen for an interview in 2017. The submarine was found sunken the following morning and Wall’s dismembered body parts were found throughout the area; Madsen was convicted of the murder in 2018 and sentenced to life imprisonment in a highly-publicized court case.

The Danish-language series will premiere on HBO on February 1.

Søren Malling (“A Hijacking”) leads the cast as Jens Møller, the Head of Homicide for the Copenhagen Police, alongside Pilou Asbæk (“Game of Thrones”) as the prosecutor Jakob Buch-Jepsen. Pernilla August (“Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace”) and Rolf Lassgård (“The Hunters”) star as Kim Wall’s parents,...

HBO has acquired the Scandinavian limited series “The Investigation,” about the murder of Swedish journalist Kim Wall.

The series will explore the complex real-life investigation surrounding Wall’s 2017 murder, which made international headlines around the world as one of the most notorious criminal cases in Danish media history.

In 2017, Wall went missing after she boarded a submarine to interview Danish entrepreneur Peter Madsen in what became known as “The Submarine Case.” The Submarine was found sunken the morning after the August 10 interview and Madsen was charged, and later convicted, of Wall’s murder.

You can watch a trailer for the series above.

Søren Malling (“A Hijacking”) leads the cast as Jens Møller, the Head of Homicide for the Copenhagen Police, alongside Pilou Asbæk (HBO’s “Game of Thrones”) as the prosecutor Jakob Buch-Jepsen. Pernilla August (“Star Wars”) and Rolf Lassgård (“The Hunters”) star as Kim Wall’s parents, Ingrid and Joachim Wall.

Hit Scandinavian crime drama The Investigation, from A War and Mindhunter director Tobias Lindholm, is getting a U.S. airing after HBO acquired the limited series.

The premium cable network has bought the linear and streaming rights to the six-part series, which comes from Miso Film, the Danish production company owned by Fremantle.

The Investigation explores the case of the 2017 murder of Swedish journalist Kim Wall, who was killed after boarding a homemade submarine. The case was one of the most notorious in Denmark’s history and made international headlines after Wall’s body parts were found in different locations and the owner of the submarine Peter Madsen was charged and convicted of her murder.

The series follows Jens Møller, played by A Hijacking’s Søren Malling, the Head of Homicide, and his team in the pursuit of the truth. With the hope of being able to provide the prosecutor,...

Venice Days pic “Beware of Children” and Sundance alumnus “Charter” are among the five Nordic films nominated for the coveted Nordic Council Film Prize.

“Beware of Children” was directed by Norwegian scribe/helmer Dag Johan Haugerud and produced by Yngve Sæther. The drama is set in the aftermath of a tragic event in a suburb of Oslo, where the teenage daughter of a prominent Labour Party member seriously injured her classmate, the son of a high profile right-wing politician, during a school break.

“Charter,” meanwhile, world premiered at this year’s Sundance festival and marks Swedish director/screenwriter Amanda Kernell’s second feature following “Sami Blood.” “Charter” is a character study of a flawed mother who impulsively embarks on a perilous attempt to reconnect with her children after leaving them with their father to start a new life in Stockholm. “Charter” was produced by Lars G. Lindström and Eva Åkergren.

The Nordic organisation has earmarked 14,250,000 Norwegian crowns (€1.26 million) in production, distribution and dubbing bursaries. The Nordisk Film & TV Fond has announced the recipients of its March slate of funding. The Oslo-based audiovisual agency has set aside 14,250,000 Norwegian crowns (approximately €1.26 million) to back the making of eight new productions, and has earmarked part of said amount to provide distribution and dubbing support. The big winners of the organisation’s latest round of funding are two TV series – namely, Magnus Martens and Lars Kraume’s 8x50 political crime-thriller Fury, produced by Norway’s Monster Scripted and Germany’s X Filme, and Pernilla August’s crime-drama 6x60 Blackwater, based on Kerstin Ekman’s best-selling novel of the same name, and staged by Piv Bernth and Lars Hermann for Swedish outfit Apple Tree Ab, in co-operation with Ard Degeto and Filmpool Nord....

The six-episode crime-drama will start principal photography later this spring. Stockholm-born actress-writer-director Pernilla August will direct the six episodes of a brand-new crime-drama series entitled Blackwater, commissioned by Sweden’s pubcaster Svt. August debuted as a director in 2005, with the short Time Bomb, which was followed by her successful first feature as a writer-director, Beyond (2010), a movie that starred Noomi and Ola Rapace in the lead roles and represented Sweden at the 2012 Academy Awards. Before working on her new effort, August directed a number of episodes of the TV series The Legacy (2014-2017) and her sophomore feature, A Serious Game (2016). Blackwater is based upon Kerstin Ekman’s 1993 best-selling crime novel of the same name. The story, adapted by Maren Louise Käehn (Queen of Hearts), begins on a midsummer night in 1970, when two tourists are found murdered in a tent, far up in the mountains of Northern...

Apple Tree Productions, the ITV Studios backed production company led by The Killing producer Piv Bernth, is to adapt Kerstin Ekman’s award-winning crime novel Blackwater into a six-part TV series for Sweden’s Svt.

Announced at the European Film Market, Blackwater is billed as a “landmark premium crime drama series” and will be written by Maren Louise Käehne, with Pernilla August directing.

Ekman’s novel was first published in Sweden in 1993 and is set in 1970. It tells the story of how four random people’s lives converge after two tourists are found murdered in a tent near the Swedish mountain town of Blackwater.

The drama has been pre-sold to Denmark’s Dr, Nrk in Norway, Finland’s Yle and Ruv in Iceland. Alongside Apple Tree, it is co-produced by Germany’s Ard Degeto and Sweden’s Filmpool Nord, with support from...

Swedish broadcaster Svt has ordered a six-part TV adaptation of Kerstin Ekman’s crime novel “Blackwater” from Piv Bernth’s Apple Tree Productions. The series will be coproduced with Ard Degeto in Germany, and Filmpool Nord, and distributed internationally by ITV Studios. It has pre-sold to Dr in Denmark, Nrk in Norway, Yle in Finland, and Ruv in Iceland.

Bernth, the International Emmy and BAFTA award-winning CEO of Apple Tree Productions, former head of drama at Dr, and producer of “The Killing,” will lead production on “Blackwater.” Bernth will take part in a discussion on ITV international productions at Berlinale Series Market on Wednesday, organized by Variety.

“Blackwater” will be adapted for television as a premium crime drama series by Maren Louise Käehne and directed by Pernilla August. Marek Wieser will serve as director of photography and Oscar-winning Anna Asp will handle production design.

Originally published in Sweden in 1993, the...