Jessica Hausner and Annemarie Jacir Films Among Projects Pitched by Up-and-Coming European Producers in Cannes (EXCLUSIVE)
Blerina Hankollari, AlbaniaProject: 'Beyond the Blue Mountains Is the Sea'Director: Eneos Çarka'Beyond the Blue Mountains Is the Sea' is a meditative docufiction about a diver, suspended in oxygen therapy, who slips into a reverie that connects him with his mysterious double travelling Europe's last wild river in southern Albania, where water dissolves the boundaries between memory, nature, and identity.
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Andi G. Hess, AustriaProject: 'Toxic'Director: Jessica HausnerAcross four chapters, 'Toxic' examines different aspects of the modern working world. Through contemporary parables, it follows employees and employers within a capitalist system on the verge of outpacing itself. At times, the tone is more realistic, at others more absurd, but what ties it all together is the human element that acts as the sand in the gears of a profit-driven world.
Geraldine Sprimont, BelgiumProject: 'The Judges'Director: César DiazThe portrait of the precariousness of Guatemala City's suburbs, caused by the abandonment of social, political and police institutions. Here, the 'law of the strongest' has been reinstated. Through two female characters, the film tells the story of a community of neighbors who decide to kill a rapist as an act of self-proclaimed justice.
Magdelena Ilieva, BulgariaProject: 'Voices'Directors: Magdelena Ilieva, Yana MarinovaA crisis PR expert in Bulgaria's make-believe democracy saves her daughter from prison by fronting a women's rights campaign that masks the very abuses her daughter exposed. The fakeness that erodes society slowly rots their relationship in this twisted, darkly funny tale.
Tamara Babun Zovko, CroatiaProject: 'First Week of August'Director: Filip MojzešAn idyllic island vacation takes a tumultuous turn when a mother's sudden physical outburst towards her 10-year-old son exposes hidden tensions and lingering conflicts within the family. A picturesque Mediterranean setting becomes a backdrop for the family to confront long-standing personal issues.
Daniel Mühlenthorp, DenmarkProject: 'Medicated'Director: Las Dyhrcrone'Medicated' follows Ivan, 17, a ruthless young opioid-addict known as the Crocodile, who must confront his humanity when a stranger challenges his position on The Seagull Farm ruled by 87-year-old Angel Girl seeking her successor among her disciples.
Lionel Massol, FranceProject: 'Sousan'Director: Marie Le Floc'hThis is the story of a man who fights to find a woman who may never come back. This is the story of a woman who has never given up and who may have already paid too much to give up. This is the story of their impossible love.
Fred Burle, GermanyProject: 'The Oblivion Theory'Director: Annemarie JacirIn Gaza in 1987 a reclusive New Yorker hides in a rooftop apartment amid an uprising. Isolated yet watchful, she unexpectedly becomes a quiet force of change – for herself and those around her. 'The Oblivion Theory' is a new feature by renowned director Annemarie Jacir.
Claudia Sümeghy, HungaryProject: 'DVNA'Director: Tamas Yvan Topolánszky'DVNA' is a haunting eco-thriller where a tech mogul's quest to expose a Danube pollution scandal ripples across time — entwining with a mother's search for her missing child in a deserted Budapest, and forcing us to face the consequences of our environmental choices.
Deirdre Levins, IrelandProject: 'Meat'Director: Rioghnach Ní GhrioghairPresented at Cinemart and the Berlinale Co-Production Market in 2025, 'Meat,' a cannibal folk horror by Rioghnach Ní Ghrioghair, follows a young girl in 1800s famine-stricken Ireland who finds refuge with a sisterhood, only to discover their survival depends on more than nature's bounty.
Francesca Andreoli, ItalyProject: 'Me, If You Want'Director: Leonardo Guerra SeràgnoliAn unexpected email draws a lonely Italian man into the life of a young London DJ — and into a fragile dance between truth, forgiveness, and the family we choose. Co-written by Leonardo Guerra Seràgnoli and Blaise Peters, this cross-cultural drama blends emotional depth with a fresh, contemporary edge — set between southern Italy and London's vibrant music scene.
