Entertainment
Angel Studios and 2521 Entertainment Acquire DAVID Franchise, Set December Theatrical Release
Angel Studios partnered with 2521 Entertainment to acquire the DAVID franchise from Slingshot USA, including an animated film and television series set for a December 19 release. The project, based on David’s biblical story, underscores Angel’s commitment to family-oriented, values-based entertainment.
Last Updated on October 24, 2025 by Daily News Staff
PROVO, Utah – Angel Studios (NYSE: ANGX) announced Tuesday it has partnered with 2521 Entertainment to acquire the DAVID franchise from Slingshot USA, bringing one of the company’s most anticipated projects under its direct ownership ahead of a December 19 theatrical release.
The acquisition includes both an animated feature film and a five-part television series based on the biblical story of David, the shepherd boy who defeated Goliath and became king of Israel. The project was created by the same studio and director behind YOUNG DAVID, an animated series that achieved some of the highest approval ratings in Angel Guild history.
Strategic Asset for Growing Platform
“DAVID is the largest audience-funded film in history,” said Neal Harmon, co-founder and CEO of Angel Studios. “Owning the DAVID intellectual property is a long-term strategic asset, and we anticipate making similar series acquisitions that resonate with the Angel Guild and have performed exceptionally well on our platform.”
The acquisition comes as Angel’s grassroots membership base—the Angel Guild—has grown beyond 1.5 million members across more than 180 countries. These paying members help decide which film and television projects the studio will market and distribute, creating what the company calls a values-based approach to entertainment.
Angel plans to explore producing additional episodes of the DAVID animated television series to extend the franchise, responding to strong demand for television content among Guild members.
A Story Three Decades in the Making
Director Phil Cunningham described the journey to bring DAVID to screens as a testament to faith and perseverance.
“A vision that began over 30 years ago has required immense sacrifice, faith, bravery, and commitment from many to bring it to completion, and we have arrived at this moment,” Cunningham said. “David dared to take off Saul’s armour and go to battle with just a slingshot. Angel has proven time and again that it is a leader and willing to take on the biggest challenges.”
The animated feature digs deeper into David’s life beyond his famous confrontation with Goliath, exploring his roles as warrior, poet, shepherd, and eventual king who led and inspired a nation.
Proven Partnership
Angel and 2521 Entertainment have collaborated on 14 projects to date, including notable releases such as SOUND OF FREEDOM, which earned $250 million at the worldwide box office, KING OF KINGS, THE WINGFEATHER SAGA, and THE LAST RODEO. The companies also have YOUNG WASHINGTON scheduled for upcoming release.
“At 2521 Entertainment our mission is to go beyond entertainment and offer families stories that elevate and leave a lasting impression in an otherwise distracted world,” said David L. Hunt, co-founder and chief creative officer of 2521 Entertainment. “DAVID is one of those rare movies that will build meaningful, lasting family memories and connections. And there are few things in life more valuable than that.”
Founded in 2023, 2521 Entertainment has quickly established itself in faith-based and values-driven content, with credits including KING OF KINGS—the highest-grossing faith-based animated opening ever—and HOUSE OF DAVID, Amazon Prime’s top-ranked series.
Release Schedule Adjustment
As part of the acquisition and release strategy, Angel announced that ZERO A.D., previously scheduled for December 19, 2025, will now be released in 2026. This clears the holiday theatrical window for DAVID’s debut.
“At a time when the world is craving hope, David’s unyielding courage and faith remind us all to stand tall,” Harmon said. “I am profoundly grateful for the miracle of this moment.”
The December 19 release positions DAVID as a holiday season offering for families seeking values-based entertainment during the theatrical window traditionally dominated by major studio releases.
For more information about Angel Studios and the Angel Guild, visit www.angel.com. Learn more about 2521 Entertainment at https://2521entertainment.com.
SOURCE Angel Studios, Inc. and PR Newswire
Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story — A Closer Look at the Documentary and Its Uncredited Voice
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News Brief
Gizmodo Premieres Award-Winning Animated Short Shimmer
Gizmodo premieres Shimmer, the award-winning animated short film by Andrés Palma. Winner of Mexico’s 2025 Ariel Award, the visually stunning story explores fatherhood, regret, and redemption through cutting-edge animation created in Unreal Engine 5.
Last Updated on November 10, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Los Angeles, CA – November 7, 2025 — Shimmer (also known as Fulgores), winner of Mexico’s 2025 Ariel Award for Best Animated Short Film, has launched its For Your Consideration campaign in the Oscar® race for Best Animated Short.
Directed by Andrés Palma and produced by Escena Animation Studio, the emotionally charged short explores themes of fatherhood, regret, and redemption through a visually stunning story set along a haunting, shipwrecked shore.
