NatGeo Announces "FAUCI," a Documentary Film on Dr. Anthony Fauci

[Photo by National Geographic/Visko Hatfield]

National Geographic Documentary Films Announces New Feature on Dr. Anthony Fauci from Emmy-Winning Directors John Hoffman and Janet Tobias, Oscar and Emmy-Winning Producing Team Dan Cogan and Liz Garbus, and Story Syndicate

FAUCI Will Unveil an Intimate Portrait of the World-Renowned Infectious Disease Specialist and Ultimate Public Servant

Additional Interviews Include President George W. Bush, Bill Gates and Bono

Link to Trailer is here or https://youtu.be/xorBFNzvMQo

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Geographic Documentary Films announced a new feature documentary about the nation’s top infectious disease expert and dedicated public servant, Dr. Anthony Fauci, M.D., from Emmy winners John Hoffman (“The Weight of the Nation,” “Sleepless in America”) and Janet Tobias (“Unseen Enemy”) and Academy Award winner Dan Cogan (“Icarus”), and two-time Academy Award nominee Liz Garbus (“What Happened, Miss Simone?,” “The Farm: Angola, USA”). With exclusive access, the film — simply titled FAUCI — will deliver a rare glimpse into the long-standing professional career and personal life of this ultimate public servant and American hero, who after a lifetime of public service faced his biggest test: a pandemic whose ferocity is unmatched in modern history.

    “Dr. Fauci has become a household name because of COVID-19, but what people may not realize is the heroic and integral role he has played in shaping our national response to serious health crises for more than 50 years”

Dubbed “America’s Doctor” by The New Yorker, Dr. Fauci has become America’s most unlikely cultural icon, with his signature blend of scientific acumen, candor, courage and integrity in the face of COVID-19. He’s been affectionately spoofed by Oscar winner Brad Pitt and memorialized by Fauci fans who’ve put his face on everything from coffee mugs to candles. He’s a tireless and effective communicator who has captured hearts and minds across the nation and around the world for his willingness to speak truth to power during an unprecedented pandemic. But less is known about the journey that led him to where he is today.

A world-renowned infectious disease specialist, Dr. Fauci has valiantly led the U.S. fight against every epidemic our country has faced over the past 50 years, from AIDS to SARS to Ebola, and now, COVID-19. The longest-serving public health leader in Washington, Dr. Fauci has worked under seven presidents and is revered on both sides of the aisle. He has testified before Congress — with his trademark Brooklyn accent — more than any other person in American history. Through intimate interviews, Dr. Fauci will take us on a journey through his remarkable career, with a particular focus on HIV/AIDS — from the dark years when there was no treatment and little funding to the advent of triple therapy, and his efforts to bring cutting-edge medications to sub-Saharan Africa through the development of The President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has saved more than 18 million lives since 2003.

But the man America has come to know and trust over this past year was forged even earlier: during his childhood in Brooklyn working at his father’s pharmacy, by his rigorous Jesuit education at Regis High School and Holy Cross College that instilled in him a sense of duty to others, and in the endless night shifts during his residency at New York Hospital.

The film will also feature the voices of many of those who have influenced him, and whom he has worked alongside — and for — including President George W. Bush, Bill Gates, Bono, former HHS secretary Sylvia Burwell, former national security advisor Susan Rice, NIH director Dr. Francis Collins, former CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden, key AIDS activists and organizers, and many others, including his family, friends and former patients.

“There is only one Dr. Fauci, and it is an incredible privilege to bring his inspiring, lifelong quest to cure disease and prevent outbreaks, to viewers around the world,” said Hoffman and Tobias. “This film will be an unprecedented, intimate portrait of our nation’s greatest public servant, whose relentless pursuit of truth and devotion to science has never been more important.”

“Dr. Fauci has become a household name because of COVID-19, but what people may not realize is the heroic and integral role he has played in shaping our national response to serious health crises for more than 50 years,” said Carolyn Bernstein, EVP scripted content and documentary films for National Geographic. “We couldn’t ask for better partners than John, Janet, Dan and Liz to bring audiences this inside look at the man behind the legacy, and we hope his remarkable story will inspire a new generation to pursue public service with the same commitment and verve.”

The film is directed by John Hoffman and Janet Tobias, who have spent their careers telling important and compelling stories about science and public health. Over the past 36 years, Hoffman has made a specialty of communicating to a concerned public about disease, starting with HIV prevention and then addiction, Alzheimer’s, obesity, sleep, and the role of the NIH in leading the way on medical breakthroughs. Tobias’ recent film, “Unseen Enemy,” sounded a warning call about the threat of pandemics, which should not have gone unheeded.

FAUCI is produced by Alexandra Moss (“Not Done: Women Remaking America”) and edited by Amy Foote (“Father, Soldier, Son”). Director of photography is Claudia Raschke (“RBG”). For Story Syndicate, executive producers are Cogan, Garbus and Jon Bardin (“All In: The Fight for Democracy”).

National Geographic Documentary Films previously released the Academy Award, BAFTA and seven-time Emmy Award-winning film Free Solo and the Academy Award-nominated film The Cave. Other critically acclaimed films under the banner include Ron Howard’s Rebuilding Paradise; Sundance Audience Award winners Science Fair and Sea of Shadows; Emmy winners LA 92 and Jane, both of which were included in the top 15 documentaries considered for an Academy Award in 2017; and Dupont Award winner Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS.


About National Geographic Documentary Films:
National Geographic Documentary Films is committed to bringing the world premium, feature documentaries that cover timely, provocative and globally relevant stories from the very best documentary filmmakers in the world. National Geographic Documentary Films is a division of National Geographic Partners, a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 133 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27% of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

About Story Syndicate:
Story Syndicate is a New York-based film and television production company devoted to premium nonfiction and scripted content. We provide a home for talented filmmakers, producers, journalists, thinkers and artists to create visual content that innovates, enriches and dazzles viewers. Story Syndicate currently has upwards of 18 films and series in development and production with premium distribution platforms including National Geographic, Hulu, Netflix, HBO, Apple, Amazon Studios and others.

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#28DaysofBlack: "DARWIN'S NIGHTMARE" Chronicles Ongoing Rape of Africa's Natural Resources

[The continent of Africa – and yes, it is a continent – has seen a large amount of its natural resources exploited by Western Europe and the United States.  That includes people, fossil fuels, minerals, and food, with western corporations joining the exploitation fray.  However, neither the exploitation nor sale of Africa's natural resources has helped poor Africans escape poverty.  Sometimes, the situation becomes a horror movie scenario, as seen in the Oscar-nominated documentary, “Darwin's Nightmare.”]

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 100 (of 2007) by Leroy Douresseaux

Darwin’s Nightmare (2004)
COUNTRY OF ORGIN:  Austria, Belgium, France, Canada, Finland, and Sweden; Languages: English, Russian, Swahili
Running time:  107 minutes
WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Hubert Sauper
PRODUCERS:  Barbara Albert, Martin Gschlacht, Edouard Mauriat, Hubert Sauper, Antonin Svoboda, and Hubert Toint
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Hubert Sauper
EDITOR:  Denise Vindevogel
2006 Academy Award nominee

DOCUMENTARY

Starring:  Hubert Sauper, Raphael, Dimond, and Reverend Cleopa Knijage

Darwin's Nightmare is a 2004 documentary film written and directed by Hubert Sauper.  It was a multinational production, mainly Austrian, French, and Belgian.  The documentary examines the effects of fishing the Nile perch, a predatory fish, in Tanzania's Lake Victoria, which leads to food insecurity for many Tanzania families.

In his Oscar-nominated documentary, Darwin’s Nightmare, director Hubert Sauper portrays an Africa where the fittest thrive and the weakest starve and die of disease.  The film is set in Tanzania, in the Mwanza City, one of the cities on the shores of Lake Victoria.  European interests make huge profits from the local fishing industries, feeding approximately two million Europeans per day while the locals around Lake Victoria starve.  The Tanzanians fend for themselves on fish heads and scraps, while their waters are emptied of perch – an example of globalization feeding foreign markets while locals starve.

Lake Victoria, which stretches over the Tanzanian plains, is struggling.  In the 1960’s, a scientist introduced the Nile perch into the ecosystem.  An enormous variant of the American perch, the Nile perch devour the other fish, practically wiping out all other life in the lake.  This was and remains a disaster for the local communities, but the multinational fishing factories thrive from this ecological disaster by processing and shipping abroad thousands of tons of perch every month.  While the planes leave loaded with fish, they don’t return with food and clothing for the needy.  Instead, they bring more weapons for the various wars and strife in Africa.  Meanwhile, Tanzania teeters on the brink of devastation and war.

Darwin’s Nightmare is grim, and in a sense it is one of those “important films,” a movie that seeks to inform viewers about issues and situations about which they should want to know.  The film covers how globalization harms local economies and depicts how the introduction of a single new element into an ecosystem can be disastrous.  On the other hand, Sauper’s film was hugely controversial in Tanzanian and in some quarters of Europe.  Tanzanian officials found the film’s portrayal of extreme poverty in Mwanza City exaggerated, and some claimed that a greater portion of Lake Victoria’s Nile perch was consumed locally and within Tanzania.  The controversy over the film even resulted in a book, The Other Side of Darwin’s Nightmare, by Francois Garcon.

