Silence is deadly. Oscar winner Troy Kotsur brings us into his world without sound in a new featurette for horror-mystery “PRIMATE,” in cinemas January 21

 

“When I was growing up, I would watch horror movies and you’d notice that so many people will react from a sound that they hear, and so I was on a journey into your world,” says Troy Kotsur, the first male deaf actor to win the Academy Award, for his performance in the 2021 film CODA. 

In Primate, Kotsur plays Adam, patriarch of the Pinborough family, which includes a chimpanzee named Ben. Ben was brought home by Adam’s late wife, a linguistics professor who used to work with Ben. While Adam is away on a short work trip, his daughters and their friends’ tropical vacation turns into a terrifying, primal tale of horror and survival. Primate is directed by Johannes Roberts and also stars Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander and Victoria Wyant. 

Watch the “Silence is Deadly” featurette: http://y2u.be/X1pZqaVHa2c  

Get ready to go bananas for PRIMATE when it opens in Philippine cinemas January 21, 2026. #PrimateMovie

About Primate:

Paramount Pictures Presents

In Association with Domain Entertainment

An 18Hz Production

“PRIMATE”

SYNOPSIS: 

In PRIMATE, a group of friends’ tropical vacation turns into a terrifying, primal tale of horror and survival.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY

 Vicki Dee Rock, Nathan Samdahl, Johannes Roberts, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony

Tittanegro, Andrew Lary

 

PRODUCED BY

Walter Hamada, p.g.a., John Hodges, p.g.a., Bradley Pilz

 

WRITTEN BY

Johannes Roberts & Ernest Riera

 

DIRECTED BY

Johannes Roberts

 

STARRING

Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Troy Kotsur, Victoria Wyant, Gia Hunter,

Benjamin Cheng, Charlie Mann, Tienne Simon

  

#PrimateMovie

@paramountpicsph

Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International” 

[CES 2026] A Care Companion for Family Health and Safety

The Care Companion zone concluded Samsung’s “Your Companion to AI Living” vision at The First Look 2026 — highlighting technology’s most human purpose, care.

For decades, care has been reactive, addressing problems only after they arise. Samsung aims to change that by embedding AI across its product ecosystem to support safety, health and security. The goal is to shift care from response to anticipation — an approach Samsung calls Intelligent Care.

Samsung Newsroom visited the final area of the exhibition to see how Galaxy devices serve as the hub for healthier, safer everyday living.

View of the Care Companion zone

Upon entering, visitors encountered the futuristic Galaxy Z TriFold showcased on a Transparent Micro LED display. 

Galaxy Z TriFold

Video Link: https://youtu.be/Y48W42RnTaY

Personalized Health Management: Optimizing Daily Routines

In the Self Care – Good Sleep section, visitors learned how wearables such as Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Ring track sleep conditions while working in concert with lighting and connected home appliances including the Bespoke AI WindFree Pro air conditioner and Infinite AI Air Purifier. Without user input, the connected home automatically optimizes temperature and airflow to support a more comfortable sleep environment.

Galaxy devices connect with TVs and home appliances to create optimal sleep conditions. 

Tristen Menzies

“I love being able to take AI out of my pocket and use it right away,” said Tristen Menzies, a digital content creator from Guam. “What I appreciate about Samsung is that it creates AI that complements your life, rather than interferes. I think that’s the direction we should be heading.”

Family Health Care: Supporting Everyone From Older Adults to Pets

Early Detection and Prevention of Cognitive Health

Healthcare is expanding beyond individual management to encompass every member of the family. Samsung introduced features designed to help detect dementia early in older adults at the Family Care – Brain Health section. By analyzing lifestyle patterns through mobile and wearable devices, the system can identify early signs of cognitive decline and send alerts to designated caregivers, enabling timely intervention.

More important, however, is preventing cognitive decline before it occurs. To that end, Samsung analyzes a wide range of everyday indicators—including speech, typing, walking, sleep and gait—to detect subtle changes in cognitive function. The system also recommends brain-training programs to help older adults reduce concerns about cognitive decline and maintain healthier, more independent lives.

Demonstration of Samsung Health’s cognitive decline detection feature

AI-Enabled Pet Health Monitoring

Samsung’s AI extends to pets as well. The SmartThings Pet Care service helps identify common health conditions such as dental disease, patellar luxation, and cataracts. Using AI, SmartThings Pet Care analyzes photos of household animals with on-screen guidance to help identify potential health concerns.

