Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land” has been made newly available for digital rent in North America in an effort to fundraise for Masafer Yatta communities.
The three-week fundraiser, which starts Friday and lasts through May 9, allows individuals and organizations to rent the film and hold their own screenings. Proceeds will go to the Masafer Yatta communities that are depicted in the film.
“We decided to independently make our film accessible online in the U.S. because, despite winning the Oscar, our community is still being destroyed and we urgently need help. All the money we get from this fundraiser will go directly to the community, physical and psychological support to help families recover after settler attacks, a local sheep fodder factory to create employment, and English classes so the younger generation has more tools to tell our stories,” Basel Adra, one of the filmmakers, who worked alongside Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, said in a statement.
Renting the film costs $13.99. There are options to host screenings at both theatrical and non-theatrical spaces as well as create virtual events.
“My father was born under Israeli occupation and could never go to school. But I learned English and filmmaking which is how I was able to get the story of Masafer Yatta out to millions. Now it’s available online in North America, with a fundraiser to support the community’s future – because this isn’t just a film, it’s our lives,” Adra said in a statement.
Thursday, April 17
Roger Deakins Visual Memoir ‘Reflections: On Cinematography’ Sets November Release With Grand Central
“Reflections: On Cinematography,” a new visual memoir by English cinematographer Sir Roger Deakins has been published by Grand Central Publishing, on sale November 11. The book is described as a “one-of-a-kind visual memoir, telling his life’s story by way of his iconic, beloved films, including The Shawshank Redemption, Skyfall, Fargo, Blade Runner 2049, The Big Lebowski, 1917, and No Country for Old Men.”
In addition to reflecting on Deakins’ upbringing in Torquay, England, entry into documentary filmmaking, and early career breaking into music videos, the book will feature never-before-seen storyboards, sketches, and diagrams, showing readers how Rogers created countless iconic scenes.
“Roger is an artist in every sense of the word; whether it’s his paintings, photography and, of course, his brilliant work as a cinematographer, his singular genius always shines through,” said Grand Central Publishing executive editor Amar Deol. “It should come as no surprise that Roger’s told his life’s story through beautifully lyrical, candid prose. ‘Reflections’ isn’t just for film fans; rather, it’s for anyone looking to draw inspiration & beauty from the singular lens through which Roger views the world.”
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BFI America Launches as Cultural Counterpart to British Film Institute
BFI America is launching as the British Film Institute celebrates its 90th anniversary of the BFI National Archive at the British Residence on April 23.
The non-profit organization BFI America aims to showcase the work of BFI in the U.S. and around the world, with the distinguished board including director Terry Gilliam, BFI fellow Barbara Broccoli CBE, producer Deborah Schindler, producer Penelope Wong, Varo Money Inc. founder Colin Wash and UCLA professor Dr. Mali Heled Kinberg.
“The UK and the US share deep and rich connections in cinema,” BFI’s chief executive Ben Roberts said in a statement. “We are excited to celebrate our continued cultural collaboration and present these extraordinary treasures from the BFI National Archive to US audiences.”
Following the launch and reception, BFI National Archive films set to screen at this year’s TCM Classic Film Festival from April 24-27 in Los Angeles include “Blithe Spirit,” “Edge of the City,” “Mildred Pierce,” “To Be or Not to Be,” “Jaws” and “The Private Life of Henry VIII.” Additionally, Guillermo del Toro will be a special guest at a Club TCM Event at The Roosevelt Hotel.
Tuesday, April 15
American Cinematheque’s ‘Bleak Week’ Expands to Seven Cities Including London, Sets Special Guest Robert Eggers
American Cinematheque’s annual ‘Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair’ festival will expand beyond Los Angeles to seven cities across the United States and internationally to London in June. In addition to continuing operations at the Aero, Egyptian and Los Feliz 3 Theatres across Los Angeles, ‘Bleak Week’ will come to the Portland’s Hollywood Theatre, Chicago’s Music Box Theatre, Dallas’ Texas Theatre, Minneapolis’ Trylon Cinema, New York’s Paris Theater, Boston’s Coolidge Corner Theatre and the Prince Charles Cinema in London.
Special guests including Robert Eggers and Todd Solondz will visit the Prince Charles Cinema and Paris Theater, respectively.
Founded in 2022, the festival celebrates films that “fearlessly plunge the depths of human despair.” The festival will begin in Los Angeles and Chicago June 1-7, then move to Portland and Minneapolis June 6-12. ‘Bleak Week’ heads to New York, Boston and Dallas June 8-14, before concluding in London June 15-21.
As part of Bleak Week, Turner Classic Movies will present its own selection of ‘bleak cinema’ on June 2, including “Make Way For Tomorrow,” “Man of the West,” “Cries and Whispers,” “Breaking the Waves,” and “The Seventh Victim.” Host Dave Karger will introduce the first three films of the evening.
The American Pavilion at Cannes Film Festival Sets ‘California Day’ for May 15
The Cannes Film Festival’s American Pavilion has launched California Day, an “immersive day of celebration and programming” dedicated to highlighting California’s contributions to the global film industry. California Day will take place May 15 and feature keynote addresses, panels, and networking opportunities.
The celebration is aimed at “spotlight the state’s role as a filmmaking hub and leader in entertainment innovation, celebrating its thriving creative scene and fostering international collaborations.” IndieWire will partner with The American Pavilion to program a keynote address discussing “The Future of Filmmaking in California: Innovation, Creativity, and Global Impact,” with further speaker details to be announced.
“Our mission has always been to celebrate creativity and provide educational opportunities for the next generation of filmmakers by giving a platform to industry leaders and change-makers,” said American Pavilion founder and president Julie Sisk. “This year, we feel it is important to honor California’s unrivaled legacy in global entertainment. After several challenging years for the industry, dedicating a day to California is essential to spotlight its enduring impact and cultural significance in filmmaking.”
Newly-Appointed AMPS Chair Presents Winners for 2025 Television Drama, Factual Film & Product Awards
The Association of Motion Picture Sound (AMPS) chair George Foulgham and vice chair Kate Davis announced the winners of the 2025 AMPS Television, Drama, Factual Film & Product Awards during a special presentation on April 13 at Greenwich University. The Television Drama and Factual Film category winners have also been nominated for the 2025 BAFTA Television Craft Awards.
Voted on by working wound professionals, the AMPS awards honor technical and creative excellence across multiple disciplines. AMPS also awards Certificates of Merit to every creative team member who contributes to the winning soundtracks, a practice intended to recognize the ‘collaborative nature of sound.’
The winners of the 2025 AMPS Awards are:
Excellence in Sound for a Television Drama
“Slow Horses”
Excellence in Sound for a Factual Film
“Secret World of Sound With David Attenborough”
Excellence in Sound for a Production Hardware or Software Product
Sound Devices for A20-Supernexus Wireless Receiver
Excellence in Sound for a Post-Production Hardware or Software Product
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