Kristele Pudane, LatviaProject: 'Dancing Void'Director: Madara DišlereA poetic and intimate documentary following a young medical clown on a transformative journey — revealing how profound healing can emerge even in the darkest places through reflection, empathy, and freedom, using a wordless art form that connects people across cultures and boundaries.
Klementina Remeikaitė, LithuaniaProject: 'Liberations'Director: Laurynas Bareiša'Liberations' is the third feature film by Laurynas Bareiša, an award-winning director recognized at both the Venice and Locarno film festivals. The film tells the story of a family fleeing an unseen war, only to confront the profound psychological aftermath of a conflict that leaves no physical traces, yet shatters everything they once knew.
Bojana Radulović, MontenegroProject: 'Fires'Director: Bojana RadulovićBojana Radulović's 'Fires' is a female-led Balkan psychodrama where patriarchy, wildfires, and adolescent desire collide. With Cannes alumna Eleonora Veninova directing and newcomer Anja Vujković starring, it's a bold, festival-ready vision for global arthouse and platform audiences.
Vincent Quénault, LuxembourgProject: 'The Cupboard'Director: Laura SchroederDirector Laura Schroeder ('Barrage,' 2017) is developing her fourth feature, 'The Cupboard.' This social drama, based on a true story from Luxembourg, follows a woman who appears to be the prime suspect in a tragic accident at a children's day-care center.
Janne Hjeltnes, NorwayProject: 'First Aid for Killers'Director: Bobbie Peers'First Aid for Killers' is an off-beat dark comedy by Palme d'Or winner Bobbie Peers ('Sniffer,' 2006) where a lost man's search for escape leads to mistaken identity, a heist, and quiet chaos beneath the surface of a tourist paradise.
Agnieszka Wasiak, PolandProject: 'Black Water'Director: Aga WoszczyńskaSet against eerie Nordic landscapes, 'Black Water' is a suspenseful slow-burner about two women who form an unexpected bond after their partners mysteriously vanish amid an ecological disaster. Their connection guides them through loss toward embracing uncertainty and healing in a world falling apart.
Carla Fotea, RomaniaProject: 'Expelled'Director: Tudor Platon'Expelled' is the third documentary from Tudor Platon (DOP of 'The New Year That Never Came' by Bogdan Mureșanu). The project was pitched at IDFA Forum last year and is currently in financing. It's a gripping exploration of the Romanian educational system, triggered by the scandal surrounding Tudor's expulsion from high school in the middle of the political crisis of 2010/2011.
Eliza Jones, SwedenProject: 'My Best Friend's Baby'Director: Sophie Vukovic'My Best Friend's Baby' is a film about the greatest love of all – friendship. After Damir donates his sperm for Sara's solo parenting journey, the two best friends travel from Sweden to his family's wedding in Croatia, where the strain on their secret arrangement challenges their friendship and forces them to reassess their own notions on family.
