movies
Zee5 Global Drops ‘Sumo Didi’ Trailer Ahead Of Streaming Launch
EXCLUSIVE: Zee 5 Global has released the trailer for the streaming launch of Indian sports pic Sumo Didi.
The Jio Studios, Fresh Lime Films and MA+TH Entertainment Networks film, which released theatrically in 2023, is billed as an inspiring sports biopic based on the extraordinary life of Hetal Dave, India’s first professional female sumo wrestler.
Directed by Jayant Rohatgi and starring Shriyam Bhagnani in the titular role alongside Chaitnya Sharma, it will premiere exclusively on Zee 5 Global on October 23.
The film had a festival run in 2024, playing at the likes of the Tokyo International Film Festival and Palm Springs International Film Festival, but has not released widely. We’ve reached out to the filmmakers on what caused the delay in release.
Sumo Didi is the story of a woman, Hetal, who finds her calling in the unconventional world of sumo wrestling, embarking on a journey that challenges perceptions around women, their bodies and their abilities.
Anubha Fatehpuriya, Nitesh Pandey, Raghav Dhir and Meenal Kapoor also feature in the film, which was shot on location in of Japan, Kolkata and Mumbai.
The Hindi-language film has also travelled to prestigious international film festivals, including the Tokyo International Film Festival and Palm Springs International Film Festival.
“Sumo Didi is an inspiring underdog story of grit, resilience and rising from the depths of despair,” said director Rohatgi. “A young woman from a conservative Marwari household defies all odds, turning her perceived weakness into strength and breaking the glass ceiling. What drew me to Hetal’s story was her courage in challenging patriarchy, social pressure, gender bias and body politics.
“From the narrow lanes of Kolkata to the serene Japanese countryside, her journey is intimate and cinematic. Shriyam has given everything – physically and emotionally, to bring Hetal’s story to life and I’m grateful to Jio Studios, Fresh Lime Films, MA+TH Entertainment Network and Zee 5 for believing in it. At its core, our film is not just about Hetal becoming an accomplished sumo wrestler; it is about her reclaiming her space, her body and her power.”
Hetal Dave added: “I think many of us have, at some point, been told that we are too different, that we should change something about ourselves or that a certain dream is not meant for us. My journey in sumo wrestling has had its share of such moments, but it has also taught me to trust myself and keep moving forward.
“What makes Sumo Didi special is that it goes beyond the sport and explores what it means to stand by your choices when the world expects you to be someone else. I’m grateful that Zee 5Global is bringing this story to audiences, and I hope it encourages people to embrace who they are and pursue what matters to them.”
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movies
BBC Blurs Bethany Antonia Trans T-Shirt On ‘Strictly Come Dancing’
The BBC has confirmed that it blurred out a transgender rights slogan on the T-shirt of Bethany Antonia, the House of the Dragon actress competing in Strictly Come Dancing.
Antonia, who plays Lady Baela Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones spin-off series, rehearsed for the British version of Dancing With the Stars in a white shirt that read: “Protect the Dolls.”
The BBC posted a video of the Strictly training session on social media last week, with the slogan visible. Antonia’s T-shirt was later blurred for the TV broadcast on Saturday.
In a statement, the BBC said: “As is standard practice on any entertainment show on the BBC and in line with our editorial guidelines, appropriate steps are taken to reduce the inclusion of any overt branding or slogans that may be present, regardless of the wording or statement in question.”
The “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt was designed by Conner Ives, who showcased it during London Fashion Week in 2025. “Dolls” is how the LGBTQIA+ community refers to trans women. The shirt has since been worn by the likes of Pedro Pascal.
Antonia has not commented on the BBC’s decision to remove the slogan. She is partnered with professional dancer Nancy Xu and continues to participate in the competition. Gavin & Stacey actress Melanie Walters was eliminated over the weekend.
Antonia has previously worked with Russell T Davies, appearing alongside Helena Bonham Carter in Nolly. She has also guest-starred in Doctor Who with former Strictly Come Dancing champion Rose Ayling-Ellis.
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movies
‘Bee My Love’ Team Wrap ‘Summer’s Camp Romance’
EXCLUSIVE: Canada’s Precious Metal Productions and Good Soldier Films have wrapped TV movie Summer’s Camp Romance as sales launch at MIPCOM.
