Latest news with #SpookyPictures
Al Etihad
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Spooky Pictures and Image Nation Abu Dhabi unveil new horror film by Emirati director
22 June 2025 22:41 Abu Dhabi (ALETIHAD)Spooky Pictures and Image Nation Abu Dhabi, the Academy Award-winning film and entertainment studio, have announced the release their next psychological horror-thriller "HOBA", a new feature film by critically acclaimed Emirati filmmaker Majid Al the first Arabic-language Emirati film under the Spooky Pictures and Image Nation slate, HOBA marks a significant step forward for regional genre storytelling. The film is set for release in the UAE on October ("The Vile" in English) tells the story of a devoted wife and mother whose life begins to unravel when her husband returns home with a second wife and an unseen darkness infiltrates her Ross, CEO of Image Nation, said: "HOBA is a bold and compelling film that demonstrates the power of local storytelling on a global stage. We're proud to work with Majid Al Ansari once again and to bring forward a genre film that challenges, disturbs and deeply moves."Steven Schneider, co-founder of Spooky Pictures added: "HOBA is exactly the kind of film we love to champion at Spooky Pictures - intimate, unnerving and emotionally rich. Majid Al Ansari has crafted a story that's both deeply rooted in its cultural context and universally haunting. We're excited to be part of a project that pushes the boundaries of psychological horror while introducing audiences to a powerful up-and-coming voice in genre filmmaking."Starring Emirati actress Bdoor Mohammed ("Blood Wedding", "25 Fils") in the lead role as the first wife, Amani, the film also features Saudi artist and filmmaker Sarah Taibah ("Jameel Jeddan", "Night Courier") as the enigmatic second wife, talent Iman Doghoz ("Makr", "Kaboos") portrays Amani's vulnerable daughter, while Emirati actor Jassem AlKharraz (Zawaj Ella Roba'a, Ala Gad Alhal, Wadima and Halima) plays her father, the cast brings to life a deeply resonant story about family bonds, emotional conflict and the unseen forces that test by horror genre veterans Roy Lee ("Barbarian", "It"), Steven Schneider ("Insidious", "Paranormal Activity"), Derek Dauchy ("Late Night with the Devil", "The Plague") and Rami Yasin ("Hokum") the film blends supernatural tension with culturally grounded storytelling, offering a uniquely regional take on universal fears. Mohamed Hefzy ("Flight 404", "Voy! Voy! Voy!") is executive marks a return to the genre for Majid Al Ansari, whose breakout debut "Zinzana" earned international acclaim and became the first Arab language film acquired by Netflix. Known for blending bold visual style with emotionally charged storytelling, Al Ansari continues to push boundaries in Arab cinema, offering audiences globally resonant narratives grounded in regional Ansari said: "With HOBA, I wanted to tell a story that feels both intimate and unsettling; one that explores real emotional experiences through the lens of genre. It's about love, fear and resilience, and what happens when the familiar turns unfamiliar, when the people we trust most begin to feel like strangers."Hoba is part of a slate of upcoming projects from Spooky Pictures and Image Nation including Charlie Polinger's "The Plague" starring Joel Edgerton, which recently premiered in Cannes' prestigious Un Certain Regard competition, Randall Okita's "Menace" starring Isabel May, and Damian Mc Carthy's "Hokum", starring Adam Scott. Majid Al Futtaim - Vox Independent Distribution is handling the theatrical release for UAE, with Film Clinic handling the rights for post-theatrical in MENA, and AGC International handling the rights for the rest of the world.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Michelle Randolph to star in horror thriller 'Malibu'; reports
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Michelle Randolph , known for her roles in the TV series '1923' and 'Landman', is in talks to star in 'Malibu', a horror thriller that Tod Williams will direct. Roy Lee and Steven Schneider are producing the low-budget thriller via their banner, Spooky Pictures, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The plot details are kept under wraps, but it is described as a "thriller skulking around in the subterranean horror subgenre". The shoot will start later this year. The project marks a reunion between Williams and Schneider. The former directed Paranormal Activity 2, part of the successful horror franchise for which Schneider served as producer and executive producer. Spooky is currently developing an adaptation of the Scott Snyder horror comic, Dungeon. Lee and Schneider are also part of the producing team for The Long Walk, Lionsgate's adaptation of the Stephen King story that will hit theatres on September 12, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Randolph played Liz Strafford in 1923, alongside Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, and Brandon Sklenar, in one of Sheridan's Yellowstone TV series spin-offs. She later got a role on Landman, playing the daughter of Billy Bob Thornton's main character. In March, the Paramount+ show received a second season renewal. The rising actress also has a role in Scream 7, which will be released in February 2026, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
