Latest news with #OurStories
Perth Now
12-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Coalition of over 100 film and TV groups issue open letter in wake of Trump's film imports tariffs plan
A coalition of more than 100 film and television organisations has urged global governments and European Union institutions to protect the independent screen industry, warning of growing threats to cultural diversity and artistic freedom amid new global trade tensions. The open letter — launched on Monday (12.05.25), the day before the Cannes Film Festival opened — is titled 'Our Stories, Our Voices: A Global Declaration for Artistic Freedom, Cultural Diversity and Cultural Sovereignty'. It was issued in response to escalating pressure on national and international policies designed to support independent film production, particularly following 78-year-old U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of plans to impose tariffs on film imports. The signatories span five continents and include the European Producers Club, which represents leading independent film and TV drama producers across continental Europe, Irish Equity, the Independent Directors Association of South Africa, and the Alliance des producteurs francophones du Canada. 'We are witnessing increasingly aggressive attempts by powerful political and corporate actors to dismantle the regulatory protections that ensure the diversity and accessibility of cultural expression,' the declaration said. It added: 'This includes direct challenges to essential protections such as the Audiovisual Media Services Directive in the European Union, proposed local content obligations in Australia, screen quotas in Asia, and requirements that streaming services contribute to domestic production in Canada, among others.' In Europe, Trump's proposed trade policy has prompted renewed lobbying by U.S. film studios against the EU's Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMS), which requires international streaming platforms to reinvest a portion of their revenue into local content. The Motion Picture Association — representing Disney, Netflix, Paramount, Amazon Prime Video/MGM, Sony Pictures, Universal, and Warner Bros. — sent a memorandum to the United States Trade Representative in March, before the announcement of the new tariffs, calling the investment requirements in countries such as France, Germany and Italy 'disproportionate'. Global industry groups have stressed they 'firmly oppose any political, legal, or economic initiative that seeks to undermine national or international rules designed to uphold artistic freedom and cultural diversity in the film and audiovisual sector'. Their latest appeal urges world leaders to 'stand firm and safeguard the systems that support independent film and audiovisual creation so that culture, creativity, and democratic access to diverse stories for the screen can continue to flourish'.
Malaysian Reserve
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
OUR STORIES: A RED CARPET SCREENING
Presented by The Michael's Daughter Foundation & The Miracle Theater – A Celebration of Youth Storytelling and Resilience Through Film INGLEWOOD, Calif., May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Michael's Daughter Foundation, in collaboration with The Miracle Theater, proudly announces OUR STORIES: A Red Carpet Screening, an inspiring afternoon spotlighting nine original short films created by youth from the foundation's transformative 'Our Stories' media arts program. Event Details Saturday, May 31, 2025 12PM-4PM PST – Doors open at 12PM | Screening Presentation 1–3PM | Reception to follow 3- 4PM – The Miracle Theater: 226 S Market St, Inglewood, CA 90301 Free & open to the public | RSVP required: Now in its third year, Our Stories empowers youth of inner-city schools to express themselves through storytelling, filmmaking, and community connection. 'Each of these films represents a voice that deserves to be heard,' says Ciera Payton, actress, writer, and Founder and Executive Director of The Michael's Daughter Foundation. 'Watching these young storytellers grow and find their creative confidence has been deeply moving over the last few years. This showcase is a celebration of resilience, imagination, and the power of sharing your truth.' The free screening will be hosted by actress and gymnast Sophina DeJesus (The Rookie, UCLA), and welcomes families, educators, artists, and community members and leaders to walk the red carpet and celebrate the creativity and courage of the next generation. Beyond showcasing their current work, OUR STORIES: A Red Carpet Screening serves as a launching pad for young aspiring filmmakers to continue evolving their creative practice. By providing a professional platform and engaged audience, the event fuels confidence and motivation — empowering students to keep creating, dreaming, and sharing their stories for years to come. ABOUT MICHAEL'S DAUGHTER FOUNDATION Founded by Ciera Payton (Tyler Perry's The Oval, Wendy Williams: The Movie), The Michael's Daughter Foundation (MDF) was born from her one-woman stage play Michael's Daughter, which detailed her personal experience growing up with an incarcerated father. Inspired by audience members who connected with her story, Ciera created MDF to provide storytelling and arts education to youth — especially those impacted by incarceration. The Michael's Daughter Foundation's signature Our Stories program operates throughout Los Angeles, CA offering mentorship and creative space for teens and young adults to share their creative voices and shape their futures. Supported By: LA County Justice, Care and Opportunities Dept. Amity Foundation LA County Dept. of Probation The Bancroft Family Foundation LA County Board of Supervisors via the Dept. of Arts and Culture Arts EdCollective Community Partners The In Trive Community Partners & Schools: Girls Athletic Leadership School (GALS LA) Environmental Charter High School – Lawndale LAUSD Carson STEAM High School Barry J. Nidorf SYTF Los Padrinos Juvenile Facility Media and press are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit | IG: @themdfoundation Contact: Amber Anderson-Wells Email: amberawells@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Michael's Daughter Foundation
