Latest news with #CultureDepartment
The National
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
As a millennial, here are six life lessons I've learnt from my Gen-Z friends
Evelyn is an Assistant Features Editor working in the Arts & Culture and Lifestyle departments. May 23, 2025
Telegraph
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Lisa Nandy's Culture Department faces axe
Lisa Nandy's Culture Department is facing the axe in Downing Street's civil service efficiency drive, throwing her Cabinet future into doubt. The move would bring to an end 33 years of a standalone government department for arts and cultural matters, amounting to a major Whitehall overhaul. It would also leave Ms Nandy, the Culture Secretary who once stood against Sir Keir for the Labour leadership, out of a job. A decision would be needed on whether to create space for her elsewhere on the front bench. Currently there are no Cabinet vacancies. No 10 insiders believe the existing policy briefs that sit in the Culture Department could easily be moved into other departments. But it would likely mean some job cuts. There is a wider drive from Sir Keir's allies to streamline the Civil Service, including reducing overall running costs by 15 per cent and relocating roles out of London. 'Plan for change' A Whitehall insider familiar with thinking said: 'If we want to deliver the Plan for Change you can't just do business as usual. You have to do stuff differently, you have to be reformers.' The so-called 'plan for change' is a reference to Sir Keir's priorities in office. The plan was published in December and includes targets for slashing NHS waiting lists and improving early educational standards. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, as it is formally called, has had various iterations and titles during its three decades of existence. It was created by the Conservatives in 1992 as the Department of National Heritage and covered the arts, broadcasting, film, sport, architecture and historic sites, royal parks and tourism. An early achievement was overseeing the creation of the National Lottery, which was launched during Sir John Major's premiership. It has been through many changes. In 2023, culture ministers lost oversight of online safety rules when they were moved into the newly created Science, Innovation and Technology Department. Formal advice on closing the Culture Department was drafted for Sir Keir's speech on March 13 when he announced the abolition of NHS England and vowed to tackle government 'bureaucracy'. Ultimately, the announcement was not made then but The Telegraph understands that there remains interest in taking the move in Number 10. No final decision has been locked in. The abolition of the body would lead to a carve-up of which other departments should take over responsibility for specific policy areas. Areas covering cultural issues and the arts could be given to the Communities Department, under early thinking, while media matters could be moved to the Business Department. Who would become responsible for the BBC licence fee would be closely watched, given how many millions of Britons pay it every year. The drive behind the change is understood not to be a wish for a wider reshuffle. Downing Street continues to insist '100 per cent' that no major reshuffle is being planned for the near future. One well-placed Starmer ally said: 'It is about a lean and agile state. It is not about individuals or reshuffles.' But the move would raise questions about what happens to the department's ministers: Ms Nandy, Sir Chris Bryant, the creative industries minister, and two parliamentary under-secretaries of state: Stephanie Peacock and Baroness Twycross. Ms Nandy ran against Sir Keir in the 2020 Labour leadership race, finishing a distant third behind both Sir Keir and Rebecca Long-Bailey. She was handed the senior role of shadow foreign secretary in Sir Keir's first front bench appointments but was demoted twice: first to shadow communities secretary in November 2021 and then to shadow international development minister in September 2023. Ms Nandy was unexpectedly given the Culture Secretary role when Labour won office last summer after Baroness Debbonaire, who held the shadow brief, lost her seat as an MP in the general election. Sir Keir and his inner circle have hardened their views of the Civil Service and the need for reform after becoming frustrated with how hard it has proved to deliver their policy goals. The Prime Minister surprised some commentators and civil service trade union representatives when he criticised the approach of officials in a speech in December. Sir Keir said: 'Too many people in Whitehall are comfortable in the tepid bath of managed decline. Have forgotten, to paraphrase JFK, that you choose change, not because it's easy but because it's hard.'