The film is occasionally hard to watch, but riveting.  Also, listening to all the interview subjects who speak horribly broken English is distracting and occasionally aggravating.  Sauper’s lack of balance is too evident, and the film also lacks a broader context.  Sauper doesn’t interview academics or experts on any of the topics this film covers.  Where are the government officials, aid workers, and a wide range of representatives of the fishing industry?  Because of Sauper’s focus on prostitutes, glue-sniffing street kids, impoverished fisherman, the sick, and the family members of those who’ve died of HIV and AIDS, Darwin’s Nightmare comes across as a trip through a nightmare land created by Hieronymus Bosch.  It’s a spellbinding trip, but what Sauper excludes keeps a very good film from becoming a great documentary.

7 of 10
B+

NOTES:
2006 Academy Awards:  1 nomination:  “Best Documentary, Features” (Hubert Sauper)

Saturday, June 30, 2007
REVISED: Tuesday, February 16, 2021


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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NatGeo and ESPN Announce "The March on Washington: Keepers of the Dream" Documentary Special

National Geographic and ESPN’s The Undefeated Trace the Ongoing Plight and Journey of the Civil Rights Movement In THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON: KEEPERS OF THE DREAM

“Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time …” - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 March on Washington ‘I Have a Dream’ speech

One-Hour Documentary Special Gives a Timely and Powerful Look at Events Leading to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 March and 2020's March on Washington 57 Years Later as the Nation Reels From Civil Unrest and a Global Pandemic

The March on Washington: Keepers of the Dream Set to Premiere Thursday, Feb. 18, at 10/9c on National Geographic and Will Be Available Next Day on Hulu - Friday, Feb. 19

View YouTube Promo here or https://youtu.be/O0Bsj08WiEQ

WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Geographic announced that THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON: KEEPERS OF THE DREAM is set to premiere Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 at 10/9c and available next day on Hulu. The timely one-hour documentary special is from National Geographic and The Undefeated, ESPN’s content initiative exploring the intersection of sports, race and culture. It will trace the raw and uncensored journey of the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of the heroes who marched for justice and equality in the 1960s, and the experiences of those on the front lines of the current fight for racial equality.

    “THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON: KEEPERS OF THE DREAM is a bold and powerful look at this nation’s dark history and the path Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. paved for us despite grave opposition”

THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON: KEEPERS OF THE DREAM will feature historic footage, as well as the most gripping and poignant, first-hand accounts and emotional commentary from historians, activists and journalists, including Wes Moore (author), Dr. Mary Frances Berry (professor, UPENN), Dr. Vernon Allwood (‘63 March attendee), Chris Connelly (journalist), Dr. Todd Boyd (professor, USC), Bill Murphy Jr. (civil rights attorney), Jemele Hill (journalist), Clarissa Brooks (social activist) and Mariah Parker (social activist). The documentary will also illustrate the resilience of the civil rights movement and the sentiment of the people behind it.

The journey begins with events that set the stage for the March of 1963 - from the horrific photo of the corpse of 14-year-old Emmett Till, murdered by Mississippi vigilantes who were acquitted of all charges, to the broadcasts of police attacking peaceful Black protesters in Birmingham, Alabama. These images created the necessary public opinion and momentum for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders to carry out their historic march and demand federal action.

Yet after the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Acts were subsequently passed, violence toward Black America continued. The documentary will follow the history of these attacks, juxtaposed with examples of Black progress that have threatened to obscure a dangerous reality.

A deep dive into the events that led to the historic racial upheaval of 2020, including the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, will also explore a modern focus of King’s declaration: that the future of the Civil Rights Movement would be the struggle for “genuine equality.”

Candid insights on the long history of racial inequality include Moore’s testament to the current climate of unrest, “... the argument and demand is that there has to be a greater accountability and acknowledgement of Black life ... Whether we are talking about the marches of the ‘60s or the marches that are taking place right now, that is what the marches are about - it's about changing systems.”

The special concludes with images from the 2020 March on Washington and will bring full circle the themes which center on an underlying systemically volatile relationship between Black people and the police, and how it continues to be a deferred dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON: KEEPERS OF THE DREAM is a bold and powerful look at this nation’s dark history and the path Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. paved for us despite grave opposition,” said Courteney Monroe, president, Content, National Geographic. “We are proud to have partnered with The Undefeated on this timely documentary special that provides a no-holds-barred look at the oppression faced by generations in this country as well as celebrates the unifying spirit and solidarity of the movement, then and now.”

“This compelling documentary takes viewers through the evolution of the March on Washington, and in the process highlights the galvanizing power of marches to fuel social change,” said Kevin Merida, senior vice president and Editor-in-Chief, The Undefeated. “We are proud to partner with National Geographic on this important film. The doc is a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made to make America better and how much work is left to be done.”

Produced by National Geographic Studios and The Undefeated. National Geographic’s Aneka Hylton-Donelson along with The Undefeated’s Kevin Merida and Sharon Matthews serve as executive producers. ESPN’s Emmy®Award-winning filmmaker Marquis Daisy is director, with The Undefeated’s senior writer Jesse Washington as producer and writer, and Chris Weber is SVP of National Geographic Studios.

The television special on National Geographic is an extension of ESPN’s Black History Always initiative – a companywide content commitment to highlight Black stories beyond the traditional Black History Month. #BlackHistoryAlways began with the Jan. 18th Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday, continues through the 2021 NBA All-Star Game in early March and concludes during Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, 2021.

Using original short-form content across its platforms, National Geographic will also be celebrating Black voices in the worlds of science, adventure and exploration during Black History Month -- including National Geographic Explorer Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, Mae Jemison and Courtney B. Vance of GENIUS: ARETHA. In addition to its on-air, social channels and digital platforms, National Geographic's “Overheard” podcast and the National Geographic magazine will have dedicated content that will celebrate Black storytellers, leaders and heroes.

For the past year, National Geographic’s podcast series “Overheard” has explored the journeys of photographers and scientists who are focusing a new lens on history. On Feb. 12, 2021 National Geographic presented “In Conversation,” a special episode featuring explorer Tara Roberts, computer scientist Gloria Washington and photographer Ruddy Roye as they reframe Black history through their work—across maritime archeology, artificial intelligence and photo journalism. Listen @natgeo.com/listen.

National Geographic Kids (natgeokids.com) will also be updating its African American Heroes digital hub with four new profiles: John Lewis, Katherine Johnson, George Washington Carver and Bessie Coleman.


About National Geographic Partners LLC:
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 133 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

About ESPN’s The Undefeated:
The Undefeated is ESPN’s multiplatform content initiative exploring the intersections of sports, race and culture. The digital hub, TheUndefeated.com, which launched in May 2016, combines innovative long-form and short-form storytelling, investigation, original reporting and provocative commentary to enlighten and entertain African Americans, as well as sports fans seeking a deeper understanding of black athletes, culture and related issues.

In addition to its cutting-edge content, The Undefeated seeks to be a thought-leader on race, sports and culture in the country – convening insightful forums to discuss and debate topical issues affecting sports and race in America.

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238 Films Were Eligible for "Documentary Feature Film" Category at 93rd Oscars

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS ELIGIBLE FOR 93RD OSCARS® ANNOUNCED

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced feature films eligible for consideration in the Documentary Feature Film category for the 93rd Academy Awards®.  Eligibility lists by category can be viewed at Oscars.org/93rdFeatureEligibility.  Complete 93rd Academy Awards rules can be found at Oscars.org/rules.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Two hundred thirty-eight features are eligible for consideration in the Documentary Feature category for the 93rd Academy Awards.  Some of the films have not yet had their required qualifying release and must fulfill that requirement and comply with all the category’s other qualifying rules to advance in the voting process.

Documentary features that have won a qualifying award or have been programmed at qualifying film festivals or have been submitted in the International Feature Film category as their country’s official selection are also eligible in the category.  Films submitted in the Documentary Feature category may also qualify for Academy Awards in other categories, including Best Picture. Members of the Documentary Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.  A shortlist of 15 films was announced on Tuesday, February 9, 2021.

