New York

American Museum of Natural History

One of the locations featured both in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and its sequel is the American Museum of Natural History. The scene of the Runway Gala was filmed on the steps in front of the building and turned into a true mob scene.

“But last time we filmed, no one knew the movie, and now it’s, you know, a moment. Twenty years ago, there wasn’t really social media, either. This time, someone posts something, and suddenly everybody is running over [to see]. So when we returned to the steps of the Museum of Natural History to film for the sequel, it was a mob scene. Although really, in a good way, because we needed a big crowd like you would have outside the Met Gala, with everybody watching across the street from Central Park West,” production designer Jess Gonchor told Condé Nast Traveller.

Address: 200 Central Park W, New York, NY 10024

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Waldorf Astoria

After six years of renovation works, the famous Waldorf Astoria was just about to open when ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ crew filmed inside its refurbished lobby.

Address: 301 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022

Hudson Yards

Back when the first movie was filmed, Hudson Yards did not yet exist. However, the new neighbourhood is clearly featured in ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ when Miranda drops Andy, pointing her from the chauffeured car to the 7 train station.

Address: Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001

House of Dior store

Filming at a not-yet-existing store is not an easy task, yet still, ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ managed to do so. As Dior is heavily featured in the movie, the filming team managed to secure Dior’s flagship store as an actual filming location for the advertising meeting between Andy Sachs, Miranda Priestly, and Emily Charlton. However, as a flood delayed the renovation works of the store, the crew and construction workers were at the construction site at the same time.

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“It was fun, but a little nerve-wracking. They were polishing things and putting in window displays, just like in the movie, to the last second,” Jess Gonchor explains in an interview with ELLE Decor.

Address: 23 E 57th St, New York, NY 10022

Marlow East

Andy and Emily share some fries over lunch at the Marlow East restaurant on the Upper East Side.

Address: 1022 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021

The Long Island Bar

Although the Long Island Bar has been famous for a long time, the date scene between Andy and architect Peter is likely to attract even more enthusiasts to the Brooklyn-based bar.

Address: 110 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201

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Long Island

Billy Joel’s old Long Island mansion in Oyster Bay, on the market at the time of the pre-production of the sequel, is featured as the house of Sasha Barnes, while the scenes in Miranda’s mansion were filmed at a waterfront estate on Centre Island Road. The hotel room scenes at Milan’s Palazzo Parigi were actually shot at Woolworth Estate, also on Long Island.

Italy

Milan

‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ wasn’t just filmed in New York; it also includes a myriad of locations throughout Italy, particularly in Milan. The most important Milanese location is undoubtedly the Accademia di Brera, home to Runway’s fashion show. Other spots that are well worth a visit include the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Villa Arconati, the Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa, and the Palazzo Clerici.

Address: Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

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Lake Como

“Lake Como is just such a beautiful place, and we knew that Emily and Benji would arrive by boat, and we also wanted viewers to see the house from the lake, too, so that they were really brought into this lush environment. We scouted the whole lake to find the amazing villa we ended up using, and we got to do it all by boat so that we could see what all these homes looked like from the water. I spent a lot of time on that lake,” Jess Gonchor told Condé Nast Traveler.

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In the end, the stunning Villa Balbiano – also featured in ‘Casino Royale’ – stood in as Benji Barnes’ villa. The lawn and sculpture garden were additions made especially for ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’.

Address: Piazza Cardinale Durini, 22010 Ossuccio CO, Italy

L’article The Devil Wears Prada 2 filming locations: From Brooklyn streets to Milan fashion week est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

36,431 – that’s exactly how many movies Stephen Follows analysed before appearing on the podcast The Town, hosted by Matt Belloni. His goal was simple: to determine whether or not movies have actually gotten longer over the years, as many cinema enthusiasts feel like they have.

The outcome of his analysis is less straight-forward then one might expect. Since 1980, when simply looking at all films produced worldwide, not a lot has changed. Average movie length has fluctuated a little from one year to the other, but stayed within the 100 to 103-minute region.

