New Faces and Fresh Perspectives in Film and Theater

The entertainment industry is abuzz with exciting developments, from new film acquisitions to notable debuts and appointments. In this article, we'll delve into the latest news from the world of film and theater, highlighting the fresh perspectives and talents that are making waves.

Indonesian filmmaker Joko Anwar's horror-comedy "Ghost in the Cell" has secured distribution across multiple territories following its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival. Well Go USA has acquired North American rights to the Indonesia-South Korea co-production, which follows inmates in a violent Indonesian prison who must band together to survive. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Anwar, who is known for his work on films like "Pengabdi Setan" and "Impetigore".

Meanwhile, Tony Award-winning Broadway star Jonathan Groff is set to make his Royal Shakespeare Company debut as Rosalind in an all-male staging of Shakespeare's "As You Like It". Directed by RSC co-artistic director Daniel Evans, the production will mark Groff's first foray into Shakespeare and his first collaboration with the RSC. Groff, who can currently be seen starring in "Just in Time" at New York's Circle in the Square Theatre, has been brushing up on his Shakespearean sonnets in preparation for the role.

In other news, Warner Bros. and BFI veteran Josh Berger has joined the board of Two Daughters Entertainment as non-executive director and strategic advisor. The appointment brings one of the UK entertainment industry's most experienced executives to a company expanding beyond its TV roots into features and global IP. Berger's expertise will be invaluable as Two Daughters Entertainment prepares for its debut theatrical release, "The Land of Sometimes".

German writer-director Kai Stänicke is also making waves with his feature film debut "Trial of Hein", which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. The movie tells the story of a return to a tight-knit island community, where the protagonist Hein is met with distance and suspicion. The film won the Teddy Award jury honor and has been widely praised for its nuanced exploration of identity and community.

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it's exciting to see new faces and fresh perspectives emerging. From Joko Anwar's horror-comedy to Jonathan Groff's Shakespearean debut, these developments are sure to make a lasting impact on the world of film and theater.

Sources:

• Variety: Joko Anwar’s ‘Ghost in the Cell’ Sells to Multiple Territories Following Berlin Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)
• The Hollywood Reporter: Jonathan Groff to Lead All-Male ‘As You Like It’ as Royal Shakespeare Company Unveils 2026-27 Season
• Deadline: Warner Bros. and BFI Veteran Josh Berger Joins Board of ‘Moley’ Producer Two Daughters Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE)
• The Hollywood Reporter: ‘Trial of Hein’ Is an Enigmatic Debut Film About a Homecoming to a Tight-Knit Island Community (Exclusive Trailer)
• Variety: Breaking Baz: Tony-Winning Star Jonathan Groff Talks Studying Sonnets For Royal Shakespeare Company Debut In All-Male ‘As You Like It’, Coming In The Fall