From Agent Kensi to Auteur: Daniela Ruah Steps Behind the Camera
After more than a decade as Special Agent Kensi Blye on NCIS: Los Angeles, Daniela Ruah is proving that her creative fire burns brighter than ever. The actress-turned-director is helming her most heartfelt project yet — a romantic short film titled My Type, starring Cruel Summer’s Sadie Stanley and The Summer House’s Jacob Ward.
Shot entirely on lush 16mm film and inspired by a true story, My Type explores how two young adults — both living with Type 1 Diabetes — discover an unexpected connection that transcends diagnosis.
“We wanted to tell a story that feels both deeply personal and universally hopeful,” Ruah said in an exclusive statement. “It’s about finding love in unexpected places and seeing the person, not the condition.”
The short reunites Ruah with cinematographer Rafael Leyva (Narcos: Mexico) and is produced by Nicole MacNaughton and Kimberly Pinkson under their High High Productions banner. Filming is currently underway in the sun-drenched corners of Santa Barbara, with an aesthetic that Ruah describes as “intimate, nostalgic, and honest.”
For fans who know Ruah for her steely onscreen intensity, this softer, deeply emotional love story marks a stunning evolution. If My Type is any indication, Ruah’s post-NCIS chapter could be as inspiring as her years on the force.
Caroline Williams Returns to Horror in ‘Anathema: The Devil’s Doll’
From love stories to nightmares — horror icon Caroline Williams, best known for The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, is returning to the genre that made her a legend.
In Anathema: The Devil’s Doll, Williams leads a haunting ensemble in a story that begins with a carefree night of partying and spirals into a bloody battle for survival. When a group of friends accidentally unleashes an ancient curse, their night of fun becomes a desperate fight against a supernatural predator that hunts until dawn.
Directed by Marcel Walz and produced by Brendan Petrizzo and Michael P. Call (who also co-wrote the script with Marc Gotlieb), the indie horror film features a strong supporting cast including Robert Craighead (Strange Darling), Ramiro Leale (Brute 1986), and Bix Krieger (VHS: Beyond).
Principal photography is already underway, and the film is slated for release in 2026. Walz promises “a return to practical scares, character-driven dread, and that relentless ‘80s energy horror fans have been craving.”
‘Love Island’ Takes Latin America by Storm
In global TV news, Love Island — the wildly popular reality dating phenomenon — is expanding its empire. NBCUniversal International Networks & DTC Latin America has secured an extensive package deal with ITV Studios, bringing Love Island USA, Love Island Games, and Love Island All Stars to screens across Latin America.
The 290-hour content deal also includes two provocative documentaries: Abused By Mum: The Ruby Franke Scandal — a deep dive into the shocking case of the influencer-turned-child-abuser — and I Cut Off His Penis: The Truth Behind the Headlines, revisiting the infamous Lorena Bobbitt case and other similar crimes that shocked the world.
With the region’s appetite for bold reality and true-crime content stronger than ever, NBCU’s acquisition signals a major play to dominate late-night entertainment across Latin American markets.
Morocco Named 2026 EFM Country in Focus
Rounding out a busy week for the global film community, Morocco has officially been named the 2026 “Country in Focus” for the European Film Market (EFM), one of the most prestigious showcases during the Berlinale.
“Moroccan cinema has a proud history of storytelling that resonates far beyond its borders,” said EFM Director Tricia Tuttle. “From auteurs like Nabil Ayouch and Maryam Touzani to a new wave of boundary-pushing voices, Moroccan filmmakers are redefining world cinema with authenticity and imagination.”
The event, running February 12–18, 2026, will celebrate Morocco’s cinematic heritage and its rising influence on international film markets. Expect a showcase of new Moroccan features, industry panels, and cultural collaborations between Africa and Europe.
A Global Pulse of Creativity
From Daniela Ruah’s intimate romance My Type to Caroline Williams’ return to the macabre in Anathema, and from Love Island’s cross-continental reach to Morocco’s artistic spotlight, one thing is clear — storytelling in 2025 knows no boundaries.
Hollywood, horror, and heartfelt love stories are all colliding in a season where emotion and ambition reign supreme — and audiences around the world are ready for the next act.