However, when looking at so-called theatrical releases  – defined by Follow as movies that open in hundreds or thousands of cinemas across North America – things start to look different. In the early 2000s, those movies went on for 106 minutes on average, whereas by the 2020s that number had already risen to 114 minutes.

Moreover, while around 14% of wide releases ran over two hours in the 1980s, that percentage increases to 32% in the 2020s. And when looking at wide releases that ran under 90 minutes, the number shrank from 13% in the 1980s to 7% in the 2020s.

“The whole distribution has shifted upwards. While there are some outliers dragging the average up, it’s more the case that the entire middle ground has moved. The 105-to-119-minute film is now the most common runtime bracket for a wide release, and the two-hour-plus film is no longer unusual,” Stephen Follows writes.

When looking at specific genres, action movies seem to be massively driving the average length increase, going from 103 minutes in the 1980s to 128 minutes in the 2020s. Making movies that go one for longer than three hours on end also seems to have become more popular over the years. Follows mentions The Batman (175 minutes), Oppenheimer (180), Avatar: The Way of Water (190), Killers of the Flower Moon (206), and The Brutalist (215) in particular.

Why, oh, why?

Only one question remains: why did movies get longer while mid-movie pauses have gone extinct? Audiences feel like they get more value for their money, as most cinemas don’t charge extra for longer movies, while studios get to turn their movie into a big event.

“My read on this is that a studio spending $200 million on a film wants every set piece on screen and for the audience to feel they got their money’s worth from a premium-priced cinema ticket. Cutting twenty minutes might make for a tighter film, but it doesn’t make for a bigger event,” Follows explains.

However, there are other explanations too. For example, digital projection has removed the impractical need to change film reels and streaming may have taken over the shorter movie market. In his analysis, Follows provides yet another few possible explanations with explanatory graphics for the fact that theatrical releases movies have, indeed, become longer.

L’article Movies are getting longer and action films are to blame est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

1. La dolce vita – 1960

Directed by Federico Fellini, La dolce vita is a cornerstone of Italian cinema and one of Fellini’s greatest masterpieces. The term paparazzo, now used worldwide, first appeared in this film. Shot in striking black and white, it offers a mesmerising portrait of Rome’s glamour, excesses and contradictions. If you want to experience the Eternal City through one of cinema’s most iconic lenses, this film is essential viewing.

2. A Room with a view – 1985

Adapted from E. M. Forster’s famous novel, this film takes viewers to Florence, where its protagonists discover a freer way of living, beyond social conventions. The magnificent shots of Florence are guaranteed to make you fall in love with the city and its timeless charm.

3. Cinema Paradiso – 1988

One of the most emotional Italian films ever made, Cinema Paradiso is Giuseppe Tornatore’s tribute to the magic of cinema. Through a series of flashbacks, the director recalls the protagonist’s childhood and a time when, in post-war Italy, cinema offered a precious escape from reality.

4. Il Postino – 1994

Set in the Gulf of Naples, Il Postino tells the story of a fisherman who becomes the personal postman of poet Pablo Neruda, exiled in Italy from Chile. His friendship with Neruda helps him find the words and confidence to pursue Beatrice, the woman he loves. The film is also a wonderful opportunity to admire the beauty of southern Italy.

5. The talented Mr. Ripley – 1999

Jude Law stars as the charismatic anti-hero in this stylish thriller that slowly builds towards a dramatic conclusion. Beyond its suspenseful plot, the film offers a visual journey through Italy, with scenes shot in Mongibello, along the Amalfi Coast, as well as in San Remo and Venice.

6. Roman Holiday – 1953

A true cinematic masterpiece, Roman Holiday stars Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck and famously helped popularise the Vespa. The iconic scene of the couple riding through Rome became legendary, while the film itself showcases some of the city’s most beautiful landmarks.

7. The Tourist – 2010

Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp star in this mystery thriller set in Venice. The city’s narrow streets, canals, gondolas and misty atmosphere are beautifully captured throughout the film, turning Venice itself into one of the main characters.

