# Cinema
Director Willen Novak, who worked at the film studio for over 50 years, has died in Odessa
Villen Novak, a film director, People’s Artist of Ukraine and corresponding member of the National Academy of Arts, has died in Odessa. He worked at the Odessa Film Studio for over half a century and mentored new generations of Ukrainian filmmakers.
Ukrainian cinema in Marseille: programme of the MICT 2026 Young Artists Festival
Marseille is gearing up to welcome Ukrainian cinema: on 3 and 4 April, the Cité des Associations community centre will host the Franco-Ukrainian Young Cinema Festival ‘MICT 2026’. The main aim of the event is to support talented young people and promote Ukrainian culture in Europe
Warner Bros. has announced a new film set in the *Lord of the Rings* universe
Warner Bros. and Peter Jackson have announced plans for a new film set in the *Lord of the Rings* universe, which is scheduled for release following *The Hunt for Gollum*. The new project will have the working title *The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past*.
Peter Jackson has announced the film *The Lord of the Rings: The Shadow of the Past*
Peter Jackson and Warner Bros. have announced a new film in the *Lord of the Rings* franchise, which will be released following *The Hunt for Gollum*.
The film *The Ave Maria Project* has set a record opening for Amazon MGM Studios
The science fiction film *Project Hava Maria*, produced by Amazon MGM and based on Andy Weir’s novel, grossed approximately $80.5 million in North America during its opening weekend. This result marked the best opening in Amazon MGM Studios’ history and placed the film among the most notable debuts in non-franchise cinema.
Sean Penn is set to appear in the film *The Red Rut Train*: the first teaser has been released
FILM.UA has released the first teaser for the romantic comedy *The ‘Chervona Ruta’ Train* and officially confirmed Sean Penn’s involvement in the film. Previously, the actor had merely hinted at his appearance in the project, but his participation has now been officially announced.
Action star Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86
American actor and martial artist Chuck Norris has died. He was 86. His family has decided not to disclose the circumstances of his death. Norris had recently been hospitalised in Hawaii.
From toy to film: Sony is set to produce a film based on the popular ‘Laboubou’ doll
Sony Pictures and toy manufacturer Pop Mart have agreed to produce a feature film based on the popular ‘Labubu’ dolls.
American actor Sean Penn visited Ukrainian troops on the front line
During his latest visit to Ukraine, American actor and director Sean Penn visited Ukrainian troops on the front line.
The highest-paid actors of 2025: who topped the Forbes list
Forbes has published its list of the highest-paid actors of 2025. Adam Sandler took first place with earnings of $48 million after agent and manager fees, whilst Tom Cruise, Mark Wahlberg, Scarlett Johansson and Brad Pitt also made the top five.
“Оскар-2026” увійшов в історію: у США зафіксували рідкісну нічию
На церемонії “Оскар-2026” у категорії “Найкращий ігровий короткометражний фільм” перемогли одразу дві стрічки - “Two People Exchanging Saliva” та “The Singers”. Це сьома нічия в історії премії Американської кіноакадемії.
Actor Sean Penn has arrived in Kyiv — instead of the Oscars
The actor and director Sean Penn arrived in Kyiv on 16 March. He missed the Oscars ceremony to do so.
