Sundance Institute Selects 7 Fellows for Cultural Impact Residency Honoring Michael Latt – Film News in Brief
Sundance Collab has selected seven fellows for the second year of the Sundance Institute Cultural Impact Residency. The program, which runs March to August on the Sundance Collab digital platform, will honor social justice leader Michael Latt. It supports early-career storytellers from various backgrounds whose work emphasizes creative, cultural and social impact, while providing meetings with advisors, feedback and master classes.
The fellows are:
Documentary Filmmakers:Sara Chishti (“Taxi Driver”) Amin Pakparvar (“Alternatives of Death”)Fiction Writer-Directors:Gabby Beans (“Angels Pull Your Hair”)Lydia Matata (“Pepo Kali”)Rippin Sindher (“Flight 182”)Fiction Film and Episodic Writers:Pedro Eiras (“A Subject of Interest”)Makisa Francis (“Unfluence”)
Laura Dern, Carol Burnett Appearances Added to Turner Classic Movies Film Festival Lineup
Turner Classic Movies has announced newly added titles to its 2026 TCM Classic Film Festival lineup, which now includes appearances from Laura Dern and Carol Burnett. The film festival will take place April 30–May 3 in Hollywood.Dern and Alexander Payne will present an anniversary screening of “Citizen Ruth,” and Burnett will appear in Club TCM for “So Glad We Have This Time Together: A Conversation with Carol Burnett” and introduce “Strangers on a Train.” John Turturro will serve as a special presenter at the Robert Osborne Award ceremony, while Cameron Crowe and Jay Mohr will reunite for a 30th anniversary screening of “Jerry Maguire.”The festival will also present the world premiere restoration of the 1932 film “Letty Lynton,” which has been unseen in public since 1936. Starring Joan Crawford, the hit film was withdrawn from circulation due to legal complications and remained unavailable for nearly 90 years.For more information about the festival, visit www.tcm.com/festival.
‘Legally Blonde’ 25th Anniversary Theatrical Re-Release Set for May With ‘Elle’ Prequel Sneak Peek
“Legally Blonde” is heading back to theaters for its 25th anniversary, with Fathom Entertainment, Amazon MGM Studios and Park Circus teaming on a nationwide re-release set for May 24 and 27.
The anniversary screenings will feature a special introduction from Reese Witherspoon, who originated the role of Elle Woods, and Lexi Minetree, who stars as a younger version of the character in the upcoming prequel series “Elle.” Audiences will also get an exclusive sneak peek at the series ahead of its July 1 premiere on Prime Video.
Originally released in 2001, “Legally Blonde” follows Elle Woods, a fashion-savvy college student who enrolls at Harvard Law School in an effort to win back her ex-boyfriend, only to discover her own legal talents along the way.
The re-release is timed to build anticipation for “Elle,” which explores the character’s high school years and the formative experiences that shaped her into the confident and ambitious figure seen in the original film. The series is created by Laura Kittrell and co-showrun with Caroline Dries, with Witherspoon also serving as an executive producer.
“Fans young and old will enjoy revisiting this 2001 classic with an exclusive, heartfelt introduction from the two actresses who are ‘Elle Woods,’” said Fathom Entertainment CEO Ray Nutt in a statement.
Tickets for the limited theatrical engagement are now on sale.
‘Sacred Heart’ Lands U.S. Theatrical Release Through Fathom Entertainment
Fathom Entertainment has acquired U.S. theatrical distribution rights to the French docudrama “Sacred Heart,” setting a limited release for June 9–11 and June 14.
Directed and produced by Steven Gunnell and Sabrina Gunnell of KREA Film-Makers, the film explores the origins and enduring significance of the Catholic devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, rooted in the 17th-century visions of Margaret Mary Alacoque in Paray-le-Monial, France.
Blending dramatized sequences with commentary from clergy, historians and theologians, “Sacred Heart” also incorporates contemporary testimonials from individuals reflecting on the devotion’s impact. The film will screen in both English-dubbed and Spanish-language versions across its four-day U.S. run.
Originally released in France in October 2025, the film drew close to 1 million admissions across Europe, positioning it as a breakout success in the faith-based space. Saje Distribution handled the film’s European rollout.
“The world is dying from not knowing it is loved by God,” said the Gunnells in a statement. “This film is simply an answer and an invitation — an invitation toward this divine love.”
The project was inspired by the Gunnells’ visit to religious sites in Burgundy, including Paray-le-Monial, where the historical events depicted in the film are said to have taken place. Their work continues to focus on faith-driven storytelling through their production banner.
Following the feature, U.S. screenings will include a bonus segment featuring clergy and lay voices discussing the modern relevance of the Sacred Heart devotion, including commentary tied to a planned consecration effort by U.S. Catholic bishops timed to the film’s release window.
