Universal Pictures is celebrating the 30th anniversary of “Apollo 13” by rereleasing the groundbreaking space-drama in Imax. The full-length theatrical version of the Oscar-nominated film will return to theaters Sep. 19 and play exclusively in Imax through Sep. 25.
Directed by Ron Howard and produced by Brian Grazer at Imagine Entertainment, “Apollo 13” recounts the true story of astronauts Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks), Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon) and Fred Haise (Bill Paxton), who embarked on the eponymous space odyssey that became one of the tensest rescue missions in NASA history. The film released in 1995, captivating audiences with its powerful story and spectacular special effects.
“Apollo 13” also marked a cornerstone in the history of Imax. In 2002, it became the first live-action film digitally remastered using Imax’s then-novel DMR technology and was released as “Apollo 13: The Imax Experience.” At the time, thirteen minutes of the original film were cut to accommodate limitations in Imax projection systems. The 2025 rerelease will mark the first time that the full film is shown in Imax.
Ron Howard states, “’Apollo 13’ is a testament to human resilience, ingenuity and teamwork in the face of impossible odds. As we celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary, I’m reminded of how relevant those themes remain today. This re-release is not only a celebration of that incredible mission and the people behind it, but also a proud milestone for all of us at Imagine. It was a defining moment in our journey as storytellers and we’re thrilled that Universal and Imax have made it possible to share it with a new generation.”
Wednesday, July 23
Edward Norton to Narrate “From Rails to Trails” Documentary Highlighting National Movement
“From Rails to Trails,” a new documentary narrated by Edward Norton, will premiere on public television stations nationwide and stream on PBS on October 15.
Based on Peter Harnik’s 2021 book, “From Rails to Trails: The Making of America’s Active Transportation Network,” the documentary explores how community activists, leaders and citizens fought to turn defunct railways into vibrant spaces for walking, biking and recreation. From small-town meetings to U.S. Supreme Court cases, it unveils the legal, political and cultural forces that shaped the rails-to-trails movement.
The one-hour documentary will showcase stories that sparked the national social moment, including the Illinois Prairie Path, Burke-Gilman Trail in Seattle, Atlanta Beltline, The West Rail Trail in Brownsville, Texas, High Line in New York City, Washington and Old Dominion Trail in Washington, D.C. and the Great American Rail-Trail that runs coast-to-coast from Washington, D.C., to Washington. “From Rails to Trails” also visits Queens, New York, where multiple government and nonprofit organizations are advocating for turning abandoned Long Island Railroad tracks into a linear park similar to The High Line.
Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, former Vermont Governor Howard Dean, former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy co-founder Harnik, who also serves as the executive producer, will make guest appearances. Dan Protess directed and produced the project.
“Having spent my career advocating for the rails-to-trails movement, I’ve seen firsthand how abandoned rail lines – once scars across the landscape – have become lifelines for communities,” Harnik said in a statement. “From the unlikely launch of the movement to today’s coast-to-coast vision, “From Rails to Trails” captures the grit, imagination, and passion that made it all possible.”
Tuesday, July 22
Blue Fox Entertainment Acquires Adventure Documentary ‘Expedition Greenland’
International film sales and domestic distribution company Blue Fox Entertainment has acquired worldwide rights to Expeditions 7 Productions’ travel adventure documentary, “Expedition: Greenland.” Blue Fox plans a limited theatrical release in the United States on Sept. 5 before the film is available digitally on Sept. 23.
Directed by Clay Croft and executive produced by Zach Johaneson and Greg Miller, “Expedition: Greenland” follows seven explorers as they attempt the unprecedented feat of traversing the entire length of Greenland’s Ice Sheet. The septet — which includes Croft and Miller — make the odyssey by specialized arctic trucks, documenting the journey with a single camera and a drone.
Blue Fox Entertainment founder James Huntsman states, “It’s not often you see a film that visually is unlike anything else. Greg, Clay and the rest of the team took us to one of the most remote places on earth. Their pioneering attitude to arrive at their destination, Wulff Land, is a pleasure to behold.”
Miller adds, “Crossing the Greenland Ice Sheet was not just a journey through one of the world’s last great uncharted landscapes; it’s a profound exploration of our planet’s beauty. Together with the Blue Fox team, we aim to inspire audiences to appreciate the stunning landscapes that connect us all.”
A24 and CMC Pictures Debut Official Trailer for Theatrical Release of ‘Ne Zha 2’ in August
The official trailer for “Ne Zha 2,” starring Michelle Yeoh in the voice cast, has been released by A24 and CMC Pictures.
The English-language version of the record-breaking Chinese animated film is set to premiere in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand on Aug. 22 in IMAX, 3D and other premium large formats. “Ne Zha 2” is a fantasy, adventure film that follows a rebellious young boy, Ne Zha, who is “feared by the gods and born to mortal parents with wild, uncontrolled powers. “Now faced with an ancient force intent on destroying humanity, he must grow up to become the hero the world needs,” according to the film’s synopsis.