Business Recorder
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Heritage structure: Sindh govt takes action against demolition
KARACHI: The Government of Sindh has taken decisive action following the unlawful demolition of the heritage structure known as 'Kharas House,' located at Plot No. FT- 4/14, Bath Island Road, Clifton Road, Frere Town Quarters, Karachi. As per details this heritage property, was officially declared protected on March 8, 2018, by the Culture Department of Sindh, had been recognized for its historical and architectural value and was therefore safeguarded under the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act. Following an inquiry ordered by Chief Secretary Sindh, Asif Hyder Shah, the Commissioner Karachi, submitted a comprehensive inquiry report which has brought to light severe irregularities, deliberate violations, and a nexus between government officials and the private owner aimed at the unlawful demolition of the heritage building. The inquiry revealed that the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), in a blatant disregard of the law, issued a demolition permit without consulting the Heritage Department, thereby violating mandatory legal procedures. The investigation revealed that SBCA's Technical Committee on Dangerous Buildings initiated the process on January 4, 2024, without the required participation of professional bodies such as PCATP and ABAD. Despite noting that the structure 'seemed to be heritage' and required verification, the SBCA granted demolition permission to the owner, Ms. Dhummai Cowasjee Kanja, on October 18, 2024, without consulting the Culture Department. SBCA later attempted to justify the demolition using a court order from an unrelated case (Suit No. 666 of 2024), a claim the inquiry deemed entirely baseless. The inquiry also noted that key steps were taken post-facto to cover up the illegal act, including a backdated request to the owner for heritage clarification and a sealing order issued in April 2025. Notably, the demolition began during the Eid holidays when government offices were closed, indicating a calculated attempt to evade oversight. It was the Deputy Commissioner South, not SBCA or the Culture Department, who first noticed and attempted to halt the demolition. Meanwhile, SBCA attempted to cover its tracks by cancelling permissions and sending notices only after the demolition had commenced. TCS records confirmed that these notices were issued late, with no timely warning to the Assistant Commissioner, which prevented effective intervention. The report portrays a clear case of misconduct and manipulation, with recommendations for criminal proceedings against responsible SBCA officials and the property owner. In light of these findings and recommendations the Chief Secretary has ordered that criminal cases (FIRs) be immediately registered against Ashfaq Hussain (Director South, SBCA), Agha Kashif (Deputy Director South, SBCA), and Dhummai Cowasjee Kanja (the owner of the property). It has also recommended that the matter be referred to the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) for further investigation, and that the named officials be suspended with immediate effect to ensure transparency and impartiality in the inquiry. The entire matter was also brought to the knowledge of the Chief Minister Sindh, who reviewed the findings of the inquiry and fully endorsed the actions taken against the responsible officers. The Chief Minister expressed grave concern over the unlawful demolition of a protected heritage site and emphasized the need for strict accountability and reiterated the government's firm stance on the protection of Sindh's cultural heritage. Chief Secretary Sindh, Asif Hyder Shah, has also instructed the Culture Department to immediately begin a citywide survey and mapping of all declared heritage buildings in Karachi. The Chief Secretary also directed that disciplinary proceedings be initiated against the Deputy Director (Heritage), Culture, Tourism, Antiquities & Archives Department, under the applicable Efficiency and Discipline (E&D) Rules, for failure to discharge duties and prevent the illegal demolition. The Chief Secretary emphasized that any individual found involved in endangering or destroying the cultural heritage of Sindh would face severe legal and administrative consequences. It is important to mention that on April 23, 2025, shortly after the demolition came to light, the Chief Secretary had expressed serious concern over the matter and directed the Commissioner Karachi to conduct an inquiry and submit a detailed report. The government is committed to preserving the cultural and architectural legacy of Sindh and will ensure that justice is served in the Kharas House case. This incident serves as a stern warning to all individuals and officials who may attempt similar violations in the future. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Broadcast Pro
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Mostafa El Kashef wins award at Diagonale for ‘The Village Next to Paradise'
