Film News Today — September 27, 2026
Jia Zhangke Readies Zhao Tao Road Movie ‘Mamma Dunhuang,’ Rules Out AI in Production (EXCLUSIVE) and more — today's film signal.
The world of film is abuzz with exciting new releases and thought-provoking premieres. At the New York Film Festival, several films are making waves, including Takashi Yamaguchi's 'Godzilla Minus Zero', which just had its world premiere. The film, a sequel to 'Godzilla Minus One', boasts an R rating, a first for the franchise, and its director is adamant that toning down the action was not an option. The film has already received rave reviews, with many praising the epic battle between Godzilla and King Ghidorah.
Meanwhile, also at NYFF, Yuval Abraham's 'NAZA' sparked controversy and conversation, with the co-director using their platform to speak out against the US government's funding of Israel's actions in Gaza. However, the film also faced backlash from some Israeli American protesters, who screened footage from October 7 outside the premiere. In other news, Jia Zhangke is set to begin production on 'Mamma Dunhuang', a road movie starring Zhao Tao, and has made a point of ruling out the use of AI in the production. With all these new releases and provocative premieres, there's never been a more exciting time for film.
Today's signal:
• Jia Zhangke Readies Zhao Tao Road Movie ‘Mamma Dunhuang,’ Rules Out AI in Production (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ Director Champions Franchise’s First R Rating as Sequel Rocks NYFF at World Premiere: ‘Censoring’ the Action ‘Was Not an Option’ (variety.com)
• ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ Review: Godzilla and King Ghidorah Battle to the Death in the Even Grander Follow-Up to ‘Godzilla Minus One’ (variety.com)
• ‘Jack & Christine’ Trailer: John Hawkes Turns A Dinner Party Into A Night of Chaos – Film News in Brief (variety.com)
• ‘NAZA’ Co-Director Yuval Abraham Calls Out the U.S. Government for ‘Funding’ Israel’s Destruction of Gaza, Telling NYFF Audience: ‘This Is What Your Country Is Supporting’ (variety.com)
• Israeli Americans Protest ‘NAZA’ by Screening October 7 Footage Outside New York Premiere: ‘Compassion For Palestinian Civilians Doesn’t Require Us to Erase October 7’ (variety.com)