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Christopher Wheeldon's 'Like Water For Chocolate' Premieres in New York This Summer

4/21/2023

The Metropolitan Opera House will be full of stories this summer. That's because the American Ballet Theatre will return with four stories of love for its 2023 Summer season, June 22–July 22. The season will feature the New York Premiere of two-time Tony Award®-winner Christopher Wheeldon’s Like Water for Chocolate, as well as full-length classics Giselle, Swan Lake, and Romeo and Juliet. General public on sale for ABT’s 2023 Summer season begins on Monday, April 24 at 12:00 P.M. at the Metropolitan Opera House box office.

Principal Dancers for the 2023 Summer season include Joo Won Ahn, Aran Bell, Isabella Boylston, Skylar Brandt, Daniel Camargo, Herman Cornejo, Thomas Forster, Catherine Hurlin, Gillian Murphy, Calvin Royal III, Hee Seo, Christine Shevchenko, Cory Stearns, Devon Teuscher, Cassandra Trenary, James Whiteside, and Roman Zhurbin.

Cassandra Trenary and Herman Cornejo in 'Like Water for Chocolate' Photo by Marty Sohl

New York Premiere
The New York Premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s Like Water for Chocolate is set for Thursday, June 22, 2023, with Cassandra Trenary and Herman Cornejo in the leading roles of Tita and Pedro, respectively. Based on Laura Esquivel’s bestselling novel of the same name, Like Water for Chocolate is Wheeldon’s latest full-length ballet and a co-production with The Royal Ballet. The three-act ballet follows Tita, a young Mexican woman who struggles with familial duty in the face of forbidden love, expressing herself the one way she knows how, through cooking. Like Water for Chocolate is set to an original score by Joby Talbot and features scenery and costumes by Bob Crowley, lighting by Natasha Katz, and video design by Luke Halls. American Ballet Theatre is excited to welcome Alondra de la Parra to conduct the first four performances of Like Water for Chocolate at the Metropolitan Opera House. A globally renowned conductor, de la Parra has worked with some of the most prestigious orchestras across the world and holds the distinction of being the first Mexican woman to conduct professionally in New York City. ABT additionally welcomes Tomás Barreiro, a decorated and internationally recognized Mexican composer, orchestrator, guitar player, and teacher, on Solo Guitar for all 12 performances, as well as Venezuelan-born singer Maria Brea, whose soaring soprano accompanies the final, climatic pas de deux.

Like Water for Chocolate received its World Premiere by The Royal Ballet on June 2, 2022, at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London. It received its North American Premiere by American Ballet Theatre on March 29, 2023, at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California. At the Metropolitan Opera House, the ballet will be given 12 performances through Saturday, July 1.

Opening Night Gala Celebrating Yolanda Santos
American Ballet Theatre will host its June Gala on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 6:30 P.M. at the Metropolitan Opera House featuring the New York Premiere of Like Water for Chocolate. Following the performance, Gala guests are invited to join ABT for a black-tie dinner and dancing on the Promenade of the newly opened David Geffen Hall. The Gala evening will honor Yolanda Santos, Founding Member of ABT’s Global Council and Founder of Ballet de Monterrey, for her championship of classical ballet and contemporary visual arts, nationally and internationally. Laura Esquivel, author of Like Water for Chocolate, will serve as Honorary Chair of the event. For more information or to purchase tickets and tables, please contact Megan Stahlberg at mstahlberg@abt.org.

Full-Length Works
ABT will perform the full-length production of Giselle for a total of eight performances beginning on Monday, July 3, with Hee Seo in the title role and Cory Stearns as Albrecht. Staged by Kevin McKenzie with choreography after Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot, and Marius Petipa, Giselle is set to music by Adolphe Adam, orchestrated by John Lanchbery, with scenery by Gianni Quaranta, costumes by Anna Anni, and lighting by Jennifer Tipton. The World Premiere of Giselle, one of the oldest continually performed ballets, occurred at the Theatre de l’Academie Royale de Musique in Paris on June 28, 1841. The ballet was first presented by ABT (then Ballet Theatre) at the Center Theatre in New York City on January 12, 1940, with choreography by Anton Dolin and scenery and costumes by Lucinda Ballard. The leading roles were danced by Annabelle Lyon and Anton Dolin. ABT’s sixth production, featuring scenery by Gianni Quaranta and costumes by Anna Anni, was created for the film Dancers, produced in 1987 by Cannon Films. This production’s first public performance was given on March 20, 1987, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, with Marianna Tcherkassky as Giselle and Kevin McKenzie as Albrecht. The current staging is by McKenzie, using the Quaranta and Anni designs. The Saturday, July 8 performance of Giselle will be “In Tribute to Lupe Serrano” in honor of the late Lupe Serrano, former ABT Principal Dancer from 1953-1971, who, after retiring from the stage, taught classes for the ABT main Company, ABT Studio Company, ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, and Summer Intensives.