93RD ACADEMY AWARDS® ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION IN THE DOCUMENTARY FEATURE CATEGORY:

“Acasa, My Home”
“Addicted to Ralphie”
“Aggie”
“All I Can Say”
“All In: The Fight for Democracy”
“The American Sector”
“American Selfie: One Nation Shoots Itself”
“America’s Forgotten”
“The Antidote”
“Apocalypse ’45”
“The Art of Living in Danger”
“The Art of Political Murder”
“Assassins”
“Aswang”
“Athlete A”
“Babenco - Tell Me When I Die”
“Be Water”
“Beastie Boys Story”
“Beautiful Something Left Behind”
“Becoming”
“Bedlam”
“Belly of the Beast”
“Belushi”
“Beyond the Visible: Hilma af Klint”
“The Big Scary “S” Word”
“Billie”
“Black Boys”
“Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets”
“The Booksellers”
“Born to Be”
“Boys State”
“Bulletproof”
“Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn”
“Capital in the Twenty-First Century”
“Chicago: America’s Hidden War”
“Childhood 2.0”
“Chuck Berry”
“Circus of Books”
“City Dream”
“City Hall”
“Coded Bias”
“Collective”
“Colombia in My Arms”
“Coming Clean”
“Coronation”
“Coup 53”
“Created Equal: Clarence Thomas in His Own Words”
“Creem: America’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll Magazine”
“Crip Camp”
“Crock of Gold - A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan”
“The Curve”
“Dads”
“Dave Grusin: Not Enough Time”
“David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet”
“Days of Cannibalism”
“Dear Santa”
“Death Protocol”
“Descent”
“Desert One”
“Diana Kennedy: Nothing Fancy”
“Dick Johnson Is Dead”
“Disclosure”
“The Dissident”
“The Dog Doc”
“The Donut King”
“Dope Is Death”
“Down a Dark Stairwell”
“Downstream to Kinshasa”
“The Earth Is Blue as an Orange”
“Elementa”
“Ending Disease”
“Epicentro”
“Erased,___Ascent of the Invisible”
“Escape from Extinction”
“Everybody Flies”
“F11 and Be There”
“Fandango at the Wall”
“Father Soldier Son”
“Feels Good Man”
“The Fight”
“Find Your Groove”
“Finding Yingying”
“Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds”
“First Vote”
“First We Eat”
“Flannery”
“For They Know Not What They Do”
“The Forbidden Reel”
“40 Years a Prisoner”
“Freak Power: The Ballot or the Bomb”
“Freedia Got a Gun”
“The Ghost of Peter Sellers”
“Giving Voice”
“A Glitch in the Matrix”
“The Go-Go’s”
“Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind”
“Gunda”
“Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something”
“He Dreams of Giants”
“House of Cardin”
“The Human Factor”
“Human Nature”
“I Am Greta”
“I Am Not Alone”
“I Owe You a Letter about Brazil”
“iHuman”
“In My Skin”
“Indian Space Dreams”
“The Infiltrators”
“Influence”
“(In)Visible Portraits”
“Irmi”
“Irradiés (Irradiated)”
“Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President”
“John Lewis: Good Trouble”
“Journey to Royal: A World War II Rescue Mission”
“Kate Nash: Underestimate the Girl”
“A Kid from Coney Island”
“Kingdom of Silence”
“Kings of Capitol Hill”
“Kiss the Ground”
“La Madrina: The Savage Life of Lorine Padilla”
“Lance”
“Landfall”
“The Last Blockbuster”
“Last Call for Tomorrow”
“Lennox: The Untold Story”
“Lessons of Love”
“The Letter”
“Libelu - Down with the Dictatorship”
“Life Is Deadly”
“Lift Like a Girl”
“Lost Course”
“Lost in Face”
“Love Child”
“MLK/FBI”
“Made You Look: A True Story about Fake Art”
“Man in the Arena”
“Martin Margiela: In His Own Words”
“Mayor”
“Mighty Ira”
“Miss Americana”
“Mr. Soul!”
“The Mole Agent”
“The Monster inside Me”
“A Most Beautiful Thing”
“Mother to Earth: The Untold Story of Earth Bound”
“Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado”
“My Darling Supermarket”
“My Darling Vivian”
“My Octopus Teacher”
“My People: The Jews of Greece”
“My Psychedelic Love Story”
“My Rembrandt”
“Napoli Eden”
“Narciso Em Férias”
“Nasrin”
“The New Corporation: The Unfortunately Necessary Sequel”
“9/11 Kids”
“915”
“9to5: The Story of a Movement”
“Notturno”
“Oliver Sacks: His Own Life”
“Olympia”
“On the Record”
“Once upon a Time in Venezuela”
“Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band”
“Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles”
“Our Time Machine”
“Pahokee”
“The Painter and the Thief”
“A Pandemic: Away from the Motherland”
“The Phenomenon”
“Planet of the Humans”
“The Plot against the President”
“The Pollinators”
“The Power of Movement”
“Pray: The Story of Patrick Peyton”
“Public Trust”
“Queen of Hearts: Audrey Flack”
“The Reason I Jump”
“Rebuilding Paradise”
“Red Penguins”
“Reunited”
“Rewind”
“The Right Girls”
“Ringside”
“Rising Phoenix”
“River City Drumbeat”
“River Tales”
“Runner”
“Searching for Mr. Rugoff”
“Self Portrait”
“17 Blocks The Final Cut”
“76 Days”
“Sky Blossom”
“Slay the Dragon”
“The Social Dilemma”
“Softie”
“Some Kind of Heaven”
“Songs of Repression”
“Soros”
“Spaceship Earth”
“Stars and Strife”
“The State of Texas vs. Melissa”
“Stray”
“Strip Down, Rise Up”
“System K”
“They Call Me Babu”
“This Is Not a Movie”
“This Is Paris”
“A Thousand Cuts”
“Through the Night”
“Time”
“The Times of Bill Cunningham”
“Totally under Control”
“Transhood”
“The Truffle Hunters”
“Trust Me”
“Uncle Tom”
“#Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump”
“Us Kids”
“WBCN and the American Revolution”
“The Walrus and the Whistleblower”
“The Way I See It”
“We Are the Radical Monarchs”
“We Don’t Deserve Dogs”
“Welcome to Chechnya”
“White Noise”
“Who Is Gatsby Randolph”
“Wild Daze”
“Wim Wenders: Desperado”
“With Drawn Arms”
“A Woman’s Work: The NFL’s Cheerleader Problem”
“Women in Blue”
“You Cannot Kill David Arquette”
“Yusuf Hawkins: Storm over Brooklyn”
“Zappa”

All dates and rules for the 93rd Academy Awards are subject to change based on national guidelines, state-mandated government orders and Academy-determined best practices.

Nominations for the 93rd Academy Awards will be announced on Monday, March 15, 2021.

The 93rd Oscars® will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2021, and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

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ABOUT THE ACADEMY
:
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a global community of more than 10,000 of the most accomplished artists, filmmakers and executives working in film. In addition to celebrating and recognizing excellence in filmmaking through the Oscars, the Academy supports a wide range of initiatives to promote the art and science of the movies, including public programming, educational outreach and the upcoming Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

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Ten WarnerMedia Platforms Combine for 24 Nominations at 2021 GLAAD Media Awards

WarnerMedia Scores 24 Nominations for the 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards

WarnerMedia’s Cartoon Network, CNN, HBO Max and more nominated in thirteen categories

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GLAAD announced nominees for the organization’s 32nd annual Media Awards which acknowledges fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of the LGBTQ community. Brands across WarnerMedia’s portfolio like DC Comics, Cartoon Network, CNN and HBO Max received nominations across thirteen different categories including: “Outstanding Documentary,” “Outstanding Children’s Programming,” “Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series,” and more.

Last year, WarnerMedia brands took home three GLAAD Media Awards for “Outstanding Spanish-Language TV Journalism – Newsmagazine,” CNN en Espanol: Después de Stonewall; “Outstanding Individual Episode (in a series without a regular LGBTQ+ character),”Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, “Two Doors Down” (Warner Bros. Television); and “Special Recognition Award Special,” Warner Bros. Digital Networks’ Stage 13.

This year’s winners will be unveiled during a virtual ceremony in April 2021. See the full list of WarnerMedia’s award nominations below:

English-Language Categories

Outstanding Documentary:
Equal (HBO Max)
Welcome to Chechnya (HBO)

Outstanding Comedy Series
Harley Quinn (HBO Max)

Outstanding TV Movie
Bad Education (HBO)
La Leyenda Negra (HBO Latino/HBO Max)
Unpregnant (HBO Max)

Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
I May Destroy You (HBO)

Outstanding Reality Program
Legendary (HBO Max)
We're Here (HBO)

Outstanding Children’s Programming
The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo (HBO Max)
Summer Camp Island (HBO Max)

Outstanding Kids & Family Programming:
Craig of the Creek (Cartoon Network)
"Obsidian" Adventure Time: Distant Lands (HBO Max)
Steven Universe (Cartoon Network)

Outstanding Comic Book:
Far Sector, by N.K. Jemisin, Jamal Campbell, Deron Bennett (DC Comics)
Lois Lane, by Greg Rucka, Mike Perkins, Gabe Eltaeb, Andy Troy, Simon Bowland (DC Comics)
Suicide Squad, by Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, Daniel Sampere, Juan Albarran, Adriano Lucas, Wes Abbott (DC Comics)
You Brought Me the Ocean, by Alex Sanchez, Julie Maroh, Deron Bennett (DC Comics)

Outstanding Variety or Talk Show Episode:
“Black Trans Lives Matter” Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (TBS)

Outstanding TV Journalism Segment:
“One-on-One with Transportation Secretary Nominee Pete Buttigieg” State of the Union (CNN)

Outstanding Online Journalism Article:

• “They Will See You: LGBTQ+ Visibility in Advertising” by Brent Miller, Otto Bell, and Jordan Shavarebi (Great Big Story)
• “‘You Don’t Belong Here’: In Poland’s ‘LGBT-Free Zones’ Existing is an Act of Defiance” by Ivana Kottasová and Rob Picheta (CNN.com)

Spanish-Language Categories

Outstanding Spanish-Language Scripted Television Series:
Veneno (HBO Max)

Outstanding Spanish-Language Online Journalism Article:
“El Brutal Asesinato de una Mujer Transgénero Conmociona a Puerto Rico y Renueva una Conversación Sobre la Transfobia” por Harmeet Kaur y Rafy Rivera (CNNEspañol.com)


About WarnerMedia:
WarnerMedia is a leading media and entertainment company that creates and distributes premium and popular content from a diverse array of talented storytellers and journalists to global audiences through its consumer brands including HBO, HBO Max, Warner Bros., TNT, TBS, truTV, CNN, DC Entertainment, New Line, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies and others. The organization also includes Xandr’s suite of advanced advertising solutions designed to help to improve advertising for brands, publishers, and consumers.

