Latest news with #NEA
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
I Helped Pick National Endowment for the Arts Grant Recipients. Trump Eliminated Many of Them
At this year's Cannes Film Festival, Palme d'Or winner Jafar Panahi delivered the ultimate rebuke to the attempted censorship of art: His acclaimed It Was Just an Accident, in which a group of ex-prisoners kidnap their torturer, was made only a short time after his seven-month prison sentence. Over the years, Panahi has confronted attempts to restrict his work through various clandestine methods that may be instructive to Americans in the present climate. If that sounds extreme, look at the evisceration of recent National Endowment for the Arts grants that have proved vital to America's film culture. These decisions suggest an effort to suppress all but the most overt nationalistic efforts from American artists, a fool's errand given the outspoken nature of the creative community, and one that is not unfamiliar around the globe. Censorship has wormed its way into American cinema. More from The Hollywood Reporter Bono Weighs in on Trump-Bruce Springsteen Drama: "There's Only One Boss in America" Trump Pardons Rapper NBA Youngboy, Who Was Sentenced for Gun-Related Charges Trump Plans to Pardon Reality TV Stars Todd and Julie Chrisley In many other countries, efforts to reduce creativity to propaganda often lead to filmmakers navigating the system in unique ways, with some recent examples on display at this year's Cannes. We'll get to that shortly, but first, it's worth considering the immediate impact of the assault on the NEA. The organization's effects may register as minimal relative to film-financing efforts overseas. Watch any random movie in the Cannes selection and you're bound to see a parade of opening credits signaling production resources from across Europe, including many national film funds. America has never possessed any public financing body on that scale, but for years, at least it had the NEA. A week before Cannes, the Trump administration eliminated countless NEA grants that recipients — from theaters to arts organizations — expected to receive. Last summer, I served on an NEA panel that selected a few of these finalists. While I'm not at liberty to reveal those entities, many of them were critical to the support system necessary for cinema to thrive on America's margins: The list included film clubs, festivals, screening series and other collective efforts to sustain an expansive presence for moviegoing beyond the biggest commercial offerings. These funds rarely exceed tens of thousands of dollars, but they help sustain organizations that foster filmmaking on the local level, efforts that help ensure both audiences and artists continue to engage with movies as a part of America's entertainment infrastructure. The decision to disburse these funds unfolded under circumstances rarely discussed in public due to a confidentiality arrangement that, as far as I'm concerned, has been nullified by the cancellations. It was a democratic process the whole way through. NEA administrators shared dozens of applications for panelists to review and required that we share not only numerical scores, but also written comments for each one. This was followed by a series of Zoom conversations that allowed for greater nuance in the decisions made. In essence, the American government outsourced its support of the arts to the creative community. Throughout the deliberations, nobody used the letters 'DEI' to justify their decisions, though the future administration would later claim such logic was behind many of the canceled grants in the months to come. Instead, many of the conversations centered around geographic balance, as applicants from underserved arts communities in states ranging from New Mexico to Florida received special attention, even as established entities in big cities sailed through based on their obvious institutional needs. Because panelists had to provide written feedback with each application, it wasn't possible to simply skim applications for appealing buzzwords. By paying close attention to each submission, panelists grappled with not only the specific needs, but also how each organization or entity made the case. As a result, in early June, we convened to discuss a final top 10 that included a major university as well as several film festivals and financing bodies from across the country. Sure, some of them supported underrepresented communities — but they did more than that. Ironically, given the rhetoric around tariffs and overseas filmmaking taking away American jobs, these resources would have provided a valuable foundation for more production to take place on the local level. Instead, their cancellations amount to explicit censorship, as well as missed opportunities for economic growth. In light of that, this year's Cannes lineup was instructive in unexpected ways, as it demonstrated the way certain filmmakers navigate their own autocratic threats to freedom of expression. Only at Cannes could one find immediate parallels between Iran, Israel and Ukraine. All three countries produced major cinematic works that contend with life under oppressive leadership, despite those countries having oversight on the stories they tell. Panahi's It Was Just an Accident is a searing indictment of the country's regime. It's safe to say that no major filmmaker has courted the animus of his government as much as Panahi, who has found savvy ways to direct movies even while officially banned from making them. His diary-like home production This Is Not a Film was produced under house arrest, while the masterful Taxi was shot within the confines of a cab that the director himself drove around Tehran. Panahi was jailed for nearly seven months between 2022 and 2023, but stuck around upon his release to make It Was Just an Accident with his usual savviness. According to sources on the production, Panahi submitted the project to Iran's Ministry of Culture for shooting permits by describing it as a documentary. Sometimes you have to break the rules to produce the art worth fighting for. Then there is Nadav Lapid's Yes, which follows a hard-partying Tel Aviv couple conflicted over the war in Gaza. Lapid has long cast a critical gaze on his country with celebrated works such as