Dag Johan Haugerud’s Sensitive, Queer Drama SEX Opens June 13 at Film Forum

Posted on May 14, 2025 by admin

The 2024 Norwegian drama Sex, directed by Dag Johan Haugerud, will have its U.S. theatrical premiere on Friday, June 13 at Film Forum in New York. The film is the second in Haugerud’s Love–Sex–Dreams: The Oslo Trilogy, a series of standalone features examining nontraditional forms of intimacy and emotional honesty in modern relationships.

Set in Oslo, Sex follows two male-identified colleagues—both in heterosexual marriages—as they confront aspects of their sexuality and identity that challenge traditional gender roles and relationship norms. One man discloses a recent sexual encounter with another man, while the other wrestles with recurring dreams involving David Bowie and questions of gender fluidity. The narrative focuses on their efforts to communicate these experiences with their wives, exploring themes of vulnerability, trust, and the complexity of love within the framework of monogamous relationships.

The film had its world premiere at the 2024 Berlin Film Festival, where it received the Europa Cinemas Label Award for Best European Film in the Panorama section. Haugerud, also an acclaimed novelist, is known for using restrained storytelling to depict nuanced emotional and social dynamics.

Sex is the second installment in The Oslo Trilogy. The first film, Love, opens at Film Forum on Friday, May 16, with Haugerud scheduled to appear for post-screening Q&As on Friday, May 16 (7:45 PM) and Saturday, May 17 (5:15 PM). The final film in the trilogy, Dreams, which won the Golden Bear at the 2025 Berlinale, is slated to open at Film Forum on Friday, September 12.

Each of the trilogy’s films is self-contained and can be viewed independently, though they are thematically linked by their exploration of intimacy, desire, and identity in contemporary Norwegian society.

Jia Zhangke’s “Caught by the Tides” Opens in Theaters Nationwide

Posted on May 13, 2025 by admin

Caught by the Tides, the latest film from acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke, is now playing in New York and will open in theaters nationwide this weekend.

The film spans more than two decades of footage, blending archival and newly shot material to tell a love story set against the backdrop of modern China’s societal changes. Zhao Tao stars in the leading role, with the film tracing her journey through shifting landscapes and turbulent times.

Jia, known for works such as Platform, Still Life, A Touch of Sin, and Ash Is Purest White, continues his exploration of contemporary Chinese life with a focus on personal and collective memory.

Caught by the Tides has screened at major international festivals, including Cannes, Toronto, New York Film Festival, BFI London, AFI Fest, and Rotterdam. It has received praise from a range of critics, described as “a masterpiece” (New York Magazine), “deeply touching” (The New York Times), and “carefully crafted to break your heart” (Rolling Stone).

Watch the trailer below.

Bleeding’ Horror Film Sets Premiere Release

Posted on May 12, 2025 by admin

The horror film “Bleeding”, written and directed by Andrew Bell, will premiere on Screambox and additional VOD platforms on Tuesday, June 10th.

The story follows Eric, a 17-year-old struggling with the loss of his brother, who becomes entangled in a dangerous world where vampire blood is used as a powerful street drug. When Eric’s cousin Sean, the son of an alcoholic police officer, becomes involved in the illegal trade, the two find themselves indebted to a violent dealer.

In a desperate attempt to escape their situation, Eric and Sean break into an empty house and discover a girl locked inside. What begins as a potential solution soon leads to unexpected dangers and connections to their past.

“Bleeding” stars John R. Howley, Jasper Jones, and Tori Wong. The film is produced by Nicholas Payne Santos, Bofan Zhang, and Kenneth Green, with cinematography by Daniel Cho, editing by Andrew Bell, and music composed by Alex Symcox. It is an 88/90 and Rare Books production.

Director Andrew Bell describes the film as an exploration of exploitation and survival, noting: “We wanted to tell you a story about vampires, but show that the real monsters were there all along, preying on the young, feeding off the people that trusted them most.”

‘To Live and Die and Live’ Sets Theatrical Release Following Sundance Debut

Posted on May 11, 2025 by admin

The critically acclaimed film To Live and Die and Live, directed by Qasim Basir, will be released in theaters starting May 16. The movie premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and features performances by Amin Joseph, Skye P. Marshall, Cory Hardrict, Omari Hardwick, Maryam Basir, Dana Gourrier, and Travina Springer.

The film, described as an ode to the city of Detroit, follows Hollywood filmmaker Muhammad (played by Amin Joseph) as he returns home to bury his stepfather. Confronted by past and present relationships, Muhammad’s struggles with addiction and personal loss threaten to derail him from settling his family’s affairs.

To Live and Die and Live is produced by AuthentiQ Films, Significant Productions, CinemaStreet Pictures, and Confluential Films. Producers include Nina Yang Bongiovi, Forest Whitaker, Amin Joseph, Samantha Basir, Dana Offenbach, Cory Hardrict, and Omari Hardwick.

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Apple TV+ Releases Trailer for New Sports Comedy Series “Stick”

Posted on May 10, 2025 by admin

Apple TV+ has unveiled the trailer for Stick, a 10-episode sports comedy starring and executive produced by Owen Wilson, created by Jason Keller. The series premieres globally on June 4, 2025, with three episodes, followed by weekly releases through July 23, 2025.

A three-minute trailer previews Wilson’s comedic turn as an unlikely coach.

Wilson plays Pryce Cahill, a former golf pro who, after personal and professional setbacks, becomes a mentor to troubled teen golf phenom Santi (Peter Dager). The cast also includes Marc Maron, Mariana Treviño, Lilli Kay, Judy Greer, and Timothy Olyphant, with cameos from professional golfers Collin Morikawa, Keegan Bradley, Max Homa, and others.

