Latest news with #97thAcademyAwards
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Oscar-Nominated 'The Last Ranger' Reveals Poaching Reality
Oscar-nominated film explores the cost of conservation and the value of the rhino. A week ago, I had the privilege of attending the Johannesburg premiere of the Oscar-nominated short film 'The Last Ranger', a powerful film that highlights endangered rhinos and South Africa's poaching crisis while exploring the emotional and ecological realities of rhino poaching in the country. The film has not only captivated international audiences, earning a nomination for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards, but it has also ignited an important conversation about wildlife conservation and the challenges faced by local filmmakers. True story The last Ranger. Picture: Supplied Based on true events and told largely in isiXhosa, The Last Ranger follows Khuselwa, a committed game ranger in the Eastern Cape, and Litha, a curious young Xhosa girl who becomes her apprentice. Together, they represent two generations grappling with the dangers of poaching and the cultural weight of protecting one of the world's most endangered animals, the rhino. 'This isn't just a film; it's a window into a world many of us rarely see,' said Maluṱa Netshaulu, head of social impact portfolio development at Nedbank, who spoke at the premiere. ALSO READ:BET, MTV Africa and other channels may shut down as Paramount reviews strategy 'It's a reminder of the massive costs, both monetary and emotional, that conservation demands.' Although The Last Ranger didn't take home the Oscar, its impact is undeniable. Director Cindy Lee and her team at Kindred Films and Studio Aether have delivered a visually arresting and emotionally stirring piece that highlights the intersection of environmental protection, cultural tradition, and socioeconomic factors. From awe to anger Maluṱa Netshaulu, head of social impact portfolio development at Nedbank. Picture: Supplied In a nutshell, you will cry watching it. 'After watching The Last Ranger, I can say with confidence that we're all experiencing a mix of emotions, from awe to sadness and a touch of anger,' said Netshaulu. 'That's the power of good storytelling.' Filmed in remote parts of the Eastern Cape, the production faced numerous challenges, including the high cost of working with animals. The film's rhino star, 'Thandi', was played by multiple animals. Yet the team persevered, determined to show the world what's at stake. The young actress who plays Litha, a 14-year-old with a deep emotional connection to the role, brought added authenticity. 'I tear up easily,' she said at the screening, 'and there were many scenes that made it feel very real. Litha's love for rhinos mirrors my own.' The Last Ranger is also a poignant commentary on the lack of support for the arts in South Africa. Rhino safety While the country has no shortage of compelling stories, many filmmakers struggle to secure the financial backing needed to bring their visions to life. 'Getting funding for a film in South Africa is incredibly hard,' said director Cindy Lee. 'We approached people who believed in the story. And we were lucky that Nedbank and the WWF got behind us.' Speaking to Netshaulu, I learned something new. The involvement extended beyond monetary support. For more than 35 years, the bank has collaborated with WWF through the Green Trust, a flagship conservation fund committed to building sustainable partnerships between nature and communities. This commitment is evident in other impactful projects supported by the trust. Community involvement The Last Ranger cast members. Picture: Supplied In KwaZulu-Natal, the Somkhanda Game Reserve is a Big Five reserve owned entirely by the Gumbi people. 'With Green Trust support, the community receives direct tourism revenue, which funds schools, clinics, and local businesses,' he said. ALSO READ: WATCH: Build One South Africa's Mmusi Maimane's gets his PhD In Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, partnerships between Wildlife ACT, Ezemvelo, and local communities focus on human-wildlife coexistence and support for small-scale entrepreneurs. 'That's how conservation can work for people, not against them,' said Netshaulu. Back in the film, the emotional stakes are high. Khuselwa's role as a ranger is a symbol of strength and sacrifice, and her mentorship of Litha shows the transmission of values across generations. The tension in the film is not just about poachers and rhinos but about survival, identity, hope, and love for the natural surroundings. While it has yet to be released in South African cinemas, its message is already reverberating. The Last Ranger's impact is undeniable. It has opened a much-needed dialogue — not only about wildlife, but about the wild terrain of independent filmmaking in South Africa. It will leave you deeply moved and, perhaps, a little more inspired to protect what's ours.
