Latest news with #tribute
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz condemns terrorist attack in Balochistan, pays tribute to martyred ADC
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday strongly condemned the cowardly terrorist attack in Suarab, Balochistan, which targeted a bank, innocent civilians, and administrative officials. In a statement issued by the PM Office, the prime minister paid rich tribute to Additional Deputy Commissioner Hidayatullah Baloch, who embraced martyrdom while defending his area against the terrorists. He expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for their strength and patience in this time of grief. 'The cowardly terrorists deliberately targeted unarmed civilians, including women and children,' the prime minister said, adding that the attack reflected the anti-people mindset of elements who oppose peace and development in Balochistan. Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the government's commitment to continue the war against terrorism until the complete elimination of such elements from the country. He lauded the bravery of the martyred ADC, calling his sacrifice a 'shining example of courage and valour.' 'The entire nation stands in solidarity with the family of Shaheed Hidayatullah Baloch,' the Prime Minister added. He said the armed forces of Pakistan were working round the clock to counter proxy networks involved in terrorism under Indian patronage. 'The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces in eradicating terrorism and its facilitators,' he remarked. The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the attack. Earlier, Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti also condemned the attack, praising the martyred ADC's bravery and the commitment to serve the country. He said despite being in the position of ADC Revenue, Buledi valiantly led his life while fighting against the 'Indian-sponsored terrorists', who he'd opened fired on innocent civilians in the market. As per reports, dozens of BLA terrorists launched a coordinated attack in Sorab and torched multiple government offices and a local police station, while setting up check points on the Quetta-Karachi highway, earlier in the day. Security forces are actively engaging the terrorists.
Business Wire
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Bigger Boat, Bigger Legacy! National Geographic Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Blockbuster Film Jaws With the Only Authorized Documentary, JAWS @ 50: THE DEFINITIVE INSIDE STORY, Featuring Exclusive New Interviews With Director Steven Spielberg
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Geographic's SHARKFEST wouldn't exist without the film that changed cinema - and our relationship with sharks - forever: 'Jaws.' This summer, in tribute to the movie that sparked a lasting fascination with the ocean's most misunderstood predator, National Geographic goes behind the scenes of the legendary blockbuster with JAWS @ 50: THE DEFINITIVE INSIDE STORY. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau ('Faye,' 'Music by John Williams'), the 90-minute documentary takes viewers on the ultimate deep dive, from Peter Benchley's bestselling novel to the cinematic phenomenon that is 'Jaws' and how the film continues to ripple through pop culture, cinema and shark conservation to this day. You may think you know the full story of 'Jaws' - but not until now. JAWS @ 50 hails from Steven Spielberg's Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films, in partnership with Wendy Benchley and Laura Bowling, and is this summer's only authorized documentary on the making of 'Jaws,' with the award-winning director himself diving back into the story that launched his career and earned him final cut on the film, a creative control he has maintained for the last 50 years. The documentary premieres July 10 at 9/8c on National Geographic and streams the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. This definitive account offers an unfiltered look at the chaos and creativity behind the making of 'Jaws,' featuring never-before-seen footage from Spielberg's and Benchley's personal archives, including home videos and rare outtakes. Through candid new reflections, Spielberg recounts the high-stakes production, from battling a malfunctioning mechanical shark and relentless weather delays to his own post-production