Participant Media, the entertainment leader in creating socially relevant films that inspire and further social impact, announced today that Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) will represent the international rights to Participant’s upcoming slate of narrative feature films and select documentaries. The deal will cover Participant films in all territories outside of North America, including available non-output territories for films that fall under Participant’s deal with Amblin Partners.
The move bolsters Participant’s expansion in bringing its content to audiences globally, furthering founder Jeff Skoll’s mission of combining great storytelling with social impact. Lionsgate will initially introduce two Participant narrative feature films, José Padilha’s Entebbe and Rupert Wyatt’s sci-fi thriller Captive State to buyers at the at the European Film Market in Berlin in February. Participant plans to provide Lionsgate with up to five narrative films annually, along with several documentary features.
The agreement expands a long-standing collaboration that dates from Participant’s strategic investment in Summit Entertainment and continues with the companies’ current partnership in the Julia Roberts’ starrer Wonder, currently in post-production.
“We’re delighted to expand our collaboration with Jeff Skoll, David Linde and the entire Participant Media team,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chairman Patrick Wachsberger and International COO Andrew Kramer. “Participant is a major creative force with a unique and resonant signature, and we’re proud to handle their deep pipeline of prestigious, commercially exciting and socially relevant films. The combination of Lionsgate’s international distribution organization and Participant’s production, marketing and social impact teams will allow us to find opportunities to enhance the social impact of their movies as well as maximize their box office performance.”
“We have successfully worked with Patrick, Andrew and the Lionsgate team for years and partnering with them on our international expansion is a perfect and natural broadening of our relationship,” said Participant CEO David Linde. “One of Participant’s key initiatives is to dramatically expand our international footprint, and with Lionsgate’s best in class sales team by our side, this will happen alongside the best distribution in the world.”
Wachsberger, Kramer and Lionsgate Motion Picture Group EVP’s of International Sales Wendy Reeds and Crystal Bourbeau, both based in the company’s London office, will lead the Lionsgate team at Berlin.
Entebbe, starring Rosamund Pike, Daniel Bruhl and Eddie Marsan, is the true story of one of the most daring hostage rescues in history, told from the varying perspectives of the hostage takers, victims and rescuers. A political-action thriller directed by José Padilha and produced by Working Title, Entebbe brings the longstanding conflict between Israel and Palestine into stark relief.
Captive State, directed by Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) and starring John Goodman and Ashton Sanders, is a sci-fi thriller set in a Chicago neighborhood nearly a decade after it has been occupied by an extraterrestrial force. Captive State uses a grounded sci-fi setting to shine light on the modern surveillance state and the threats to civil liberties and the role of dissent within an authoritarian society. Both films are financed through Participant’s partnership in Amblin Partners.
The partnership deepens a Lionsgate international theatrical slate that already encompasses films from some of the leading content companies in the world, including CBS Films, Alcon Entertainment, Black Label Media & River Road Pictures.
The deal was negotiated by Gabriel Brakin, General Counsel and EVP of Business Affairs for Participant Media, with Linde and Jonathan King, EVP Narrative Films. Kramer negotiated on behalf of Lionsgate International.
Directed by: Kishore Kumar Pardasani
Written by: Siva
Studio: North Star Entertainment
Runtime: 149 minutes
Genre: Action, Drama
Cast:
Pawan Kalyan as Katamarayudu
Shruti Haasan as Avanthika
Siva Balaji as Katamarayudu’s younger brother
Ajay, Kamal Kamaraju, Chaitanya Krishna in supporting roles
Katamarayudu is a Telugu-language remake of the Tamil film Veeram. This movie blends family drama with high-octane action sequences, delivering a narrative that is quintessentially rooted in southern Indian cinema’s flair for heroism and larger-than-life characters.
The story revolves around Katamarayudu, a righteous and fiercely protective elder brother who has dedicated his life to looking after his younger siblings. Known for his aversion to marriage, his life takes a turn when Avanthika, a poised and graceful woman, enters his life. The movie skillfully combines lighthearted romance, brotherly camaraderie, and intense action sequences, creating an engaging watch for the masses.
Kishore Kumar Pardasani delivers a visually grand spectacle while staying true to the essence of its Tamil original. While the screenplay lacks novelty, it compensates with fast-paced action and emotional beats. The dialogues, although simple, hit the right chords when it comes to showcasing family bonds and love.
Pawan Kalyan is the heart of the film. His screen presence and charismatic portrayal of Katamarayudu dominate every frame. Shruti Haasan offers a refreshing on-screen presence, and her chemistry with Pawan Kalyan adds charm to the narrative. The supporting cast, especially the actors playing the brothers, do justice to their roles, adding depth to the storyline.
The film boasts meticulously choreographed fight scenes, which are a visual treat for action lovers. Anup Rubens’ background score and songs elevate the emotional and action-packed moments. His mass appeal and command over action and emotion anchor the movie effectively.
The film adheres to a conventional template, leaving little room for surprises. At 149 minutes, the film feels stretched, especially in the second half.
Katamarayudu is a feast for fans of Pawan Kalyan and action-packed family dramas. It carries the essence of mass entertainment but doesn’t break new ground. While it caters to the sensibilities of Telugu cinema audiences, others might find its predictability a drawback.
Rating: 8/10 Fans of Pawan Kalyan and high-energy action films will undoubtedly enjoy this one, but those looking for a novel story might find it wanting.
“Do you want to watch a film with me? It’s called Marcel the Shell with Shoes On”
“What?”
“It’s about a little shell named Marcel who wears shoes.”
