Entertainment

dia Mirza honoured with the ‘champion of change’ award

AN eminent jury, headed by Hon’ble Justice Gyan Sudha Misra, former Judge Supreme Court of India decided to honour actor and producer Dia Mirza in the Maharashtra edition of the initiative, “Champions of Change.”

The award ceremony aimed at honouring those who have been working towards raising awareness in the fields of social welfare, health care, education, culture, and sports in congruence with the democratic ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador & United Nations Secretary-General Advocate for Sustainable Development Goals, Global Ambassador IFAW, Dia was honoured for the exemplary work she has done in the field of social welfare in the state.

The award was organized by the Interactive Forum on Indian Economy (IFIE), which is a recognized, not-for-profit organisation and has in the past invited personalities like the Vice-President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu, and former President of India, late Shri Pranab Mukherjee to preside over their events.

Past winners include, among others, Shri M. K. Stalin (CM of Tamil Nadu), Shri Hemant Soren (CM of Jharkhand), and Shri Manish Sisodia (Deputy CM of Delhi). The award was given to Dia in the presence of H.E Shri Bhagat Singh Koshiyari (Governor of Maharashtra) at the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai on 30th September.

deepika padukone becomes the only indian actor to bag the global achiever’s award for Best actress

PRoVING yet again to be a force of global dominance, Deepika Padukone has bagged the Global Achiever’s award 2021 for her achievements in the film fraternity for ‘Best actress in Bollywood by an international platform. The list has other popular names from across the world like Barack Obama, Jeff Bezos, Christiano Ronaldo, among others.

The global award 2021, received more than 3000 nominations this year. It was strenuous for the jury to shortlist the winners as all the nominations had a successful track record in their respective fields.

Deepika managed to win the award being the only Indian actor in the industry. She is a global icon who leaves her fans enthralled with not just her fashion statements but majorly for her movies and performing skills. Touted to be one of the best actresses

from India, Deepika has successfully earned a name for herself with her hard work. In 2018, TIME magazine named her one of the 100 most Influential People across the globe. She became the only Indian actor to acquire a spot on the list. A year later, Deepika was honoured by the 26th Annual Crystal award for rising mental health awareness being the only Indian actor to feature in Davos 2020 winners list. Deepika Padukone was also the only Indian actress to be featured in VARIETY's second time in a row 'International Women's Impact Report' which celebrates the achievements of women in entertainment around the world. Over the years, Deepika has made her voice heard, which has created a global impact, be it with her movie choices or her foundation ‘Live Love Laugh’. 46 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2021

gangubai Kathiawadi vs rrr: will two films of alia Bhatt and ajay devgn release in the saMe week?

oNE of the first controversies of the year erupted when it was decided that S S Rajamouli’s grand period film, RRR, would clash with Maidaan on October 15. The producer of Maidaan, Boney Kapoor, publicly lashed at the makers of RRR for clashing their film with his since both the flicks starred Ajay Devgn. The matter ended after the second wave of Covid-19 led to lockdowns in many parts of India. As a result, almost all the films, scheduled to release this year, got pushed.

Last Saturday, the Maharashtra government announced that the cinema halls can open from October 22. Immediately, the release dates of many films were announced and the process is going on. Maidaan got a new release date – June 3, 2022. All eyes were then on RRR as it’s one of the biggest films to come out of India and also because it’s the next flick of Baahubali director.

Today, the release date of RRR was announced and it led to shockwaves. The period saga is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on January 7, 2022. In short, it’ll clash with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, which releases on January 6. The reason it astonished everyone is that both films have two common actors – Ajay Devgn and Alia Bhatt! Gangubai Kathiawadi will see Alia Bhatt in a lead role and Ajay Devgn reportedly has a dynamic supporting part. In RRR, Ram Charan and Jr NTR play the main leads and both Ajay Devgn and Alia Bhatt have supporting parts.

A trade expert, still in shock, said, “Just 2 days back, Gangubai Kathiawadi’s release date was announced. And not just Alia and Ajay, both films are also backed by Jayantilal Gada’s PEN Movies. It is expected that Gangubai Kathiawadi would now move but imagine if it doesn’t!”

shah rukh Khan to shoot in soBo hospital for his upcoming yet-untitled atlee film

AFtER finishing the finished the domestic schedule of his upcoming film Pathan, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has now begun the shooting of another project with Atlee.

According to a tabloid, the action packed film is being very anticipated by the fans. After kicking off the yet-untitled actioner in Pune in early September, the superstar and the Tamil filmmaker has now headed to Mumbai. For over 10 days, they shot a pivotal action sequence at Film City in Goregaon.