PTSD and fears the film would end his career. The documentary also reexamines the infamous 'Jaws effect' - the wave of shark fear it unleashed - and reframes it as a legacy of awe, curiosity and enduring respect for the ocean's top predator. Complemented by brand-new interviews with cast, crew, filmmakers and shark advocates, JAWS @ 50 captures the full creative and cultural shockwaves of the first summer blockbuster. In addition to Steven Spielberg, the documentary includes exclusive interviews from original cast and crew - including Joe Alves (production designer), Jonathan Filley (Cassidy), Lorraine Gary (Ellen Brody), Carl Gottlieb (Meadows, screenwriter), Jeffrey Kramer (Hendricks), Ian Shaw (son of Robert Shaw, who played Quint), Jeffrey Voorhees (Alex Kintner), and composer John Williams - and a who's who of modern filmmakers and superfans - including J.J. Abrams, Emily Blunt, James Cameron, Cameron Crowe, George Lucas, Greg Nicotero, Jordan Peele, Steven Soderbergh, Guillermo del Toro, Robert Zemeckis, and more - reflect on how 'Jaws' shaped their work and the cinematic landscape. Alongside cast and crew, the film also features heartfelt insights from Peter Benchley's wife, renowned voice for sharks and ocean policy advocate Wendy Benchley; their children, Tracy Benchley Turner and Clayton Benchley; and his brother, Nat Benchley, offering a rare glimpse into the real-life inspiration behind the bestselling novel that started it all. But JAWS @ 50 is more than a behind-the-scenes doc; it's a celebration of a legacy that fueled a global shark obsession and inspired generations of scientists, storytellers and ocean defenders. Through thoughtful conversations with leading marine advocates and scientists - including Philippe Cousteau, Candace Fields, Austin Gallagher, Gibbs Kuguru, Dr. John Mandelman (New England Aquarium), National Geographic Explorer and photographer Brian Skerry, Dr. Greg Skomal and others - the documentary explores how 'Jaws' reshaped our relationship with the ocean and helped transform public perception of sharks, turning fear into fascination and sparking real-world conservation efforts that continue today. For National Geographic, JAWS @ 50: THE DEFINITIVE INSIDE STORY is produced by Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films. For Amblin Documentaries, Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey are producers. For Nedland Films, Laurent Bouzereau and Markus Keith are producers, with Bouzereau also directing. Wendy Benchley and Laura Bowling executive produce the documentary. And, for National Geographic, Tracy Rudolph Jackson and Ted Duvall executive produce. About National Geographic Content Representing the largest brand on social media with over 780 million followers and 1.1 billion impressions each month, National Geographic Content's award-winning and critically acclaimed storytelling inspires fans of all ages to connect with, explore and care about the world through factual storytelling. National Geographic Content, part of a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, reaches over 532 million people worldwide in 172 countries and 33 languages as a digital, social and print publisher and across the global National Geographic channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO), National Geographic Documentary Films, and direct-to-consumer platforms Disney+ and Hulu. Its diverse content includes Oscar®- and BAFTA award-winning film Free Solo, Oscar-nominated films Sugarcane, Fire of Love and Bobi Wine: The People's President, Emmy® Award-winning franchise 9/11: One Day in America and JFK: One Day in America, Emmy® Award-winning series Animals Up Close, series Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller, Life Below Zero, and Secrets of the Whales, in addition to multiple National Magazine Awards, Pulitzer Prize Finalists and Webby wins. Visit and or explore Instagram, Threads, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit. About Amblin Documentaries Amblin Documentaries is a division of Amblin Partners, a content creation company led by Steven Spielberg. Presidents, Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey oversee all development, production, and programming for Amblin Documentaries. In addition to its award-winning, culture-defining work in the scripted space through Amblin Television, Amblin Documentaries is a producer of