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NatGeo Renews "The Hot Zone" for a Second Season; Will Focus on 2001 Anthrax Attacks

National Geographic Gives Season Two Order to Network’s Highest-Rated Scripted Series Ever, ‘The Hot Zone’

From Touchstone Television and Scott Free Productions, Six-Episode Limited Series Will Focus on the Anthrax Attacks of 2001

Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson to Return as Executive Producers and Showrunners

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Geographic announced that “The Hot Zone,” the network’s highest-rated scripted series to date, has been greenlit for a second season, which will focus on the anthrax attacks of 2001. From Touchstone Television and Scott Free Productions, Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson return as executive producers and showrunners for this next installment.

    “The gripping, propulsive story of the hunt for the anthrax killer who terrorized the country in the dark days that followed the Sept. 11 attack couldn’t be more timely”

“The gripping, propulsive story of the hunt for the anthrax killer who terrorized the country in the dark days that followed the Sept. 11 attack couldn’t be more timely,” said Carolyn Bernstein, executive vice president, Global Scripted Content and Documentary Films. “As the world battles COVID-19, another deadly and mysterious virus, “The Hot Zone: Anthrax” is a scientific thriller for our time.”

In 2001, just weeks after 9/11, the United States was rocked by another deadly act of terrorism. Letters containing anthrax were sent to unsuspecting victims in Florida, Washington, D.C. and New York. The anonymous assault claimed five lives, left 17 others sick and caused panic throughout the U.S. Despite interagency turf wars and many false leads, an unlikely team of USAMRIID scientists (The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and the Department of Defense’s lead research laboratory), FBI agents and Justice Department personnel slowly closed in on a shocking prime suspect.

“While many of us can recall the breaking news headlines and the widespread fear that ensued when anthrax emerged in America, there are still layers to this story that have not yet been told,” said Kelly Souders. “The second season of our anthology series will dive deep into the forensic investigation of a simple envelope that sent the entire Eastern Seaboard into a panic.”

“After a terrific collaboration with our friends at National Geographic on ‘The Hot Zone,’ we couldn’t be more excited to be back in business with the same stellar team for another season,” said David W. Zucker, president, Scott Free Television. “All of us well remember the anthrax attacks in 2001, which rocked and terrified the country. We’re eager to tell this extraordinary story of all the drama that unfolded to overcome the attacks and identify the perpetrator.”

The six-hour scientific thriller follows last year’s “The Hot Zone,” which starred Golden Globe® and Emmy® Award winner Julianna Margulies and was National Geographic’s most-watched scripted series of all time and ranked the second most-watched series on the network of all time. The May 27, 2019, Memorial Day, three-night, premiere event lifted National Geographic to the No. 5 ad-supported cable network in the target demo for the night and No. 2 among Total Viewers. Across 12 broadcasts through the May 29 finale (premieres and repeats), the series was viewed by 7.5 million people in the U.S. The original series was based on Richard Preston’s bestselling book of the same name and was inspired by the true events surrounding the origins of the Ebola virus and its arrival on U.S. soil in 1989.

“The Hot Zone: Anthrax” is the newest addition to the network’s scripted programming slate that takes groundbreaking storytelling further. This project follows National Geographic’s previously announced scripted series including highly anticipated “Genius: Aretha,” the recent premiere of “The Right Stuff” on Disney+, and critically acclaimed limited series “Barkskins,” last year’s top-rated “The Hot Zone” and previous Emmy Award-winning installments of “Genius: Einstein” and “Genius: Picasso.”

For “The Hot Zone: Anthrax,” Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson serve as executive producers and showrunners. Scott Free Production’s Ridley Scott and David W. Zucker are executive producers with Jordan Sheehan also serving as executive producer. Lynda Obst is an executive producer. Richard Preston is a co-executive producer on the series. The series is produced by Touchstone Television, a division of Disney Television Studios alongside 20th Television and ABC Signature, and Scott Free Productions.

For more information, follow @NatGeoPR on Twitter.

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About Scott Free Productions:
Scott Free Productions, founded in 1995, is the film and television production vehicle of acclaimed filmmaker Ridley Scott. In the 25 years since Scott Free was formed, the company has earned over 100 Emmy nominations with 22 wins, and 28 Golden Globe nominations for its television projects. Current productions include the HBO Max sci-fi epic, RAISED BY WOLVES, the first-ever American television series helmed by Ridley Scott, a drama about androids raising human children in an outer space colony; THE GOOD FIGHT, the critically-acclaimed CBS All Access spin-off of THE GOOD WIFE recently ordered to season five; an inventive heist anthology series, JIGSAW, to shoot in 2021 for Netflix; the investigative drama series THE BEAST MUST DIE for U.K.’s Britbox, starring Jared Harris; and an upcoming adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic GREAT EXPECTATIONS for FX/BBC1. Other hailed Scott Free productions include THE HOT ZONE; THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE; THE TERROR; THE GOOD WIFE; TABOO; NUMB3RS; THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH; THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN; THE COMPANY; CRIMES OF THE CENTURY; GETTYSBURG; RE: GENERATION MUSIC PROJECT; I AM DYING; CLIVE DAVIS: THE SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES; and the acclaimed Emmy-nominated National Geographic channel series of “Killing” telefilms: KILLING JESUS; KILLING KENNEDY; KILLING REAGAN; and KILLING LINCOLN.

About Touchstone Television:
Touchstone Television, a part of Disney Television Studios, is devoted to making creatively ambitious scripted and unscripted series for all distribution platforms. Touchstone is responsible for the recent Netflix smash “Ratched” from Ryan Murphy and starring Golden Globe and Emmy winner Sarah Paulson in the title role; the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning sensation from Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” as well as its follow-up “The Assassination of Gianni Versace” (both with FX Productions) which also won the Emmy and Golden Globe for Outstanding Limited Series; the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning “Homeland,” starring Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin which completed its eighth and final season this year; the Emmy-winning “Fosse/Verdon” (with FX Productions) from award-winning producers Thomas Kail, Steven Levenson, Joel Fields and Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams; the blockbuster “Sons of Anarchy” as well as its follow-up “Mayans M.C.” (with FX Productions) from co-creators Kurt Sutter and Elgin James; “Queen of the South,” executive produced by David T. Friendly, Dailyn Rodriguez and Benjamin Daniel Lobato; the Emmy winning “Pose” (with FX Productions) from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Steven Canals, Janet Mock, Alexis Martin Woodall and Sherry Marsh; the Emmy-nominated “Genius” franchise which will air its third installment “Genius: Aretha” starring Cynthia Erivo this winter; and the Golden Globe-nominated “The Politician” from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan and starring Tony winner Ben Platt and Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow. Upcoming series include “The Old Man” (with FX Productions) starring Academy Award winning Jeff Bridges and six-time Emmy winner John Lithgow and the newest installment of “American Crime Story” entitled “Impeachment: American Crime Story” (with FX Productions) starring Sarah Paulson, Beanie Feldstein, Clive Owen and Annaleigh Ashford. Touchstone Television shows have amassed a collective 134 Emmy nominations and 34 Emmy wins, as well as multiple Golden Globes, Humanitas Prizes and Peabody Awards.

About National Geographic Partners LLC:
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 132 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27% of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

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NatGeo Debuts New Season of "Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller"

National Geographic Takes Viewers Inside the Global Underworld in New Docuseries, Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller, Premiering January 1, 2021

Ahead of Winter Premiere, Network Greenlights Second Season

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Armed with National Geographic’s trademark inside access, Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller takes viewers on a journey inside the most dangerous black markets on the planet. Each investigation in the eight-part series embeds with Peabody and duPont Award-winning journalist Mariana van Zeller as she explores the complex and often violent inner workings of a smuggling network. While she dives deeper and deeper into these underworlds, Mariana reveals — with characteristic boldness and empathy — that the people operating these trafficking rings are often a lot more like us than we realize. Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller premieres January 1, 2021.

    “I couldn’t be more excited to share Trafficked with viewers around the world”

Trafficked offers viewers a mission-driven adventure to places rarely seen, providing an intimate peek behind the criminal curtain. Mariana spends time with major players from a host of underground economies — from tiger traffickers and international scammers to counterfeiters, gunrunners and fentanyl suppliers. Along the way, she also meets with law enforcement, ex-cons, fellow journalists and locals caught in the crossfire, all in an attempt to provide a 360-degree view of these poorly understood trafficking networks that contribute to the world’s multi-trillion-dollar shadow economy.

