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Global Critics Cannes Voice, hosted by internationally renowned film critic Rita Di Santo, is the daily podcast of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, produced by FRED Film Radio directly from Cannes.

Each episode takes listeners inside the Festival with exclusive and thoughtful conversations with leading international film critics, and in-depth analysis of the year’s most anticipated films. Rita Di Santo and her guests bring to life the unique atmosphere of Cannes, offering a rare insider’s view of the stories, talent, and cinematic moments that make the Cannes Film Festival one of the world’s most celebrated cultural events.

In this episode of Global Critics Cannes Voice Rita Di Santo hosts: Amharic Gillon from Arabic press (Syria and France) and Peter Bradshaw (The Guardian).

The post Highlights and film critics from the 79th Cannes Film Festival – episode 14/05 appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

The Market Insider is an industry-focused podcast by FRED Film Radio in collaboration with Cinema & Video International, recorded during the 79th Cannes Film Festival.

The series explores the business and strategic dynamics of the international film and audiovisual sector through in-depth conversations with producers, distributors, sales agents, film commissioners, and industry experts. Each episode provides valuable insights into market trends, challenges, and innovations, offering professionals and enthusiasts a comprehensive understanding of today’s global film industry.

Discover the compelling story of “Ting”, a dark fantasy film set in 1918 northern Italy. The film combines period drama with fantastical elements. With its unique blend of historical and dark fantasy genres, “Ting” aims to captivate audiences seeking immersive storytelling with rich visual production.

“Ting” is a film that transports viewers to a turbulent time in Italy’s history, specifically 1918 in Piedmont. The story revolves around a young protagonist encountering a mysterious, fantastical creature that influences her coming of age. The integration of dark fantasy with a period setting creates a compelling narrative that appeals to fans of both genres. This combination not only enhances the visual appeal but also deepens the emotional resonance of the story.

Producer Roberto Cavallini highlights “Ting”’s potential to attract diverse audiences interested in period dramas, coming of age stories, and fantasy elements. The film features a strong female lead played by Mariandrea Cesari, which broadens its appeal. As a majority Italian co-production (led by Albolina Film) involving international partners like  Randan (UK), Screen Scotland and Italian regional funds, “Ting” benefits from a solid financial and creative foundation. The project is actively seeking sales agents and distributors, with negotiations underway, to ensure a broad reach. In the context of the Fantastic Seven platform, “Ting”‘s compelling narrative and production value position it well for international success, reaffirming the film as a standout project in the dark fantasy genre.

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Stephen Frears, one of the guest of Riviera International Film Festival 2026, talks to FredFilmRadio about his career and unlocks the secrets behind a director’s artistic approach. “The Queen” and “Victoria & Abdul” author stands at the heart of any cinematic project, serving as the creative visionary who guides the entire filmmaking process. From selecting the script to working with actors and overseeing the technical crew, the director’s influence shapes the final product. Emphasizing the importance of instinct and education, the director combines personal intuition with learned skills to bring stories to life on screen. questo non è un titoletto

Today, one of the most significant challenges a director faces is securing funding for their projects. As the landscape shifts rapidly with technological advancements, making a film—whether on a phone or with traditional equipment—still largely depends on financial backing. Many directors, despite their talent and vision, struggle to find the necessary resources, which can halt even the most promising projects. This financial barrier underscores the ongoing difficulties directors encounter, emphasizing the importance of support and investment in the art of filmmaking.

The post Stephen Frears, interview with the director at the Riviera International Film Festival appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

The Market Insider is an industry-focused podcast by FRED Film Radio in collaboration with Cinema & Video International, recorded during the 79th Cannes Film Festival.

The series explores the business and strategic dynamics of the international film and audiovisual sector through in-depth conversations with producers, distributors, sales agents, film commissioners, and industry experts. Each episode provides valuable insights into market trends, challenges, and innovations, offering professionals and enthusiasts a comprehensive understanding of today’s global film industry.

