Women and Hollywood's Weekly Newsletter
February 28
NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
French-Iranian filmmaker Emily Atef (“3 Days in Quiberon”) has been tapped to direct a movie about Farah Pahlavi, the last Empress of Iran, Deadline has revealed. Now 86, Pahlavi was married to the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi for 20 years prior to his 1980 death in exile in Egypt. Currently known as Untitled Farah Pahlavi Film Project, the film is being developed in conjunction with a documentary, since Pahlavi authorized her life rights to Women of the Movement producers Serendipity Group and John Powers Middleton last year. The narrative feature will focus on its subject’s resilience in the face of her loss and her exile from her homeland, with casting set to take place imminently.
Trailer watch: Hulu has released a trailer for documentary “Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna,” which will shine a light on the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021 on the set of “Rust,” and assess the human toll it took on those who knew her. Directed by Hutchins’ close friend Rachel Mason (“Circus of Books”), the film also counts Hutchins’ widower Matthew among its exec producers. The Hollywood Reporter notes that proceeds from the film’s sale are due to go to Matthew and his and Hutchins’ son. “Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna” will be available to stream March 11.
As the industry gears up for the 97th Academy Awards this Sunday, you can remind yourself who the nominees are this year. Let us know your predictions.
All synopses are courtesy of press materials, unless otherwise noted.
FILMS ABOUT WOMEN AND NON-GENDERED PERSONS OPENING AND COMING TO STREAMING/VOD
Picture This – Directed by Prarthana Mohan; Written by Nikita Lalwani (Available on Prime Video March 6)
In this heartfelt rom-com, struggling photographer Pia (Simone Ashley) receives a prediction: true love and career success await her in the next five dates she goes on. With her sister's wedding looming, and family playing matchmaker, her ex (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) reappears, throwing both her love and professional life into chaos.