“I couldn’t be more excited to share Trafficked with viewers around the world,” said Mariana van Zeller, who has spent the better part of the last 15 years reporting on the global underworld. “People don’t realize that black markets are all around us, hidden in plain sight. And what fascinates me most is how normal, law-abiding people — people like you and me — get pulled into these criminal worlds.”

In a two-hour special episode, Mariana uncovers a lethal supply chain of American firearms being smuggled into the hands of drug cartels and fueling record levels of gun violence in Mexico. A journey filled with jaw-dropping access to gunrunners, mules, cartel bosses and assassins takes an even more terrifying turn when the son of the world’s most notorious drug lord, El Chapo Guzman, is arrested and the cartel that Mariana infiltrates decides to violently revolt.

Additional episode topics include:

COUNTERFEITING: Mariana journeys deep inside the Peruvian underworld to meet the gangster craftsmen who make and sell the world’s finest counterfeit U.S. dollars. Along the way, she learns that many of these counterfeiting operations are run by criminal families in Lima, who are making a fortune despite the anti-counterfeiting efforts of the U.S. Secret Service and the Peruvian National Police.

SCAMS: Mariana dives into the world of international scamming to understand how it all works and meet the outlaws at the heart of this booming industry. Her investigation takes her from the streets of Montego Bay to the glitzy neighborhoods of Tel Aviv as she pursues some of the biggest phone, lottery and financial scammers in the world and learns why Americans are the perfect targets.

COCAINE: Mariana retraces one of the world’s most intractable smuggling routes, following cocaine’s path from a remote Peruvian valley through Colombia’s Caribbean coast, all the way to the streets of Miami. Despite the decades-long U.S. War on Drugs, cocaine production is at an all-time high, and Mariana meets some of the makers, smugglers, drivers and teenage backpackers who risk their lives to deliver America’s favorite party drug.

STEROIDS: In the age of social media, the demand for illegal steroids is booming. Mariana searches out producers and users in an attempt to understand the vanity, insecurity and greed that’s driving this dangerously unregulated, billion-dollar black market in body-enhancing drugs.

FENTANYL: Fentanyl has turbocharged the deadliest drug crisis in American history. But less understood is how the drug has utterly transformed the black market. Mariana goes in search of the new bosses, new routes, new risks and the American communities paying the price for fentanyl’s next wave.

TIGERS: Mariana tackles what one of her sources calls “the untouchable smuggling story.” The black market for tigers and tiger parts is so lucrative, so secretive and so dangerous that few have attempted to uncover its ugly details. Mariana journeys far, and near, to meet the smugglers face-to-face.

PIMPS: In an eye-opening journey through her home state of California, Mariana embeds with pimps, victims, undercover cops and private investigators to understand the ugly business of illicit sex in America. How do pimps recruit? How do they think? Where do they get their power? And just how far will they go to grab their share of this billion-dollar black market?

TRAFFICKED WITH MARIANA VAN ZELLER is produced for National Geographic by Muck Media. For National Geographic, Bengt Anderson is executive producer; Matt Renner is executive producer and vice president, original programming and production; Alan Eyres is senior vice president of production and development; and Geoff Daniels is executive vice president of global unscripted entertainment.

For more information, follow @NGC_PR on Twitter.

About National Geographic Partners LLC:

National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 132 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27% of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

 

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"Angelika Film Center" Inspires New Streaming Platfor, "Angelika Anywhere"

Angelika Anywhere: Curated for Film Lovers

A streaming platform inspired by the Angelika Film Center

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Reading International, Inc. (NASDAQ: RDI) announces the launch of Angelika Anywhere, a streaming platform curated for film lovers, as inspired by its Angelika Film Center in New York City, North America’s most recognized dedicated arthouse.

    “In addition to our curated programming, Angelika Anywhere will also offer exclusive Q&A content with filmmakers and talent from live events at the Angelika Film Center. Going forward, we plan to partner with filmmakers and studios to secure brand new exclusive content to further enrich the Angelika Anywhere experience.”

Since its inception in 1989, the Angelika’s flagship SoHo cinema has been debuting and celebrating groundbreaking independent and international films, many of which have gone on to become important pinnacles of the cinema industry at large. Among these standout titles are The Blair Witch Project, Darren Aronofsky’s Pi, Ryan Coogler’s Fruitvale Station, Oscar winner Searching for Sugar Man, Tom Tykwer’s Run Lola Run, and Sebastián Lelio’s Oscar winner A Fantastic Woman.

Angelika Anywhere expands the cinema experience beyond the four walls of the theater, bringing the Angelika Film Center’s curated programming to cinephiles across the United States. The platform’s programming team has hand-picked an array of celebrated arthouse, international and independent films, and ensured that all films on the platform have earned the Angelika’s stamp of approval. Angelika Anywhere features Curated Collections starting with The Angelika Vault, which features a selection of films that have played at the Angelika in New York over the last 30 years, including audience favorites, milestone films and programmers’ picks. Other Curated Collections include Celebrate Black Cinema, Global Cinema, Spotlight on Latin America, LGBTQ+, Award Winners, Music and Documentary.

“We are thrilled to offer viewers the Angelika experience at home or on the go,” said Denise Hughes, senior director of programming. “With Angelika Anywhere, our goal is to eliminate the paradox of choice – the endless scrolling through seemingly infinite choices on other platforms - and offer great films front and center so a viewer can start watching a film in moments, with the knowledge that it was hand-selected. At launch, the platform offers immediate access to over 150 titles, and we will be frequently adding films and creating new collections moving forward. We are also thrilled to provide audiences access to select virtual cinema titles, whose intended theatrical release has been cut off or postponed due to cinema closures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Angelika Anywhere offers us a great opportunity to preserve for our viewers access to the films that have, over the years, made Angelika a trusted name in arthouse, independent and international film.”

The Angelika’s Marketing Director, Kelley Anderson, adds, “When users log into Angelika Anywhere, we want them to feel like they’re walking into the Angelika Film Center. Guests come to the Angelika because they trust the programming, and our goal is to achieve that same trust with our platform.” Ms. Anderson continued, “In addition to our curated programming, Angelika Anywhere will also offer exclusive Q&A content with filmmakers and talent from live events at the Angelika Film Center. Going forward, we plan to partner with filmmakers and studios to secure brand new exclusive content to further enrich the Angelika Anywhere experience.”

Starting Dec. 30th, Angelika Anywhere is proud to host a one-week exclusive virtual cinema engagement of NEON’s Night of the Kings, an Official Selection of the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, 2020 Venice and New York Film Festivals, and 2020 Toronto International Film Festival Amplify Voices Award winner. The film is the official Oscar selection by the Côte d'Ivoire for consideration at the upcoming 2021 Academy Awards. Night of the Kings, from Director Philippe Lacôte (Run, African Metropolis) follows a young man on his first night in the infamous Ivorian prison, “La Maca.” Upon arriving, he is christened the "Roman," or "Storyteller," and must entertain his audience until morning, risking death should he fail. Under a blood-red moon, he crafts a tale weaving together the country's mythological past and recent history, while around him, prison politics threaten to boil over.

In the first exclusive virtual filmmaker Q&A on Angelika Anywhere, Denise Hughes will be speaking with Oscar winning Director Juan Jose Campanella about his new film The Weasels’ Tale - the enjoyable story of four lifelong friends that is Sunset Boulevard meets The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, with a Latin Twist. Campanella’s Q&A will debut on Angelika Anywhere on Saturday, Jan. 2, at 8pm EST.

About Angelika Anywhere:

    No Subscription Required - Angelika Anywhere does not require a subscription. Users only pay for each film they rent or purchase.
    30 Day Rental - Once users rent a film, they have 30 days to begin watching it. Once they press play, the film will remain available for 48 hours.
    #MyAngelika - A user’s rented and purchased films will be stored in their “Library”. Users may also click on “My List” to add any film to their personal watchlist.
    Watch Anywhere - All films are viewable on a web browser, Apple devices (iPhone, iPad via app or browser), Apple TV, and Google devices (Android phones via app or browser, Android TV devices) and Google Chromecast. Roku integration is in development, scheduled to be released in 2021.
    Angelika on the Go - Users who download the Angelika Anywhere Player app on the App Store or Google Play can log in and access/stream their personal film Library.

For more information on Angelika Anywhere, please visit AngelikaAnywhere.com or follow Angelika Anywhere on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Reading International, Inc.:
Reading International, Inc. (NASDAQ: RDI), an internationally diversified cinema and real estate company, is a leading entertainment and real estate company, engaged in the development, ownership and operation of cinemas and retail and commercial real estate in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

The family of Reading brands includes cinema brands: Reading Cinemas, Angelika Film Centers, Consolidated Theatres, City Cinemas, and the State Cinema; live theatres operated by Liberty Theatres in the United States; and signature property developments, including Newmarket Village, Auburn Redyard, Cannon Park, and The Belmont Common in Australia, Courtenay Central in New Zealand, and 44 Union Square in New York City.