8. Eat pray love – 2010

From gelato in Rome to pizza in Naples, Julia Roberts fully embraces Italian pleasures in Eat Pray Love. Scenes filmed at the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, on Piazza Navona, and across the city provide the perfect backdrop for this introspective and reflective journey.

9. Stealing Beauty – 1996

Lucy, played by Liv Tyler, rediscovers her family roots during a summer spent in Tuscany, near Siena. The region’s rolling landscapes and breathtaking views create a poetic setting, while interior scenes were filmed in the Chianti area.

10. Malèna – 2000

Monica Bellucci stars as Malèna, the woman who captivates young Renato’s heart. Shot in Sicily, the film uses baroque architecture and dramatic landscapes as its backdrop. Key scenes were filmed in Syracuse, particularly in Piazza del Duomo in Ortigia, as well as Marina di Noto and Scala dei Turchi.

From the streets of Rome to the landscapes of Sicily and Tuscany, Italian cinema continues to offer a powerful invitation to travel. These films capture not only places, but also moods, memories and ways of life, reminding us that Italy is as much a feeling as it is a destination. Whether revisiting a classic or discovering a film for the first time, each of these stories offers a cin

L’article How Italian cinema can inspire your next journey est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

US comedian Conan O’Brien will be the ceremony’s emcee for the second time.

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This year’s awards take place at a time when the film industry is facing significant challenges, including the impact of corporate consolidation. Historic studios are being reshaped by mergers, acquisitions, and ongoing restructuring talks. Additionally, the box office continues to underperform compared to its pre-pandemic levels, and the industry is grappling with the growing influence of new technologies, including AI.

Two films stand out as clear frontrunners. With 16 nominations, Sinners has broken the all-time record, surpassing the long-standing benchmark of 14 nominations jointly held by All About Eve (1950), Titanic (1997), and La La Land (2016). Close behind is One Battle After Another, with 13 nominations.

A second tier of strong contenders follows. Marty Supreme, Frankenstein, and Sentimental Value each earned nine nominations each, while Hamnet received eight.

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Sinners, a vampire saga filmed with IMAX film cameras, has been nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. Its star, Michael B. Jordan, received a Best Actor nod, while supporting performances by Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo were also recognised.

Likewise, up for Best Picture and Best Director is One Battle After Another, a political drama centred on power, loyalty, and moral compromise. Leonardo DiCaprio has been nominated for Best Actor, and Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, and Teyana Taylor have all received nominations for Best Supporting Actor/Actress. The film is also in contention for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Both Sinners and One Battle After Another were produced by Warner Bros, which amassed a total of 30 nominations. Netflix also confirmed its status as a major player in the awards arena, with Frankenstein and Train Dreams earning nine and four nominations, respectively. This brings the streaming service’s total to 18, which is the same number of nominations as indie distributor Neon, which backed several international titles, including Sentimental Value and The Secret Agent.

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One of the most striking features of this year’s nominations is their international scope. A record number of foreign-language performances were recognised in the acting categories, and every major category includes at least one international title. French cinema performed particularly strongly, with three French films earning nominations across categories.

A new category has also been introduced this year: Best Casting (Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sonners, The Secret Agent), which expands recognition for work done behind the scenes.

There were, inevitably, surprises. Ariana Grande was left out of the acting nominations for Wicked: For Good, as was Paul Mescal, despite expectations surrounding his performance in Hamnet. Meanwhile, F1, starring Brad Pitt, raced its way into the Best Picture line-up.

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The full list of nominations:

