LOS ANGELES, CA – The Academy’s Board of Governors has approved new requirements to broaden the public theatrical exhibition criteria for Oscars® eligibility in the Best Picture category starting with the 97th Academy Awards®, for films released in 2024.
Upon completion of an initial qualifying run, currently defined as a one-week theatrical release in one of the six U.S. qualifying cities, a film must meet the following additional theatrical standards for Best Picture eligibility:
Expanded theatrical run of seven days, consecutive or non-consecutive, in 10 of the top 50 U.S. markets, no later than 45 days after the initial release in 2024.
For late-in-the-year films with expansions after January 10, 2025, distributors must submit release plans to the Academy for verification.
Release plans for late-in-the-year films must include a planned expanded theatrical run, as described above, to be completed no later than January 24, 2025.
Non-U.S. territory releases can count towards two of the 10 markets.
Qualifying non-U.S. markets include the top 15 international theatrical markets plus the home territory for the film.
“As we do every year, we have been reviewing and assessing our theatrical eligibility requirements for the Oscars,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang. “In support of our mission to celebrate and honor the arts and sciences of moviemaking, it is our hope that this expanded theatrical footprint will increase the visibility of films worldwide and encourage audiences to experience our artform in a theatrical setting. Based on many conversations with industry partners, we feel that this evolution benefits film artists and movie lovers alike.”
Eligibility for achievements in the various discipline categories will not be impacted by this requirement.
Severtson Screens, a global leader in innovative and quality projection screens for the home theater, commercial, pro AV, and cinema markets, has been unveiled as the official SCREEN partner for the 1st Lagos International Film and Cinema Convention, LIFACC 2023.
Mr. Theophilus Akatugba, the Founder of LIFACC and CEO of OVUETA, organizers of the event announced this in a statement released Friday 9th June 2023.
According to him, all the screens to be mounted during the convention, which is billed to hold from July 20th to 22nd, at the Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos, will be supplied by the United States-based global leader in projection screen technology.
Dan Maxwell (VP Cinema & COO at Severtson Screens)
Also, Dan Maxwell the Vice President of the company is expected to make a special presentation at the convention. Besides, the company will display some of its latest technological breakthroughs.
Founded in 1986, Severtson Corporation is a member of the International Cinema Technology Association. The company continues to be a global leader in innovation and quality.
Severtson will be at LIFACC 2023 with a showcase of its massive production capabilities and an unusually wide array of screens. The screens range in size from massive movie theaters to comfortable home theaters, and everything in between. Meanwhile, partnering with the organizers of LIFACC 2023, will not only expand the market for the company, but also, it will allow African filmmakers and cinema owners to experience a diversity of technological breakthroughs that will help them to improve the quality of their cinema patrons’ experience.
The Silverbird Group has agreed to partner with the organizers of the forthcoming Lagos International Film and Convention 2023, to make the world-class event a huge success.
This cheery news was disclosed by the Chairman of the Group, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce on Tuesday, June 6th, 2023 when Mr Theophilus Akatugba, Founder and CEO of LIFACC paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Lagos.
According to Mr. Akatugba, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce will be delivering the Keynote address during the opening ceremony of LIFACC on the 20th of July 2023, at the Radisson Blu Ikeja, Lagos.
Senator Murray- Bruce Esther Airodion & Mr Theophilus Akatugba,
Senator Bruce, who was very excited by the concept and preparation for the Maiden Edition of LIFACC, pledged his full support for the event while commending Ovueta Nigeria Limited, the organizers of LIFACC for their vision to create a platform where stakeholders can come together to interact, network and chart a new direction for the motion picture industry in Nigeria and Africa.
Speaking further, Senator Murray- Bruce stated that while the convention lasts, participants will have the rare opportunity to have first-hand knowledge of Silverbird Cinemas and Film Distribution’s new business policies as they visit its stand.
Mr Theophilus Akatugba, Founder and CEO of LIFACC
The Silverbird Group, which has a long history in the Nigerian media and entertainment sector will bring its cinema exhibition and distribution pioneering position coupled with its experience operating across Africa and the rest of the continent, as well as its studio facilities and network to bear at the convention.
Established in 1980, Ben Murray-Bruce’s Silverbird Group through its Silverbird Galleria which was founded in 2004, revolutionized the cinema culture in Nigeria. The Galleria pioneered the first five-screen Cineplex in sub-Saharan Africa.
Silverbird Cinemas also to date owns the largest cinema chain in West Africa with several locations in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and Ghana. More locations are still springing up in some parts of Nigeria.
