Take-Two Interactive reported that pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto 6 reached an "unprecedented and astonishing" level during the June quarter, according to CEO Strauss Zelnick. The strong demand signals massive anticipation for the game's release, which is expected to be a major financial event for the company and the gaming industry.

Gabriel Mascaro, director of "The Blue Trail," and top Brazilian producer Paula Cosenza have launched a new production company called Trema, unveiling its first slate of projects. The move signals a new creative partnership in Brazilian cinema and expands their production footprint internationally.

Starz reported a 4% decline in second-quarter revenue as its streaming subscriber losses began to stabilize. The company also took a $147 million charge tied to terminating its output deal with Universal, reflecting a strategic pivot away from exclusive theatrical releases. This move signals Starz's focus on proprietary content to compete in a crowded streaming market.

A sequel to the cult indie game Pony Island has been announced, titled Pony Island 2 Panda Circus. The game promises a phantasmagorical, hellish adventure, continuing the surreal style of the original. It matters as a notable follow-up to a beloved indie title.

Locarno's Match Me! project market is championing emerging filmmakers, with a focus on timely themes and authentic storytelling. A younger generation of creators is taking center stage, reflecting a shift toward fresh voices in international co-productions.

Variety reports exclusively that Locarno’s Open Doors program has expanded its lineup, adding the project ‘Luminalia’ and films from Mo Harare and Mostafa El Kasha. They join ‘Chapa 100’ by director Ique Langa, which has been drawing buzz at the workshop. This underscores Open Doors’ role as a key launchpad for international independent cinema and co-productions.

Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj is developing a film about the Tarun Tejpal rape case, following the Bombay High Court's conviction of the former Tehelka editor. The movie will use a Rashomon-style narrative to present multiple perspectives on the events. This project brings a high-profile legal saga into cinematic focus, potentially shaping public discourse around the case.

New Spanish feature 'La Koreana' is being introduced to buyers at the Locarno Festival co-produced by Lazona Zinema and Sirimiri, the company of '20,000 Species of Bees' director Estibaliz Urresola. The project aims to spotlight emerging talent and attract financing, signaling continued momentum for Spain's independent film sector.

This is a review of economist Daron Acemoglu's new book, which examines the decline of liberal democracy and offers a path toward reform. The review discusses Acemoglu's arguments about how to fix the system and why it matters for the future of governance.