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There was some disgruntled chatter within parts of the German contingent at this year’s Berlinale about what had been perceived as a shortage of local projects in the festival’s main competition lineup. Much of that criticism was overblown, as German filmmakers were positively represented across the wider festival programme. On the ground in Berlin, it was also difficult to ignore the increased presence of a new and diverse generation of local artists.

Chief among them was Lamin Leroy Gibba, who was one of the buzziest names at the festival. The 31-year-old is the showrunner behind Black Fruit (Schwarze Früchte), the breakout series of 2024 in Germany.

A co-production between Jünglinge Film, Studio Zentral, and Ard Degeto, Black Fruit debuted at last year’s Tribeca Film Festival before a highly publicized release on Ard in Germany. The show is currently screening at the BFI Flare Film Festival in London. Zdf Studios...

Exclusive: Zdf Studios has acquired international distribution rights to Black Fruit (Schwarze Früchte), the buzzy debut series from actor-writer Lamin Leroy Gibba.

A co-production between Jünglinge Film, Studio Zentral, and Ard Degeto, Black Fruit debuted at last year’s Tribeca Film Festival before a highly-publicized release on Ard in Germany.

Set in contemporary Hamburg, the series follows the journey of mid-twenty Lalo (Gibba) as he grapples with the sudden loss of his father, embarking on a tumultuous path of impulsive decisions that reverberate through his life and those around him. Alongside his ambitious best friend Karla, Lalo strives to define his identity amidst societal pressures and personal struggles. The show is one of the first serial productions in Germany to chronicle the lives of Queer people of color.

Gibba stars in the series and also serves as the showrunner. Writers on the show include Sophia Ayissi, Naomi Kelechi Odhiambo, Lisa Tracy Michalik,...

Taylor Lautner could follow the step of his "Twilight" co-star Kristen Stewart who has just landed Orange Rising Star Award at 2010 BAFTAs. The 18-year-old hunk has been announced as one of the contenders to win Best Performance by Leading Young Actor at the 31st Annual Young Artist Awards for his portrayal of Jacob Black in "The Twilight Saga's New Moon". For the said prize, he will be up against Jake T. Austin ("Hotel For Dogs"), Jimmy Bennett ("Alabama Moon"), Max Records ("Where The Wild Things Are") and Devon Bostick ("Adoration").

Meanwhile, Emma Roberts and Saoirse Ronan are put under the same category, facing each other for the Best Performance by Leading Young Actress kudo. The "Hotel For Dogs" star and the "The Lovely Bones" beauty are additionally joined by Abigail Breslin ("My Sister's Keeper"), Jolie Vanier ("Shorts") and Yara Shahidi ("Imagine That") in the competition for the award.

The nominations...

Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato are placed in competition against each other at the upcoming 31st Annual Young Artist Awards. As the Young Artist Foundation unveiled this year's nominees, it is revealed that the two Disney stars and best friends are vying for Leading or Supporting Young Actress title in a category for TV movie, mini-series or special.

Both Selena and Demi received the nomination for their performance as Carter Mason and Rosalinda respectively in "Princess Protection Program". Beside each other, they are also up against two other hopefuls, Tori Barban of "The Christmas Hope" and Patricia Raven of "Dear Harvard".

The two teen stars are not the only Disney's leading lady to get nominated for 2010 Young Artist Awards. Miley Cyrus has earned a nod for Leading Young Actress in TV series for her role on "Hannah Montana". She is listed among four other contenders that include the star of Nickelodeon's "iCarly", Miranda Cosgrove.

The nominees of the 31st Annual Young Artist Awards have been announced. "Hotel for Dogs," "Twilight Saga: New Moon," and "My Sister's Keeper" are among the nominees.

The Young Artist Awards benefits the Young Artist Foundation -- a non-profit organization which awards scholarships to financially and/or physically challenged young people seeking a future in the entertainment industry.

Winners will be announced at a gala be held on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at the Beverly Garland, Studio City, California.

Nominees of the 31st Annual Young Artist Awards (feature film categories):

Best Performance In A Feature Film

Leading Young Actor

Jake T. Austin .Hotel For Dogs.

Jimmy Bennett .Alabama Moon.

Max Records .Where The Wild Things Are.

Taylor Lautner .Twilight Saga - New Moon.

Devon Bostick .Adoration.

Best Performance In A Feature Film

Leading Young Actress

Emma Roberts .Hotel For Dogs.

Abigail Breslin .My Sister's Keeper.

Jolie Vanier .Shorts.

Yara Shahidi .Imagine...