INTERNATIONAL

Oscar Awards Organisers Call for Artistic Freedom, No U.S. Barriers

Published

8 years ago

February 10, 2017

The head of the organization behind the Oscars has called for diversity and freedom of expression saying the United States should not put barriers in the way of artists.

Speaking at a luncheon in Beverly Hills for the 2017 nominees, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, told the 165 Oscar-nominated actors and film makers there was a “struggle globally today over artistic freedom that feels more urgent than at any time since the 1950s,”

oscars

Iranian director Asghar Farhadi and actress Taraneh Alidoosti, who stars in his foreign-language nominated film “The Salesman,” said last week they would boycott the February 26 Academy Awards to protest President Donald Trump’s travel restrictions on Iranians and six other Muslim-majority countries.

Isaacs, who is African-American, also cited the Academy’s efforts to improve diversity in its ranks. After two straight years in which all 20 acting nominees were white, this year there are seven actors of color among the Oscar nominees.

Some 683 new members – many of them women or people of color – have joined the Academy in the past 12 months in a bid to make the body that chooses the Oscar winners more representative.

INTERNATIONAL

Hollywood Veteran Actor, Denzel Washington To Star In “Black Panther 3”

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Reporter

Denzel Washington to star in ‘Black Panther 3’ | fab.ng

Hollywood legend Denzel Washington has announced his intention to star in the highly anticipated third instalment of Marvel’s “Black Panther” franchise before retiring from acting.

The acclaimed actor, who currently portrays a pivotal role in Ridley Scott’s upcoming film “Gladiator 2,” made this revelation during a recent interview on Australia’s “Today Show.”

“I am only interested in working with the best. I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make. Probably not that many,” he said.

As he was sharing the roles he has lined up before a possible retirement, Denzel Washington made a statement saying,

“I’m playing Othello at 22, now I am playing Othello at 70. After that, I am playing Hannibal. After that, I have been talking with Steve McQueen about a film. Ryan Coogle is writing a part for me in the next Black Panther. Then I’ll do Othello and after that, I am going to do King Lear. After that, I am going to retire,” he added.

In 2018, Marvel Studios released the critically acclaimed superhero film ‘Black Panther’, which featured the late Chadwick Boseman in the titular role.

The movie boasted an ensemble cast that included Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, and Winston Duke.

Following Boseman’s tragic passing, Marvel produced a sequel, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever‘, which premiered in 2022.

This highly anticipated follow-up continued the story of the technologically advanced nation of Wakanda and its heroic protectors.

The immense popularity and cultural impact of the ‘Black Panther’ franchise have solidified its place as a landmark achievement in superhero cinema.

Check out more movie updates here.

INTERNATIONAL

NBA Star Joel Embiid Partners With Anakle Films For Football Drama, “Backline”

Published

2 months ago

September 26, 2024

Reporter

Joel Embiid Partners with Anakle Films for “Backline” | fab.ng

Anakle Films, in collaboration with NBA All-Star Joel Embiid’s production company, Miniature Géant, and LeBron James’ athlete empowerment brand, Uninterrupted, is set to launch a captivating new narrative film titled “Backline”.

This inspiring film chronicles the journeys of African athletes as they tirelessly pursue their dreams of playing professional American football.

“Backline” draws inspiration from the true stories of current NFL players.

It follows two close friends from Nigeria as they navigate the challenges. They seize the opportunity of aspiring to play professional football in the United States. Editi Effiong (producer of the acclaimed “The Black Book”), wrote and directed this film.

“Backline” filming will commence in 2025. Production will take place in Nigeria and the United States, ensuring an authentic portrayal of the protagonists’ experiences.

Editi Effiong expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating,

“‘Backline’ is a story about the undefeatable strength of the human spirit, of hope, of friendship, and a drive to rise above one’s difficulties. From the moment I spoke to the young athletes who actually made the journey to play football in the U.S., telling this story has been a sweet obsession. We are excited to welcome Joel Embiid, Miniature Géant and Uninterrupted to this exciting project that will inspire audiences worldwide.”

In 2023, NBA All-Star Joel Embiid established Miniature Géan.

This is in partnership with The SpringHill Company, the renowned entertainment production firm that LeBron James and Maverick Carter founded. This studio specializes in telling the stories of individuals who have defied conventional expectations to achieve extraordinary success.

Embiid, himself a testament to this concept. Having risen from his hometown of Yaoundé, Cameroon, he became an NBA superstar and is uniquely positioned to champion such narratives.

Osi Umenyiora, a two-time Super Bowl champion, along with Editi Effiong and Anakle Films, serve as executive producers for the upcoming film “Backline”. Their collective expertise and passion for storytelling will undoubtedly contribute to the film’s impact and authenticity.

Check out more updates here.

INTERNATIONAL

“The Lion King” Is Getting A Prequel 30 Years Later To Tell Mufasa’s Story

Published

5 months ago

June 26, 2024

Reporter

Mufasa The Lion King is getting a prequel this December | Fab.ng

This December, Disney is releasing a brand new chapter in the beloved Lion King story. Thirty years after the original animation stole our hearts in 1994, “Mufasa: The Lion King” arrives as a prequel. It will take us back to explore the origins of the mighty king himself.

This isn’t just another Lion King movie though. “Mufasa” is an animated musical drama that dives deep into Mufasa’s past. It reveals the friendships, relationships, and defining moments that shaped him into the wise and courageous king we all know.

Barry Jenkins directed “Mufasa: The Lion King”.

He is the Oscar-winning director behind powerful movies like “Moonlight” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.” The script comes from Jeff Nathanson, who also wrote the 2019 live-action adaptation. Together, they aim to expand the Lion King universe while staying true to the magic of the original story.

The movie will follow Mufasa’s journey from a helpless orphaned cub to one of the greatest rulers the Pride Lands has ever seen. We’ll gain new insights into his character and the dynamics of the animal kingdom. This includes his complex relationship with his younger brother, Taka.

Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) | Fab.ng

Taka eventually becomes the villainous Scar, but “Mufasa” will explore their bond before it fractured. The story unfolds through a clever framing device – Rafiki, the wise mandrill, narrates Mufasa’s past to Kiara, Simba and Nala’s daughter. Adding some comic relief, Timon and Pumbaa chime in with their own hilarious commentary throughout.

Get ready to hear some familiar voices alongside some exciting newcomers. Several stars from the 2019 adaptation are returning to lend their talents. Donald Glover is back as Simba, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa), Billy Eichner (Timon), John Kani (Rafiki), and Beyoncé (Nala).

Newcomers include Aaron Pierre voicing a young Mufasa, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. taking on the role of the young Taka. The cast also features Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, Thandiwe Newton as Eshe, and Lennie James as Obasi. In a special debut, Blue Ivy Carter steps onto the big screen for the first time, voicing the role of Kiara.

“Mufasa: The Lion King” roars into theatres on December 20, 2024.

This prequel promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally engaging journey, giving us a deeper appreciation for the iconic Mufasa and the timeless world of The Lion King.

Watch the trailer below: