Tom Cruise needs no introduction. Having emerged on the global stage as a Hollywood star over four decades ago, the humanitarian, producer, and actor has remained one of the biggest movie stars in the world after his legendary performance in “Risky Business.” He went on to star in over 40 other motion pictures, with a level of talent that has only increased over the years.
Like the finest actors before him, one can look at a film he is in they are deciding to see or not and say, “well, it’s got Tom Cruise in it, so you know it’s got to be good.” And they are. And not only good, but great. From “Rain Man,” to “Vanilla Sky,” to ” “Collateral,” “Top Gun,” “Minority Report,” “The Last Samurai,” “Born on the 4th of July,” “Jack Reacher,” and countless more, the name “iconic” to describe the legendary star is no understatement. And yet on franchise he has created has broken all records, even single handedly saving Hollywood from a major slump during his last installment. That film franchise is of course, “Mission Impossible.”
It’s in this highly entertaining action franchise that we also witness another mind-blowing thing about the star we can’t ignore–he does his own stunts! We’re not talking about falling off a horse before the horse plunges into a lake or anything basic like that. We’re talking about freefalling out of an airplane, and having a bomb explode, igniting a parachute on fire and he continues hurtling to earth. We’re talking about jumping off a ramp on a speeding motorcycle into a massive canyon on the edge of a mountaintop. Evil Knievel level stuff! Stunts that are truly in and of themselves–iconic.
While Tom Cruise has nothing to prove, he still does, year after year, again and again. Not to even prove anything, but because he loves it. And the audiences do too. His latest film, “Mission Impossible–The Final Reckoning,” hints at being the last in this franchise. We don’t about that, but one thing is for sure, it’s a must see.
Tom Cruise Interview for “Mission Impossible, The Final Reckoning” MI8 NYC Premiere
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Our lives are the sum of our choices. Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
| Starring | Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Mariela Garriga, Henry Czerny, Holt McCallany, Janet McTeer, Nick Offerman, Hannah Waddingham, Angela Bassett, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Charles Parnell, Frederick Schmidt |
| Directed By | Christopher McQuarrie |
| Produced By | Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie |
| Executive Produced By | David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, Chris Brock |
(press release)
Cinemagic Film and Television Fest Proved to be Major Hit
Young Film Talent Inspired at Cinemagic LA
The award-winning Cinemagic Film and Television Festival for Young People returned
to Los Angeles June 15th -20th, culminating in the annual Cinemagic LA
Showcase at The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica, to celebrate
rising film talent.
Northern Ireland Connections, Screen Ireland, and Northern Ireland Bureau worked
working in partnership with Cinemagic to bring together young creatives from
Northern Ireland, Ireland, and Los Angeles for a week-long program of film
industry immersion and cultural exchange.
Now in its 16th year, Cinemagic Los Angeles continues to position the Belfast based
organization as a global player in the creative industries. The program nurtures
youth talent while building meaningful industry connections and showcasing cross-
cultural collaboration.
Over the course of the week, participants attended exclusive Q & A sessions
and masterclasses hosted by top studios and entertainment professionals including Warner
Bros. Discovery, Paramount Studios, Universal Studios, Imagine Entertainment, and
Artists Equity. Special guest speakers included Kirsten Sheridan, Ryan Rowe, Alison
Winters, Jonathan Sanger, James Longman, and Ross King. Supporting the delivery
of the program in Los Angeles were ELMA (European Languages and Movies in
America), The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, CIACLA (Contemporary Irish
Arts Center LA) and Loyola Marymount University.
The program kicks off with a musical theatre workshop at Loyola Marymount
University, supported by the LMU Irish Studies Program and CIACLA, led by Director
Maire Campbell, and concluded with the Cinemagic LA Showcase – a celebratory
evening of the latest Cinemagic short film screenings and performances highlighting the
achievements of young people from 18 different schools.
Participants will gain hands-on experience, career insights, and access to
professionals across film, television, animation, and theatre, as part of Cinemagic’s
mission to inspire, educate and empower the next generation of storytellers.
Cinemagic CEO, Joan Burney Keatings MBE commented: “We are incredibly
proud to collaborate with so many incredible organizations from both Northern
Ireland, Ireland and Los Angeles. The shared ethos among everyone involved is a
catalyst for Cinemagic to offer the highest quality opportunities for young people in
the creative industries.”