Eight performances of Swan Lake will begin Monday, July 10, with Isabella Boylston as Odette-Odile and Daniel Camargo as Prince Siegfried. Set to music by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake is choreographed by Kevin McKenzie after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. The ballet features scenery and costumes by Zack Brown and lighting by Duane Schuler. This production of Swan Lake premiered on March 24, 2000, at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. with Julie Kent (Odette-Odile) and Angel Corella (Prince Siegfried). The Friday, July 21 performance of Swan Lake will be a “Special Evening for Susan Jaffe” to celebrate Jaffe’s first Met season as Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre, a homecoming for the former ABT Principal Dancer of 22 years.

Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet will be given seven performances beginning Tuesday, July 18, with Devon Teuscher and Aran Bell in the title roles. Set to the score by Sergei Prokofiev, Romeo and Juliet features scenery and costumes by Nicholas Georgiadis and lighting by Thomas Skelton. Romeo and Juliet received its World Premiere from The Royal Ballet in London on February 9, 1965, and February 9, 1965, and was given its ABT Company Premiere at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on January 3, 1985, with Leslie Browne and Robert La Fosse in the leading roles.

ABTKids
ABTKids, American Ballet Theatre’s annual one-hour introduction to ballet for families, will return to the Metropolitan Opera House stage on Saturday, June 24 at 11:00 A.M. The family-friendly showing of selections from the ABT main Company’s illustrious repertoire will be hosted by ABT Principal Dancer James Whiteside. All tickets for ABTKids are $25.

Single Tickets
Single tickets for American Ballet Theatre’s 2023 Summer season at the Metropolitan Opera House will be on sale beginning Monday, April 24 at 12:00 P.M. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 212-362-6000, in person at the Met Box Office, or online at ABT’s website. Tickets start at $30. The Metropolitan Opera House is located on Broadway between 64th and 65th streets in New York City.

Ticket holders for the 2023 Summer season at the Metropolitan Opera House may exchange tickets up until Noon the day of the performance at no charge, minus any difference in the ticket price. We regret that there are no refunds or cancellations.

Student Ticket Policy
American Ballet Theatre offers $12–$30 advance tickets and Day of Rush tickets for any full-time undergraduate or graduate student. A valid student ID is required. Tickets are subject to availability and require advance registration on the Met website. Limit two tickets per person, per performance.

American Ballet Theatre offers $35 orchestra day of rush tickets to the general public for all performances. Two tickets may be purchased for one performance every seven days. Tickets are subject to availability and require advance registration on the Met website.

American Ballet Theatre offers theatergoers under 30 years old $30 advance tickets to select performances. A limited number of tickets are available. Tickets are subject to availability and require an ID for pick up. Limit two tickets per person, per performance.

Health and Safety Protocols
American Ballet Theatre and the Metropolitan Opera House ask audiences to review the following health and safety protocols on the Met website before attending performances.

ABOUT AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE
American Ballet Theatre is one of the greatest dance companies in the world. Revered as a national treasure since its founding season in 1940, its mission is to create, present, preserve, and extend the great repertoire of classical dancing for the widest possible audience. Headquartered in New York City, ABT is the only cultural institution of its size and stature to extensively tour, enchanting audiences for eight decades in 50 U.S. states, 45 countries, and over 480 cities worldwide. ABT’s repertoire includes full-length classics from the nineteenth century, the finest works from the early twentieth century, and acclaimed contemporary masterpieces. In 2006, by an act of Congress, ABT was designated America's National Ballet Company®.

Major support of the 2023 season production of Like Water for Chocolate is provided by Alexandra and Alan Airth. Additional support is provided by Michèle and Steve Pesner.

Leadership support of ABT’s New Works Initiative is provided by Mark Casey and Carrie Gaiser Casey, The Ted and Mary Jo Shen Charitable Gift Fund, and through an endowed gift from The Toni and Martin Sosnoff New Works Fund.
American Ballet Theatre’s performances of Giselle are generously supported through an endowed gift from Sharon Patrick.

