Steve Pond's Blog, page 39

‘Ghost Elephants’ Review: Who but Werner Herzog Could Lead Us on This Mystical Search for Giant Pachyderms?

For the last couple of decades, Werner Herzog has kept returning to a peculiar specialty: the wonders of nature, often as seen through the eyes of a specific scientist or adventurer.  He’s tackled bears in “Grizzly Man,” Antarctica in “Encounters at the End of the World,” 30,000-year-old paintings in “Cave of Forgotten Dreams,” volcanoes in “Into the Inferno,” meteorites in “Fireball: Visitors From Darker Worlds” and now African elephants in “Ghost Elephants,” which premiered on Thursday at the Venice Film Festival.

This trend isn’t necessarily new for Herzog – you can trace its roots back to one of his first nonfiction movies, 1971’s “Fata Morgana,” about mirages in the desert. But it brings out a continuing desire on his part to find the poetry in nature and in those who explore it. He doesn’t approach these topics as a strict documentarian would, though; the most memorable sequence in his doc filmmaking over the last couple of decades may well be his reverie at the end of “Cave of Forgotten Dreams” where he conjures up entirely fictional (though he doesn’t tell you that) radioactive albino crocodiles in the river that flows near where some of mankind’s oldest artworks reside.

So when Werner gets all Herzoggian about  mysterious mammoth elephants in “Ghost Elephants,” we can be sure that he’s looking beyond the facts to the myths and legends that make them worthy of his attention. And you could even say that his interest in the subject makes this a suspense movie of sorts, the suspense being how long it’ll take Herzog to say something profound and mystical in his inimitable (or, rather, very imitatable) Teutonic tones.

In this case, the suspense is short-lived. “Ghost Elephants” doesn’t feature a lot of the filmmaker’s trademark reveries, particularly when it comes to its relatively straightforward voiceover. (It’s “we went there, we did that, he said this” kind of stuff.) But as an off-camera questioner, it only takes him about 10 minutes to invoke Herman Melville and ask his ghost-elephant expert, Dr. Steve Boyes, “Is it almost like going after the white whale? The unknown, the mysterious?” 

Dr. Steve’s answer is yes, because if you want to hang out with Werner, a taste for the myterious is pretty much de rigeur. What’s interesting is that Boyes then admits that maybe the ghost elephants don’t exist at all — or maybe they do exist, but their expedition won’t find them and he’ll spend the rest of his life looking. And when he repeats the same line about 40 minutes later, you wonder if he and the filmmaker are setting us up for disappointment or justifying it to themselves in advance.

Regardless, the hunt is pretty cool. It starts at the recently-maligned Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., where Boyes and Herzog go face-to-face with Henry, a reconstituted 13-ton elephant who is considered the single largest specimen of a land animal on Earth.

The theory is that the ghost elephants, called that because they’ve left traces of their presence but don’t have any documented sightings by humans, are related to Henry and may have been living for centuries in the Angola Highlands, a remote high-altitude region about the size of England that is considered “the water tower of Africa.”

The leisurely paced 99-minute film, made with National Geographic, gets elegant with slo-mo underwater shots of pachyderms and takes a lot of time to set up the expedition, meeting the Kalahari bushmen and hanging out with Namibian trackers and tribal hunters from a variety of African regions that can lay claim to being the birthplace of humanity.

There’s a tutorial in making deadly poison from the cocoons of beetle grubs, heartbreaking footage from the heyday of big-game hunting and looks at the daily life in some tribal communities. The film shows footage of a tribal elder spending his day repairing a small stringed instrument while chickens run around him, and Herzog just can’t help himself. “I know I should not romanticize this,” he says, “but surrounded by chickens, it cannot get any better than this.”

We’re not going to spoil what the trackers do find, because the movie is about the journey, not the result. Suffice it to say that it’s not as bad as Boyes fears or as fabulous as we’d like, and that lots of labs are still doing lots of tests whose results will be published at a later date.

In a way, this makes “Ghost Elephants” a case of Herzog lite, at least when it comes to his mystical nature docs. It’s fascinating but not revelatory, thought provoking but not mind blowing. And since it’s for NatGeo, the filmmaker probably can’t get away with any of that radioactive albino crocodile stuff, though crocs do at least threaten to make an appearance.

At any rate, it’s a look at a wonder of nature that has been there for a long time.

We’re talking about Werner Herzog, of course. 

The post ‘Ghost Elephants’ Review: Who but Werner Herzog Could Lead Us on This Mystical Search for Giant Pachyderms? appeared first on TheWrap.