renowned documentary features and series such as the film 'Good Night Oppy' for Prime Video – which was nominated for seven Prime Time and News and Documentary Emmys, the Emmy-winning series 'Five Came Back' for Netflix, and 'Laurel Canyon – A Place in Time' – which received three Emmy nominations including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special for its portrayal of the music scene in LA's Laurel Canyon in the 60's and 70's. Most recently, Amblin Documentaries produced 'Life on Our Planet,' 'Encounters,' and 'Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul' for Netflix as well as 'San Francisco Sound' for MGM+. Upcoming projects from Amblin Documentaries include 'Faye,' based on the life and career of Faye Dunaway, which premiered at this year's Cannes Film Festival, 'Bodyguard of Lies,' with the Washington Post & Alex Gibney, 'Wild, Wild Space,' with HyperObject Industries & ZPZ, and, in partnership with Imagine Entertainment, a documentary on the life and work of legendary composer John Williams. Amblin Documentaries also produced 'Strokes of Genius' – the double-Emmy nominated film about the epic rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal; and 'The Contender' – in which Sylvester Stallone and Sugar Ray Leonard give 16 young boxing hopefuls a shot at the big time, and which received two Emmy nominations. Other unscripted Amblin Documentaries productions include 'Letters to Jackie: Remembering President Kennedy' and HBO's 'Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind' and 'Mama's Boy: A Story from Our Americas. About Nedland Films / Laurent Bouzereau (Director/Producer), and Markus Keith (Producer) Laurent Bouzereau is an award-winning filmmaker and best-selling author. His films, which he co-produced with his partner Markus Keith through their production company Nedland Films, include the feature documentary Faye about legendary actress Faye Dunaway for HBO/Amblin, the award-winning documentary Music by John Williams, produced by Steven Spielberg and Amblin/Imagine, the Disney+/Lucasfilm documentary Timeless Heroes on Harrison Ford, the HBO feature documentaries Mama's Boy, based on the best-selling memoir by Dustin Lance Black, and Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind, as well as the acclaimed Netflix series Five Came Back (with an Emmy winning narration by Meryl Streep), executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Amblin. Bouzereau is the author of several books on cinema, including Spielberg: The First Ten Years (2023) and The De Palma Decade (2024). About Wendy Benchley Wendy Benchley is a renowned global voice for protecting sharks and safeguarding our seas. As a scuba diver, she has witnessed dramatic changes to our ocean's wildlife and habitats; this has motivated her vigorous efforts to help shape smarter, stronger environmental and marine policies with government officials, NGOs, and other civic leaders. Based in Washington, D.C., Wendy is actively engaged in the marine policy community and supports many of the world's leading ocean & environmental philanthropies. She plays a prominent leadership role and is actively involved, as a Board member, in WildAid's highly effective and widely respected global work that reduces the demand for illegal wildlife products, including ivory, rhino horn, and shark fin. She is a Board Member of Beneath the Waves and Blue Frontier Campaign. She is also a Trustee on EDF's Advisory Board. About Laura A. Bowling Laura is a branding and strategic communications executive who has successfully led interdisciplinary creative teams for 25 years, delivering award-winning campaigns across all media platforms from corporate and nonprofit arenas. Laura has worked with some of the world's most successful companies and prestigious brands, including Procter & Gamble, Ogilvy (N.Y.C.), The Walt Disney Company, and Conservation International, where she served as Chief Marketing Officer. Laura has a deep passion for protecting the environment and social causes. She oversees a successful consulting business, based in Carmel, California, that focuses on branding, strategic communications, and development for nonprofits. She has worked closely with Wendy Benchley on all aspects of branding for the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards and on Wendy's public speaking and ocean advocacy events, publications, and press.
