Film News Today — November 2, 2026
Sharjah Film Festival Takeaways: ‘Atlas of the Universe’ Takes Top Prize, Pitching Platform Doubles and Audience Award Debuts and more — today's film signal.
The world of film is abuzz with exciting news and developments. The Sharjah Film Festival has just wrapped up, with 'Atlas of the Universe' taking home the top prize and the pitching platform doubling in size, signaling a growing interest in emerging talent. Meanwhile, over at the Hawai'i International Film Festival, 'We Are Aliens' has been crowned the winner, with industry veterans Ke Huy Quan and Sung Kang receiving well-deserved honors. These festivals are providing a platform for new and established filmmakers to showcase their work, and it's clear that there's no shortage of talented voices in the industry.
From festival winners to new projects and releases, there's a lot to be excited about. Simon Pegg, Mark Duplass, and Haley Joel Osment are teaming up for a dark comedy called 'My Phone Died', which is sure to generate buzz. The Sanfic Industria projects are also making waves, with a selection of debut films backed by experienced producers. In other news, directors Teodora Ana Mihai and Sode Yukiko are opening up about their experiences as mothers in the film industry, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that come with balancing work and family life. And in reviews, Liam Neeson's latest actioner 'The Mongoose' is getting a lukewarm reception, proving that even the biggest stars can't guarantee a hit.
Today's signal:
• Sharjah Film Festival Takeaways: ‘Atlas of the Universe’ Takes Top Prize, Pitching Platform Doubles and Audience Award Debuts (variety.com)
• Hawai’i International Film Festival Crowns ‘We Are Aliens’ as Ke Huy Quan, Sung Kang Receive Honors (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• Simon Pegg, Mark Duplass and Haley Joel Osment Team for Dark Comedy ‘My Phone Died,’ Hyde Park Boards Sales (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• Sanfic Industria Projects: ‘A Powerful Selection of Debut Films With Experienced Producers Behind Them’ Says SI Head Gabriela Sandoval (variety.com)
• Why Directors Teodora Ana Mihai and Sode Yukiko Kept Motherhood Secret From Colleagues: ‘I Needed to Prove Myself Three Times More’ (variety.com)
• ‘The Mongoose’ Review: Liam Neeson Goes on the Run in a Bland Actioner (variety.com)