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Jack Huston finds the light in the darkness with his role in Konstantin Khudyakov’s upcoming film.

In the first trailer for Gravitas Ventures’ I’m Beginning to See the Light, premiering May 2, Huston stars as Ezra Cooper, a once-famous, now-struggling trumpeter whose family is killed in a horrific car crash.

“It was an accident. The truck was transporting a Fresnel lens,” a man tells Ezra as he recovers in the hospital. “It sits on top of a lighthouse, spins around.”

After visiting the lighthouse, Ezra mistaken for the keeper and decides to stay, living as a recluse. He soon meets Sam (Brandon T. Jackson), a suicidal visitor that gives Ezra’s life meaning as he finds solace in his new friend’s presence and resolves to help other lost souls who stumble upon the lighthouse.

But when Ezra sparks a connection to a beautiful, enigmatic teacher named Hannah (Abbie Cornish...

Gravitas Ventures has acquired U.S. and Canadian rights to Konstantin Khudyakov’s “I’m Beginning To See the Light” from Hoody Films. Starring Jack Huston, Abbie Cornish, Brandon T. Jackson, Jamie Chung, Lucy Punch, and Mark Boone Junior, the film is set for digital and cable video on-demand release in May.

Set against a “hauntingly beautiful coastal backdrop,” “I’m Beginning to See the Light” stars Huston as Ezra, a jazz musician who seeking solace in a remote lighthouse after losing his family in an unexpected tragedy. Becoming the lighthouse’s new keeper, Ezra “encounters kindred lost souls, each grappling with their own pasts,” according to a press release. “Through music, memory, and human connection, he begins to find new meaning in life.”

“I’ve always wanted to make a film about jazz and how music has the potential to help a person overcome grief and rediscover meaning in life,” said director Konstantin Khudyakov.

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Sweet Magnolias is a romantic comedy-drama series created by Sheryl J. Anderson. Based on the novel series of the same name by Sherryl Woods, the Netflix series is set in South California and it follows three women who have been best friends since childhood. They try to support each other through life’s various complexities, including career, family, and love. Sweet Magnolias stars JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliott, Heather Headley, Logan Allen, Anneliese Judge, Carson Rowland, Chris Klein, Jamie Lynn Spears, Dion Johnstone, Brandon Quinn, and Chris Medlin. So, if you loved the small-town vibes, feel-good story, and lovable characters in Sweet Magnolias, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Virgin River (Netflix) Credit – Netflix

Virgin River is a romantic comedy-drama series created by Sue Tenney. Based on the novel series of the same name by Robyn Carr,...

Liam Neeson has been cast in 'Hotel Tehran'.The 71-year-old actor is attached to appear with Zachary Levi in the action thriller that is being written and directed by Guy Moshe.The film is set to head into production later this summer with Rocket Science, Oakhurst Entertainment, Astral Future and Dreamtime Films handling global distribution at the Cannes Film Festival.Moshe said in a statement: "I'm thrilled to welcome Liam Neeson to 'Hotel Tehran'. He is a true thespian and an icon in our industry."The character he plays, Larry, is complex, irreverent and inspired by real people. I know his fans around the world will relish seeing him inhabit this distinct role and I can't wait to be there to capture it."Moshe has written the script with Mark Bacci and it is based on an original idea from former CIA officer Bazzel Baz. He is also...

Academy Award nominee Liam Neeson will star in the upcoming action-thriller Hotel Tehran. The veteran actor joins the previously announced Zachary Levi for the Guy Moshe-directed film.

According to Variety, Hotel Tehran will begin production this summer, with the rest of the action thriller's ensemble cast to be announced over the coming weeks. Director Moshe, who helmed the action thriller Bunraku starring Josh Hartnett and the drama film Holly with Ron Livingston, penned the script for the upcoming feature with Mark Bacci (Prisoner's Daughter), based on an original idea by Bazzel Baz (The Blacklist), a former CIA Intelligence Special Operations Group Officer. The director expressed his delight at Neeson's involvement in the upcoming project. "I'm thrilled to welcome Liam Neeson to Hotel Tehran," he said.

Related Andrew Garfield & Julia Roberts in Talks for New Thriller From Challengers Director Andrew Garfield is set to co-star with Julia Roberts in Luca Guadagnino's upcoming film.

Ring the Room Service staff and ask them to prep the penthouse because Liam Neeson is checking into Guy Moshe’s upcoming action thriller Hotel Tehran. The feature-length project stars Zachary Levi, with cameras set to roll later this summer. Moshe is a seasoned filmmaker with films like Holly, Bunraku, and Lx 2048 attached to his director credits.