UPI
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
Famous birthdays for July 22: Willem Dafoe, Rhys Ifans
1 of 3 | Willem Dafoe arrives on the red carpet for the 97th Academy Awards in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles on March 2. The actor turns 70 on July 22. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
GMA Network
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
'Dune: Part Three,' starring Timothée Chalamet, begins production
Production is officially underway for "Dune: Part Three," with Timothée Chalamet reprising his role as Paul Atreides. The announcement was made via the film's official X account, which posted a photo of a desert landscape by director Denis Villeneuve, captioned: '…on a journey into that land where we walk without footprints.' According to Variety, the film's official title is "Dune: Part Three," not "Dune Messiah" as previously speculated. Some scenes will also be shot using IMAX cameras. The third installment follows the success of "Dune: Part Two," released in 2024, which won Best Sound and Best Visual Effects at the 97th Academy Awards. 'Dune: Part One' was released in 2021. The film series is adapted from Frank Herbert's legendary book series of the same name. "...on a journey into that land where we walk without footprints." Production has begun on the next film in Denis Villeneuve's Dune trilogy. ???? Denis Villeneuve ???? Arrakis — DUNE (@dunemovie) July 8, 2025 —Hermes Joy Tunac/JCB, GMA Integrated News
The Star
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Silence is not consent
For many women, silence is not consent – it's survival. That was the unspoken truth at the heart of Julie Keeps Quiet, the Belgian film recently screened in Kuala Lumpur. The event – hosted by the Embassy of Belgium in collaboration with the All Women's Action Society (Awam) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Malaysia – was more than just a cinematic experience; it emphasised the need for more discourse on the issue of sexual harassment in sports. Set within the walls of a prestigious Belgian tennis academy, Julie Keeps Quiet tells the story of a young tennis player who withholds her voice after her coach is suspended following allegations of misconduct. The film, Belgium's official submission to the 97th Academy Awards, does not offer easy answers. Instead, it presents an unsettling reality that many survivors of abuse recognise: that silence is often less a decision than a consequence. Van Acker says the film highlights the many sensitive issues involved in sexual harassment and that solutions are required. "Despite its title, the film by no means suggests that keeping quiet is a solution to sexual harassment," clarified Belgium's Ambassador to Malaysia, Peter Van Acker, in his opening remarks. "But it highlights the many sensitive issues involved, and that solutions are required." Now in its 40th year, Awam has seen firsthand how deeply rooted gender-based violence is in Malaysia, Awam president Ho Yock Lin said in her welcome address. "Since our Telenita helpline was established in 1991, we've received over 15,000 calls from survivors. This year alone, we've already handled eight workplace sexual harassment cases – and those are just the tip of the iceberg. "Seventy-five per cent of women in the Asia-Pacific region have experienced sexual harassment. In 2023 alone, Malaysia recorded 522 official cases, with nearly 30 involving the national sports sector," she said. Ho says when athletes are subjected to inappropriate comments or unwanted advances, the playing field becomes a space of fear, silence and lost potential. "Sports is supposed to be empowering. But when athletes are subjected to inappropriate comments or unwanted advances, the playing field becomes a space of fear, silence and lost potential," she added. "As such, 'Me Too' stories shouldn't be a rite of passage – they should be a call to action," said Ho. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who officiated the event, reaffirmed the government's commitment to safer sporting environments in her keynote address. In 2023, the ministry introduced the Safe Sport Code – Malaysia's first comprehensive framework to address misconduct and abuse in the sporting world. "Safe spaces in sports are not optional – they are essential,' said Yeoh. Safe spaces in sports are not optional – they are essential, said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. The Code outlines five core offences – sexual harassment, sexual grooming, psychological misconduct, physical misconduct and bullying. Since its launch, 49 complaints have been lodged under the Safe Sport mechanism – 40 of them involving the National Sports Council. "The more we raise awareness, the more people will feel safe to come forward," Yeoh said. Training and preventive work are ongoing. More than 3,700 individuals – including coaches, staff and athletes – have completed the Safe Sports Course. Background checks are now mandatory for all coaches under the National Sports Council, and efforts are underway to expand this nationwide. Still, policy alone isn't enough and there is still much work to be done, she said. "To truly challenge the culture of silence, we must address a range of cultural and structural issues by ensuring anonymous support for survivors, raising awareness and educating people, and fighting gender stereotypes." (Anonymous support involves protecting the identity and ensuring the privacy of the survivor when they report or testify, so that the perpetrator