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USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
Everything that came out of Diddy's trial, from disturbing allegations to photos of belongings
This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial had no shortage of disturbing testimony and illuminating evidence. Even for those following every step of the way in the eight-week trial, from jury selection to witness testimony, closing arguments and jury deliberations, there were a lot of claims and evidence to parse through. One juror described taking 350 pages of handwritten notes during testimony, and it was clear the 12-person jury had much to sort through before handing down the verdict that acquitted Combs of his top criminal charges. Before telling the judge they had reached a unanimous vote on four of five criminal counts on July 1, the jury asked to review testimony transcripts and refresh their memories regarding what Cassie Ventura Fine said about Combs' physical assault at the InterContinental Hotel in 2016 as well as his abusive actions at the Cannes Film Festival. They also requested testimony from Daniel Phillip, who was hired to have sex with Ventura Fine. Here are the key moments and pieces of evidence that led to the split verdict. More: Sean 'Diddy' Combs' 'Diddy Inc.' empire of mansions, cars and jet likely spared by verdict Cassie Ventura Fine's testimony in Diddy trial included 'freak offs,' other graphic abuse The "Me & U" singer testified May 13-16 and laid bare the raw details of their complicated relationship, including her participation in alleged drug-fueled sexual performances labeled "freak offs," the physical and emotional abuse she said she faced just a few years into their relationship and the violence she allegedly witnessed while with Combs. Explaining why she decided to testify, Ventura Fine told the court, "I can't carry this anymore. I can't carry the shame, the guilt." More: Where to watch the Sean 'Diddy' Combs documentaries on sex-crimes trial, allegations Toward the end of her second day of testimony, Ventura Fine delved into the years following her 2018 breakup from Combs. She said she'd put a $30 million price tag on the rights to a book she'd written about her alleged experiences, a project she'd characterized as an effort to help him understand what he'd put her through. But after he allegedly failed to respond, she sued him in November 2023, alleging he had raped, trafficked, sexually assaulted and physically abused her. The two came to an agreement by the following day and announced Ventura Fine would dismiss the lawsuit following an unspecified settlement. It was finally revealed on May 14 that the settlement amounted to $20 million, paid for by Combs and his companies. 'I understand': Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial juror breaks silence on verdict Diddy's former personal assistant describes alleged rape "Mia," a woman using a pseudonym who worked for Combs from 2009 to 2017, testified on May 29 that Combs sexually assaulted her on "more than one" occasion. While living with Combs at his Beverly Hills mansion from 2010 to 2014, she claimed she lived in a room that couldn't lock. This was where, at one point, Combs raped her as she was asleep in a bottom bunk, Mia told the courtroom through sobs. She said she felt like she couldn't tell him "no" about anything. "I couldn't tell him 'no' about a sandwich," she said. She worried that he would "fire me and ruin my future. I knew his power and his control over me. I didn't want to lose everything I had worked so hard for." OPINION: Diddy verdict got it wrong because we don't recognize what sex trafficking looks like Diddy's ex-girlfriend extensively detailed 'hotel nights' with escorts that could last 3 days "Jane," a woman using a pseudonym who dated Combs on-and-off from 2021 to 2024, tearfully testified about feeling pressured to take drugs, have nonstop sex with escorts and deprioritize her work, for fear of Combs' disapproval and cease financial contributions. She said that "freak offs" would happen every week or every other week for much of their relationship and could last as long as three and a half days. In 2023, Jane said she texted Combs that she was feeling "disgusted with myself" after one night of fun had turned into their entire relationship. She wrote that she didn't "want to lose the roof over my head" or "feel obligated to perform these nights with you." At the time, Jane said Combs was paying her $10,000 rent. Jane sobbed as she described one "hotel night" that happened as they celebrated her birthday in Miami in 2023. What was supposed to be a night for "just me and him" turned into Jane agreeing to have sex with three men consecutively to please Combs, she said. Did Cassie consent to Diddy? When it comes to abuse, there can't be consent. "I just feel like at this point I've done so many of these," she testified. "I just know how to tune it out." Diddy still pays for ex-girlfriend's home Jane testified that Combs paid her $10,000 a month in rent as part of a "love contract" that he proposed between them, and he also got her veneers. "Sean said, let's do a love contract," she said. "He