Speaking about Hotel Tehran, which has worldwide distribution from Rocket Science alongside previously announced Oakhurst Entertainment, Astral Future, and Dreamtime Films, Moshe said, “I’m thrilled to welcome Liam Neeson to Hotel Tehran. He is a true thespian and an icon in our industry. The character he plays, Larry, is complex, irreverent, and inspired by real people. I know his fans around the world will relish seeing him inhabit this distinct role and I can’t wait to be there to capture it.”

Moshe reunites with Prisoner’s Daughter writer Mark Bacci...

Liam Neeson has signed on to star in the action thriller Hotel Tehran with Rocket Science launching Cannes sales.

Guy Moshe will direct and co-wrote the screenplay with Mark Bacci based on an original idea by former CIA operative Bazzel Baz. Plot details remain under wraps.

Production is due to commence in late summer.

Neeson joins previously announced Zachary Levi on the project, on which Rocket Science, Oakhurst Entertainment, Astral Future and Dreamtime Films handle global distribution.

Astral Future’s Matthew G. Zamias, Oakhurst’s Marina Grasic, Wendy Sweetmore of Dreamtime Films, and Moshe are producing.

Baz serves as executive...

Liam Neeson is checking into “Hotel Tehran.”

The Oscar-nominee turned on-screen avenging angel is joining the previously announced Zachary Levi in the new action-thriller from Guy Moshe. Cameras will start rolling in late summer. The rest of the ensemble will be cast in the coming weeks.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Liam Neeson to ‘Hotel Tehran,'” Moshe said. “He is a true thespian and an icon in our industry. The character he plays, Larry, is complex, irreverent, and inspired by real people. I know his fans around the world will relish seeing him inhabit this distinct role and I can’t wait to be there to capture it.”

Neeson was initially best known for his work in serious-minded dramas such as “Schindler’s List” and “Kinsey,” but he’s become an action icon since “Taken” took the box office by storm in 2008. His work in the genre includes roles in “The Grey” and “Non-Stop.

The Oscar nominated actor is set to board Guy Moshe’s action thriller Hotel Tehran opposite Zachary Levi, who Deadline first told you about. Also joining the Liam Neeson feature to handle worldwide distribution is Rocket Science alongside previously announced Oakhurst Entertainment, Astral Future and Dreamtime Films. The movie will start shooting later this summer.

Moshe wrote the script with Mark Bacci (Prisoner’s Daughter), from an original idea by Bazzel Baz (The Blacklist), a former CIA Intelligence Special Operations Group Officer.

Producers are Astral Future’s Matthew G. Zamias (Boxing Day), Oakhurst’s Marina Grasic, Wendy Sweetmore of Dreamtime Films and Moshe. Bazzel Baz is an EP with Astral Future’s Harel Kodesh, Justin C. Oberman and Arbel Kodesh.

Moshe said, “I’m thrilled to welcome Liam Neeson to Hotel Tehran. He is a true thespian and an icon in our industry. The character he plays, Larry,...

Liam Neeson has checked into Guy Moshe’s Hotel Tehran action thriller alongside the earlier-announced lead Zachary Levi.

Moshe wrote and will direct the project set for a summer 2024 production from Rocket Science, Oakhurst Entertainment, Astral Future and Dreamtime Films, which will handle global distribution at the Cannes Film Festival.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Liam Neeson to Hotel Tehran. He is a true thespian and an icon in our industry. The character he plays, Larry, is complex, irreverent and inspired by real people. I know his fans around the world will relish seeing him inhabit this distinct role and I can’t wait to be there to capture it,” Moshe said in a statement on Tuesday.

Neeson is also set to star in the The Naked Gun reboot set for a 2025 summer release. Moshe wrote the script with Mark Bacci (Prisoner’s Daughter) and from an original idea by Bazzel Baz,...

Exclusive: Abigail Palmer has been promoted to Literary Manager at Navigation Media Group, the management and production company launched in 2022 by veteran lit managers James Engle & Ben C. Silverman, which reps creators in film and television.

Palmer has been with the company since 2022 and previously served as Junior Manager. Prior to that, she was an assistant and eventually coordinator at Intellectual Property Group, where she worked with notable authors and learned the business of IP. Dedicated to supporting and advocating for female, Queer, and underrepresented talent across all media formats and genres, she currently manages a roster that includes Jess Carson (The Flash), Grace Ding (Walker: Independence), Victoria González (Saved by the Bell), Kate McLaughlin and Stacey Maltin (Triple Threat).

“I am very excited for this next chapter with Navigation,” Palmer told Deadline. “I am thrilled to be connected with a company that is interested...

Shazam! Fury of the Gods star Zachary Levi lands a role in the upcoming Guy Moshe-led action thriller, Hotel Tehran, as he turns the page on his rollercoaster run with the DC Extended Universe.

