Author - Jerry Paxton

Lionsgate Announce: The Expendables 4-Film Collection

2024/01/23

Return to all the global superstars, explosive stunts, and mind-boggling weaponry when The Expendables 4-Film Collection arrives on Blu-ray + DVD + Digital March 5 from Lionsgate. With the fourth film’s release in 2023 and the franchise grossing over $780 million at the box office, this is the ultimate Expendables collection, featuring four mission-ready art cards. The Expendables 4-Film Collection will be available for the suggested retail price of $44.99 on Blu-ray + DVD + Digital.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS
This action-packed, star-studded bundle includes all four films in The Expendables franchise. In The Expendables, the elite mercenaries (Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Statham) are caught in a web of betrayal and deceit when they’re hired by a shady operative (Bruce Willis) to overthrow a South American dictator. In The Expendables 2, a deranged arms dealer (Jean-Claude Van Damme) turns the team’s (Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren) easy paycheck into a tragedy, while The Expendables 3 pits old school vs. new blood when Barney Ross and his team (Wesley Snipes, Harrison Ford) square off against a longtime foe (Mel Gibson). In Expend4bles, a new group of mercenaries (50 Cent, Megan Fox, Tony Jaa) joins the “old guard” to help fight an arms dealer with his own private army.

Battle The Mutant Goblin Queen In New MARVEL Future Fight Update

2024/01/23

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Mobile News, News, Trailers / Videos

Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality mobile games, launches a new game update for its blockbuster mobile RPG MARVEL Future Fight. Agents can experience several new game contents including a new epic quest, characters, character-tier upgrades and more.

This new game update adds four new characters: Havok, Exodus, Hope Summers, and Madelyne Pryor. A new uniform is now available for Rachel Summers.

Agents can participate in “Goblin Queen,” a new Epic Quest featuring stories of the villainous mutant clone and have the opportunity to obtain this update’s Havok, Hope Summers, and Madelyne Pryor. Additionally, five new items have been added in the latest Odin’s Blessing update.

Character tier upgrades have been added for Cyclops (Tier-4 with new Striker Skill), Havok (Tier-3 with new Ultimate Skill) and Madelyne Pryor (Tier-3 with new Ultimate Skill). Awakened Skills have been added to select heroes including Rachel Summers, Hope Summers and Kid Omega.

MARVEL Future Fight has over 150 million players across the world with the game currently available worldwide in the App Store® and Google Play™.

For more information, please visit http://marvelfuturefight.netmarble.com.

Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Review

2024/01/23

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Peripheral Review, Peripherals News, Reviews

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro arrives with an absolute goal in mind – not just to be another great gaming keyboard, but to redefine the very notion of what a keyboard can do. It features cutting-edge optical key switches, unparalleled customization, and an outstanding build quality that promises to satisfy the most demanding gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. But does it deliver on its lofty promises? Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the world of the Huntsman V3 Pro.

Unboxing the Huntsman V3 Pro is an experience in itself. The sleek, minimalist packaging whispers luxury, and the keyboard itself is a thing of beauty. The brushed aluminum top plate exudes a cool solidity, while the double-shot PBT keycaps feel substantial and textured. The magnetic wrist rest snaps into place with a satisfying click, adding a plush cushion for marathon gaming sessions.

The Huntsman V3 Pro showcases Razer’s Chroma RGB lighting system in all its glory. Each key is individually assignable, allowing for intricate lighting effects and mesmerizing animations. The built-in underglow adds another layer of visual depth, casting a colorful halo around the keyboard. Customization options are endless, thanks to the comprehensive Razer Synapse 3 software. From static colors to reactive effects, you can tailor the lighting to your mood, game, or even the rhythm of your music.

But the true star of the Huntsman V3 Pro is Razer’s Second Generation Analog Optical switches. Unlike traditional mechanical switches with a single actuation point, these support a full range of actuation from 0.1 to 4.0 mm, offering unprecedented levels of control and precision. The Rapid Trigger mode takes customization to another level. With a dedicated toggle switch, you can adjust the actuation point on the fly, enabling lightning-fast bursts of fire in FPS games or rapid-fire commands in MOBAs. It’s a game-changer, literally, giving you an edge in competitive situations. During my time with the keyboard, I played everything from first-person shooters like Destiny 2 and CoD: Warzone to my current favorite game on the market: Baldur’s Gate 3 (so much BG3…). No matter what type of game I was playing, the Huntsman V3 Pro was more than up to the challenge. I preferred to create different profiles for every game so that I could truly dial in the performance of the keyboard to my liking.While the Huntsman V3 Pro shines brightest while gaming, its talents extend far beyond just helping me play Baldur’s Gate 3. The typing experience is a joy, with the switches offering a satisfyingly snappy response and minimal noise. The double-shot PBT keycaps are resistant to wear and tear, ensuring crisp legends for years to come. I also LOVE their typing feel. The texture and quality make the keys seem like something you’d find on some high-end industrial control panel at NASA. Furthermore, the dedicated media controls and multi-function keys make it a productivity powerhouse, ideal for content creators and professionals alike. Heck – I am even typing this review on the keyboard!

No product is perfect, and the Huntsman V3 Pro has its quirks. The premium price tag might intimidate some budget-conscious buyers, and while the wrist rest is comfortable, its detachable nature might put some off. Plus, I have found that my fingers tend to rest on the WASD keys while not in use (an old gamer habit), and I tend to put slight pressure on the keys, which triggers them. But these are all small gripes in an otherwise outstanding product.

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro is a truly remarkable keyboard. It pushes the boundaries of performance and customization, offering gamers and tech enthusiasts a tool that is a joy to use and play with. The innovative Analog Optical switches, with the stunning build quality and dazzling Chroma RGB lighting, create an exhilarating and empowering experience. While the price might be a hurdle for some, the unique features and sheer quality make the Huntsman V3 Pro a worthy investment for anyone who demands the best from their peripherals. It is available now for $249.99 at Razer’s official website.

Overall Score: 5 out of 5

TIEBREAK: Official game of the ATP and WTA Announced

2024/01/23

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

NACON and Big Ant Studios are pleased to announce that TIEBREAK: Official game of the ATP and WTA, the new tennis game from the creators of AO Tennis 2 and Tennis World Tour 2, is being released on early access for PC (Steam) today. It will be released on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Nintendo SwitchTM later this year.

TIEBREAK is the official tennis game of the ATP and WTA. Players with controller in hand can take their style of play to the biggest courts and make it count against the computer or the community in multiplayer mode.

Today’s early access launch offers players the chance to take to the virtual court, as the 2024 ATP and WTA tennis seasons kick into gear. The developers’ aim in this phase is to use player feedback to further develop the most authentic and ambitious tennis game around.

The early access version includes an initial set of official ATP and WTA tennis players including Belinda Bencic, Taylor Fritz, Marta Kostyuk, Petra Kvitova, Nick Kyrgios, Daniil Medvedev, Alex de Minaur, Andy Murray, Naomi Osaka, Maria Sakkari, Shuai Zhang, Alexander Zverev. It also includes Quick Match mode, allowing for play on all ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 series courts and Basic Tutorials will help players learn and level up their games.

This early access phase will incorporate additional official WTA/ATP licensed content, new game modes, improvements and game balancing over the coming months, with regular updates right up to the game’s final release:

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Community Check In w/ Wes and Matt

2024/01/23

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

In a livestream broadcasted to their community yesterday, the team at Gun Interactive shared some exciting new details regarding their mutiplayer horror title The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, including new characters, a new map, and more!

Head of Brand Strategy Matt Szep and CEO/President Wes Keltner covered these topics across a wide-ranging discussion, which is available to view in its entirety on YouTube. Check out the recording below!

The expectation is that the updates and content listed below will be launched within the next 90 days. Some will arrive sooner, while others might not be available until closer to the 90-day mark.

Execution Packs & Weapon Skins

Multiple new execution packs will soon be added to the game, many of which are far more brutal than those currently available to players. Creative Director Ronnie Hobbs “pushed the dial a little further toward the dangerous to bring [these executions] to life.”

As well, weapon skins will soon be available, allowing players who focus on playing as Family members to customize their favorite weaponry.

Cosmetics

During the livestream, Matt and Wes announced that they will be partnering with the studio Art Bully to bring new styles to everyone’s favorite Family and Victim characters.

Two of the most notable? Bride Sissy and the oft-requested Shirtless Johnny, both of which will be free for all players once launched.

Museum Mode

Similar to a photo mode, this will allow players to better appreciate the in-game levels, and to take and share photos of their own. As well, this mode will showcase trivia and behind-the-scenes footage from the game and the original 1974 film!

New Characters & New Map

The Gun Interactive team confirmed that a new Victim and new Family member are both in development, while still requiring further fine-tuning and testing. More key details about these characters will be shared closer to their launch.

The new map, also in development, is called The Mill, and has a wildly different layout than currently available maps, with more verticality and four distinct levels, including a dry creekbed.

More details on everything in this post can be viewed at the livestream VOD on the Gun Interactive Twitch channel here.

Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2024 Film Linup

2024/01/22

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) announced today the highly anticipated lineup for the 39th edition, which will run February 7 to 17, 2024. The festival will showcase 45 world premieres and 77 U.S. premieres from 48 countries, along with tributes featuring the year’s top talent, panel discussions, and free community education and outreach programs.

“We have a wonderfully eclectic program this year from 48 countries around the world,” said Claudia Puig, Programming Director of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. “We are especially proud that half of our slate of films are directed by women, and a large percentage by under-represented filmmakers. We know there will be something for everyone at our festival– and likely quite a lot for most. Nearly three-quarters of the films we’re showcasing have never been seen before in the US. We’re excited to introduce these films to audiences and thrilled that filmmakers from nearly every continent will be on hand to meet those attending SBIFF, and share in the communal love of film.”

OPENING NIGHT

SBIFF 2024 will kick off on Opening Night Wednesday, February 7 with the World Premiere of the documentary MADU directed by Matt Ogens and Joel ‘Kachi Benson. Both directors will be joining us in-person.

