Not happy: Hollywood is dead, says Nicole Kidman

Actor says film festivals needed more than ever.

TORONTO: Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman said Hollywood is facing new challenges in the era of online streaming and needs festivals more than ever, in order for films to get noticed.

“I don’t think there is a Hollywood anymore,” the Australian actor said at a press conference followed by the world premiere of Garth Davis’ Lion. “We’re all scattered around the world and we make films all around the world. Hollywood is some bygone era now, which is sad in a way,” Kidman added.

Generations ago, the district of Hollywood in Los Angeles was the centre of the American film industry. Studios collectively remain a powerhouse in cinema but international productions are increasingly common now, with features shot at various locations around the world. Also, with the demise of the neighbourhood video store over the last decade and cinemas struggling to capture audiences, more and more people are streaming films at home.

Amid these changes, publicists are seeking creative new ways to reach audiences. “I think film festivals are so important right now because it’s very hard for films to be discovered,” said Kidman, who has launched several films at the Toronto, Cannes and Venice gatherings. “We need all the help we can get for smaller films and films that are not big studio projects or superhero films.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 13^th, 2016.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.