Film News Today — October 19, 2026
‘The Secret Agent’ Director Kleber Mendonça Filho to Be Patron of Marrakech Film Festival’s Atlas Workshops and more — today's film signal.
The world of film is abuzz with exciting developments, from festival announcements to box office updates. Kleber Mendonça Filho, the acclaimed director of 'The Secret Agent', has been named patron of the Marrakech Film Festival's Atlas Workshops, bringing his expertise to emerging filmmakers. Meanwhile, the psychological horror 'Henry's Ebb' has found a new home with Bridge Independent, with 'Widow's Bay' star Kingston Rumi Southwick on board. These announcements come as the global box office continues to thrive, with Rajinikanth's 'Jailer 2' holding strong at number two worldwide, behind the popular 'Street Fighter'.
As the film industry looks to the future, several projects are gaining momentum. 'Train to Busan' director Yeon Sang-ho's latest film 'Paradise Lost' has secured an impressive 118-country sales deal ahead of its US premiere at the Hawai'i Festival. Additionally, Busan winner 'Ria', the folk-punk debut from Arvin Belarmino, has been picked up by Lights On. In China, the box office remains steady, with 'Resident Evil' retaining its top spot over a quiet post-holiday period. With so many exciting projects and announcements, it's clear that the world of film is full of energy and creativity, with something for every kind of movie fan to look forward to.
Today's signal:
• ‘The Secret Agent’ Director Kleber Mendonça Filho to Be Patron of Marrakech Film Festival’s Atlas Workshops (variety.com)
• Psychological Horror ‘Henry’s Ebb,’ Starring ‘Widow’s Bay’s’ Kingston Rumi Southwick, Boarded by Bridge Independent (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’ Ranks No. 2 at Global Box Office as ‘Street Fighter’ Leads (variety.com)
• ‘Train to Busan’ Director Yeon Sang-ho’s ‘Paradise Lost’ Clinches 118-Country Sales Ahead of Hawai‘i Festival U.S. Bow (variety.com)
• Busan Winner ‘Ria,’ Arvin Belarmino’s Folk-Punk Debut, Boards Lights On (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• China Box Office: ‘Resident Evil’ Retains Top Spot Over Quiet Post-Holiday Frame as Local Titles Wind Down (variety.com)