Per Deadline, Hotel Tehran will begin production this May from a script by Moshe, who is known for feature-length projects like 2010's Bunraku and 2020's Lx 2048, and Prisoner's Daughter scribe Mark Bacci from an idea conceptualized by former CIA special operations group officer Bazzel Baz. Hotel Tehran will be the first movie under the Astral Future financing and production imprint, which was co-founded by Boxing Day producer Matthew G. Zamias.

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In Hotel Tehran, Levi will star as Tucker, the frontman of a unit featuring...

Exclusive: Zachary Levi (Shazam!) is set to topline Hotel Tehran, a new action thriller marking the fourth feature from writer-director Guy Moshe (Bunraku).

In the film heading into production in May, Levi plays Tucker, who leads a unit of disgraced, war-torn ex-CIA operators into the heart of Tehran to take down a life-changing score.

Moshe wrote the script with Mark Bacci (Prisoner’s Daughter), from an original idea by Bazzel Baz (The Blacklist), a former CIA special operations group officer. Oakhurst Entertainment is financing. Oakhurst’s Marina Grasic is producing alongside Matthew G. Zamias (Boxing Day), co-founder of the new financing and production company Astral Future, as well as Wendy Sweetmore of Dreamtime Films. Astral Future’s Harel Kodesh and Arbel Kodesh are exec producing alongside Moshe, Baz, Justin C. Oberman, and William Doyle (The Killer). Kerry Barden and Paul Schnee (Spotlight) are handling casting.

In a statement to Deadline,...

Prisoner's Daughter is an emotional character study and family drama that follows a prisoner on compassionate release as he struggles to reunite with his estranged daughter and grandson despite his illness. It's a quietly contemplative study of violence with a star-studded team — Brian Cox plays Max, the formerly violent muscle for the mob, and Kate Beckinsale plays his daughter Maxine, a working-class woman struggling to care for her son, Ezra (Christopher Convery).

Joining Cox and Beckinsale is Tyson Ritter (singer of the band All-American Rejects) as Maxine's ex-husband and Ezra's father, Tyler. He's a man who is probably (and tragically) similar to her father when he was younger — selfish, violent, and not a great father. Meanwhile, Ezra is being violently bullied and has to decide if he should be violent in return, and Max has to decide if he should return to violence in order to stop Tyler from wreaking havoc on Maxine's life.

[Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers for Prisoner’s Daughter.]From director Catherine Hardwicke and screenwriter Mark Bacci, the family drama Prisoner’s Daughter finds Max (Brian Cox) needing to reunite with his estranged daughter Maxine (Kate Beckinsale), in order to reside with her and her son Ezra (Christopher Convery) on compassionate release after 12 years in prison. Diagnosed with terminal cancer has put a ticking clock on their time together, and while he may never fully redeem himself, Max just wants to connect with his grandson and protect his family in the only way that he knows how.

[Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers for Prisoner’s Daughter.]From director Catherine Hardwicke and screenwriter Mark Bacci, the family drama Prisoner’s Daughter finds Max (Brian Cox) needing to reunite with his estranged daughter Maxine (Kate Beckinsale), in order to reside with her and her son Ezra (Christopher Convery) on compassionate release after 12 years in prison. Diagnosed with terminal cancer has put a ticking clock on their time together, and while he may never fully redeem himself, Max just wants to connect with his grandson and protect his family in the only way that he knows how.

A trio of docs and a wider-than-usual run for a Vertical thriller populate a specialty weekend with fewer new openings as theaters stick with Asteroid City and devote screens to Indiana Jones and Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken. Call it jittery Friday as the indie community like the rest of Hollywood awaits news from SAG-AFTRA as the guild’s contract is set to expire tonight.

Opening: Julie Cohen’s documentary Every Body from Focus Features arrives on 250+ screens. Produced in partnership with NBC Studios, the exploration of the intersex experience through personal stories premiered at Tribeca last month. This film follows three individuals who have moved from childhoods marked by shame, secrecy and non-consensual surgeries to thriving adulthood after each decided to set aside medical advice to keep their bodies a secret and,...

It’s almost impossible for Brian Cox to be in a bad movie because, well, he’s giving a Brian Cox performance every time. Simply put, Cox is the saving grace of his latest feature, “Prisoner’s Daughter,” a predictable family drama that has heart thanks to grounding performances by Cox, Ernie Hudson, and breakout child star Christopher Convery. The rest, however, leaves a lot to be desired.

However, there are still other pleasures to be found in the final product. Catherine Hardwicke is building out the perfect frothy cinematic universe where “Prisoner’s Daughter” and her recent Toni Collette vehicle “Mafia Mamma” could beautifully coexist — and make for an enjoyable wild ride.