Désirée Finnegan, CEO, Screen Ireland said: “Screen Ireland is delighted to support the Cinemagic Film and Television Festival for Young People that inspires, educates and empowers the next generation of storytellers. This Los Angeles showcase provides a fantastic opportunity for talented creatives to collaborate on inspiring projects, gain collaborate on inspiring projects, gain career insights and have cultural exchange. We hope this experience will be transformative and contribute significantly to the creative future of all the participants.”
Bruce Edwin of Hollywood Sentinel who attended the event this year stated, “It’s refreshing and sweet to see all of these young talented kids full of optimism and hope for the future with a career in entertainment. They are a part of a great organization here and I commend them all and also their parents for supporting them in pursing their dreams and artistic visions in motion picture.”
(press release)
Red Carpet Screening of “Ghosted” Featuring Landon Brittain at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre
Out of 126 short films submitted to the prestigious Collaboration Filmmakers Challenge
“Ghosted” was selected as one of the Top 16 nominated films, solidifying Asia Lynn Pitts’ place
as a bold and visionary filmmaker. This marks her third consecutive year being chosen for the
Short film festival, a testament to her growing influence in independent cinema. She previously
placed third and now returns with another piece that exposes “the darker side of humanity.”
Starring Landon Brittain, the film dives headfirst into the emotional wreckage left behind by
unspoken truths and unseen trauma. Brittain originally declined the role, until a conversation
with Asia changed everything.
“I originally turned down the role because of how dark and disturbing the character was,” says
Brittain. “But after speaking with Asia and understanding her purpose, to confront the
uncomfortable and tell the ugly truth – I realized we have a creative obligation to shed light on
the darker forces at play in our society. This film isn’t just storytelling, it’s awareness.”
Also featured in the film is actress Shelby Carter, whose brave role subtly portrays the emotional
weight and quiet strength of women who find the courage to speak out. Her performance adds a
powerful layer to the film’s message without revealing too much. The concept of the film was
born from Shelby’s unreleased song “Ghost.”
Event Details:
Samuel Goldwyn Theatre, Beverly Hills, CA
Friday, June 27, 2025
Red Carpet: 5:00 PM
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Screening Begins: 7:00 PM
“Ghosted” is a daring and emotional piece that refuses to look away and demands its audience
doesn’t either. With stellar performances and uncompromising direction, it’s a must-see for
lovers of raw, meaningful cinema.
Ugly Truth Productions is known for fearless storytelling and exploring the complexities of the
human psyche. Founded to amplify voices that challenge the norm, UTP continues to create
compelling, socially conscious content that speaks truth – no matter how uncomfortable. Follow
their work on Instagram.
Hollywood Sentinel who attended the event states, “What an amazing place to have the premiere of this film for such a talented cast and crew. It was an honor to be a part of. We predict incredible things on the horizon for Asia, Shelby, Landon, and everyone involved with this project, including their awesome publicist. Congratulations to them all.”
News from the Academy
ACADEMY APPOINTS THREE NEW GOVERNORS-AT-LARGE |
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Academy Board of Governors has elected three new governors-at-large: Haifaa al-Mansour (Directors Branch), Effie T. Brown (Producers Branch) and Annie Chang (Production and Technology Branch, Science and Technology Council Chair). They will each serve a three-year term beginning upon the first meeting of the 2025-2026 fiscal year.“We’re thrilled to welcome Haifaa, Effie and Annie to the Academy’s Board of Governors. Their wealth of experiences, perspectives and dedication will be vital to our ongoing global and industry outreach efforts,” said Academy President Janet Yang. “I also thank my fellow at-large governors DeVon Franklin and Rodrigo García for their incredible leadership over the past six years.”As with the governors representing each of the Academy’s 19 branches, governors-at-large may serve up to two three-year terms (consecutive or non-consecutive), followed by a two-year hiatus, after which eligibility renews for up to two additional three-year terms, for a lifetime maximum of 12 years. The Board of Governors sets the Academy’s strategic vision, preserves the organization’s financial health and assures the fulfillment of its mission.As a result of this election and the previously announced branch-elected 2025-2026 governors, the 55-member Board comprises 55% women and 31% from underrepresented communities. |