Recall that before the advent of Silverbird Galleria, movie enthusiasts were left with no option other than resorting to the local content on terrestrial TV stations and PayTV platforms. Then, the movies came in the form of VCDs and later, when DVDs were introduced, producers began to move with the trend, churning out several movies in the video format. But today, with the return of the cinema culture in Nigeria, and Africa at large as pioneered by Ben Murray Bruce’s Silverbird Cinemas, several producers have seemingly found a way of evading the menace of pirates by taking their movies for public viewing.
Not only that, many cinema houses have sprung up in different nooks and crannies of society as the demand keeps growing. Some of them include cinema giants like IMAX, FilmHouse, Genesis Deluxe, Viva Cinema, Ozone Cinemas, and Octopus Cinema to mention but a few. All courtesy to Bruce’s vision.
The organizers of LIFACC are proud to announce Silverbird Group as Partner for this inaugural edition.
The gorgeous Iguazu Falls, located at the Argentina-Brazil border. Coupled with the brilliance of Marvel Studios, the gigantic waterfall makes the place a worthy backdrop for such a grand superhero film
Was the waterfall in Black Panther real?
Footage for the Warrior Falls was filmed at the most spectacular waterfall system in the world: Iguazu While close-ups were captured on a soundstage at Pinewood Studios, most of the scenic visuals came from Iguazu.
Best Guided Tours to Iguazu
A boat ride or train ride or helicopter ride in Iguazu National Park are fantastic ways to explore the amazing waterfalls.
Full-Day Tour to Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls Tour, Boat Ride, Train, Safari Truck
Full Day Iguassu Falls Both Sides – Brazil and Argentina
This is one of the most popular tourist sites in South America, similar to Machu Picchu there will be thousands of tourists, but it is so spectacular it did not even bother me too much, I was in awe.
The Devils Throat (Garganta del Diablo)
The Devil’s Throat is the largest and most impressive of the falls at Iguazu. About half the Iguazu River’s flow is forced through this 150m wide and 700m long fissure, dropping 80m with amazing power. Garganta del Diablo can be seen up close from Argentina’s and Brazil’s sides of the falls. Both are amazing and are two very different experiences.
Take the Train Ride to the Iguazu Falls
Inside the park catch the Ecological Jungle Train to the Iguazu Falls Train Station the start of the 2 main walking trails. The train is a quiet, natural gas-powered train that leaves close to the park entrance. It is a 25-minute train ride that runs along 14km of track through remote parts of the park to the station.
Getting to Iguazu Falls – Argentina
The Argentinian side of the falls can be reached by bus from the town of Puerto Iguazu. Buses run from the main bus terminal about every 20 minutes starting at 7 am. Travel time is about 40 minutes from Puerto Iguazu Bus to the Park.
IGUAZU FALLS ACCOMMODATION – ARGENTINA
On A Budget
Hostel Damaris – well-rated, budget option to visit the falls from Argentina and meet like-minded travelers.
Mid Range
Secret Garden Iguazu -excellent value for money, fantastic ratings.
Treat Yourself
Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel 5 star luxury, beautiful hotel situated in a jungle forest, close to nature, but with all modern comforts
Los Angeles, CA – Award winning Canadian born actress Helena -Alexis Seymour hit the ground running and has not looked back. Her lead role as Jessica Wu in the Chronicles of Jessica Wu, earned the artist a Best Actress Award at the Vegas Movie Awards 2020, Best Actress Award at the Toronto Film Channel Awards 2021 and landed her on the 2019 Primetime Emmy Ballot. The award-winning series in its third season, is out on TUBI TV. The series follows a young girl on the Autism spectrum who masters martial arts and becomes a Hero in her city by taking down the most ruthless villains in Los Angeles. Helena-Alexis Seymour believes in the characters she takes on and her portrayal of Jessica Wu is an example of the passion, vulnerability, and commitment the actress brings to her work. She makes the crime fighting Wu shine on screen. Seymour also stars as Detective Shelly McCain alongside Eric Roberts in the recently released film ’Exceptional Beings.’ Two Supernatural beings begin to question their Godhood when they meet an ordinary woman who doesn’t conform to their thousands of years of knowledge of humanity. On, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Comcast, Dish Network, iTunes, Google Play & Sling TV.
Helena- Alexis Seymour possess the natural ability to slide into whatever character she’s given and make it her own. From the Hallmark Movie Feeling Butterflies; xXx: Return of Xander Cage; Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance); Beauty and the Beast and more, the actress engages viewers immediately. Respected for her work ethic, directors and producers know they get the real deal with Seymour. The Canadian actress constantly strives for new heights in her career. From the age of fifteen playing Vanessa Williams in the VH1. ‘Diva’s Christmas Carol’ to the present, Helena-Alexis Seymour’s star is rising and is a commanding force in the entertainment industry. “Take control. The journey is constant.”