Best actress

• Jessie Buckley – Hamnet

• Rose Byrne – If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

• Kate Hudson – Song Sung Blue

• Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value

• Emma Stone – Bugonia

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Best supporting actress

• Elle Fanning – Sentimental Value

• Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas – Sentimental Value

• Amy Madigan – Weapons

• Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners

• Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another

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Best supporting actor

• Benicio del Toro – One Battle After Another

• Jacob Elordi – Frankenstein

• Delroy Lindo – Sinners

• Sean Penn – One Battle After Another

• Stellan Skarsgård – Sentimental Value

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Best director

• Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another

• Ryan Coogler – Sinners

• Josh Safdie – Marty Supreme

• Joachim Trier – Sentimental Value

• Chloé Zhao – Hamnet

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Best adapted screenplay

• Bugonia

• Frankenstein

• Hamnet

• One Battle After Another

• Train Dreams

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Best original screenplay

• Blue Moon

• It Was Just an Accident

• Marty Supreme

• Sentimental Value

• Sinners

L’article What can we expect from the Oscars 2026? est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Sequels and franchise expansions dominate the list of the most anticipated films, with new chapters in major blockbusters such as Dune, The Hunger Games, Spider-Man, and 28 Years Later, alongside long-awaited returns like The Devil Wears Prada.

Science fiction is another defining theme of the year. The genre is spearheaded by a Steven Spielberg project rumoured to recapture the sense of wonder of E.T. through the modern lens of UFO mythology. While Avatar continues James Cameron’s record-breaking run, the upcoming Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling, promises to blend the high stakes of sci-fi with the humour and heart fans have come to expect from author Andy Weir.

With visionaries such as Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, and Denis Villeneuve behind the camera and stars ranging from Zendaya to Matt Damon in front of it, expectations are understandably high.

Here is Travel Tomorrow’s selection of the 10 most anticipated films of 2026.

1. Disclosure Day Spielberg UFO Film

For his science-fiction film, expected to be released on 12 June 2026, Spielberg has teamed up once again with David Koepp, with whom he worked on Jurassic Park. The project is being kept under tight wraps. What is known is that the film explores humanity’s reaction to the confirmation that aliens exist and features an A-list cast including Josh O’Connor, Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, and Wyatt Russell.

2. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

The latest sequel in the franchise is already drawing attention. Directed by Nia DaCosta (Candyman), whose work has already received critical acclaim, the film once again explores the post-apocalyptic universe. Ralph Fiennes’ performance has also been highlighted in early reviews as a highlight of this new chapter.

3. The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan’s epic three-hour film, set for release on 17 July, revisits the famous ancient Greek poem with a strong emphasis on premium formats such as IMAX. Even if you are not particularly drawn to Greek mythology or poetry, the performances of Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Lupita Nyong’o may well convert you.

4. Dune: Messiah

The latest instalment in Denis Villeneuve’s blockbuster saga, starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, sees the conclusion of Paul Atreides’ transformation and the political fate of Arrakis. Expect giant sandworms and much more, with a release date set for 25 December – a fitting moment.

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5. The Hunger Games Sunrise on the Reaping

Francis Lawrence’s latest film situates itself between The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and the first Hunger Games movie, centring on a younger version of fan favourite Haymitch. Set 24 years before Katniss volunteers as tribute, the story follows Haymitch Abernathy as the victor of the 50th Hunger Games, with Ralph Fiennes, McKenna Grace and Jesse Plemons in key roles.

6. The Devil Wears Prada 2

The cast of the first film returns for this sequel to the 2006 comedy, once again directed by David Frankel. Released on 1 May, it promises more power games between Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep, fashion drama, and reflections on ageing in an industry facing a new generation in the cut-throat world of couture.

7. Spider Man Brand New Day

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Tom Holland stars as Peter Parker, navigating a life of anonymity and redefining heroism at street level while confronting old and new enemies. The film is set to arrive in cinemas on 31 July.

8. Avatar Fire and Ash

James Cameron’s third Avatar film, already in cinemas, quite literally sweeps audiences off their seats with its latest chapter, available in IMAX and on large screens. Starring Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña, the film promises battles, heavenly visions of a lost paradise, animated characters interacting with real actors, and, of course, plenty of fire.

9. The Bride

Based on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, the film is set for release on 6 March. Jessie Buckley plays a murdered woman resurrected in 1930s Chicago to become a romantic partner for the creature often incorrectly dubbed Frankenstein, here portrayed by Christian Bale in this bold, modern reimagining blending gothic horror and feminist sensibilities.

10. Project Hail Mary

The film will be released on 20 March, starring Ryan Gosling. Based on Andy Weir’s bestselling novel of the same name, it follows a lone astronaut who wakes up with no memory and discovers that Earth’s last hope lies far beyond our solar system.