Now available for public viewing through an exclusive Gizmodo premiere, Shimmer blends handcrafted artistry with cutting-edge 3D animation created in Unreal Engine 5.
🎥 Watch now: Gizmodo Exclusive – Shimmer 
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
and let your entertainment journey begin!
Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story — A Closer Look at the Documentary and Its Uncredited Voice
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podcasts
STM Daily News Podcast Episode 2: Dreambreaker & Phoenix Women’s Expo
In Episode 2 of the STM Daily News Podcast, we explore “Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story,” a documentary highlighting pickleball’s rise, and recap the Phoenix Women’s Expo, showcasing community empowerment and collaboration among women entrepreneurs, connecting bold endeavors in sports and business.
Last Updated on November 7, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Welcome back to the STM Daily News Podcast! In Episode 2, we’re diving into two incredible stories that showcase the power of community, determination, and building something from the ground up.
Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story & Phoenix Women's Expo – STM Daily News Podcast
What’s in This Episode
Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story
We’re talking about the documentary that’s got everyone buzzing. Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story premiered on truTV and Max back in April, and it’s so much more than a sports film.
Director Ashley Underwood takes us inside the explosive rise of pickleball through the lens of Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa’s journey. But here’s what makes it fascinating—it’s not just about the game. It’s about billionaire rivalries, the business of professional sports, and how a backyard pastime became a multi-billion-dollar industry practically overnight.
The documentary is raw, authentic, and pulls no punches. If you’re curious about what’s really happening behind the scenes in one of America’s fastest-growing sports, this is essential viewing.
Stream it now on Max or truTV.
Phoenix Women’s Expo 2025
We’re also recapping the Phoenix Women’s Expo from last September, and wow—what an event. Hundreds of women entrepreneurs, business owners, and aspiring leaders gathered right here in the Valley to connect, learn, and support each other.
From inspiring keynote speakers to hands-on workshops covering everything from social media strategy to financial planning, the expo was a masterclass in empowerment and collaboration. The energy in that room was electric, and the connections made will ripple through our community for years to come.
If you missed it, don’t worry—we break down the highlights and why events like this matter for Phoenix’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Common Thread
What connects a pickleball documentary and a women’s business expo? More than you’d think. Both stories are about people who didn’t wait for permission, who built their own platforms, and who understood that community is the foundation of success.
Whether it’s Mike Sleeves creating his voice in pickleball or women entrepreneurs supporting each other’s growth, the message is clear: the best stories are happening right now, in real time, in our own communities.
Listen Now
Episode 2 of the STM Daily News Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear what you think—drop us a message on social media or visit us at TNC.network.
Featured in this episode:
- Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story – A Closer Look
- Debbie Gibson Inspires at the 2025 Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo
More from STM Daily News:
Produced by TNC Network in Phoenix, Arizona. Telling the stories that matter in our community.
STM Daily News is a multifaceted podcast that explores a wide range of topics, from life and consumer issues to the latest in food and beverage trends. Our discussions dive into the realms of science, covering everything from space and Earth to nature, artificial intelligence, and astronomy. We also celebrate the amateur sports scene, highlighting local athletes and events, including our special segment on senior Pickleball, where we report on the latest happenings in this exciting community. With our diverse content, STM Daily News aims to inform, entertain, and engage listeners, providing a comprehensive look at the issues that matter most in our daily lives. https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/
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Movies
A Palestinian-Israeli film just won an Oscar − so why is it so hard to see?
The Palestinian-Israeli film “No Other Land” won the 2025 Academy Award for best documentary but struggles to find a U.S. distributor due to its controversial subject matter around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite critical acclaim, it faces unique barriers compared to other independent films.
Last Updated on November 3, 2025 by Daily News Staff
A Palestinian-Israeli film just won an Oscar
Drew Paul, University of Tennessee
For many low-budget, independent films, an Oscar win is a golden ticket.
The publicity can translate into theatrical releases or rereleases, along with more on-demand rentals and sales.
However, for “No Other Land,” a Palestinian-Israeli film that just won best documentary feature at the 2025 Academy Awards, this exposure may not translate into commercial success in the U.S. That’s because the film has been unable to find a company to distribute it in America.
“No Other Land” chronicles the efforts of Palestinian townspeople to combat an Israeli plan to demolish their villages in the West Bank and use the area as a military training ground. It was directed by four Palestinian and Israeli activists and journalists: Basel Adra, who is a resident of the area facing demolition, Yuval Abraham, Hamdan Ballal and Rachel Szor. While the filmmakers have organized screenings in a number of U.S. cities, the lack of a national distributor makes a broader release unlikely.