SmartThings Pet Care checks for cataracts in a pet.

AI Home Monitoring: Smart Detection for a Safer Home

When users are away from home, AI-powered home care monitoring offers greater peace of mind.  

Vision AI analyzes video and audio collected from connected devices such as refrigerators equipped with cameras and TVs, detecting potentially dangerous situations and sending alerts directly to the user’s smartphone.

When no one is home, TVs and refrigerators with built-in cameras can display summaries of moments flagged as potentially risky. Furthermore, AI home monitoring can compare detected faces with images stored in the user’s photo gallery to determine whether the person is a known contact or a stranger.

With AI home monitoring, users can feel more at ease even when away from home.

Alert activity demonstration 

Dr. Rob Longwell

“What I like about Samsung’s AI ecosystem is how everything is connected,” said Dr. Rob Longwell, a member of the media from Beverly Hills, CA. “Home security and safety are especially important to me, and I was impressed by how devices work together to help protect the home.”

Expanded Safety Services: Greater Protection Through Partnerships

The zone concluded with a look at how Samsung’s AI technology works seamlessly with a wide range of partner products, including sensors, cameras and smart door locks, to support safer living.

Wall with compatible devices from partners

With the Care Companion—designed to help everyone live with greater peace of mind, safety and well-being—Samsung concludes the “Your Companion to AI Living” journey presented at The First Look 2026.

Looking ahead, Samsung plans to continue expanding its AI ecosystem to create experiences that users can trust and rely on with confidence.

Get a chance to win a Samsung AI Appliance worth up to ₱52,999!

Sign- up now at https://www.samsung.com/ph/handraiserces/

Terms and conditions apply.

Promo runs from January 2 - 22, 2026 only.

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-245240 Series of 2025 

An intense thriller with near-reality science fiction awaits in “Mercy,” starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson

 

Coming in PH cinemas on Jan 28

Science fiction takes inspiration from real life dystopia in Mercy, an action thriller from Unfriended (2015), and Searching (2018) director Timhur Bekmambetov. Mercy utilizes his groundbreaking Screenlife style and format, combined with cutting edge visual technology. 

“Mercy is a very intense, thrilling mystery, a new approach to the Screenlife language with a very entertaining, serious, impactful subject,” says Bekmambetov. “I loved this story not just as a Screenlife movie, but as a traditional movie. It involves how we behave and interact with technology.”

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/TSCQGx4IF5w

Mercy takes place in the not too distant year of 2029, where Detective Chris Raven (Chris Pratt, the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, Avengers: Endgame) is accused of murdering his wife, Nicole (Anabelle Wallis, Peaky Blinders TV series). The judge presiding over his case is an artificial intelligence system he once championed, personified as Judge Maddox (Rebecca Ferguson, Dune, the Mission Impossible franchise). Tasked with his own defense, he must prove himself innocent to Maddox, or else face execution.

Chris Pratt was immediately hooked as soon as he received the script for Mercy, and Bekmambetov’s distinct style. “I thought it was an inventive mystery story unlike anything I’d read before, which is saying a lot because I read everything! But this really caught my attention,” Pratt says. “MERCY is a ‘multi-genre’ film — it’s a courtroom drama, a thriller, a mystery, and an action film,” Pratt adds. “And it utilizes Screenlife, a genre curated by Timur. MERCY really takes all of that to the next level.”

Rebecca Ferguson feels as though Mercy takes a magnifying glass into the real world problems that can arise with the increasing reliance on technology. “Mercy highlights the shortcomings in a world where Artificial Intelligence is growing but is still very limited when it comes to actually revealing the truth,” she says. “The problem is that we expect accuracy, and more and more we need to question what the online world is telling us.” Ferguson wishes that it imparts insight onto audiences. “I hope that people do question AI, and humans’ relationship to AI,” says Ferguson. “Artificial Intelligence is a fantastic tool, but it should always be just that — a tool to aid humans, not an alternative to humans. This film highlights, in a narrative sense, some of the ways that relying on AI could go very wrong.”

Producer Robert Amidon is excited for the latest Bekmambetov film with his signature Screenlife style. “Timur Bekmambetov has the biggest passion for the digital world and where it is today,” adds Amidon. “The concept in Mercy aligned with his previous films Missing, Searching, and Profile. And like those, this story that was set in 2029 was grounded in reality while going into different genres.”