The Derry Social Club is shaping Italy’s genre film landscape by fostering a vibrant community of producers, directors, and industry professionals. As the official hub of genre cinema in Italy, the Derry Social Club connects creatives and markets to promote high-quality horror, thriller, and other genre projects. Its international debut at Cannes Fantastic Pavillion highlights its significance in transforming Italian genre filmmaking and facilitating global collaborations.

The Derry Social Club was established to serve as a dedicated community for genre filmmakers across Italy. It started with just five companies and has grown to over 100 members, including established directors and indie producers alike. This community aims to define and elevate the identity of Italian genre cinema through networking, co-productions, and industry initiatives. Its presence at Cannes offers an important platform for introducing Italian projects to international buyers and partners interested in high-quality genre films.

One of the Derry Social Club’s key initiatives is the upcoming Round Robin pitching forum inside the Cannes Fantastic Pavillion, where four Italian projects are showcased to global buyers. These projects include innovative horror and supernatural films, reflecting the club’s focus on elevated genre storytelling with commercial appeal. By facilitating access to funding, co-production opportunities, and distribution channels, the club boosts Italy’s position in the global genre film industry. Its efforts help Italian filmmakers develop projects rooted in strong community support and market relevance, with the Derry Social Club playing a pivotal role in this growth.

The selected Italian projects that will be presented at the Fantastic Round Robin are: “Little Death” by Stefano Mutolo, feature creature horror produced by Berta Film, Extreme Video and Infrared; “The Shadow that Comes from the Sea“ by Vladimir Scavuzzo; “Chronicles of Nature and City” by Aurora Ovan produced by Incipit Film, and “One Way Ticket” by Ambra Principato.

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Presented in the international competition at IndieLisboa, “Conference of the birds” by director Amin Motallebzadeh offers a compelling look at collective struggle and the search for purpose. The film explores themes of unity, self-discovery, and communal identity. With a focus on the metaphorical power of football and the subtlety of human relationships, the film invites to reflect on the deeper meanings of belonging and transformation.

The title “Conference of the birds” is a homage to one of the most significant works of Persian poetry, symbolizing a collective journey toward self-awareness. The film’s narrative revolves around a football team navigating a void left by the death of their coach, which serves as a metaphor for searching beyond superficial roles. As the players and staff seek their place within this symbolic universe, the story emphasizes that individuals and groups often hold the collective fabric together.

The film’s blend of realism and symbolism is balanced through careful directorial choices by Amin Motallebzadeh. Rather than focusing solely on the game itself, “Conference of the birds” depicts space, movement, and subtle human interactions as essential elements of storytelling. Scenes such as prayer meetings and quiet gestures are treated as choreographed moments, elevating everyday rituals into metaphysical reflections. This approach encourages viewers to see the familiar through a new lens, highlighting the interconnectedness of physical actions and spiritual significance. By moving in circles and avoiding linear storytelling, the film creates an atmospheric space where philosophical questions about identity and community flourish.

“Conference of the birds” features a cast composed largely of non-professional actors selected from diverse backgrounds. Over a two-year filming period, the cast’s performances were adjusted, resulting in genuine interactions that reflect real-life relationships within a football team. This authenticity adds depth to the film’s exploration of collective identity and individual struggles.

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Included in the national competition of IndieLisboa, “Kiss and Be Friends” by director Ana Baldini and screenwriter Roly Witherow offers a compelling look at the complexities of modern friendship and urban life. The story explores the characters’ fragilities and flaws, offering a sharp, satirical portrait of a generation navigating uncertainty within the fleeting rhythms of urban life. The characters’ internal narratives often overshadow their real interactions, illustrating the difficulty of genuine connection amidst personal and societal anxieties. The film’s portrayal of their relationship emphasizes the importance of narrative construction, often at the expense of authentic contact. The film captures the subtle violence and affection that coexist within their bond, reflecting a generation that oscillates between dependence and independence. Roly Witherow emphazises that this ambivalence aligns with the film’s broader commentary on a society obsessed with self-image and superficial ties, positioning “Kiss and be friends” as a nuanced exploration of friendship’s multifaceted nature.

