Global Flicks: 'Daydreamers' heading to U.S. Theaters, Jorge Xolalpa will Direct 'Huehxolotl'
Prosper Edesiri - H2H Studios
Africa Rising filmmaker, Prosper Edesiri, makes his feature debut with Lights on the Road to Sin, an Amazon Original thriller adapted from his popular Instagram short film series. The film follows a young man's dangerous journey through Nigeria's criminal underworld after a fateful encounter. Edesiri gained recognition by building a social media following through his short films on Instagram before transitioning to the big screen. The project marks a growing trend of digital creators breaking into mainstream filmmaking, with Amazon Prime Video continuing its push into African content. The film stars breakout actors Tobi Bakre and Bimbo Ademoye, premiering exclusively on Prime Video later this year.
Asia: The Vietnamese vampire thriller Daydreamers is heading to U.S. theaters from Dark Star Pictures, with a limited release starting Friday, May 2nd, 2025, followed by a digital drop on June 3rd. Directed by Timothy Linh Bui (Three Seasons), the film blends horror and history, transporting vampire mythology to 17th-century Southeast Asia. As European vampires neared extinction, they escaped to Vietnam (then called Annam), spreading their curse. The story then shifts to present-day Ho Chi Minh City in this supernatural tale. Leading the cast is Chi Pu (Sisters Who Make Waves) alongside rising talents Trinh Thao, Thuan Nguyen, and Tran Ngoc Vang.
Disney has announced that Tamotsu Hiiro will take over as managing director of its Japan operations, reporting to Luke Kang, head of Disney Asia Pacific. With over 35 years of executive experience, Hiiro joins Disney after leading McDonald’s Japan as CEO. Before that, he spent 30 years at Johnson & Johnson, eventually becoming president of its Japan branch. The move follows Carol Choi’s departure from the role after five years. She will remain with Disney as executive VP for APAC studios, original content strategy, networks, and marketing.
Toei Company, Japan's legendary 70-year-old studio behind samurai films, yakuza dramas, and franchises like Kamen Rider, boasts a vast catalog of 4,400 films and 39,000 TV episodes. Recent hits include Oshi No Ko, The Final Act, and Muromachi Outsiders. While traditionally domestic-focused, Toei now eyes global expansion—remaking hit IPs, boosting overseas revenue from 30% to 50% by 2033, and upgrading its Tokyo/Kyoto facilities. It also seeks co-productions with China and Asia, signaling that Japan's entertainment industry is opening up to the rest of the world. Historically, foreign firms struggled with Japan's "production committee" funding model, but Toei aims to change that perception through an international push.
Felipe Gálvez - IMDb
Latin America: Filmmaker Jorge Xolalpa (Strangelove) will direct the immigration drama Huehxolotl starring Maya Zapata (Cada Minuto Cuenta), Elyfer Torres (Tengo Que Morir Todas las Noches), Katherine Castro (Lolita), and Alexander James Rodriguez (Bee and Puppycat). The story centers on Xochit an undocumented Mexican woman running a restaurant whose asylum request is rejected, forcing her to leave the country within 30 days. After a confrontation with ICE agents outside her business—witnessed by her young son, Diego—attorney Helen intervenes, but Agent Walker (Castro) arrests Xochit illegally, igniting a legal fight. With her family in crisis, Xochit’s sister, Nayeli (Torres), a DACA recipient, steps in to care for Diego, sending them on an emotional journey of resilience and unity.
Chilean filmmaker Felipe Gálvez, best known for his 2023 Cannes premiere, The Settlers, is developing his next project titled Impunity. This political thriller will explore the 1990s international drama surrounding Augusto Pinochet's arrest in London. Adapted from Philippe Sands' upcoming book 38 Londres Street, the story tracks a retired intelligence operative tasked with containing the fallout when the detained Chilean dictator causes global tensions. The film revisits the historic 1998 arrest - when Pinochet was taken into custody at a London hospital under Spanish judge Baltasar Garzón's human rights indictment and his controversial release by British authorities after 18 months of house arrest.
Fawad Khan - NurPhoto
Middle East: The romantic comedy film Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan and Bollywood’s Vaani Kapoor, has dropped a teaser before its release on Friday, May 9th, 2025. Set in London, the film promises a charming mix of humor, romance, and sparkling on-screen chemistry. Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi (Chalti Rahe Zindagi), it’s backed by producers of hits like Queen and Udta Punjab. The project marks a notable moment, as since 2016, political tensions have led to an unofficial ban on Pakistani artists in Indian cinema. Recently, a 2023 Bombay High Court ruling rejected formal restrictions, calling “art a bridge between nations”. Abir Gulaal could signal a positive change for Pakistani artists.