Policeman and Syndromes, but Yes marks his first undertaking since the Oct. 7 attack. It's a brazen and shocking satire of a nation living comfortably while unspeakable horrors take place on their doorstep. Directing the movie in the immediate aftermath of Israel's Gaza invasion, Lapid had to work under guerrilla conditions, outsourcing his financing needs to France, and finding additional support from the independent financing body the Israel Film Fund. Lapid reportedly gained a secondary citizenship in France to receive international financing as a means of overcoming the limited support he received on the homefront, where the government was wary of his production during such divisive times. Censorship has gradually crept into Israeli society, with the government often taking a hard line against even the hint of pro-Palestinian sentiments in locally produced art. Lapid's new movie certainly has that, though it couches the perspective within a pair of protagonists clearly divided over their allegiances. This appears to have been a storytelling tactic that allowed the movie to sneak through the hurdles necessary to get made. One last example stems from a subtler form of censorship. In 2023, Ukrainian director Sergei Loznitsa was booted from the Ukrainian Film Academy after he voiced opposition to the decision to exclude Russian films from the European Film Awards. 'Many friends and colleagues, Russian filmmakers, have taken a stand against this insane war,' Loznitsa wrote in an open letter at the time. 'They are victims, as we are, of this aggression.' Loznitsa's latest movie, Two Prosecutors, serves as the next stage of that response. Set in the Soviet Union circa 1937, the bracing drama finds a newly graduated law student attempting to exonerate an imprisoned prosecutor falsely accused by Stalin's regime. An idealist who believes in the law, the young prosecutor finds himself lost in a Kafkaesque labyrinth of prison cells in his efforts to locate and assist the prisoner — who has resigned himself to his fate. Despite the gloomy overtones, Loznitsa's powerful movie asserts that goodness hides within the confines of institutional control, worming its way through the boundaries of bureaucratic red tape in an effort to do some good. In America, there is no shortage of similar stories demanding to be told, no matter the economic censorship that might slow them down. Seek international support, bury the lead or hide in the shadows to make the work as pure as possible: These are the global lessons for America from this year's Cannes Film Festival. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025 Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Letters to the Editor: As NEA grants are targeted again, a reader recounts how one made an impact
To the editor: Upon receiving my bachelor of architecture degree in 1973, I was hired by the urban design unit of the city of Chicago's planning department. My job was to be the main writer of a community development guideline document for the redevelopment of the downtown banks of the Chicago River. This position was funded in its entirety by a National Endowment for the Arts grant, and the document was published in 1974 ('Art for art's sake, or the president's?' May 27). After moving to San Diego in 1982, my wife and I returned to Chicago in 2019. Much to my genuine glee, as we crossed the Michigan Avenue bridge over the Chicago River, I saw that nearly every concept in that NEA-funded document had come to fruition. The desired public-private investment into what was then a severely underutilized urban "amenity" had produced a full-of-life area in place of a semi-forgotten element of the city's core (except for when it's being dyed green on St. Patrick's Day). Accessibility, climate considerations and the like were promoted in that 1974 document, and the proof of its value was in that corridor. Would the city have paid for the document without the NEA? Perhaps, but with the NEA's help, I am sure it was created much sooner and now has proved its long-term value. Saving a relative few dollars on such a valuable resource (for all of the arts) makes little sense. Dan Linn, La Jolla This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- General
- Los Angeles Times
Letters to the Editor: As NEA grants are targeted again, a reader recounts how one made an impact
To the editor: Upon receiving my bachelor of architecture degree in 1973, I was hired by the urban design unit of the city of Chicago's planning department. My job was to be the main writer of a community development guideline document for the redevelopment of the downtown banks of the Chicago River. This position was funded in its entirety by a National Endowment for the Arts grant, and the document was published in 1974 ('Art for art's sake, or the president's?' May 27). After moving to San Diego in 1982, my wife and I returned to Chicago in 2019. Much to my genuine glee, as we crossed the Michigan Avenue bridge over the Chicago River, I saw that nearly every concept in that NEA-funded document had come to fruition. The desired public-private investment into what was then a severely underutilized urban 'amenity' had produced a full-of-life area in place of a semi-forgotten element of the city's core (except for when it's being dyed green on St. Patrick's Day). Accessibility, climate considerations and the like were promoted in that 1974 document, and the proof of its value was in that corridor. Would the city have paid for the document without the NEA? Perhaps, but with the NEA's help, I am sure it was created much sooner and now has proved its long-term value. Saving a relative few dollars on such a valuable resource (for all of the arts) makes little sense. Dan Linn, La Jolla
Hans India
2 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Eczema and Asthma: The Hidden Connection