This thrilling mix of science, heart, and unexpected companionship is directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.

L’article The most anticipated movies coming to screens in 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

While Elstree Studios in the English county of Hertfordshire might not be as famous as some of its American counterparts, the production centre has played – and still does – an important role in the worldwide movie industry. With famous movies and series such as EastEnders, Star Wars, and Strictly Come Dancing filmed in the studio, many are unknowingly acquainted with Elstree’s work.

Now, in order to celebrate Elstree Studios’ 100^th anniversary with a grand gesture, the studios are planning to build an immersive visitor experience. After a £2 million funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) was approved by the Hertsmere Borough Council on 26 November 2025, the green light has officially been given for the project to go ahead. The £2 million will be combined with direct funding from the council and national innovation funding from the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology.

“As we celebrate more than a century of world-leading film and television production at Elstree Studios, this project honours our heritage while building a new engine for local prosperity. It reinforces Hertsmere’s position as a global centre for storytelling and screen production. We are proud to back an initiative that will deliver such immense cultural, educational, and economic value both now and for future generations”, Councillor Jeremy Newmark, leader of Hertsmere Borough Council and chairman of Elstree Film Studios, told the British newspaper The Independent.

All the senses involved

While a traditional approach could have been chosen by opening a classic museum, it will instead be a walk-through experience combining sound, visuals, smells, and physical objects. Live performances, immersive worlds, and interactive storytelling will be combined in order to give visitors a peek behind the curtain.

“The Elstree Immersive Experience (EIE) will be a ground-breaking, multi-sensory and interactive visitor attraction, designed to celebrate Elstree’s world-famous film and TV heritage. Its core purpose is to celebrate Elstree’s century-long cinematic legacy through the integration of cutting-edge immersive technologies. The Elstree Immersive Experience is needed to celebrate, protect and showcase Elstree’s world-famous film and TV heritage, while driving skills, education and economic growth for the region”, Elstree Studios explain.

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The goal is to make the experience accessible for all ages and abilities, with special attention to programmes for school youth groups and priority wards. 60 direct jobs are expected to be created, while up to 150 indirect opportunities within the local area should open up.

The immersive experience is set to have a soft launch in September 2026, while the official opening will take place in December 2026. The opening will also include the launch of a borough-wide heritage walking trail, which will link studio spaces, filming locations, and cultural landmarks.

The visitor center will be located on a vacant former Sky Studios space in Panattoni Park, 20 minutes down the road from the Making of Harry Potter experience in Watford. For those visiting from London, the Elstree & Borehamwood Station is just a 25-minute train ride away from St Pancras Station.

L’article Famous British movie studios celebrate 100th anniversary with new immersive experience est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Belgium, the event drew a diverse audience, including diplomats, cinema lovers, students, and members of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Belgium.

“Today this film will take us on a cinematic voyage through the Nordic countries and the Caucasus, linking the ancient symbolism of Odin with timeless landscapes and stories,” said Vaqif Sadıqov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Belgium. “The Odin code invites us to reflect on the universal search for meaning. It also reminds us that art can build bridges where politics sometimes cannot.”

The documentary follows Silkeberg’s travels through Azerbaijan and the Scandinavian countries, exploring cultural and historical parallels between the two regions. Inspired by Heyerdahl’s controversial theory that Odin, a central figure in Norse mythology, migrated from Azerbaijan to Scandinavia, Silkeberg investigates potential links between the ancient peoples of the Caucasus and the Vikings. The film features interviews with historians and archaeologists highlighting similarities in ancient petroglyphs and oral traditions, though Silkeberg notes the evidence remains speculative.

“Thor Heyerdahl has always been a hero for me, and I was surprised that he wrote this book (The Search for Odin). He was really criticised about it, and he really provoked the academic world in a way I never understood,” Silkeberg shared.

