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“Cinching Saddles”: Roping in the Laughs

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We’re thrilled to introduce Kevin Sengara and Aman Pannu, amazing screenwriters who are making waves in the industry! Their latest project, “Cinching Saddles,” has earned them a spot as a finalist for the Best Mockumentary Film Award at the Houston Comedy Film Festival. Director Kevin Sengara might be new to the world of filmmaking, but his debut project, Cinching Saddles, is already making waves. Co-directed with Aman Pannu, this mockumentary follows the amusing misadventures of Calvinder, aka Cinch, a South Asian man who adopts a fake Texas accent and wholeheartedly believes he’s a cowboy—despite his complete lack of authentic cowboy skills. The film humorously captures Cinch’s attempts to fit into the cowboy culture at a ranch in a small Canadian town, all while his family adjusts to this unexpected change in their lives.

 

The Unexpected Birth of Cinching Saddles 
The creation of Cinching Saddles was as spontaneous as the character it follows. Originally, Sengara and Pannu had planned to shoot a different short film, but a severe weather storm kept most of their crew from making it to the set. Rather than waste the day, the two directors decided to pivot. “An hour before heading to one of my family’s ranches, we brainstormed the concept for Cinching Saddles during the car ride,” Sengara recalls. The entire film was shot in just one day, an experience that Sengara describes as both exhilarating and challenging.

 

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Challenges and Improvisation 
One of the biggest challenges of making Cinching Saddles was the lack of a script. Sengara and Pannu had to improvise every scene on the spot, pushing their creativity and adaptability to the limit. Adding to the difficulty, severe temperature drops during filming caused some microphones to fail, making it harder to capture quality audio. Despite these obstacles, the team persevered, and the end result is a film that showcases their ability to turn unexpected challenges into comedic gold.

 

 

A Newcomer to Filmmaking 
Sengara may be new to filmmaking, but his fresh perspective has already made an impact. Cinching Saddles marks his first project in the film industry, a remarkable achievement for a first-time director. The film’s success at the Houston Comedy Film Festival, where it was selected as a finalist for the Best Mockumentary Micro Film Award, is a testament to the potential of this up-and-coming filmmaker.

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Exciting Developments Ahead 
The journey of Cinching Saddles is far from over. The film has been picked up by a production company and is currently being developed into a television series for a network in Canada. In a thrilling twist, legendary singer Bryan Adams has joined the project as the music producer, creating an incredible theme song for the series. “It’s a very exciting time for Cinching Saddles, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this journey takes us,” Sengara shares.

 

Connect with Kevin Sengara 
Kevin Sengara is eager to connect with industry professionals for future projects and collaborations. He can be reached via email at kevinsengara@gmail.com, and on Instagram at @KSENGARA.

 

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Looking to the Future 
Though this is Sengara’s first venture into filmmaking, he’s eager to continue exploring opportunities within the industry. He’s open to connecting with distributors, agents, and anyone interested in collaborating on new projects. “This is my first rodeo, though the pun wasn’t intended!” Sengara quips, underscoring his enthusiasm for what lies ahead.

As Cinching Saddles prepares to transition from a short film to a television series, Sengara’s journey in filmmaking is just beginning. With his talent for improvisation and a knack for finding humor in the unexpected, this is certainly not the last we’ll hear from Kevin Sengara.

From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair:

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“Explore the ‘Film Festival Submitter’s Handbook 2024,’ your ultimate guide to conquering the film festival circuit. Whether you’re a filmmaker or screenwriter, this essential resource provides practical strategies to navigate the competitive landscape of film festivals successfully. From crafting compelling titles, taglines, and synopses to creating impactful director’s and writer’s statements, this handbook equips you with the tools to shine in the festival circuit. Learn to develop effective marketing materials, including posters and trailers, and discover the importance of communication and presenting a professional package. With insights tailored to the evolving role of social media and marketing in the film industry, this handbook is your key to festival triumph. Get your copy now and embark on your journey to festival success!”

For film investment opportunities, please see below:

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Miley Cyrus Is Engaged to Maxx Morando

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Miley Cyrus is officially off the market: the pop superstar is engaged to musician Maxx Morando after four years together, and the speculation about “that ring” has finally been put to rest. The engagement caps a quietly steady relationship that has unfolded mostly out of the spotlight, marking a new chapter for Miley after years of highly public romances.

Engagement finally confirmed

Reports from major entertainment outlets confirm that Cyrus and Morando are engaged following her recent red-carpet appearance in Los Angeles.

Observers noticed a new diamond ring on her left-hand ring finger, and sources close to the singer have since confirmed that the jewelry is indeed an engagement ring. The news comes after days of online buzz and fan speculation, which began almost as soon as photos from the event hit social media.

The love story with Maxx Morando

Maxx Morando is a drummer and musician who has performed with bands like The Regrettes and has also worked as a producer and collaborator behind the scenes. He and Miley were first linked in late 2021, reportedly after meeting through mutual friends and hitting it off on a low-key first date that eventually grew into a long-term relationship. The pair have kept things relatively private, appearing together at select fashion shows, award events, and premieres rather than turning their romance into constant social-media content.

That very on-trend engagement ring

The ring that set the internet on fire features a cushion-cut diamond set on a chunky yellow gold band, a bold, fashion-forward design that fits Cyrus’s eclectic style. The piece is reported to be by designer Jacquie Aiche, whose jewelry is frequently worn by celebrities and known for mixing bohemian influences with luxury materials. Commentators note that the thick band and substantial stone are in line with the current trend toward statement engagement rings that feel modern and personal rather than traditional and dainty.

