Films

• A new Hollywood diversity report reveals a significant decline in the representation of women and people of color within streaming films during 2025. • Despite the release of specific titles like Netflix's 'KPop Demon Hunters,' the overall trend shows a "nose dive" in inclusive casting and storytelling. • This regression is critical as it signals a reversal in the industry's previous efforts to broaden representation for marginalized groups on digital platforms.

• A new UCLA study reveals that diversity among BIPOC creatives in streaming films declined in 2025, despite strong audience demand for inclusive content. • The report highlights a disconnect between industry hiring and the success of diverse projects, such as "KPop Demon Hunters," which became Netflix’s most-watched movie with over 500 million views. • "KPop Demon Hunters" further demonstrated the commercial viability of diverse storytelling by winning an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and expanding into theatrical sing-along screenings.

• A new report from UCLA’s Entertainment and Media Research Initiative reveals that representation for women and minority groups in streaming films dropped significantly in 2025. • The findings indicate a sharp reversal of recent gains in diversity and inclusion within the streaming sector of the entertainment industry. • This decline is critical as it highlights a regression in Hollywood's efforts to ensure equitable visibility for underrepresented demographics on screen.

• The Karlovy Vary Film Festival has finalized its 2026 lineup, adding the Cannes winner 'Fjord' and 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma' to its schedule. • The updated program features a "Horizons" section highlighting festival circuit favorites and an "Afterhours" program, which was previously titled "Midnight Screenings." • These additions emphasize the festival's commitment to showcasing a diverse range of genre hits and critically acclaimed international cinema.

Over 40 years, Italy’s Il Cinema Ritrovato – or ‘rediscovered cinema’ – has evolved into an influential international gatheringBologna will be transformed into an open-air museum of cinema on Saturday as a nine-day festival dedicated to restored, rediscovered and overlooked films – some dating back more than a century – gets under way in the northern Italian city.Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, Il Cinema Ritrovato, or “rediscovered cinema”, has evolved from its niche origins into an influential international gathering captivating a new generation of cinephiles. Continue reading...

• The Karlovy Vary Film Festival has announced the selected Central European projects for its Central Stage showcase and the Book-to-Screen program. • Featured projects include Tomáš Hodan’s “The Stones Are Rolling to Prague,” focusing on the 1990 Rolling Stones concert, and Tomáš Pavlíček’s comedy “A Few Branches Off,” which explores Czech cottage culture. • The selection highlights regional talent and cinematic adaptations, including work from filmmakers previously recognized at the Berlinale, Cannes, and Tallinn Black Nights.

• A film critic highlighted standout titles from the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, noting a decrease in traditional Hollywood spectacle compared to previous years. • Key recommendations include "All of a Sudden" by Japanese director Ryûsuke Hamaguchi and "Fjord," starring Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve. • "Fjord" depicts a conflict between religious conservatism and secular liberalism in Norway after an evangelical couple is accused of child abuse.

• Actor Emma Thompson has condemned the "ludicrous" lack of representation for older women in cinema following a study by the Age Without Limits campaign. • The research revealed a stark gender and age imbalance in hit films, finding that more movies star men named Chris than women over the age of 60. • Thompson argues that the input of older women is systematically minimized and marginalized across media, employment, and public life.

• Al Jazeera Media Network won 12 awards at the 2026 New York Festivals TV Film Awards, announced during a virtual ceremony. • Al Jazeera Arabic received two Gold and one Bronze award for its documentary coverage of developments in Syria. • Al Jazeera English earned two Gold, two Silver, and five Bronze awards for human-interest stories across Palestine, India, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

• Platforms like Netflix are championing theatrical outcasts such as Nukkad Naatak, Haq, Kennedy, and Dhadak 2, transforming them into global hits. • Monika Shergill of Netflix highlights how streaming provides new life to small-budget indie films previously overlooked in theaters. • These regional and indie stories gain international audiences, bridging gaps for underreported Indian cinema.

National broadcaster confirms it will not broadcast world’s largest live music eventNational broadcasters in Ireland, Spain and Slovenia will not air the Eurovision song contest this year, after they decided to boycott the event over Israel’s participation.Having already announced it would not submit a national entry, Slovenian broadcaster RTV confirmed on Thursday it would implement a broadcasting blackout of the world’s largest live music event and instead show a series of films about Palestine. Continue reading...

Bristol University project aims to help directors make better movies and take greater risks – with one already onboardAt first glance, it looks like any high-end cinema: booming surround sound, a razor-sharp 4K projector and rows of reclining seats. But instead of clutching popcorn, a headset records my brain activity and a heart rate monitor wraps around my arm while infra-red cameras capture every blink and fidget.I’m sitting in a one-of-a-kind cinema at the University of Bristol where researchers are studying how people respond to what they see on screen. By combining viewers’ physical reactions with verbal feedback on the parts of the film they found most compelling, the team hopes to understand which moments truly grip attention – and whether that insight could help film-makers create better movies and take greater creative risks. Continue reading...

• Complex TV curates 10 must-watch movies for April 2026, featuring Christopher Nolan films alongside Wayans family comedies. • The lineup includes hood classics 'Belly' and 'King of New York,' offering diverse cinematic options from prestige dramas to urban tales. • This selection caters to varied tastes, blending high-profile directors with cult favorites for streaming viewers.

Critics say films lauding country’s attitude to women and green credentials could damage corporation’s reputationThe BBC has been accused of making “glossy propaganda films” for Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and taking money from a “repressive regime”.BBC Storyworks, the corporation’s commercial arm, has entered into a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The broadcaster has made a series of films and written articles lauding the country’s supposedly progressive attitude to women and eco-friendly credentials. These are hosted on a mini-site that carried BBC branding. Continue reading...

Warner Bros.' 'One Battle After Another' and 'Sinners' are favored to dominate the 2026 Oscars on March 15, positioning the studio for major wins amid a potential $110 billion takeover by Paramount and Skydance. Industry buzz highlights the films' strong precursor awards performance, with 'Sinners' eyed for record-breaking achievements in multiple categories. This comes as Hollywood navigates AI disruptions and layoffs, making Warner Bros.' success a rare bright spot. Post-Oscars, merger outcomes could reshape the studio's future slate.

Warner Bros' films *One Battle After Another* and *Sinners* are favored for major wins at the 2026 Oscars this weekend, positioning the studio for success despite looming takeover plans. The proposed $110 billion Paramount-Skydance merger, subject to regulatory reviews, threatens Hollywood stability by consolidating two legacy studios and risking job losses. Teamsters president Sean M. O'Brien warned, 'This merger threatens the livelihoods of workers who built these studios.' Industry figures like JJ Abrams describe the atmosphere as 'shaky and unsettled,' with attention now turning post-ceremony.