David Dastmalchian, Georgina Campbell Teaming for Horror ‘The Shepherd,' Anton Launching Sales in Cannes (EXCLUSIVE)
The stars of horror hits 'Late Night With the Devil' and 'Barbarian' are uniting to take another potentially hair-raising step into the genre world. 'The Shepherd' is set to team David Dastmalchian ('Oppenheimer,' 'The Dark Knight,' 'Dune') and Georgina Campbell ('The Watchers,' 'Black Mirror'). The horror-thriller comes from Spooky Pictures — Image Nation (also behind 'Late Night With the Devil'), with Anton launching sales in Cannes. More from Variety Leslie Grace to Play Diver Swallowed by Giant Sperm Whale in Survival Thriller 'Propel,' Altitude Launching Sales in Cannes (EXCLUSIVE) Cynthia Erivo-Led 'Prima Facie' Film Adaptation Heading to Cannes Market, With Embankment Launching Sales Andrew Karpen Remembered: Bleecker Street Media Founder Was a Force in Indie Film, Beloved for Integrity and Kindness The film is being directed by John Hyams ('Sick,' 'Alone,' HBO's documentary 'The Smashing Machine') and written by Alexander Gustaveson. Anton is handling worldwide rights and co-repping North American rights with UTA Independent Film Group and Cinetic. Set in the desolate Nevada night, 'The Shepherd' follows a young woman in labor fleeing an abusive past who has her escape hijacked by a mysterious stranger hiding an ominous threat in the back of her car. Reuniting the producers behind the box-office hit 'Late Night with the Devil,' 'The Shepherd' is produced under the Spooky Pictures – Image Nation partnership with Steven Schneider ('Paranormal Activity,'' Insidious,' 'Split') and Roy Lee ('It' franchise, 'Barbarian,' 'A Minecraft Movie') for Spooky Pictures ('Strange Darling,' Chloe Okuno's 'Watcher'); Ben Cornwell, Jordan Foley and Nick Smith for Paperclip Ltd. ('Alone,' 'Snack Shack') along with Jonathan Rosenthal ('Alone,' 'The Abandon'); and Sébastien Raybaud ('Fuze,' 'Greenland: Migration,' 'Greenland,' 'The Night House') for Anton. The film is executive produced by Dastmalchian under his Good Fiend Films banner, Campbell, Ben Ross and Derek Dauchy for Image Nation, Rami Yasin for Spooky Pictures, and Yeardley Smith for Paperclip Ltd. Anton and Image Nation are financing the film, with production set to start on 'The Shepherd' in the fall, 2025. 'Once I turned the first few pages of 'The Shepherd' I was hooked,' said Dastmalchian. 'I immediately wanted to see this high-octane, horrifying world brought to life and John is the perfect person to make it happen. After collaborating with Roy and Steven on 'Late Night with the Devil,' I have been looking forward to getting back in the sandbox with them and I can't wait to bring the genre force of Good Fiend Films into the equation.' 'Following the success of 'Late Night with the Devil,' we're excited to be working with David Dastmalchian once again on 'The Shepherd,'' added Image Nation CEO Ben Ross. 'David brings a distinctive energy and depth to every project he's part of, and this film marks another strong collaboration in our ongoing partnership with Spooky Pictures.' 'The Shepherd' is part of a slate of upcoming projects from Spooky Pictures and Image Nation including Charlie Polinger's 'The Plague' starring Joel Edgerton, which will premiere in Cannes' prestigious Un Certain Regard competition, Randall Okita's 'Menace' starring Isabel May, and Damian McCarthy's 'Hokum' starring Adam Scott. Dastmalchian is repped by Atlas Artists. Campbell is repped by UTA, Entertainment 360, Independent Talent Group and Felker Toczek Suddleson McGinnis Ryan LLC. Best of Variety 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 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Scarlett Johansson's ‘Eleanor the Great' Draws Cheers, Tears at Cannes Premiere
