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Film Festival
ReelAbilities Now Streaming: Film Festival Lauches Platform for Disability Content
The ReelAbilities Film Festival is celebrating Disability Pride month by launching a streaming service that is the largest online hub for disability-themed films. The new platform uses a pay-per-view model, with film prices that range from $1.99 to $3.99 per title. The online library contains more than 50 films featured in previous years at the festival and is equipped with open captions and audio descriptions for full accessibility.
DEI
Emmy Diversity: Latinx and Black Actors Set Nomination Records
This year’s crop of Emmy nominees displays increased diversity, particularly with Latino performers. Pedro Pascal stands out as the most-nominated Latino in a single year with three nominations, and Latina actresses Jenna Ortega and Aubrey Plaza both receiving nominations. This year also showcases a record-breaking number of Black women nominated in the supporting comedy actress category, with Ayo Edebiri for The Bear, Jessica Williams for Shrinking, and both Janelle James and Sheryl Lee Ralph for Abbott Elementary.
Awards
BAFTA Updates: U.K. Awards Adjusts Campaign and Eligibility Rules
BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) is making some updates for its film awards. The organization will begin recognizing non-binary individuals in the directing category by expanding its longlist from 16 to 17, but the number of nominees will remain at six. BAFTA is also introducing guidelines to address bullying and harassment by making sure all U.K.-based productions that are nominated for Outstanding British Film have an anti-bullying policy in place. Lastly, all BAFTA voters will be given detailed guidelines and regulations on campaigning, which comes after last year’s enlivened Oscar campaign for Andrea Riseborough in To Leslie.
Digital
TikToks on Redbox: Companies Partner Up to Deliver New Content
The DVD rental kiosk company, Redbox, and the popular social media platform, TikTok, have joined forces. This partnership will tap into TikTok's powerful advertising capabilities with the creation of short video ads that will be shown on TikTok to promote Redbox’s DVD rental services. Amidst the rise of digital streaming, Redbox is hoping this new advertising tactic will attract younger audiences and revitalize interest in physical media rentals.
Industry
Funding Atlanta Film: Southbox Entertainment Raises $80 Million for Local Projects
Southbox Entertainment, a new film and television production fund led by entrepreneur Jon Gosier and based in Atlanta, Georgia, has just launched. $25 million has been secured by its sister company FilmHedge, and is raising another $55 million from private investors. This fund aims to provide financial support to diverse, independent filmmakers, and help cultivate Georgia's thriving film industry. The Peach State currently has a thriving film community due in part to its successful tax incentive program, and the fund aims to attract even more new voices.
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