GKIDS to Release Hayek’s “Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet” in August

Salma Hayek’s latest personal project is headed to theaters in August…

GKIDS has announced plans to release Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet on August 7 in Los Angeles and New York before expanding it nationwide the following week.

Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet

The animated film, adapted from Kahlil Gibran‘s book The Prophet, was spearheaded by Hayek and features a narrative story written and directed by Roger Allers (The Lion King), with “chapters” based on Gibran’s poems designed and directed by animation directors including Tomm Moore, Joan Gratz, Bill Plympton, Nina Paley, Joann Sfar, Paul and Gaetan Brizzi, Michal Socha and Mohammed Harib.

Hayek, Liam Neeson, Quvenzhané Wallis, John Krasinski, Frank Langella and Alfred Molina make up the voice cast.

The Prophet is a book of 26 prose poetry essays written in English by the Lebanese artist, philosopher and writer. It was originally published in 1923 by Alfred A. Knopf. It is Gibran’s best-known work. The Prophet has been translated into over 40 different languages and has never been out of print.

Martinez Lands Multi-Episode Role on NBC’s Upcoming Series “Aquarius”

It’s the Age of Aquarius for James Martinez

The Latino actor will appear in a multi-episode arc opposite David Duchovny in NBC‘s upcoming series Aquarius.

James Martinez

The gritty 1960s drama focuses on a cop (Duchovny) who goes undercover to track Charles Manson and the Manson Family before their infamous murder spree.

Martinez, who has appeared on Low Winter Sun and Breaking Bad, will portray Ruben Salazar, a former war correspondent and a reporter with the Los Angeles Times who is threatening to expose the true identity of an LAPD detective.

Martinez plays a supporting character in the upcoming Liam Neeson-helmed feature Run All Night.

His other credits include television appearances on Intelligence, Elementary, Unforgettable and Beauty and the Beast.

Hayek’s “The Prophet” to Have Its Middle East Premiere at the Ajyal Film Festival

Salma Hayek is bringing her latest behind-the-scenes project to the Middle East.

The Doha Film Institute has revealed its lineup for the 2nd annual Ajyal Film Festival. The fest, which takes place December 1-6, will host 90 films from 43 countries including the Middle East premiere of Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet, produced by the 48-year-old Mexican actress and directed by Roger Allers.

Salma Hayek

The animated film, based on the Lebanese writer’s iconic long-form meditative poem, features the voices of Liam Neeson, John Krasinski and Hayek.  DFI co-financed and co-produced the film, which will close the festival. Hayek will attend the premiere.

Festival director and acting DFI chief exec Fatma Al-Remaihi has also placed a firm emphasis on local filmmaking talent with a Made In Qatar section that boasts 20 short films by Qatari filmmakers.

“This year, we were overwhelmed by the number of submissions by professionals and aspiring filmmakers. We are also delighted that we have been able to support their ambitions through our filmmaking challenges and look forward to sharing the results of these initiatives through the Made in Qatar programs,” said Al-Remaihi.

“The thematic diversity and quality of projects in the Made in Qatar section is a testament to the growth and vibrancy within the creative community of our nation.”

Also confirmed to attend is Jordanian director Naji Abu Nowar to present Theeb, which also received financing from DFI.  The film, a coming-of-age story of a Bedouin boy who embarks on a perilous journey across the desert as the Ottoman Empire crumbles, has already won the Orrizonti Award for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival this year; as well as best Arab Film and the FIPRESCI Prize for best narrative feature at the recent Abu Dhabi Film Festival.

Martinez to Star Opposite Bella Thorne in “Home Invasion”

Natalie Martinez will be invading a theater near you soon…

The 29-year-old Cuban American actress, one of the stars of CBS’ recently renewed Under the Dome, has been cast as a lead in the thriller Home Invasion

Natalie Martinez

Directed by Sean Carter, the thriller focuses on a family imprisoned in their own home by intruders who play a life-and-death game in which the mysterious rules become clear as the night unfolds.

Martinez will join Bella Thorne, portraying the Disney starlet’s strong-willed stepmother, who is determined to keep her new family intact as the night’s horrific events unfold.

Home Invasion is gearing up for production later this fall.

This is the latest high-profile casting for Martinez…

She recently nabbed the female lead opposite Ryan Reynolds in Selfless, and she booked a role in Warner Bros.’s Run All Nightstarring Liam Neeson and Joel Kinnaman.

Martinez Cast in the Feature Film “Run All Night”

Natalie Martinez is about to run all night

The 29-year-old Cuban American actress, who most recently starred on CBSUnder the Dome, has signed on to star in Warner Bros.’ Run All Night.

Natalie Martinez

Martinez will star opposite Liam Neeson, Ed Harris and Joel Kinnaman the action thriller.

She’ll play Gabriela, the wife of Kinnaman’s character Mike and mother of their two young children. When Mike’s estranged mob hitman father Jimmy takes on his ex-boss, he and his son are forced to go on the run.

The film, written by Brad Ingelsby, will be directed by Jaume Collet-Serra.

Martinez rose to acclaim as the spokesmodel for JLO by Jennifer Lopez. Her other credits include a supporting role in Death Race and an appearance in the music video titled “Rain Over Me” by Pitbull featuring Marc Anthony.

Maná Confirmed to Receive Hollywood Walk of Fame Star in 2014

They’re stars in their native Mexico and Latin America… And, now Maná will now get the ultimate star in Hollywood.