From practicing barefoot on the streets of Lagos to performing on stage in England, twelve-year-old Anthony Madu leaves his home in Nigeria to study at one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world. Anthony, who had barely left his neighborhood in Lagos, finds himself thrust into a new world where his wildest dream is suddenly within reach. His journey is a story of extraordinary obstacles, courage, growth, and ultimately, his search for belonging.

CLOSING NIGHT

SBIFF 2024 will close on Saturday, February 17 with the World Premiere of CHOSEN FAMILY directed by Heather Graham and starring Heather Graham, Julia Stiles, Thomas Lennon, and Michael Gross. Director and cast will be joining us in-person.

Yoga teacher Ann is trying to find inner peace despite having a manic family, a miserable dating life, and an inability to say no that keeps her busy trying to fix everyone else’s problems.

THE TRIBUTES

SBIFF is an important showcase for Academy Award frontrunners, many of whom have arrived as nominees and gone on to win the Oscar. The 39th SBIFF proudly celebrates some of the year’s finest work in film. All tributes will be in person at the historic Arlington Theatre.

Outstanding Performer of the Year Award sponsored by Deadline honoring Bradley Cooper – Thursday, February 8 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Pete Hammond.
Maltin Modern Master Award Presented by Manitou Fund honoring Robert Downey Jr. – Friday, February 9 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Leonard Maltin.
Virtuosos Award honoring Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple), Colman Domingo (The Color Purple & Rustin), America Ferrera (Barbie), Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon), Greta Lee (Past Lives), Charles Melton (May December), Da’Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers), and Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers) – Saturday, February 10 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Dave Karger.
Variety Artisans Award sponsored by Variety – Sunday, February 11 at 11:00am. Honorees to be announced. Moderated by Jazz Tangcay.
American Riviera Award honoring Mark Ruffalo – Sunday, February 11 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Anne Thompson.
Outstanding Directors of the Year Award sponsored by The Hollywood Reporter – Monday, February 12 at 8:00pm. Honorees to be announced. Moderated by Scott Feinberg.
Montecito Award honoring Jeffrey Wright – Thursday, February 15 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Roger Durling.
Cinema Vanguard Award honoree and date to be announced

THE PANELS

SBIFF is renowned for creating smart, insightful panels that feature a who’s who in the world of filmmaking, including many Oscar contenders. Returning will be our annual Producers, Writers, Women’s and International Panels. All Panels will be in person at the historic Arlington Theatre. Panelists, dates and times to be announced.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, FREE PROGRAMS, AND OTHER MENTIONS

SBIFF Poster Designed by Acclaimed Artist Angela Perko

The 2024 SBIFF poster was painted by acclaimed artist and Santa Barbara resident Angela Perko. Like many women artists, Angela started painting later in life, after her children were older and the family business was well established. Angela and her husband own a rare bookstore, and she credits exposure to art books for sparking her interest in painting. Although she studied plein-air painting with Santa Barbara artist Michael Drury, she is essentially a self taught artist. The Canadian Group of Seven greatly influenced her early work, as well as many of the Santa Fe artists. A trip to the Yucatán had profound impact and motifs of ancient art and popular Mexican art began to appear in her work. Currently her work explores where nature and culture intersect over time and place.

Mike’s FieldTrip to the Movies – Named for renowned nature cinematographer Mike deGruy, Mike’s FieldTrip to the Movies uses filmmaking to nurture creative, confident, and culturally aware thinkers. This year’s program will be offered to 4,000+ 4th–6th grade students from Title I (low-income) schools throughout Santa Barbara County. This year will feature two in-person Q&As; Directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Justin K. Thompson, and Kemp Powers following SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE and Director Peter Sohn following ELEMENTAL. Sponsored by Montecito Bank & Trust, US Bank, Yardi, Bentson Foundation, Volentine Family Foundation.

Film Studies Program – The Film Studies Program will invite 30 undergraduate film students from across the country to the Film Festival where they’ll take part in a packed curriculum that turns the festival into an interactive classroom. Participants receive priority access to the films, panels, filmmaker seminars, tributes, as well as intimate Q&As with filmmakers.

10–10–10 Student Screenwriting and Filmmaking Mentorship and Competition – The 10-10-10 Program is made up of 20 area high school and college screenwriters and filmmakers. This year’s program includes filmmaking workshops, individual mentorship, and access to casting, visual effects, producing and sound mentors. The student screenwriters and directors are paired together and guided through the process of taking a film from script to screen. Sponsored by Kaleidoscope Productions.

Free Filmmaker Seminars – SBIFF will again present seminars with filmmakers premiering at this year’s festival. These seminars will be FREE to the public and will take place on each weekday during the Festival at Tamsen Gallery at 911 1/2 State Street.

The ADL Stand Up Award sponsored by ADL Santa Barbara/Tri-Counties – This award will be presented to a dramatic film in the festival that represents an important message consistent with ADL’s efforts “to secure justice and fair treatment for all.” The winner will be announced during the Festival.