‘Gutfeld!’ Gang Ridicules Vanity Fair Staffer Who Says They’ll Quit Over Melania Cover: ‘Self-Obsession’ |Video

The “Gutfeld!” panel giddily ridiculed the Vanity Fair editor who this week said they’d storm out if the magazine follows through with a plan to feature Melania Trump on its cover, dismantling the anonymous staffer’s tirade as “self-obsession.”

The mid-level editor told the Daily Beast on Tuesday that they would “walk out the motherf—ing door, and half my staff will follow me … We are not going to normalize this despot and his wife; we’re just not going to do it. We’re going to stand for what’s right.”

“Now, who knows if they will follow through and leave,” said Kat Timpf, sitting in as host for an absent Greg Gutfeld. “And other employees said they doubt people would quit a prestigious job over it. Or even a job at Vanity Fair.”

Vanity Fair traditionally has had every first lady on its cover at some point, including Michelle Obama – three times – and Jill Biden twice, Timpf noted. The left-leaning fashion magazine – which is pivoting to consolidate its Hollywood and politics coverage under new editor Mark Guiducci – skipped the tradition during Trump’s first term.

“Refusing to work with people with whom you disagree is ridiculous,” Timpf said. “And it is a lesson these magazine staffers need to learn because people everywhere are starting to realize it … Greg may be right when he says this is evidence of the culture shifting towards the right. But it could be a shift not away from the left or even towards the right but towards a culture that doesn’t decide the value of a person based on politics. We used to call it being American.”

Timpf’s final point was equally universal: “Having to deal with stuff at work that you don’t like isn’t unique to media. It is literally what a job is. … So if you work at Vanity Fair and think that Trump and his wife are awful, that’s fine. No one is expecting you to change your mind. But what you shouldn’t expect is for the entire trajectory of the magazine to revolve around you and your opinion. That is not compassion, that is self-obsession.”

Watch the entire monologue in the video above.

The post ‘Gutfeld!’ Gang Ridicules Vanity Fair Staffer Who Says They’ll Quit Over Melania Cover: ‘Self-Obsession’ |Video appeared first on TheWrap.

Chris Hayes Slams Trump’s Use of National Guard to Pick Up Trash: ‘Bizarre on Many Levels’ | Video

Donald Trump deployed camo-clad members of the National Guard to Washington, D.C., to pick up trash this week, a decision that is “bizarre on many levels,” Chris Hayes said Wednesday.

“Soldiers wear camouflage to conceal themselves from the enemy they want to kill,” Hayes said. “Safety vests are what municipal workers put on so you can see them at work.”

What Americans are witnessing is “the cognitive dissonance of soldiers doing the work of a municipal crew in a supposedly crime-ridden major American city,” he continued, something that is “bizarre on many levels, not least of which is the fact that Trump’s Secretary of Defense keeps saying that troops should be warriors and killers.”

The Trump administration “mobilized 2,200 National Guard soldiers from as far away as Louisiana, by the way, who have lives and jobs, to come to Washington and do the work of the National Park Service,” Hayes later said.

Those soldiers were sent to D.C. to theoretically “support federal law enforcement and local police, but in recent days those orders have expanded to encompass beautification tasks such as trash removal and groundskeeping around the National Mall and other federal properties.”

If this sounds like the type of work that another government organization should be doing, that’s because it is: “Now, typically, the Washington Post says this kind of work falls to the National Park Service, which would make sense, and was already understaffed when Trump and the so-called Doge Efficiency Project purged them this Spring,” Hayes continued.

Up to 90% of National Park jobs were cut for “no reason” and “they never saved any money.”

On top of that, DOGE is “mired in lawsuits with thousands of other workers” who were “illegally fired.”

Watch the segment from Chris Hayes in the video above.

The post Chris Hayes Slams Trump’s Use of National Guard to Pick Up Trash: ‘Bizarre on Many Levels’ | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

One America News Set for Full YouTube Return With Pay-TV Carriage Agreement

One America News, the far-right cable channel that nearly vanished from pay-TV after amplifying Donald Trump’s 2020 election-fraud claims, is set to return to millions of American households through a new carriage deal with YouTube TV.

OAN parent company Herring Networks announced Wednesday that it had signed a multi-year agreement with the Google-owned streaming service to carry both OAN and its companion lifestyle network, A Wealth of Entertainment, the Independent reported. The channels are expected to launch in YouTube TV’s base package lineup by the end of 2025.

