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    Oscar-nominated director Matt Ogens’ “Madu” to launch globally on Disney+

    By SHOOTUpdated:No Comments1387 Views
    LOS ANGELES --

    m ss ng p eces director Matt Ogens premiered Madu alongside co-director Joel “Kachi” Benson, as the opening night film of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February. Madu is now scheduled to debut Friday (3/29) on Disney+.

    Ogens’ extensive filmmaking experience, storytelling, and stylized approach with Benson’s deep cultural understanding of Nigeria form a rich and immersive tapestry told across two continents.

    From practicing barefoot on the streets of Lagos to becoming an online viral sensation to performing on stage in England, 12-year-old Anthony Madu leaves his home in Nigeria to study at one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world. Leaving home for the first time, Anthony finds himself thrust into a new world, where his wildest dreams are suddenly within reach. 

    Madu chronicles Anthony’s courageous journey and introduces the world to a boy chasing his dream. Conquering extraordinary obstacles as he searches for belonging amidst new friendships, Anthony’s unexpected challenges and triumphs ultimately inspire and resonate with viewers.

    “Our goal with this film was to showcase the incredible strength, resilience, and talent that Anthony has,” said Ogens. “It was an honor to follow along on his journey and capture his growth and success. We’re very excited for the world to see his story.”

    Ogens has collaborated with leading agencies and brands in his work produced by m ss ng p eces, helming major campaigns for Activision’s Call of Duty, Land Rover, Under Armour, FIFA World Cup, Hyundai, Toyota, and a Super Bowl campaign for Verizon. He’s earned several prominent awards including Cannes Lions, Clios, One Show, Webby Award, and the SXSW Interactive Award. His previous Netflix Original, Audible, was nominated for an Best Documentary Short Subject Oscar® in 2022. The documentary is a coming-of-age story told from the perspective of deaf high school students and communicated through sign language.

    Ogens is an alum of SHOOT's 2005 New Directors Showcase.

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    Tags:Disney+JoelMaduMatt Ogens



    France’s top court blocks under-15 social media ban, citing constitutional freedoms

    Friday, August 14, 2026
    This combination of 2017-2022 photos shows the logos of Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat on mobile devices. On Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, Seattle Public Schools filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court, suing the tech giants behind TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Snapchat, seeking to hold them accountable for the mental health crisis among youth. (AP Photo, File)

    A top court in France on Friday struck down a law banning children under 15 from using social media, saying it infringes on fundamental freedoms.

    The Constitutional Council ruled that provisions in the ban "disproportionately infringe freedom of expression and communication" and haven't provided legal guarantees to ensure those rights, according to a press release summarizing the decision.

    France last month became the first country in the European Union to pass a blanket ban on the platforms amid rising worldwide concerns about the harmful effects of digital content on kids.

    Both chambers of the Parliament had voted in favor of the measure, which also banned the use of mobile phones in high schools.

    The legislation was one of the final major measures adopted under French President Emmanuel Macron's presidency before he leaves office next year. Macron wanted the law to take effect at the start of the new school year in September, but the bill faced a review to determine whether it complied with the French Constitution.

    Responding to the decision, Macron said in a statement that he was fully determined to see the ban take effect by spring and has tasked Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu "with working as quickly as possible on a legally robust proposal that takes into account the decision of the Constitutional Council as well as the European legal framework."

    "On this basis, it will be up to the President of the Republic, the Government, and Parliament to determine the means and mechanisms needed to protect our children from social media by the end of the current term of office," he added.

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