Swan Lake is generously underwritten by R. Chemers Neustein. American Ballet Theatre’s performances of Romeo and Juliet are generously underwritten through an endowed gift from Ali and Monica Wambold. Commissions and presentations of new works by women choreographers are supported by the ABT Women’s Movement. Champion support for the ABT Women’s Movement is provided by Jenna Segal. Additional leadership support is provided by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Special thanks to Denise Littlefield Sobel for her leadership gifts to ABT’s Media Fund, advancing the Company’s digital endeavors; and ABT RISE, fueling the Company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

ABT is supported, in part, with public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts; the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of The Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.
For more information, please visit www.abt.org.

by IC mag Editors

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The 'Peter Pan & Wendy' Premiere Took Place in London at the famous Curzon Mayfair Cinema

4/20/2023

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courtesy of Walt Disney Studios

The cast of Disney’s Peter Pan & Wendy were in London at the Curzon Mayfair earlier this evening for the film’s London premiere. We've got some of the highlights of the night. Cast members including Jude Law, Yara Shahidi, Ever Anderson, Alexander Molony, Jacobi Jupe, and Joshua Pickering, joined co-writer/director David Lowery, co-writer/executive producer Toby Halbrooks, and producer Jim Whitaker to toast the premiere of the live-action reimagining of the J.M. Barrie novel and the 1953 animated classic. The film will debut April 28, 2023, exclusively on Disney+.

Images Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios

Directed by David Lowery (“The Green Knight,” “Pete’s Dragon”), the film introduces Wendy Darling, a young girl afraid to leave her childhood home behind who meets Peter Pan, a boy who refuses to grow up. Alongside her brothers and a tiny fairy, Tinker Bell, she travels with Peter to the magical world of Neverland. There, she encounters an evil pirate captain, Captain Hook, and embarks on a thrilling and dangerous adventure that will change her life forever. The film stars Jude Law (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”), Alexander Molony (“The Reluctant Landlord”), Ever Anderson (“Resident Evil: The Final Chapter”), Yara Shahidi (“Grown-ish”), Alyssa Wapanatâhk, Joshua Pickering (“A Discovery of Witches”), Jacobi Jupe, Molly Parker (“House of Cards”), Alan Tudyk (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”), and Jim Gaffigan (“The Jim Gaffigan Show”). “Peter Pan and Wendy” is directed by David Lowery from a screenplay by David Lowery & Toby Halbrooks (“The Green Knight”) based on the novel by J. M. Barrie and the animated film “Peter Pan.” The producer is Jim Whitaker (“Pete’s Dragon”), with Adam Borba (“A Wrinkle in Time”), Thomas M. Hammel (“Thor: Ragnarok”), and Toby Halbrooks serving as executive producers.

by IC mag Editors

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Roku Brings Spanish-Speaking Audiences More Premium Original Programming for Free on The Roku Channel

4/20/2023

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Roku announced today that it is expanding its Roku Originals lineup to include new series Carpe DM with Juanpa, starring and executive produced by Juanpa Zurita; Desde La Raíz, featuring and executive produced by award-winning actor Jaime Camil; Serenata De Las Estrellas, hosted by Julissa Bermudez and featuring Latin artists, including singer Chiquis, rapper and singer Snow Tha Product, and rock bands Los Lobos and Ozomatli; and La Divina Comida featuring Alex Lora, Belinda, Carlos Gatica, Dulce María, Emmanuel, Erik Rubín, Faisy, Itatí Cantoral, José Ángel Bichir, Karol Sevilla, Manu Nna, Margarita The Cumbia Goddess, María León, Michelle Rodríguez, Rafa Márquez, and Verónica Toussaint.

Additionally, Roku announced and set release dates for brand-new Spanish-language Roku Original series Batalla en Abuela’s Kitchen (June 9) and Un Millón de Gracias (August 11), the third season of English-language Roku Original series Thanks a Million, executive produced by Jennifer Lopez. The new season will feature Chiquis, Gina Torres, Jaime Camil, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, Lauren Jauregui, Michael Peña, Michelle Rodriguez, Pau Gasol, Sofia Reyes, and Wilmer Valderrama.

“The deep engagement we have seen within the Spanish-language content category on The Roku Channel in the U.S., as well as the exceptional growth of the service in Mexico, are all signs of the strong appetite for free ad-supported streaming amongst Spanish-speaking and bilingual audiences,” said David Eilenberg, Head of Content, Roku Media. “We’re committed to delivering high-quality, culturally relevant original programming to tens of millions of viewers, and we are thrilled to welcome such an exceptional new group of on-camera and off-camera creative voices to our Roku Originals lineup.”

The new projects further enhance Roku’s Spanish-language original programming and complement the overall growth of Spanish content consumption on The Roku Channel. Spanish-language programming on The Roku Channel was streamed by more unique households than any free, ad-supported standalone app for Spanish-language content on the Roku platform in the U.S. (Q4 2022). In the second half of last year, Roku’s Spanish-language Roku Originals made Roku a top-three Spanish-language content provider* by reach on The Roku Channel*. Mexico is The Roku Channel’s largest international market.