Hardwicke previously spoke with IndieWire’s Kate Erbland about her wide-ranging tastes when it comes to picking scripts, and “Prisoner’s Daughter” is no exception. Written by Mark Bacci and premiering at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, the family drama...

Her career hobbled by uninspired material since the commercial bonanza of “Twilight’s” first screen installment 15 years ago, Catherine Hardwicke at first appears to be back on firmer terra with “Prisoner’s Daughter.” Its mix of adult dysfunction and coming-of-age pains against a downscale milieu (here working-class Las Vegas) recalls the director’s strong initial features, “Thirteen” and “Lords of Dogtown.”

But this drama, with Brian Cox as a terminally ill ex-con reunited with daughter Kate Beckinsale and her son, soon reveals itself as a formulaic contrivance heading towards predictable strife and tearjerking. Competently handled and well-cast, it’s nonetheless held back from generating much authentic emotion by the too-familiar beats of Mark Bacci’s script. Vertical is opening the feature, which premiered at TIFF last fall, on limited U.S. theatrical screens this Friday. It’ll doubtless do better in release to home formats, those dates as yet Tba.

Once...

Succession actor and Golden Globe winner Brian Cox is ready to follow in the footsteps of Taken star Liam Neeson and become the next aged action star. Speaking exclusively with MovieWeb, Cox was asked whether he had any interest in wanting to go down the same route as Neeson, and it turns out the classically trained Shakespearean actor is very interested, indeed.

"I'm all for expanding, going into new territory. I mean, to be a 77-year-old action star might be something quite interesting to do. You know, I'm not against it. I'm not against that at all. In fact, I'm very glad you brought it up, because I'm really not against that at all. I've often thought, 'Oh, I could maybe do all that.' But I haven't done it because it's just been a different world. But if I would do it, it'd only be if it was a great script.

Prisoner's Daughter, the upcoming family drama from director Catherine Hardwicke, gives its stars every chance to shine across its short run time. The film follows Max (Brian Cox), a man in and out of prison for presumably his whole life, and his daughter, Maxine (Kate Beckinsale), a single mom taking care of her son Ezra (Christopher Convery). After serving his latest sentence, which was a long twelve years, Max is allowed to return to his home under house arrest to live out his remaining months after a terminal cancer diagnosis.

Of course, plenty of baggage comes with that, as the relationship between Max and Maxine is strained to say the least. She grew up without her father around most of the time, which led to her mother developing an ultimately fatal relationship with alcohol. Without a connection to fall back on, Maxine only agrees to take in her father for one reason: money.

Family drama takes center stage in this exclusive clip from Prisoner's Daughter. Starring Kate Beckinsale (Underworld), Brian Cox (Succession), and Tyson Ritter, Prisoner’s Daughter promises to bring powerful drama to screens when its released later this month. You can check out our exclusive clip from Prisoner's Daughter below.

Prisoner’s Daughter has been described as a gritty, turbulent drama that follows Max (Brian Cox) who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and granted a compassionate release after 12 years in prison with the condition he resides with his estranged daughter, Maxine (Kate Beckinsale). As a single mom desperate for income to raise her only son, Ezra (Christopher Convery), she reluctantly agrees but has no interest in reconciliation or allowing Max to have a relationship with her son.

To make matters worse, Maxine also has to contend with Ezra’s father, Tyler (Tyson Ritter), an abusive addict who wants more control of his son's life.

“Prisoner's Daughter”, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, stars Brian Cox, Kate Beckinsale, Mark Bacci, Tyson Ritter, Christopher Convery, Sam Okun, Catherine Hardwicke, Ernie Hudson, Jai Khanna, Marina Grasic and Jon Huertas, releasing June 30, 2023 in theaters:

“…after 12-years in prison, ‘Max’ (Cox) is diagnosed with a terminal illness and granted a compassionate release with the condition he reside with his daughter, ‘Maxine’ (Beckinsale).

“With no love lost toward Max but financially strapped and working multiple jobs to raise her only son, ‘Ezra’ (Convery), she begrudgingly agrees to the conditions.

‘As Max seeks one last chance to redeem himself in her eyes, they must contend with his violent past as it comes back to haunt them all…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

Prisoner’s Daughter (2023) is an upcoming drama film directed by Catherine Hardwicke, the filmmaker who recently made Mafia Mamma with Toni Collette. Written by Mark Bacci, the film stars Brian Cox and Kate Beckinsale in lead roles. The plot of Prisoner’s Daughter follows Cox as a prisoner and father who is imprisoned for 12 years, and after being diagnosed with a terminal illness, he tries to reconnect with his daughter, played by Beckinsale, while serving out his sentence.