“…”
And that about sums it up! It’s the blob of a week between Christmas and New Year so it was the optimum time to watch a very surreal film recently added to UK Netflix.
Released in 2021 (a blob of a year) Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is about a one-inch-tall shell called Marcel who lives with his grandmother, Connie, in an Airbnb. Marcel usually stays out the way of the house’s various guests as he utilizes his only means of fast transportation (a tennis ball) and walks his pet lint on a string (Alan). This is until a documentary filmmaker named Dean, who is staying at the Airbnb, discovers Marcel and his unique lifestyle.
As filmmakers are wont to do Dean begins to film interviews with Marcel, consequently we get an insight into Marcel’s world both inside and out. Yes, Marcel is a stop-motion hermit crab shell with surprisingly expressive googly eyes but he feels very human. I was unsure about Marcel’s age and gender because he sounds a lot like Lisa Simpson, I did even check that Marcel wasn’t voiced by Yeardly Smith. But Marcel is voiced superbly by Jenny Slate. Marcel comes off as quite childlike with his wide-eyed optimism and naivety (he is a shell I suppose). Yet, like many children, Marcel will utter something so profound he will seem more of a fossil than a shell. When Dean uploads Marcel’s interviews onto YouTube Marcel of course becomes a viral sensation. Marcel reads the comments on his videos, using his tiny shoes to activate the laptop touchpad, which is just adorable! Despite his obvious popularity, Marcel remarks; “It’s an audience. It’s not a community.” Which just drives a stake into the heart of social media.
No, Marcel does not become a teeny-tiny-TikToker, he in fact uses the internet to find his lost community. The house used to be full of anthropomorphic objects including Marcel’s own shell family. They had been living in the house for generations, Connie herself came from the garage travelling by coat pocket to the main house; it’s why she has an accent. Among the community there are anthropomorphic pieces of cereal and because the internet notices this stuff; a tampon! An unfortunate event occurred and the community were accidentally removed from their home one tragic night, leaving Marcel and Connie on their own.
Being an A24 film I knew it would get deep. Marcel’s journey gives the audience a unique perspective of life, death, and community. In a modern world where we are more connected than ever but loneliness has been recognized as a universal health crisis. We could all learn something from this talented little shell and his grandmother. Be like Marcel and don’t get sanded down by life, stay connected to your community and know you are not just rattling around on your own!
It’s a beautifully poignant and quirky film. Despite its metaphysical and existential content, the film doesn’t take itself too seriously. Whether it’s Marcel making rope by winding together the pubic hairs he finds in the drain (he calls them ‘hardy hairs’) or sleeping on slices of bread referring to them as his ‘breadroom’. The film is painstakingly detailed and you can see its roots in a short film. It’s a delightful adventure that has something far bigger to say than its minuscule protagonist.
Five stars.
As an anime enthusiast and entertainment journalist, I’ve curated a list of the top five must-see anime series of 2024. These selections showcase the diversity and creativity that define the medium, offering compelling narratives and stunning animation.
Delicious in Dungeon
This series combines culinary arts with fantasy adventure, following a group of dungeon explorers who cook and eat the monsters they defeat. The unique premise and mouth-watering depictions of fantasy cuisine make it a standout this year. Kaiju No. 8
Set in a world plagued by kaiju attacks, the story centers on a protagonist who gains the ability to transform into a kaiju himself. The series offers a fresh take on the kaiju genre, blending action with deep character development.
Kaiju No. 8
Set in a world plagued by kaiju attacks, the story centers on a protagonist who gains the ability to transform into a kaiju himself. The series offers a fresh take on the kaiju genre, blending action with deep character development. Solo Leveling
Adapted from the popular web novel, this anime follows a weak hunter who becomes the world’s strongest after a mysterious system grants him unique abilities. Its dynamic animation and gripping storyline have captivated audiences worldwide.
Solo Leveling
Adapted from the popular web novel, this anime follows a weak hunter who becomes the world’s strongest after a mysterious system grants him unique abilities. Its dynamic animation and gripping storyline have captivated audiences worldwide. The Elusive Samurai
Set in feudal Japan, this historical series follows a young samurai who uses his agility and wit to survive in a turbulent era. The anime’s blend of historical context and engaging action sequences has garnered critical acclaim.
The Elusive Samurai
Set in feudal Japan, this historical series follows a young samurai who uses his agility and wit to survive in a turbulent era. The anime’s blend of historical context and engaging action sequences has garnered critical acclaim. Dragon Ball Daima
The latest installment in the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, this series introduces new transformations and challenges for Goku and his friends. Its high-octane battles and nostalgic elements appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Dragon Ball Daima
The latest installment in the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, this series introduces new transformations and challenges for Goku and his friends. Its high-octane battles and nostalgic elements appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers. These anime series exemplify the innovation and storytelling prowess that continue to drive the medium’s global popularity. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or new to anime, these titles are essential viewing for 2024.
Movie Review: Katamarayudu
You Are Not Ready for ‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’
Top Five anime in 2024
Mechanic Rocky
Nosferatu
Did JD from Scrubs Have a Dark Past?
You Are Not Ready for ‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’
Review: Pushpa: The Rise (2021)
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless
A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus
Comic-Con 2024: Arthur C Clarke’s Venus Prime TV series
Comic-Con 2024: Max Collins’s TRUE NOIR
Comic-Con 2024: Will Wight’s Cradle
Interview With Heroes & Villains Creative Director Doug Johnson
Thatsmye Interviews: Les Weiler on Henchin’: the Series