Carpe DM with Juanpa
Can I fly a jet, ride a bull, jump a Monster Truck? A lot of us have these strange curiosities buried in the back of our minds or saved in our inboxes for later. Yet we do nothing.

Mexican adventurer, social media star, and actor Juanpa Zurita is out to change that. In each episode of the bilingual series Carpe DM with Juanpa, he will face challenges that push his body and mind to the limit all across the United States. Along the way, Juanpa will show all of us the transformative power of stepping outside your comfort zone and bringing your inner adventurer to life.

The six-episode series is produced by INE Entertainment and ARCO. Eric Day, Mark Koops, and Sarah Davies executive produce for INE. Juanpa Zurita and Brenda Tubilla executive produce for ARCO. Dave Lingwood is also set to executive produce.

Desde la Raíz
Desde la Raíz means “from the root.” With the help of narrator and executive producer Jaime Camil, the docu-series Desde la Raíz explores, in its first season, the origins and meaning of quintessential Mexican products like coffee, chile, corn, and mezcal. “It’s a love letter to México and some of the country's richest heritage and legendary commodities,” said Camil.

The Mexican-born actor-producer Jaime Camil is an international superstar and one of the most beloved Mexicans in his country, starring in award-winning films (7 DÍAS, Pulling Strings, 200 Cartas), mega-hit telenovelas (Por Ella Soy Eva, La Fea Más Bella) and U.S. series and films including Jane the Virgin, Schmigadoon!, KIMI, and soon-to-be-released SNAG. He has also recorded four platinum selling albums and led many musicals in Mexico City and the U.S. Jaime also voiced Papá in the Disney-Pixar Academy Award-winning animated feature Coco, which is one of the top-grossing films of all time in Mexico.

The four-episode series is produced and directed by Paulina Gamiz for Cultura Contrabando and Gus Sánchez for Low Budget Films, with Jaime Camil’s ECABA and Zero Gravity Management’s Ray Jimenez also serving as executive producers. Paulina's keen eye for capturing intimate human stories and her ability to evoke deep emotions through visual storytelling is complemented by Gus's exceptional technical prowess and ability to create visually stunning sequences that leave a lasting impact.

The series will be shot in several iconic places throughout the gorgeous Mexican landscape and Los Angeles.

Serenata De Las Estrellas
Hosted by Julissa Bermudez, Serenata De Las Estrellas is a feel-good series that beautifully captures how music can lift us up.

Serenata De Las Estrellas enlists some of the biggest acts in Latin music to surprise deserving participants with a life-changing gift and performance that they'll never forget. Featured artists include singer Chiquis, rapper and singer Snow Tha Product, and rock bands Los Lobos and Ozomatli.

The four-episode series is produced by Den of Thieves. Greice Santo, RJ Cipriani, as well as Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager, Jared Morell, and Jordan Barrow for Den of Thieves, serve as executive producers. Gil Lopez serves as executive producer and showrunner.

La Divina Comida
Each episode of La Divina Comida features a celebrity opening their homes to a group of fellow competitor celebrities as they face off to prove who is the best dinner party host.

Each dinner party will feature four celebrities, the host, and three attendees. The dinner party hosts will be judged not only by their culinary skills, but also by how prepared they are to serve and receive their guests.

Featured celebrity dinner party hosts include Alex Lora, Belinda, Carlos Gatica, Dulce María, Emmanuel, Erik Rubín, Faisy, Itatí Cantoral, José Ángel Bichir, Karol Sevilla, Manu Nna, Margarita The Cumbia Goddess, María León, Michelle Rodríguez, Rafa Márquez, and Verónica Toussaint.

The sixteen-episode series is produced by WarnerMedia Discovery for HBOmax Latin America, and Fernanda Huerta and Edmundo Mora serve as executive producers. It is based on the original format Celebrity Come Dine With Me, which is produced for Channel 4 and E4 in the U.K. by MultiStory Media and is distributed internationally by ITV Studios.

Roku Original La Divina Comida will only be available on The Roku Channel in the U.S.

Batalla en Abuela’s Kitchen
Hosted by Colombian influencer Mario Ruiz, Batalla en Abuela’s Kitchen is a cooking competition show that challenges up-and-coming Gen-Z chefs to bring new twists to traditional Latin dishes. The young chefs must prove their culinary prowess against the kitchen’s biggest boss: ABUELA! While there is a friendly rivalry, at its heart, Batalla en Abuela’s Kitchen brings together multigenerational chefs through culinary traditions.

