The Forge Nabs U.S. Rights to Genre-Bending Psychological Horror Film ‘Fluxx,’ Releases First Trailer – Film News in Brief
The Forge has nabbed the U.S. distribution rights to Brendan Gabriel Murphy’s new psychological horror film “Fluxx,” giving it a limited theatrical run beginning May 30.
Starring Shelley Hennig (“Unfriended”), Shiloh Fernandez (“Evil Dead”), Henry Ian Cusick (“Lost”), Charlotte McKinney (“Fantasy Island”) and Tyrese Gibson (“Transformers”), “Fluxx” takes viewers on a trippy time loop after a film actress is forced to confront her husband’s mysterious disappearance while being unable to leave her Hollywood Hills home.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with The Forge to bring ‘Fluxx’ to audiences,” Murphy said in a statement. “It’s a film about identity and control in an increasingly disorienting world, and I can’t wait for people to experience it.”
On behalf of The Forge, the deal was negotiated by CEO Mark Sayre and head of acquisitions Decker Sadowski. On behalf of VMI Worldwide, which handled North American rights, EVP and head of business and legal affairs Mickey Guerin negotiated.
Watch the exclusive trailer below.
Artinii.Pro has launched its first complete global SaaS solution for secure digital film distribution. Intended to improve film delivery for public screenings, the system combines online content management with “secure offline playback.” Artinii.Pro is a project of the Inii Way Venture Studio.
“Being here at Cannes, in the midst of the industry’s most exciting discussions, is the perfect opportunity to showcase our innovations,” said Artiini.Pro CEO/Inii Way Venture Studio founder Ctirad Hemelík. “Our SaaS model is built to offer filmmakers and distributors a secure, efficient, and globally accessible system for film distribution.”
According to a press release, Artinii.Pro is “A modern platform for the legal, global distribution of films for public screenings outside traditional DCI cinemas,” that “Enables rights holders to securely deliver and monetize content, offering tools for licensing, brand-customized marketplaces, offline playback, and full control over where and how films are shown.”
Costume designer Deborah L. Scott will deliver the keynote speech at the 22nd annual Design Showcase West (DSW). Hosted by UCLA TFT’s MFA Design Program, DSW highlights excellence in costume, lighting, production, sound, scenic, and projection/media design. This year’s showcase will take place on May 31 at the Freud Playhouse on the UCLA campus.
Scott’s credits include “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Back to the Future” and “Heat.”
“Design Showcase West presents some of the most talented up-and-coming designers across the United States,” said Scott. “The event connects students to a robust network of artists and prepares them for a lifetime career in entertainment.”
In spring 2023, Scott was named Designer-in-Residence for the UCLA TFT’s David C. Copley Center for the Study of Costume Design, allowing students to learn directly from a leading industry professional. Known for her versatility, Scott seamlessly designs for stories across genres and eras–whether envisioning distant planets, historical epics, contemporary settings, or futuristic worlds. From miniature people to giant robots, her intelligent and imaginative designs elevate each film she touches.
“Design Showcase West is the leading premier event for graduate students to exhibit their innovative work across costume, scenic, sound, lighting, and production design,” said Deborah Nadoolman Landis, distinguished professor and faculty director of The David C. Copley Center for the Study of Costume Design. “Deborah L. Scott’s incredible work speaks for itself, and continues to inspire the next generation of entertainment artists.”
Montclair Film has announced the lineup for the annual Montclair Film Summer Showcase, taking place June 26 through 29 at The Clairidge in Montclair, NJ as part of the Prudential North to Shore Festival. The program will open on Thursday June 26 with Eva Victor’s “Sorry, Baby” (A24), continuing with James Sweeney’s “Twinless” (Roadside Attractions) on June 28. Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady’s “Folktales” (Magnolia Pictures) will close the showcase on June 29, accompanied by a Q&A with the directors.
“Montclair Film’s commitment to the power of cinematic storytelling remains an unwavering part of our mission,” said Montclair Film artistic director Tom Hall in a statement. “As proud partners of the Prudential North to Shore Festival, we look forward to welcoming audiences for a weekend of conversation and cinema, sharing the best of what the season offers.”