Odin is one of the main gods in Norse pagan mythology. Known also as the “Allfather,” Odin is the god of wisdom, death, poetry, and magic. Heyerdahl speculated that Odin was a real person who became the ancestor of the Norwegian-Swedish royal line. This idea was based on the Prose Edda, a 13^th-century work of myth and history by the Icelandic chieftain Snorri Sturluson. According to Sturluson’s account, a chieftain named Odin led a migration from a land called Aesir, located east of the River Don, into Sweden. Heyerdahl imagined that ‘Aesir’ might be Azer[baijan] and Odin might be a corruption of ‘Udin’ or ‘Uti’, an ancient people of the Caucasus.

“It is interesting because you see how climate change and migration of nomadic people can be perceived,” noted Silkeberg. The filmmaker did not make any direct connection, because he outlined that there is not “anything solid.” 

The Odin Code is Silkeberg’s second movie, focusing on Azerbaijan’s ties to Sweden. His first, The Legend of Khari Bulbul, explores cultural intersections between the two regions. It intertwines a classic Danish fairy tale, works by modern author Hokan Sedin, and the 16th-century poem Leyli and Majnun by Muhammad Fuzuli. Both films reflect Silkeberg’s passion for uncovering cultural similarities and showcase his love for Azerbaijan.

The screening was followed by loud applause, and viewers had the opportunity to speak with Silkeberg and share their impressions. For him, however, exploring a different culture through the lens of his own fosters mutual understanding and pride in his own background.

L’article The Odin Code links Norse and Azerbaijani cultures in Brussels est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

1. Japan – Little Forest: Summer/Autumn – 2014

This live action version of a Daisuke Igarashi’s manga series is about a young city woman’s return to Tohuku, a mountainous region in the northeast of Japan’s Honshu island. The eye-level opening credits draw viewers into a forested landscape as we follow Ichiko’s bicycle ride back home. Seductive in its simplicity, Little Forest is told mainly through culinary vignettes, with close-ups including mossy wood being chopped, a freshly-baked loaf being removed from a small log-burning stove, and cob-nuts being plucked from trees to make home-made ‘nutera’. Your mouth will water as a recipe for candied chestnuts does the rounds in the village, each cook adding their own touch of brandy, soy sauce, or wine.

2. Vermont, USA – Dead Poets Society – 1989

The quintessential coming-of-age movie, set in an elite fictional Vermont boarding school (based on writer Tom Schulman’s experiences at school), Dead Poets Society features one of Robin Williams’s finest performances as inspirational English teacher, John Keating, plus stand-out roles for baby-faced Ethan Hawke and Robert Sean Leonard. A clandestine midnight poetry club in a cave, roads lined with gilded trees, bicycles careering through fields of scattering geese, and chunky-knit sweaters tied around shoulders…it’s a poignant modern classic that provides comfort food for the soul and bears multiple viewings. If you haven’t already seen it, seize the day and start a new autumn tradition.

3. Norway – HØST: Autumn Fall – 2015

Described as a ‘love letter to Oslo’, HØST is a black comedy following Ingvild, a stage manager at Norway’s National Theatre, who despises actors but finds herself entangled with two of them. Taking you to seldom-seen Oslo locations, HØST will entangle you too, with duffle coats, tweed hats, bookshops, illicit sex, illicit cigars, and literal tumbles into piles of autumnal leaves.

4. Connecticut, USA – Far From Heaven – 2002

Yes – New England again, and not for the last time, but you’ll forgive the repetition when you see the film. According to the British Film Institute, ‘autumn has never looked lovelier on screen’ than in this period drama by Tod Haynes. Connecticut in fall provides the glorious backdrop to a dark underworld of prejudice. It’s 1957 and housewife Cathy Whitaker (played by an apparently ageless Julianne Moore) is about to experience first-hand the reality of conservative values, when her husband reveals he is gay and she embarks on a love affair with her black gardener.

5. France – An Autumn Tale – 1998

The concluding part of Eric Rohmer’s Tales of the Four Seasons series, this drama is set in France’s Rhone Valley, where winemaker Magali is coaxed into placing a dating ad in a local paper, although convinced this will not change her life. Harvest time in France’s winemaking country radiates through the screen, with exquisite use of birdsong, wind and shifting light evoking the season and its changes.