Tribeca Studios And Lilly Announce Winners Of Inaugural Vital Stories Filmmaker Program Aiming to Represent Disease in Media
Tribeca Studios has announced that the short films “Run It Back,” “Do I Know You From Somewhere?,” and “Reconstructing Charlie” have been selected as part of the studio’s inaugural Vital Stories filmmaker program.The initiative is in partnership with the medicine company Lilly and aims to empower emerging filmmakers to more “accurately and authentically represent disease in content.”The selected winners were chosen following a creative summit hosted by Tribeca Studios in Fall 2025, where 19 film teams received mentorship, workshops, and industry guidance from both the entertainment and medical fields. The three winning projects will receive end-to-end production support, including development funding, mentorship from Tribeca Studios and industry leaders, and a guaranteed world premiere at the 2026 Tribeca Festival, after which, the projects will be supported through advanced development as longer-form content.Vital Stories launched in 2025 in response to a study sponsored by Lilly, which revealed that characters with five of America’s most prevalent conditions, including obesity, cancer, dementia, diabetes and atopic dermatitis, rarely appear on screen in film and television.“This dynamic work with Lilly has enabled us to move beyond conversation and into real creative action,” said Bryce Norbitz, Vice President of Tribeca Studios & Artist Development. “The projects that emerged from this year’s program reaffirm what Vital Stories is all about — championing bold, nuanced, and genuinely entertaining work that reflects lived experiences too often missing from our screens.”
The Vital Stories winners were selected by a jury comprised of actor, writer and producer Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community,” “Zoootopia 2”); Amanda Farrand, executive VP of brands and business development at Imagine Entertainment; Macro chief brand officer, Stacey Walker King; and Lina Polimeni, senior VP and chief marketing officer, consumer at Lilly.
UTA represents Lilly and brokered the Tribeca x Lilly partnership.
George Takei to Be Honored at The Asian Law Caucus’ Anniversary Gala
George Takei will be honored with the Champion for Justice Award at the Asian Law Caucus’ 54th Anniversary Gala. The event will take place on Friday in San Francisco.
Takei will be honored for his contributions to advancing civil rights, social justice and LGBTQ+ equality through roles like “Star Trek” and authoring a number of bestselling books. As a child, Takei and his family were incarcerated during World War II, an experience that has shaped his commitment to elevating stories focusing on identity and resilience.
“To be recognized by the Asian Law Caucus is both a profound honor and a solemn reminder of the work that remains, as our fundamental rights are being challenged at the highest level,” said Takei in a statement “I have seen in my own lifetime what happens when fear is allowed to eclipse justice and I have also witnessed the power of collective action. I stand with the Asian Law Caucus in the ongoing pursuit of equality, not only for Asian Americans but for all Americans.”
At the gala, Representative Pramila Jayapal will also be interviewed by journalist Wendy Tokuda in a fireside chat discussing democracy and protecting immigrant communities. The event aims to bring together community leaders, advocates and supporters to celebrate ALC’s ongoing work.
The fellows are:
Documentary Filmmakers:Sara Chishti (“Taxi Driver”) Amin Pakparvar (“Alternatives of Death”)Fiction Writer-Directors:Gabby Beans (“Angels Pull Your Hair”)Lydia Matata (“Pepo Kali”)Rippin Sindher (“Flight 182”)Fiction Film and Episodic Writers:Pedro Eiras (“A Subject of Interest”)Makisa Francis (“Unfluence”)
Laura Dern, Carol Burnett Appearances Added to Turner Classic Movies Film Festival Lineup
Turner Classic Movies has announced newly added titles to its 2026 TCM Classic Film Festival lineup, which now includes appearances from Laura Dern and Carol Burnett. The film festival will take place April 30–May 3 in Hollywood.Dern and Alexander Payne will present an anniversary screening of “Citizen Ruth,” and Burnett will appear in Club TCM for “So Glad We Have This Time Together: A Conversation with Carol Burnett” and introduce “Strangers on a Train.” John Turturro will serve as a special presenter at the Robert Osborne Award ceremony, while Cameron Crowe and Jay Mohr will reunite for a 30th anniversary screening of “Jerry Maguire.”The festival will also present the world premiere restoration of the 1932 film “Letty Lynton,” which has been unseen in public since 1936. Starring Joan Crawford, the hit film was withdrawn from circulation due to legal complications and remained unavailable for nearly 90 years.For more information about the festival, visit www.tcm.com/festival.
‘Legally Blonde’ 25th Anniversary Theatrical Re-Release Set for May With ‘Elle’ Prequel Sneak Peek
“Legally Blonde” is heading back to theaters for its 25th anniversary, with Fathom Entertainment, Amazon MGM Studios and Park Circus teaming on a nationwide re-release set for May 24 and 27.
The anniversary screenings will feature a special introduction from Reese Witherspoon, who originated the role of Elle Woods, and Lexi Minetree, who stars as a younger version of the character in the upcoming prequel series “Elle.” Audiences will also get an exclusive sneak peek at the series ahead of its July 1 premiere on Prime Video.
Originally released in 2001, “Legally Blonde” follows Elle Woods, a fashion-savvy college student who enrolls at Harvard Law School in an effort to win back her ex-boyfriend, only to discover her own legal talents along the way.