Fans react to Miley’s new chapter

Longtime fans who have watched Miley grow from Disney Channel star to Grammy-winning artist see this engagement as another milestone in her evolution. On social platforms, many have highlighted how different this relationship feels compared with her past, pointing to the couple’s low-key approach and shared creative interests as signs of a more grounded partnership. Others are already speculating about wedding plans, guest lists, and whether the singer might channel her “Flowers” era energy into a bridal look that breaks all the rules.

What this means for Miley’s image

Cyrus has spent the last few years redefining herself musically and personally, from the success of “Flowers” to acclaimed live performances and a more polished public image. This engagement to Morando reinforces that arc, presenting her as an artist who has found balance between rebellion and stability, independence and partnership. While no wedding details have been announced yet, the announcement alone ensures Miley and Maxx will remain at the center of pop culture conversations for months to come.

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Mariah Carey’s One Holiday Hit Pays her $3.3 Million a Year

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Mariah Carey did not just land a Christmas hit; she locked in a seasonal paycheck for life. Every year, All I Want for Christmas Is You is estimated to pull in somewhere between 2.5 and 3.3 million dollars in royalties, from streaming, radio, licensing, and all those store playlists that flip her on the second the Halloween decorations come down. Over three decades, that adds up to tens of millions tied to a single song, turning one holiday anthem into a textbook example of how a perfectly timed pop track can become a retirement plan in glitter.

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden and Santa Claus present pop superstar Mariah Carey with a framed certificate honoring her induction into the 2023 Library of Congress National Recording Registry for “All I Want for Christmas is You,” December 14, 2023. Photo by Shawn Miller/Library of Congress. Note: Privacy and publicity rights for individuals depicted may apply.

What keeps it so sticky is how audiences respond to it emotionally. Fans describe the song as an instant mood-lifter: the kind of track that makes people abandon their carts in Target, sing in the dairy aisle, or scream the chorus in the car like a full-blown music video moment.

People love the mix of old-school Motown-style production, sleigh bells, and Mariah’s big, joyful vocals—it feels nostalgic without sounding dated, and romantic without being corny to most listeners.

For a lot of millennials and Gen Z, hearing that opening piano riff is the unofficial signal that the holidays have “officially started.”

Of course, the obsession is loud enough that the backlash is, too—but even the complaints prove its impact. Some listeners say they are tired of hearing it everywhere, from October onward, but that is partly because it dominates every Christmas playlist, radio rotation, and TikTok trend. Whether people are passionately belting it out or dramatically rolling their eyes, the engagement keeps the streams flowing—and the royalties stacking. Love it or hate it, All I Want for Christmas Is You has become the soundtrack to December, and Mariah collects a festive multimillion-dollar “thank you” every single year.

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How The Grinch Became The Richest Christmas Movie Ever

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The Grinch didn’t just steal Christmas—he stole the box office. The 2018 animated film The Grinch turned holiday chaos into serious cash, grossing around $540 million worldwide on a modest $75 million budget, making it the highest‑grossing Christmas movie of all time. That is more than seven times its production cost, which is the kind of holiday return every studio dreams about.

Meanwhile, the 2000 live‑action How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey laid the groundwork for this green empire. That version pulled in roughly $345–347 million worldwide on a $123 million budget, turning a prickly Dr. Seuss villain into a perennial box‑office player and a meme‑ready holiday icon. The nostalgia around Carrey’s performance is a big part of why audiences were ready to show up again almost two decades later.​

The Money Behind The Mayhem

The 2018 film did not just earn big—it earned smart.

It opened to more than $$67 million domestically in its first weekend and kept playing steadily through November and December, ultimately pulling in about $272 million in the U.S. and roughly $267 million internationally.

Holiday timing, family‑friendly branding, and the Illumination animation style (the same studio behind Despicable Me) helped it become a go‑to choice for parents seeking something safe, colorful, and chaos‑free for kids.

Then there is the profit. Trade estimates peg the film’s net profit in the neighborhood of nearly $185 million once theatrical revenue, home entertainment, and TV/streaming deals are baked in. That is before counting years of reruns, licensing, and holiday programming packages—every December, the Grinch gets another quiet deposit while everyone else is wrapping gifts.

Grinch vs. Everyone: Who’s Really On Top?

Here is how the Grinch stacks up against other Christmas heavyweights by worldwide box office:

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FilmYearWorldwide Gross (approx.)Notes
The Grinch (animated)2018$510–540 millionHighest‑grossing Christmas movie ever
Home Alone1990~$476 millionLongtime champ, now second place
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (live‑action)2000~$345–347 millionBuilt the modern Grinch brand
The Polar Express2004~$315 millionHoliday staple, trails both Grinch movies

Different sources list slightly different totals, but they all agree: the 2018 Grinch sits at the top of the Christmas money mountain.

Why The Grinch Keeps Printing Money

The secret sauce is that the Grinch is more than a movie—he is a business model. Every version of this character hits a different emotional lane: Jim Carrey’s 2000 Grinch is pure chaotic energy and quotable nostalgia, while the 2018 Grinch is softer, cuter, and perfectly engineered for modern families and global audiences. Together, they keep the character relevant across generations, which is exactly what studios want from an evergreen holiday IP.

On top of box office and home sales, the character feeds theme‑park attractions, holiday events, branded specials, apparel, toys, and seasonal marketing campaigns. The Grinch went from “I hate Christmas” to “I own Christmas,” quietly turning grouchiness into one of the most profitable holiday brands on the planet.

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