Film News Today — August 19, 2026

The world of film is abuzz with exciting developments, from prestigious festival lineups to industry-shaping business deals. The San Sebastián International Film Festival has announced Fatih Akin's 'Ghost Song' as its opening night film, while Kim Jong-kwan's 'The Table: Day and Night' is set to kick off the Busan International Film Festival. Meanwhile, Blue Finch Films has picked up sci-fi horror comedy 'Flapjax' for sales ahead of its Fantastic Fest premiere, promising a thrilling showcase of new talent.

As the festival circuit heats up, industry professionals are also keeping a close eye on major business developments. California lawmakers are nearing a deal to address the impact of a tax cap on film credits, which could have far-reaching implications for the state's film industry. In other news, Paramount's potential exit from California has sparked debate, with some arguing it's strategically unwise, while others see it as a savvy business move. These changes come as filmmakers like Blerta Basholli, whose Kosovar war drama 'Dua' won a Sundance prize, continue to push boundaries and tell powerful stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Today's signal:
• San Sebastián Sets Fatih Akin’s ‘Ghost Song’ as Opening Night Film (variety.com)
• Sci-Fi Horror Comedy ‘Flapjax’ Boards Blue Finch Films for Sales Ahead of Fantastic Fest Bow (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• Kim Jong-kwan’s ‘The Table: Day and Night’ to Open Busan (variety.com)
• California Lawmakers Near Deal to Address Impact of Tax Cap on Film Credits (variety.com)
• Sundance Prizewinner Blerta Basholli on Kosovar War Drama ‘Dua’: ‘Teenagers Growing Up in Conflict Zones Are No Different From Any of Us’ (variety.com)
• Will David Ellison Say Goodbye to Hollywood? Some See Paramount’s Potential Exit From California as ‘Strategically Unwise’ — but Others Say It’s Just Smart Business (variety.com)