Dedicated to featuring “independent, documentary, and international films prior to their theatrical release,” other highlights in the Summer Showcase include Sophie Brooks’ “Oh, Hi!” starring Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman, “The Body Politic,” and the short film “American Seams.” Jennifer Tiexiera and Guy Mossman’s documentary “Speak,” Rachael Holder’s “Love, Brooklyn” starring André Holland, Alex Ross Perry’s “Videohaven,” and more round out this year’s lineup.
A complete list of films and individual film tickets can be found at theclairidge.org.
The American French Film Festival will return for its 29th annual edition and awards competition from Oct. 28 to Nov. 2 at the Directors Guild of America in Hollywood.
“The 2024 Festival marked an incredible return, featuring a star-studded Opening Night and a lineup of films that went on to receive prestigious awards in the U.S., France, and internationally. The overwhelming support from filmmakers, actors, composers, producers, and distributors was truly inspiring. This year, we look forward to discovering more cinematic gems and welcoming audiences for six days of the best in French film and series,” said Cécile Rap-Veber, President of the Franco-American Cultural Fund and CEO of SACEM.
Last year’s lineup included “Emilia Peréz,” “The Count of Monte Cristo,” “Marching Band,” “Holy Cow” and “The Most Precious of Cargoes.”
Serena and Venus Williams are boarding the new sports drama “The Match” as executive producers.
With screenwriter Liz Maccie adapting Bruce Schoenfeld’s book, “The Match” will tell the story of the unlikely friendship formed between rising tennis star Angela Buxton and Althea Gibson, who became the first Black tennis player to win Wimbledon back in 1957. The film will be produced by 1Community, Access Entertainment and Four Daughters.
“We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking project that not only celebrates the remarkable friendship between Althea Gibson and Angela Buxton but also highlights the profound impact of diversity in sports,” Access Entertainment’s Emily Blavatnik and Danny Cohen said in a statement. “This story is a testament to resilience and unity, and we know it will resonate strongly with audiences everywhere.”
Venus Williams and Serena Williams are executive producing alongside Isha Price, with Caroline Currier overseeing production for Serena Williams’ Nine Two Six Productions. Access Entertainment recently developed and co-financed the Oscar-winning “Conclave.”
Richard Linklater’s Lorenz Hart biopic “Blue Moon” has set an Oct. 17 limited release date in Los Angeles and New York before expanding nationwide Oct. 24.
From Sony Pictures Classics, Oscar-nominated Linklater’s newest film chronicles Hart’s (Ethan Hawke) final days, who was part of the songwriting team Rodgers and Hart, on the opening night of “Oklahoma!” in 1943.
The film is written by “Me and Orson Welles” author Robert Kaplow with a cast including Margaret Qualley (“The Substance”), Andrew Scott (“Ripley”) and Bobby Cannavale (“The Irishman”). Linklater produced the film along with Mike Blizzard (“Hit Man”) and John Sloss (“Boyhood”).
“Blue Moon” premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where it was met with mostly positive reviews and won the Silver Bear for Scott’s supporting performance. Out of the festival, Variety‘s Peter Debruge wrote “Like a backstage pass for Broadway buffs, it’s one hell of a show for those in the know and a sparkling introduction for the uninitiated.”
“Blue Moon” is a Detour/Renovo production in association with Wild Atlantic Pictures, Under The Influence and Cinetic Media.
The non-profit organization New York Road Runners, which produces 60 annual races including the TCS New York City Marathon, has launched East 89th St Productions,which will produce original content “that aligns with New York Road Runners’ vision of building healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running,” the studio said in a statement.
The first project under the banner is the documentary short “Final Finishers,” produced with Tribeca Studios, about the final hours of the TCS New York City Marathon.