BBC News
a day ago
- General
- BBC News
Liverpool: Tribute paid to biker, 38, who died in crash with car
The family of a man who died following a motorbike crash have paid tribute to him, saying "everything we do now is for you".Donovan Travis Dineen-Whitham, 38, from Liverpool, was riding a motorbike that was in collision with a Volkswagen ID3 car in the Vauxhall area of the city on Wednesday, Merseyside Police said.A tribute issued by Mr Dineen-Whitham's family said: "My son, my brother, my uncle, my dad - we love you so much and we'll make you proud, we promise."A 24-year-old man from Liverpool arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving has been released under investigation. Emergency services, including the North West Ambulance Service and the air ambulance, attended the incident, but Mr Dineen-Whitham died at the scene. "We are absolutely heartbroken and can't believe we are writing this," Mr Dineen-Whitham's family incident happened at the junction of Vandries Street and Waterloo Road at about 19:00 BST on Sgt Kurt Timpson said: "Our thoughts and condolences remain with Donovan's family, who are being supported by our specially trained family liaison officers at this incredibly difficult time."Our investigation into the incident is ongoing as we seek to get the answers that Donovan's family deserve."He said the priority of detectives was to establish how the collision occurred and his team was working to establish key facts."Although a man has been arrested in connection with this incident, I would appeal to anyone who witnessed it to please contact us," he urged motorists to check dashcam footage if they were driving in the area at the time. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
PM Modi meets family of Pahalgam attack victim Shubham Dwivedi in Kanpur
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met the family of Shubham Dwivedi – one of the 26 victims killed in the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam – at Chakeri Airport in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur. Saurabh Dwivedi, Shubham's cousin, described it as 'a very emotional meeting.' 'All the family members started crying when they met Modi,' PTI news agency quoted Saurabh Dwivedi. Shubham, 31, had tied the knot just on February 12, just weeks before falling victim to the terror strike. Earlier, on May 24, Shubham's relatives had expressed their intention to meet PM Modi in Kanpur with the help of MP Ramesh Awasthi. 'We requested our Honourable Parliamentarian, Ramesh Awasthi, that kindly allow us to meet PM Modi on his scheduled visit to Kanpur on 30th May. Awasthi not only assured us of his full support but also immediately wrote a letter to the Prime Minister, requesting that he meet with us. Yesterday, we learned through the media that the Prime Minister will indeed be meeting our family during his visit to Kanpur. This news brought us a great sense of relief and hope. We had faith that the Honourable Prime Minister, who deeply respects the sacrifices made for the nation, would acknowledge our plea,' he said. Shubham Dwivedi was in Pahalgam with his wife and sister-in-law when terrorists attacked unarmed tourists. He was shot in the head and died instantly. His wife has appealed for national recognition of his sacrifice. 'I only have one hope -- that Shubham is given the status of a martyr. The Honourable Prime Minister is coming to meet us on the 30th, and I believe he will speak with us about this. I truly hope that during his visit to pay tribute to Shubham, he will officially recognise his sacrifice. It would mean everything to me if, on that day, my husband is honoured as a martyr,' she said. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack, targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In response to further Pakistani aggression, the Indian Armed Forces launched heavy strikes, including on Pakistani airbases. Military action was paused after a call from Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) to his Indian counterpart, during which both sides agreed to cease operations. (With PTI, ANI inputs)
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Art of determination, act of inclusion: Funun Arts Group hosts signal event
In a tribute to the human spirit and the universal language of art, Funun Arts Group, in collaboration with Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre, presented an international art exhibition titled 'Unspoken Words: Art Speaks Beyond Words'. The one-day event (May 16) united artistic excellence and inclusivity, featuring 20 professional artists from diverse backgrounds and 20 inspiring People of Determination, from the Build Your Tribe Foundation. Held in the culturally vibrant – and thoughtfully observant - emirate of Sharjah, a beacon of education and the arts, the exhibition was more than an art display or an immersive cultural event: it was a celebration of unspoken emotions, shared dreams, and invisible strength. The event embodied the belief that art can communicate what words often cannot — the never-say-die spirit and warm companionship of the human soul. Artworks depicting local scenes. The show highlighted emotions and expressions