Latest news with #Brindisi
Times
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Rape charges against Oscar-winning director Paul Haggis dropped
A judge in the southern Italian town of Brindisi has agreed not to pursue rape charges against the Oscar-winning Canadian film director Paul Haggis three years after Haggis was arrested at a film festival in Puglia. Judge Vilma Gilli accepted a prosecutor's request to drop the case against Haggis, who was arrested in 2022 while in Puglia to make a promotional film and attend the Allora Film Festival in Ostuni. Haggis won Oscars for writing Million Dollar Baby, which was directed by Clint Eastwood and named best picture in 2005, and for directing the following year's best picture winner, Crash. Haggis, 72, was put under house arrest for two weeks in June 2022 after being accused of sexual assault and aggravated injuries by
BBC News
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Paul Haggis: Rape case against Oscar-winning writer dropped in Italy
An Italian judge has dismissed sexual assault charges against Oscar-winning writer Paul Haggis, three years after he was is known for writing and directing the Oscar-winning 2004 film Crash, as well as co-writing James Bond films Casino Royale and Quantum of was arrested in Brindisi in 2022 after being accused of rape by a British woman who had attended a film festival with him."A false allegation is a terrible thing," he told reporters in the city on Thursday. "It was very hard on my family, and myself as well, I guess. I felt very bad for my family and now, really I feel grateful." He added: "I feel very grateful to the judiciary, the judge, and for my avvocato [lawyer] for his incredible strength and for his ability to see the truth and lay it out simply and understandably so that everyone can see."Haggis's lawyers told the Reuters news agency that a court judge had ruled no sexual act took place without consent."For Mr Haggis, it is the end of a nightmare that has unfairly shattered the career of a film genius and 2006 Oscar winner," they said in a Canadian film-maker, 72, added that he had applied for residency in Italy and planned to live there a separate case in 2022, Haggis was ordered to pay $10m in damages after being found liable in a civil trial for raping a woman. He denied the allegations and never faced any criminal charges in the case.
Reuters
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Reuters
Oscar-winner Paul Haggis cleared of sex charges in Italy, lawyers say
MILAN, May 7 (Reuters) - An Italian judge has dismissed a case against Oscar-winning screenwriter and director Paul Haggis for alleged rape, his lawyers said on Wednesday. Haggis, 72, was detained in June 2022 and spent 14 days under house arrest after a British woman accused him of raping her over a two-day period in the southern Italian town of Ostuni in the Puglia region, where he was teaching at a film event. The court judge in the nearby city of Brindisi ruled no sexual act took place without consent, Haggis' lawyers said. "For Mr Haggis, it is the end of a nightmare that has unfairly shattered the career of a film genius and 2006 Oscar winner," lawyers Michele Laforgia and Daniele Romeo said in a statement. Haggis co-wrote and directed "Crash", a 2004 crime drama for which he won two Oscars, and also wrote "Million Dollar Baby", a sports drama directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, which was released the same year. Haggis' lawyers said he would hold a press conference on Thursday at their law firm's offices in Bari, Puglia's regional capital. The lawyer of the woman who filed the complaint against the screenwriter was not immediately available to comment.
Zawya
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Galaxy Macau™ Presents: ANDREA BOCELLI Live in Concert – A Soul-Stirring Spectacle
Where Classical Majesty Met Modern Magic The 'Voice of God' Ignites Galaxy Arena MACAU SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 April 2025 - Galaxy Arena, Macau's new cultural landmark, hosted an unforgettable evening on March 29 as the world's most beloved tenor, Andrea Bocelli, staged his debut solo concert in the city. Presented by Galaxy Macau™, the highly anticipated event drew a sold-out crowd of adoring fans from Greater China and across Asia-Pacific — all embracing the evening as a once-in-a-lifetime musical pilgrimage. A transcendent musical voyage spanning operatic masterpieces, cinematic scores, and beloved pop anthems, the performance unfolded as a soul-stirring odyssey, leaving the audience spellbound by its emotional depth and artistic brilliance. As the first tenor to grace Galaxy Arena, Andrea Bocelli has made his long-awaited return to Asian stages after a nine-year hiatus — a concert brimming with historic significance. He has mesmerized audiences with his celestial "Voice of God" and a masterfully curated song list that bridged classical grandeur and contemporary resonance. The concert was elevated by a world-class ensemble under the baton of renowned conductor Carlo Bernini, alongside virtuoso flutist Andrea Griminelli and soprano Mariam Battistelli. The stage also welcomed special guests Amy Manford and Matteo Bocelli, Andrea Bocelli's son, whose heartfelt duet with his father became the evening's most poignant moment. Classical Mastery: From Opera's Golden Age to Pop Anthems The concert unfolded in two breathtaking acts, each a testament to Andrea Bocelli's artistic range. The first act paid homage to opera's titans—Verdi and Puccini—with Andrea Bocelli's voice cascading through the arena in spellbinding renditions of La Donna È Mobile from Rigoletto, Addio Fiorito Asil from Madama Butterfly, and the effervescent Brindisi from La Traviata. Each aria, delivered with surgical vocal precision and volcanic emotional intensity, transported the audience to the golden age of Italian opera. The second act celebrated Andrea Bocelli's versatility, weaving through iconic film scores and beloved pop classics. Ennio Morricone's American Theme Medley evoked cinematic