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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‘American Magick’ to Premiere in Los Angeles Ahead of Global Launch on Prime Video

American-MagickThe four-part documentary miniseries American Magick, directed by Johnny Royal (Illuminated), will hold its Los Angeles red-carpet premiere on October 23 at the Laemmle Royal Theatre ahead of its worldwide streaming debut on Prime Video October 30.

The series explores the life and legacy of Poke Runyon, renowned occultist, ceremonial magician, and author, and his organization Ordo Templi Astarte (O.T.A.) and Church of the Hermetic Sciences, America’s oldest continually operating ritual magick lodge, founded in 1970. Through contemporary interviews and immersive reconstructions, American Magick follows current members of the O.T.A. on a cinematic journey toward enlightenment, inspired by the ancient initiatory system known as Crata Repoa, tracing its roots back to Egyptian mystery schools.

“American Magick is an artform—combining poetry, drama, and mythology; empowering our most creative resource, the human imagination,” said Poke Runyon.

Director Johnny Royal described the project as “a journey into the hidden architecture of belief — a cinematic exploration of how myth, ritual, and revelation shape the American soul.”

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“The Spirit of Halloweentown” Documentary to Debut October 24

The-Spirit-of-HalloweentownThe Spirit of Halloweentown, a new documentary from filmmakers Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb (Jasper Mall, Butterfly in the Sky), will be released on October 24 via Amazon, Apple TV, and YouTube.

The film explores how St. Helens, Oregon, became synonymous with Halloween after serving as the filming location for the 1998 Disney Channel Original Movie Halloweentown. When the movie became a cult favorite, the town embraced its fame, turning itself into a year-round celebration of the holiday.

Thomason and Whitcomb’s documentary offers an intimate look at the locals who have built their identity around Halloween, blending humor and heart while revealing the community tensions that come with small-town fame.

Watch the trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udOQLVH-nYQ

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‘House of David’ Sets Digital and DVD Release Following Strong Prime Video Debut

House-of-DavidAfter drawing strong viewership on Prime Video, Lionsgate’s biblical drama House of David is expanding its reach with a digital release available now and a DVD launch set for October 28.

Created by Jon Erwin (I Can Only Imagine) and Jon Gunn, the series brings the Old Testament story of David and Goliath to life with a modern cinematic approach. The first season follows the fall of King Saul and the unlikely rise of David, a young outcast anointed to lead Israel.

Since its debut earlier this year, House of David has attracted more than 40 million viewers worldwide, including 22 million in its first 17 days on Prime Video—placing it among the streamer’s top 10 new series debuts in the U.S.

The cast features newcomer Michael Iskander as David, alongside Ali Suliman (Lone Survivor), Stephen Lang (Avatar), Ayelet Zurer (Daredevil: Born Again), Indy Lewis (Industry), and Oded Fehr (Star Trek: Discovery).

Season 2 is set to premiere exclusively for Wonder Project subscribers on Prime Video October 5, before a wider release on the platform later this year.

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“Upload” Cast Brings Humor and Heart to Comic-Con Farewell Panel

“Upload” Cast Brings Humor and Heart to Comic-Con Farewell Panel
Photos: aipimaging.com

By Armando

The cast and creators of Amazon Prime Video’s sci-fi comedy hit “Upload” took the the Comic-Con stage Friday, celebrating the show’s journey, and teasing what’s to come in its fourth and final season. The actors spoke about the show’s exploration of identity, technology, and human connection.

Moderated by The Office’s Brian Baumgartner, the panel featured creator Greg Daniels alongside stars Robbie Amell, Andy Allo, Allegra Edwards and Kevin Bigley, for a fast-paced, funny and at times emotional look back at the show’s exploration of identity, technology, and human connection.

A sneak peek from Season 4 was screened for fans, featuring Alicia (Zainab Johnson) in a hilariously unexpected new role.

One particularly memorable moment came when Amell, Allo, and Edwards rolled up sleeves to show off matching tattoos they got after filming wrapped.

The cast reflected on how their characters had changed, from Ingrid’s evolution beyond a high-maintenance villain to Luke’s surprising emotional depth beneath the comic relief.

Toward the end, Daniels revealed the cover of a new comic book titled Prefera, a digital-afterlife-themed story he’s working on with artist Tom Hoskisson and writer Izzy Kadish. The comic’s concept appears to echo Upload’s core ideas.

The most emotional moment came from Andy Allo, who paused to acknowledge how long the journey had been: “Seven years later, we’re finally here,” she said. “And we get to finish this with all of you.”

Upload Season 4 premieres August 25.