People say you can never go home again. That could be true for Max (Brian Cox) when he returns to his daughter’s house after an extended prison sentence in the new drama Prisoner’s Daughter. Emotions run high as father and daughter reconnect and old wounds open. Boundaries risk getting crossed while Max tries to compensate for the lost time. In Vertical‘s Prisoner’s Daughter trailer, we find Beckinsale and Cox at odds while navigating a damaged relationship. Can Max repair the damage before time runs out?

Catherine Hardwicke directs from a script by Mark Bacci. Prisoner’s Daughter “is a gritty, turbulent thriller that follows Max (Brian Cox) who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and granted a compassionate release after 12 years in prison with the condition he resides with his estranged daughter, Maxine (Kate Beckinsale),” reads the film’s official synopsis. “As a single mom desperate for income to raise her only son,...

Prisoner’s Daughter (2023) is an upcoming drama film directed by Catherine Hardwicke, the filmmaker who recently made Mafia Mamma with Toni Collette. Written by Mark Bacci, the film stars Brian Cox and Kate Beckinsale in lead roles. The plot of Prisoner’s Daughter follows Cox as a prisoner and father who is imprisoned for 12 years, and after being diagnosed with a terminal illness, he tries to reconnect with his daughter, played by Beckinsale, while serving out his sentence.

Vertical has acquired U.S. rights to Catherine Hardwicke’s “Prisoner’s Daughter,” a thriller with Brian Cox and Kate Beckinsale that premiered at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

The film is about a terminally ill father who is recently released from prison and struggles to connect with his daughter and grandson. Vertical will release “Prisoner’s Daughter” in theaters on June 30, 2023.

It’s a starry collection of talent. Cox is best known for playing the mephistophelean Logan Roy on “Succession,” while Beckinsale has starred in blockbusters and indie films such as “Underworld,” “Love and Friendship” and “Pearl Harbor.” Hardwicke has directed critical and commercial hits like “Twilight” and “Thirteen.”

In “Prisoner’s Daughter,” Cox stars as Max, who is diagnosed with cancer after 12-years in prison. Granted a compassionate release he goes to live with his daughter, Maxine (Beckinsale). She resents her father but is financially strapped and working multiple...

Exclusive: Brandon T. Jackson (Percy Jackson franchise) and Jamie Chung (Lovecraft Country) have joined Abbie Cornish and Jack Huston in feature drama I’m Beginning To See The Light.

From veteran Russian filmmaker Konstantin Khudyakov, the film will follow Ezra (Huston), a grief-stricken jazz trumpeter who seeks purpose and salvation after the sudden, tragic death of his wife and daughter. When he is mistaken for the new lighthouse keeper, Ezra meets Hannah (Cornish), a local school teacher who, along with ethereal music, reignites his passion for life and imbues it with meaning.

Chung will play Sarah, the wife of Ezra and mother of their 10-year-old daughter. She loves Ezra but is angry at him for the time and energy that he pours into a career that no longer supports them. Jackson will play Sam, a bass guitarist who hasn’t recovered from being replaced in his band and losing his girlfriend.

Exclusive: Jack Huston (House of Gucci) and Abbie Cornish (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) have been cast in upcoming drama, I’m Beginning To See The Light.

The film will mark Russian filmmaker Konstantin Khudyakov’s (The Road To Calvary) first English-language feature.

The film will follow Ezra (Huston), a grief-stricken jazz trumpeter who seeks purpose and salvation after the sudden, tragic death of his wife and daughter. When he is mistaken for the new lighthouse keeper, Ezra meets Hannah (Cornish), a local school teacher who, along with ethereal music, reignites his passion for life and imbues it with meaning.

Veteran Khudyakov has worked in the business since the early 1960’s, starting out as an actor before turning to directing. He has directed more than 20 films and a number of TV series, including 2017 period miniseries The Road To Calvary, which scored multiple awards in Russia, and was picked up by Netflix.

Exclusive: The management and production firm Navigation Media Group, repping creators in film and television, is expanding with the addition of Kegan Schell as Literary Manager.

Schell is a passionate advocate for queer and underrepresented talent who, at Navigation, will work with a broad range of creators in the horror and genre space. He joins from Echo Lake Entertainment, where he worked for six years. It was there that he first came to connect with Navigation’s co-founder, James Engle, while working as his assistant.

Schell brings with him a list of clients that includes Tom Hanada (Motherland: Fort Salem), Jess Carson (The Flash), Meredith Kecskemety (The Legend of Vox Machina), Alyssa & Griffin Devine (Portals), Todd Stephens (Swan Song) and Addison Heimann (Hypochondriac). While Navigation is headquartered in Los Angeles, with teams in both L.A. and Vancouver, Schell will be the first member of the company to work out of New York.

Catherine Hardwicke will receive the Santa Fe International Film Festival’s Visionary Award this October at Jean Cocteau Cinema.

The Twilight and Thirteen filmmaker also will be leading an acting workshop at the Santa Fe Playhouse.

