Maven Screen Media’s Role in Producing Eleanor the Great at Cannes
At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Eleanor the Great, the debut feature directed by Scarlett Johansson, made waves in the Un Certain Regard section, earning a six-minute standing ovation. But behind the emotional resonance and compelling storytelling is the work of a talented team of producers, including Maven Screen Media, a key partner in bringing this poignant film to life.
Maven Screen Media, led by Trudie Styler and Celine Rattray, played an integral role in producing Eleanor the Great, which explores themes of grief, memory, and connection through the eyes of its central character, Eleanor (played by June Squibb). The film’s intricate exploration of personal and historical trauma, amplified by Johansson’s sensitive direction, would not have been possible without the strategic input and support from Maven’s producing team.
Maven’s involvement with Eleanor the Great showcases its long-standing commitment to championing unique, character-driven narratives. Known for producing a slate of films that balance artistic integrity with commercial potential, Maven Screen Media’s partnership with These Pictures (Scarlett Johansson’s production company) and other collaborators, including Sony Pictures Classics and TriStar Pictures, further solidifies their reputation as a powerhouse in the independent film space.
The film, which also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Erin Kellyman, and Jessica Hecht, has already garnered critical acclaim for its exploration of the intricacies of memory, trauma, and generational divides. Maven’s backing of Johansson’s directorial debut exemplifies their ability to spot rising talent and deliver stories with a powerful, universal message, making them an essential part of the film’s Cannes success.
With Eleanor the Great marking a significant step forward in Johansson’s career as a director, Maven Screen Media continues to prove itself as a key player in bringing impactful, award-worthy cinema to audiences worldwide.
Brouhaha Entertainment Plays Key Role in Dangerous Animals’ Cannes Premiere
Sean Byrne’s Dangerous Animals made a bold statement at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, premiering in the coveted Director’s Fortnight section and quickly becoming one of the standout thrillers of the festival. With its blistering mix of survival horror and serial killer tension, the film has earned strong praise for its unique take on the sharkploitation and ozploitation genres.
Founded by Troy Lum and Andrew Mason, Brouhaha Entertainment was a key production partner behind Dangerous Animals, helping bring the twisted, high-stakes thriller to life. The film tells the story of Zephyr (played by Hassie Harrison), a surfer girl who is kidnapped by a shark-obsessed serial killer (portrayed by Jai Courtney) and must navigate a deadly game of survival, all while facing dangerous forces both above and below the water.
Brouhaha’s involvement highlights the company’s ability to back bold, genre-defying projects with international appeal. Their contribution to Dangerous Animals shows a commitment to supporting Australian filmmakers and stories with global potential. The film’s world premiere in Cannes has been hailed as a major achievement for both the Australian film industry and for Brouhaha’s growing portfolio of innovative productions.
Critics have responded positively to Dangerous Animals, praising its gripping tension and distinct style that blends classic horror tropes with a uniquely Australian edge. Writing for The Hollywood Reporter, David Rooney called the film “one of the nastiest entries” in the shark-thriller subgenre in recent years. He noted the film’s ability to balance visceral action on both land and water, a feat made possible by the creative vision of Byrne and the high-quality production provided by Brouhaha.
In their reviews, critics have also highlighted Hassie Harrison’s standout performance, with both Rooney and Peter Debruge of Variety praising her for bringing Jennifer Lawrence-level resilience to the role of Zephyr. Her portrayal of the character—who is both tough and vulnerable—has been a major talking point among audiences and critics alike.
Additionally, Brouhaha’s support in assembling a talented team, from cinematographer Shelly Farthing-Dewe to co-producers from LD Entertainment and Oddfellows Entertainment, ensured the film was executed with a high level of polish and style. Cinematic sequences showcasing the Great Barrier Reef set against the looming threat of the sharks have been lauded for their stunning visuals, capturing the eerie beauty of the environment while underlining the film’s chilling tension.
As Dangerous Animals now prepares for its Australian release on June 12, Brouhaha Entertainment’s role in its development and festival journey cements the company as a key player in supporting high-quality genre filmmaking in Australia. Their work continues to showcase the global potential of Australian stories, bringing bold new voices to international platforms like Cannes.