The ASC Award for Cinematography sponsored by The American Society of Cinematographers has been added to the list of SBIFF’s 2024 awards and will recognize a film with exceptional visual composition that advances the art and science of cinematography and promotes the motion picture as an art form.

2024 FILMS

Below is the list of feature and short films at the 2024 SBIFF. For the complete list of films, synopses, and other special events please visit www.sbiff.org or the SBIFF app.

19 WORLD PREMIERE FEATURE FILMS (listed alphabetically)

76 Days

Directed by Joe Wein

United States

Alien Contact

Directed by Rick Rosenthal

United States

Art and Life: The Story of Jim Phillips

Directed by John Edward Makens

Books & Drinks

Directed by Geoffrey Cowper

Dominican Republic

Chosen Family

Directed by Heather Graham

United States

Dandelions

Directed by Basil Mironer

United States

Diving into the Darkness

Directed by Nays Baghai

Australia

Electra

Directed by Hala Matar

Bahrain

The Fight for Black Lives

Directed by Micere Keels

United States

Giants Rising

Directed by Lisa Landers

United States

God & Country

Directed by Dan Partland

United States

Lili

Directed by Sylwia Rosak

Poland

The Long Game

Directed by Jace Anderson

United States

Madu

Directed by Matt Ogens, Joel ‘Kachi Benson

United States, Nigeria, United Kingdom

The Movie Man

Directed by Matt Finlin

Canada

Okie

Directed by Kate Cobb

United States

Running for the Mountains

Directed by Babette Hogan, Julie Eisenberg

United States

Send Kelp!

Directed by Blake McWilliam

Canada

Veselka

Directed by Michael Fiore

United States

56 U.S. PREMIERE FEATURE FILMS (listed alphabetically)

Achilles

Directed by Farhad Delaram

Iran, France Germany

Andragogy

Directed by Wregas Bhanuteja

Indonesia

Atikamekw Suns

Directed by Chloé Leriche

Canada

The Ballad of a Hustler

Directed by Heitor Dhalia

United States, Brazil

Before It Ends (Når befrielsen kommer)

Directed by Anders Walter

Denmark

Birthday Girl

Directed by Michael Noer

Denmark

The Blue Star (La estrella azul)

Directed by Javier Macipe

Spain, Argentina

Cinema Laika

Directed by Veljko Vidak

France, Finland

Cold (Kuldi)

Directed by Erlingur Thoroddsen

Iceland

Cold Sigh

Directed by Nahid Azizi Sedigh

Iran

Coup!

Directed by Austin Stark, Joseph Schuman

United States

Crush: Message in a Bottle

Directed by Maya Gallus

Canada

Dance First

Directed by James Marsh

United Kingdom

Days of Happiness

Directed by Chloé Robichaud

Canada

Dear Jassi

Directed by Tarsem Singh Dhandwar

India

Disconnect Me

Directed by Alex Lykos

Australia

Edge of Everything

Directed by Sophia Sabella, Pablo Feldman

United States

El paraiso

Directed by Enrico Maria Artale

Italy

Estonia

Directed by

Finland, Sweden, Belgium, Estonia

Excursion (Ekskurzija)

Directed by Una Gunjak

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, France, Norway, Qatar

French Girl

Directed by James A. Woods, Nicolas Wright

Canada

Good Savage

Directed by Santiago Mohar Volkow

Mexico

Green Night

Directed by Han Shuai

Hong Kong

Hoard

Directed by Luna Carmoon

United Kingdom

Homecoming (Máhccan)

Directed by Suvi West, Anssi Kömi

Finland, Norway

I’m Just Here for the Riot

Directed by Asia Youngman, Kathleen Jayme

Canada

The King Tide

Directed by Christian Sparkes

Canada

The Last Daughter

Directed by Brenda Matthews, Nathaniel Schmidt

Australia

The Last Movie

Directed by Olaug Spissøy Kyvik

Norway

Let Me Go (Laissez-moi)

Directed by Maxime Rappaz

Switzerland

Medium

Directed by Christina Ioakeimidi

Greece

Mimang

Directed by Kim Tae-yang

South Korea

The Movie Teller

Directed by Lone Scherfig

Spain, France, Chile

Mr. Freeman

Directed by Mads Matthiesen

Denmark

Much Ado About Dying

Directed by Simon Chambers

Ireland

On Earth as in Heaven (Sur la terre comme au ciel)

Directed by Nathalie Saint-Pierre

Canada

On the Edge (État limite)

Directed by Nicolas Peduzzi

France

The Other Son

Directed by Juan Sebastián Quebrada

Colombia, France, Argentina

Over the Cracks (Sous le tapis)

Directed by Camille Japy

France

Photophobia

Directed by Ivan Ostrochovský, Pavel Pekarčík

Slovakia, Czech Republic, Ukraine

Point of Change

Directed by Rebecca Coley

United Kingdom, United States, Australia and Indonesia

Prison in the Andes (Penal Cordillera)