“With the addition of OAN and AWE, YouTube TV viewers will enjoy 16 hours of live, breaking news coverage each weekday on OAN, as well as AWE’s signature mix of travel, adventure, lifestyle, and family entertainment programming,” Herring Networks said in a statement.

The deal marks a dramatic reversal of fortune for OAN, which lost nearly all of its distribution in 2022 after DirecTV, its largest carrier, dropped the channel amid billion-dollar defamation lawsuits from Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic. Verizon soon followed, leaving the network with virtually no major pay-TV partners.

OAN’s parent company has since settled most of its legal battles, including suits filed by Smartmatic, a former Dominion executive, and several Georgia election workers. Dominion’s case remains active, though Newsmax, another Trump-aligned outlet, recently settled with the voting technology company for $67 million.

OAN has cultivated renewed visibility under the second Trump administration. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, a close Trump ally, was hired in January as a primetime host; Trump adviser Kari Lake also announced a deal this spring for OAN to provide news content to Voice of America, as the White House seeks to revamp the federally funded broadcaster.

Richard Levine, OAN and AWE’s president of distribution, said the partnership with YouTube TV “makes it easier than ever for viewers nationwide to connect with our networks — from in-depth news reporting to inspiring entertainment.”

Justin Connolly, YouTube’s global head of media, said the deal provides OAN “access to our growing audience, while also giving our subscribers even more choice when it comes to news and entertainment.”

YouTube TV recently became the country’s largest pay-TV provider, surpassing Disney’s traditional cable bundle with 9.4 million subscribers and an 11.6% share of U.S. TV usage, according to Nielsen.

The timing of the OAN announcement coincides with tense negotiations between Google and Fox over a new carriage agreement, a dispute that could result in Fox News, Fox Sports and Fox Business being pulled from YouTube TV.

The OAN agreement also underscores YouTube’s evolving stance toward the network. In 2020, the video platform suspended OAN for violating its COVID-19 misinformation policy and stripped it of ad revenue. OAN was readmitted to YouTube’s partner program last year, restoring its ability to monetize videos.

The post One America News Set for Full YouTube Return With Pay-TV Carriage Agreement appeared first on TheWrap.

Bill O’Reilly Gravely Warns ‘People Are Going to Get Hurt’ if Zohran Mamdani Is Elected NYC Mayor | Video

Bill O’Reilly is obviously no fan of progressives, but the “No Spin News” host put on his gravest face Wednesday while talking about the possibility that Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, will win in November – saying “a lot of people are going to get hurt.”

The former Fox News host turned gloomy as he was looking through the latest poll numbers, which show Mamdani – whose approval ratings came out an equal 47% “approve” and 47% “disapprove” – in the lead over Andrew Cuomo, current Mayor Eric Adams, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.

“A lot of people are going to get hurt if Mamdani wins,” O’Reilly said, adding that he thinks Adams will drop out, adding “I still think that it’s not a lock for Mamdani.”

That’s when the normally light-hearted O’Reilly’s demeanor turned dark – even for him.

“We’re going to suffer if Mamdami gets elected,” he said. “He’s 33 years old. He’s never really had a serious job. This is the toughest city in the world to run, New York City. He’s going to walk in, the cops are going to hate him because he called the police agency, the NYPD, racist. They’re going to hate him right off the bat, OK? And that, that’s huge.”

O’Reilly said the other municipal agencies – like garbage removal and other critical city services, will also turn on the progressive boss and see him as “an amateur.”

“And then he’s going to try to tax everything that moves,” O’Reilly continued. “I hope he taxes the rats. Everything that moves is going to be slapped. Remember, Albany doesn’t have to sign off on a lot of stuff. He can do it himself by executive order.”

Mamdani, a state assemblyman from Queens, has said he plans on sweeping economic and social reforms, including free city buses, universal child care and a rent freeze. He’s pledged to build 200,000 new affordable housing units, set up five city-run grocery stores and raise the city’s minimum wage to $30 by 2030 – all paid for by taxing affluent New Yorkers and corporations.

“So he’s going to try to get money from … affluent people, the working people, and give it to the people who are poor,” O’Reilly said. “And those are the people that are supporting Mandami, poor people. And we got plenty of them in New York City, as you know. And a lot of them given up hope. They said, ‘Look, I, I can’t compete … but I want stuff. Give me stuff because I can’t earn it. I won’t earn it.’ Whatever. So, I want you to hand it to me. And that’s what Mandani’s rap is. Castro the same thing. Fidel Castro same thing.”

