Exhibitions honoring the work of “Parasite” director Bong Joon Ho and the production design team behind “Barbie” and “Anna Karenina” will be featured at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures starting this spring.
The “Director’s Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho” exhibit is the first museum ever dedicated to the Oscar-winning director and will open March 23, providing rare access to his archive and personal collection, storyboards, research materials and on-set photographs.
The “Barbie to Anna Karenina: The Cinematic Worlds of Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer” exhibit will provide an immersive look into the pair’s collaboration over the last 25 years. Their nomination for “Barbie” last year marked their seventh collective Oscar nomination after “Pride & Prejudice,” “Atonement,” “Sherlock Holmes” and “Darkest Hour.” This exhibit is set to open May 23.
Thursday, Jan. 30
Asian American International Film Festival Audience Winner ‘Future Date’ Available on VOD
Following its audience wins at the Asian American International Film Festival and Cinequest Film Festival, the sci-fi comedy “Future Date” is now available to rent or buy on VOD.
The film comes from director Stanley Wong (actor from “21 Jump Street” and “The Big Short”) and takes place in the distant future. In an unlivable climate, two people win an exclusive opportunity to go on an in-person date. Wong also stars in the film alongside Shaung Hu, Johnny Pemberton and Matthew Harris.
“Future Date” has distribution through Indie Rights.
NAACP Image Award Nominee ‘Judging Juries’ And ‘Agents of Change’ Coming to Streaming in February
Following its NAACP Image Award nomination in the short form documentary category, “Judging Juries” will be coming to streaming in February on VOD platforms. The film tackles systemic inequities in jury makeups and representation across the United States.
“Agents of Change,” which features activist Danny Glover, will also be available to stream on VOD platforms in February following jury and audience awards for best feature documentary at the Pan African Film Festival. “Agents of Change” follows student movements in the ’60s and ’70s and is set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights movement.
Significantly, both award-winning titles will be available to watch in time for Black History Month. Gregory Maurice, leader of FilmHub’s Black Cinema Acquisitions, said in a statement that “together, these films amplify the voices of change-makers past and present, inspiring us to continue the fight for equity and justice.”
Wednesday, Jan. 29
AFI Fest Sets October Dates for 39th Edition as Short Film Submissions Open
AFI Fest will officially take place Oct. 22-26 this year for the 39th edition of the festival, once again bringing red carpet premiere screenings, selections from world cinema, documentaries and short films to the TCL Chinese Theatres in Los Angeles.
“For nearly 40 years, AFI Fest has been the place for artists and audiences to gather in the heart of Hollywood to celebrate the very best of global cinema,” said Todd Hitchcock, director of AFI Fest. “In these challenging times for our community, AFI promises to fill the fall with films that will prove the power of the art form to inspire hope, empathy and joy.”
Submissions are now open for short films, with an early deadline of March 1, official deadline of April 12 and a final deadline of May 31. AFI Fest is recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences as a qualifying festival for the three short categories. Last year’s feature screenings included world premieres for “Juror No. 2,” “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” and “Music by John Williams.”
David Lynch to Posthumously Recieve WGAW’s Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement
Following the passing of David Lynch, the famed screenwriter and director behind “Blue Velvet,” “Mulholland Drive” and “Twin Peaks,” he has been recognized with the Writers Guild of America West’s (WGAW) 2025 Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement.
The award is presented to members of the WGAW who “advanced the literature of motion pictures and made outstanding contributions to the profession of the screenwriter” with past recipients including Charlie Kaufman, James L. Brooks, Elaine May, Eric Roth and Robert Towne. WGAW president Meredith Stiehm said “writer-director David Lynch’s uncompromising vision pushed the boundaries of filmmaking. We’re proud to honor him and his legacy.”
Over the years, Lynch was Academy Award nominated for best adapted screenplay and best director with his 1980 film “The Elephant Man,” while more surreal films “Blue Velvet” and “Mulholland Drive” also received best director nominations.
Lynch accepted the award for screenwriting prior to his passing on Jan. 16. The award will be presented by Kyle MacLachlan.
Inevitable Foundation Opens Applications For Starz #TakeTheLead And Loreen Arbus Foundation Elevate Awards
Inevitable Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on uplifting disabled writers and filmmakers, has announced the reopening of applications for their Inevitable Foundation x Loreen Arbus Foundation Elevate Collective Awards, as well as the Inevitable Foundation x STARZ #TakeTheLead Elevate Collective Awards.
Part of the Foundation’s Elevate Collective program, both awards provide creatives with professional development grants in addition to mentorship and industry connections.
“We are thrilled to continue our second year of partnership with The Loreen Arbus Foundation and STARZ #TakeTheLead, who share our steadfast commitment to amplifying the voices of disabled creatives,” said Inevitable Foundation Co-Founders Richie Siegel and Marisa Torelli-Pedevska.
“The support we’re able to provide with their partnership will tangibly advance the careers of disabled creatives, especially in light of the ongoing LA wildfires, where disabled people have been disproportionately impacted.”
Previous Loreen Arbus Foundation Elevate Award winners include Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini,
Melanie Abrams Fierstein, Natalia Temesgen, and Anne Hamilton. Previous STARZ #TakeTheLead Elevate Award winners include Kryzz Gautier, Hari Ziyad and writing partners Chris and Charlie Frazier.
‘Dune: Part Two’ Wins Excellence in Sound for a Feature Film from AMPS
“Dune: Part Two” is the 2025 winner of the Association of Motion Picture Sound’s excellence in sound for a feature film award.
