Event Coverage
Fox International Channels & Keshet strike global rights deal for ‘False Flag’
MUMBAI: Fox International Channels (FIC) has inked a deal with Keshet International (KI) for the exclusive first window rights to the drama False Flag (8 x 45’).
This follows from the existing format rights deal the two groups have on False Flag, whose US-adaptation is in development at FIC’s Fox International Studios in partnership with Keshet International. The acquisition of the Hebrew language series firms up FIC’s stake in the franchise and positions the group as exclusive broadcaster across its 127 country strong footprint.
The sale of the original Hebrew language series is unprecedented both in the respect of it being the first ever Israeli series to be acquired by FIC and the company’s first non-English series to be acquired on a global scale.
The gripping espionage thriller, which sees five ordinary citizens implicated in a high profile kidnapping, has been much talked about internationally following its world premiere as part of a special selection at Berlinale 2015 and its award of the Grand Prize at Series Mania 2015 (The Public Prize) jointly with HBO’s Olive Kitteridge.
FIC EVP scripted programming & original development Sharon Tal said, “We couldn’t be more committed to this exciting TV series. We identified this project at an early stage of development and are thrilled be in partnership with KI and own the rights of both the Israeli version and the US remake. Looking forward to bringing both to the world very soon.”
Keshet International managing director – distribution Keren Shahar added, “We’re very proud of False Flag and are delighted it has found a global home on the FIC network. It’s great to see this world-class Israeli drama travelling worldwide.”
The deal for the original language version was negotiated by KI sales director Cynthia Kennedy and FIC EVP global acquisitions Jason Simms.
False Flag was created by Amit Cohen and Maria Feldman, directed by Oded Ruskin and produced by Liat Benasuly and Maria Feldman at Tender Productions for Keshet Broadcasting.
Event Coverage
Anime India announces Amazon MX Player as co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata 2026
MUMBAI: Riding high on the success of its blockbuster Mumbai debut, Anime India is accelerating its nationwide expansion with the announcement of Amazon MX Player as the co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata. The partnership marks a significant step forward in the festival’s mission to deliver large-scale, accessible, and fan-first anime experiences across the country.
Scheduled for 14 and 15 February 2026 at the iconic Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, Anime India Kolkata will launch the first regional chapter of what is set to be a year-long, multi-city tour. As the curtain-raiser for the 2026 circuit, the Kolkata edition aims to fuse the energy of global Japanese pop culture with India’s fast-growing community of anime, manga, and pop-culture fans.
A household name in digital entertainment, Amazon MX Player brings unmatched reach and cultural relevance to the Anime India platform. With its expanding focus on anime and youth-driven content, Amazon MX Player’s involvement as co-presenting partner reinforces Anime India’s vision of making anime culture more inclusive breaking barriers of language, geography, and accessibility to connect with fans nationwide.
Anime India Kolkata 2026 will showcase cosplay competitions, interactive zones led by the Indian Gunpla Community, India-39 Vocaloid Community, The Japan Curry, and Adda-o-Otaku by The Otaku Guild. Fans can join tournaments across fighting games, Pokémon VGC, and more. Acclaimed Japanese director Susumu Mitsunaka (Haikyu!!) will attend as guest of honour, appearing in panels and live sessions. Positioned as an immersive celebration of fan culture and industry collaboration, the Kolkata edition marks the beginning of Anime India’s nationwide expansion.
Sharing their perspective on the partnership, Amazon MX Player director Aruna Daryanani expressed, “Anime in India has evolved from a niche interest into a mainstream cultural movement, driven by an increasingly engaged and passionate fanbase. At Amazon MX Player, our focus is on expanding access by bringing anime to audiences across the country for free and in multiple local languages. Our association with Anime India reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of anime in India and deepening connections with fans, while continuing to build Amazon MX Player as a trusted destination for free, high-quality entertainment.”
“Anime India Kolkata is a celebration of how anime has grown beyond entertainment into a powerful cultural and creative force. By bringing fans, creators, and industry leaders onto one shared platform, the festival is helping define the future of pop culture in India,” said Anime India co-founder and director Neha Mehta.
The debut edition of Anime India 2025 in Mumbai attracted over 29,000 fans, quickly cementing its status as a landmark celebration of anime and Japanese pop culture. Riding on this overwhelming response, the Kolkata chapter is projected to draw more than 40,000 visitors across two days, positioning it as one of the biggest anime conventions ever held in eastern India.
Anime India is focused on bringing together fans from across the country to create a truly pan-India celebration of anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, and Japanese culture. With plans to expand into four key metropolitan hubs in 2026—east (Kolkata), north (Delhi), west (Mumbai), and south (Hyderabad)—the festival seeks to deliver globally benchmarked experiences while supporting and uplifting creators, artists, and fan communities throughout India.