Ana Baldini points out that Lisbon plays a crucial role in “Kiss and be friends” as a city caught between tradition and contemporary transformation. The film deliberately portrays Lisbon as a transient space, reflecting the globalized and touristic realities many young people experience today. The film’s use of Lisbon’s topology and iconic imagery enhances the ambivalent tone, sometimes the city feels like a vibrant character, other times a generic urban backdrop. This duality highlights the generation’s simultaneous fascination with and disconnection from their environment, reinforcing the idea that Lisbon, like the characters, exists in a state of flux.

A satirical and genre-defying film

“Kiss and be friends“ playful subversion of romantic comedy expectations is one of its standout qualities. It adopts the trappings of a rom-com, romantic entanglements, humor, and urban settings, yet deliberately dismantles these tropes to reveal a more unromantic reality. The narrative exposes the inflated sense of self and the superficial pursuits that often drive young adults’ lives, making it a satirical take on genre conventions.

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Included in the national competition of IndieLisboa, “According to love” by director  Rodrigo Braz Teixeira portrays the complex dynamics of young adults experiencing emotional shifts. The film explores the tension between connection and distance, showing that love is often governed by nuanced feelings rather than clear-cut resolutions. By focusing on the characters’ evolving relationships over a summer, the narrative revolves around personal growth and relational transformation, guiding viewers through the characters’ journeys with authenticity and depth.

In “According to love” Rodrigo Bras Teixeira aimed to capture the fragile space between connection and distance, emphasizing the importance of spontaneity and realness. Shooting scene by scene and embracing an experimental method enabled the director to reflect these transitions authentically. The sensitivity of the actors and the visual style complement the narrative.

“According to love” creates a sense of observational intimacy, immersing audiences in the characters’ lives and emotional states. Filipe Cates, who plays Filipe, adds that the narrative, built around the characters’ perspectives, created the conditions to foster trust and familiarity among the actors.  The camera’s positioning, often below the characters, adds to the feeling of closeness and authenticity. Subtle gestures, conversations, and the unspoken understanding between characters, emphasizes that love’s influence is often felt in quiet, everyday moments. Ultimately, the film demonstrates that love is never static, but it evolves alongside us, shaping the stories we tell about ourselves.

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“A River’s Gaze“, included in the Smart7 section of IndieLisboa, offers a reflection on memory, belonging, and nature’s silent witness. It uses the river as a central motif, emphasizing its role as an observing and absorbing presence. Andreea Cristina Borțun’s film follows Lavinia and her son returning home, where the river becomes a silent witness to their lives and the passage of time. The immersive visual and auditory language invites to experience the landscape in a contemplative, sensory manner, highlighting the river’s significance in shaping the story.

“A River’s Gaze” is rooted in the idea of the river as a silent observer, mirroring the characters’ inner worlds while standing as a physical force in the landscape. The choice of location, an area where the house was built specifically for the film, reinforces the deep connection between the land, water, and personal history. Borțun explains that the river is not just a backdrop, but an active participant in the narrative, providing a sense of continuity and spiritual presence across seasons.

The director emphasizes the importance of sensory immersion, working closely with sound designer Florent Klockenbring to craft a rich auditory landscape. The balance of sound and silence enhances the sense of intimacy and authenticity, drawing viewers into the quiet, meditative world of the rural landscape and its silent witness, the river.

The film’s hybrid approach of blending documentary and fiction opens new avenues for storytelling. By working with non-professional actors and real environments, Andreea Cristina Borțun maintains an authentic, vivid portrayal of rural life that resists artificiality. The commitment to natural environments and real people creates a more experience, while also challenging conventional cinematic structures.