The Oscar campaign for Eleanor the Great starts now. Raucous cheers and quite a few tears greeted the world premiere of Scarlett Johansson's directorial debut, which premiered in Cannes' Un Certain Regard section on Tuesday. More from The Hollywood Reporter 'Eleanor the Great' Review: June Squibb Steadies Scarlett Johansson's Wobbly Directorial Debut John C. Reilly Is Buffalo Bill in Cannes Film 'Heads or Tails?,' a Deconstruction of Cowboys and Legends The Horror Buffs at Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Spooky Pictures Love "Cool Shit" and Have Unleashed 'The Plague' at Cannes The Cannes crowd warmly embraced the dramedy, which stars June Squibb at the titular Eleanor Morgenstern (Squibb), a fiercely independent Florida retiree who, after the sudden death of her lifelong best friend, relocates to New York to live with her daughter. A series of events leads her to a young woman, played by Erin Kellyman, suffering from the loss of her mother. The two bond over their shared grief and a desire to reconnect with their Jewish identity. But Eleanor has a secret that threatens to destroy the friendship they have built. The Hollywood Reporter's Cannes review of the film was mixed, with critic Lovia Gyarkye saying the film had a 'bold premise that could have worked better.' Kellyman and Squibb joined Johansson at Cannes' Debussy Theatre on Tuesday for the world premiere. Calling it 'a dream come true' if a bit 'surreal' to premiere her directorial debut in Cannes, Johansson praised Squibb for her 'courage' in portraying the fiesty, charming and complicated Eleanor, and called Kellyman's performance 'a revelation. I'm so happy for the world to meet you,' she said to the up-and-coming British talent. It's been 10 years since Squibb has been to Cannes. She was last here with Alexander Payne's Nebraska, a role that earned her an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress. If the reception for Eleanor the Great is any indication, that second nom could be in the mail. The 95-year-old, already enjoying a remarkable late-career renaissance following her breakout turn in Thelma, was greeted with whoops and cheers as the credits rolled. Speaking to the crowd after the premiere, Johansson said she felt 'naked' but hoped the audience would embrace the film's hopeful message. 'This is [a movie] about Jewish identity, about friendship, but really about forgiveness. Something I think we all need a lot more of nowadays,' she said. 'I hope you carry [Eleanor's] story with you now as I carry it with me.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now "A Nutless Monkey Could Do Your Job": From Abusive to Angst-Ridden, 16 Memorable Studio Exec Portrayals in Film and TV The 10 Best Baseball Movies of All Time, Ranked
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Horror Buffs at Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Spooky Pictures Love 'Cool Shit' and Have Unleashed ‘The Plague' at Cannes
High concept, low budget, straight-forward creative lens – that is how Emirati studio Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Los Angeles-based genre label Spooky Pictures target movies under their partnership that is bringing one of its features to the Cannes Film Festival for the first time. No need to mince words either. 'The creative mandate is: cool shit,' producer and Spooky co-founder Steven Schneider (Pet Sematary, Paranormal Activity, Insidious) tells THR. 'We also always just look for things that are original and will surprise us,' adds producer and Spooky co-founder Roy Lee (It, The Ring, A Minecraft Movie). 'The guiding light when we start out is that we want to make a movie that somebody thinks is their favorite movie of that year or of all time.' More from The Hollywood Reporter 'Highest 2 Lowest': Spike Lee on Trump, Cannes Scandals and the Knicks' Championship Chances: "We're Going to Win!" UTA's Rich Klubeck Is Juggling Wes Anderson, Kelly Reichardt and Ethan Coen at Cannes Jafar Panahi: The World's Most Acclaimed Dissident Filmmaker The duo found a partner in crime in Image Nation CEO Ben Ross, bringing together what Schneider calls three 'historical horror buffs' on a mission. 'Steven and I had been threatening to do this for probably 15-plus years, and the three of us have known each other for a really long time,' recalls Ross. 'So when the two of them discussed launching something together, it was pretty easy just to go and do it, because we know genre films and like the business.' This year, the dynamic trio for the first time ever hit the Croisette with a movie premiering in the Cannes selection, namely New York-based Charlie Polinger's debut feature The Plague, which debuted in the Un Certain Regard section on Friday. Its cast features an ensemble of new faces, including Everett Blunck, Kayo Martin and Kenny Rasmussen, and Joel Edgerton (Boy Erased, Black Mass, Loving), who also has a producer credit on the film via his banner Five Henrys Productions, along with additional producers Hellcat and The Space Program. 