Directed by Felipe Carmona

Chile, Brazil

Queen of Bones

Directed by Robert Budreau

United States

A Ravaging Wind

Directed by Paula Hernández

Argentina, Uruguay

The Reeds

Directed by Cemil Ağacıkoğlu

Turkey

Rickerl

Directed by Adrian Goiginger

Austria, Germany

The Rooster

Directed by Mark Leonard Winter

Australia

Seagrass

Directed by Meredith Hama-Brown

Canada

Snow Leopard (雪豹)

Directed by Pema Tseden

China

Suze

Directed by Linsey Stewart, Dane Clark

Canada

That They May Face the Rising Sun

Directed by Pat Collins

Ireland

The Tundra Within Me (Eallogierdu)

Directed by Sara Margrethe Oskal

Norway

Unmoored

Directed by Caroline Ingvarsson

United Kingdom

Until the Music is Over (Até que a Música Pare)

Directed by Cristiane Oliveira

Brazil, Italy

Uproar

Directed by Paul Middleditch, Hamish Bennett

New Zealand

The Vourdalak

Directed by Adrien Beau

France

NON PREMIERE FEATURE FILMS (listed alphabetically)

Abroad

Directed by Giovanni Fumu

South Korea, United States

All You Hear is Noise

Directed by Ned Castle, Matt Day

United States

Another Happy Day

Directed by Nora Fiffer

United States

Ashima

Directed by Kenji Tsukamoto

United States

Blaga’s Lessons (Urotcite na Blaga)

Directed by Stephan Komandarev

Bulgaria

Brothers (Bratři)

Directed by Tomáš Mašín

Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia

Bye Bye Tiberias

Directed by Lina Soualem

France, Palestine, Belgium, Qatar

City of Wind (Sèr sèr salhi)

Directed by Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir

Mongolia, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, Qatar, France

The Contestant

Directed by Clair Titley

United Kingdom

Copa 71

Directed by Rachel Ramsay, James Erskine

United Kingdom

The Cowboy and the Queen

Directed by Andrea Nevins

United States

Eat Bitter

Directed by Pascale Appora-Gnekindy, Ningyi Sun

Central African Republic, China

Ezra

Directed by Tony Goldwyn

United States

First Time Female Director

Directed by Chelsea Peretti

United States

First We Bombed New Mexico

Directed by Lois Lipman

United States

Fresh Kills

Directed by Jennifer Esposito

United States

A Happy Day

Directed by Hisham Zaman

Norway

I’ll Be Right There

Directed by Brendan Walsh

United States

In the Rearview

Directed by

Poland, France, Ukraine

Joika

Directed by James Napier Robertson

New Zealand, Poland

La Extorsión

Directed by Martino Zaidelis

Argentina, USA

Limbo

Directed by Ivan Sen

Australia

A Look Through His Lens

Directed by Matthew Berkowitz, Gregory Hoblit

United States, France, Ireland, United Kingdom

Lucha: A Wrestling Tale

Directed by Marco Ricci

United States

Mourning in Lod

Directed by Hilla Medalia

United States

One Life

Directed by James Hawes

United Kingdom

Pet Shop Days

Directed by Olmo Schnabel

United States, Italy, United Kingdom, Mexico

Seven Blessings

Directed by Ayelet Menahemi

Israel

Shari & Lamb Chop

Directed by Lisa D’Apolito

United States

Show Her the Money

Directed by Ky Dickens

United States

Sira

Directed by Apolline Traoré

Burkina Faso, France, Germany, Senegal

Solitude

Directed by Ninna Pálmadóttir

Iceland

Sorry/Not Sorry

Directed by Caroline Suh, Cara Mones

United States

The Taste of Things

Directed by Trần Anh Hùng

France

Thank You Very Much

Directed by Alex Braverman

United States

TransMexico

Directed by Claudia Sanchez

United States

We Are Guardians

Directed by Edivan Guajajara, Chelsea Greene, Rob Grobman

United States, Brazil

We Grown Now

Directed by Minhal Baig

United States

Wicked Little Letters

Directed by Thea Sharrock

United Kingdom

Without Air

Directed by Katalin Moldovai

Hungary

2024 SBIFF SHORT FILMS – (listed alphabetically)

26 WORLD PREMIERES AND 21 U.S. PREMIERES

Directed by Marissa Chibás

United States

World Premiere

841

Directed by Rachel Burnett

United States

World Premiere

The ABCs of Book Banning

Directed by Sheila Nevins

United States

Above & Within

Directed by Patrick Hall

United States

World Premiere

Alarms (Apnées)

Directed by Nicolas Panay

France

US Premiere

And Now I Lay Me Down

Directed by Rani DeMuth

United States

World Premiere

Area Boy

Directed by Iggy London

United Kingdom

US Premiere

The Ballad of Tita and the Machines

Directed by Miguel Angel Caballero

United States

Basri and Salma in a Never-ending Comedy (Basri & Salma dalam Komedi yang Terus Berputar)

Directed by Khozy Rizal

Indonesia

A Bird Called Memory (Pássaro Memória)