'The Village Next to Paradise' is a 2024 drama film written and directed by Mo Harawe in his feature-length debut. Egyptian cinematographer Mostafa El Kashef has clinched the Best Cinematography Award at the Diagonale – Festival of Austrian Film in Graz for his work on The Village Next to Paradise, a Somali feature by director Mo Harawe. This marks El Kashef's second cinematography award for the film. The film also received Best Fiction Feature at the festival, with the jury praising its 'fine sense of nuance' and 'gentle impact.' In addition to the accolades, the film was awarded €15,000 from the Culture Department of the Federal State of Styria, a €1,000 prize and €3,000 advertising credit from streaming platform watchAUT, and a €4,000 voucher from The Grand Post – Post Production House. Set against the backdrop of a remote Somali desert village, The Village Next to Paradise follows a newly formed family as they navigate love, trust and resilience amidst civil unrest and environmental hardship. The film is Mo Harawe's feature directorial debut and the first-ever Somali-shot film to screen at Cannes, where it premiered to a standing ovation in the Un Certain Regard section. El Kashef's cinematography has been a key element in the film's international success, previously earning him Best Cinematography at the Carthage Film Festival. The film has collected six additional international awards from prestigious festivals in Chicago, Sarajevo, Munich, Cork, and Marrakech and won Best Austrian Film at the Viennale. Critics have widely celebrated the film's visuals, with The Hollywood Reporter's Lovia Gyarkye calling the imagery 'truly striking,' while Screendaily's Nikki Baughan praised its 'striking visual literacy.' Featuring rising Somali talents such as Ahmed Ali Farah, Ahmed Mohamud Saleban and Anab Ahmed Ibrahim, the film is an international co-production between FreibeuterFilm (Austria), Kazak Productions (France), Niko Film (Germany), and Maanmaal ACC (Somalia). International sales are handled by Totem Films, with Jour2Fête managing French distribution and MAD Distribution covering the MENA region. El Kashef, a celebrated member of the MAD Crew, is also known for his work on 13 cinematic projects including his debut feature 19 B, which earned him the Best Artistic Contribution Award at the Cairo International Film Festival. His earlier short films such as My Festival, Jebel Banat, and This Is My Night have garnered critical acclaim, including a Best Cinematography win at Cinemaz Brasil.
Egypt Today
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Egyptian DOP Mostafa El Kashef wins Best Cinematography at Festival of Austrian Film
Egyptian DOP Mostafa El Kashef wins Best Cinematography at Festival of Austrian Film for his film THE VILLAGE NEXT TO PARADISE Marking his second award for the film and further showcasing his exceptional talent, DOP Mostafa El Kashef has won the Best Cinematography Award for his work on the Somali film THE VILLAGE NEXT TO PARADISE by Mo Harawe, at the Diagonale - Festival of Austrian Film, held in Graz from March 27th to April 1st. In addition to this award, THE VILLAGE NEXT TO PARADISE won Best Fiction Feature at the festival, with the jury praising it for its 'fine sense of nuance, developing its gentle impact in the process.' It also received €15,000 from the Culture Department of the Federal State of Styria, €1,000 donated by streaming platform watchAUT, a €3,000 coupon for ads on watchAUT, and a €4,000 donation as a voucher by The Grand Post – Post Production House. THE VILLAGE NEXT TO PARADISE previously won El Kashef the Best Cinematography Award at the Tunisian Carthage Film Festival and has garnered six other awards from various festivals, including Chicago, Sarajevo, Munich, Cork, and Marrakech, along with the Best Austrian Film Award at the Viennale. Set in a windy Somali desert village, THE VILLAGE NEXT TO PARADISE revolves around a newly assembled family that must navigate between their different aspirations and the complex world surrounding them. Love, trust, and resilience will power them through their life paths - even amidst the throes of civil war and natural disasters. This film marks El Kashef's second feature-length film, which is the first ever film to be shot in Somalia to screen at Cannes and the recipient of a post-production prize from the Atlas Workshops of the Marrakech Film Festival and a Locarno Industry award, enjoyed widespread popularity and a packed world premiere at the festival's Un Certain Regard, with the general audience hailing the film and giving it a standing ovation. The film also took the internet by storm, receiving widespread praise from prominent critics worldwide, who lauded its exceptional cinematography in their reviews. This included Lovia Gyarke of The Hollywood Reporter, who described El Kashef's cinematography as "offering truly striking images," and Nikki Baughan of Screendaily, who highlighted the film's "striking visual literacy." Written and directed by Harawe as his feature-length directorial debut, the film is a poignant take on Somali life that features a cast of emerging Somali actors, including Ahmed Ali Farah, Ahmed Mohamud Saleban, and Anab Ahmed Ibrahim.