For more information about Reading, please visit ReadingRDI.com.

About the Angelika Film Center:
Since its inception in 1989, the original Angelika Film Center & Café in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood has become synonymous with the best in arthouse, independent and international film, due to its curated and diverse programming. As a true filmmaker’s jewel and a choice destination for cinephiles, the Angelika has attained, and continues to be, the most successful and recognized arthouse in North America.

Since 2000, the Angelika brand has expanded in the United States to Dallas and Plano, Texas; Fairfax, Virginia; Washington D.C. and San Diego, California. Each new theater opening has elevated the standard of excellence, optimizing the cinema-going experience for guests.

Reading’s cinema portfolio includes other key specialty cinemas, including the Village East and Cinemas 123 in New York City, The Tower Theatre in Sacramento and the State Cinema in Tasmania, Australia.

CBS All Access Canada Now Streaming "Console Wars" Documentary

CBS All Access’ First Feature-Length Documentary “CONSOLE WARS” Now Available in Canada

From Legendary Television and CBS Studios, the Documentary Film Provides a Front Row Seat to the Iconic ‘90s Battle Between Video Game Companies Sega and Nintendo

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CBS All Access, ViacomCBS’ subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, today announced that its feature-length documentary CONSOLE WARS is available to stream on the service in Canada starting, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020. CONSOLE WARS is currently available to stream for CBS All Access subscribers in the United States and marks the first feature-length documentary for both the service and Legendary Television.

An Official Selection of the 2020 SXSW Film Festival, CONSOLE WARS takes viewers back to 1990 when Sega, a fledgling arcade company, assembled a team of underdogs to take on the greatest video game company in the world, Nintendo. It was a once-in-a-lifetime, no-holds-barred conflict that pit brother against brother, kids against grownups, Sonic against Mario and American’s unique brand of capitalism against centuries-old Japanese tradition. For the first time ever, the men and women who fought on the front lines for Sega and Nintendo discuss this battle that defined a generation.

CONSOLE WARS is produced and directed by Jonah Tulis and Blake J. Harris, author of the bestselling book of the same name, and also produced by Legendary Television and CBS Studios. Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen, James Weaver, Josh Fagen (Point Grey Pictures) and Scott Rudin and Eli Bush (Scott Rudin Productions) are executive producers, and Julian Rosenberg (Circle of Confusion), Doug Blush (MadPix Films) and Katie Mustard produced the film.

About CBS All Access Canada:

CBS All Access is ViacomCBS’ direct-to-consumer digital subscription video-on-demand and live streaming service. For $5.99 CAD, CBS All Access offers Canadian viewers more than 8,500 commercial-free episodes on demand, spanning full current seasons of select CBS series, entire previous seasons and classic shows, as well as the ability to live stream CBSN, CBS News’ 24/7 streaming news service. CBS All Access is available in Canada at cbsallaccess.ca, on iOS and Android mobile and tablet devices, and connected device platforms including Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast and Roku devices. In addition, the service is now available on the newly launched Apple TV Channels.

To sign up for CBS All Access in Canada, visit: cbsallaccess.ca

About Legendary Television:

Legendary Television is a leading global full-service television studio specializing in financing, developing and producing quality genre and character-driven projects for multiple platforms. Championing compelling auteur-driven storytelling featuring renowned talent, Legendary’s Television roster includes: the reboot of the classic family adventure series LOST IN SPACE, for Netflix; CARNIVAL ROW, a fantasy noir drama starring Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne, for Amazon; and PACIFIC RIM, an original anime series expanding the story of the first two live action movies, for Netflix. Upcoming projects include: DUNE: THE SISTERHOOD, based on one of the most popular science fiction franchises of all time, for HBO Max; PAPER GIRLS, based on Brian K. Vaughan’s best-selling graphic novel, for Amazon; and DEBRIS, the sci-fi drama from J.H. Wyman and starring Jonathan Tucker and Riann Steele, for NBC. To learn more visit: www.legendary.com.

 

About CBS Studios:CBS Studios is one of the industry’s leading suppliers of programming with more than 70 series currently in production across broadcast and cable networks, streaming services and other emerging platforms. The Studio’s expansive portfolio spans a diverse slate of commercially successful and critically acclaimed scripted programming, genre-defining franchises including the ever-growing “Star Trek” universe, award-winning late night and daytime talk shows, and an extensive library of iconic intellectual property.

 

A review of Console Wars the original book is here.

 

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 Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

 

 

NatGeo Debuts "Blood on the Wall" Tonight, Sept. 30th

National Geographic Announces Blood on the Wall From Academy Award Nominee Sebastian Junger and Emmy Winner Nick Quested to Premiere September 30, 2020 At 9/8c

Feature Documentary Explores How Mexico and Surrounding Region Reached Current State, Influenced by Plight of Human Caravans, Resilient Drug Trafficking and

Political Corruption at All Levels

BLOOD ON THE WALL Is Second Project from National Geographic and Filmmakers Junger and Quested, Following 2017 duPont-Winning Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS

See trailer at YouTube.

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Geographic Documentary Films announced that the new feature documentary, BLOOD ON THE WALL, from Academy Award® nominee and best-selling author, journalist and filmmaker Sebastian Junger and Emmy®-winning filmmaker Nick Quested, will premiere Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 9/8c on National Geographic.

With the trademark inside access unique to National Geographic and the filmmakers, BLOOD ON THE WALL explores the internal and external influences on Mexico as it deals with the key issues of migrant caravans from Central America heading to the U.S., the dangerous but resilient traffickers fueling the cross-border drug trade and how corruption has impacted politics at every level.

Featuring unprecedented first-person accounts from migrants on the road, farmers, narcos, security enforcers, journalists, presidents and diplomats, BLOOD ON THE WALL tells the story of how traffickers, corrupt politicians and well-positioned business interests have seized wealth and power, leaving everyday citizens desperately fighting for survival or needing to flee elsewhere for a better life.

Exploring Mexico’s tension with its northern neighbor and the way regional U.S. policies over the past few decades have helped fragment Mexico’s political order, the film looks at the ways in which the country has been weighed down by disorder and crime throughout the 21st century.

Closely following a caravan of migrants — some with young children — as they travel from Honduras, Guatemala and other Central American nations across Mexico toward the United States, the film depicts the daily struggles of life on the road without certainty of a better future. The border these migrants are seeking to be granted entry to is the very same that narco-traffickers cross regularly as they move drugs and money back and forth between Mexico and the U.S.

“The issues Mexico faces right now are layered and complex and ultimately intertwined with how the U.S. has approached foreign policy and immigration since the Reagan era. The history and the future of the country and its inhabitants is so bound up in the larger forces at work in the region, it’s vital to look at them holistically. We’re reaching a juncture in this election year when understanding the socio-political landscape of our neighbors is incredibly important for people before going into a voting booth,” said director Sebastian Junger.

“Systemic change is top of mind for a lot of people right now and that conversation needs to include U.S. foreign policies that only enhance the inequities across our southern border, allowing ruthless leaders and cartels to take advantage of people for their personal gain. Humans are remarkably resilient, but when you disenfranchise them, taking away their peace and stability, it can leave them in a very desperate situation. The urgency of tackling these nuanced, extremely complex issues — caravans, cartels and corruption — has never been greater,” added director Nick Quested.

Key interviews include:

•     Ludy, a Honduran teenage girl with no family who joins a caravan heading north.
•     Sara, her children and grandchildren, from Guatemala who have also joined the caravan to the U.S.
•     Felipe Calderón, President of Mexico (2006-2012).
•     Arturo Sarukhan, Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. (2007-2013).
•     Julia Preston, New York Times Mexico correspondent (1995-2001).
•     Carmen Aristegui, CNN en Español anchor.
•     Alan Bersin, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner (2010-2011).
•     Jack Riley, Former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Deputy Director.
•     Jaime López-Aranda, Latin America policy expert and former Mexican government official.
•     Santiago, a poppy farmer in Mexico.
•     Ángel Mundo, Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers’ College survivor of the 2014 Iguala mass kidnapping and massacre by local authorities colluding with organized criminals.
•     Anonymous drug makers in a Sinaloa Heroin Lab.
•     Anonymous drug runners based on the southern U.S. border.

BLOOD ON THE WALL is National Geographic’s second collaboration with filmmakers and producing partners Junger and Quested following the 2017 duPont-winning feature documentary Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of Isis.

The announcement follows the success of National Geographic Documentary Films’ The Cave from Feras Fayyad, which was nominated for a 2020 Academy Award®. The banner previously released the Oscar, BAFTA and seven-time Emmy Award® winner Free Solo; the Sundance Audience Award-winning docs Sea of Shadows and Science Fair; Emmy®-winning films LA 92 (also produced by Lightbox) and Jane, both of which were included in the top 15 documentaries considered for an Academy Award® in 2017; and duPont-Columbia Award-winning documentary Hell on Earth.