Everything is on the line as Mercy is coming to Philippine theaters on January 28, 2026, including IMAX and 3D. Mercy is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #MercyMovie @columbiapicph 

ENTER THE DIGITAL FRONTIER. TRON: ARES STREAMS EXCLUSIVELY ON DISNEY+ JANUARY 7

 

TRAILER: https://youtu.be/DrfVlmYCeU0?si=aNbFXNBpfbgau76_

PHILIPPINES (JANUARY 6, 2025) — The new year ushers in a return to the Grid when the epic sci-fi action-adventure Tron: Ares begins streaming January 7 on Disney+. Directed by Joachim Rønning, the newest chapter in the TRON saga invites fans to experience a striking new world and high-velocity spectacle right from home. The edge-of-your-seat action thrusts audiences into a high-stakes clash between artificial intelligence and humanity, powered by cutting-edge visual effects and an electrifying original score by Nine Inch Nails.

 

Expanding upon the original Tron and Tron: Legacy film series, Tron: Ares is “a fast-paced, thrilling movie that launches at full throttle and never slows down,” (Jonathan Sim, Coming Soon). Critics also recognize that “Rønning and cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth’s canvas pops with color, contrast and motion, while Nine Inch Nails’ techno-forward score literally rattles your seat” (Joseph Morona, Cleveland.com).

 

Tron: Ares will be the latest film available in IMAX Enhanced on Disney+, featuring IMAX’s exclusive expanded aspect ratio for all Disney+ subscribers, ensuring that the filmmakers’ creative intent is fully preserved for a more immersive viewing experience at home. Subscribers with certified TVs and AV receivers can also experience IMAX Enhanced sound powered by DTS, featuring the full dynamic range of the original cinematic mix. 

Before stepping into the future, return to where the journey began. Tron and Tron: Legacy are now streaming on Disney+, inviting viewers to experience the evolution of the Grid and the legacy that drives directly in Tron: Ares.

Film Synopsis

Get ready for the electrifying action and adventure of Tron: Ares. When a highly sophisticated Program named Ares is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, it marks humankind’s first encounter with AI beings. (Warning: Some flashing-lights scenes in this film may affect photosensitive viewers.) 

ANACONDA Film Review - From Thriller To Outright Comedy, It's Freaking Hilarious !

By: Edgar Allan E. Yu

Photo credit: Columbia Pictures 

Is it a sequel, a remake, or a reboot? However else you call it, it's the latest Anaconda movie in cinemas—and it's freaking hilarious! This new installment takes everything we love about outrageous creature features and cranks up the comedy to eleven. With Paul Rudd and Jack Black leading the cast, their on-screen chemistry is undeniable; they bounce off each other with quick wit and perfect timing. Add in Steve Zhan’s quirky humor, Thandiwe Newton’s sharp performance, and Daniela Melchor’s irresistible energy, and you’ve got a film crew that feels both authentic and endlessly entertaining. 

Photo credit: Columbia Pictures 

The premise alone promises laughs: this mismatched team heads deep into the Amazon rainforest to shoot their movie—only for their behind-the-scenes antics to be upstaged by the arrival of an actual giant Anaconda. Suddenly, filmmaking becomes a fight for survival that’s as sidesplitting as it is suspenseful. Whether you’re an old fan wondering “Is it a sequel?” or just looking for your next big-screen laugh, ANACONDA delivers pure entertainment with every twist and turn. Don’t miss out on what might just be the funniest adventure of the year ! Stay for that cameo near the end.  

#AnacondaMovie

@columbiapicph

Jack Black and Paul Rudd get goofy at the world premiere of original comedy adventure “Anaconda” in Los Angeles, and continue the fun at the London photocall with matching outfits

 

In PH cinemas Jan 8

Paul Rudd (L) and Jack Black strike a pose together at the World Premiere of Columbia Pictures’ ANACONDA at the United Theater on Broadway on December 13, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

The cast and filmmakers of the original comedy adventure Anaconda shined at the film’s world premiere last December 13 at the United Theater on Broadway in Los Angeles, California. A giant anaconda also made its appearance at the premiere, peeking at the top of the photowall, with the cast having fun posing with the figure. Stars Paul Rudd and Jack Black were all smiles for the premiere, accompanied by Daniela Melchior, Steve Zahn, Thandiwe Newton, and Selton Mello.

