‘The Moogai’ Wins Top Prize at CinefestOZ
Jon Bell’s chilling Aboriginal horror film, The Moogai, clinched the prestigious Film Prize at Western Australia’s CinefestOZ festival on Saturday. The film, which earned A$100,000 (approximately $67,000), is celebrated as one of the most lucrative film festival awards globally. The plot follows Sarah and Fergus, a young Aboriginal couple whose joy at the birth of their second child turns to terror when Sarah begins seeing a malevolent spirit that threatens her baby. The film, starring Shari Sebbens and Meyne Wyatt, explores themes of grief and trauma related to Australia’s Stolen Generations. It is produced by Kristina Ceyton, Mitchell Stanely, Samantha Jennings, and Alex White, with international sales managed by the U.K.’s Bankside Films. The film competed against “Runt,” “Audrey,” and “Memoir of a Snail” for the top honor.
Banijay Expands with Acquisition of Procidis
Banijay Kids & Family, known for hits like Totally Spies! and Mr Bean: The Animated Series, has acquired a majority stake in French production company Procidis. Procidis, famous for the Once Upon a Time… series and its Hello Maestro brand, will enhance Banijay’s portfolio with its edutainment expertise. Founded in 1962 by Albert Barillé and currently led by Hélène Barillé, Procidis will continue its legacy under its new ownership. Hélène Barillé will stay on as managing director, while Benoît Di Sabatino from Banijay Kids & Family will take on the role of president.
Classic Thai Horror ‘Shutter’ Re-Released
The classic Thai horror film Shutter returns to theaters to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom, the film follows a couple haunted by strange shadows appearing in their photos after a car accident. Shutter, which spurred renewed interest in Thai horror, inspired a 2008 Japanese remake and remains influential in the genre. Pisanthanakun has since directed successful films like Pee Mak and the Korean co-production The Medium.
Thailand International LGBTQ+ Film & TV Festival Kicks Off
The Thailand International LGBTQ+ Film & TV Festival 2024 commenced on Monday at Bangkok’s Paragon Cineplex. The festival features 28 LGBTQ+ films from 14 countries, including titles like Before I Change My Mind, Splendid Isolation, Big Boys, and Thai classics such as The Last Song and Love of Siam. Taiwan’s Tsai Ming-liang is expected to attend. The festival highlights Thailand’s growing influence in LGBTQ+ content production and its role as a hub for BL and GL content in Asia.