'At an all-boys water polo camp, a socially anxious 12-year-old is pulled into a cruel tradition targeting an outcast with an illness they call 'The Plague',' reads the ominous synopsis. 'But as the lines between game and reality blur, he fears the joke might be hiding something real.' Edgerton was already attached to the project when the partners boarded it. His involvement as a producer mirrors the starring and producing roles that David Dastmalchian had on the Cameron Cairnes and Colin Cairnes-directed Image Nation-Spooky horror box office hit Late Night With the Devil, which in its prologue is framed as a documentary investigating an unexplained event that occurred on Halloween night 1977 during a live broadcast of a late-night talk show, and which delivered IFC Films' highest-grossing opening weekend ever. Dastmalchian and the companies are now replicating his double duty on their recently unveiled new feature, The Shepherd. 'That dual role is incentivizing,' explains Schneider. 'Nobody's getting rich up front on these movies. We are, I think, more than fair for low-budget movies in terms of what we are prepared to pay people. But we are trying desperately to keep the above the line as minimal as possible.' Adds Ross: 'We also try to make all the actors feel like they are real partners. They are doing these things for significantly less of a payday than they can normally get. Everything goes on screen when we design the financial plans for our films. We treat the actors as partners, so they are significant stakeholders in the back end. We all win together, or nobody wins.' How else does The Plague fit into the partnership's business model? 'The model is basically $5 million net budgets or below, big concept, well executed, directors that we believe in and want to bet on – whether they are first-timers or established, and not cast contingent in the usual way,' summarizes Schneider. The three veterans trust their taste and instincts and all use words such as 'different,' 'fresh,' 'original,' and 'fun' when discussing what kind of projects they look for. Explains Lee: 'If we read the first act of a script and could predict everything that is going to happen, it's actually a movie we don't want to do. We want the movies that veer in different directions.' The content can originate from anywhere. 'As far as the business perspective, we operate under the premise that content is global,' Ross tells THR. 'So we make it for a global audience, whether it's in Arabic, which a lot of Image Nation stuff is, or in English or Spanish,' like one project currently in the works. One fundamental thought the partners all share is that creative, artistic, and financial considerations are not mutually exclusive. 'Our movies can be artistic and commercial at the same time,' emphasized Schneider. 'They just have to be scary. They have to be spooky.' Is there a slate goal, such as a certain number of movies the three target per year? 'We don't have a set goal. We just judge things as they come in,' emphasizes Lee. 'When we love something, we want to try and make it.' That has meant that, in contrast to most studios' operations, the partnership has made all movies it has decided to develop. One thing that makes The Plague different is that it will be the partnership's first film to be sold upfront, with that process starting at the Cannes market, where UTA and Cinetic will be co-selling the U.S. rights and AGC International handling the rest of the world. Chloe Okuno's psychological thriller Watcher was the team's first feature. Among their upcoming films are Oddity director Damian McCarthy's supernatural horror movie Hokum, starring Adam Scott (Severance), which is currently in post, Randall Okita's Menace, starring Isabel May (1883), and Archangel, written and directed by Bryan Edward Hill and starring Conor Leslie (Titans, Man in the High Castle) Greg Hovanessian (Cardinal), and Alyshia Ochse (True Detective). Given the entertainment industry's various issues, what is a key hurdle for the Image Nation-Spooky team? 'The biggest challenge is finding great projects,' highlights Lee. 'Because there are so many things out there in the marketplace and there is a lot of competition, you just have to be able to discern the ones that will rise above the others and that will be great.' One promise that can make a difference is trust in the creatives and their vision. 'We really try to be completely collaborative with our filmmakers,' says Ross. 'We want to show them that we believe in them. We really don't dictate a lot. We are all going to work together.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now "A Nutless Monkey Could Do Your Job": From Abusive to Angst-Ridden, 16 Memorable Studio Exec Portrayals in Film and TV The 10 Best Baseball Movies of All Time, Ranked