asked me how much allowance I want going forward." There were gasps in the overflow room when Jane was asked who was paying her rent now and she responded, "Sean (Combs)." Combs is also still paying for Jane's lawyer. Cassie's mom said she wired Diddy $20K Regina Ventura, Cassie Ventura Fine's mother, testified that she wired Combs $20,000 when the rapper was threatening to release sex tapes of her daughter. Ventura said the money came back to her four or five days after Combs pushed her to wire it to his company. "He was angry that he spent money on her and that she had been with another person," she said on the stand, going on to add that she sent the money because she "was scared for my daughter's safety." More: Abusive lifestyle vs. a criminal enterprise: Inside the Diddy trial and what the verdict means Evidence in Diddy's trial showed drugs in his hotel room, hundreds of baby oil bottles Throughout the trial, prosecutors released evidence shown to jurors to the public. Pictures taken by federal agents showed the items in Combs' possession up until his September 2024 arrest, which included hundreds of baby oil and lubricant bottles in his Los Angeles and Miami homes – uncovered during Homeland Security raids in March 2024 – as well as drugs found in his hotel room after he was taken into custody. The government also presented photos of damage to a Porsche belonging to Kid Cudi, who testified about his belief that Combs was responsible for a Molotov cocktail that exploded in the car. However, some evidence in the criminal case, including footage of Combs' "freak offs," was off-limits to the public and only shown to jurors due to the graphic nature of the content, which was deemed a privacy violation by the witnesses –Ventura Fine and Jane – who were shown in the videos. Read on to see what prosecutors claimed was evidence of Combs' criminal enterprise. Raid of Diddy's LA home revealed 900 bottles of Astroglide, bags of ketamine On June 13, Andre Lamon from Homeland Security Investigations testified in Combs' criminal trial that he and other agents found 900 bottles of Astroglide, 200 bottles of baby oil and multiple bags of ketamine while raiding Combs' Los Angeles mansion. The jury was shown photos from the March 25, 2024, search through the sprawling is what agents discovered at Combs' multimillion-dollar Holmby Hills home. On her third day of testimony, Ventura Fine also revealed the extent of her and Combs' drug use in their decade together. Combs was once hospitalized due to "a very strong" opiate, she told defense lawyers, revealing the incident occurred around the time Whitney Houston died in February 2012. Raid of Diddy's Miami home found cocaine, guns, sexual enhancement product In the third week of Combs' trial on sex crimes and racketeering, Homeland Security Investigations special agent Gerard Gannon discussed his team's March 2024 raid of Combs' Miami estate. He and fellow agents allegedly found drugs including ketamine, cocaine, MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms and heroin, as well as firearms, gun accessories, Johnson's baby oil and Astroglide lubricant. A photo also showed a product promoted and sold for sexual enhancement. Diddy's arrest: Baby oil, drugs found in NYC hotel room On May 19, 2025, prosecutors released images of the belongings found in Combs' hotel room after the embattled music mogul was arrested at a New York hotel on Sept. items included baby oil, lubricant, $9,000 in cash, prescription medication and drugs that tested positive for ketamine and MDMA. Diddy's baby oil use was known at his favorite hotels Multiple witnesses' testimony touched on Combs' reported use of baby oil in "freak-offs." On May 22, for example, Frederic Zemmour, the general manager of the L'Ermitage Beverly Hills luxury hotel, walked jurors through logs of Combs' stays at the celebrity-favorite institution. For one of Combs' stays in 2015, the hotel's documents said that the rapper "ALWAYS spills candle wax on everything and uses excessive amounts of oil," and that his room should be placed "out of order upon departure for deep cleaning." The notes also said to "please authorize an extra $1000 when guest stays with us to cover any room damages." A housekeeping note said to "monitor outside his room/down the hall to spray air freshener." Alleged Molotov cocktail tore up the inside of Kid Cudi's Porsche Kid Cudi took the stand on May 22 to reveal Combs allegedly broke into his home in December 2011 after finding out Cudi was romantically involved with Ventura Fine. When the "Pursuit of Happiness" musician arrived at his house, he noticed no one was inside but some of his belongings were in disarray. Cudi said he received a call in January 2012 that his car was on fire, and jurors were shown photos of the destroyed vehicle. He later confronted Combs in a meeting, asking, "What about my vehicle?" to which Combs allegedly responded, "What vehicle?" Combs' team has repeatedly denied his involvement in the incident. While cross-examining Los Angeles law enforcement officials on May 28, the defense cast doubt on Combs' role by emphasizing police found a potential hit for female DNA on the bottle used in the car explosion. Contributing: Gina Barton, Aysha Bagchi, Josh Meyer, Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY staff If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and Spanish via chat and at 800-656-4673. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
