Hollywood
Global Genesis Group acquires worldwide rights for ‘The Distance Between us’
NEW DELHI: The award-winning feature film The Distance Between Us, which was awarded the best feature narrative at the 2014 world’s independent film festival has been acquired by the Global Genesis Group for exclusive worldwide distribution.
The movie is a love story about immigrants finding hope in America. The film also examines broken ambitions and the triumph of the human spirit.
“We believe that many of us can relate to struggles in a relationship, life’s challenges and finding the American dream,” said Global Genesis Group CEO Scott Staff.
The deal was struck at the ongoing American Film Market.
Chandu Yarram makes his debut as a writer and director with The Distance Between Us. Sanjay Currie is the executive producer and the film was shot entirely in the US – in New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania. The film stars Rahul Rai, Leah Kavita, Ariane Mallon, Akshay Reddy, Axita Patel, Ashok Chaudhry, Nicken Kotak and Roni Mazumdar.
Global Genesis Group’s core business is the production and distribution of television series, feature films and merchandising as well as creating and developing its own original IP’s to generate merchandising and sponsorship opportunities globally. Movie Buff Creations is an American based independent film production house with a unique approach that differentiates it from other independent production companies. The core team of Movie Buff Creations has worked for some of the world’s largest management consulting companies – offering a valuable Asian-Indian American view of life internationally and of immigration.
Hollywood
Paramount eyes $24bn Gulf support to fund Warner Bros Discovery merger: Reports
Sovereign funds line up funding as media giants chase streaming scale
NEW YORK: Paramount Skydance is in talks to secure nearly $24 billion in equity commitments from Gulf sovereign wealth funds to support its planned takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, according to a WSJ report.
The funding push comes as Paramount Skydance advances its proposed $110 billion deal for Warner Bros. Discovery, which carries an equity valuation of $81 billion and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
At the heart of the financing plan are three major Gulf investors. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is expected to contribute roughly $10 billion, while the Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi-based L’imad Holding are likely to make up the remainder.
Crucially, the proposed investments are structured as non-voting stakes. This means the Gulf backers would not have direct control in the combined entity, a move designed to ease regulatory concerns in the United States. Paramount executives reportedly do not expect the deal to trigger scrutiny from bodies such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States or the Federal Communications Commission.
If completed, the merger would bring together a formidable portfolio of entertainment and news assets, including CNN and CBS. The combined entity aims to better compete in a fast-evolving media landscape where streaming platforms are steadily pulling audiences away from traditional television.
The deal reflects a broader shift in global media, where scale is increasingly seen as essential to survive the streaming wars. By pooling content libraries, technology and distribution, Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery are betting on size and synergy to drive future growth.
The involvement of deep-pocketed Gulf investors also underscores the growing role of sovereign wealth in shaping global media consolidation, particularly at a time when high-value deals demand equally large financial backing.
With shareholder votes and regulatory milestones still ahead, the proposed tie-up remains one of the most closely watched media deals of the year. If it clears the final hurdles, it could redraw the competitive map of the global entertainment industry.