In each episode, three Gen-Z chefs face off against each other before the final two contestants compete against an experienced Abuela chef. Featured Abuela chefs include Carla Dawkins (Panama), Eneida Mascetti, (Puerto Rico), Patty Lavalle (Mexico). Chef Margarita Bernal (Colombia), Chef Adolfo Cavalie (Peru), and Chef Octavio Ortega (Mexican) serve as judges.

The six-episode series is created by Dhana Media and executive produced with Allied Management Group. Mari Urdaneta and Liliana Moyano serve as executive producers for Dhana Media; John Pollak serves as executive producer for Allied Management Group; and Luis Balaguer also serves as executive producer. Moira Noriega serves as showrunner and executive producer.

The series launches on June 9 on The Roku Channel in the U.S. and Mexico.

Un Millón de Gracias
Un Millón de Gracias is the third season of English-language Roku Original series Thanks a Million, executive produced by Jennifer Lopez.

Shot entirely in Spanish for the first time, the new season features 10 grateful celebrities, who will each give away $100,000 to someone who has inspired them by being a hero to their community. The catch: That person must give half away to someone they’re grateful to, continuing the chain of kindness.

Celebrities featured in the “pay-it-forward chain” include Chiquis, Gina Torres, Jaime Camil, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, Lauren Jauregui, Michael Peña, Michelle Rodriguez, Pau Gasol, Sofia Reyes, and Wilmer Valderrama.

The 10-episode series is produced by B17 Entertainment and Nuyorican Productions, with Jennifer Lopez, as well as Rhett Bachner, Brien Meagher, and Aliyah Silverstein for B17 Entertainment and Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Larry Del Santo for Nuyorican Productions, serving as executive producers. Alex Davies serves as executive producer and showrunner.

The series launches on August 11 on The Roku Channel in the U.S. and at a later date in Mexico.

About Roku, Inc.
Roku pioneered streaming on TV. We connect users to the content they love, enable content publishers to build and monetize large audiences, and provide advertisers with unique capabilities to engage consumers. Roku TV™ models, Roku streaming players, and TV-related audio devices are available in various countries around the world through direct retail sales and/or licensing arrangements with TV OEM brands. Roku-branded TVs and Roku Smart Home products are sold exclusively in the United States. Roku also operates The Roku Channel, the home of free and premium entertainment with exclusive access to Roku Originals. The Roku Channel is available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., U.S.A.

Visit https://www.roku.com/ and mark your calendars for this new and free content just for you. Latinos are watching and Roku is listening.

by ICmag Editors

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'Knights of the Zodiac,' the First Chapter of the Saint Seiya Saga has Arrived

4/14/2023

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For the first time, the Saint Seiya saga is coming to the big screen in live action, and we've got the details. Based on the international anime sensation, Knights of the Zodiac, this live action saga already has fans lining up for advance tickets. Toei Animation and Stage 6 Films (a Sony Company) revealed a new Knights of the Zodiac training clip and announced that advance tickets are now on sale for the anticipated first chapter of the Saint Seiya saga.

In the new clip where you can see Seiya (Mackenyu) as he is beginning his training with a masked mentor, Marin (Caitlin M. Hutson)- will he finally untap the full potential of his secret mystical powers?

Check “Marin trains Seiya” here: https://youtu.be/P_ZjIcbZuFg

Seiya (Mackenyu), a headstrong street teen, spends his time fighting for cash while he searches for his abducted sister. When one of his fights unwittingly taps into mystical powers, he never knew he had, Seiya finds himself thrust into a world of warring saints, ancient magical training, and a reincarnated goddess who needs his protection. If he’s to survive, he will need to embrace his destiny and sacrifice everything to take his rightful place among the Knights of the Zodiac.

Knights of the Zodiac cast features Mackenyu, Famke Janssen, Madison Iseman, Diego Tinoco, Mark Dacascos, Nick Stahl, and Sean Bean. Directed by Tomek Baginski with screenplay by Josh Campbell & Matt Stuecken and Kiel Murray; based on original stories and characters from The Manga “Saint Seiya” by Masami Kurumada.

The PG-13 film will be released in theaters in the US on May 12 by Toei Animation and Stage 6 Films (a Sony company) and is slated to release as Los Caballeros del Zodiaco in Latin America on April 27 through Sony Pictures.

Get your tickets here.

by IC Editors

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Apple Original Films and A24 Announce 'Stephen Curry: Underrated' Theater Release

4/13/2023

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It's official, the highly anticipated, critically acclaimed documentary Stephen Curry: Underrated is coming to theaters. The Apple Original Films and A24 announced it today. Directed and produced by Emmy Award winner Peter Nicks, Stephen Curry: Underrated will be released in select theaters and premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, July 21, 2023.