About Sebastian Junger:
Sebastian Junger is the New York Times No. 1 best-selling author of “The Perfect Storm,” “Fire,” “A Death in Belmont,” “War” and “Tribe.” As an award-winning journalist, a contributing editor to Vanity Fair and a special correspondent at ABC News, he has covered major international news stories around the world and has received both a National Magazine Award and a Peabody Award. Junger is also a documentary filmmaker whose debut film, “Restrepo,” a feature-length documentary co-directed with Tim Hetherington, was nominated for an Academy Award and won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.

About Nick Quested:
Nick Quested is executive director and owner of Goldcrest Films, where he has built one of the world’s premiere documentary brands and won two Emmy® Awards for his work. Quested has produced over 35 films, including Sebastian Junger’s “The Last Patrol,” “Korengal,” the PGA- and two-time Emmy-nominated “Which Way Is the Front Line From Here? The Life and Time of Tim Hetherington” and the Oscar®-nominated “Restrepo.” Quested is also an award-winning music video director who has worked with such artists as Dr. Dre, Nas, Puffy, Sting, Master P, Cash Money and Trick Daddy.

About National Geographic Documentary Films:
National Geographic Documentary Films is committed to bringing the world premium, feature documentaries that cover timely, provocative and globally relevant stories from the very best documentary filmmakers in the world. National Geographic Documentary Films is a division of National Geographic Partners, a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 132 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27% percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

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"The All-Americans" Documentary Chronicles "East LA Classic"

Powerful Sports Documentary THE ALL-AMERICANS Chronicles Two East LA Teams Competing in Biggest High School Football Rivalry in the Country

Gathr Films Sets August 29th, 2020 for Virtual Event Cinema Premiere

Executive Producer & Multi-Platinum Recording Artist Becky G Joins Director Billy McMillin For Live Q&A Following Premiere to Discuss Players Who Put Everything on The Line In One Heated Game To Make Dreams Come True

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Forget “Friday Night Lights.” The biggest and most consequential high school football rivalry hits the gridiron each November when two teams put everything on the line in the “East LA Classic.” Now that rivalry and the off-the-field real life dramas that come to a head in the annual game are chronicled in a new sports documentary, THE ALL-AMERICANS. Directed by Billy McMillin (award-winning West of Memphis) and executive produced by multi-platinum recording artist Becky G, the documentary will have its virtual World Cinema Event Premiere on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 9:00 pm EDT/1:00 am UTC via Gathr At Home™, Gathr’s virtual event cinema platform.

View the trailer for "The All-Americans" here.

Home to the nation’s largest Latino immigrant population, East Los Angeles sits squarely in the crossfire of debate about American identity. Yet every November, this community comes together for a distinctly American event, drawing 25,000 proud locals to one of the country’s fiercest high school football rivalry games: “The East LA Classic.” The All-Americans follows four students seeking glory on the field, while grappling with personal obstacles and striving to make sense of their community’s place in today’s America.

The film’s director Billy McMillin says “The All-Americans is not about one ragtag team prevailing over a villain team; it’s about East L.A. and how this unique community fits into the America of today. Not in a static way, but like all immigrant communities before them, in a way that is complex, evolving, growing, and changing the country.”

The All-Americans is produced by Delirio Films (Ask. Dr Ruth, Honey Boy) and Abramorama (Cracked Up). Gathr Films has the worldwide virtual event rights. Director: Billy McMillin. Executive Producer: Becky G. Producers: Christopher Leggett, Rafael Marmor, Billy McMillin, Timm Oberwelland. Running time: 98 minutes

The virtual event cinema release of The All-Americans benefits Operation Street Kidz, a community based organization dedicated to engineering success among kids, especially throughout the inner cities of the US.


About Billy McMillin: Director:
Billy McMillin has spent over a decade as a writer and editor crafting a diverse mix of stories—from war-torn life in Academy Award Nominee Iraq in Fragments, to an epic search for justice in West of Memphis, to a quest for greatness amongst the world's best 7-year-old golfers in The Short Game. He edited Hulu’s original documentaries Becoming Bond and Too Funny To Fail, and led a team of editors on History & Viceland’s docuseries Hunting ISIS and SundanceTV’s true crime series No One Saw a Thing. Most recently, he edited the all-archival feature documentary Mike Wallace Is Here, which premiered in competition at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and was released theatrically by Magnolia Pictures. The All-Americans is his feature directorial debut.

About Becky G: Executive Producer:
Becky G has toured alongside Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, J Balvin, Fifth Harmony and Jason Derulo and has recorded collabs with Pitbull, Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny, Yandel, and CNCO, among others. The Mexican-American RCA/Sony Music Latin recording artist is working on two upcoming albums, one in Spanish and the other in English. Becky was recently honored by her home city of Inglewood, California for her contributions to the Hispanic community. Recognized as one of Rolling Stone’s, “18 Teens Shaking Up Pop Culture” and one of Billboard’s “21 Under 21,” Becky’s unrivaled work ethic paired with her singing, acting, writing, and production talents make her a major force to be reckoned with hits on the Billboard Latin Airplay Charts (“Mayores” & "Sin Pijama”), starring roles in "Power Rangers" and "A.X.L.", and guest-starring in Fox TV’s Emmy-winning “Empire" series.

About Delirio Films:
Run by partners Rafael Marmor and Christopher Leggett, Delirio Films is an independent production company encompassing film, television, and commercials, with a particular emphasis on documentaries. For over 10 years, it has built a library of films which embodies a unique combination of artistic integrity and commercial viability. Delirio Films recently premiered three features at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival: Magnolia Film’s “Mike Wallace is Here”, Hulu Original “Ask Dr. Ruth”, and “Honey Boy” starring Shia LeBeouf, which was acquired by Amazon. Past films include SXSW Audience Award Winner “Becoming Bond” and "Too Funny to Fail”, which marked Hulu’s launch into original documentaries; Alma Har’el’s “LoveTrue” and her Tribeca winner “Bombay Beach”; Magnolia Films’ “No Place on Earth”; Netflix’s first original film and SXSW Audience Award winner, “The Short Game”; and Sundance Audience Award winner “The Green Prince”.

In September 2020, Delirio Films, in partnership with LeBron James’ SpringHill company, will be premiering the Netflix docu-series “The Playbook: A Coach’s Rules for Life”, which profiles championship-winning coaches as they share the rules they live by to achieve success in sports and in life. Past docu-series include “Hunting Isis” for The History Channel and Avi Belkin’s true crime docu-series “No One Saw a Thing” for The Sundance Channel and are currently in production on a Magic Johnson documentary.

About Gathr Films:
Gathr Films (Gathr®) was founded in 2011 by filmmaker Scott Glosserman to innovate within the motion picture theatrical distribution space. Gathr created Theatrical On Demand®, an event management and ticketing platform that distributes feature films and documentaries using technology to accommodate audience demand by leveraging unused cinema capacity. Gathr screens in over 4,000 cinemas in North America, having sold 750,000+ tickets to 11,000+ events. With Gathr At Home® the company once again introduces a first-of-its-kind: Virtual Event Cinema.

Films booked via Theatrical On Demand® include 2019's Academy Awards® winner, FREE SOLO, 2016 Academy Awards® nominee, WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE, 2014 Academy Awards® nominee, THE TALE OF PRINCESS KAGUYA, and 2013 Academy Awards® nominee, THE SQUARE. Other noteworthy titles include: AFTER, FAHRENHEIT 9/11, THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE, HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE, MARLEY, THE BREADWINNER, THE OVERNIGHTERS, GIRL RISING, WALK WITH ME, AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA. Gathr has set the Virtual Event Cinema Premiere of MEETING THE BEATLES IN INDIA for September 9, 2020. www.Gathr.com

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NatGeo Announces New "From Above" Episodes

National Geographic Defies Gravity With TV’s First Global Airborne Franchise, Delivering Cutting-Edge Aerial Cinematography From Around the World in Four New Installments of Its Highly Rated From Above Series

Taking to the Skies over India, Ancient China, Egypt and Europe,

National Geographic Cements its Successful From Above Titles as Television’s First Global Airborne Franchise with Forthcoming Chapters that Offer New Perspectives on Earth's Developed and Untouched Footprints

Clip from the Forthcoming INDIA FROM ABOVE at YouTube.

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Geographic announced it is expanding on the success of its "From Above" specials and creating television’s first global franchise driven primarily by aerial footage.

With earlier iterations sweeping over the modern topography of China, Egypt, Europe, Japan and New Zealand, National Geographic located a sweet spot for viewers eager to rise above the fray and see their cultures, landmarks and landscapes with a new vibrancy. Now, the network is committing to this space with four new epic chapters that will deliver more spectacular views, unique insights and brand-new perspectives from the skies above. The forthcoming INDIA FROM ABOVE and ANCIENT CHINA FROM ABOVE will premiere in 2020, while EGYPT FROM ABOVE: PAST MEETS FUTURE and a second season of EUROPE FROM ABOVE will debut in 2021.

Featuring breathtaking drone footage as its centerpiece, the From Above franchise explores, in stunning visual detail, the culture, history, innovation and engineering feats that have helped shape the world as we know it. With exclusive access all over the world, National Geographic’s cameras are able to fly through restricted airspace, capturing never-before-seen views of the Earth. Epic cinematography marries with advanced technologies to enable iconic tracking shots, with a drone able to lock in its flight coordinates and return to the same location to capture the exact same shot at different times and seasons, highlighting changes in the macrocosm below.