Directed by Leonardo Martinelli

Brazil, United Kingdom

US Premiere

The Birthday Party (Il compleanno di Enrico)

Directed by Francesco Sossai

Germany, France, Italy

US Premiere

A Body Called Life

Directed by Spencer MacDonald

United States

World Premiere

Boo

Directed by Genevieve Aniello

United States

World Premiere

Breaking Silence

Directed by Amy Bench, Annie Silverstein

United States

The Breakthrough

Directed by Daniel Sinclair

United States

Dammi

Directed by Yann Mounir Demange

France, United Kingdom

US Premiere

Dog Apartment (Koerkorter)

Directed by Priit Tender

Estonia

Don’t Cry, Gabriel (Pleure pas Gabriel)

Directed by Mathilde Chavanne

France

US Premiere

Farms and Tables

Directed by Taylor Scott Mason, Noah Forbes

United States

World Premiere

Forget Me Again

Directed by Noah Freeman Hecht

United States

World Premiere

Fracture

Directed by Joel Novoa, Marilu Godinez

United States

World Premiere

The Golden West

Directed by Tom Berkeley, Ross White

Ireland

Good Boy

Directed by Tom Stuart

United Kingdom

US Premiere

Gorgeous

Directed by Morgan Gould

United States

World Premiere

Gorgo (Γοργώ)

Directed by Veniamin Gialouris

Australia

US Premiere

Greetings From Summerland

Directed by Joey Szalkiewicz, Harry Rabin

United States

World Premiere

Help Me Understand

Directed by Aemilia Scott

United States

I’m on Fire

Directed by Michael Spiccia

United States

In the Shadow of the Cypress (Dar saaye sarv)

Directed by Hossein Molayemi, Shirin Sohani

Iran

US Premiere

Incroci

Directed by Francesca de Fusco

Italy, United States

US Premiere

Jane Austen’s Period Drama

Directed by Julia Aks, Steve Pinder

United States

World Premiere

Joy

Directed by Aner Etxebarria Moral

Spain

Magda

Directed by Adela Kaczmarek

Poland

US Premiere

Making Babies (Faire un enfant)

Directed by Eric K. Boulianne

Canada

A Man’s Man

Directed by Myles Desenberg

United Kingdom

US Premiere

Marungka Tjalatjunu (Dipped in black)

Directed by Matthew Thorne, Derik Lynch

Australia

The Meatseller

Directed by Margherita Giusti

US Premiere

Merv

Directed by Sam Roebling

United States

My Dead Dad

Directed by Abby Ellis, Erik Osterholm

United States

World Premiere

Nada De Todo Esto

Directed by Patricio Martínez, Francisco Cantón

Argentina, Spain, United Statess

US Premiere

Next Train Out

Directed by Darby Naughton

United States

World Premiere

Nine Lives

Directed by Jessie Davidson

United States

World Premiere

Nun or Never!

Directed by Heta Jäälinoja

Finland

On the 8th Day (Au 8ème Jour)

Directed by Agathe Sénéchal, Alicia Massez, Elise Debruyne, Flavie Carin, Théo Duhautois

France

US Premiere

The Orchestra Chuck Built

Directed by Christopher Stoudt

United States

Our Neighbors, the Peacocks

Directed by Callie Barlow

United States

World Premiere

Panadrilo

Directed by Marcela Heilbron

Panamá

World Premiere

Primero, Sueño

Directed by Andrés Lira

United States

Relationship to Patient

Directed by Caroline Creaghead

United States

World Premiere

Relighting Candles: The Tim Sullivan Story

Directed by Zeberiah Newman, Michiel Thomas

United States

The Salt on Our Skin

Directed by Alessandra Puig-Santana, Reese Raygoza, Lukas Olesinski, Tess McCormick, Audrey Engelsgjerd, Michelle Truong

United States

World Premiere

Save the Cat

Directed by Jordan Matthew Horowitz

United States

World Premiere

Savi the Cat

Directed by Bryan Tucker, Netsie Tjirongo

United States

Sea Salt

Directed by Leila Basma

Czech Republic, Lebanon, Qatar

US Premiere

Seasons (四·季)

Directed by Xin Li

China

World Premiere

Sira

Directed by Mariame N’Diaye

France

US Premiere

The Skates

Directed by Halima Ouardiri

Canada

Sludge: A PFAS Uprising

Directed by Jeffrey Christian

United States

World Premiere

Someone Lied on the Roommate Form

Directed by Najee Werners

United States

World Premiere

Someone’s Trying to Get in

Directed by Colin Nixon

Canada

World Premiere

Taking Back the Groove

Directed by Celia Aniskovich

United States

The Voice of Others (La voix des autres)

Directed by Fatima Kaci

France

US Premiere

Two Cents & A Footlong

Directed by Kanin Guntzelman

United States

World Premiere

Unbraided

Directed by Caroline Renard

United States

World Premiere

Wander to Wonder

Directed by Nina Gantz

Netherlands, France, Belgium

US Premiere

Where the Sun Always Shines

Directed by Rosie Baldwin

United Kingdom

Wild Summon

Directed by Karni Arieli, Saul Freed

United Kingdom

Will You Remember Me?