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During the second edition of the Stop e-Motion Days in Mestre, we had a long conversation with the legendary co-founder and creative director of Aardman Animations, Peter Lord.  This years marks the 50th anniversary for the stop-motion animation studio, a reality that has brought to life unforgettable characters like Wallace & Gromit, and delivered instant-classics such as “Chicken Run” and “Shaun the Sheep“. With an influence and a legacy that still is incredibly relevant also in modern animation.

Aardman Animations is indeed a studio that is still determined to shape innovative storytelling and craftsmanship in the animation world, with its historic IPs, with its classic British humour but now also with a more international overview and unexpected collaborations.

Peter Lord talked about how Aardman Animations still stands today as a testament to creative excellence in the world of animated films and series: the world has changed quite a lot from the moment the studio was born 50 years ago, but it still remains renowned for its distinct stop-motion style and memorable characters. The studio has indeed been a pioneer in blending traditional techniques with modern storytelling, crafting iconic characters from Morph to Wallace & Gromit, but also Shaun the Sheep and the main protagonists of “Chicken Run“, and they all have become in some way true cultural icons. The studio’s commitment to quality and its ability to maintain a uniquely British humor while appealing to global viewers have cemented its legacy in animation history, factors that are still a trademark today.

Lord has stressed his attention also on how Aardman Studio has always believed in the audience’s intelligence, trusting the kids’ wit in order to appreciate authentic, well-crafted stories, incorporating a uniquely British sensibility that resonates universally, and balancing visual comedy with smart writing in order to talk to viewers of any kind of age.

Looking ahead, Peter Lord has also revealed how Aardman Animations continues to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of technology, including thinking about the potential of AI and digital innovation. While the studio values the human touch and craftsmanship deeply rooted in traditional stop-motion, it recognizes the importance of always studying and integrating new tools in order to stay relevant. And also, now opening its view with unique and unexpected collaborations with global brands and franchises, such as Pokémon and Star Wars, demonstrating its flexibility in contaminating its core artistry with diverse influences. As the industry evolves, Aardman Animations still remains committed to producing witty, inventive content that engage the audience and upholds the integrity of handmade animation: with an enduring legacy suggests that the essence of Aardman Animations, with its never-ending creativity and craftsmanship, will continue to inspire future generations of viewers and stop-motion animators.

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Exploring themes of nostalgia, disillusionment, and cultural memory, “Ciao Ufo” captures a unique slice of Hong Kong’s history. The film’s title, prominently featuring the keyword “Ciao Ufo” , hints at its deep connection to the city’s urban legends and the innocence of childhood during the 1980s. As the story unfolds, viewers are transported into a world where real-life events and local myths intertwine.

The film references “Ciao Ufo” as a symbol of childhood curiosity and the legendary sightings that marked 1985. The location where the story takes place is directly linked to UFO sightings documented at the time, making it a crucial element in how the film explores collective memory. This connection adds a layer of authenticity, immersing the audience in a period of innocence before rapid urban transformation. The significance of “Ciao Ufo” resonates with viewers familiar with Hong Kong’s legendary tales and societal shifts.

The Wafu Estate, often portrayed as a character itself, embodies the essence of a bygone era in Hong Kong, with its distinctive architecture and urban legends like “Ciao Ufo” adding to its mysterious charm. The neighborhood’s unique design, conceived by a renowned architect, created a space that was both functional and comforting for its residents, especially low-income families. The film uses this setting to evoke a sense of nostalgia, emphasizing how stories like “Ciao Ufo” contribute to the collective identity and memory of Hong Kong’s childhood.

“Ciao Ufo” remains central to the film’s exploration of societal change and personal nostalgia. The story’s recurring references to “Ciao Ufo” highlight its enduring impact on the cultural landscape of Hong Kong. Through this lens, the film underscores the importance of preserving local myths and the innocence of childhood amidst rapid urban development. Watching “Ciao Ufo” offers a poignant reflection on how legends shape our memories and identities.

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