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Filmfare fame at last: Celebrating the best in South Indian cinema
The 2022 global hit film “RRR” has once again proven its mettle by winning the award for the best film in the Telugu language at the delayed FilmFare South awards. This epic drama, directed by SS Rajamouli, has captivated audiences worldwide with its gripping storyline and stellar performances. N.T.R. Jr and Ram Charan, the film’s leading actors, were named winners in the best leading actor category, while Rajamouli himself took home the best director award. For those who haven’t yet experienced this cinematic marvel, you can watch the trailer and find more information here.
In the Tamil category, “Ponniyin Selvan Part 1” emerged victorious as the best film. Directed by the legendary Mani Ratnam, this historical drama has been lauded for its grandiose production and compelling narrative. Ratnam also bagged the best director award, further cementing his status as a master storyteller. Kamal Haasan and Sai Pallavi were honored with the best actor (male) and best actor (female) awards for their performances in “Vikram” and “Gargi,” respectively. To delve deeper into these films, check out the trailers for Ponniyin Selvan Part 1, Vikram, and Gargi.
The Malayalam category saw “Nna Thaan Case Kodu” winning the best film award, with its director Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval collecting the best director prize. This film has been praised for its unique storyline and strong performances. For Kannada cinema, Kiranraj K was awarded the best director award for “777 Charlie,” while “Kantara” was named the best film. Discover more about these films by watching the trailers for Nna Thaan Case Kodu, 777 Charlie, and Kantara.
Final four: Australian films vie for top prize
Four dramatically different Australian films are in the running to win the country’s richest film prize, worth A$100,000 ($67,200) at the 2024 CinefestOZ Film Festival to be held in Western Australia, Aug. 31 – Sept. 8. These films showcase the diversity and creativity of Australian cinema.
“Runt,” a family comedy written by Craig Silvey and directed by John Sheedy, stars Celeste Barber, Jai Courtney, and Jack Thompson. This heartwarming film promises to be a delightful watch for audiences of all ages. Watch the trailer here.
“Memoir of a Snail,” an animated drama by Oscar-winning director Adam Elliot, offers a unique and touching narrative that is sure to resonate with viewers. Check out the trailer here.
“Audrey,” a dark comedy directed by Natalie Bailey, features actors Jackie van Beek and Jeremy Lindsay Taylor. This film explores the complexities of human relationships with a humorous twist. Watch the trailer here.
“The Moogai,” a thought-provoking Indigenous horror film by director Jon Bell, stars Shari Sebbens and Meyne Wyatt. This film delves into the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Australians while delivering spine-chilling thrills. Watch the trailer here.
Trigger happy: Mulan International Film Festival’s opening title
The Mulan International Film Festival has set “Love Is a Gun,” directed by Taiwanese actor and director Lee Hong-Chi, as its opening title. At Venice last year, the film won the prestigious Lion of the Future – “Luigi de Laurentiis” Venice Award for a Debut Film. It recounts the story of Sweet Potato, portrayed by Lee, who returns to his hometown after serving time in prison. Seeking redemption, he rents sunshades on the beach while attempting to secure a ”good citizen” certificate for employment in the city. However, his past catches up with him through old acquaintances. The festival runs Aug. 9 to 17, in Toronto, Canada. Watch the trailer here.
Speaking engagements: Industry leaders share insights
APOS: Kevin Mayer, founder and CEO of Candle Media, producer and entrepreneur Simon Fuller, Jacques Dupuy, CEO of Canal+ International, and James Gibbons, president of APAC for Warner Bros Discovery, are among the first speakers confirmed to appear at the annual APOS media and entertainment convention in September. Operating from the Ayana Resort in Indonesia’s Bali, Sept. 24-26, the conference’s main themes include the return of mergers & acquisitions, streaming’s new playbook, generative AI, sports and live entertainment, and the expansion of short-form video.
Other speakers include Jaeson Ma (Op3n), Paramount’s Pam Kaufman and Beverly McGarvey, Tiktok’s Sato Yoichi, Tving CEO Julie Choi, Netflix India’s VP of content Monika Shergill, Liberty Media’s Derek Chang, and Prime Video’s Gaurav Gandhi.
SXSW: At the second edition of SXSW Sydney (Oct. 14–20), Australian actor Luke Hemsworth will moderate a panel titled “Better than a Hollywood Movie: The highs, lows, epic moments, and colossal steps forward in bringing back the Tasmanian Tiger.” Co-founder and CEO of Colossal and serial technology entrepreneur Ben Lamm, and Professor of Biosciences at University of Melbourne TIGRR Lab Andrew Pask will discuss their latest efforts to de-extinct the Thylacine and return the storied animal to Tasmania.
Other headlining speakers include co-founder and CEO of Razer, the world’s leading brand for gamers Min-Liang Tan; Amy Gallo, best-selling author of “Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People)”; musician and mindfulness advocate Chad Lawson; ABC radio presenter and host of “This Working Life” podcast Lisa Leong; Australian race car driver Molly Taylor; Billboard Top Music Lawyer Priyanka Khimani, and senior editor at Rolling Stone India Peony Hirwani.
Reflecting on the diverse and dynamic world of cinema and entertainment, it’s clear that the industry continues to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide. From award-winning films to thought-provoking discussions, the future of entertainment promises to be as exciting as ever.
