SALES
International sales agent Incredible Film has secured global distribution rights to “Amsterdamned II,” the sequel to Dick Maas’ 1988 cult classic, “Amsterdamned.” Veteran Dutch actor Huub Stapel reprises his role as detective Eric Visser, who once pursued a serial killer through the Dutch canals three decades ago, as he is brought back from retirement by a revelation that shakes him to his core. In the sequel, also directed by Maas, Visser and fellow detective Tara Lee fight against an evil that threatens them and the city of Amsterdam.
The film is a coproduction from the Netherlands’ 2CFilm and Parachute Pictures and Belgium’s Potemkino. Production is set to begin later this year, with release scheduled for 2025, in time for the city of Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary.
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Daniëlle Raaphorst, CEO of Incredible Film, said: “Three decades ago, the chilling horror ‘Amsterdamned’ gripped audiences around the world. Now, we are delighted to be representing the sequel. Returning to the eerie canals of Amsterdam, ‘Amsterdamned II’ promises to captivate audiences once more with its gripping tale of mystery and terror.”
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Incredible Film is launching sales on the film at the Cannes Film Festival‘s market.
LINEAR CHANNEL
KC Global Media, an Asian channels operator, is to close its linear Japanese channel, GEM from the end of July. The channel will remain as an on-demand offering. The company said that the move would allow it to dedicate greater resources to its established and high-performing channels AXN, Animax, and ONE TV Asia. Established by Sony in 2014, the channel was rolled out in Southeast Asia, but subsequently sold to KC Global in 2020.
“This strategic shift allows us to further strengthen our position as a leader in specific content genres,” said George Chien, co-founder, CEO and president of KC Global Media. “By focusing on AXN, the destination for thrilling action and drama; Animax, the region’s leading Japanese anime channel; and ONE, the premiere platform for Korean entertainment, we can deliver a more impactful and targeted content experience for our viewers.”
IMPACT PROGRAM
The U.K.’s Film and TV Charity has unveiled Reel Impact, a strategic initiative supporting mid-senior Black and global majority ( (a collective term for people of Indigenous, African, Asian, Latin American descent, who constitute some 85% of the global population) professionals in film, TV, and related production companies. Originating from the Impact Partnership program, Reel Impact was co-designed with Black and global majority creatives and industry leaders. It aims to combat systemic racism, enhance access to opportunities and bolster under-represented talent. Launching with grants up to £10,000 ($12,535) for individuals and £25,000 ($31,345) for companies, the program also focuses on partnerships for skills and leadership development. The first funding round opens May 13 and closes June 30, with awards announced in September.
LICENSING
U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 has licensed Indian filmmaker Shiladitya Bora’s award-winning directorial debut feature “Bhagwan Bharose” and will broadcast it as part of their Indian film season later this year.
Produced by Sri Lankan auteur Prasanna Vithanage (Busan winner “Paradise”) along with Platoon One Films, Lighthouse Innoventures, Sri Sathya Sai Arts and IVS Corporation, the Hindi-language film is a coming-of-age drama, based on a story by Sudhakar Neelmani, about two boys whose ideas about faith are constantly questioned and changed as their little world expands and takes in their country’s fast-changing socio-political landscape.
The cast includes Satendra Soni, Sparsh Suman, Vinay Pathak, Masumeh Makhija, Manurishi Chaddha and Shrikant Verma. The film features original music by Indian rock band Indian Ocean with lyrics by Sanjeev Sharma.
“Bhagwan Bharose” had a theatrical release in India via PVR Inox Pictures, the distribution arm of India’s largest multiplex cinema company.
India’s Ministry of Information Broadcasting has selected the film for a market screening at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16.
FESTIVAL
The MAMI (Mumbai Academy of Moving Image) Mumbai Film Festival will take place Oct. 19–24. The festival is known for spotlighting South Asian cinema and talent while also showcasing the best of world cinema.