It is their second collaboration after 2025 culinary-themed romance Bee My Love, which was spearheaded by Precious Metal Productions partners, producer-director Christopher Giroux and actress-producer Ann Pirvu, as their joint company’s inaugural production.
Pirvu (Reign) leads the cast with Stephen Huszar (O Little Christmas Market) in the new romance featuring special appearances by Kat Barrell (Wynonna Earp), Kristin Booth (Signed, Sealed, Delivered) Stefan Brogren (Degrassi High,) and Andrew Phung (Kim’s Convenience).
Rounding out the supporting cast is Romaine Waite (Jingle All The Way To Love), Rob Stewart (The Way Home), Mikayla SwamiNathan (Children Ruin Everything), Brigitte Kingsley (The Art of Christmas) and introducing Vera Deodato.
The film follows the quest of an ambitious advertising executive (Pirvu) to fulfil her daughter’s dream of attending a sought-after summer camp against the odds, when places fill up in record time.
The determined mother reluctantly teams up with a former star athlete (Huszar), who is helping his niece pursue the same dream, to compete in a series of camp-inspired challenges for a coveted spot at Camp Falcon Ridge.
The pair are swept into outdoor adventures and cherished camp traditions, where an unforgettable group of Camp Rangers remind them that success is not always about accomplishments and sparks begin to fly on all levels as things do not go to plan.
The screenplay was co-written by Pirvu and Giroux, marking their second feature collaboration following Bee My Love, with the latter directing again.
“Summer camp sign-up can often feel a little like the Hunger Games. We wanted to capture that wonderfully relatable experience while telling a story filled with romance, family fun, and the timeless magic and nostalgia of camp life,” said Pirvu.
Summer’s Camp Romance is produced by Brigitte Kingsley and Andrew Cymek under their Good Soldiers Films banner alongside Pirvu and Giroux as well as co-star Huszar
Kingsley is also handling sales through Defiant Empire Distribution, her joint Canadian distribution company with Cymek.
“Summer’s Camp Romance has everything we love about making movies—an incredible ensemble, a terrific story, beautiful locations and a wonderful group of filmmakers behind it,” said Kingsley. “We’re delighted to be collaborating with Precious Metal Productions again, and I’m thrilled to be taking the film to MIPCOM this year. I can’t wait to share it with buyers and partners around the world.”
Aside from Bee My Love, Giroux’s directorial credits also include Snowbound for the Holidays which premiered during this year’s Christmas in July on Hallmark.
“When we started working on this project, we wanted to create an event-level TV romance movie — something relatable, energized and full of surprises,” he said.
“There’s something exciting about seeing worlds collide, for fans of the genre — it’s the same feeling you get watching Spider-Man and the Hulk share the screen. We wanted to bring some of that crossover Marvel Cinematic Universe energy to the TV movie world – this is our Avengers.”
The production caps a busy year for the film’s creative team. Kingsley and Cymek recently wrapped back-to-back Christmas movies, as well as their newest feature, Shore of Secrets starring Ryan Pavey (General Hospital), Kingsley and Eric Peterson (Corner Gas).
While Pirvu and Christopher Giroux recently unveiled a new multi-picture feature film slate with Black Fawn Distribution during TIFF 2026.
That slate further expands Pirvu and Giroux’s commitment to developing and producing original Canadian features, while Summer’s Camp Romance continues the growing creative partnership between Precious Metal Productions and Good Soldier Films.
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movies
BBC News Chief Warns Of Need To “Urgently” Win Over TikTok Generation
The BBC‘s new news chief has revealed that one of her top priorities will be winning back young viewers.
In her first message to staff since being named director of news last week, Rachel Jupp said that BBC News must “adapt urgently” to ensure the UK broadcaster is meeting audiences where they consume content.
In an email seen by Deadline (copied in full below), the former Panorama editor wrote: “People are changing how they get their news and too many of them, particularly younger audiences, aren’t finding us.
“We need to adapt urgently – we need to be where they are, with journalism made for them. To do that we need to be clear about how we can improve, we need to test new ideas, and we need to judge our success on outcomes, not just activity.”
The latter comment echoed words from Matt Brittin, the BBC’s new director general. Brittin told staff last week: “I’d like us to celebrate activity less, and outcomes more.”
Jupp, who started her new role on Monday, officially replacing Deborah Turness, acknowledged that there is uncertainty in the newsroom about job cuts. She plans to share more information about savings plans later this month.
