Film News Today — October 31, 2026
Sanjay Gupta, Indian Director of ‘Kaante’ and ‘Zinda,’ Dies at 59 and more — today's film signal.
The global film industry is paying tribute to a pair of accomplished veterans today, as Indian director Sanjay Gupta passed away at 59, leaving behind a legacy of gritty, critically acclaimed films like 'Kaante' and 'Zinda.' Meanwhile, Japanese filmmaker Zeze Takahisa is still going strong, championing original storytelling at a Tokyo masterclass as part of his decades-long career in the pink film genre.
As the industry continues to evolve, Japanese film funds are exploring new financing models beyond traditional production committees, while industry leaders are rallying behind a new 2027 anime award that aims to shine a spotlight on creators. Innovative projects like 'Hidari,' a stop-motion samurai epic featuring Keanu Reeves, and 'Two Cigarettes, Three Nights,' a Tokyo Competition title shaped by Ozu, are pushing the boundaries of storytelling and technique. With these new developments and tributes, today's headlines offer a glimpse into the ever-changing landscape of global cinema.
Today's signal:
• Sanjay Gupta, Indian Director of ‘Kaante’ and ‘Zinda,’ Dies at 59 (variety.com)
• Pink Film Veteran Zeze Takahisa Champions Original Stories at Tokyo Masterclass (variety.com)
• Japan’s Film Funds Look Beyond Production Committees to Build New Financing Models (variety.com)
• Japan’s New 2027 Anime Award Should Put Creators in the Spotlight, Industry Leaders Say at Tokyo Market (variety.com)
• Ozu Shapes Mishima Yukiko’s Tokyo Competition Title ‘Two Cigarettes, Three Nights’ (variety.com)
• How Keanu Reeves Landed in Stop-Motion Samurai Epic ‘Hidari’ – and Why S.S. Rajamouli Wanted to Know How It Was Made (variety.com)