Stephen Curry: Underrated is the remarkable coming-of-age story of one of the most influential, dynamic and unexpected players in the history of basketball: Stephen Curry. This feature documentary — blending intimate cinéma vérité, archival footage and on camera interviews — documents Curry’s rise from an undersized college player at a small town Division I college to a four-time NBA champion, building one of the most dominant sports dynasties in the world.

Nicks produces alongside Academy Award nominee Ryan Coogler, Erick Peyton, Sean Havey, Ben Cotner and Marissa Torres Ericson. Emily Osborne, Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler are executive producers.

Stephen Curry: Underrated joins Apple TV+‘s acclaimed and award-winning sports slate including docuseries and documentaries featuring the real-life stories behind the biggest names in sports such as “Greatness Code,” revealing what truly drives the world’s greatest athletes to succeed featuring Lindsey Vonn, Marcus Rashford, and Russell Wilson, among others; the four-part Emmy Award nominated Earvin “Magic” Johnson docuseries “They Call Me Magic”; “The Long Game: Bigger Than Basketball” about NBA hopeful Makur Maker; and “Make or Break,” following elite World Surf League competitors. Soon to join this slate will be the recently announced feature documentary about seven-time Formula One world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton; and “The Dynasty” a new documentary event series about the New England Patriots, from Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Documentaries, in association with NFL Films.

About Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is home to award-winning Apple Originals from today’s most imaginative storytellers. Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service.

Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL, and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com.

by IC Editors

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Lucasfilm’s Disney+ Series and Disney Theatrical Films Showcased in Europe

4/13/2023

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Star Wars Celebration kicked off its opening day in London with a non-stop series of announcements about some of the year’s most highly anticipated productions—from Disney+ original series including Star Wars: Ahsoka and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew to upcoming feature films including “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” Throughout the day, surprises kept fans’ spirits high as a parade of actors and Lucasfilm luminaries took to the stage to reveal exciting new information about landmark productions.

Taking place at the ExCel London Convention Center, Friday’s activities on the Celebration Stage began with host Ali Plumb welcoming Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy to reflect on the success of the highly acclaimed Disney+ original series Star Wars: Andor. They were joined by the series’ director/creator/showrunner Tony Gilroy and stars Diego Luna, Adria Arjona, Kyle Soller, Denise Gough, Genevieve O’Reilly, Andy Serkis, Muhannad Bahair and Joplin Sibtain, who was accompanied by droid B2EMO. Fans were treated to an exclusive first look at the second and final season, which is currently in production and chronicles the next steps in Andor’s journey as he fights to assemble a fledgling resistance. Kennedy, Tony Gilroy, Sanne Wohlenberg, Diego Luna and Luke Hull are executive producing the upcoming season exclusively for Disney+.

Next, Leslye Headland, creator and showrunner of Star Wars: The Acolyte joined Kennedy on stage. Headland entered, escorted by Kelnacca, a Wookiee Jedi from the series, and offered an overview of the new mystery-thriller. The Acolyte will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era. A former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes but discovers the forces they confront are more sinister than they ever anticipated.

Joining Headland and Kennedy on stage were the series’ stars--Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Charlie Barnett, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Dean-Charles Chapman and Star Wars veteran Joonas Suotamo, who plays Kelnacca. Headland wowed the crowd with a sneak peek at the upcoming show, which also stars Carrie-Anne Moss and Margarita Levieva and is currently in production. In addition to writing and directing, Headland serves as an executive producer with Kennedy, Simon Emanuel, Jeff F. King and Jason Micallef. Rayne Roberts and Damian Anderson produce. The Acolyte will stream exclusively on Disney+ in 2024.

The focus then shifted to Star Wars: The Mandalorian as Kennedy invited the series’ executive producers Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni to the stage. The duo, along with fellow executive producer Rick Famuyiwa, were on hand for a discussion of the third season of the hit show, now streaming, exclusively on Disney+. Following a special video greeting from star Pedro Pascal, fans were treated to a clip from next week’s episode. Afterward, stars Giancarlo Esposito, Katee Sackhoff, Carl Weathers and Emily Swallow joined the stage and announced a special sneak-peek screening of the upcoming episode for those in attendance later that evening.

In The Mandalorian Season 3, Din Djarin (Pascal), once a lone bounty hunter, has reunited with Grogu. Meanwhile, the New Republic struggles to lead the galaxy away from its dark history. The Mandalorian crosses paths with old allies and makes new enemies as he and Grogu continue their journey together. Directors for the series include Famuyiwa, Rachel Morrison, Lee Isaac Chung, Carl Weathers, Peter Ramsey and Bryce Dallas Howard. Favreau is the head writer and executive produces along with Filoni, Famuyiwa, Kennedy and Colin Wilson. Co-executive producers are Karen Gilchrist and Carrie Beck.