“I know you’ll want to know about the savings we need to make to meet our budget. We will set out some of our proposals this month and others will come later. I will announce changes as soon as I can, and recognise that uncertainty is difficult,” she said.
BBC News announced in June that it was canceling shows like Radio 4’s The World Tonight to save £25M ($33.5M), but the division still needs to find another £25M of savings in the coming months, meaning many journalists are bracing for more bad news.
Listing her priorities, she added: “Support distinctive, quality journalism. I’ll be asking for original reporting, sharp analysis and more investigations, all delivered to the highest editorial standards.”
Jupp, previously BBC News‘ director of news documentaries and long-form journalism, now oversees the biggest newsroom in the UK. She will be paid a salary of £400,000 ($528,000), which is £50,000 less than her predecessor.
Dear all,
Today is my first day as Director of News, and I want to start with some thank yous. Firstly for the warm and generous welcome you’ve given me since my appointment was announced.
I appreciate the year has been difficult for BBC News, with leadership changes and the need to make savings, to live within our budget. I know many of you are going through changes in your teams and I understand the personal impact that can have.
Thank you for the professionalism and commitment you have all shown. I want to particularly thank Jonathan Munro for his work over the last eleven months. He has provided vital stability and leadership to the division through a really tough time for the BBC, and thank you to Fiona Crack, for her stewardship of the World Service during this time.
I am so proud to be leading BBC News. Every day, our teams report from places others can’t or won’t go to. We break stories, deliver editorial excellence, explain a complicated world and hold power to account, for audiences across the UK and in 45 languages around the world. Our work is incredibly important. As Matt said last week, a key part of the BBC’s public service mission is pursuing the truth and it’s time to recommit to that and reinvent how we do it. For me, that means high quality journalism, wherever our audiences are. The need for accurate and independent journalism has never been greater.
I know people want a clear sense of direction about the future of BBC News. My priorities will be:
To support distinctive, quality journalism. I’ll be asking for original reporting, sharp analysis and more investigations, all delivered to the highest editorial standards.
To reach audiences where they are, embracing new platforms, formats and ways of telling our stories. I want to think about creative, engaging storytelling, for whatever platforms our audiences are on.
To build a sustainable BBC News, using technology and innovation to work more efficiently and live within our means.
People are changing how they get their news and too many of them, particularly younger audiences, aren’t finding us. We need to adapt urgently – we need to be where they are, with journalism made for them. To do that we need to be clear about how we can improve, we need to test new ideas, and we need to judge our success on outcomes, not just activity.
I’ve been addressing the challenges of digital transformation throughout my career. I started at Channel 4 News, where I was a producer, news editor, output editor and then Head of Home News. I joined the BBC as Deputy Editor of Newsnight and then became Editor of Panorama. More recently I’ve worked across BBC Content, led the BBC’s work on generative AI, and been Director of News Documentaries and Long Form.
I’ve always loved working in News, and I want to provide the opportunities I’ve had for the next generation of journalists. I also know that it’s a demanding career – I have three children, and I want journalism to be compatible with supporting your family, and enjoying life. To help others manage competing priorities, I sponsor the BBC’s Parents’ Network.
As Director of News, you can expect me to be visible, to be engaged in editorial discussions and to be open about the decisions we need to make. Trust matters – internally and externally – and it is built through listening, through communication and through action. I have a collaborative approach, and I want us to work closely with other colleagues, including in Nations and Local, in Content and in Studios.
Over the next few months I’ll be visiting newsrooms across the UK and meeting many of the international teams. I want you to be honest – share work you’re proud of, tell me what’s working and what isn’t.
I know you’ll want to know about the savings we need to make to meet our budget. We will set out some of our proposals this month and others will come later. I will announce changes as soon as I can, and recognise that uncertainty is difficult.
But I am determined that the changes we make now will mean that BBC News will thrive in the future, and that our vital journalism will continue to be as valuable, and valued, as it’s always been.
I’m hosting an all-staff call on Wednesday where I’ll talk more about my vision and priorities – and you can ask me anything. Other members of the News Board will be there too. A calendar invitation will be sent shortly. If you can’t make it, feel free to send questions in advance. You can also always email me – I want to hear about your ideas.
Thank you for everything you do. I’m looking forward to working together.
Rachel
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