Latest news with #HubertBalsFund
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rotterdam Unveils 2025 Hubert Bals Fund Projects
The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has unveiled the projects that will receive this year's grants from its Hubert Bals Fund (HBF), which supports films from less-developed regions. The fund picked 15 feature projects from more than 900 submissions, selecting work from filmmakers from across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. This year's selection includes the first HBF-backed project from Tanzania, the satire Last Cow from director Amil Shivij, whose feature debut Tug of War screened in Toronto in 2021 and was Tanzania's official Oscar submission. It was picked for this year's Locarno film festival and will screen in the Open Doors sidebar. More from The Hollywood Reporter Imax Quarterly Revenue and Profit Rise Amid Hollywood's Theatrical Comeback Ukrainian, Iranian Docs, Kenyan Sci-Fi Set for Venice Days Lineup Golshifteh Farahani to Receive Locarno Excellence Award Davide Campari Other African projects this year include Mwadia, a magic-realist drama on Mozambique's colonial past and present trauma; the feature debut of documentary filmmaker Inadelso Cossa (The Nights Still Smell of Gunpowder); Tears, the debut feature from Rwandan director Moise Ganza; and Coumba, the new film from Senegalese director Mamadou Dia, whose HBF-backed debut, Nafi's Father, won the Golden Leopard at the 2019 Locarno film festival and was Senegal's official entry for the Oscars. IFFR alumni talent can be found throughout this year's selection, with new features from Syrian director Farida Baqi (The Rapture), Indonesia's Timoteus Anggawan Kusno (Orphaned Atlas), Kazakhstan filmmaker Renata Dzhalo (Nobody to See Us), Malaysian director Amanda Nell Eu (Lotus Feet) and Brazil's Stephanie Ricci (Boca da noite) among the 2025 HBF recipients. The selected directors will receive a €10,000 ($11,760) grant each to help develop their projects into finished features. In addition to its regular fund, the HBF launched two new development schemes this year. Together with two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, the HBF in January announced the Displacement Film Fund, offering grants of €100,000 ($104,000) each to five filmmakers, displaced by war or conflict, to make original shorts. A jury, made up of Blanchett, Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, documentarians Jonas Poher Rasmussen (Flee) and Waad Al-Kateab (For Sama), director Agnieszka Holland (Green Border), Rotterdam festival director Vanja Kaludjercic, activist and refugee Aisha Khurram and Amin Nawabi [alias], the LGBTQ+ asylum seeker who was Rasmussen's inspiration for his Oscar-nominated documentary Flee, announced the first fund grantees in Cannes this year. Also in Cannes, the HBF announced a cooperation with the three leading Brazilian film promotion bodies — Spcine, RioFilme, Projeto Paradiso — launching HBF+Brazil: Co-development Support, a three-year initiative to provide early development funding for up to nine fiction films, with €10,000 ($11,760) grants each. The submission deadline for HBF+Brazil projects, on is Sept. 15. Full list of 2025 Herbert Bals Fund development support projects Amateur, Carlos Díaz Lechuga, Cuba, SpainThe Appalling Human Voice of the Animals, Neritan Zinxhiria, Greece, AlbaniaBoca da noite, Stephanie Ricci, BrazilCoumba, Mamadou Dia, SenegalGirl With a Camera, Xiaoxuan Jiang, Hong Kong, ChinaThe Immigrants, Suman Mukhopadhyay, IndiaLast Cow, Amil Shivji, Tanzania, CanadaLotus Feet, Amanda Nell Eu, MalaysiaMoto, Chris Chong Chan Fui, MalaysiaMwadia, Inadelso Cossa, MozambiqueNobody to See Us, Renata Dzhalo, Kazakhstan, France, MoldovaOrphaned Atlas, Timoteus Anggawan Kusno, IndonesiaThe Rapture, Farida Baqi, Syria, Lebanon, Germany, NetherlandsTears, Moise Ganza, RwandaWhere Shadows Wait, Arya Rothe, India, Italy Best of The Hollywood Reporter The 40 Greatest Needle Drops in Film History The 40 Best Films About the Immigrant Experience Wes Anderson's Movies Ranked From Worst to Best Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
In fraught times, city dir's ‘Immigrants' gets int'l fim fest Rotterdam grant