And now their stop is the BD Petit Parsee General Hospital in Cumballa Hill. As per report, the cast and crew will begin filming at the south Mumbai hospital from October 2. Atlee has lined up a 10-day shoot, post which it will be a wrap on the first schedule

Shah Rukh Khan will get little rest as after the completion of his schedule here, the actor will have to go to Spain for another three-weeks for the schedule of Pathan with co-stars Deepika Padukone and John Abraham.

Until Shah Rukh Khan returns, as reported, back home Atlee will use the time to do the groundwork for the next stint.

Besides Shah Rukh, the stylized actioner reportedly also stars Nayanthara, Sanya Malhotra and Sunil Grover.

raghav Juyal to play a dark character in hasal alongside sanjay Mishra and ranvir shorey

oN shares about Hasal, Raghav revealed, "I feel the concept of Hasal is very unique and different till date. According to me, it's dark musical, and intriguing. It’s about darkness prevailing in every human’s life some have the courage to thrive with it, some have the courage to find the obscure parts of themselves, some hustle to stand out and shine like the moon, some have the fire of revenge. It is a hustle story of four lives and their struggle to live."

Revealing about his role he continues, "This is something I have never played before, you have seen me in different roles but this time it will be surprising as I'm playing a dark character. I think the film will keep you at the edge of your seat with full of roller coaster ride, suspense, and thrill."

On reuniting with Sanjay Mishra after Bahut Hua Samman he shares,"Though I have worked before, I feel I started my real acting journey with Sanjay Mishra in Bahut Hua Samman. Reuniting with him feels like a homecoming. I have always enjoyed his company and surely it will be fun."

On working with debutante director, Raghav enthusiastically tells, "My passion gets doubled when I work with newcomer directors like Ravi who are full of enthusiasm and has a lot to bring on platter. I feel great working with new people on new ideas as it reminds me of my journey and passion I was a newcomer."

aPsa reVeaLs first LooK at asia pacific screen foruM welcoMes netfliX as MaJor sponsor

GoLD CoASt, Queensland: The Asia Pacific Screen Academy today opened worldwide registration for the 3rd Asia Pacific Screen Forum (Nov 11-16) with first look events featuring Palme d’Or and APSA Best Film winner Apichatpong Weerasethakul, together with APSA FIAPF Award winning producer at the forefront of the Thai independent cinema movement, Soros Sukhum, a Conversation with Jeremy Chua, plus a stacked global line-up for the popular Meet the Programmers session, and global personalised networking.

APSA today also welcomed Netflix as a Major Sponsor of the 14th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (Nov 11) and 3rd Asia Pacific Screen Forum. The global powerhouse streamer joins major sponsors Gold Coast City Council, Screen Queensland, Griffith Film School and the Motion Picture Association (MPA) alongside founding partners UNESCO and FIAPF in supporting APSA to deliver the Forum and a full competition for the 14th Asia Pacific Screen Awards in 2021.

Chair of the Asia Pacific Screen Academy Tracey Vieira said APSA Forum would provide unprecedented access to some of Asia Pacific’s most innovative filmmakers.

“We are thrilled to present a Conversation with Singaporean producer Jeremy Chua, who has an incredibly agile approach to financing,” she said.

Chua most recently produced Abdullaah Mohammad Saad’s Rehana Maryam Noor, the first Bangladeshi film to be selected for Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section, and is developing projects across the region. The film will have a special screening on the Gold Coast for local audiences, where global audiences can view earlier work from Chua, including K. Rajagopal’s A Yellow Bird (2016), now available on Netflix.

“It is also exciting to be able to hear from acclaimed filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul and producer Soros Sukhum discussing their first collaboration – the 2021 Cannes Jury Prize winner Memoria, starring Tilda Swinton,” Ms Vieira said.

While this was Weerasethakul’s first film shot outside Thailand, and in English, Sukhum is well known for his international and highly creative approach to financing and producing. Sukhum was honoured by FIAPF at APSA in 2020 for his contribution to Asia Pacific cinema - particularly for his discovery and fostering of new voices and creating pathways to facilitate the realisation of their creative visions.

“APSA has embraced the opportunity to deliver the Forum and Awards using accessible technology, and continue our unwavering commitment to support and showcase the region’s remarkable storytellers and screenmakers, particularly through these most challenging times. We are so pleased to welcome Netflix as a Major Sponsor,” Ms Vieira said.