Time Business News
4 hours ago
- Time Business News
Filmebi Qartulad: Where to Watch the Best Dubbed Movies Online
Discover the Joy of Watching Filmebi Qartulad – Your Ultimate Guide In today's digital era, entertainment is just a click away. Whether you're winding down after a long day or spending the weekend relaxing, watching your favorite films online is one of the best ways to escape into another world. For Georgian speakers and fans of translated movies, filmebi qartulad (movies dubbed in Georgian) offer the perfect mix of global cinema and local flavor. Why Filmebi Qartulad Are Gaining Popularity Over the past few years, the demand for filmebi qartulad has grown significantly. More viewers are choosing dubbed content because it makes foreign films more accessible and enjoyable. Whether it's Hollywood blockbusters, Korean dramas, Turkish love stories, or European thrillers—people love watching their favorite movies in their native language. Platforms like have taken this demand seriously by offering a wide collection of high-quality dubbed content. Their interface is user-friendly, and the streaming experience is smooth, making it a go-to site for movie lovers in Georgia and beyond. A Rich Variety for Every Taste The beauty of filmebi qartulad lies in the diversity. You can explore: Action-packed thrillers for adrenaline junkies for adrenaline junkies Romantic comedies to warm your heart to warm your heart Animated films for kids and families for kids and families Documentaries that inform and inspire From classics to the latest releases, there's something for everyone. Watching these films in Georgian helps build cultural connection while enjoying the storyline without language barriers. Benefits of Watching Filmebi Qartulad Online Convenience – Watch anytime, anywhere on your mobile, tablet, or computer. Language Comfort – Enjoy the story without the need for subtitles. Learning Tool – For learners, hearing the Georgian dubbing helps improve vocabulary and fluency. Global Content, Local Voice – Access international cinema with a familiar sound. Where to Watch the Best Filmebi Qartulad One of the most trusted platforms today is With hundreds of movies uploaded regularly, this site is a treasure for those who love staying updated with trending content. Whether you're into sci-fi adventures or deep dramas, offers a seamless experience for fans of filmebi qartulad. Final Thoughts In a world full of content, finding the right place to watch movies that speak your language makes all the difference. Thanks to platforms like filmebi qartulad are more accessible than ever before. So grab your popcorn, pick a movie, and enjoy cinema like never before—in your language. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Screen Geek
4 hours ago
- Screen Geek
ABC Cancels Series After Only One Season
ABC has made another tough decision regarding one of their newest television shows. Unfortunately, for fans of one particular series, it's been confirmed that ABC has canceled the title after releasing one sole season on their network. It took quite some time for the scripted series to receive some kind of update regarding whether or not it would be renewed or canceled entirely. Now, however, we know that ABC decided on the latter. It's unfortunate that the series had to be canceled, and even more so that crew members are alleging that there was inappropriate behavior while working on the series. What began as a promising addition to the network's lineup has now ended not only in cancellation, but under the cloud of behind-the-scenes concerns that have started to come to light in recent weeks. '' Doctor Odyssey ' has been canceled after one season on ABC.' Variety notes that 'the cast's contracts expire on Monday with no move from ABC to put the series back on its schedule for the upcoming year.' With that said, the outlet does suggest one possible reason for the show's cancellation. The news was released just 'after three of the show's former crew members filed a lawsuit against Disney and 20th Television on May 30, alleging that the studio enabled an 'unchecked campaign of sexual harassment for months'' and the crew members also accused 'assistant prop master Tyler Patton of making 'sexual jokes, innuendos, comments, sexual gestures and images' in addition to 'unwanted touching' including 'openly grabbing a visiting female employee's buttocks.' The medical drama series, created by Ryan Murphy, starred Joshua Jackson as Max Bankman. His character is a doctor on a luxury cruise line called the Odyssey. The story revolves around Bankman as he assists with medical emergencies while overseas. The series Doctor Odyssey was produced by 20th Television in association with Ryan Murphy Television. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates regarding the latest titles to be renewed or canceled by ABC and other such television networks and platforms as we have them.
