What’s Happening in the World of International Entertainment: BAFTA Changes, London TV Showings, and the Berlin Situation
The international film and television industry has witnessed a tumultuous week, with major events including the BAFTA Film Awards overshadowed by controversy. Lead reporter Jesse Whittock provides an overview of the unfolding drama in the industry.
BAFTA Fallout
The BAFTA Film Awards, held on Sunday night in London, were initially expected to celebrate achievements, but the evening took a distressing turn. Robert Aramayo won the Best Leading Actor award for his portrayal of John Davidson, a campaigner with Tourette Syndrome, in the film I Swear. However, the celebratory mood quickly shifted when Davidson, present in the audience, was heard using a racial slur several times, despite being unable to control his outbursts. The incident occurred while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage. Davidson’s condition has long been a focus of his advocacy work, but the use of the word elicited understandable outrage from many attendees. The issue gained further scrutiny when the BBC failed to edit out the offensive remarks from its broadcast, despite having a two-hour delay. As a result, both the BBC and BAFTA are now conducting formal reviews of the incident.
Additional insights are available in a piece by Baz Bamigboye, which discusses the broader implications of the event and how it could serve as a teachable moment.
London TV Screenings, Volume 6
Watch on Deadline
Following the BAFTA events, London became a hotspot for content creators and distributors. The sixth edition of the London TV Screenings featured over 40 individual events, showcasing a mix of major distributors and boutique firms. This year’s festivities included the second MIP London event at the Savoy Hotel, where various acquisition deals were announced. The general atmosphere was buoyed by unusually warm weather, indicating a potential uptick in the international TV acquisitions market. Coverage of the happenings can be found through various reports.
Tuttle Tussle
Tricia Tuttle, director of the Berlin Film Festival, is facing significant challenges in the wake of emotionally charged pro-Palestinian speeches made during the festival’s closing ceremony. Tuttle expressed that the week had left her feeling “teary.” Reports surfaced claiming she was removed from her position after just two years, but subsequent information indicated no decisions had been made regarding her future. A collective of industry professionals, including notable figures like Tilda Swinton and Sean Baker, voiced their support through an open letter opposing her potential dismissal. The situation remains fluid, and updates are anticipated.
The Essentials
🌶️ Hot One: Cameras are set to roll on BBC and A24’s adaptation of Kaliane Bradley‘s hit novel, ‘The Ministry of Time.’
🌶️ Another One: Media Res has secured a first-look distribution deal with Fifth Season, featuring the Swedish series Summer of 1985 as their inaugural project.
🔥 Fiery third: Sumerian Pictures continued its momentum with the acquisition of Josephine at Sundance, subsequently picking up the off-beat comedy The Incomer.
👉🏼 Chosen: Park Chan-wook, celebrated director of Old Boy and No Other Choice, has been appointed as the president of the jury for the 79th Cannes Film Festival, scheduled from May 12-23.
👩🏻⚕️ Doctor, doctor: Suranne Jones is set to return for a third and final season of the BBC drama Doctor Foster.
🤝 Done deal: Vivendi-owned Studiocanal has acquired a 51% stake in the prominent Italian distributor Lucky Red.
🎥 Behind the Lens: Filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania of The Voice of Hind Rajab engaged in a dialogue with Pete Hammond about her Oscar-nominated Gaza film.
🍿 Box office: The Maoyan Research Institute reported that Chinese New Year box office earnings reached $842.3 million (RMB 5.75 billion) from February 15-23, with total admissions estimated at 120 million.
International Insider was written by Jesse Whittock and edited by Max Goldbart.