1 2 3 Kolkata: In fraught times, Suman Mukhopadhyay 's 'Immigrants' — set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition of India and topical in the context of today's identity politics — is the only recipient from India of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)'s Hubert Bals Fund (HBF). The 15 projects, which will receive a grant of €10,000 to support their development, were selected from more than 900 applications. Author Debesh Roy penned a story named 'Udbastu'. Mukhopadhyay's project is inspired by that work and is about a displaced family from the 1947 Partition of India struggling to rebuild their lives in a fledgling immigrant colony on the outskirts of Kolkata. When a state inquiry questions their identities, conflicting narratives unravel their past, threatening their existence and tearing at the fabric of their family bonds. "This is a historically rooted drama set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition of India. Its focus is on the fragility of identity in the face of institutional demands for 'proof' and the deep scars that forced migration leaves on personal histories," Mukhopadhyay said. According to the director, 'Immigrants' was born from a profound sense of disquiet about the lives of those whose stories were never officially recorded, whose names were lost due to bureaucratic lapses, and whose lives were rewritten in the margins of history. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo "The Partition of 1947, despite its monumental impact, often remains a sanitised topic in cinema — reduced to historical spectacle or political drama. 'Immigrants' resists this reduction," he added. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Although primarily regarded as a theatre personality, Mukhopadhyay's recent career achievements have been in cinema. His film 'Putulnacher Itikatha' competed at this year's IFFR. "I have directed nine full-length feature films including 'Putulnacher Itikatha' (2023), 'Nazarband' (2020), 'Asamapta' (2017), and 'Herbert' (2005), which won the National Award for Best Regional Film that year. It is a misconception that cinema is not my forte. Anyone who looks at my body of work will understand that my films have been to many prestigious festivals around the world," he said. The filmmaker has also not ignored some attempts to deliberately downplay his achievements in cinema and pigeonhole him only as a theatre personality. "I hope the IFFR selection will make people notice how consistently I have been working in films as much as devoting time to theatre," Mukhopadhyay said.
Broadcast Pro
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
CineMart calls for project submissions for 43rd edition
The upcoming edition will mark the introduction of CineMart x HBF, a new official strand spotlighting Hubert Bals Fund-supported projects. CineMart, the co-production market of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), has opened project submissions for its 43rd edition, which will be held during the 55th IFFR from January 29 to February 8, 2026. The upcoming edition will debut a new strand titled CineMart x HBF, designed to highlight projects supported by the Hubert Bals Fund (HBF), further reinforcing the festival's commitment to fostering original storytelling and nurturing emerging talent. As CineMart continues to evolve and expand, applicants are encouraged to note changes to the submission process. This includes a tiered fee structure aimed at accommodating the growing volume of entries and the resources required to evaluate them. The standard and late submission deadlines are set for August 21 and August 27, respectively. Priority will be given to projects making their first market presentation at Rotterdam, emphasising the market's role as a launchpad for bold new voices in cinema. The CineMart x HBF initiative seeks to strengthen the relationship between IFFR's funding and market activities, offering an integrated path for previously supported HBF projects. Recent successes such as Gabriel Mascaro's The Blue Trail and Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine as Light underscore the potential impact of this synergy, both having benefited from HBF support and CineMart exposure en route to international acclaim. CineMart 2026 will also continue to embrace immersive media storytelling, inviting submissions from projects in development that seek funding or co-production partners. Recent immersive works presented at CineMart have gone on to receive international recognition, including Duchampiana by Lilian Hess and The World Came Flooding In by Isobel Knowles and Van Sowerwine. Project teams that have previously received Hubert Bals Fund support are encouraged to contact CineMart directly for tailored guidance on how to apply. The 2026 edition aims to deliver a tightly curated selection of standout projects, offering a platform for artistic innovation and global collaboration at a critical stage of development.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Catalonia at Cannes: The Rise of a Cinematic Powerhouse
