by Rosa Parra

The State of the Industry

• Godzilla Minus Zero is set to be released on November 6th, 2026. Director Takashi Yamazaki shares his experience working on Godzilla Minus One, the first Japanese film to win best visual effects, and discusses how it nearly didn’t premiere due to the pandemic. He stresses the importance of watching a giant film like Godzilla on the biggest possible screen. After viewing the preview, including a behind-the-scenes segment, I was immediately captivated. The film is the direct sequel to Minus One and will explore the story of the Shikishima family. Following the Godzilla attacks, the family faces adversity, and this upcoming film will portray their struggles between despair and hope as they try to protect their loved ones. How will they fight back? What measures will they take? Two years after the first film, it looks like this movie will be spectacular—epic in scale and best experienced in IMAX. I can’t wait for November! 

Neon Presentation

• This independent studio has won the most awards, including consecutive Best Picture Oscars and Palme d’Ors. They take great pride in supporting international film releases in the United States. 
• Hokum hits theaters on May 1st. Adam Scott is here to discuss the film, sharing his experience with the genre and how he got involved. A new trailer for the movie is also presented. Nope, thanks—this type of film is exactly why I avoid certain horror genres. Still, it seems to look good. 

• I Love Boosters hits theaters on May 22, starring Boots Riley and LaKeith Stanfield. Riley is an absolute delight and unapologetically authentic. Having already seen the film (stay tuned for my review at the Slant), I highly recommend it. The movie’s unconventional visuals and quirky style are engaging, but it’s the serious themes that make it a meaningful watch. 

• Leviticus is set for release on June 19. The story follows two star-crossed teenage boys who must escape a violent entity that takes the form of the person they desire most—each other. This haunting and sensitive debut feature from writer-director Adrian Chiarella introduces a fresh, poignant take on coming-of-age horror. Set in an isolated Australian small town, it explores themes of religious fanaticism and its impact on queer youth, creating a chilling, almost claustrophobic atmosphere. Joe Bird and Stacy Clausen deliver tender performances as Naim and Ryan, two magnetically drawn teens navigating their emerging sexuality while confronting physical and spiritual violence at every turn. The film premiered at Sundance earlier this year, though I haven’t seen it yet. The trailer looked haunting, to say the least.  
• A Place in Hell will be in theaters this Christmas. We saw a video from stars Michelle Williams and Daisy Edgar-Jones, offering a sneak peek at their film, directed by Chloe Demont. The trailer appeared to be a psychological thriller filled with twists, turns, and surprises, which definitely caught my attention. 
• Hope was only recently acquired last week and is set to debut at Cannes later this year (September 2026). It is a South Korean science fiction thriller directed by Na Hong-Jin. The preview amazed me with what was unfolding, and I couldn’t help but let out a few gasps.