Watch the entire monologue in the video above.

The post Bill O’Reilly Gravely Warns ‘People Are Going to Get Hurt’ if Zohran Mamdani Is Elected NYC Mayor | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

American Cinematheque’s Proof Film Festival Unveils 3rd Annual Shorts Lineup

American Cinematheque announced the dates and programming for its third annual Proof Film Festival on Wednesday. This year’s lineup includes 37 proof-of-concept shorts from new filmmakers around the world.

The festival is scheduled to return to the Culver Theater in Downtown Culver City from Nov. 7-9.

This year, the festival will also debut the newly created Proof Development Fund, which provides unrestricted grants to the festival’s jury-selected winners, a way to help support the next stage in each project. The 2025 Grand Jury Prize winner will receive $2,500, with additional grant money available for other festival awardees. 

“Proof gave us the credibility to be taken seriously by financiers. Winning the Audience Award was a pivotal moment that solidified our plans to move into production in Summer 2025,” Giselle Bonilla, who directed last year’s Audience Choice Winner “The Musical,” said of the fest.

“We’re all about being a springboard for these amazing projects and bringing in industry opportunity,” Imani Davis, American Cinematheque programmer and Proof’s founder and lead programmer. “Development funds across the film industry are shrinking, especially for emerging talent. There are things that need to be paid for in this stage of the journey and we would like to provide not only a platform for these projects but also the means to financially support the filmmaker’s ongoing development. The Proof Development Fund is a natural evolution of our mission.”

The full list of 2025 Proof Film Festival selections is below:

“After What Happened at the Library”

In the wake of a terrifying encounter, an overwhelmed drag queen struggles under the weight of public attention.

Directors: Syra McCarthy, Kyle Casey Chu

Writers: Kyle Casey Chu, Roísín Isner

Producers: Vee Godinez, Hillary Irene Pierce, Kyle Casey Chu, Roísín Isner

“Are You F–king Kidding Me?!”

When a broke birthday party clown finds out in the middle of the gig from hell that his mother is on her deathbed, he must do whatever it takes to afford a flight home to say goodbye — all the while slowly losing his grip on reality.

Director: Zen Pace

Writer: Zachary Solomon

Producers: Jinkx Monsoon, Rivkah Reyes, Emmolei Sankofa, Sho Matsubara

“Better Life”

When a groundbreaking medical procedure promises to turn slackers into overachievers, an aging Chinese father sees it as his last chance to achieve the American dream — through his unemployed adult daughter.

Director: Jessica Liu

Writer: Jessica Liu

Producer: Annie Huang

“Cacique del Monte”

After looting and desecrating sacred lands, Aníbal must escape from one of the most dangerous czars in the emerald trade, while holding onto a gem that could change his life.

Director: Mateo Martinez

Writers: Juan David Cobos, Mateo Martinez

Producers: Pablo Villalon, Karime Rodriguez, Mateo Martinez, Reset Global Media, Emerald Films, Disco Amarillo, Pendulocol

“Chow”

A man’s life begins to unravel after he eats an unsettling meal abroad and becomes obsessed with recreating it at home.

Directors: Kevin Armento, Jaki Bradley

Writer: Alexander Hacker

Producers: Carolyn Levine/Same But Different, Timothy Mendonça

“Content Is King”

Nick, a striving content creator, gets the opportunity of a lifetime to join a viral challenge on the popular vlog “Zane’s World,” risking his own safety for the chance at online fame.

Director: Ricardo “Tito” Jose Guzman

Writer: Ricardo “Tito” Jose Guzman

Producers: Anna Dvorak, Hunter Page-Lochard from Djali House Pty. Ltd.

“Creature Mountain”

This bite-sized web series tells the story of three animal strangers — a bird, a wolf and a mouse — who travel to Creature Mountain to scatter the ashes of their mutual friend, Gerry. When Gerry’s ashes awaken an ancient darkness within the mountain, the trio must overcome doubt, grief and fear to save the universe.

Director: Loring Weisenberger

Writers: Loring Weisenberger, Camille Lecoq

Producers: Loring Weisenberger, Camille Lecoq

“Eyecatcher”

In the heart of Koreatown, Los Angeles, a hardened young woman must protect her ailing father from a sinister entity.

Director: Jun Shimizu

Writer: Jun Shimizu

Producer: Becca Park

“Fairground”

Fed up with family criticism, a stifled farmer’s daughter distances herself from her parents as she navigates her self-identity at the forbidden county fair midway, discovering newfound independence and forming an unexpectedly deep connection.