Film distributors are a crucial but often unseen link in the chain that allows a film to reach cinemas and people’s living rooms. In recent years it has become more common for controversial award-winning films to run into issues finding a distributor. Palestinian films have encountered additional barriers.
As a scholar of Arabic who has written about Palestinian cinema, I’m disheartened by the difficulties “No Other Land” has faced. But I’m not surprised.
The role of film distributors
Distributors are often invisible to moviegoers. But without one, it can be difficult for a film to find an audience.
Distributors typically acquire rights to a film for a specific country or set of countries. They then market films to movie theaters, cinema chains and streaming platforms. As compensation, distributors receive a percentage of the revenue generated by theatrical and home releases.
The film “Soundtrack to a Coup D’Etat,” another finalist for best documentary, shows how this process typically works. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024 and was acquired for distribution just a few months later by Kino Lorber, a major U.S.-based distributor of independent films.
The inability to find a distributor is not itself noteworthy. No film is entitled to distribution, and most films by newer or unknown directors face long odds.
However, it is unusual for a film like “No Other Land,” which has garnered critical acclaim and has been recognized at various film festivals and award shows. Some have pegged it as a favorite to win best documentary at the Academy Awards. And “No Other Land” has been able to find distributors in Europe, where it’s easily accessible on multiple streaming platforms.
So why can’t “No Other Land” find a distributor in the U.S.?
There are a couple of factors at play.
Shying away from controversy
In recent years, film critics have noticed a trend: Documentaries on controversial topics have faced distribution difficulties. These include a film about a campaign by Amazon workers to unionize and a documentary about Adam Kinzinger, one of the few Republican congresspeople to vote to impeach Donald Trump in 2021.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, of course, has long stirred controversy. But the release of “No Other Land” comes at a time when the issue is particularly salient. The Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, and the ensuing Israeli bombardment and invasion of the Gaza Strip have become a polarizing issue in U.S. domestic politics, reflected in the campus protests and crackdowns in 2024. The filmmakers’ critical comments about the Israeli occupation of Palestine have also garnered backlash in Germany.
Yet the fact that this conflict has been in the news since October 2023 should also heighten audience interest in a film such as “No Other Land” – and, therefore, lead to increased sales, the metric that distributors care about the most.
Indeed, an earlier film that also documents Palestinian protests against Israeli land expropriation, “5 Broken Cameras,” was a finalist for best documentary at the 2013 Academy Awards. It was able to find a U.S. distributor. However, it had the support of a major European Union documentary development program called Greenhouse. The support of an organization like Greenhouse, which had ties to numerous production and distribution companies in Europe and the U.S., can facilitate the process of finding a distributor.
By contrast, “No Other Land,” although it has a Norwegian co-producer and received some funding from organizations in Europe and the U.S., was made primarily by a grassroots filmmaking collective.
Stages for protest
While distribution challenges may be recent, controversies surrounding Palestinian films are nothing new.
Many of them stem from the fact that the system of film festivals, awards and distribution is primarily based on a movie’s nation of origin. Since there is no sovereign Palestinian state – and many countries and organizations have not recognized the state of Palestine – the question of how to categorize Palestinian films has been hard to resolve.
In 2002, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences rejected the first ever Palestinian film submitted to the best foreign language film category – Elia Suleiman’s “Divine Intervention” – because Palestine was not recognized as a country by the United Nations. The rules were changed for the following year’s awards ceremony.
In 2021, the cast of the film “Let It Be Morning,” which had an Israeli director but primarily Palestinian actors, boycotted the Cannes Film Festival in protest of the film’s categorization as an Israeli film rather than a Palestinian one.
Film festivals and other cultural venues have also become places to make statements about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and engage in protest. For example, at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017, the right-wing Israeli culture minister wore a controversial – and meme-worthy – dress that featured the Jerusalem skyline in support of Israeli claims of sovereignty over the holy city, despite the unresolved status of Jerusalem under international law.
At the 2024 Academy Awards, a number of attendees, including Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo and Mahershala Ali, wore red pins in support of a ceasefire in Gaza, and pro-Palestine protesters delayed the start of the ceremonies.
As he accepted his award, “No Other Land” director Yuval Abraham called out “the foreign policy” of the U.S. for “helping to block” a path to peace.
Even though a film like “No Other Land” addresses a topic of clear interest to many Americans, I wonder if the quest to find a U.S. distributor just got even harder.
This article has been updated to clarify that the film was a collaborative effort between Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers. It has also been updated to reflect the film’s win at the 2025 Academy Awards.
Drew Paul, Associate Professor of Arabic, University of Tennessee
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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