After 11 days of an exceptional edition, the Jury of the 76th Festival de Cannes, chaired by Swedish director Ruben Östlund, surrounded by Moroccan director Maryam Touzani, French actor Denis Ménochet, British-Zambian screenwriter & director Rungano Nyoni, American actress & director Brie Larson, American actor & director Paul Dano, Afghan author Atiq Rahimi, Argentinian director & screenwriter Damián Szifron and French director Julia Ducournau, presented its winners’ list among the 21 films presented in Competition this year
Justine Triet, Palma d’Oro al festival di Cannes
Feature Films
Palme d’or
ANATOMIE D’UNE CHUTE (ANATOMY OF A FALL)
Justine TRIET
Grand Prix
THE ZONE OF INTEREST
Jonathan GLAZER
Best Director
TRAN ANH Hùng
for LA PASSION DE DODIN BOUFFANT (THE POT-AU-FEU)
Jury Prize
KUOLLEET LEHDET (FALLEN LEAVES)
Aki KAURISMÄKI
Best Screenplay
SAKAMOTO Yuji
for KAIBUTSU (MONSTER) directed by KORE-EDA Hirokazu
Best Performance by an Actress
Merve DIZDAR
in KURU OTLAR USTUNE (ABOUT DRY GRASSES) directed by Nuri Bilge CEYLAN
Focused on arthouse, artistically daring films, the 2023 Un Certain Regard selection has included 20 feature films – 8 of which are first features also competing for the Caméra d’or. This year, the opening film was Thomas Cailley’s Le Règne animal. Chaired by American actor John C. Reilly, the Jury included French director and screenwriter Alice Winocour, German actress Paula Beer, French-Cambodian director and producer Davy Chou and Belgian actress Émilie Dequenne. Un Certain Regard 2023 ends on a high note with the screening of Alex Lutz’s film Une nuit.
Abdullah Al-Eyaf CEO Saudi Film Commission at the Cannes Film Festival 2023
Saudi Arabia has seen a “spike” in production and requests to scout locations since launching its 40% cash rebate at Cannes last year, according to Abduljalil Alnasser, general manager of sector development and investment attraction at Saudi Film Commission.
He was speaking on a Cannes market panel on Wednesday (May 17,2023) with senior figures from the Saudi film industry, titled “A Saudi Ecosystem, a Conversation with Saudi Film Sector Partners”. Alnasser noted that three feature films had shot in Jeddah in the past three months.
Charlene Deleon-Jones, executive director of Film Alula, said two brand new studios at the production hub — which are due to open in August — are already booked up until the end of 2024.
Wayne Borg, managing director of media industries, entertainment and culture at Neom, said the production hub has four stages up and running out of a planned 50. He added Neom has serviced 30 productions, and now has a crew depth that enables it to handle three major productions simultaneously.
When the rebate launched last year, Saudi had only had three international films ever shoot in the Kingdom, according to Alnasser.
Alnasser pitched Saudi Arabia as a rapidly growing film market and as a location for film production in the Middle East. He cited a strong economy, a large population of young people keen to watch content and a commitment to putting in place film-friendly regulation and building a strong film industry ecosystem.
“As an example, in 2018 — we had no cinema theatres and today we are the number-one box office in the Middle East — and we have done that in five years,” said Alnasser.( Saudi Arabia has a total of 262 theatres and galleries for theatrical performances in the Kingdom)
(Above From Left) Panellists Rasha Al-Masoud, Ministry Of Investment; Wayne Borg, Neom; Abduljalil Alnasser, Saudi Film Commission; Charlene Deleon–Jones, Film Alula; Najla Alnomair, Cultural Development Fund
Also taking part in the panel discussion was Najla AlNomair, chief strategy and business development officer of the Saudi Cultural Development Fund (CDF), which in March launched a $234m (sar879m) Film Sector Financing Programme, which is open to local and international companies working in the country’s film industry.
As part of this programme, CDF announced at Cannes this week the launch of a $100m fund specifically to invest in local and international productions and infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia.
Also speaking on the panel was Rasha Al-Masoud, investment development director for culture at the Ministry of Investment, who said the ministry “acts as a catalyst to facilitate investments throughout the Kingdom, including within the creative and cultural industries”.
Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll died peacefully on Wednesday at her home in Switzerland. She was 83.
Bee & Tee
Beyoncé Mourns Tina Turner’s Death and Thanks Her For Paving the Way
“My beloved queen. I love you endlessly. I’m so grateful for your inspiration, and all the ways you have paved the way,” Beyoncé wrote in her tribute. “You are strength and resilience. You are the epitome of power and passion. We are all so fortunate to have witnessed your kindness and beautiful spirit that will forever remain. Thank you for all you have done.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Academy’s Board of Governors has approved new requirements to broaden the public theatrical exhibition criteria for Oscars® eligibility in the Best Picture category starting with the 97th Academy Awards®, for films released in 2024.