Eczema and Asthma – two inflammatory conditions that often co-occur, are affecting millions worldwide. In a survey, it was found that around 25% of atopic dermatitis patients were also diagnosed with asthma at the same time. This led to an inquisitiveness among medical researchers to understand the hidden connection between these two. Eczema Eczema means 'Vicharchika' in Ayurveda. It results in itching, inflammation, and formation of scaly patches on the skin. This commonly manifests in childhood but can emerge in adulthood as well. According to the non-profit National Eczema Association (NEA), here are the current statistics of eczema: ● Worldwide, 10% to 20% are children survivors ● Around 2% to 10% are adults According to Ayurvedic theory, this condition is a result of imbalanced bodily energies (doshas), mainly Kapha and Pitta doshas. Under Ayurvedic treatment for atopic eczema, these energies are primarily managed to help address the root cause of eczema occurrence. Asthma 'Swasa Roga' – an Ayurvedic term for Asthma. It is marked by inflammation and the narrowing of the airways. As per the reports of the WHO (World Health Organization), the count of people with asthma has crawled up to around 260 million globally. The common signs of Swasa Roga that one has to survive are shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. In the initial stage, this disease is treatable. However, it can become chronic and incurable with time due to improper management or medical attention. But there is still hope. Ayurveda is one such avenue by which asthma patients receive relief from the painful exacerbations that they are forced to experience. The Connection Between Eczema And Asthma Atopic March This phenomenon of co-occurrence of eczema and asthma, is referred to as the 'atopic march'. The studies have proven that up to 80% of children with eczema may become the victim to allergies and asthma in the future. One of the top leading Ayurvedic doctors of India, Dr. Mukesh Sharda has shared, 'People who have severe or chronic eczema are significantly more likely to catch asthma'. A few factors can further increase the risk, such as family history, high immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, and early sensitivity to allergens. Role Of Immune System People with both conditions often have mutations in their gene named FLG (filaggrin). This is a gene that maintains the skin's barrier. In case of a defective skin barrier, allergens are free to enter the body, triggering an immune response that will eventually lead to asthma. Plus, as shared above, people who are dealing with eczema and asthma often have higher levels of IgE antibodies. This makes them more reactive to allergens. For eg., dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. Hidden Facts & Recent Findings The emerging research continues to shed light on the eczema-asthma connection. ● In a 2023 study from Stanford University, they found that the patients with asthma or eczema have around a 58% higher risk of developing osteoarthritis (in approx. 10 years). Worst part? This risk is doubled for individuals with both conditions. ● 40% of children with eczema develop asthma by age 5. This highlights the importance of early and proper medical intervention for management. ● Air pollution and climate change have doubled the prevalence of both conditions in the past 50 years. ● Some eczema patients experience 'asthma attacks' due to skin inflammation, even though without any direct involvement of the lungs. The Ayurvedic Management Approach of Dr. Sharda Ayurveda Ayurveda offers a unique way of dealing with various health diseases, and being deeply connected to its roots, Dr. Sharda Ayurveda's team follows the same path. As eczema and asthma are 2 different health disorders, they both are managed in a significant manner. Ayurveda believes that the root cause of each skin disease lies somewhere within the body itself. Thus, the treatment is not just topical for symptomatic relief. Therefore, under Ayurvedic skin treatment, detoxification therapies are offered to cleanse the body. Plus, herbal remedies and nutritional adjustments in the Eczema diet are also prescribed as required. Whereas, managing respiratory conditions with Ayurvedic strategies may include breathing exercises and modifications in lifestyle and eating habits. However, each patient is offered a unique plan. It is completely personalized as per the body type of the patient and the severity of their disease. Sum Up Understanding the link between asthma and eczema aids in finding a proper cure for the condition. Ayurvedic medicine offers valuable management options that focus on healing and addressing the underlying imbalances, especially doshas and impurification.
TechCrunch
3 days ago
- Business
- TechCrunch
Security startup Horizon3.ai is raising $100M in new round
a cybersecurity startup that provides tools like autonomous penetration testing, is seeking to raise $100 million in a new funding round and has locked down at least $73 million, the company revealed in an SEC filing this week. NEA led the round, according to two people familiar with the deal. One person said that the startup is believed to be valued upward of $750 million, although TechCrunch couldn't verify whether that valuation is pre- or post-money. Another person believes the company did (or will) sell the whole $100 million, and added that the company is generating about $30 million in annual recurring revenue. Neither Horizon, nor NEA responded to TechCrunch's requests for comment. With this deal, becomes NEA's second major cybersecurity startup investment in less than a month, following Veza's $108 million funding round at an $800 million valuation announced in April. In August 2023, raised $40 million in a Series C round led by Craft Ventures with participation from SignalFire. That round brought the startup's total fundraising to $78.5 million and was aimed to expand its R&D, channel presence, and team of engineers, co-founder CEO Snehal Antani told TechCrunch at the time. Founded in 2019, comprises a team of former U.S. Special Operations cyber operators, entrepreneurs, and cybersecurity experts. Before launching the startup, Antani served as CTO at Splunk and led teams within the U.S. Military's Joint Special Operations Command. With all things AI being deployed across the tech world, AI-powered automated attacks are also on the rise. The San Francisco-based startup helps protect against such attacks with its autonomous threat detection tools. Earlier this month, received FedRAMP authorization, enabling it to sell its wares to federal agencies. It also announced in February that it saw 101% year-on-year revenue growth and exceeding 150% of its Q4 pipeline targets, without sharing specific numbers.
