Film News Today — October 20, 2026
‘Goodbye Julia’ Director on Reaching for ‘Wider Audiences’ in Sudanese Period Drama ‘About Love & September Laws’ (EXCLUSIVE) and more — today's film signal.
The world of film is abuzz with exciting new projects and premieres, as directors and stars gear up to connect with audiences and showcase their latest works. From the Sudanese period drama 'About Love & September Laws' to the paramedic drama 'BurnTime' set in Edinburgh, filmmakers are pushing boundaries and exploring new themes to reach wider audiences. The 'Big Boys Don't Cry' director Muhammad Mustapha is also making waves with his take on masculinity, highlighting the limited emotional expression allowed for men, while the 'Percy Jackson' stars are set to meet their fans at Lucca Comics, promising an up-close and personal experience.
As the film festival circuit heats up, 'Lilly' starring Patricia Clarkson is slated to open London's Women and the World Intl. Film Festival, and Anurag Kashyap and Vasan Bala are presenting the Mumbai cab thriller 'Aakhri Ride' just in time for Halloween. With 'Goodbye Julia' director aiming for a broader appeal and 'Line of Duty' director Douglas Mackinnon building his slate at Rugged Island Films, it's clear that the film industry is thriving with diverse stories and talents. As these projects come to life, they not only showcase the creativity and skill of the filmmakers but also offer a glimpse into the complexities of human experience, making for a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic landscape.
Today's signal:
• ‘Goodbye Julia’ Director on Reaching for ‘Wider Audiences’ in Sudanese Period Drama ‘About Love & September Laws’ (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• ‘Big Boys Don’t Cry’ Director Muhammad Mustapha Talks Masculinity Ahead of El Gouna Premiere: ‘The Only Emotion Men Are Allowed to Express Is Anger’ (variety.com)
• ‘Percy Jackson’ Stars Will Attend Lucca Comics, Seeking to ‘Get Up Close and Personal With Their Fans,’ Geek Meet’s Film and TV Chief Says (variety.com)
• ‘Line of Duty’ Director Douglas Mackinnon Preps Edinburgh-Set Paramedic Drama ‘BurnTime,’ Builds Slate at Rugged Island Films (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• ‘Lilly,’ Starring Patricia Clarkson, to Open London’s Women and the World Intl. Film Festival (variety.com)
• Anurag Kashyap and Vasan Bala Present Mumbai Cab Thriller ‘Aakhri Ride’ for Halloween Release (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)