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‘Gen V’ Season 2 Brings Surprises and Cameos to Comic-Con 2025

By Armando

‘Gen V’ Season 2 at Comic-Con 2025
© aipimaging.com

Ballroom 20 lit up Friday afternoon as Gen V stormed into Comic-Con with an electrifying panel. Cast members joined showrunner Michele Fazekas to debut the Season 2 trailer, packed with crowd-pleasing reveals, including surprise cameos from The Boys. Erin Moriarty’s Starlight and Chace Crawford’s The Deep drew cheers, while Black Noir II made a brief but notable appearance.

Fazekas confirmed that Gen V picks up right after The Boys Season 4, with Homelander now ruling America. “Now we get to see what that looks like,” she said, hinting at tensions both on campus and nationwide as resistance begins to stir.

New characters were also revealed, including Hamish Linklater’s unsettling Dean Cipher and Ethan Slater as the university’s namesake, Dr. Thomas Godolkin. The trailer also showed off Zach McGowan’s Dogknott, briefly, and violently.

One of the panel’s most emotional moments came as the cast honored the late Chance Perdomo. Rather than recast, the show wrote his character Andre out, with a heartfelt “For Andre” line in the trailer delivered by Sean Patrick Thomas.

The hour ended on a high with a surprise peek at The Boys Season 5, teasing grotesque new supes and unexpected appearances by Supernatural stars Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins.

Gen V Season 2 premieres September 17 on Prime Video.

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Trailer Drops for The Map That Leads to You, a Romance Across Europe

map-that-leads-to-youA new trailer has been released for The Map That Leads to You, a romantic drama starring Madelyn Cline and K.J. Apa, set to premiere on Prime Video on August 20, 2025.

Based on the novel by J.P. Monninger, the film follows Heather (Cline), a recent college graduate with her life carefully mapped out, who meets Jack (Apa), a free-spirited traveler retracing his grandfather’s footsteps across Europe. Their spontaneous connection on a train to Barcelona leads to an unexpected journey through Spain, Portugal, and Italy—one filled with romance, secrets, and emotional turns that challenge Heather’s plans and sense of self.

Directed by Lasse Hallström and written by Les Bohem and Vera Herbert, the film also features Sofia Wylie, Madison Thompson, Orlando Norman, Josh Lucas, and Karl-El Santos.

The Map That Leads to You explores how one chance meeting can reroute everything, blending scenic travel with themes of love, uncertainty, and change. The film arrives on Prime Video just in time for late-summer viewing.

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New Spy Thriller “Butterfly” to Premiere August 13 on Prime Video

butterflyAmazon MGM Studios has released the official trailer for Butterfly, a new six-episode series set to stream starting August 13, 2025.

The series stars Daniel Dae Kim as David Jung, a former U.S. intelligence operative now living in South Korea. The plot follows Jung as he becomes the target of a sociopathic assassin named Rebecca, assigned to kill him by a covert agency called Caddis.

The show is based on the 2015 graphic novel by Arash Amel and is co-created by Ken Woodruff (Gotham) and novelist Steph Cha, who also serve as executive producers alongside Kim. Kitao Sakurai directed the first two episodes.

The ensemble cast includes Reina Hardesty, Piper Perabo, Charles Parnell, Kim Ji-hoon, Kim Tae-hee, Sung Dong-il, Lee Il-hwa, Sean Dulake, and others. According to the creators, Butterfly will focus on psychological tension, espionage, and family dynamics rather than conventional action tropes.

The series aims to blend American and Korean perspectives in its storytelling and production.

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‘New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT’ Streams July 9, Premieres at Anime Expo

panty-and-stockingAfter 15 years, Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt returns with a new season set to stream on Prime Video starting July 9. Studio TRIGGER has unveiled a new key visual and full trailer, alongside the introduction of two new characters: Polyester and Polyurethane.

Originally aired in 2010, the cult hit is known for its bold animation style and irreverent tone. The upcoming series, titled New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT, will have its world premiere at Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles on July 4 at the Peacock Theater, with creators Hiroyuki Imaishi, Hiromi Wakabayashi, and Shigeto Koyama attending.

Fans can expect even more outrageous energy and style in this long-awaited revival.

Watch the full trailer and check updates on the official website.

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“The Pickup” Trailer Teases Action-Comedy Heist Ahead of August Prime Video Release

thepickupPrime Video has released the official trailer for The Pickup, an action-comedy starring Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson, set to premiere August 6, 2025.

The film follows armored truck drivers Russell (Murphy) and Travis (Davidson), whose routine cash run is derailed by a heist orchestrated by Zoe (Keke Palmer), a criminal mastermind with personal ties and a much bigger plan. As a $60 million scheme unravels around them, the duo is forced into chaos, navigating high-stakes threats and clashing personalities.

Directed by Tim Story, the film blends sharp comedy with fast-paced action and features a supporting cast including Eva Longoria, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Jack Kesy, Marshawn Lynch, and Andrew Dice Clay. The Pickup will stream exclusively on Prime Video.

Watch the trailer below for “The Pickup”

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