PLEASURE PRODUCTS
DocuBay, the Indian documentary streaming platform under IN10 Media Network, is set to release “Bad Toys Inc.,” a 45-minute original film exploring India’s burgeoning sex toy industry. The doc, slated for a July 26 debut, offers a peek into the country’s evolving attitudes towards pleasure products.
The film delves into regional preferences, consumer stories and industry insights, featuring interviews with sexologist Dr. Prakash Kothari and founders of emerging sex toy startups. It also touches on legal aspects and historical context of pleasure accessories in India.
Girish Dwibhashyam, COO of DocuBay, touted the film as a “novel viewing experience” that uncovers surprising facts about the Indian market. Producer Richa Sahai of Black Iris noted the challenges and excitement of creating content on this taboo topic.
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With India’s sex toy market projected to reach $200 million in five years, “Bad Toys Inc.” aims to shed light on a rapidly growing industry that’s rarely discussed in mainstream media.
GRIERSON GROUNDBREAKERS
The Grierson Trust has announced the shortlist for the 2024 British documentary Awards, partnering with All3Media. BBC leads with 28 entries, followed by Channel 4 (23) and Netflix (17).
A new category, best popular culture documentary, joins the lineup, featuring entries on internet hoaxes, performance poetry, celebrity scandals, and ’80s pop icons.
Mindhouse and BBC Studios top production companies with five entries each. Fifteen docs scored nods in multiple categories, with “Me and the Voice in My Head” landing in three. Docs with nods in two categories include “20 Days in Mariupol,” “Bobi Wine: The People’s President,” “Milli Vanilli” and “Wham.”
The best documentary presenter category spotlights newer faces in the genre, including Ellie Simmonds, Joe Tracini and Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Lorraine Heggessey, chair of The Grierson Trust, praised the shortlist for showcasing “new stories that cut through in a sea of content.”
The awards ceremony is set for Nov. 6 at London’s Roundhouse.
MAKOTO MASTERCLASS
Tezuka Makoto, the son of famous Japanese manga creator Tezuka Osamu, will hold a masterclass during the upcoming Sundance Film Festival Asia (Aug. 21-25) in Taiwan. Adding to the occasion, Tezuka Makoto will be accompanied by his wife, Okano Reiko, the renowned author of the manga “Onmyoji.” He will also return to Taiwan in September to participate in the Taipei Film Academy’s series of lectures. Tezuka Makoto has a wide range of filmmaking experiences from acting to directing and storyboard artist. His most recent film as director is 2019 effort “Tezuka’s Barbara.”
BFI BANKROLLS BRIT BIZ
The British Film Institute has awarded 19 new grants totaling £527,563 ($681,275) through its U.K. Global Screen Fund, aimed at boosting international prospects for the U.K.’s indie screen sector. Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the coin is split between International Business Development and International Distribution strands.
Six production outfits nabbed business development awards, including Modern Films, Wild Swim Films, Fennec Labs, T A P E Collective, The Illuminated Film Company and Turnover Films.
Distribution grants went to 13 films to support festival launches, including Andrea Arnold’s “Bird,” Sandhya Suri’s “Santosh” and Karan Kandhari’s “Sister Midnight,” all of which bowed at Cannes, and Alice Lowe’s “Timestalker,” which premiered at SXSW.
Cornerstone Films scored a film sales grant for “Four Letters of Love,” while “Sebastian” received P&A support for its overseas theatrical rollout.
The £7 million annual fund aims to propel U.K. screen content onto the global stage.