Directed by Will Dowler

United States

World Premiere

WOACA

Directed by Mackenzie Davis

United Kingdom

US Premiere

ABOUT THE SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema. Over the past 39 years, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States – attracting 100,000 attendees and offering 11 days of 200+ films, tributes, and symposiums, fulfilling their mission to engage, enrich, and inspire the Santa Barbara community through film.

Sponsors of the 39th SBIFF include: Manitou Fund, Black Market Spirits, DAOU Vineyards, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Panavision, Santa Barbara City, US Bank, Montecito Bank & Trust, Yardi, Kaleidoscope Productions, ADL Santa Barbara/Tri-Counties, American Society of Cinematographers, John C. Mithun Foundation, Audrey Hillman Fisher Foundation, Northern Trust, Netflix, Visit The Santa Ynez Valley, Bentson Foundation, Volentine Family Foundation, Toad&Co, Topa Topa Brewing Company, Boxed Water Is Better, Saige Private Wealth, El Encanto and many more generous supporters.

SBIFF continues its commitment to education and the community throughout many free educational programs and events. In 2016, SBIFF entered a new era with the acquisition of the historic and beloved Riviera Theatre. After a capital campaign and renovation, the theatre is now SBIFF’s new state-of-the-art, year-round home, showing new international and independent films every day. In 2019, SBIFF opened its own Education Center in downtown Santa Barbara on State Street to serve as a home for its many educational programs and a place for creativity and learning.

PSO2: NGS Collaborates with The Seven Deadly Sins: Dragon’s Judgement

2024/01/22

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

SEGA today announced the free-to-play online action RPG, PHANTASY STAR ONLINE 2 NEW GENESIS, has started a collaboration with the popular fantasy anime series, The Seven Deadly Sins: Dragon’s Judgement. This collaboration features Build Parts, Avatar Items, Weapon Camos, login bonuses, and more.

During the collaboration, Players will be able to get Build Parts of life-size cutouts featuring Meliodas and other characters from the anime. A Limited-time Login Bonus will be active during the collaboration so all players will receive rewards and boosts for logging in! AC Scratch Ticket: The Seven Deadly Sins Style is available and features Avatar Items, Weapon Camos, Stamps, Build Parts, and ARKS ID backgrounds. Avatar Items feature clothes and accessories for Meliodas, Elizabeth, and Diane and Weapon Camos are modeled after special weapons from the anime, such as Meliodas’ own Sacred Treasure Demon Sword Lostvayne.

The Seven Deadly Sins: Dragon’s Judgement is the fourth and final season of The Seven Deadly Sins anime, based on the manga by Nakaba Suzuki originally serialized in the weekly SHONEN MAGAZINE published by Kodansha Ltd. When a kingdom is taken over by tyrants, the deposed princess begins a quest to find a disbanded group of evil knights to help take back her realm.

The Global version of PHANTASY STAR ONLINE 2 NEW GENESIS includes fully localized text and character voices in English and will remain content current with the Japanese servers. Details can be found at https://ngs.pso2.com/. For additional up-to-the-minute updates, players can follow @play_PSO2 on Twitter, @PSO2Official on Facebook, and @play_pso2 on Instagram.

Armor Attack Announcement Trailer

2024/01/22

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Mobile News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Today, KEK Entertainment announced that Armor Attack, an upcoming tactical crossplay vehicle-based shooter, will be releasing this year on iOS, Google Play, PC and Mac, and to consoles in the future. Check out the announcement trailer here.

In Armor Attack, the future of society lies in the hands of three opposing factions who are fighting to gain control over what’s left on Earth after decades of war and social upheaval. Players will participate in all-out mech vehicle warfare, customizing and taking control of battle technologies including robots, tanks, wheeled machines and more to gain victory over their opponents. Thrilling and unforeseen experiences will ensue through exciting interactive environments, various unique ability-centered vehicle types and enhanced cinematic experiences that will keep players at the edge of their seats.

“As gamers ourselves, we always wondered why there were not more opportunities to experience the same quality play with friends across all types of gaming platforms,” said Georgy Egorov, CEO and Co-Founded of KEK Entertainment. “So, we are making our own ultimate mecha shooter experience for friends to enjoy across PC, mobile and consoles without sacrificing caliber.”

Key gameplay features can be found below:

CLASS AND ABILITY-CENTERED VEHICLES – Choose and customize your vehicle, each with a unique expertise to be successful on the battlefield. From a reaction engine to the scout map, a big energy shield for you and your teammates or a fire bomb with AoE damage, players will notice how each vehicle provides a completely new playstyle.
CUSTOMIZABLE COMBAT – Tailor your battle machines for specific combat objectives. Use the most effective combinations of unit abilities, upgrades, weapons and talent systems to create tactically diverse drop teams.
INTERACTIVE ENVIRONMENT – Every map has its own game-changing mechanic. Be it an ever-changing map layout, a strategically important vantage point or a huge AI-controlled boss – each one has the potential to turn the tides of war.
THREE FACTIONS AND THREE MOTIVATIONS – Explore three different playing styles and battle technology designs: defense, damage and exploiting the battlefield. You’ll soon discover the stories behind them which have created the world of Armor Attack.
CROSSPLAY – Create your dream team by playing with friends across devices. No need to pick and choose anymore!

