Shanghai Hidden Gem: ‘The Guardian of Stories’ Brings Laotian Folktales to Life (With Puppetry)

Shanghai Hidden Gem: ‘The Guardian of Stories’ Brings Laotian Folktales to Life (With Puppetry)

Siphai Thammavong has dedicated his life to preserving the traditions of storytelling in Laos and there’s a growing sense of urgency in his quest. As we discover in Claudia Bellasi and Markus Steiner Ender’s richly evocative documentary The Guardian of Stories, the keepers of the country’s folktales are dying out and Thammavong’s fear is that…

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‘Nine Puzzles’ Becomes Disney+’s Biggest Korean Hit; Director Yoon Jong-bin Talks Creation, Season 2 Possibilities

‘Nine Puzzles’ Becomes Disney+’s Biggest Korean Hit; Director Yoon Jong-bin Talks Creation, Season 2 Possibilities

Disney+ has found its biggest Korean hit yet in mystery thriller Nine Puzzles, now the platform’s most-viewed title ever across the Asia-Pacific region — surpassing all other series and films. It also ranks as the most-watched Korean title on Disney+ globally and continues to gain traction in Western markets, the company says. A psychological crime…

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CJ ENM America Taps Courteney Tarantin as VP of Scripted TV

CJ ENM America Taps Courteney Tarantin as VP of Scripted TV

In a continued bid to build its U.S. scripted pipeline, CJ ENM America has appointed Courteney Tarantin as vice president of scripted television, the company said on Wednesday. Tarantin, based in L.A., will report to Elsie Choi, the executive vp overseeing CJ ENM’s English‑language development efforts. Tarantin will play a leadership role in curating and shepherding…

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Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine Launches Gen Z–Focused Brand Sunnie

Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine Launches Gen Z–Focused Brand Sunnie

Reese Witherspoon announced Sunnie, a Gen Z-focused spin-off of her Hello Sunshine label, at the Cannes Lions festival on Wednesday. Witherspoon described Sunnie as “a celebration” of young women’s creativity, curiosity and agency, “giving them the tools and community to navigate life’s challenges while embracing their authentic selves.” The multi-platform brand will feature collaborations with…

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