Director: Jess Berry

Writer: Jess Berry

Producers: Giulia Alexander, Jess Berry

“Finding Daddy”

Sisters Dinky and Flossy are truly at rock bottom, but when they discover their estranged deadbeat dad flaunting wealth on a sugar-baby site, they pay him a visit to uncover the truth — and maybe some cash.

Director: Emily Wilson

Writer: Emily Wilson

Producer: Suki-Rose

“Fishtank”

Jules has been sober for a year, but she can’t stop vomiting goldfish. Striving to put her life back on track, she must preserve control when a fish enthusiast unexpectedly enters her life.

Director: Wendi Tang

Writer: Wendi Tang

Producers: Philip Yuzhong Ge, Apartment 3C

“Giselle”

An immigrant woman living in Los Angeles denies a series of spiritual signs urging her to confront the loss of her brother — and herself.

Director: Lauren Goetzman

Writer: Lauren Goetzman

Producers: Tony Yang, João Pereira-Webber

“Glitch Baby”

In 1990s suburbia, a tomboy’s humiliation triggers a quantum glitch, revealing a celestial self and the possibility of acceptance.

Director: Celine Sutter

Writer: Celine Sutter

Producers: Yaél Bermudez, Heather Francis

“Half a Life”

An immigration-documents counterfeiter is being exposed by local film students looking for clout.

Directors: Sanjit Majumdar, Ranju Majumdar

Writers: Sanjit Majumdar, Ranju Majumdar

Producers: Julius Pryor, Shruti Ganguly, Ranju Majumdar, Sanjit Majumdar, Finn Wittrock, Shlomo Godder, Bryan Edward Hill, Beesham A. Seecharan

“Homecoming”

Set in 1970, the mother and daughter of a notoriously rich family cope with the return of their lost child/brother.

Director: Quinn Sheehan-Hipple

Writers: Quinn Sheehan-Hipple, Oliver Heffron

Producers: Corrine Dye, Stephen Fitzgibbon, 1888

“I Didn’t Like You”

As two best friends scheme to spy on a date, they find the real story might be the one unfolding between them.

Director: Parker Fenady

Writer: Parker Fenady

Producers: Claire Loudis, Alexis G. Zall, Cooper Roth, Teddy Alvarez-Nissen, Parker Fenady

“Inner Demons”

Mya’s world takes a harrowing twist when pills meant to alleviate depression unwittingly unleash a nightmarish entity that embodies her inner turmoil. Mya finds herself entangled in a relentless battle against her own psyche, fighting not just for her mental well-being but her very survival.

Director: Jasmine J. Johnson

Writer: Jasmine J. Johnson

Producers: Mary Bonney, Whitney Fuller

“Love192”

As an online role-playing game faces shutdown, two teens decide to transcend the pixels that once held them apart.

Director: Haydon Mayer

Writer: Haydon Mayer

Producers: Ryan Dombrowski, Kaity Holmes, Audrey Mainville

“Man of the House”

An exhausted mom must face the monstrous truth about who — or what — her son becomes at night.

Director: Alex Henes

Writer: Alex Henes

Producers: Devin Das, Dan Asma, Lord Danger

“Miriam”

“Miriam” follows the girl chosen to be the first Bat Mitzvah of her Orthodox community and her scheme to skip lessons to pursue skateboarding.

Director: Josie Andrews

Writer: Levi Alexander

Producers: Brenda Goodman, Dumb Blonde Productions

“Mr. Static”

A woman must watch a livestream of household murders mysteriously broadcast to an old television, or face dire consequences.

Director: Mike Williamson

Writer: Mike Williamson

Producers: Mike Williamson, Paul Hart-Wilden

“My Favorite Murderer”

Gayle is a true-crime aficionado who has managed to find the one guy who doesn’t see it as a red flag. Her boyfriend, Cameron, even throws her a surprise birthday party. But when her dreamboat slips out in the middle of the night, Gayle’s favorite pastime faces off with her lifelong quest: true crime vs. true love. Can she have both?

Director: Tina Carbone

Writers: Annette Cirelle, Martin Spanjers

Producers: Annette Cirelle, Martin Spanjers, Tina Carbone

“My Kind of People”

After a DNA test uncovers his father’s adoption, a proud paesano from Providence, Rhode Island, grapples with the revelation that he’s not actually Italian American. With the foundation of his identity destroyed and his familial bonds broken, he begins to spiral.