6. Connecticut, USA – The Ice Storm – 1997

One of my favourite films of all time, Ang Lee’s adaption of Rick Moody’s 1994 period novel, brings together a stellar cast (Sigourney Weaver, Joan Allen, Kevin Kline, Christini Ricci, Elijah Wood) at the top of their game. An autumn into winter classic, set over Thanksgiving weekend in 1973, The Ice Storm focuses on two neighbouring American families at a time of sexual revolution and social upheaval. Memorable for its caustic humour and relentless sense of impending doom, the movie’s locations – a teenage kiss by a drained swimming pool, modernist houses surrounded by looming trees – are almost like characters in themselves.

Production designer Mark Friedberg talks fascinatingly about choosing the locations here. Looking for other films to inspire your travels? Check here.

L’article 6 Films to tickle your wanderlust this fall est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Taking place as part of the 50^th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic ties between China and the EU, the event is hosted by the Mission of China to the EU in cooperation with the China Film Administration.

The audience was notably diverse in age and background. About 100 guests attended the event, including EU civil servants, politicians, diplomats, members of the Chinese diaspora, students and cinema lovers. 

As the moderator, who charmed the audience throughout the evening, reminded: “Films, like literature, transcend languages, borders, and distance through images and emotions. These films help us discover each other a bit better, day by day.”

Endless Journey: A story of justice and resilience

Setting the tone for the evening, Chinese Ambassador to the EU Cai Run called the 50^th anniversary ‘a pivotal moment to build on the past and forge ahead into the future’. He highlighted Xi Jinping and Antonio Costa’s pledge to mark the milestone with ‘meaningful events’ and stronger people-to-people ties.

The Ambassador saw in this film week is a concrete step to implement it and called films the “art of light and shadow” a medium which he said had become, “through its powerful emotional resonance and communicative force, a bridge for mutual learning among civilisations and a bond for people-to-people understanding.”

Echoing the ambassador’s words, Ma Jia, Editor-in-Chief of China Movie Channel, also present at the event, added that “films transcend cultural, religious, and ideological differences… and have facilitated understanding and exchanges between China and Europe.”

Moments before inviting the audience to silence their phones and enjoy the screening, the moderator warmly warned: “The film might bring some tears, ladies and gentlemen. So, I hope you are all ready for that.”

An Endless journey to charm an “audience without borders“

Directed by Dai Mo, Endless Journey is a crime drama centred on a police squad determined to find a murderer against all odds. As the director explained “justice may come late, but it always comes, no matter the country.”

The film follows the squad’s search for the murderer, taking the audience across China. It candidly portrays everyday life, filmed across four municipalities and spanning over ten years. Many scenes unfold in cramped living spaces, alongside vivid depictions of street markets, prisons, street life, dark alleyways, contrasted by a scene in the nature. The story offers a layered glimpse into China’s rapid economic development, its evolving urban landscapes, the resilience of ordinary people and community spirit

The director further explained that the film’s success lies in the fact it is based on a true story: “The story of the front-line police in China – people’s stories can touch us more because we are ordinary people. That’s why it moves us so deeply.”

The audience seemed to share this emotion. Spontaneous applause erupted during a scene where a character vowed to continue fighting for justice and to serve the people with integrity, a moment that resonated deeply with the audience

Zhang Yi, recipient of the Huabiao Award for Best Actor, gave an outstanding performance. When asked whether he was considering an international career, he laughed it off, saying: “We Chinese people wish to share our precious stories with people around the world. The aim of the Chinese Film Week, and of our delegation, is not to pursue personal recognition or individual goals abroad.”

He added that he hoped the films would encourage foreign friends to visit China, noting that Chinese people are “kind and, like Europeans, value truth, kindness, and beauty,” despite the differences between China and the EU.

The director also explained that while some filmmakers focus on whether their films will attract Chinese audiences, his team’s only aim was to tell a real story: “for us, the audience is without borders.”

