FESTIVAL Anurag Kashyap, Sunny Leone, Taapsee Pannu, Rahul Bhat, Ranjan Singh, Anup Singh, Don Palathara, and Sami Khan are among the guest list at the 12th edition of BMO International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA), Toronto (Oct. 12-22).
With a lineup of some 120 films and more than 30 events, IFFSA is among the largest South Asian-themed festivals in the world. Selections include Cannes duo Kashyaps Kennedy, starring Leone and Bhat, and Kanu Behls Agra, Laetitia Colombanis The Braid starring Kim Raver (Greys Anatomy) and Berlin selections Ghaath by Chhatrapal Ninawe and Aatmapamphlet by Ashish Bende. From Rotterdam, Palatharas Family, starring Vinay Forrt and Devashish Makhijas Joram, headlined by Manoj Bajpayee, feature alongside Jagath Manuwarnas Sri Lankan film Whispering Mountains.
Acclaimed Bangladesh series Pett Kata Shaw will feature as will Canadian Bengali-language production Meghna Konnya by Fuad Chowdhury, Atul Sabharwals Hindi-language Berlin and Osman Rafiqs Daira: Rim of Life from Pakistan.
Festival director Sunny Gill said: IFFSA Toronto is not just a festival; its a cultural phenomenon that celebrates the rich tapestry of South Asian cinema. With an impressive lineup of films and events, we aim to create an unforgettable experience that resonates with cinephiles and creators alike.
DISTRIBUTION GRB Studios and Media Ranch have entered into a joint venture partnership to create independent distribution organization GRB Media Ranch. The new entity will have a portfolio that includes over 5,000 hours of factual, unscripted, and scripted programming as well as formats in all genres. Both companies will retain their separate production and creative businesses. Creative and original production for GRB Studios will remain solely with GRB under the management of Gary R. Benz while Media Ranchs original IP and format development, including current paper formats, and incubator Horsepower will remain solely with Media Ranch, under the management of Sophie Ferron and with Philip Kalin-Hajdu, head of development and storytelling.
The team will include personnel from both partners handling distribution. From GRB:Liz Levensonwill cover Africa, Middle East, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe whileTorquil Macnealwill cover APAC;Janel Downingwill cover Latin America; and from Media Ranch:Tanja van der Goeswill cover Europe for formats;Alexa Jorizzowill cover Europe and Canada for finished programs.
GRBs roster includes Intervention andUntold Stories of the E.R., while Media Ranch distributes over 150 formats, includingRound Tablefrom Masked Singer creator Wonwoo Parkand Comedy on the Edge.
CHECKING OUT
Stephen Tate, head of entertainment factual programming, is to depart Paramount Australia and New Zealand, at the end of the week. He has worked there, and its predecessor Network 10, for some 20 years. He has producing and executive production credits including Australian Idol, Big Brother, Australian Survivor, The Bachelor Australia, The Masked Singer Australia, The Amazing Race Australia and Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!
Not only is Stephen a brilliant executive producer but he has been critical in casting so many, now household, names in all our favorite shows. As he moves to the next chapter of his career, we all wish him the best and we will miss his infectious enthusiasm, said Beverley McGarvey, executive VP, chief content officer and head of Paramount+, Paramount Australia New Zealand.