Director: Joe Picozzi

Writer: Joe Picozzi

Producers: Lauren Germani, Alex Berard, Joe Picozzi

“Prey for Us”

A woman goes home with a mysterious stranger, and they discover neither person is what they seem.

Director: Zoe Kerr

Writer: Zoe Kerr

Producers: Sonia Proctor, Amber Rossi, Luv Patel, Tiny Planet Production

“Scene House”

In a dystopian future, actors live as spectacle in The Scene House, where observers can interact with them like exhibits in a zoo. As one actor questions their existence, the boundaries blur between performance and reality, unraveling the unsettling truth about their world and the greater one outside.

Director: Annabella Fazio

Writer: Annabella Fazio

Producers: Lia Lee, Sarah Carter, Cheshire Moon Productions

“Shangri-La”

A romantic dramedy set in a senior facility following Joe, an ailing senior who fears he’ll never have sex again. When his old high school crush, Daphne, moves in, Joe asks his best friend, Alma, to be his wingwoman — unaware that she has strong feelings for him.

Director: Rhys Raiskin

Writers: Rhys Raiskin, Hannah Rice

Producer: Jeffrey Ramos

“Spool”

Two sisters struggle with their father’s cognitive decline while investigating a mysterious hole in his house that seemingly has no bottom.

Director: Mike Manning

Writer: Mike Gerbino

Producers: Wesley Barker, BME

“Such Good Friends”

After reevaluating a toxic friendship, Emma tries to overcome her people-pleasing ways by cutting ties with a lifelong friend. The next day, she learns that her decision has ended more than just a friendship. Emma finds herself falling into old patterns with her ex-best friend’s family while struggling to keep a dark secret from them.

Director: Bri Klaproth

Writers: Bri Klaproth, Jon Walkup

Producers: Rachel Rambaldi, Jon Walkup, Bri Klaproth

“Sunday Sauce”

A repressed father. A buried secret. A chaotic family dinner. As the night unfolds, Catholic guilt warps reality — and his hidden desires erupt into something surreal.

Director: Matt Campanella

Writer: Matt Campanella

Producers: Matt Campanella, Anthony Campanella

“Sweetly”

A slight-statured, deadly corporate fixer exploits people’s assumptions about his rare spinal condition to do the dirty work of the world’s richest companies too afraid to do it themselves.

Directors: Brett Maline, Christian Lybrook

Writers: Brett Maline, Christian Lybrook

Producers: Brett Maline, Christian Lybrook

“The Fencer”

Gabbie is a young up-and-coming fencer who through years of training has shaped herself into one of the greatest in the country. She’s led by her domineering father and coach, Enzo, who is determined to give his daughter the opportunities he never had. But when Gabbie is struck by a critical injury, she must choose between longevity and legacy.

Director: Nicholas Marchetti

Writer: Nicholas Marchetti

Producers: Alanah Pearce, Angela Wong Carbone, George Makrinos

“The Rebirth”

An overworked waitress takes a black-market abortion pill that gives her an unexpected side effect.

Director: Connie Shi

Writer: Connie Shi

Producers: Connie Shi, Yuki Maekawa-Ledbetter, Justine Sweetman, Stephanie Bonner

“The Taking of Courtroom One Two Three”

When rebellious Abigail shows up for jury selection, she learns the only way to shirk her duty is to steal a ticket out — and to do that, she’ll need help to pull off the heist of the century.

Director: Bomani J. Story

Writer: Kyu Saiewitz

Producers: Kyle Bowles, John Ierardi, Bo Youngblood, Macro

“Thirstygirl”

On a road trip with her younger sister, Charlie struggles to hide a secret addiction.

Director: Alexandra Qin

Writer: Alexandra Qin

Producers: Alexandra Qin, Brooke Goldman, Esteban Pedraza

“We Used to Take the Long Way Home”

Returning to Vietnam for the first time since middle school, a teenage girl reunites with old friends for a nostalgic summer road trip to Lake Perfect.

Director: An Nguyen

Writer: An Nguyen

Producers: Max Retik, Hoa Pham

“What’s the Deal With Birds?”

A trailblazing young birder sets out to answer the age-old question: What’s the deal with birds? When a strange bird offers her answers, things begin to take flight.

Director: Taylor Bakken

Writer: Taylor Bakken

Producers: Kari O’Hara, Tori Kotsen

“When Big People Lie”

Young Elvis’ world begins to sink when his mother marries an immigrant stranger for money.

