Emmy-Winning Filmmaker Nick Davis Explores Acts of Courage in Documentary “This Ordinary Thing”

this-ordinary-thingEmmy-winning filmmaker Nick Davis brings together an extraordinary cast to tell a story of courage and compassion in his new documentary This Ordinary Thing, opening December 5 at Cinema Village in New York City, with a wider theatrical and VOD release to follow.

The film revisits the real stories of non-Jewish individuals who risked their lives to save Jewish people across Europe during the Holocaust. Blending archival footage with readings performed by some of the world’s most celebrated actors, the documentary illuminates acts of quiet heroism from those who never considered themselves heroes at all.

The ensemble cast includes Helen Mirren, F. Murray Abraham, Jeremy Irons, Ellen Burstyn, Carrie Coon, Stephen Fry, and more than thirty others, collectively representing dozens of Oscars, Emmys, and Tonys. Each voice performs excerpts from original testimonies that reveal moments of moral clarity amid overwhelming fear.

This Ordinary Thing poses a question that still resonates today: What would you have done? With music composed by Tony Award winner Adam Guettel, the film underscores the power of empathy and the capacity for good in the darkest of times.

Directed by Nick Davis (You Had to Be There) and executive produced by Albert M. Tapper, the film joins a growing body of contemporary Holocaust documentaries focused on individual moral choices and human connection.

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Tiffany Hsiung Joins Documentary Feature Spring After Spring as Executive Producer

Spring-After-SpringAcclaimed filmmaker Tiffany Hsiung has joined Jon Chiang’s debut feature documentary Spring After Spring as Executive Producer. The film will have its world premiere at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival on November 7, followed by a theatrical run timed to Lunar New Year 2026 and a later broadcast on Knowledge Network.

Produced by Chifa Studios, Spring After Spring follows three Chinese Canadian sisters who defy their late mother’s wishes to become dancers. After her death, they reunite to lead Vancouver’s Chinatown Parade and must decide how to honor their heritage while forging their own paths.

“Spring After Spring captures something profoundly human in how grief and love intertwine,” said Hsiung, whose credits include The Apology, Sing Me a Lullaby, and Apple TV’s JANE. “It speaks to the courage of redefining legacy while carrying the weight of expectation.”

Director Jon Chiang, a Chinese-Peruvian filmmaker based in Vancouver, said the story grew from his own reflections on culture and identity. “In Chinese-Canadian culture, emotions are often private, yet Lunar New Year becomes the most public expression of them,” he explained. “Working with Tiffany is a privilege. Her perspective and experience mirror the heart of this film.”

The film is written, directed, and produced by Jon Chiang, with Joanna Wong producing and Lynn Booth and Tiffany Hsiung serving as Executive Producers. The cast features Anabel Ho, Val Ho (Ms. Vee), Lisa Ho, and Maria Mimie Ho.

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Mexico’s Oscar Entry “We Shall Not Be Moved” Explores Legacy of the 1968 Student Movement

We-Shall-Not-Be-MovedWe Shall Not Be Moved (No nos moverán), Mexico’s official submission for the 98th Academy Awards, will begin its U.S. theatrical run on November 28 at Cinema Village in New York City, presented by Cinema Tropical. The film will then expand to additional cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Tucson, and Houston.

The debut feature by Pierre Saint-Martin Castellanos, the film is a dark dramedy about memory, loss, and the legacy of Mexico’s 1968 student movement, one of the nation’s most significant and tragic historical events. Shot in striking black and white, it stars Luisa Huertas as Socorro, a 67-year-old retired lawyer haunted by her brother’s death during the Tlatelolco massacre. Decades later, she sets out on a dangerous mission to confront the man responsible, forcing her family and herself to reckon with the past.

We Shall Not Be Moved premiered at the Guadalajara International Film Festival, where it won Best Mexican Film and the Audience Award. It went on to receive four Ariel Awards for Best First Feature, Screenplay, Actress, and Breakthrough Actor, and has screened at over 40 international film festivals. The film has also achieved a remarkable 14-week theatrical run in Mexico, the longest of any Mexican film this year, and will represent Mexico at the Goya Awards.