nostalgia, while duets like The Prayer and My Heart Will Go On resonated with universal emotion. The finale, Canto della Terra — a signature collaboration with Sarah Brightman — sealed the evening with a crescendo of hope and unity. The evening's pinnacle arrived as Matteo Bocelli joined his father onstage, their embrace met with thunderous applause. Their duet of Fall On Me epitomized the magic of artistic lineage. Matteo Bocelli's voice, mirroring his father's celestial timbre, revealed a mastery of phrasing and emotional nuance that transcended generations. As their harmonies intertwined, the audience witnessed not just a musical performance, but a profound celebration of legacy, love and the enduring power of musical art. At last, Andrea Bocelli performed 3 encore songs Con te partirò , Perfect Symphony and Nessun dorma, ending the brilliant night with audiences' thunderous applause. A New Chapter for Macau's Cultural Landscape In his closing remarks, Andrea Bocelli extended heartfelt gratitude to Macau's enthusiastic audience, lauding the city's vibrant spirit and warm embrace. "This evening will remain etched in my heart," he declared, "and I do look forward to coming back again to share my music." Galaxy Arena has reaffirmed again its status as a world-class venue with this historic event. Its state-of-the-art acoustics and opulent ambiance provided the perfect canvas for Andrea Bocelli's vocals, allowing his "Voice of God" to resonate with breathtaking clarity. As Galaxy Macau continues to host international spectacles, it promises an ever-evolving tapestry of cultural experiences to Macau locals and global tourists alike, solidifying Macau's reputation as the City of Performing Arts. Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the "Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World". Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world's longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate. As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies. Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world's most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests' service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different caliber of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game. Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai's golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavors & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavors at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group's ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau. For more details, please visit and Galaxy Entertainment Group
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'This amazing man has meant so much'
Feb. 7—Michael Brindisi got his start in theater while in Albert Lea Albert Leans are remembering fondly the co-owner and artistic director at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, who died Wednesday after leaving an indelible mark on Albert Lea theater decades before. "All of us at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres are profoundly devastated to make the announcement that our leader, mentor, colleague and most dear friend, Michael Anthony Brindisi, passed away very unexpectedly today following a very brief illness," the theater posted on its Facebook page on Wednesday. "This amazing man has meant so much to our Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' family, and this news is utterly shocking to us all." Brindisi had well over 100 productions to his credit and was preparing for his fourth production of "Grease." "His extreme passion for life and his love for what we do here for our employees, actors, musicians and audiences is something that is broadly evident in everything he did," the post said. According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Brindisi grew up in a close-knit Italian neighborhood in Philadelphia and went to his first Broadway show in 10th grade, and was smitten with the production. His parents wanted him to go to college, so he enrolled at Philadelphia's Temple University but he never went to class because he would rather direct and act in plays and ultimately flunked out. The newspaper said in his second attempt at college, he went to Lea College in Albert Lea. While in Albert Lea he directed the first show at Lea College and went on to serve as artistic director for Albert Lea Community Theatre for several years. "You couldn't help but remember him the moment you met him," said Rosalie Truax about Brindisi in an interview with the Tribune in 2023. He was immediately embraced by a number of families in Albert Lea and quickly got involved with Albert Lea Community Theatre. Glen Parsons said he moved to Albert Lea in 1970 right out of college to teach here and the first show he did with Brindisi was "Fiddler on the Roof." He remembered others, including "Carousel," "Kiss Me Kate," "On Golden Pond" and "The Three Penny Opera." "The thing about Michael — when he was just meeting the cast for the first time with a new show, he had this fire about him," Parsons said. "He had so much enthusiasm, and it was so energy, that enthusiasm got the cast excited to prepare the show." Parsons said his wife and daughter also worked with him, his daughter, Andrea, performing a few years with Chanhassen. "His passion was just always there for every project," Parsons said. "Every show he just brought so much energy and so much attention do detail. It was just so much fun to work for him because he was so enthusiastic." Parsons said seeing how Brindisi directed made him become a better director, too. After graduating in 1970, Brindisi went away for a while, directed a play at Chanhassen and has been connected there ever since. He and his wife, Michelle Barber Brindisi, later started a professional summer theater in Albert Lea, which became known as Minnesota Festival Theatre. The theater ran for about 18 years. Brindisi and his wife liked to stay connected to Albert Lea as it is the place he got his start in theater. He still had many friends here.