Throughout the evening, a consistent theme emerged: the desire to use cinema to build bridges, to showcase what unites rather than what divides, and to use soft power to foster mutual understanding.

The films screening this week

The films selected for the festival share universal themes that can be easily recognised and understood by a wide audience. The six exceptional Chinese films each bring their own distinct style, story, and voice.

• Never Say Never – a spirited action film focusing on children’s growth.
• The Composer – traces the wartime experiences of the renowned musician Xian Xinghai.
• YOLO – highlights the strength and resilience of contemporary Chinese women.
• I Am What I Am – a highly inspirational animated film celebrated for its rich oriental aesthetics.
• Le Cerf-Volant du bout du monde (The Magic of the Kite) – a classic 1958 Sino-French children’s film.

Ambassador Cai Run emphasised that the selected films are high-quality productions that vividly reflect the values, lifestyles, and aspirations of the Chinese people, offering European audiences “a valuable window into China’s social development and the people’s pursuit of a better life.”

Audience reactions

The film ended to sustained applause, as the director and lead actor bowed to the audience. Several attendees praised the film for its emotional depth, the realism of the performances, and its ability to sustain tension throughout the 90 minutes. One audience member, a father himself, was particularly moved by the portrayal of the father – daughter relationship and wished the film had lasted longer.

Another attendee, a fan of Zhang Yi, surprised the actor by offering him a hand-drawn cartoon of the film’s iconic dinner scene – a touching cultural crossover in a country renowned for its comic art.

The film week will run from June 28 to July 4, 2025, with all screenings held at the China Cultural Center in Brussels.

L’article Chinese Film Week 2025 opens in Brussels with ‘Endless Journey’ est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Fountain of Youth

The film director who once married the ever-youthful Madonna, is bringing Fountain of Youth to audiences in May 2025. Starring Nathalie Portman and John Krasinksi and filmed in Hong Kong, Vienna, and Liverpool, the story is that of an Indiana Jones-type heist attempt by two estranged siblings who must follow historical clues around the world to find the source of immortality. Coming to Apple TV+ on 23 May.

The Running Man

According to Paramount Pictures, this is NOT a remake of the Arnold Schwarzenegger 1987 version, but instead a brand new and “faithful” adaptation of the 1982 Stephen King novel. Telling the tale of a dystopian society where people are chased across country by bounty hunters in a cash-prize TV show, the 2025 edition will feature Josh Brolin as the executive producer of the grizzly show, a character he describes as “wonderfully maniacal.” Due for release in November.

The Gorge

Already out since February, The Gorge deserves a mention here for its inclusion of stellar Sigourney Weaver, a veteran of futuristic movies like Alien that rely on isolation in desolate circumstances. Here, two lonely, elite snipers guarding opposite sides of a remote gorge learn to love as they face the mysterious”Hollow Men” within the landscape.

Mickey 17

Starring Twilight’s Robert Pattinson as an “Expendable” clone sent on deadly missions in space, Mickey 17 is available on a range of streaming services, including YouTube, Apple TV and Amazon Prime, after flopping at the box office in March 2025. Critics loved its black comedy though, so it’s worth checking out, especially having been directed by South Korea’s Bang Joon Ho – the man behind the Oscar-winning masterpiece that was Parasite.

Legend of Ochi

In a secluded village in Carpathia lives Yuri, a simple farm girl who has been told never to outside after dark for fear of the island creatures known as the Ochi. But when she discovers a lost baby Ochi, she begins journey to return it to its family. Starring Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard, alongside Willem Dafoe and Emily Watson, this is a quest that will enchant the whole family. It was released in April.

Jurassic World: Rebirth

To be released in July, this is the seventh installment of the Jurassic franchise, and as such fans can expect it to follow the formula, though this time Scarlett Johanssen is in the mix and the dinosaurs are endangered on Earth and must be saved for their DNA – an ingredient that provides the key to a miracle lifesaving drug.

However the humans sent on this extraction mission soon discover the creatures have mutated, bringing danger to all.

L’article Travel and sci-fi adventure films out in 2025 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.