Executive producers include Keller, Wilson, and others, with direction by Valerie Faris, Jonathan Dayton, David Dobkin, and more.

Stick premieres June 4, 2025, on Apple TV+.

See the official trailer below for “Stick”.

The Old Guard 2: Netflix Drops Explosive Trailer, Sets July 2 Global Release

Posted on May 9, 2025 by admin

Netflix has dropped the first trailer for The Old Guard 2, confirming the long-awaited sequel will stream worldwide on July 2, 2025. The action-packed follow-up sees Charlize Theron return as Andy, the immortal warrior, alongside her team as they face new threats and unresolved betrayals.

Joining the returning cast is Uma Thurman as Discord, a mysterious First Immortal whose arrival could upend everything Andy has fought to protect. The film also stars KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Veronica Ngô, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Henry Golding.

Directed by Victoria Mahoney, the film picks up after the events of the first movie, with Andy confronting her fading immortality as Quynh (Veronica Ngô) escapes her underwater prison seeking revenge. The movie is rated R and promises intense fight sequences, dramatic confrontations, and the same gritty style that made the first film a hit.

For those interested in exploring the source material, The Old Guard graphic novels by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernández are available in trade paperback and hardcover. A special edition, The Old Guard: The Immortal Edition Vol. 1, will also release on July 2 in comic shops and on July 15 at major bookstores.

Watch the official The Old Guard 2 trailer and preview the graphic novels below.

“Squid Game” Season 3 Premieres June 27 as Netflix’s Global Hit Reaches Its Final Chapter

Posted on May 8, 2025 by admin

Netflix has officially announced that Squid Game Season 3, the final installment of its global phenomenon, will premiere on June 27, 2025. The series, which broke records with 1.65 billion viewing hours for its first season, returns to conclude the brutal story of Seong Gi-hun, Player 456.

The new season picks up after the failed rebellion of Season 2. Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), devastated by the betrayal and death of his friend Jung-bae at the hands of the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), is dragged back into the deadly competition. Netflix’s teaser shows a defeated Gi-hun awakening inside a black box, reminiscent of the coffins used for fallen players, and a massive gumball machine dispensing red and blue balls—hinting at a new, darker twist to the games.

The final season also sees the return of Detective Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-jun) and introduces new players who must endure even deadlier challenges. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who made history with the show’s first season, returns to close out the series with what he promises will be the ultimate clash between Gi-hun and the Front Man.

Squid Game remains Netflix’s most-watched series and one of the most talked-about shows worldwide. Fans can expect a high-stakes, emotional conclusion when Season 3 premieres exclusively on Netflix this June.

See the trailer below:

“How to Train Your Dragon” Live-Action: Final IMAX Trailer Released

Posted on May 7, 2025 by admin

Universal has release the final IMAX trailer for the upcoming live-action film “How to Train Your Dragon” which is set for release this June.

The film is from three-time Oscar® nominee Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon trilogy. The upcoming live-action is a reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise.

Here’s the film’s synopsis:

On the isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons are bitter enemies, young Viking Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. As an ancient threat emerges, their unlikely friendship will become the key to forging a new future.

The cast includes Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz and Murray McArthur.

How To Train Your Dragon is set to arrive in theaters on June 13, 2025.

Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, Doja Cat, Luke Combs, The Strokes, John Summit, Doechii, Feid And Cage The Elephant To Lead Austin City Limits Music Festival 2025

Posted on May 6, 2025 by admin

The 2025 Austin City Limits Music Festival has released its official artist lineup. Scheduled to take place across two weekends—October 3–5 and October 10–12—at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, the event will feature performances by Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, Doja Cat, Luke Combs, The Strokes, John Summit, Doechii, Feid, and Cage the Elephant.

Additional artists include T-Pain, Empire of the Sun, Djo, Pierce the Veil (weekend two), Rilo Kiley (weekend two), Maren Morris (weekend one), Mk.gee, Zeds Dead, Sammy Virji, Polo & Pan, ROLE MODEL, and others. Performances will take place across nine stages.

Tickets for the three-day festival go on sale at 12 p.m. CT today via www.aclfestival.com.

Several artists return to the event after previous performances on smaller stages. Luke Combs, who performed on the BMI stage in 2017, is among this year’s headliners. The 2025 lineup also includes a range of emerging performers such as Fujii Kaze (weekend two), ROLE MODEL, Gigi Perez, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso (weekend two), Olivia Dean, Yoke Lore, flowerovlove, Royal & The Serpent, Amble, Good Neighbours, and Celeste (weekend one).
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Tribeca 2025: “This Land” Documentary Short Film to Have NY Premiere

Posted on May 6, 2025 by admin

“This Land,” a documentary short film directed by Mike Bradley, will have its New York premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival. The film is included in the Shorts: Common Ground program and will be screened on June 9, 14, and 15. The director is scheduled to attend all three screenings in person.

The film documents the formation of Ganienkeh, a self-governed Mohawk community in upstate New York.

Here’s the doc’s synopsis:

In 1974, a group of Mohawk Indians occupied a defunct girls’ camp in New York’s Adirondack Mountains and established a community they called Ganienkeh. Aiming to practice a more traditional lifestyle and asserting aboriginal title to the land, they stayed for three years, with occasional violent clashes with local residents.

In 1977, they negotiated a land swap with the State of New York and agreed to relocate to a permanent settlement near Plattsburgh, where the community remains. Ganienkeh is one of the only known examples of an Indigenous people reclaiming land from the United States, but it may not be the last.