Film News Today — October 13, 2026
Raindance to Launch U.K.’s First Major Vertical Festival and Market (EXCLUSIVE) and more — today's film signal.
The film industry is buzzing with exciting developments, from innovative festival formats to high-profile collaborations. Raindance is set to shake up the UK festival scene with the launch of the country's first major vertical festival and market, a bold experiment that could change the way we experience film. Meanwhile, the prestigious Marrakech Film Festival has announced Marion Cotillard as its jury president, a move that is sure to draw attention to the festival's eclectic lineup.
From festivals to film projects, there's a lot to be excited about. A YouTube breakout hit, 'IvyBears', is making waves at Cannes and has already spawned an animated feature project, while a horror adaptation of Dante's 'The Divine Comedy' is taking shape with Patricio Valladares at the helm. The boundaries between cinema and gaming are also blurring, with 'God of War's' Bruno Velazquez and 'Mandalorian & Grogu's' Hal Hickel discussing the crossover at View Conference. And in a testament to the global reach of film, Cannes queer animated comedy 'Jim Queen' has secured new sales at Busan, highlighting the diversity and creativity of contemporary filmmaking.
Today's signal:
• Raindance to Launch U.K.’s First Major Vertical Festival and Market (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• Marion Cotillard to Serve as Marrakech Film Festival Jury President (variety.com)
• ‘IvyBears’ Hits Cannes After YouTube Breakout, Spawns Animated Feature Project (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• Horror Adaptation of Dante’s ‘The Divine Comedy,’ by ‘Invoking Yell’ Director Patricio Valladares, Gets First Look From Skincrawl Studios (variety.com)
• ‘God of War’s’ Bruno Velazquez, ‘Mandalorian & Grogu’s’ Hal Hickel Detail Cinema-Gaming Crossover at View Conference (variety.com)
• Cannes Queer Animated Comedy ‘Jim Queen’ Scores New Sales at Busan (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)