Her latest film, Prisoner’s Daughter, starring Kate Beckinsale, Brian Cox and Ernie Hudson, had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Written by Mark Bacci, the film tells the story of a tough but proud ex-con who’s struggling to find a way to reconnect with his only daughter and grandson. Once he begins an attempt at reconciliation, his violent past catches up to him.

Hardwicke’s biggest-grossing movie is the 2008 vampire YA romance Twilight, which launched the franchise and grossed 408M WW. Her 2003 directorial debut, Thirteen, won the Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival that year and notched a Supporting Actress Oscar for Holly Hunter, among other accolades. Additional...

Prisoner’s Daughter TIFF Gala Presentations Section Reviewed for Shockya.com by Abe Friedtanzer Director: Catherine Hardwicke Writer: Mark Bacci Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Brian Cox, Christopher Convery, Tyson Ritter, Jon Huertas Screened at: Scotiabank Theatre, Ontario, 9/15/22 Opens: September 14th, 2022 (Toronto International Film Festival) An older man, no longer the same hardened criminal he once was, […]

The post TIFF 2022: Prisoner’s Daughter Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.

Plot: Newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a convicted murderer (Brian Cox) is given a supervised, compassionate release under the supervision of his long-estranged daughter (Kate Beckinsale).

Review: Prisoner’s Daughter is a return to director Catherine Hardwick’s indie roots. In recent years she’s been known chiefly for larger movies like the recent Miss Bala remake, Twilight, and Red Riding Hood. Before those, she directed Thirteen and the underrated Lords of Dogtown, and Prisoner’s Daughter feels like a throwback to those kinds of movies. It’s a low-key character drama with a good moral message at its core and sports typically excellent performances from the two leads, Brian Cox and Kate Beckinsale.

Cox is an interesting choice to play Max, a brutal former boxer turned debt collector who’s been in prison for killing someone. We’re used to seeing him play patriarchs, most famously on Succession, and based on that role,...

Las Vegas, with its casinos and boiling 100+ temperatures, has long been an alluring setting for stories about broken people seeking redemption. The ghosts of organized crime past seem to haunt the Nevada desert, still populated by casino rats, showgirls, and washed-up athletes. And so it is an apt setting for “Prisoner’s Daughter.” This family drama from Catherine Hardwicke (“Twilight”) with a screenplay by Mark Bacci (“Northern Rescue”) stars Brian Cox (“Succession”) as Max, a one-time boxer turned enforcer dying of pancreatic cancer who’s been released from prison after 12 years on compassionate release on the sole condition that he stays with his estranged daughter Maxine.

Continue reading ‘Prisoner’s Daughter’ Review: Brian Cox & Kate Beckinsale Can’t Save Catherine Hardwicke’s Frustrating Family Misfire [TIFF] at The Playlist.

Maxine (Kate Beckinsale) isn’t having a good day. She’s barely slept after working the nightshift cleaning the place where she used to pole dance and hopes to earn enough tips at her waitressing day job to pay for her son Ezra’s (Christopher Convery) epilepsy medication when her ex (his father) Tyler (Tyson Ritter) causes a scene that ultimately gets her fired. Then the school calls to say the boys who assaulted her son were suspended as though it would soften the blow that he’s being punished with detention for getting beat up (I see protocols haven’t changed in over two decades). And to top everything off, she also gets a phone call from her father (Brian Cox’s Max). From jail. After twelve years. Asking to live with her.

Welcome to director Catherine Hardwicke and screenwriter Mark Bacci’s Prisoner’s Daughter, a film that seeks...

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Brian Cox is so over Logan Roy.

Or at least, he left Succession’s reigning media-empire patriarch behind on the set of HBO’s Emmy-winning TV drama as the gruff Scottish performer blasted Method acting during a post-screening Q&a at the Toronto Film Festival for Prisoner’s Daughter.

“I don’t hold a lot of the American shit, having to have a religious experience every time you play a part. It’s crap,” Cox said of totally immersing himself in a movie or TV series performance to the point of obsession.

“I don’t hang onto the characters I play. I let them go through me. The thing is to be ready to accept, as an actor. You stand there, you’re ready to accept whatever is thrown at you,” he added while on stage at Roy Thomson Hall after he and fellow castmembers,...

Exclusive: Veteran Literary Manager James Engle has launched Navigation Media Group, a management and production firm that will rep creators in film and television. Partnering with Engle is Vancouver-based Literary Manager and media investor Ben C. Silverman, whose investments include interests in distribution, production and talent management.

