‘Jack & Christine’ Trailer: John Hawkes Turns A Dinner Party Into A Night of Chaos – Film News in Brief

“Jack & Christine,” a thriller short film starring John Hawkes, released the first trailer ahead of its world premiere at Beyond Fest on Sunday.

The trailer shows married couple Jack (Luke Barnett) and Christine (Nikki Lorenzo) hosting a dinner party that suddenly spirals into an intense, chaotic evening when a guest (Hawkes) from the couple’s past arrives.

“I’ve always been fascinated by anxiety and paranoia, especially when they start to manifest as reality,” said Noam Kroll, the film’s writer and director. “The theme of this film can be summed up in a line from Catch-22: ‘Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t after you.’ The idea had been in my head for years, and when I got the chance to work with these three incredible actors, I wrote a chamber piece tailored to each of them.”

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“Jack & Christine” is produced by Kroll, Richard Handley, Sheldon Brigman, Jennifer Kroll and Dave Thies. Watch the trailer below.

Michael B. Jordan Joins CultureCon 2026 Lineup

This year’s CultureCon lineup will feature reigning best actor Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan.

Following the blockbuster and commercial success of “Sinners,” Jordan is preparing to release his second directorial effort, “The Thomas Crown Affair,” and he’s gearing up to shoot the upcoming “Miami Vice” reboot.

“Lanterns” star Aaron Pierre and musicians Wale and Tobe Nwigwe are also joining the lineup for the 2026 edition of the annual festival, designed to celebrate and empower the next generation of creators of color.

This year’s CultureCon, held October 3-4 in Brooklyn, is backed by presenting sponsor Chase Ink and a host of other companies, including Cricket Wireless, Lincoln, HBO Max, Audible and TikTok. The two-day program will also feature appearances by Oscar winners John Legend, Mahershala Ali and Daniel Kaluuya; Emmy winner Niecy Nash-Betts; and culture shifters like Colin Kaepernick, Olandria Carthen, Miles Caton, Danessa Myricks, Rajah Caruth, Scott Evans and Sherri Shepherd.

Tickets are available on CultureCon’s website.

Phil Lord, Chris Miller Named Guest Artistic Directors for AFI Fest 2026

“Project Hail Mary” filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller were announced as the Guest Artistic Directors for AFI FEST 2026.

This year’s program will include “An Evening with Lord and Miller,” which features a Q&A with the directors followed by a screening of “2001: A Space Odyssey,” held at the TCL Chinese Theatre on Oct. 24.

The filmmakers have also curated a selection of films inspired by their work on “Project Hail Mary.” The slate includes “Harold and Maude” (1971), “The Muppet Movie” (1979) and “Rififi” (1955).

“After years of dragging our friends and families to screenings of films we love, we are delighted to get to do it for hundreds of strangers,” Lord and Miller said in a joint statement. “We chose four films that inspired us not only while making ‘Project Hail Mary’ but also as filmmakers and people. We stand on the shoulders of giants like Hal Ashby and Fozzie Bear.”

AFI FEST 2026 will run Oct. 21-25 at the TCL Chinese Theatre. The festival opens with the U.S. premiere of “Wildwood,” features the world premiere of “The Mosquito Bowl” and closes with “Being Heumann,” with the full lineup being announced Sept. 29.

‘Club Kid’ Gets 35mm Pre-Release Screening at San Francisco’s Castro Theatre

SFFilm will present a special preview screening A24’s “Club Kid” in 35mm at San Francisco’s Castro Theatre on Nov. 2 at 7:00 p.m. with writer, director and star Jordan Firstman making an appearance for a post-screening conversation.

“’Club Kid’ is an exhilarating introduction to Jordan Firstman as a filmmaker, with a world that feels completely specific and wonderfully alive,” SFFilm director of programming Jessie Fairbanks said. “The anarchic humor, incredible ensemble, and unexpected tenderness make this a distinctive film, elevated by needle drops that are thrillingly precise to the characters, culture, and emotional landscape of the story. Bay Area audiences will be treated to a 35mm print, a rare and special way to experience a night at the movies.”

The film follows “a hard-partying New York City club promoter sees his whirlwind lifestyle upended by the arrival of the 10-year-old son he never knew he had.”

A24 opens “Club Kid” in limited release starting on Nov. 6.

Anne Lai, SFFILM’s Executive Director, said, “One of the most exciting things we do at SFFILM is to introduce bold new filmmakers to eager and welcoming audiences. There is not a more fitting place than the iconic Castro Theatre to welcome Jordan Firstman with his feature directorial debut. For decades, gathering to see movies at The Castro has been at the heart of San Francisco’s queer culture and history. We can’t wait to share ‘Club Kid’ at this cinema sanctuary for what’s sure to become one for the ages.”

“The Debut” and “Paper Tiger” Among 2026 Virginia Film Festival Lineup, Jessica Lange and Nathan Lane to Receive Visionary Awards

The Virginia Film Festival announced the lineup for its 39th year, which will take place Oct. 21-25.

Jesse Eisenberg’s “The Debut,” starring Julianne Moore, will open the festival, while “1 15 41 Tragedy to Triumph” serves as the closing night film. The Centerpiece Film is “The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd” starring Amanda Seyfried, and writer, director, producer and actor Tim Blake Nelson will receive the festival’s Virtuoso Award.

In addition to appearing as keynote guests, Nathan Lane and Jessica Lange will receive Visionary Awards, and James Gray will be awarded with the Outstanding Achievement in Directing Award at a screening of “Paper Tiger.” Also screening at the festival are “14th,” “Club Kid,” “I Play Rocky,” “Ink,” “Wild Horse Nine” and “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York.”

The full program will be available on the Virginia Film Festival website on Thursday.