For the first time in history, two films from Catalan producers, Carla Simón's 'Romería' and Oliver Laxe's 'Sirat,' have secured coveted spots in the main competition at Cannes. This milestone signals the fruition of years of strategic investment, education and international collaboration that has transformed Catalonia into an emerging force of European auteur cinema. More from Variety Spcine Links With Hubert Bals Fund, South Africa's NFVF on Co-Development Initiatives 'Shōgun' Star Cosmo Jarvis to Lead 'Young Stalin' Biopic From 'Zone of Interest' Producer Access Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE) Al Pacino Joins Bobby Moresco-Directed Biopic 'Maserati: The Brothers' 'It's wonderful that things like this are happening, but it's not by chance,' says Oriol Maymó, the Catalan producer of 'Sirat' at Corte y Confección. 'This is the result of an industry that's been working with passion for many years, from institutions like ICEC [Catalan Institute for the Cultural Companies] to audiovisual training centers like ESCAC and Pompeu Fabra. Year after year, these schools produce highly skilled technicians and artists.' Indeed, education and institutional support form the backbone of Catalonia's cinematic surge. Executive producer Sandra Tapia points out, 'First, you need talent. Then, you need opportunities for training. Here, both public universities and film schools have been trusted for years to develop that talent.' The Catalan government, via ICEC, has played a pivotal role by not only financing productions but also promoting Catalan cinema internationally through Catalan Films. However, it's not just creative nurturing that's paying off. Catalonia's embrace of international co-productions has opened doors to broader markets. Both 'Romería' and 'Sirat' are backed by significant European co-producers, making them highly attractive prospects for global audiences. 'Romería' producer Maria Zamora highlights the long-term vision behind this shift, explaining, 'This is the confirmation of a new generation of directors and producers who have spent years working on the international reach of our projects from the very beginning, co-producing with other countries.' Zamora also emphasizes the cultural policies supporting young talent development: 'Talent isn't born on its own. It's encouraged through very specific cultural policies aimed at supporting young talent and auteur cinema.' Commercially, the effects are already visible. Maymó notes, 'I think Catalan films are becoming more marketable. Distributors and sales agents are paying closer attention because more projects are being made for wider audiences without losing their unique perspectives.' The creative evolution is palpable in the films themselves. 'Sirat,' co-written by Santiago Fillol and directed by Laxe, takes a gritty journey through Morocco's rave culture, while 'Romería' blends deeply personal memory with a universal search for identity. Though rooted in specific cultures, both films manage to resonate internationally. 'Very strong and deep-rooted cultures like Catalan, Galician or Basque create highly particular and genuine local stories that, because of their truthfulness, become universal,' Zamora explains. Sandra Tapia, an executive producer at Oscar-nominated Barcelona-based 'Robot Dreams' production company Arcadia Motion Pictures, adds another crucial dimension: the role of public broadcasters. TV3, Catalonia's regional television partner, has been instrumental in maintaining production momentum even as streaming platforms scale back commissions. 'Having strong public TV is crucial,' Tapia asserts. 'It ensures that when the market contracts, filmmakers still have vital support.' Of course, the success at Cannes also reflects the growing sophistication of Catalan producers in navigating international markets. 'Younger producers like us are much more comfortable traveling to markets, pitching internationally and co-producing across countries,' Tapia says. However, she points out a lingering challenge: Spain still lacks the robust international distribution support that countries like France provide. 'Public support often only kicks in once you've already succeeded at a major festival,' Tapia laments. Yet the momentum is undeniable. Zamora describes it as a movement that has been building strength for years: 'I remember when I started going to co-production forums 15 years ago, there were just two or three Spanish producers. Now, there are scores of young producers with projects everywhere.' Catalonia's cosmopolitan nature has also made it uniquely adept at building cross-border partnerships. 'Catalonia has been very open to supporting important and emerging auteurs,' Zamora notes. 'It's about more than just local projects – it's about packaging important productions that can resonate internationally.' The selection of 'Romería' and 'Sirat' at Cannes isn't an outlier. It is a manifestation of a rich, deliberate evolution within Catalan cinema, one that values artistic ambition and commercial strategy equally. As Maymó puts it, 'If we keep believing in our industry, investing in broad-audience projects without losing our personal voice, Catalonia's presence at major festivals will not just continue, it will grow.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Catalan Animation Set for Landmark 2025