Navigation will look to combine a passion for creativity with established, proven, business acumen to give clients the full-spectrum guidance they need to navigate both the current and future media landscape with success. Creatives joining the company as clients include Sam Sheridan, Becca Gleason, Grant Sputore, Bret VandenBos & Brandon Willer, Michael Lloyd Green, Jem Garrard, Damien Ober, Barbara Kymlicka, Jeff Renfroe and Mark Bacci.

“I’m excited to launch Navigation with Ben,...

Exclusive: Christopher Convery (On the Verge) has joined the cast of the upcoming Catherine Hardwicke film, Prisoner’s Daughter. He’ll appear in the family drama alongside previously announced cast members Brian Cox, Kate Beckinsale and Tyson Ritter.

The film penned by Mark Bacci tells the story of Max (Cox), a tough but proud ex-con who’s struggling to find a way to reconnect with his only daughter Maxine (Beckinsale), as well as his grandson; once he begins an attempt at reconciliation, his violent past once again catches up to him.

Convery will play Ezra, Maxine’s sharp-witted pre-teen son who struggles with epilepsy and bullying at school.

Sam Okun is producing for Sam Okun Productions, with Marina Grasic of Oakhurst Entertainment. Robert E. Morgan, Chris Rasmussen, Guy Moshe, and Jai Khanna will exec produce, with Lachlan Towle and Bill Yates serving as co-producers.

Capstone Pictures is co-financing and commenced sales at TIFF.

Veteran actor Ernie Hudson, who returns to the spirit-hunting world this fall with Ghostbusters: Afterlife, has joined Kate Beckinsale and Brian Cox in Prisoner’s Daughter, a dramatic thriller being directed by Catherine Hardwicke.

Sam Okun is producing the indie via Sam Okun Productions along with Marina Grasic of Oakhurst Entertainment and David Haring.

Written by Mark Bacci, Daughter tells the story of tough but proud ex-con Max (Cox), who’s struggling to find a way to reconnect with his only daughter (Beckinsale) and grandson. But as he begins an attempt at reconciliation, his violent past once again catches up to him.

Hudson will play Hank, a tough-as-nails ...

Veteran actor Ernie Hudson, who returns to the spirit-hunting world this fall with Ghostbusters: Afterlife, has joined Kate Beckinsale and Brian Cox in Prisoner’s Daughter, a dramatic thriller being directed by Catherine Hardwicke.

Sam Okun is producing the indie via Sam Okun Productions along with Marina Grasic of Oakhurst Entertainment and David Haring.

Written by Mark Bacci, Daughter tells the story of a tough but proud ex-con Max (Cox) who’s struggling to find a way to reconnect with his only daughter Maxine (Beckinsale) and grandson; once he begins an attempt at reconciliation, his violent past once again catches up to him.

Hudson will play Hank, a ...

Exclusive: Tyson Ritter has joined the cast of Prisoner’s Daughter, the latest film from director Catherine Hardwicke.

He’ll appear in the family drama opposite previously announced cast members Brian Cox (Succession) and Kate Beckinsale (Underworld).

The film written by Mark Bacci tells the story of Max (Cox), a tough but proud ex-con, who’s struggling to find a way to reconnect with his only daughter Maxine (Beckinsale), as well as his grandson; once he begins an attempt at reconciliation, his violent past once again catches up to him.

Ritter will play Maxine’s ex-husband Tyler, who fights with her to stay connected to their son Ezra.

Sam Okun is producing for Sam Okun Productions, with Marina Grasic of Oakhurst Entertainment. Robert E. Morgan, Chris Rasmussen, Guy Moshe, and Jai Khanna will exec produce, with Lachlan Towle and Bill Yates serving as co-producers.

Capstone Pictures is...

Exclusive: Succession star Brian Cox is set to join Kate Beckinsale in the Catherine Hardwicke-helmed family drama Prisoner’s Daughter, penned by Mark Bacci.

The film tells the story of a tough but proud ex-con who’s struggling to find a way to reconnect with his only daughter and grandson; once he begins an attempt at reconciliation, his violent past once again catches up to him.

“I’m excited to see Brian Cox bring his layers of toughness, vulnerability and warmth to this broken man who has one last chance to reconnect with his family. We’ll ride with Brian on Max’s twisted journey, really feeling all the excruciating pain — and small moments of joy” said Hardwicke.

Sam Okun will Produce for Sam Okun Productions, as will Marina Grasic for Oakhurst Entertainment. Robert E. Morgan, Chris Rasmussen, Guy Moshe, Jai Khanna will serve as Executive Producers. Lachlan Towle and Bill Yates will Co-Produce.

Exclusive: Kate Beckinsale will star in the Catherine Hardwicke-helmed family drama Prisoner’s Daughter, penned by Mark Bacci.

