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More often than not, we forget that a movie can be a window that lets us glimpse into experiences that we would otherwise never have. Ka Whawhai Tonu (In The Fire Of War) is one of these movies. The story takes place during the New Zealand Wars in 1864 and centers around a Māori-European teenager who is fighting for the British colonial forces and gets captured by the Māori resistance. Collider is thrilled to share an exclusive sneak peek of the drama, which is now available On Demand via Apple TV, Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Google Play, DirecTV, and others.

The trailer for In The Fire of War reveals a high-stakes epic that brings forward not only the military conflict but also the moral issues and internal biases that are tested in a violent scenario. The sneak peek underscores all of that, as well as the film's emphasis on the...

Avinash Tiwary & Medha Shankr To Star In ‘Ginny Wedss Sunny 2’

Avinash Tiwary and Medha Shankr are leading Ginny Wedss Sunny 2, a rom-com sequel written and directed by Prasshant Jha. The film follows Netflix’s 2020 Hindi pic Ginny Wedss Sunny, which starred Yami Gautam and Vikrant Massey. Producers for the sequel are promising a “fresh story and twist, promising a blend of romance, family fun, quirky comedy and heartwarming moments.” Vinod Bachchan is making the film under his Soundrya Production banner. Filming is underway in Uttarakhand. “We are excited to bring a new chapter to the Ginny Weds Sunny universe,” said Bachchan. “The love the first film received encouraged us to explore new narratives and characters, and with Avinash and Medha, we have found a refreshing and dynamic pairing.”

Indican Pictures Lands North America Rights To ‘In The Fire Of War’

Exclusive: U.S. distributor Indican Pictures has acquired rights to...

The Indigenous Cinema Alliance (Ica) returns to the Berlin Film Festival and European Film Market (EFM), marking its 10th anniversary showcasing native and Indigenous filmmakers worldwide.

Established in 2015 as the NATIVe Indigenous Cinema Stand, the Ica has served as a platform for Indigenous filmmakers to showcase market-ready projects to the international market. An official partner with the EFM since its inception, Ica is managed by imagineNATIVE and represents a global network of Indigenous film organizations, including the International Sami Film Institute (Isfi), 4th World Media Lab, Film Greenland (Film.Gl), Pacific Islanders in Communications, If Not US Then Who?, Mullu, Pisa, and the Winda Film Festival.

In addition to presenting projects, the Ica organizes panels and networking events to link Indigenous talent across national borders and to evaluate the profile of Indigenous cinema worldwide.

EFM screenings of new projects include Mike Jonathan’s Maori period action film Ka Whawhai Tonu / Struggle Without End,...

Sean Hu’s “Ocean Elegy: The Tragedies of Mudan and Ryukyu,” a seven-years-in-the-making documentary exploring a pivotal 1870s incident that reshaped East Asian geopolitics, will world premiere as the opening film of Japan’s Cinema at Sea – Okinawa Pan-Pacific International Film Festival.

New Zealand director Miki Magasiva’s “Tinā” is set to close the festival with its Asian premiere. The drama, which marks Magasiva’s directorial debut, follows a Samoan mother (Anapela Polata’ivao) who finds healing through teaching music after losing her daughter in the Christchurch earthquake. The film has already gained attention at festivals including Hawaii, Palm Springs and Perth.

The competitive Pacific Film section features 10 films spanning multiple territories. Masakazu Kaneko’s “River Returns” (Japan) blends fantasy and tradition in a 1958-set drama about a boy’s spiritual journey to halt destructive typhoons. South Korean filmmaker Ryu Yeon-su makes her debut with “Boy in the Pool,” exploring childhood...

The 2nd Cinema at Sea – Okinawa Pan-Pacific International Film Festival will take place from February 22 to March 2 2025, across multiple locations in Okinawa including Tenbusu Naha – Tenbusu Hall, Sakurazaka Theatre and Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum. All tickets goes on sale on 23 Jan 2025.

With an expanded 9-day program, this year’s festival promises a greater celebration of cinema, featuring a wide range of events, including a pitching forum and panel discussions designed to connect local filmmakers with international industry professionals.

Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the 2025 festival will showcase a significantly expanded lineup of programs, introducing exciting new sections that underscore its mission to support regional cinema and the local film industry, including Director in Focus, Pacific Film Showcase, Special Screenings, the Mabui Special Award, and, most notably, Okinawa Panorama, which will showcase a diverse selection of both classic and contemporary films made or connected with Okinawa including overseas diaspora.

The Cinema at Sea – Okinawa Pan-Pacific International Film Festival has unveiled the lineup for its second edition, which will take place on the Japanese island prefecture from February 22 to March 2.

The festival is set to open with the world premiere of Ocean Elergy: The Tragedies Of Mudan And Ryukyu, a documentary by Taiwanese filmmaker Sean Hu. The film chronicles the Mudan Incident of 1871, a massacre which served as a pretext for Japan to invade Taiwan and annex the Kingdom of Ryukyu (what is now Okinawa).

The closing film is Tinā, the theatrical debut of directorial Miki Magasiva, who previously directed...

The Cinema at Sea – Okinawa Pan-Pacific International Film Festival has unveiled the lineup for its second edition, which will take place on the Japanese island from February 22 to March 2.

The festival is set to open with the world premiere of Ocean Elergy: The Tragedies Of Mudan And Ryukyu, a documentary by Taiwanese filmmaker Sean Hu. The film chronicles the Mudan Incident of 1871, a massacre which served as a pretext for Japan to invade Taiwan and annex the Kingdom of Ryukyu (what is now Okinawa).

The closing film is Tinā, the theatrical debut of directorial Miki Magasiva, who previously directed episodes...

The 44th running of the Hawaii International Film Festival presented by Halekulani will open with “Tinā,” an uplifting drama film that marks the feature directorial debut of Miki Magasiva, and close with Sori Fumihiko’s “Hakkenden: Fiction and Reality.”

In between, the festival will pack in 92 features and 114 short films, major awards for guests including Jimmy O Yang, Hong Kong’s Sandra Ng and documentary filmmaking star Stanley Nelson.

“This year, we have the largest selection of Hawai`i films in competition in the festival’s history, are presenting multiple films that explore Indigenous perspectives, narrative sovereignty, and the nurturing of cultural identity, and additionally, we are launching a new spotlight showcasing the best in television,” said Beckie Stochetti, Hiff executive director.

Hailing from New Zealand, with dialog in English and Samoan, “Tinā” sees Anapela Polata’ivao (“Our Flag Means Death”) portray a well-respected and gifted vocal coach endure family tragedy...

"Go and rouse your people... raise your weapons!" Transmission Films has revealed an official trailer for an indie film from New Zealand titled Ka Whawhai Tonu, directed by Kiwi filmmaker Mike Jonathan. Set in New Zealand in 1864, the film follows the story of a crucial conflict of the nation's first land warfare, fought between Maori and colonial soldiers. The film's full title is Ka Whawhai Tonu - Struggle Without End: the historical story of the battle of O-Rākau as told for the first time from the point of view of the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand, in their own language Te Reo Māori. Set in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1864, it's the story of a pivotal battle in the first New Zealand land wars in the Waikato region. A battle fought with impossible odds between Māori and the Colonial forces. This heroic conflict is told through the eyes of two...

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Rory Kennedy turns the camera on the devastating December 2019 volcanic eruption off the coast of New Zealand for Netflix’s latest documentary, “The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari.”

Kennedy directs and produces the film, which screened at AFI and Doc NYC ahead of the three-year anniversary of the tragic natural disaster that claimed 22 lives. Kennedy tracks the minute-by-minute unfolding of the eruption. The official synopsis reads: During a routine sightseeing day-trip to a remote volcanic island, 47 tourists and guides were trapped in the epicenter of a boiling pyroclastic surge of toxic dust and ash. Both terrifying and inspiring, the film uses first-hand accounts to convey the experience of living through such a lethal eruption.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Ron Howard both serve as executive producers, along with Brian Grazer, Jennifer Davisson, and Phillip Watson. Mark Bailey, Dallas Brennan Rexer, Sara Bernstein, and Justin Wilkes also produce.