“Ne Zha 2” topped the box office charts and became the highest-grossing non-English language film after debuting in Chinese theaters on Jan. 29 during the Lunar New Year. It also became the fifth highest-grossing film ever released and has earned a global gross of over $2.2 billion, surpassing Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” and 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” as the highest-grossing movie in a single territory in just 11 days of release.
Written and directed by Yang Yu, the film is a sequel to its 2019 predecessor, “Ne Zha.”
Watch the trailer for “Ne Zha 2” below.
Casting Society Announces New Board and Sets Timeline for the 41st Artios Awards
The Casting Society has revealed its elected board of trustees for the 2025-2026 term.
Incumbent Destiny Lilly has been reelected CSA President for the 2025-2026 term, with the rest of the executive board including Elizabeth Berra as Secretary, Steven Tylor O’Connor as Treasurer, Meg Morman as Vice President of Governance, Sujotta Pace and Danielle Pretsfelder Demchick as Vice Presidents of Advocacy, Tiffany Little Canfield as Vice President of Communications, Jazzy Collins and Matthew Glasner as Vice Presidents of Events, Gayle Pillsbury as Vice President of Membership and Rachel Reiss as Vice President of Technology. Members Becca McCracken, Devon Brady, Felicia Joseph, Wendy Kurtzman, Erica A. Hart and Tiffany Mak round out the executive board.
New leaders and members were also elected for CSA Global Chapter Board of Governors. Cassandra Han will serve as President, Claudia Blunt as Secretary and Tamsyn Manson as Treasurer. The rest of the board includes members Dave Bennett, Harika Uygur, Kei Kawamura, Louise Kiely, Maria Laina, Olissa Rogers, Paulina Krajnik and Sien Josephine Teijssen.
The 41st Artios Awards timeline has been set. Phase 1 of voting takes place Aug. 4-22, with nominees announced on Oct. 8. Phase 2 voting runs Oct. 15 – Nov. 7. Noms will be announced Dec. 17. The event will then take place on Feb. 16, with ceremonies simultaneously held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA, the Edison Ballroom in New York and a yet-to-be-announced location in London.
The Paris Theater and Netflix Announce Select Screenings For Summer of Comedy Series
The Paris Theater in New York City will present a selection of comedies from their “Punch Up: Uppercuts to the Upper Crust” films screening series.
The moviegoing event will showcase a wide range of comedies from Aug. 1 to 13. The films “A Night at the Opera,” “The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie,” “The Rules of the Game,” “Holiday,” “ The Philadelphia Story,” “Kind Hearts and Coronets,” “A New Leaf,” “Divorce Italian Style” and “American Psycho” are included in the Paris Theater’s two-week lineup. Additionally, 35mm showings of “Arthur,” “Divorce Italian Style,” “The Landlord” and “The Philadelphia Story” will be screened.
In collaboration with Netflix, the Paris Theater screening series is the final installment of the streamer’s Summer of Comedy series, which featured a collection of movies honoring actors and comedians who have made their mark on entertainment over the past 50 years. The collection featured comedies, including “Baby Mama,” “Happy Gilmore,” “The Nutty Professor,” “Zoolander” and several other films that were part of the larger collection launched on July 1.
Location Managers Guild International to Honor Ilt Jones with Lifetime Achievement Award
The Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) will honor Location Manager Ilt Jones with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Annual LMGI Awards on Aug. 23 in Santa Monica, CA.
Jones credits include “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Inception” and more.
He counts Hong Kong, Prague, Greece, Cambodia, Jordan, Egypt and Thailand among the locations he’s filmed at. Jones says, “My life experience during the course of my work has transcended the mere utilitarian execution of my job—I have been so lucky to watch and learn about life as it is lived in so many different parts of the world.”
LMGI president John Rakich states, “Ilt Jones has long exemplified the artistry, leadership and dedication that define the very best of our profession. His remarkable body of work has helped shape some of the most iconic cinematic worlds of our time, and his influence continues to inspire generations of location professionals. We are proud to honor Ilt with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award—not only for his extraordinary career, but also for the legacy he continues to build within our industry.”
Micheaux Film Festival Announces 2025 Ambassadors
The Micheaux Film Festival has revealed its line-up of 2025 ambassadors ahead of its seventh annual festival. The ambassadors are comedian and actor Lil Rel Howrey, comedian and writer Aida Rodriguez and sketch comedy YouTuber Kinigra Deon.
As ambassadors, Howrey, Rodriguez and Deon play parts in the festival’s programming and will participate throughout the event in exclusive panels and conversations regarding Micheaux’s mission of championing bold, culture-forward storytelling.
Micheaux co-founder and festival director Noel Braham states, “As we step into our seventh year, our mission remains rooted in the legacy of Oscar Micheaux, elevating indie artists and creating space for narratives that challenge, inspire, and unite. Our ambassadors are not only cultural forces, they’re truth-tellers. Their presence will elevate every corner of this festival.”
The festival will take place Oct. 23-26 at the Culver Theater in Culver City, CA.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source variety.com ’