Next up, Jude Law, star of the upcoming Disney+ original series Skeleton Crew, took to the stage to officially introduce his young co-stars, Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Kyriana Kratter and Robert Timothy Smith; the series also stars Ryan Kiera Armstrong, who was unable to attend Celebration. The team shared insights about the series, their characters and to the delight of all, a sneak peak of the series, which is currently in production. Skeleton Crew follows the journey of four kids who make a mysterious discovery on their seemingly safe home planet, then get lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy. Finding their way home—and meeting unlikely allies and enemies—will be a greater adventure than they ever imagined.

The series stars Law, Cabot-Conyers, Armstrong, Kratter, Smith, Tunde Adebimpe and Kerry Condon. Jon Watts and Christopher Ford are showrunners and executive produce along with Favreau, Filoni, Kennedy and Wilson. Gilchrist and Beck serve as co-executive producers. John Bartnicki and Susan McNamara are producers. Directors include Watts, Ford, David Lowery, the Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), Jake Schreier, Bryce Dallas Howard and Lee Isaac Chung. Skeleton Crew will stream exclusively on Disney+ in 2023.

Transitioning to this year’s next highly anticipated “Star Wars” series Favreau and Filoni confirmed that Ahsoka, starring Rosario Dawson in the title role, will premiere exclusively on Disney+ this August 2023. Set after the fall of the Empire, “Ahsoka” follows the former Jedi knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. Dawson took the stage and unveiled a teaser poster for the series, after which she was joined by co-stars Natasha Liu Bordizzo, who plays Sabine Wren, and Mary Elizabeth

Winstead, who announced that she will be playing Hera Syndulla. The presentation concluded with a new teaser trailer for the Disney+ original series, which is written by executive producer by Filoni, alongside executive producers Favreau, Kennedy, Wilson, and Beck. Gilchrist is co-executive producer.

Afterward, feature film became the focus of the day’s presentations, with Kennedy paying tribute to the incredible work of Oscar®-winning Creature and Special Makeup Effects Supervisor Neal Scanlan as dozens of his most famous creations took the stage. Kennedy then revealed that Star Wars will head into the future, with a new feature set 15 years after the last events of the Skywalker Saga. Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy will tell the story of rebuilding the New Jedi Order and the powers that rise to tear it down; the director then delighted fans by welcoming Daisy Ridley to stage, confirming she will be reprising her beloved role as Rey in the upcoming movie.

Kennedy also announced that James Mangold will take audiences deep into the past, telling the tale of the first Jedi to wield the Force and harness it as a liberating power in an era of chaos and oppression.

Expanding upon Star Wars storytelling in the present, Dave Filoni will orchestrate the escalating war between the Imperial Remnant and the fledgling New Republic. Alongside producer Jon Favreau, they will bring together many of the threads of the Star Wars original series in a cinematic event.

Finally, the stars and filmmakers of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny dazzled the crowd with a never-before-seen trailer, an extensive look at the film and a brand new poster. Appearing in person were cast members Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Mads Mikkelsen, along with director and co-writer James Mangold and producer Kennedy. Dr. Jones himself, the inimitable Harrison Ford, appeared in a video greeting. The film, which will be Harrison Ford’s final Indiana Jones adventure, premieres at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18 and opens in theaters on June 30.

In Lucasfilm’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Harrison Ford returns as the legendary hero archaeologist, starring along with Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag”), Antonio Banderas (“Pain and Glory”), John Rhys-Davies (Raiders of the Lost Ark), Toby Jones (“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”), Boyd Holbrook (“Logan”), Ethann Isidore (“Mortel”) and Mads Mikkelsen (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”). Directed by Mangold, the film is produced by Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Simon Emanuel, with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas serving as executive producers. John Williams, who has scored each Indy adventure since the original “Raiders of the Lost Ark” in 1981, has once again composed the score.

Images and Material provided by Disney+

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YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/starwars
Twitter: @starwars; @DisneyPlus
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Facebook: @starwars; @DisneyPlus

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'Sisu' Arrives in Theaters This April

4/11/2023

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Written and directed by Jalmari Helander, the action film, Sisu is coming to theaters this April. Starring Jorma Tommila, Aksel Hennie, Jack Doolan, Mimosa Willamo, Onni Tommila, the film was produced by Petri Jokiranta, executive produced by Mike Goodridge, Gregory Ouanhon, Antonio Salas, and edited by Juho Virolainen. The cinematography was by Kjell Lagerroos. This film is not yet rated

Here's an Official Synopsis:
During the last desperate days of WWII, a solitary prospector (Jorma Tommila) crosses paths with Nazis on a scorched-earth retreat in northern Finland. When the Nazis steal his gold, they quickly discover that they have just tangled with no ordinary miner.

