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‘Sunset Boulevard’ Screening Set by Fathom for Film’s 75th Anniversary – Film News in Brief

Movies & TV
‘Sunset Boulevard’ Screening Set by Fathom for Film’s 75th Anniversary – Film News in Brief
Fathom Entertainment and Paramount Pictures will commemorate the 75th anniversary of “Sunset Boulevard” with screenings in over 1,000 theaters nationwide on Aug. 3 and 4.
“Sunset Boulevard” was restored in 4K using a 35mm print from the Library of Congress, which was provided for color accuracy to honor Billy Wilder, the film’s director, with the original version. Additionally, the release features a new 5.1 audio mix produced by Deluxe Audio with support from New Zealand’s Park Road Post Production company.

The movie follows former Hollywood legend Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), who refuses to fade away from the spotlight. After meeting a struggling screenwriter, Joe Gillis (William Holden), she plans to make a comeback with his help. Originally released on Aug. 10, 1950, “Sunset Boulevard” was one of the first films selected for preservation in the National Film Registry and is ranked in the top 20 of the American Film Institute’s list of the Greatest American Films of All Time. Additionally, “Sunset Boulevard” was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including best picture, and won three for best art direction, best music and best writing.

The film features performances by Erich von Stroheim and Nancy Olson, as well as cameo appearances by Cecil B. DeMille, gossip columnist Hedda Hopper and silent film actor Buster Keaton. “Sunset Boulevard’s” anniversary screening is a part of Fathom’s Big Screen Classics series. The summer movie-going event includes an introduction by cinema critic and historian Leonard Maltin, who discusses the landmark film and offers insight into the classic motion picture for each screening.

Upcoming screenings include “The Sound of Music 60th Anniversary” on Sept. 13-14 and 17 and “Rocky IV: Rocky vs Drago – The Ultimate Director’s Cut” on Nov. 5 and 9.
Sony Pictures Classics and Fathom Entertainment will release a filmed performance of the Broadway hit, “Merrily We Roll Along” in theaters on Dec. 5. The four-time Tony Award-winning musical is directed by Maria Friedman and stars Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez.
The modern iteration of “Merrily We Roll Along” first hit Broadway in 1981. Based on George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart’s ill-fated 1934 play of the same name, the 1981 edition updated the concept with a book by George Furth and original music from Stephen Sondheim. Spanning a diegesis of twenty years, the play tells the story of composer Franklin Shepard, who slowly estranges himself from his friends to make music for Hollywood films.
Maria Friedman brought the play back to Broadway with the current cast in 2023. Its opening broke the house record at the Hudson Theater and it went on to win Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical and Best Orchestrations.
Sony and Fathom expect to release the taped performance in theaters across the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and additional countries around the globe.
New Regency has tapped former 20th Century Fox production executive Colin Greten as VP of Film. He will report to Natalie Lehmann, president of motion pictures and television. New Regency recently added Tesha Crawford as executive VP and head of international television.
“Colin is a sharp, forward-thinking executive with a strong creative sensibility and valuable industry experience,” said Lehmann. “As we continue to expand our slate and invest in bold, filmmaker-driven storytelling across platforms, Colin’s taste, relationships, and strategic approach make him an ideal fit for where we’re headed. We’re excited to have him join the team at such a dynamic moment for the company.”

New Regency’s upcoming projects include “Blood Meridian,” “Watch Dogs” and “Psycho Killer.”
Actress and producer Marsai Martin will serve as Creative Ambassador for the third annual HBCU First Look Film Festival, taking place this Nov. 6-8 at Howard University in Washington D.C. Festival President Sheila Eldridge states, “Marsai is an undeniable force leading the next generation of great storytellers. We’re thrilled to have her onboard not only to inspire the students but as a creative voice that will elevate the entire Festival experience.”
Martin rose to prominence for her role as Diane on ABC’s “Black-ish.” At age 14, she starred in and executive produced the film “Little,” becoming the youngest executive producer ever credited on a feature film in Hollywood. That same year, she started her production company, Genius Productions, and became the youngest individual to ever get a first-look deal Universal Studios. Most recently, she starred opposite Viola Davis and Anthony Anderson in the Amazon-MGM film, “G20.”
Martin will bring her perspectives as a visionary entrepreneur to HBCU First Look’s “Elevate Future Storytellers” program, kicking off the festival with a fireside chat with actress and comedian Loni Love. In a press release, Martin comments, “I’m excited to join forces with the HBCU First Look Film Festival. The opportunity to impact the HBCU creative community in a space curated just for them to level up is truly amazing.”
Sheila Eldridge founded the festival as a platform to inspire, elevate, and showcase the next generation of minority storytellers. Through screenings, workshops, networking, and events, the festival aims to be a celebration of Black filmmakers, rooted in the spirit of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

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