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/SvfxOesLpf4  

 (L-R) Daniela Melchior, Steve Zahn, Paul Rudd, Thandiwe Newton, Jack Black and Selton Mello at the World Premiere of Columbia Pictures’ ANACONDA at the United Theater on Broadway on December 13, 2025.

Jack Black goofing around World Premiere of Columbia Pictures’ ANACONDA at the United Theater on Broadway on December 13, 2025 .

Rudd and Black also got the party started at the Anaconda photocall at Claridge's on December 19, 2025 in London, England. The pair came in wearing matching jumpsuits with their names embroidered on the tags.

Paul Rudd and Jack Black back-to-back the Photocall for Columbia Pictures' "Anaconda" at Claridge's on December 19, 2025 in London, England

Jack Black and Paul Rudd show off their matching jumpsuits at the Photocall for Columbia Pictures' "Anaconda" at Claridge's on December 19, 2025 in London, England.

Official synopsis: THIS IS NOT A REBOOT. It is an entirely original comedy, inspired by the cinematic ‘classic' Anaconda, that features Doug (Jack Black) and Griff (Paul Rudd), who have been best friends since they were kids and always dreamed of remaking their all-time favorite movie. When a midlife crisis pushes them to finally go for it, they head deep into the Amazon to start filming. But things get real when an actual giant anaconda appears, turning their comically chaotic movie set into a deadly situation. 

Anaconda slithers its way to Philippine theaters on January 8. Anaconda is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #AnacondaMovie @columbiapicph 

The Legend of Hei II Captivates Audiences with Rave Reviews

 

Opens in Philippine cinemas on January 21

Photo credit: Encore Films Philippines

Official Synopsis:

In a secluded and tranquil Elfin Guild hidden deep in the mountains, a sudden explosion shatters the peace. The Guild is attacked, resulting in heavy casualties among the Guild's enforcers, and the head of the Guild, Da Song, personally joins the battle, only to encounter a shockingly familiar figure among the enemy ranks...

In the village, Hei lives, trains, and studies under the guidance of his master, Wuxian. Hei's mastery of spatial abilities is becoming increasingly proficient, though still unstable. Wuxian, who hasn't been on a mission for a long time, suddenly receives an urgent decree from the Headquarters Guild. Considering Hei has never been there, his master decides to bring him along. Throughout the journey, Hei is brimming with excitement, and witnessing the guild's enforcers' deep respect for Wu Xian, he—an apprentice with untapped potential—is also shown considerable respect.

Upon arriving at the Headquarters, the grandeur of the main hall broadens Hei's horizons. Both humans and spirits coexist harmoniously, each fulfilling their roles, creating a scene of joy and unity.

An unprecedented crisis is quietly approaching. Will Hei be able to withstand this sudden test?

Faced with unexpected enemies, what choices will Hei make...

Watch here the official trailer : 

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BZhZnTrwF/

Photo credit: Encore Films Philippines

The Legend of Hei II continues the story of the first film, following Hei on his quest for self-discovery in a world where humans and spirits’ harmony is being threatened. As Hei grows stronger through his training and journey, he takes on responsibilities that come with his powers, questioning where he belongs and what it means to protect both the human and spirit worlds.

Because of the new threats emerging and old conflicts recurring, Hei goes through challenges that test his beliefs and his friendships with those he trusts the most. How will Hei struggle and grow through these relationships? Introducing new and familiar faces, are they friends or foes? 

Photo credit: Encore Films Philippines

Following the fan-favorite prequel, The Legend of Hei II currently has a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ PopcornMeter. Honoring the emotional depth and animation work shown in the first film, this sequel delivers a cinematic treat that every viewer would love. Many have described the film as a “triumphant continuation” and a “visually stunning achievement in modern animation,” highlighting its ability to balance action and heart.

Photo credit: Encore Films Philippines

More than just a visual spectacle, The Legend of Hei II, also tells a deeper story about the characters we love, especially Hei, and has received utmost acclaim by critics and fans alike as a powerful evolution of the franchise and a must-watch animated event. The reactions and reviews praise the film’s artistry and acknowledge its message about growth, identity, and connection, describing how the sequel sets the bar higher when it introduces new elements that feel fresh, exciting, and true to the spirit of the first one. 

Photo credit: Encore Films Philippines

Encore Films PH brings you The Legend of Hei II, opens in PH cinemas January 21, 2026, distributed by Warner Bros.

For more updates, follow Encore Films Philippines on Facebook and Instagram @encorefilmsph.