Director Pierre Saint-Martin Castellanos and lead actress Luisa Huertas are available for interviews.

We Shall Not Be Moved is both a personal and political exploration of how the wounds of violence and resistance continue to shape families and national identity in modern Mexico.

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Jon Batiste Narrates The Theory of Spice, a Three-Part Documentary Series Exploring the Global Journey of Ginger, Cardamom, and Cinnamon

The-Theory-of-SpiceGrammy, Emmy, and Academy Award-winning artist Jon Batiste lends his voice to The Theory of Spice, a three-part short documentary series premiering December 5, 2025, on Documentary+. The visually stunning project travels through India, Sri Lanka, and Guatemala, revealing the human stories, traditions, and artistry behind three of the world’s most essential spices: ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon.

Directed by Gilly Barnes and produced by Straight From The Source Studios and The Yogi Foundation, the series blends breathtaking cinematography with original music by Grammy winner Gaby Moreno and narration from Batiste and Rizo. Each chapter uncovers how these ingredients shape communities and sustain cultures through resilience and ritual.

“I’m honored to lend my voice to this series because it’s more than a story about ingredients—it’s a story about people, culture, and connection,” said Batiste.

Documentary+ CEO Geoff Clark praised the series for its cinematic and emotional power, calling it “a masterful capture of the spirit and culture of extraordinary communities.”

The Theory of Spice marks the first original commission by The Yogi Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Yogi Tea, which supports global grower communities and creative storytelling rooted in reciprocity and care. The series will stream on Documentary+ and partner platforms across 70 countries beginning December 5 at 8 PM EST.

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Nicholas Hytner’s “The Choral” Sets New York Advance Screenings Ahead of December 25 Theatrical Release

the-choralFalco Ink has announced two advance New York screenings for The Choral, the new period drama from BAFTA, Olivier, and Tony Award winner Nicholas Hytner (The History Boys, The Lady in the Van). The film, written by Alan Bennett, will open in theaters nationwide on December 25.

The screenings will be held at the Sony Screening Room (25 Madison Avenue, New York City) on Thursday, November 6 at 5 PM ET and Wednesday, November 12 at 2 PM ET. RSVP is required via AlexPelchar@FalcoInk.com.

Set in Yorkshire during World War I, The Choral follows a small-town choir struggling to survive as war empties its ranks. When the committee hires a mysterious new chorus master, Dr. Henry Guthrie (played by Ralph Fiennes), the community discovers that music can become an act of resistance and hope amid the chaos of war.

The film also stars Roger Allam, Amara Okereke, Simon Russell Beale, and Thomas Howes, and is produced by Kevin Loader, Nicholas Hytner, and Damian Jones.

The Choral made its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and went on to screen at multiple international festivals, including Hamptons, AFI Fest, BFI London, Mill Valley, Russell Hobbs British, Coronado Island, and Virginia Film Festival.

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Rising Sun Media Brings Yakutian Cinema to Amazon Prime Video with Four Landmark Films

Rising-Sun-MediaFour acclaimed films by Yakutian filmmaker Stepan Burnashev (Black Snow, Our Winter, Cursed Land-Fate, and Aita) are now streaming globally on Amazon Prime Video through Rising Sun Media, marking a milestone for Sakhawood, the independent film movement from Russia’s Sakha Republic in Siberia.

Known for their emotional depth, poetic realism, and Indigenous storytelling, Burnashev’s works are often created on small budgets with local non-professional actors. His films explore survival, identity, and spiritual resilience set against the stark Siberian landscape.

Among the four titles, Aita stands out for its political resonance. It was banned in Russia in 2023 for being “contrary to the principles of the unity of the peoples of Russia,” which Burnashev described as proof of the film’s power to “disturb systems of silence.”

“This is what independent filmmaking is about,” said Nadav Streett of Rising Sun Media. “Creating despite the odds and finding new audiences who are ready to listen to voices from the periphery.”

Founded in 2007 in Los Angeles, Rising Sun Media is known for bringing bold international and independent films to major digital platforms.