that are deeply felt yet are often difficult to articulate — inner joy, hidden resilience, silent grief, quiet hope, and untold dreams. Through brushstrokes, textures, colour and form, each participating artist and student of determination transformed their inner narratives into vivid works of art, offering viewers a glimpse into the strivings of the soul and the comradeship it offers. A highlight of the event was the Live Collaborative Painting Session. Here, professional artists and People of Determination worked side by side, creating art not just on canvas, but inside the heart of the community. The shared artistic journey was a living canvas of empathy and unity — it deepened bonds, fostered understanding, and erased the lines that divide people at different stages of growth and development. Creativity became a shared heartbeat, and the act of painting, became an enabling instrument of connection. The art exhibition featured a rich collection of works, from abstract compositions to storytelling. They not only showcased the technical brilliance of the artists but by providing an equal space for People of Determination, redefined the boundaries of a traditional art event, since it embraced all forms of expression. The occasion culminated in a felicitation ceremony — a homage to the dedication, talent and courage of the participants. Each artist, student and partner was honoured for their contribution to the event. The ceremony hailed the power of recognition in building confidence, especially among emerging talents and individuals of determination. Earlier, the opening ceremony was graced by several eminent personalities and champions of inclusivity and culture, including Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, veteran Emirati diplomat and designer of the UAE flag; Halima Al Sayegh, Honorary Ambassador of World Culture and Member of the Emirates Businesswomen Council; Abdujabar Ahmed Wiss, Dean of Student Affairs, Al Qasimia University; Ahmed Al Awadhi, renowned Emirati artist and businessman; Anjini Prakash Laitu, pioneer artist and mentor; Dr. Muhammad Yusuf, influencer and cultural advocate and Mehreen Sultana, Founder, Shiraz Kabab Khaas Restaurant. Restless sea and serene mosque. The distinguished guests amplified the exhibition's core message that art was a universal right and not a privilege, and inclusion was the heartbeat of a progressive society. Shiba Khan, Founder and Director of Funun Arts Group, said that 'Unspoken Words is a soulful initiative where art is the language of inclusion and empathy. Creativity has no boundaries — it simply is the purest expression of who we are.' Farah Khan, Co-founder, said that 'we believe that art has the power to heal, connect, and uplift. This event reflects that belief, especially seen in the radiant smiles and pride we witness from our People of Determination participants.' Joseph, F&B Manager, Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre, said that 'we are committed to community-based cultural initiatives, and this collaboration reflects our core values of inclusion and creativity.' Nisha Tandon, Founder of Build Your Tribe Foundation, noted: 'Partnering with Funun Arts has been a beautiful journey. Providing People of Determination a platform to share their inner world through art not only empowers them, but inspires all of us.' The exhibition featured artworks by Ahmed Al Awadhi, Amira Azmy, Anjini Prakash Laitu, Avigyan Bhattacharya, Dr. Poonam Chauhan, Duaa Mouaffaq, Faezeh Mohammad, Farah Khan, Mallak Alwesh, Monia Sahraoui, Mozhgan Afrisham, Mussarat Yasmin, Pari Sagar, Ranjisha Raghavan, Roya Vahidi, Sabrin Asker Ali, Sadia Fahad, Saida Banu, Shiba Khan, and Tumpa Banerjee. Shiba Khan (left) and Farah Khan at the event. Representing the hallmark of inclusive art, People of Determination artists included Aakriti Misri, Aaliyah Khan, Aarabdh Sendwal, Achint Babbar, Adnaan Master, Anoushka Tandon, Asmaa Syed Afaq, Ethan Blake Varin, G. B. Deepakram, G. B. Yeswanth Mehar Kumawat, Rohaan Augustine, Safa Ayisha Ghori, Savith De Silva, Sujith Shenoy, Taarini Viswanadha, Tasneem Khozema, Umer Faisal, and Yuvika Minoch. The event was supported by Shiraz Kabab Khaas Restaurant and Stories Lounge & Café. 'It is a movement, not just a moment,' said Shiba Khan and Farah Khan. 'Unspoken Words is more than a title — it is a movement that points the way to inclusivity, guides similarly minded art lovers, creates a blueprint for inclusive art advocacy, nurtures dialogue without voice, celebrates inclusion without boundaries, and tells stories that often remain untold. It is a testament to what is possible when creativity meets compassion, where every brushstroke becomes an act of empowerment.' Funun Arts Group is a leading UAE-based platform that champions art as a universal language of connection, empowerment, and education. With over 10 years of curating exhibitions, creative dialogue and youth art forums, the Group promotes diversity and works to elevate community voices through visual art. Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre, part of Accor group, is committed to cultural collaboration, local engagement and creating inclusive spaces for transformative events.