In 2023, Catalan animation reached a historic milestone when 'Robot Dreams' scored an Oscar nomination. Far from a singular achievement, that nomination signalled a broader shift already underway. Catalonia's animation industry is experiencing a dynamic evolution, fuelled by bold storytelling, international collaborations and a deepening commitment to cultural authenticity. As 2025 unfolds, a wave of ambitious new titles is poised to cement Catalonia's place on the global animation stage. First is 'The Light of Aisha,' a CG-animated adventure set in 11th-century Al-Andalus, which recently debuted in Spain. Directed by rising talent Shadi Adib, 'Aisha' highlights Spain's Arab heritage, blending rich historical detail with an adventurous spirit. 'This is a special project for us,' says Iván Díaz, head of international at Barcelona-based sales company Filmax. More from Variety Catalonia at Cannes: The Rise of a Cinematic Powerhouse Spcine Links With Hubert Bals Fund, South Africa's NFVF on Co-Development Initiatives 'Shōgun' Star Cosmo Jarvis to Lead 'Young Stalin' Biopic From 'Zone of Interest' Producer Access Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE) Díaz emphasized that Filmax's renewed investment in animationreflects both market opportunities and a commitment to stories with 'something unique or distinctive, critical factors when competing against major studios. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated 'Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake' is gearing up for its main competition debut at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the world's most prestigious animation event. Directed by Irene Iborra, the stop-motion film – the first-ever stop-motion feature produced in Catalonia – portrays a young girl coping with family homelessness through imagination and resilience. According to Iborra, the choice of stop-motion helps create a 'safe distance' for young audiences to engage with heavy themes while maintaining a sense of wonder and hope. Adding to the lineup, 'The Treasure of Barracuda' is set for theatrical release later this year. Based on Llanos Campos' beloved novel, the film follows a young girl, Sparks, who joins a pirate crew in search of hidden treasure. 'Barracuda' has already begun securing international deals. And set to launch during the 2025 holiday season, 'Hanna's Forgotten Christmas' is a CG-animated adventure directed by Elena Ruiz. This festive tale sees Hanna and her monster friends on a mission to save Christmas after a mischievous gargoyle erases the holiday from everyone's memories. The momentum behind Catalan animation isn't accidental. Sandra Tapia, executive producer at 'Robot Dreams' backer Arcadia Motion Pictures in Barcelona, attributes the sector's rise to a robust ecosystem built over decades. While talent is the most important factor in building an industry, she argues that nurturing and educating talented individuals is essential. Producers in Catalonia have tremendous pride in the work being done at educational facilities in the region. The Pompeu Fabra and ESCAC have been churned out loads of talent above and below the line and, crucially, the local government has stepped up with of regional grants from ICEC, the promotional efforts of Catalan Films, and the continued support of local broadcaster TV3. Still, challenges remain. Tapia points out that Spain's system still lags France in terms of international distribution support, a crucial factor in why French animated films often outperform their Spanish counterparts globally. 'We need help getting to the Oscars, not just celebrating afterward,' Tapia says. Diaz also stresses caution. While international appetite for animated films is growing, overproduction could flood the market. 'There's a limit,' he warns. 'You have to find your own voice in animation because competing head-to-head with the big studios is almost impossible without it.' Nevertheless, the foundation for long-term success is stronger than ever. With films like 'The Light of Aisha,' 'Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake,' 'The Treasure of Barracuda' and 'Hanna's Forgotten Christmas' poised to make waves, 2025 promises to be a landmark year for Catalan animation. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