The re-release is timed to build anticipation for “Elle,” which explores the character’s high school years and the formative experiences that shaped her into the confident and ambitious figure seen in the original film. The series is created by Laura Kittrell and co-showrun with Caroline Dries, with Witherspoon also serving as an executive producer.
“Fans young and old will enjoy revisiting this 2001 classic with an exclusive, heartfelt introduction from the two actresses who are ‘Elle Woods,’” said Fathom Entertainment CEO Ray Nutt in a statement.
Tickets for the limited theatrical engagement are now on sale.
‘Sacred Heart’ Lands U.S. Theatrical Release Through Fathom Entertainment
Fathom Entertainment has acquired U.S. theatrical distribution rights to the French docudrama “Sacred Heart,” setting a limited release for June 9–11 and June 14.
Directed and produced by Steven Gunnell and Sabrina Gunnell of KREA Film-Makers, the film explores the origins and enduring significance of the Catholic devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, rooted in the 17th-century visions of Margaret Mary Alacoque in Paray-le-Monial, France.
Blending dramatized sequences with commentary from clergy, historians and theologians, “Sacred Heart” also incorporates contemporary testimonials from individuals reflecting on the devotion’s impact. The film will screen in both English-dubbed and Spanish-language versions across its four-day U.S. run.
Originally released in France in October 2025, the film drew close to 1 million admissions across Europe, positioning it as a breakout success in the faith-based space. Saje Distribution handled the film’s European rollout.
“The world is dying from not knowing it is loved by God,” said the Gunnells in a statement. “This film is simply an answer and an invitation — an invitation toward this divine love.”
The project was inspired by the Gunnells’ visit to religious sites in Burgundy, including Paray-le-Monial, where the historical events depicted in the film are said to have taken place. Their work continues to focus on faith-driven storytelling through their production banner.
Following the feature, U.S. screenings will include a bonus segment featuring clergy and lay voices discussing the modern relevance of the Sacred Heart devotion, including commentary tied to a planned consecration effort by U.S. Catholic bishops timed to the film’s release window.
Tribeca Studios And Lilly Announce Winners Of Inaugural Vital Stories Filmmaker Program Aiming to Represent Disease in Media
Tribeca Studios has announced that the short films “Run It Back,” “Do I Know You From Somewhere?,” and “Reconstructing Charlie” have been selected as part of the studio’s inaugural Vital Stories filmmaker program.The initiative is in partnership with the medicine company Lilly and aims to empower emerging filmmakers to more “accurately and authentically represent disease in content.”The selected winners were chosen following a creative summit hosted by Tribeca Studios in Fall 2025, where 19 film teams received mentorship, workshops, and industry guidance from both the entertainment and medical fields. The three winning projects will receive end-to-end production support, including development funding, mentorship from Tribeca Studios and industry leaders, and a guaranteed world premiere at the 2026 Tribeca Festival, after which, the projects will be supported through advanced development as longer-form content.Vital Stories launched in 2025 in response to a study sponsored by Lilly, which revealed that characters with five of America’s most prevalent conditions, including obesity, cancer, dementia, diabetes and atopic dermatitis, rarely appear on screen in film and television.“This dynamic work with Lilly has enabled us to move beyond conversation and into real creative action,” said Bryce Norbitz, Vice President of Tribeca Studios & Artist Development. “The projects that emerged from this year’s program reaffirm what Vital Stories is all about — championing bold, nuanced, and genuinely entertaining work that reflects lived experiences too often missing from our screens.”
The Vital Stories winners were selected by a jury comprised of actor, writer and producer Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community,” “Zoootopia 2”); Amanda Farrand, executive VP of brands and business development at Imagine Entertainment; Macro chief brand officer, Stacey Walker King; and Lina Polimeni, senior VP and chief marketing officer, consumer at Lilly.
UTA represents Lilly and brokered the Tribeca x Lilly partnership.
George Takei to Be Honored at The Asian Law Caucus’ Anniversary Gala
George Takei will be honored with the Champion for Justice Award at the Asian Law Caucus’ 54th Anniversary Gala. The event will take place on Friday in San Francisco.
Takei will be honored for his contributions to advancing civil rights, social justice and LGBTQ+ equality through roles like “Star Trek” and authoring a number of bestselling books. As a child, Takei and his family were incarcerated during World War II, an experience that has shaped his commitment to elevating stories focusing on identity and resilience.
“To be recognized by the Asian Law Caucus is both a profound honor and a solemn reminder of the work that remains, as our fundamental rights are being challenged at the highest level,” said Takei in a statement “I have seen in my own lifetime what happens when fear is allowed to eclipse justice and I have also witnessed the power of collective action. I stand with the Asian Law Caucus in the ongoing pursuit of equality, not only for Asian Americans but for all Americans.”
At the gala, Representative Pramila Jayapal will also be interviewed by journalist Wendy Tokuda in a fireside chat discussing democracy and protecting immigrant communities. The event aims to bring together community leaders, advocates and supporters to celebrate ALC’s ongoing work.