doesn't retaliate, threaten or further harm them.) (from left) Ng, Sarina, Hoh and Tehmina, at the panel discussion. The film screening was followed by a panel discussion titled "Breaking the Silence: Exploring the Impact of Sexual Harassment in Sports and Beyond". Moderated by broadcast journalist Tehmina Kaoosji, the panel featured national U19 women's team footballer Lauren Hoh Ruyi, former gold-medallist gymnast and Safe Sport Malaysia founder Sarina Sundara Rajah, and Awam legal advisor Dr May Ng. Their insights reflected the realities behind Julie's silence – fear, stigma and power imbalances. "Speaking up shouldn't come at the cost of a person's career," said Hoh. "For survivors, the decision to report abuse often feels like choosing between justice and professional/personal survival." Sarina added, "Silence is often misread as consent. But it's really about power – who has it, and who doesn't feel safe enough to challenge it." Ng addressed the stigma that silences survivors. "There's a myth that silence equals consent but really, it equals fear; fear of not being believed, of being blamed, or of losing your place in the sport you love. We need to flip the burden. Breaking the silence shouldn't fall only on survivors, it should be everyone's shared responsibility." She further pushed for a redesign of the systems meant to protect athletes. "This is not just about punishing perpetrators and wrongdoers. It's about building clubs, schools and reporting channels that centre on the safety and dignity of those most vulnerable." Instead of asking survivors why they didn't speak up, we should ask why the system failed to protect them, said Onabanjo. Photo: UNFPA UNFPA Malaysia representative and Thailand country director Dr Julitta Onabanjo offered a global perspective. "One in three women worldwide will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime," she noted. "The cost is simply too high. Sexual harassment robs athletes of their confidence, their progress and sometimes, their future." She challenged cultural narratives that shift blame onto victims. "Why do we ask survivors why they didn't speak up, instead of asking why the system failed to protect them?" she asked. "The myth of the 'perfect victim' must end. Survivors shouldn't need to be flawless to be believed." In her closing address, Onabanjo emphasised the importance of rejecting rape culture and investing in prevention. "A woman is not harassed because of what she wears," she said. "But because someone chose to harm her." Throughout the discussion, one sentiment echoed again and again: silence is shaped by fear, power and the structures we live within. And changing that requires more than empathy – it requires action. For Awam, UNFPA and the Youth and Sports Ministry, the goal is clear: build systems that survivors can trust. Create spaces where speaking out is not an act of bravery, but a basic right. "Let this film inspire us. Let it move us to action. Whether you're a coach, a policymaker, or a parent, you have a role to play in making sports safer for everyone," Ho concluded.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Oscar-nominated Canadian filmmaker Villeneuve to direct next James Bond film
Denis Villeneuve, fresh off his "Dune" success, will direct the next James Bond film, as announced by Amazon MGM Studios. Villeneuve, a lifelong Bond fan, aims to honor the franchise's tradition while paving the way for new missions. Amazon gained creative control after a financial agreement with long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson. FILE PHOTO: Denis Villeneuve poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 97th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 2, 2025. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Fresh from his success with the "Dune" saga, Denis Villeneuve has been tapped to direct the next movie in the storied James Bond franchise Amazon MGM Studios announced Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond movie , Amazon MGM Studios said on Wednesday (June 25, 2025). Mike Hopkins, head of Amazon MGM Studios, hailed Villeneuve's track record and praised him for "immersive storytelling." "We are honored that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond 's next chapter," he said in the Canadian filmmaker Villeneuve, who recently enjoyed the success of the "Dune" saga, said he grew up watching Bond films with his father. "I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he's sacred territory.'"I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor," he further stated. There is, however, no word yet on who will play Her Majesty's MGM Studios, the online retail giant, has tapped a filmmaker very much in vogue in Hollywood as he makes his first foray into the world of the now-iconic British agent 007, first brought to life seven decades ago by writer Ian Craig's final portrayal of James Bond came in 2021 following the release of "No Time to Die." Since then, 007 has seen many twists and turns. Amazon paid nearly $8.45 billion to buy legendary Hollywood studio MGM in 2022, which included distribution rights to Bond's extensive back for the subsequent three years, the retail behemoth was met with resistance from Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, the franchise's historic producers who for decades had jealously guarded the governance of one of cinema's most valuable company run by Jeff Bezos finally reached a financial agreement with the pair in February to take creative control of the franchise.