“Mark Bacci’s script is a raw, personal look at a deeply fractured family, similar to my first film Thirteen (with Evan Rachel Wood and Holly Hunter.) With Prisoner’s Daughter, I want to fully immerse the viewer in Kate’s character’s intense world as she, her father, and her young son try to heal generational family trauma and find a new way forward,” said Hardwicke.

The film tells the story of a tough but proud ex-con who’s struggling to find a way to reconnect with his only daughter and grandson; once he begins an attempt at reconciliation, his violent past once again catches up to him.

“We are committed to making films that reflect the struggles and issues faced by not only Americans but worldwide audiences. We are...

Newcomer Amalia Williamson, Spencer MacPherson (DeGrassi: Next Class) and Taylor Thorne (Odd Squad) have joined leads William Baldwin and Kathleen Robertson in Northern Rescue, as production begins in Canada on the CBC & Netflix family adventure series from Don Carmody Television.

Created by Between writer Mark Bacci and executive producer David Cormican, and Dwayne Hill (Peg + Cat), Northern Rescue follows John West (Baldwin), who uproots his three children from the big city to return to his home town to take command of the local Search & Rescue service after the death of his wife. As the family comes to terms with their loss, the series explores the effects on their individual lives. The children’s Aunt Charlotte (Robertson), struggles to help John and his children heal as she copes with the loss of her sister and her desire to have a family of her own. Along the way, John faces many situations...

Forty Canadian and international producers will head to the Ontario Media Development Corporation’s annual International Financing Forum in Toronto.Scroll down for full list of projects

The ninth-annual International Financing Forum (Iff), a feature co-financing market for English-language projects, will run Sept 7-8 during Toronto International Film Festival (Sept 4-14).

The two-day event includes one-on-one meetings, an industry panel discussion, roundtable meetings, a networking luncheon, and a producers’ opening night networking reception.

Iff partners include Telefilm Canada, UK Trade and Investment (Ukti), and Toronto Film Commission & Entertainment Industries.

Among this year’s international projects are:

The Lunchbox producer Guneet Monga with sci-fi drama Punha, starring Kanal Nayyar of The Big Bang Theory;

Land Ho! producers Mynette Louie and Sara Murphy reteaming with director Aaron Katz on Settlers;

former Screen International Future Leader Sol Bondy of Germany’s One Two Films with Us-based Jennifer Fox with her thriller The Tale to star Laura Dern, Ellen Burstyn and [link...

Know what we need? Another Bigfoot movie! Seriously though... you can never have too many. Although the ones in which we only get to hear the beast growl or barely catch a glimpse of the creature can go away. How will The Woods fare? Check out the trailer!

Written, directed, and produced by Mark Bacci for Triton Pictures, The Woods stars Rebecca Davis, Mark Bacci, Graem Beddoes, John Fitzgerald, and Aliyah O'Brien.

Synopsis

In 2012 two filmmakers, Rebecca and Mark, decided to go into the woods and make a hoax film on the mythical Sasquatch. Following the path of another couple that had mysteriously disappeared before them, they documented every step of their journey as they laid the groundwork of the hoax. They went missing until their footage was found with their bodies in mid 2012. When the footage was disseminated and put together, what was discovered was very disturbing. This is...

The 18th annual San Antonio Film Festival will run for a solid week, June 18-24, at several locations around the city and will feature, as it always does, an expansive and impressive lineup of documentaries, thrillers, dramas and a ton of short films.

The fest kicks off on the 18th with the Canadian culture clash comedy French Immersion, directed by Kevin Tierney, followed by a block of homegrown short films from all over the great state of Texas. The next night’s programming, the 19th, pays tribute to San Antonio’s neighbors to the south with two feature films from Mexico, the drama Burros by Odin Salazar Flores and the documentary Die Standing Up by Jacaranda Correa, as well as a block of short films.

Some of the feature-length documentaries include Stephanie Hubbard’s Christian theme park quest Bible Storyland (watch the trailer); James Lane’s expose of the Oklahoma...

Writer Mark Bacci will make his directing debut with "Five Hours South," which starts shooting Wednesday in Rome.

The Italian company New Pandora Film and Campania Film Commission's Rino Piccolo are financing the $2 million project, which stars Jordan Bridges, Jeannine Kaspar, Brooklyn Sudano, Elle McPherson and Louise Linton.

The story follows a small-town Italian policeman struggling to pursue his passion for break-dancing while dealing with a secret from his past.

Fortitude's Ben Press and Michael McConnell packaged the film and recruited former Roc-a-Fella Records exec Damon Dash, who directed and produced "State Property 2," to produce and supervise the music for the film.

Bacci, repped by Fortitude and Circle of Confusion, has his screenplay "Vampire Nation" set up with Arsenal Pictures and his thriller script "Six Days Till Midnight" in development with Emmett/Furla Films. David R. Ellis ("The Final Destination") is attached to direct the latter project.