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Comedy Convergence

Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher, Michelle Buteau and Anna Faris are heading to Queensland, Australia with cameras set to roll this month on destination comedy “Spa Weekend.” The Gold Coast-set film, from “Bad Moms” helmers Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, follows three best friends whose luxury escape goes sideways when their chaotic fourth shows up unannounced.

Black Bear and Suzanne Todd Productions are producing the film, with Australian production outfit Brouhaha Entertainment handling local services. The project marks Brouhaha’s third Queensland venture following “Boy Swallows Universe” and upcoming thriller “Dangerous Animals.”

“Queensland’s reputation as a production destination of choice has never been stronger,” said Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek, touting the Queensland government’s production incentives. The production is expected to generate 200 jobs and pump AUD12 million ($7.4 million) into the local economy.

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney noted the state’s recent run hosting international fare like “Voltron,...

Exclusive: Film Independent and the U.S. Department of State on Tuesday named the 20 filmmakers, from 12 different nations, selected to participate in the 2024 Global Media Makers LA Residency.

Running for five weeks, through June 30, the residency connects international filmmakers with each other and the U.S. entertainment industry, the goal being to build a multi-regional network that supports creative economic development and freedom of expression through global storytelling. Over the course of the program, fellows participate in filmmaking tracks focused on screenwriting, directing, creative development, and documentary filmmaking, where they develop their current projects. The program also provides master classes, industry sessions, field trips, cultural engagement, and networking opportunities.

This marks the 10th Gmm residency organized by Film Independent since 2016, coming off its first overseas residency in Colombia in April. With a record number of over 650 filmmakers nominated to apply, the selection process was highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of creatives,...

Exclusive: The world premiere of Rumana Molla’s Indo-Belgian film Minimum and the UK premiere of Indian actor Anshuman Jha’s directorial debut Lord Curzon Ki Haveli will be on show at this year’s UK Asian Film Festival (Ukaff).

Prominent figures including actors Shabana Azmi and Karisma Kapoor will be feted for their roles in Indian cinema at the annual event.

Ukaff, which says it is the longest running South Asian film festival in the world, will run its 26th edition from May 2 to 12 in venues across London, Leicester and Oxford.

Themed ‘Climate of Change,’ the festival will open with the premiere of Minimum at the BFI IMAX in London, while Lord Curzon Ki Haveli will close out the event at the Regent Street Cinema.

Indian industry veterans such as Kapoor, playback singer Kavita Krishnamurthy and designer Rina Dhaka are expected to attend the closing gala in London, with...

Inspired by the successful limited theatrical release of the film Evening Shadows in India on January 11th where several of the shows were sold out, the makers are now organizing a limited theatrical release in the world?s gay capital San Francisco beginning February 21st. To be screened at the iconic theaters of the city - Landmark Theater and Roxy Cinema, this multiple award winning feature film from India is all set to woo Lgbtq and South Asian audiences there.

Sridhar Rangayan, who just yesterday received the Honour Award at Zinegoak Lgbtq film festival in Bilbao, Spain said, ?Evening Shadows has been touching hearts and creating a very important bridge between Lgbtq communities and their families across the world. We are happy to continue not only its film festival run, but also continue to explore its exhibition at mainstream platforms".

Mohammed Shaik Hussain Ali, one of the main producers of the film,...

Mumbai, April 17: Films from Bangladesh, Britain, Spain and India, highlighting transgender issues, will be screened at the Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, which will be held May 21-25.

"Films on transgender issues to watch out for at Kashish 2014 are 'Will This Change' from Bangladesh, 'My Mother' from Britain, 'Sexicas' from Spain, as well as 'Rainbows Are Real', 'I'dentity' from India, among several others," Saagar Gupta, the fest's director of programming, said in a statement.

"'Can You See The Real Me' about the life of work of celebrity transgender hairstylist Slyvie is sure to touch many hearts.

The fourth edition of Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film festival to be held from May 22-26, 2013 will screen Lgbt films from Iran, Serbia, Slovakia, Pakistan and Morocco.

China is the Country in Focus with more than 12 films. A total of 132 films will be screened from 40 countries.

Filmmaker in Focus is Us filmmaker and activist Jim Hubbard, who will be travelling to India to be present at the festival.

The Parade from Serbia will open the festival while Rituparno Ghosh’s Chitrangada: The Crowning Wish will be the closing film of the festival.

Saagar Gupta, festival programmer said: “This year Kashish is programming the biggest collection of films and from countries that are very diverse, including countries where making films on Lgbt themes is challenging. Also keeping in tune with this year’s themes of ‘Towards Change’ there are several outstanding documentaries to watch out for including Vito, United in Anger,...