Director: Gianfranco Fernández-Ruiz

Writers: Gianfranco Fernández-Ruiz, Pablo Cervera Gutierrez

Producers: Gus Murray, Amy Kouxiao

The post American Cinematheque’s Proof Film Festival Unveils 3rd Annual Shorts Lineup appeared first on TheWrap.

‘The Apprentice’ Producer David Brown Indicted for $12 Million Fraud Behind Lavish Personal Expenses

David Raymond Brown — a producer of feature films “The Apprentice,” “The Fallout” and “After the Wedding” — was arrested by federal officials in South Carolina on Wednesday and indicted on 21 counts of wire fraud, money laundering and identity theft.

Brown, who has also been known as David Brown Levy and David Addison Brown, faces a sentence of up to 300 years in prison if found guilty, and did not enter a plea during his first court appearance. He will be transferred to California for arraignment.

Brown has been formally charged with nine counts of wire fraud, 10 counts of transactional money laundering and two counts of aggravated identity theft, according to court documents reviewed by TheWrap. The arrest comes after years of allegations to that effect (including one instance where Brown is accused of forging Kevin Spacey’s signature).

Brown is accused of using money siphoned via phony investment deals to purchase a 2025 Mercedes Benz G-Wagon and several Teslas — including a 2024 Cybertruck, a 2024 Model X and a 2025 Model Y — among other lavish purchases.

Over the course of several years from December 2021 to August 2025, Brown allegedly used several methods to systematically defraud his victims, including misappropriating the funds of several film companies by transferring money from the company’s account to one he controlled.

To cover up the scheme, Brown had the film companies transfer funds to Hollywood Covid Testing LLC, a company he operated but that never provided any such testing services.

Brown also allegedly told a person identified only as “Victim 1” he would pool money into mutual real estate investments as part of a house-flipping enterprise, but actually took money from Victim 1.

A second person, identified only as “Victim 2,” was convinced to send money to a second company controlled by Brown, Film Holdings Capital. Those funds were used to fund other film projects, and Brown also allegedly spent a portion of the money from Victim 2 on his personal pursuits and expenses.

In addition to several vehicles mentioned above, Brown used the money to pay for surrogacy services, private school tuition, and to build a pool at his home. He also allegedly used the money from his victims to make payments to his own family members.

Brown allegedly deployed the use of a third party to help convince his victims Film Holdings Capital was a legitimate film financing business by having them sign backdated loan documents and withholding employee health insurance payments from payroll.

If convicted on all charges, Brown faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count, up to 10 years in federal prison for each money laundering count, and a mandatory two-year consecutive prison sentence for each aggravated identity theft count.

The post ‘The Apprentice’ Producer David Brown Indicted for $12 Million Fraud Behind Lavish Personal Expenses appeared first on TheWrap.

‘Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale’ Debuts as WOW Presents Plus’ Most-Watched Premiere Ever

RuPaul isn’t done werqing the world — in fact, “Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale” just debuted as WOW Presents Plus’ most-watched global premiere ever, TheWrap can exclusively reveal.

The franchise’s latest international all-stars season premiered on Aug. 13, with its cast of international queens bringing in a 50% increase in viewership compared to the Season 3 premiere of “Drag Race Philippines” in 2024. 

Plus, the streamer has announced that “UK vs. The World” Season 2 fan-favorite Marina Summers and former “Philippines” winners Precious Paula Nicole, Captivating KatKat and Maxie are teaming up to form REYN4, WOW Records’ first-ever girl group.

The foursome will be taking part in the Slaysian Royale later on this season, and will be dropping their debut single — aptly titled “Slaysian Royale” — on Sept. 5 with a full EP to come.

The dozen contestants competing this season are Arizona Brandy, Bernie, Brigiding, Ivory Glaze, Khianna, Kitty Space, Siam Phusri, Suki Doll, Viñas DeLuxe, Yuhua, Sum Ting Wong and Madame Yoko, representing eight different countries across the “Drag Race” franchise. Host Paolo Ballesteros and KaladKaren return as judges.

“Seeing fans across the world come together in celebration of Asian drag excellence is not only inspiring but also sends a message that this is a family without borders, able to wrap us all in its mothertucking arms,” WOW co-founders and “Drag Race” executive producers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato said in a joint statement. “And condragulations to REYN4, the Philippines’ own iconic queens of pop, ready to slay on the world stage. ‘Slaysian Royale’ and REYN4 is a double helping of queer joy that can entertain, inspire and heal us all.”

