New ‘Transformers’ Animated Short ‘Optimus Prime: Awakening’ Heads to Theaters – Film News in Brief

“The Transformers: The Movie” is returning to theaters internationally from Sept. 17 to 22 for the animated feature’s 40th anniversary. To celebrate, there will be a new animated short “Optimus Prime: Awakening,” to play after the original 1986 film. The 12-minute feature follows the original film’s storyline and serves as a “love letter to the ‘Transformers’ community and the late Peter Cullen,” Fathom Entertainment said in a statement. Cullen, who died on Aug. 26, delivers his final original voice performance as Optimus Prime and Frank Welker returns as Megatron/Soundwave. “Optimus Prime and Megatron were made for each other.” Welker said in the statement. “After all, one needs the perfect hero against the epitome of evil to create great drama. Peter’s portrayal of Prime was born of his own personal beliefs; honesty, loyalty, and always insisting on doing the right thing. This made it easy to be friends. Returning as Megatron and Soundwave for one final story opposite Peter’s Optimus in ‘Optimus Prime: Awakening’ was a real gift. I will miss my friend, but that voice and his heart and values will always be part of Optimus Prime.” Popular on Variety The short and the anniversary screenings are presented by Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 ‘Fortitude’ Trailer: Spy Soldiers Fool Nazis in Action Film Based on WWII Deception Simon Afram Productions released the official trailer for “Fortitude,” an action-adventure film based on a real-life World War II operation. “Fortitude” follows spy-soldiers Dudley Clarke (Ed Skrein) and Thomas Argyll “TAR” Robertson (Matthew Goode) as they concoct a deception mission to fool Hitler and his army. The film is based on the real-life Operation Fortitude, an Allied military deception designed to fool Nazi Germany about the true location of the D-Day landing in 1944. Supporting the deception are Winston Churchill (Michael Sheen) and Ian Fleming (Art Malik), along with a network of double agents: the inspiration for the James Bond novels, Dusko Popov (Nicholas Cage), Spanish chicken farmer Juan Pujol (Jordia Mollà) and top British Intelligence agent Nancy Armstrong (Alice Eve). Simon West directed the film, which was written and produced by Simon Afram. Georgette Turner, Reza Roohi and Edward Kahl also produced. David Scaramanga, Bianca Goodloe, Daniel Haido, Blair Ward, Anders Erdén, Robert Leader, Joshua Levine, Abraham Taylor and Tom North served as executive producers. Watch the full trailer below. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 ‘George Michael: The Faith Tour’ Concert Film Releases Trailer A trailer for “George Michael: The Faith Tour” film debuts recently rediscovered footage from the star’s 1988 tour. The concert film features never-before-seen footage shot on 35mm film. Over two nights at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy during the European leg of the Faith Tour, a 14-camera shoot captured Michael at the height of his fame amidst the promotion for his debut solo album “Faith.” “George Michael: The Faith Tour” is slated for a theatrical release on Dec. 11. The concert film was directed by Andy Morahan and David Austin. George Michael Entertainment and Mercury Studios produced. Watch the full trailer below. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Darran Tiernan and Steven Poster to be honored at Emerging Cinematographer Awards Darran Tiernan and Steven Poster will be honored by the International Cinematographers Guild at the 28th annual Emerging Cinematographer Awards (ECA) on Oct. 2. “Darran Tiernan’s innovative visual style and Steven Poster’s tireless advocacy for young filmmakers embody the spirit of excellence and leadership we strive to celebrate at the Emerging Cinematographer Awards,” co-chairs of the ECA committee Eduardo Fierro, SVC, and Amy Vincent, ASC, said in a statement. “It’s a privilege to recognize them both at this year’s awards ceremony.” Tiernan will receive the Distinguished Filmmaker Award for his visual storytelling on his latest project the Prime Video series “Spider-Noir.” His other titles include “The Penguin,” “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty,” “Barry” and “Perry Mason.” Poster will receive the Mentor Award for his advocacy for film crews. Poster shot “Donnie Darko” and “Southland Tales,” along with “Rocky V,” “Amityville: The Awakening” and Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” music video.