Hollywood
Weinstein Company acquires ‘The Eichmann Show’
MUMBAI: The Eichmann Show starring Martin Freeman (Hobbit, Sherlock) has been acquired by the Weinstein Company for the US.
Co-produced by India’s Sheetal Talwar (Vistaar Film Fund) with BBC and Laurence Bowen and Ken Marshall of Feelgood Fiction from the UK, the film directed by Paul Andrew Williams recounts the global transmission of the trial of Adolf Eichmann, one of the major organisers of the Holocaust, which was broadcast to over 37 countries.
Bowen felt that the extraordinary story of how the Eichmann trial came to be televised and shown around the world has never been told. “By allowing Holocaust survivors to share their stories with a huge viewing audience, it unblocked whole strata of shame and denial. It literally changed history. We believe the BBC, Vistaar and Goldfinch helped us put together a project we are all extremely proud of.”
The deal of the Weinsteins boarding the film was announced at the start of the 65th Berlin Film Festival’s market (EFM), and was struck by Content Media, the sales agency representing the film.
Vistaar Film Fund managing director Talwar said, “We are extremely thrilled to have someone like the Weinstein’s who understand quality cinema on board. It only bolsters our faith that good cinema will always find good partners.”
Hollywood
Disney chair confident CEO Josh D’Amaro will ‘rise to the occasion’ in Trump–Kimmel row
Board backs new chief as ABC controversy tests leadership early on
NEW YORK: The Walt Disney Company has placed the responsibility of handling the escalating dispute between Donald Trump and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel squarely on its new chief executive, Josh D’Amaro.
Speaking at a business conference in Oslo, Disney chair James Gorman said it would be up to the CEO and his team to determine the company’s response to the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He noted that such challenges are not uncommon for large corporations and require careful handling at the leadership level.
The row intensified after both Donald Trump and Melania Trump publicly called for Kimmel’s dismissal following remarks made on his show. The comments, which referenced the First Lady, sparked backlash in the days leading up to a security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Kimmel addressed the issue on-air, clarifying that his joke was intended as a reference to the couple’s age difference and not an incitement to violence. He also expressed sympathy for those affected by the incident and reiterated his stance against violent rhetoric.
Despite mounting pressure, Gorman refrained from offering specific guidance on the future of the show or the host. Instead, he voiced confidence in D’Amaro’s leadership, describing him as “world class” and capable of navigating the situation effectively.
The episode presents an early and high-profile test for D’Amaro, who stepped into the top role just last month. How Disney balances editorial independence, public sentiment and political pressure will likely shape not just the outcome of this controversy, but also the tone of its leadership in the months ahead.