New episodes drop Wednesdays on WOW Presents Plus.

The post ‘Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale’ Debuts as WOW Presents Plus’ Most-Watched Premiere Ever appeared first on TheWrap.

Venice Film Festival 2025 Opening Night: Cate Blanchett, Julia Roberts, George Clooney and More Hit the Biennale | Photos

The Venice Film Festival kicked off Wednesday with a mix of glamour, politics and cinematic prestige — most notably with the world premiere of Paolo Sorrentino’s “La Grazia” and lifetime achievement honors presented to filmmaker Werner Herzog.

Francis Ford Coppola made his first red carpet appearance at the Biennale for the opening night ceremony since his recent hospitalization, where he presented Herzog with a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. Herzog later screened his documentary “Ghost Elephants.”

Hosted by actress Emanuela Fanelli, opening night drew major international stars including George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton. The festival runs through Sept. 6.

Check out highlights from the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in the gallery below — we’ll be updating throughout the week.

Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

Cate Blanchett attends the “La Grazia” red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

Photo by Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/WireImage

Tilda Swinton attends the Opening Ceremony during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

RaMell Ross attends the “La Grazia” red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images

Emanuela Fanelli snaps selfies with fans on the red carpet before the Opening Ceremony during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

Noomi Rapace attends the “Mother” red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

Photo by Jacopo Raule/GC Images

Amal Clooney and George Clooney arrive at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

Photo by Jacopo Raule/GC Images

Amal Clooney and George Clooney arrive at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

Photo by Jacopo Raule/GC Images

Julia Roberts arrives at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

Photo by Aldara Zarraoa/Getty Images

Teona Strugar Mitevska, Noomi Rapace and Sylvia Hoeks attend the “Mother” red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage

Shannon Murphy attends the “La Grazia” red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film.

Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage

Rose Villain attends the “La Grazia” red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

Barbara Palvin attends the “La Grazia” red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

Paola Turani attends the “La Grazia” red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

Photo by Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images

Werner Herzog poses with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement with Lena Herzog and Simon Herzog during the Opening Ceremony during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

Werner Herzog (R) receives the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement from Francis Ford Coppola during the Opening Ceremony during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

Photo by Stefano Rellandini/AFP via Getty Images

Italian film director Yuri Ancarani, member of the Orizzonti jury, poses on the red carpet before the Opening Ceremony of the 82nd International Venice Film Festival.

Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage

Jury members RaMell Ross, Fernando Enrique Juan Lima, Julia Ducournau, Shannon Murphy and Yuri Ancarani attend the opening photocall during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

The post Venice Film Festival 2025 Opening Night: Cate Blanchett, Julia Roberts, George Clooney and More Hit the Biennale | Photos appeared first on TheWrap.

Megyn Kelly Says Minnesota Mass Shooting Will Change Nothing — but Criticizes Left’s ‘Spiral’ to Gun Debate | Video

Megyn Kelly knows nothing will change with gun violence in the United States after Wednesday’s mass shooting at a Minnesota church, but was quick to criticize Democrats for using the event to “spiral” to a debate about gun regulation.

On Wednesday’s episode of “The Megyn Kelly Show,” the host walked through the mass shooting during a Catholic Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. She lamented that nothing will change and these shootings will continue to occur in the U.S.

“I’ll tell you right now, nothing’s going to change,” Kelly said. “Absolutely nothing is going to change. We had 20 dead first graders at Sandy Hook, nothing changed. If you don’t change after 20 dead first graders, you don’t change. And I understand it, because we’re a free country, and we can’t protect against any and all threats out there, but we can fortify the areas where our most vulnerable are, and that means the schools, whether it’s the school itself or the adjacent church where they worship, because it’s a Catholic school, that we actually can do. “

She continued: “But you know as well as I do, what we’re about to do is spiral into a debate about guns. That’s where the media and the left will take this. That’s what they do every time. And my own belief is that’s exactly why nothing will change.”

Watch the full “Megyn Kelly Show” segment below:

So far, the shooting – which was carried out by 23-year-old Robin Westman, as identified Wednesday afternoon – left two children dead and 17 others injured. The two dead were an 8-year-old and 10-year-old. Fourteen of the injured were other kids between ages six and 15. Three adults were also injured in the shooting.

“I have been fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota,” President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!”

Watch the full Megyn Kelly clip above.

The post Megyn Kelly Says Minnesota Mass Shooting Will Change Nothing — but Criticizes Left’s ‘Spiral’ to Gun Debate | Video appeared first on TheWrap.