As previously reported, the Mexican rock band has been confirmed as a recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next year.

Mana

The band, which was formed in 1986, has sold an estimated 35 million albums worldwide. They initially received international commercial success in Australia and Spain and have since gained popularity and exposure in the US, Western Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Maná joins Katy Perry, rapper Tupac Shakur and comedian Phil Hartman as honored on the Walk of Fame, which recognizes professionals in film, television, radio and recording industries.

For motion pictures, Orlando Bloom, Ray Dolby, Sally Field, Jessica Lange, Matthew McConaughey, Liam Neeson and Tom Sherak will be recognized.

In television, Dabney Coleman, Kaley Cuoco, Claire Danes, Giancarlo Esposito, Deidre Hall, Cheryl Hines, Don Mischer and Tavis Smiley will be the recipients.

Motown songwriters and producers Holland-Dozier-Holland, Jeff Lynne, Mexican band Mana, Ray Parker Jr., Katy Perry, Rick Springfield.

“We have a great mix of celebrities and industry executives who have made Hollywood what it is today — one of the greatest entertainment destinations in the world,” said David Green, chairman of the Walk of Fame selection committee. “The new selections will bring great joy and fond memories for those millions who visit Hollywood each year!”

Dates for the Walk of Fame ceremonies have not been scheduled. Honorees have up to five years to schedule their ceremonies from date of selection, otherwise they will expire.

Austin Lending His Voice to 3D Animated Film “Khumba”

Jake T. Austin is about to get animated again…

The 18-year-old Latino actor of Puerto Rican, Argentine and Spanish descent, who served as the voice of Diego on the animated educational series Dora the Explorer and it’s spin-off Go, Diego, Go!, has joined the cast of Khumba.

Jake T. Austin

The South Africa-based 3D animated feature centers on a plucky half-striped zebra blamed for a drought by his superstitious herd who meets a wacky group of characters as he goes on a journey to earn his full stripes.

In addition to Austin, who will be starring opposite Cierra Ramirez in ABC Family’s new drama series The Fosters this summer,  the voice cast includes Laurence Fishburne, Liam Neeson, AnnaSophia Robb, Loretta Devine and Richard E. Grant.

Raffaella Delle Donne and Anthony Silverston wrote the story in consultation with Lion King co-writer Jonathan Roberts.

Silverston directed the film, which is in post-production. Khumba should be released in the U.S. later this year.

Hayek’s “Girl Rising” Documentary Headed to Regal Cinemas

Richard E. Robbins’ documentary Girl Rising featuring narration by Salma Hayek and Selena Gomez is headed to the big screen.

The film, about nine girls in different developing countries who dream of attending school, has been picked up by Regal Cinemas for a weeklong engagement.

Girl Rising Poster

Narrated by Hayek, Gomez, Cate Blanchett, Priyanka Chopra, Anne Hathaway, Alicia Keys, Chloe Moretz, Liam Neeson, Frieda Pinto, Meryl Streep and Kerry Washington, the documentary will begin showing April 19 in 150 theaters.

Girl Rising will also continue to be showcased in cities nationwide via Gathr, a new demand-based theatrical-distribution platform in which fans are committed to buying enough movie tickets to secure a screening.

Girl Rising Poster

“Regal recognizes the intense interest by American moviegoers demanding that this film be seen in their local communities,” stated Amy Miles, CEO of Regal Entertainment Group. “This movie is making an emotional impact on many of our patrons, me included. The stories from these extraordinary girls in nine different countries are accompanied by narration from an A-list of entertainers.”

A portion of ticket sales will go to the 10×10 Fund for Girls Education, a global campaign to educate and empower girls.

Girl Rising is produced by The Documentary Group and Paul Allen’s Vulcan Productions.

CNN Films has global TV distribution rights and plans to air it soon.

Consuelos Returning for Season Two of YouTube’s “Blue” Series This Week

Mark Consuelos will be feelin’ Blue this week…

The 41-year-old half-Mexican American actor, who was just cast in the Liam Neeson-starrer A Walk Among Tombstones, returns to YouTube’s WIGS channel on Friday.

Mark Consuelos

Consuelos is back for the second season of Blue, the channel’s hit online series starring Julia Stiles as a single mother trying to protect her son from the consequences of her secret career as an upscale escort.

Written and directed by Rodrigo Garcia, Blue also features Holly Robinson Peete, Uriah Shelton, Kathleen Quinlan, Carla Gallo and Jacob Vargas.

The series, which will feature 26 all-new episodes, will premiere this Friday, March 15. New episodes will air every Friday through April 5th.

The season two trailer for Blue, as well as all episodes from season one, can be viewed now at www.youtube.com/wigs.

Consuelos to Star in the Film “A Walk Among the Tombstones”

Mark Consuelos is quite the busy bee these days…

The 41-year-old half-Mexican American actor, who is starring in Amazon Studios’ politically themed comedy pilot Alpha House, has been cast in the film A Walk Among the Tombstones.

Mark Consuelos

Starring Liam Neeson, the  Universal Pictures thriller  is based on contemporary author Lawrence Block’s 1992 novel of the same name.

Neeson will portray Block’s long-standing detective anti-hero Matthew Scudder as he tries to solve a string of kidnappings and murders targeting the wives of prominent drug traffickers.

The film, which co-stars Dan Stevens, Sebastian Roche and Ruth Wilson, began principal photography this week in New York.