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Award-Winning Composer Joe Clark and Writer Kyle Higgins Explore Jazz and Americana in Graphic Novel Deep Cuts

deep-cutsImage Comics has released Deep Cuts, a sweeping, six-decade journey through jazz history and American culture from award-winning composer Joe Clark and bestselling writer Kyle Higgins (Radiant Black). The Eisner-nominated graphic novel explores ambition, heartbreak, and the rhythm of a changing nation through interconnected stories of musicians whose forgotten legacies shaped modern music.

From 1917 New Orleans to 1968 Los Angeles, Deep Cuts blends fiction and real musical history, drawing inspiration from legends like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and Nat “King” Cole. Clark’s background as a celebrated jazz composer lends the book authenticity, with real musical influences woven throughout.

Featuring art by Danilo Beyruth, Juni Ba, Ramón K. Pérez, Helena Masellis, Diego Greco, and others, the book is a visual and emotional ode to jazz’s enduring spirit. The paperback also includes original song lead sheets by Chicago jazz composers, connecting music and storytelling on the page.

Deep Cuts is available now from Image Comics in print and digital formats at comic shops, bookstores, and online retailers.

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SFFILM to Honor Park Chan-wook With Career Tribute and Screening of ‘No Other Choice’

Park-Chan-wook

L to R. Director Park Chan-wook. Actor Lee Byung Hun in NO OTHER CHOICE. Photos: NEON.

San Francisco’s SFFILM will celebrate acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook with a Career Tribute and special screening of his new film No Other Choice on November 20 at the Phyllis Wattis Theater at SFMOMA.

The event will feature an onstage conversation with Park and a showing of No Other Choice, his first film since Decision to Leave. The film, from NEON, reunites Park with Lee Byung Hun (Joint Security Area) in a darkly comic satire about a man’s descent into desperation after losing his corporate job.

“With No Other Choice, Director Park returns to the sharp social commentary of Sympathy for Lady Vengeance and Stoker,” said Jessie Fairbanks, SFFILM’s Director of Programming. “It’s a brilliantly savage look at capitalism, masculinity, and ambition—another masterful addition to his career.”

SFFILM Executive Director Anne Lai called the tribute “a deep honor,” noting Park’s global influence and the organization’s commitment to international cinema.

Park, best known for Oldboy, The Handmaiden, and Thirst, has won multiple Cannes awards and remains one of contemporary cinema’s most influential auteurs. No Other Choice, adapted from Donald E. Westlake’s The Ax, opens in select theaters December 25 via NEON and expands nationwide January 2026. Tickets: Available for SFFILM members October 30 and general audiences October 31 at sffilm.org
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Lionsgate Acquires TIFF Breakout ‘The Furious’ From XYZ Films

Furious-filmLionsgate has picked up worldwide rights (excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao) to The Furious, the TIFF Midnight Madness fan favorite that drew standing ovations at its world premiere. A theatrical release is planned for 2026.

Produced by Bill Kong (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and developed with XYZ Films (The Raid franchise), the film marks the feature directorial debut of veteran action choreographer Kenji Tanigaki (Rurouni Kenshin).

The Furious follows a tradesman whose daughter’s abduction pulls him into a brutal criminal underworld. The cast includes Xie Miao, Joe Taslim (The Raid), Yayan Ruhian (John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum), and Jija Yanin (Chocolate).

“We were blown away by The Furious—it redefines martial arts action,” said Lionsgate EVP Lauren Bixby.

The deal was negotiated by Brandon Hill for Lionsgate and Pip Ngo for XYZ Films. Edko Films financed and will release the film day-and-date in Chinese territories.

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True Crime Documentary American Skyjacker Revisits 1972 DB Cooper Copycat Hijacking

american-skyjackerThe upcoming true crime documentary American Skyjacker explores the extraordinary real-life story of Martin McNally, who hijacked a 727 in 1972 and parachuted from the plane with $500,000 — a daring act inspired by the infamous DB Cooper case just six months earlier.

Written and directed by Eli Kooris and Joshua Shaffer, the film blends first-hand interviews with McNally and cinematic reenactments to recount one of the most astonishing yet lesser-known crime stories in American history. Produced independently by Pegalo Pictures, the feature expands on the creators’ popular podcast of the same name.

American Skyjacker opens in select theaters October 10–30, 2025, and will be available on Digital and VOD beginning November 17, 2025.

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