Anchoring the visual storytelling with the hard-won observations and wisdom of a local inhabitant who has a deep and abiding connection with their land, is integral to each show’s success. These human voices bring perspective and insight to the series while exploring geological wonders, animals and native wildlife, migratory routes carved over generations, marvels of human engineering, big celebratory festivals and ancient half-forgotten wonders.

“We started exploring the From Above world way back in 2013 and in success returned with additional specials, but now we’re committing to the creation of television’s first global franchise to be driven by cutting-edge aerial footage. We’re planting our flag to let viewers know this will be a staple on our channel moving forward,” said Geoff Daniels, EVP, Global Unscripted Entertainment of National Geographic.

“Our previous specials resonated hugely with audiences who delighted in seeing their homelands in a new way but, in a time of closed borders and limited travel, we believe this series brings a much-needed perspective on our societies and cultures whose differences often pale in comparison to some of their breathtaking similarities. With such visually stunning experiences and the deeper connections this franchise offers, we couldn’t be more excited to offer these more frequently and with even greater diversity,” he added.

Increasingly used in film and television over the past decade, the game-changing potential in lightweight drone technology has never before been fully harnessed by a global television network. National Geographic has committed to developing a franchise with multiple upcoming installments that let viewers take flight and see their world in a whole new way. Much of the footage in each episode is able to be filmed by a single cameraperson operating a drone in the field, offering a safe and reliable, socially distanced pathway to gathering and telling universally resonant stories.

About the forthcoming From Above titles:

ANCIENT CHINA FROM ABOVE
U.S. Premiere is August 11, 2020 at 10/9c
Ancient China From Above moves into the realm of satellite and LiDAR technologies to help peel away layers of modern development, taking viewers back in time to see how earlier landscapes were shaped in ways just like today. The series scours the largest manmade structure on Earth in Secrets of the Great Wall; explores Kublai Khan’s legendary lost city in inner Mongolia in Mysteries of Xanadu; and reveals a newly discovered megacity from 4,000 years ago that was one of the largest on the planet and whose inhabitants created amazing Maya-like carvings and practiced human sacrifice on an unprecedented scale in China’s Pompeii. Tackling astonishing new archaeological findings from above, the three-part series opens up new possibilities for potential future installments of the franchise. Ancient China From Above will roll out globally on National Geographic this month, premiering August 11 at 10/9c in the U.S.

INDIA FROM ABOVE
U.S. Premiere on Nat Geo WILD is September 24, 2020 at 9/8c
One of the world’s oldest continuing civilizations, India has the youngest population of any country on the planet. With an average age of 29 years, the populace is now faced with the largest democratic exercise in human history. India From Above hovers over the 850 million voters casting their ballots in 2019 to form a government. This story of a nation, at once both modern and steeped in mysticism, is told over two powerful episodes that will premiere globally on National Geographic in 172 countries and 43 languages from August 2020 and in the U.S. on August 11 at 1 a.m. EDT.

EGYPT FROM ABOVE: PAST MEETS FUTURE
Premieres globally in 2021
Egypt From Above: Past Meets Future surveys the rhythms of this ancient landscape through new eyes. Taking a spectacular aerial journey across the country helps unlock the secrets of one of history’s most spectacular civilizations in the context of exploring the surprises of its unfolding future. The one-hour special will debut on National Geographic outside the U.S. in 2021.

EUROPE FROM ABOVE
Season 2 premieres globally in 2021
Then, across six glorious hours, cameras return to the skies over Europe, capturing the changing seasons over the course of a year in season two of Europe From Above. With exclusive access to key locations in Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Sweden and Turkey, the series reveals how tradition, engineering and natural wonders have shaped this epic continent. New perspectives on these well-known countries paint a vibrant portrait of the region and the people who keep it alive. The new season will premiere globally on National Geographic in 2021.


About National Geographic Partners:
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 132 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

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NatGeo Announces "Shark Beach" Featuring Chris Hemsworth

Deep Into This Summer’s 8th Annual SHARKFEST Season, National Geographic Greenlights SHARKFEST 2021 Premier Special, “Shark Beach” (WT), Featuring Global Movie Star, Surfer and Environmentalist Chris Hemsworth

Uncovering Incredible Science of Shark Behavior, the One-hour Special Pairs Hemsworth with Marine Biologists, Surfers and Diving Experts to Discover How Humans and Sharks Can Safely Coexist

Global Special, Produced by Nutopia, to Premiere on the Networks Of National Geographic Summer 2021

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than three weeks into its 8th annual, biggest and boldest SHARKFEST ever, National Geographic sinks its teeth into next summer’s SHARKFEST headliner with the announcement of Shark Beach (WT), featuring global movie star Chris Hemsworth (Thor, The Avengers).

    “That’s why I couldn’t be more excited about Shark Beach and our latest collaboration with Chris Hemsworth. He’s a fearless defender of nature with a proven commitment to conservation and has an unrivaled willingness to do whatever it takes to help protect sharks for generations to come.”

Hemsworth, an enthusiastic surfer and renowned environmentalist, is fascinated by the ocean’s top predators for their incredible magnificence and mystery, but he’s equally perplexed by the dangers they pose when humans venture into shark territory. In Shark Beach, produced by award-winning Nutopia (The World According to Jeff Goldblum, One Strange Rock), Hemsworth embarks on a once-in-a-lifetime mission to investigate the measures put in place to safeguard our co-existence and to uncover the complicated truth behind the alarming increase in shark attacks in Australia.

Joined by the world’s preeminent shark experts — including surfers, conservationists, shark advocates and marine biologists — Hemsworth begins his journey in his own backyard, Byron Bay, Australia. Here, he uncovers the reasons for increased shark attacks so close to home in recent years. Hemsworth joins local biologists to explore how existing preventative measures work to stave off shark-human encounters and dives with different species of sharks to understand their behaviors and power. He also uncovers the latest breakthroughs in shark science technology designed to protect both sharks and humans. Hemsworth’s mission to understand sharks is more than a journey; he’s searching for the answers to help pave the way to living more harmoniously among sharks.

“I’ve spent a great deal of my life near or in the ocean, sharing the same backyard with sharks, and recently there’s been some growing concern regarding an increase in shark activity,” says Hemsworth. “It’s crucial that we both revere and respect sharks. Our oceans depend on these apex predators for a biodiverse ecosystem; however, we must also learn how to protect ourselves, and that’s my main objective in Shark Beach.”

“SHARKFEST has become the port of call for A-list scientists and filmmakers who share our passion for sharks and the health of the planet’s oceans. In success, we’re also drawing in celebrity thought leaders who have the power to raise awareness and impact behavior through their incredible social platforms,” says Geoff Daniels, executive vice president of global unscripted entertainment at National Geographic. “That’s why I couldn’t be more excited about Shark Beach and our latest collaboration with Chris Hemsworth. He’s a fearless defender of nature with a proven commitment to conservation and has an unrivaled willingness to do whatever it takes to help protect sharks for generations to come.”

“Continuing to build on Nutopia’s relationship with A-list talent like Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and now Chris Hemsworth, Shark Beach is a fantastic opportunity to explore the tricky relationship between humans and sharks,” says Jane Root, Nutopia CEO and founder. “As someone interested in conservation, Hemsworth has a deep admiration for these creatures and knows how dangerous sharks can be for swimmers and surfers. We are excited to partner with him to further explore ways both can live together safely,” said Nutopia CEO and founder Jane Root.

Already pacing 10 percent ahead of last year’s event, SHARKFEST is the ultimate destination for factual shark content and the legions of fans who are mystified by them. Currently in its third consecutive week on National Geographic, SHARKFEST continues on Nat Geo WILD for two more weeks, beginning Sunday, August 9, 2020.

Shark Beach, a marquee special for SHARKFEST 2021, is produced for National Geographic and Nat Geo WILD by Nutopia. Chris Hemsworth and Ben Grayson are executive producers. For Nutopia, Jane Root, Arif Nurmohamed and Mark Hedgecoe are executive producers. For National Geographic, Tracy Rudolph Jackson is executive producer, and Geoff Daniels is executive vice president, global unscripted entertainment.


About Nutopia
Nutopia is known for creating award winning, factual series on a global scale, and a new genre of television, the “megadoc,” which combines epic cinematography and action-driven drama with high-end documentary and A-list talent. Nutopia’s recent critical successes include “Babies” for Netflix, which explores a decade of ground-breaking science that reveals the emotional and astounding story of a baby's first year of life; Emmy-nominated series “The World According to Jeff Goldblum,” one of the series to launch Disney+ and has been renewed for second season; “The Last Czars” for Netflix, a lavish drama-doc about the last days of the Romanovs; “One Strange Rock” for National Geographic, a multi award-winning collaboration with director Darren Aronofsky; and “Unmasking Jihadi John: Anatomy of a Terrorist” for Channel 4 and HBO. Nutopia currently has projects in development with Disney+, History and Amazon.

About National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP)
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 132 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, storytelling and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

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