Debra Richards, Netflix Director, APAC Studio & Production Affairs, said: “APAC is such an exciting part of the world for Netflix, and we are incredibly proud of the growing slate of local language films and series we are making with amazing creators across Asia Pacific. As a region, it is also the fastest growing in the world for Netflix memberships. So, it's the ideal time for us to partner with ASPA to celebrate and inspire storytellers across APAC.”

thE FIRSt PRoGRAM EVENtS to BE ANNouNCED FoR thE 3RD ASIA PACIFIC SCREEN FoRuM:

Any Film Is A Sacrifice and A Devotion with Jeremy Chua

Jeremy Chua is a Singaporean film producer and screenwriter. In 2010, he started his career as a programming assistant at independent art center, The Substation Singapore, then trained as a producer at Lowave Paris and Akanga Film Asia. Since 2014, he founded Potocol, a film company focused on development and co-production of independent Asian films. He wrote and coproduced his first film, A Yellow Bird by K. Rajagopal, which premiered at 55th Cannes Critics’ Week and is currently available on Netflix. He has also coproducedBrotherhood by Pepe Diokno (Karlovy Vary IFF 2016), A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery by Lav Diaz (Silver Bear, Berlinale 2016), A Family Tour by Ying Liang (Opening Film, International Competition Locarno IFF 2018),Motel Acacia by Bradley Liew (Tokyo IFF 2019), A Love Unknown by John Clang (IFF Rotterdam 2020) andDeath of Nintendo by Raya Martin (Berlinale Generation K Plus) and Rehana Maryam Noor by Abdullah Mohammad Saad (Cannes Un Certain Regard 2021). He is an alumnus of EAVE Ties That Bind 2013, Produire au sud 2016, Berlinale Talents 2017, SEAFIC 2017 and Torino Film Lab 2018. He works under Marco Mueller's programme team at Pingyao International Film Festival and has been a programme consultant for Sheffield Documentary Festival UK.

In Memoria with Apichatpong Weerasethakul and Soros Sukhum

Visionary and multi award-winning Thai auteur Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s incredible body of work includes Cannes Palme d’Or winner Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives and APSA Best Film Cemetery of Splendour, and in 2021 he was awarded the Cannes Jury Prize for Memoria, produced by Soros Sukhum (Pop Aye, Diamond Island). Pioneer of the Thai independent film movement, Soros Sukhum is credited with launching the careers of a generation of artistic and experimental filmmakers, including Aditya Assarat, Sivaroj Kongsakul, Anocha Suwichakornpong, and Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit.

MEEt thE PRoGRAMMERS PANEL

Now a popular fixture of the Forum, Meet the Programmers offers international and local industry unprecedented access to hear from some of the world’s most significant programmers, and delivers on APSA’s mission to broaden the market appeal of Asia Pacific content. The line-up to date includes Head of Berlinale’s Generation Maryanne Redpath, Busan International Film Festival Senior Programmer Dosin Pak, Visions du Réel - International Film Festival Nyon Artistic Director Emilie Bujès and Mumbai Film Festival Programming Head Kalpana Nair. Hosted by Kiki Fung, Programme Consultant at Hong Kong International Film Festival and former Head Programmer for Brisbane International Film Festival.

RANDoM CoNNECtIoNS

A virtual replication of the all-important networking and connections achieved by attending festivals, awards and screen events, where chance meetings can result in creative collaboration, knowledge transfer and support. Opt-in to be connected with other filmmakers each fortnight – the earlier you register, the more connections you make!

The 3rd Asia Pacific Screen Forum and 14th Asia Pacific Screen Awards will be presented as both physical, and globally streamed events at/from HOTA (Home of the Arts, Gold Coast).

When launched in 2007 on the Gold Coast, APSA was and continues to be a groundbreaking initiative to create an Academy and Awards that would connect and celebrate the cinematic excellence and rich cultural diversity encompassed by the world’s fastest growing film region: more than 70 countries and areas, 4.5 billion people, and responsible for half of the world’s film output.

Registration is now open at https://www. asiapacificscreenawards.com/ asia-pacific-screen-forum

the Japanese filM festiVal returns to cineMas in 2021

thE Japanese Film Festival (JFF) in Australia makes a grand return to the cinema for its 25th year from 28 October to 5 December, with a national tour in Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

Screening at the new venue of Palace Cinemas in each city, the 2021 Festival program will feature an expertly curated selection of films, from the hottest newly-released feature titles alongside action, anime, drama, documentaries and much more. JFF 2021 will also screen a FREE Tribute Series of films by Shuji Terayama, one of Japan’s most influential avant-garde film directors, in Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney as a part of the Festival program.

Plus, for seven days in November (15-21), a free online program of five films will be available for movie lovers and japanophiles from across Australia to enjoy from the comfort of home.

Full program to be announced on 16 September, sign up to the newsletter to stay up to date at: www. japanesefilmfestival.net.

2021 JAPANESE FILM FEStIVAL SCREENING DAtES:

CANBERRA: 28 October - 2 November Palace Electric Cinema & National Film and Sound Archives

PERth: 4 - 7 November Palace Raine Square

BRISBANE:

11 - 21 November Palace Barracks & Palace James Street

MELBouRNE: 18 November - 5 December The Kino Cinema & Australian Center for Moving Images

SyDNEy: 25 November - 5 December Palace Cinemas Norton Street, Chauvel, Central, Verona oNLINE: 15-21 November