“There are thousands of incredible stories at the starting line of every New York Road Runners race,” says Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners. “Our goal with East 89th St Productions is to the tell the most compelling of those stories, with the support of creative partners like Tribeca Studios, and in doing so, inspire millions more to experience the transformative power of running in their own lives and communities.”
Starring Shelley Hennig (“Unfriended”), Shiloh Fernandez (“Evil Dead”), Henry Ian Cusick (“Lost”), Charlotte McKinney (“Fantasy Island”) and Tyrese Gibson (“Transformers”), “Fluxx” takes viewers on a trippy time loop after a film actress is forced to confront her husband’s mysterious disappearance while being unable to leave her Hollywood Hills home.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with The Forge to bring ‘Fluxx’ to audiences,” Murphy said in a statement. “It’s a film about identity and control in an increasingly disorienting world, and I can’t wait for people to experience it.”
On behalf of The Forge, the deal was negotiated by CEO Mark Sayre and head of acquisitions Decker Sadowski. On behalf of VMI Worldwide, which handled North American rights, EVP and head of business and legal affairs Mickey Guerin negotiated.
Watch the exclusive trailer below.
Artinii.Pro has launched its first complete global SaaS solution for secure digital film distribution. Intended to improve film delivery for public screenings, the system combines online content management with “secure offline playback.” Artinii.Pro is a project of the Inii Way Venture Studio.
“Being here at Cannes, in the midst of the industry’s most exciting discussions, is the perfect opportunity to showcase our innovations,” said Artiini.Pro CEO/Inii Way Venture Studio founder Ctirad Hemelík. “Our SaaS model is built to offer filmmakers and distributors a secure, efficient, and globally accessible system for film distribution.”
According to a press release, Artinii.Pro is “A modern platform for the legal, global distribution of films for public screenings outside traditional DCI cinemas,” that “Enables rights holders to securely deliver and monetize content, offering tools for licensing, brand-customized marketplaces, offline playback, and full control over where and how films are shown.”
Costume designer Deborah L. Scott will deliver the keynote speech at the 22nd annual Design Showcase West (DSW). Hosted by UCLA TFT’s MFA Design Program, DSW highlights excellence in costume, lighting, production, sound, scenic, and projection/media design. This year’s showcase will take place on May 31 at the Freud Playhouse on the UCLA campus.
Scott’s credits include “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Back to the Future” and “Heat.”
“Design Showcase West presents some of the most talented up-and-coming designers across the United States,” said Scott. “The event connects students to a robust network of artists and prepares them for a lifetime career in entertainment.”
In spring 2023, Scott was named Designer-in-Residence for the UCLA TFT’s David C. Copley Center for the Study of Costume Design, allowing students to learn directly from a leading industry professional. Known for her versatility, Scott seamlessly designs for stories across genres and eras–whether envisioning distant planets, historical epics, contemporary settings, or futuristic worlds. From miniature people to giant robots, her intelligent and imaginative designs elevate each film she touches.
“Design Showcase West is the leading premier event for graduate students to exhibit their innovative work across costume, scenic, sound, lighting, and production design,” said Deborah Nadoolman Landis, distinguished professor and faculty director of The David C. Copley Center for the Study of Costume Design. “Deborah L. Scott’s incredible work speaks for itself, and continues to inspire the next generation of entertainment artists.”
Montclair Film has announced the lineup for the annual Montclair Film Summer Showcase, taking place June 26 through 29 at The Clairidge in Montclair, NJ as part of the Prudential North to Shore Festival. The program will open on Thursday June 26 with Eva Victor’s “Sorry, Baby” (A24), continuing with James Sweeney’s “Twinless” (Roadside Attractions) on June 28. Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady’s “Folktales” (Magnolia Pictures) will close the showcase on June 29, accompanied by a Q&A with the directors.
“Montclair Film’s commitment to the power of cinematic storytelling remains an unwavering part of our mission,” said Montclair Film artistic director Tom Hall in a statement. “As proud partners of the Prudential North to Shore Festival, we look forward to welcoming audiences for a weekend of conversation and cinema, sharing the best of what the season offers.”