Gareth John, Tom Harrison, Richard King, Martin Kwok, Doug Hemphill and Ron Bartlett will receive an AMPS trophy for their work on the film.
“The sound for ‘Dune: Part Two’ was astonishing, and key to immersing the audience in Denis Villeneuve’s expansive world of Arrakis. It is a deeply impressive piece of filmmaking demonstrating the power of sound as a storytelling device. From the power of the Sandworm ride to the tiniest grains drifting in the lightest of winds the sound is detailed and nuanced, creating a memorable experience,” AMPS Chair Andrew Wilson said in a statement.
The AMPS awards, returning for the 12th year, are an annual celebration of sound mixers, editors, designers and other sound professionals. The awards also include the categories of feature film, factual film, television drama, production and post-production audio products.
“We are deeply honored and humbled for the recognition and honoring of our film, ‘Dune: Part Two.’ We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone at AMPS for this incredible award. This acknowledgment is especially meaningful because it comes from sound professionals—our peers and colleagues who understand the artistry and dedication it takes to create immersive cinematic experiences. To be recognized by this distinguished group of experts is an extraordinary honor that means a lot and one we will always treasure,” the “Dune: Part Two” sound winners said in a statement.
Tuesday, Jan. 28
Amelia Dimoldenberg Returns as Oscars Social Media Ambassador and Red Carpet Correspondent
British comedian, producer and “Chicken Shop Date” host Amelia Dimoldenberg will return as the face of the 97th Oscars social media campaign, once again serving as social media ambassador and red carpet correspondent. Dimoldenberg will participate in multiple events throughout the awards season, including hosting interviews with nominees and talent on the Oscars red carpet.
“We are thrilled to welcome back Amelia as our Social Media Ambassador and Red Carpet Correspondent to provide viewers with exclusive access to the Oscars,” said Academy chief marketing and communications officer Jennifer Davidson. “Amelia’s widespread appeal and unique approach resonated with global audiences, and we are looking forward to her affable and engaging perspective on the Oscars experience.”
“Chicken Shop Date,” the interview web series hosted by Dimoldenberg and produced under her Dimz Inc., production company, has 2.83 million subscribers, 668 million views and 27 million hours of content watched on YouTube.
The Oscars will air live on ABC from the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and broadcast worldwide on Sunday March 2 at 4 p.m. PT, with the official live red carpet show starting at 3:30 p.m. PT.
Netflix and Amazon Join AFCI Advisory Board
Netflix and Amazon MGM have joined the advisory board of the Association of Film Commissioners International, the global organization of government film offices.
The two major streamers join a board that already includes representatives of Disney, Sony, Warner Bros. and NBCUniversal. Also joining are Lionsgate and Paramount.
AFCI brings together film commissioners from around the world to keep up on trends in the industry. Commissioners are tasked with luring production to their states and countries, by serving as liaisons to local government and by marketing their tax incentives to the major studios. The organization holds an annual conference, which will be held in Cincinnati in September, as well as other events.
The advisory board largely consists of production executives from the major studios.
On Monday, the AFCI announced that three new members have been elected to its board of directors: Rochelle Bussey of the New Mexico Film Office; Henrik JP Akesson Ruben of the Southern Sweden Film Commission; and Donne Dawson of the Hawaii State Film Office.
The board voted to retain its current officers. Marnie Gee, of Creative BC, remains chair, along with Luke Azevedo of the Calgary Film Office as vice chair; Nina Parikh from the Mississippi Film Office as second vice chair; Gina Black, of the Gold Coast Film Commission, as secretary; and Steven Davenport, of Screen Ireland, as treasurer.
10th Annual Las Cruces International Film Festival (LCIFF) To Honor Helen Hunt
The Las Cruces International Film Festival has announced its 10th anniversary festival will take place from April 9 through April 13 at New Mexico State University (NMSU) in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The largest student-run film festival in the country, LCIFF will screen over 100 films including narrative features, documentary features, short films, animation, and music videos from 50 different countries.
“This festival is not only a celebration of film but also an extraordinary opportunity for our students whose hard work and dedication make this event such a success,” said LCIFF founder and executive director Ross Marks. “Having been to over 60 film festivals as a filmmaker myself, it was my dream to create a world-class film festival in my hometown of Las Cruces, New Mexico with the students and for the students of New Mexico State University. The festival, now its tenth year, has exceeded even my greatest expectations.”
This year, LCIFF will honor Helen Hunt with its “Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment” award. Hunt’s 1997 film “As Good As It Gets” on April 10 at the Allen Theatres Cineport at 7pm followed by an audience Q&A. Previous winners of the Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment award include Brendan Fraser, Danny Trejo, and Richard Dreyfus.
Monday, Jan. 27
Movies for Grownups Awards Rescheduled For Early February
The AARP’s Movies for Grownups Awards has been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 8, with proceeds set to be donated to wildfire recovery. The ceremony was previously postponed from its original mid-January date because of the Los Angeles fires.
The ceremony will be held in Beverly Hills at the Beverly Wilshire. Organizations in the area addressing wildfire recovery will receive the event’s proceeds. The AARP Foundation also created a disaster relief fund for impacted community members and raised over $1 million through a matching campaign.
AARP is a nonprofit that focuses on aiding people 50 years and older. The Movies for Grownups Awards is an annual fundraiser for AARP Foundation’s work supporting vulnerable adults.
The Movies for Grownups Awards will air on PBS Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. ET.