Cinematographers Dominic Fryer, Mike Jonathan,...

Production on Season one of Peacock’s upcoming TV adaptation of Twisted Metal is in the books. The series’ writer and executive producer Michael Jonathan Smith announced via Twitter earlier this week (along with a picture of an ice sculpture of the series’ logo) that production on the first season had completed filming.

Smith elaborated in subsequent tweets, saying that the cast and crew for production on Twisted Metal “was something special.” This was in spite of typical production issues such as “lightning delays, extreme heat, and cars that wouldn’t do as they’re told”.

The series now heads to post-production, which will no doubt involve adding flames to Sweet Tooth’s head. Jonathan likened the last day of shooting to the last day of summer camp, with “lots of laughs, a few tears, and ice cream being handed out the back of Sweet Tooth’s truck.”

Peacock has...

This review was written for the theatrical release of "In the Valley of Elah".Paul Haggis has not only avoided the dreaded sophomore slump, but the director and co-writer of the Oscar-winning "Crash" has returned with another bona-fide contender.

Ostensibly a murder-mystery set against the backdrop of the war in Iraq, "In the Valley of Elah" is a deeply reflective, quietly powerful work that is as timely as it is moving.

Further graced by an exceptional Tommy Lee Jones lead performance that would have to be considered one of the finest in the 60-year-old actor's career, the Warner Independent release is getting a little preliminary festival exposure at Venice and Toronto before opening in limited engagements on Sept. 14.

Strong word-of-mouth should ensure that the film plays well into awards season.

For those not up on their Old Testament, "In the Valley of Elah" refers to the place where David slew Goliath. It's an apt metaphor for the battle undertaken by Jones, as a grieving father fighting his way through a bureaucratic quagmire in search of the truth, and by the young men and women who are facing insurmountable odds of emerging physically and/or emotionally unscathed from an increasingly controversial conflict.

Jones' Hank Deerfield is a former military MP who receives a call that his son, Mike Jonathan Tucker, in flashbacks) has gone AWOL after returning from active duty in Iraq. When the elder Deerfield shows up in Albuquerque, N.M., to conduct his own personal investigation, it's subsequently discovered that his son has been a victim of foul play.

In his efforts to find out what really happened, Hank initially butts heads with Emily Sanders (a no-nonsense Charlize Theron), a recently promoted police detective who is fighting a couple of battles of her own -- against the close-knit military brass, and for respect from her colleagues, who make unsubtle intimations about her relationship with her boss (Josh Brolin).

As Hank stubbornly soldiers on, Emily eventually lends her support. As the two begin to piece together the events that led up to Mike's disappearance, Hank is also forced to take stock of his own belief system.

In part an adaptation of a Playboy magazine article by Mark Boal called "Death and Dishonor", the Haggis version is an eloquently written portrait of a man clinging to logic during a time of confusion and turmoil.

With equal amounts bravado, anguish and, ultimately, remorse filling the crevices of his world-weary visage, Jones never has been better; Theron also effectively portrays the multifaceted dimensions of a single mother and small-town detective whose tough exterior conceals a considerable amount of vulnerable self-doubt.

Making the most of the few scenes she has, Susan Sarandon is affecting as Jones' dutiful wife, while Frances Fisher does likewise as a topless bartender who provides Jones with some valuable leads.

Production values are equally accomplished, from cinematographer Roger Deakins' stirring visual compositions to production designer Laurence Bennett's tarnished Americana to Mark Isham's achingly poignant, string-laden score.

IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH

Warner Independent Pictures

Warner Independent Pictures presents in association with Nala Films, Summit Entertainment and Samuels Media, a Blackfriar's Bridge production

Credits:

Director-screenwriter: Paul Haggis

Producers: Paul Haggis, Laurence Becsey, Patrick Wachsberger, Steven Samuels, Darlene Caamano Loquet

Executive producers: Emilio Diez Barroso, Bob Hayward, David Garrett, Erik Feig, James Holt, Stan Wlodkowski

Director of photography: Roger Deakins

Production designer: Laurence Bennett

Music: Mark Isham

Costume designer: Lisa Jensen

Editor: Jo Francis

Cast:

Hank Deerfield: Tommy Lee Jones

Det. Emily Sanders: Charlize Theron

Joan Deerfield: Susan Sarandon

Sgt. Carnelli: James Franco

Mike Deerfield: Jonathan Tucker

Evie: Frances Fisher

Lt. Kirklander: Jason Patric

Chief Buchwald: Josh Brolin

Cpl. Penning: Wes Chatham

Running time -- 120 minutes

MPAA rating: R...