Recently, KEK Entertainment closed an $8M funding round to foster cross-platform gaming experiences across mobile devices, consoles and PCs, led by Korea Investment Partners.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Out Now

2024/01/22

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Ubisoft announced that Prince of Persia™: The Lost Crown is now available worldwide on Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, Amazon Luna as well as Windows PC through the Epic Games Store and the Ubisoft Store.

In this brand-new adventure, players will embody Sargon, a young, gifted warrior, member of an elite group called The Immortals. As they are sent to rescue Prince Ghassan, they will explore Mount Qaf, a once wondrous place, now cursed and hostile. Sargon and his brothers-in-arms will soon discover that time itself will be a treacherous foe and that the world balance must be restored.

Inspired by the Metroidvania structure, Prince of Persia™: The Lost Crown lets players explore a handcrafted world at their own pace. From the majestic Citadel of Knowledge to the colorful landscapes of the Hyrcanian Forest, players will discover a variety of environments inspired by Persian mythology. By acquiring new time powers, unlocking unique abilities, equipping different amulets and combining them, Sargon will progressively delve deeper into Mount Qaf, solving puzzles, finding secrets, and completing exciting side quests. Sargon will also learn to master the different Time Powers to defeat unique & mythological creatures that will stand in his way.

To get a taste of what the game has to offer, players can try out the free demo. This custom demo gives a first glimpse at the epic journey that awaits them in Prince of Persia™: The Lost Crown. It includes carefully selected sections from the game, with early unlocks of Time Powers and amulets, to show the main gameplay features while not spoiling the story. Some content in this demo may vary from the final game.

While exploring this mythical place, players will be fully immersed thanks to the original soundtrack created by Mentrix and Gareth Coker. The traditional instruments of the Iranian-born composer Mentrix on one hand, and the modern sounds of award-winner Gareth Coker on the other will guide players from one environment to another. The full soundtrack is available now on all streaming platforms. The original soundtrack is also available here: https://ubisoftmusic.ffm.to/princeofpersia

Prince of Persia™: The Lost Crown is available at a suggested price of $49.99 for the Standard Edition and $59.99 for the Deluxe Edition on Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, Amazon Luna as well as Windows PC through the Epic Games Store and the Ubisoft Store.

For more information about the Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, please visit princeofpersia.com.

For the latest news on Prince of Persia and other Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com.

Sea of Stars – Physical Edition Announcement Trailer

2024/01/22

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

iam8bit, together with developer Sabotage Studio, announced that unique physical editions will soon be coming across multiple platforms for Sea of Stars, the turn-based RPG inspired by the heights of ‘90s role-playing classics. Aspiring Solstice Warriors can bring their adventure to life with the retail edition, available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 and Xbox Series X|S with Smart Delivery, for $39.99, or choose to go the distance with the iam8bit Exclusive Edition, available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and Xbox Series X|S with Smart Delivery, for $44.99. Fans can also snag the Sea of Stars vinyl, available for preorder for $42.99 and shipping in Q3 2024.

The retail edition features a double-sided poster with art from concept artist and illustrator Bryce Kho. Players who preorder the retail edition will receive a digital download of the game soundtrack, which includes all 200 tracks from Day & Night cycles, acoustic pirate band covers and over 10 tracks from guest composer Yasunori Mitsuda. This digital soundtrack also showcases the talents of Sabotage’s award-winning composer Eric W. Brown, with contributions from Vincent Jackson Jones II and Reece Miller. Shipping begins on May 10, 2024.

The iam8bit Exclusive Edition includes a retro-inspired game manual, collectible slipcase, collectible poster featuring original art and oversized game map, digital download of the game soundtrack and 16 character stickers. This version is exclusive to iam8bit.com and will begin shipping in Q2 2024.

The Sea of Stars 2xLP is a stunning epic on Solar Orange and Lunar Blue wax, with brilliant album art from Bryce Kho. Evoking a touch of whimsy with its swelling highs and touching twists, this slimmed-down version of the soundtrack by main composer Eric W. Brown and guest composer Yasunori Mitsuda, includes a selection of the very best melodies, hooks and refrains. Fans who purchase the LP will also receive a voucher to digitally download the full soundtrack.

All retail editions of Sea of Stars can be purchased from seaofstars.iam8bit.com.

Awarded Best Indie Game at The Game Awards, Best Indie Game at the Golden Joysticks and recognized by the British Academy Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) as one of the best games from 2023, Sea of Stars is an acclaimed and heartfelt homage to retro-inspired role-playing games. As the second game from Sabotage Studio, this critically acclaimed game tells the story of two Children of the Solstice and their childhood friend who must combine the powers of the sun and moon to perform Eclipse Magic, the only force that has the power to fight off the monstrous creations of an evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer.