Good afternoon Insiders, Max Goldbart here delivering your weekly bulletin.
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Soon coming to a screen near you?
London Book FairJohn Keeble/Getty Images
Let that sink in.
Its only the sixth title to do so in history.
The story behind the film is unusual but there are several noteworthy factors contributing to its success.
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Firstly, the film is a sequel.
The first movie in the franchise was previously the highest-grossing animated film in China at nearly $700M.
The film has now locked a UK and Europeanrelease through Trinity CineAsia, starting March 14.
Lets see ifNe Zha 2can replicate some of its local heat over here.
And in case youre curious,check out our rundownof the top-grossing animated movies of all time.
Michael and co talked a packed panel session through a few recent examples (pictured above).
How things develop will be fascinating.
After SXSW, Michael Martin journeyed to the White House for a meeting with the POTUS.
For all our SXSW coverage from the team in Texas,have a gander over here.
The fest will feature the usual combo of screenings, awards, masterclasses and (hopefully) shindigs.
But organizers were bullish that the IGSF can carve its way into the calendar.
Fair to say my history nerd radar is tingling.
Cancel all your weekend plans and check out a sneak peekover here.
Another:See-Saw Filmsis plotting an English-language remakeof Yehuda Levi-starring Israeli spy seriesTrust No One.
More spice:Kate Beckinsale and Lewis Tanare underway in the UKon under-the-radar action-thrillerLioness.
Setting up shop:Portishead co-founder Geoff Barrowhas launched Invada Filmsand wrapped his first movie.
Festivals latest:San Diego Comic-Con isexpanding to Spain.
Box office:Bong Joon-hosMickey 17had topped $50M globallast weekend.
RIP:Athol Fugard, iconic South African playwright whose bookTsotsiwas turned intoan Oscar-winning movie.
Trail:ForBlack MirrorSeason 7 lose your mind and your realities.
This weeksInternational Insiderwas written by Max Goldbart and edited by Stewart Clarke.