Paul Haggis has not only avoided the dreaded sophomore slump, but the director and co-writer of the Oscar-winning Crash has returned with another bona-fide contender.

Ostensibly a murder-mystery set against the backdrop of the war in Iraq, In the Valley of Elah is a deeply reflective, quietly powerful work that is as timely as it is moving.

Further graced by an exceptional Tommy Lee Jones lead performance that would have to be considered one of the finest in the 60-year-old actor's career, the Warner Independent release is getting a little preliminary festival exposure at Venice and Toronto before opening in limited engagements on Sept. 14.

Strong word-of-mouth should ensure that the film plays well into awards season.

For those not up on their Old Testament, In the Valley of Elah refers to the place where David slew Goliath. It's an apt metaphor for the battle undertaken by Jones, as a grieving father fighting his way through a bureaucratic quagmire in search of the truth, and by the young men and women who are facing insurmountable odds of emerging physically and/or emotionally unscathed from an increasingly controversial conflict.

Jones' Hank Deerfield is a former military MP who receives a call that his son, Mike Jonathan Tucker, in flashbacks) has gone AWOL after returning from active duty in Iraq. When the elder Deerfield shows up in Albuquerque, N.M., to conduct his own personal investigation, it's subsequently discovered that his son has been a victim of foul play.

In his efforts to find out what really happened, Hank initially butts heads with Emily Sanders (a no-nonsense Charlize Theron), a recently promoted police detective who is fighting a couple of battles of her own -- against the close-knit military brass, and for respect from her colleagues, who make unsubtle intimations about her relationship with her boss (Josh Brolin).

As Hank stubbornly soldiers on, Emily eventually lends her support. As the two begin to piece together the events that led up to Mike's disappearance, Hank is also forced to take stock of his own belief system.

In part an adaptation of a Playboy magazine article by Mark Boal called Death and Dishonor, the Haggis version is an eloquently written portrait of a man clinging to logic during a time of confusion and turmoil.

With equal amounts bravado, anguish and, ultimately, remorse filling the crevices of his world-weary visage, Jones never has been better; Theron also effectively portrays the multifaceted dimensions of a single mother and small-town detective whose tough exterior conceals a considerable amount of vulnerable self-doubt.

Making the most of the few scenes she has, Susan Sarandon is affecting as Jones' dutiful wife, while Frances Fisher does likewise as a bartender who provides Jones with some valuable leads.

Production values are equally accomplished, from cinematographer Roger Deakins' stirring visual compositions to production designer Laurence Bennett's tarnished Americana to Mark Isham's achingly poignant, string-laden score.

IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH

Warner Independent Pictures

Warner Independent Pictures presents in association with Nala Films, Summit Entertainment and Samuels Media, a Blackfriar's Bridge production

Credits:

Director-screenwriter: Paul Haggis

Producers: Paul Haggis, Laurence Becsey, Patrick Wachsberger, Steven Samuels, Darlene Caamano Loquet

Executive producers: Emilio Diez Barroso, Bob Hayward, David Garrett, Erik Feig, James Holt, Stan Wlodkowski

Director of photography: Roger Deakins

Production designer: Laurence Bennett

Music: Mark Isham

Costume designer: Lisa Jensen

Editor: Jo Francis

Cast:

Hank Deerfield: Tommy Lee Jones

Det. Emily Sanders: Charlize Theron

Joan Deerfield: Susan Sarandon

Sgt. Carnelli: James Franco

Mike Deerfield: Jonathan Tucker

Evie: Frances Fisher

Lt. Kirklander: Jason Patric

Chief Buchwald: Josh Brolin

Cpl. Penning: Wes Chatham

Running time -- 120 minutes

MPAA rating: R...