While there is no direct translation for the Finnish word “sisu”, this legendary ex-commando will embody what sisu means: a white-knuckled form of courage and unimaginable determination in the face of overwhelming odds. And no matter what the Nazis throw at him, the one-man death squad will go to outrageous lengths to get his gold back – even if it means killing every last Nazi in his path.

Watch Sisu only in theaters on April 28, 2023.

by IC Contributors

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Disney's Epic Movie Event, 'Peter Pan & Wendy' Arrives This April

4/10/2023

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A new trailer for Disney’s epic movie event, Peter Pan & Wendy, is available now. The studio’s live-action reimagining of the J. M. Barrie novel and the 1953 animated classic will begin streaming April 28, 2023, exclusively on Disney+.

Peter Pan & Wendy introduces Wendy Darling, a young girl afraid to leave her childhood home behind, who meets Peter Pan, a boy who refuses to grow up. Alongside her brothers and a tiny fairy, Tinker Bell, she travels with Peter to the magical world of Never Land. There, she encounters an evil pirate captain, Captain Hook, and embarks on a thrilling and dangerous adventure that will change her life forever. The film stars Jude Law (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”), Alexander Molony (“The Reluctant Landlord”), Ever Anderson (“Resident Evil: The Final Chapter”), Yara Shahidi (“Grown-ish”), Alyssa Wapanatâhk, Joshua Pickering (“A Discovery of Witches”), Jacobi Jupe, Molly Parker (“House of Cards”), Alan Tudyk (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”), and Jim Gaffigan (“The Jim Gaffigan Show”). “Peter Pan and Wendy” is directed by David Lowery from a screenplay by David Lowery & Toby Halbrooks (“The Green Knight”) based on the novel by J. M. Barrie and the animated film “Peter Pan.” The producer is Jim Whitaker (“Pete’s Dragon”), with Adam Borba (“A Wrinkle in Time”), Thomas M. Hammel (“Thor: Ragnarok”), and Toby Halbrooks serving as executive producers.

Studio’s live-action reimagining begins streaming April 28, 2023, exclusively on Disney+.

IC Contributors

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Amazon Studios and LALIFF to Support Latino Independent Filmmakers

4/7/2023

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Amazon Studios and the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) today announced LALIFF Works in Progress, a finishing fund to enable independent US based Latino filmmakers in the completion of a feature film. Funds will be allocated to films in the final stages of production with a unique directorial voice, cultural significance, and commercial viability.

Individual directors and independent production companies are invited to submit a picture locked cut of their feature length scripted or documentary film. A jury of post-production professionals will divide the funds among the three top projects, based on their post-production needs. Funds recipients will be announced at this year’s LALIFF, which is presented by the Latino Film Institute (LFI) and takes place in Los Angeles May 31-June 4.

“We are very excited to announce the expansion of our collaboration with Amazon Studios through the inaugural LALIFF Works in Progress initiative. By supporting this program, Amazon is supporting our work as we continue to elevate Latino voices in a landscape where it's difficult for filmmakers from our community to secure post-productions funds", said Academy Award® nominated actor, founder of the Latino Film Institute and co-founder of LALIFF, Edward James Olmos.

“At Amazon Studios we strive to remove barriers to success in the creative process. It is part of the equity work we are committed to doing” said Latasha Gillespie, global head of DEIA for Amazon Studios and Prime Video. “LALIFF Works in Progress is a compelling example of our Inclusion Policy and Playbook in action.”

LALIFF Works in Progress is an expansion of Amazon Studios and LFI’s current relationship; Amazon Studios is the exclusive sponsor of LFI’s Youth Cinema Project (YCP) Alumni program for the 2022-2023 school year. The program connects over 300 students to hands-on access and learning opportunities across the industry, including mentoring and assistance with college applications. The sponsorship also includes the inaugural YCP Fellowship initiative, which provides 19 college bound students with resources to make a high-quality short film to strengthen their film school applications and scholarship opportunities. The finished film will screen at LALIFF in June.

Visit here for more details on the LALIFF Works in Progress program and how to submit.

About LALIFF:
The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) is a premier international event dedicated to showcasing the entirety of human experience from the Latino perspective, whether through film, television, digital, music, art, or any other vehicle, regardless of platform.

IC Contributors

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