Dedicated to featuring “independent, documentary, and international films prior to their theatrical release,” other highlights in the Summer Showcase include Sophie Brooks’ “Oh, Hi!” starring Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman, “The Body Politic,” and the short film “American Seams.” Jennifer Tiexiera and Guy Mossman’s documentary “Speak,” Rachael Holder’s “Love, Brooklyn” starring André Holland, Alex Ross Perry’s “Videohaven,” and more round out this year’s lineup.
A complete list of films and individual film tickets can be found at theclairidge.org.
The American French Film Festival will return for its 29th annual edition and awards competition from Oct. 28 to Nov. 2 at the Directors Guild of America in Hollywood.
“The 2024 Festival marked an incredible return, featuring a star-studded Opening Night and a lineup of films that went on to receive prestigious awards in the U.S., France, and internationally. The overwhelming support from filmmakers, actors, composers, producers, and distributors was truly inspiring. This year, we look forward to discovering more cinematic gems and welcoming audiences for six days of the best in French film and series,” said Cécile Rap-Veber, President of the Franco-American Cultural Fund and CEO of SACEM.
Last year’s lineup included “Emilia Peréz,” “The Count of Monte Cristo,” “Marching Band,” “Holy Cow” and “The Most Precious of Cargoes.”
Serena and Venus Williams are boarding the new sports drama “The Match” as executive producers.
With screenwriter Liz Maccie adapting Bruce Schoenfeld’s book, “The Match” will tell the story of the unlikely friendship formed between rising tennis star Angela Buxton and Althea Gibson, who became the first Black tennis player to win Wimbledon back in 1957. The film will be produced by 1Community, Access Entertainment and Four Daughters.
“We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking project that not only celebrates the remarkable friendship between Althea Gibson and Angela Buxton but also highlights the profound impact of diversity in sports,” Access Entertainment’s Emily Blavatnik and Danny Cohen said in a statement. “This story is a testament to resilience and unity, and we know it will resonate strongly with audiences everywhere.”
Venus Williams and Serena Williams are executive producing alongside Isha Price, with Caroline Currier overseeing production for Serena Williams’ Nine Two Six Productions. Access Entertainment recently developed and co-financed the Oscar-winning “Conclave.”
Richard Linklater’s Lorenz Hart biopic “Blue Moon” has set an Oct. 17 limited release date in Los Angeles and New York before expanding nationwide Oct. 24.
From Sony Pictures Classics, Oscar-nominated Linklater’s newest film chronicles Hart’s (Ethan Hawke) final days, who was part of the songwriting team Rodgers and Hart, on the opening night of “Oklahoma!” in 1943.
The film is written by “Me and Orson Welles” author Robert Kaplow with a cast including Margaret Qualley (“The Substance”), Andrew Scott (“Ripley”) and Bobby Cannavale (“The Irishman”). Linklater produced the film along with Mike Blizzard (“Hit Man”) and John Sloss (“Boyhood”).
“Blue Moon” premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where it was met with mostly positive reviews and won the Silver Bear for Scott’s supporting performance. Out of the festival, Variety‘s Peter Debruge wrote “Like a backstage pass for Broadway buffs, it’s one hell of a show for those in the know and a sparkling introduction for the uninitiated.”
“Blue Moon” is a Detour/Renovo production in association with Wild Atlantic Pictures, Under The Influence and Cinetic Media.
The non-profit organization New York Road Runners, which produces 60 annual races including the TCS New York City Marathon, has launched East 89th St Productions,which will produce original content “that aligns with New York Road Runners’ vision of building healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running,” the studio said in a statement.
The first project under the banner is the documentary short “Final Finishers,” produced with Tribeca Studios, about the final hours of the TCS New York City Marathon.
“There are thousands of incredible stories at the starting line of every New York Road Runners race,” says Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners. “Our goal with East 89th St Productions is to the tell the most compelling of those stories, with the support of creative partners like Tribeca Studios, and in doing so, inspire millions more to experience the transformative power of running in their own lives and communities.”