Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry
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JimiFoundation Hendrix Dr. Bitange Ndemo African Pioneer
Orson Welles His Historic Visit To Rio
India Council
International Choral Festival & Competition
AR E WEWHO
we are
HITHA Singer/Songwriter Teen Sensation
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Welcome readers -- and our new readers in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This is a dream come true for all of us here at Hollywood Weekly. As a writer I’ve reached Mecca. Thank you for having us. On our cover is the album artwork for teen sensation singer/songwriter HITHA’s new album “We Are Who We Are.” Hitha created the collage of faces as a statement that “We are one. “This is perhaps the most humble act by an artist I have ever witnessed. Hollywood Weekly Magazine is an International publication distributed in over 15 countries around the world, including India, the country of Hitha’s heritage. For a young singer you would imagine this would be the time to introduce yourself to the world. But Hitha has used this moment to show a picture of “US.” You and I. With only a small insert of herself. Hitha has shared her global spotlight to make a point about her love for humanity and the kind of world we can have if we care about each other. We’re so proud of Hitha and we know you will love her inspiring feature story. Next we have acclaimed Actress, Writer and Director Robin Phillips, AKA Christina di Marlo, and she’d love to stir up a discussion, in her charming way, on who really wrote the plays of Shakespeare. I implore you read her story and watch her fascinating documentary which is the subject of my Cover Story.
PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Prather Jackson VICE PRESIDENT Bernice Harris Michael D. Coxson SENIOR BOOK CURATOR Jane Ubell-Meyer ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anthony Ewart MARKETING & SALES Launy Rhem CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anthony Ewart Alex A. Kecskes Jenny Werth Ike Sinha GRAPHIC DESIGNER Denise Chavez ILLUSTRATOR/ DIGITAL MEDIA Jonathan Clark INNOVATION EDITOR@LARGE Jaymes Hines
Finally, Hollywood Weekly Magazine congratulates both the Los Angeles Lakers and The L.A. Dodgers for their recent National Wins. We are so proud to be part of this great city and share this love with the world.
AFRICA OPERATIONS Meredith Beal, Africa Editor meredith@lastingvalue.com Kenya +254.715.508.964 USA +1.512.537.2116 UK +44.7700.083.475 Gambia +220.297.6482
As always, readers, we thank you. We are who we are because of you.
BRAZIL OPERATIONS Fabio Glingani Rico@lapenda.net (310) 567-3333
All the best,
Anthony Ewart Associate Editor
Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry
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JimiFoundation Hendrix Dr. Bitange Ndemo African Pioneer
Orson Welles His Historic Visit To Rio
India Council
International Choral Festival & Competition
W E AR E
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HITHA Singer/Songwriter Teen Sensation
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HITHA
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HITHA Singer/Songwriter Teen Sensation
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SHINES HER LIGHT FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE AROUND THE WORLD BY ANTHONY EWART A light-year does not indicate “time,” it indicates “distance,” as in the distance it takes to travel to a star or planet. But in describing the wisdom of 15-year-old Singer/Songwriter HITHA, you can’t help but imagine that she has grown in “Light Years,” light as in extreme enlightenment and awareness. Her new album is entitled “We Are Who We Are,” one of the many tracks on this album that become instant classics upon “experiencing.” One doesn’t listen to Hitha’s music as much as you feel and experience it. Hitha’s music and her thoughts and lyrics engulf you. She pulls you into the world she sees. Her voice is a guide, the beats are steps that take you to the beautiful melodious world she lives in. The cover of Hitha’s album was created by Hitha herself. She adds a collage of faces to her own to drive home the point that “We Are One.” Track three is her album’s title and as with everything in Hitha’s life it was inspired by her family. In this case, it was her mother who told her one day in trying to explain the sometimes difficult task of accepting ourselves: “We are who we are.”
Once again, all great things begin at home. It was on her long drives with her father to her music lessons that Hitha began finding her voice. Through conversations with her father, who challenged her to voice her opinions, their “loving debates” on every topic imaginable began and continues to this day. These wonderful talks with her father allowed Hitha’s confidence to grow. She learned she could trust her instincts and she had valid points. How important is it for teens to know adults accept their viewpoints as valid. It’s everything… “We Are Who We Are” is Hitha’s favorite song on her 11 track album. I can honestly say it’s mine, too. Along with “We Will Last,” “Future” and the seven other amazing tracks on this inspiring album. Congratulations to you, Hitha, on your incredible human and artistic accomplishments.
At the seasoned age of 15, Hitha will be embarking on an 8-city tour of India from January 15th, 2021 to March 21st, 2021. Hitha will be spreading her loving message of self-empowerment to teens in schools throughout Pune, Jaipur, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and more. 15-years-old. Light Years. Making sense now…? Hitha has a magnificent, refreshing viewpoint about our future, which is teens are the future. If we can help teenagers focus their lives on positivity we are ensuring our own happy future. In a sense, teenagers are Kings and Queens who don’t know they’re Princesses and Princes right now in waiting for greater things… Hitha is sparking this awareness in teens around the world through her music and her inspiring articles in both Hollywood Weekly and Hollywood Monthly Magazine. Hitha is enlightening her generation. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 5
HW: When did you realize you could use music for social change and to bring social awareness or was that always how you viewed music? HITHA: I always knew music was important from when I was young, but I didn’t know just how influential it was. When I was little, I used music to express my emotions. Singing Indian Classical music allowed me to add feelings to a song even if I didn’t completely understand what the song was saying. As I learned more about music, I made more and more discoveries like this. I was only 11 years old when I realized that music could change the world. Like the Beatles, I wanted to unite everybody around me through music. I understood that music comes from every part of the world and that someone did not need to understand the words to understand the music and emotions. Adding feelings to a song and writing valuable lyrics can pierce anybody’s heart. Everyone loves music, so you can really spread a positive message through it. HW: Who were the singers who inspired you to want to pursue a career in music? HITHA: To be honest, when I first started making my own music, I did not have any inspirations. There was the occasional song that motivated me, but there was not one artist who I wanted to be like. Now I understand why. Every music artist has their own story on how they reached their goal, but as an American with an Indian origin, I didn’t identify with any of the popular singers. But when I first started singing at the ripe age of 4, I wanted to be just like my grandma, who introduced me to the art. HW: Are there musical instruments that you play now or would like to learn to play? HITHA: I am learning how to play the piano. I’m not too shabby if I do say so myself. HW: Do you enjoy writing your own songs or singing songs written by others that embody your message? HITHA: I love writing my own songs and singing songs written by others. I write my own songs when there is something I want to say. I like thinking about how I could inspire people. Even if it is just one person who benefits from the words and music I create, I would be happy. I like singing songs written by other people when I want to learn. Everybody makes music differently and being able to learn from others is a skill that is very useful. HW: Have you ever wanted to create music based on existing lyrics? HITHA: Yes! I like listening to older songs and thinking about how it could be remade into something that people would want to listen to today. There were great quality songs that should not disappear. Music comes back in the same way fashion trends do. 6 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
WE ARE
HW: Were you ever bullied in school and how did you handle it? HITHA: I was bullied in school. In 7th grade, I was cyberbullied by people I considered my best friends. I will be completely honest. I was miserable, but I was able to channel those emotions into my songwriting. It was a way and still is a way I get rid of pent up emotions and stress. And as for my friends, I moved on. Every relationship should be cherished while it lasts, but afterward, you need to let it go. HW: Was it easy for you to find kindred spirits in school or did you feel like an outsider? HITHA: Luckily, at my school, everybody is an overachiever. I fit right in. There are many people who love music like me. Last year, I was in my school choir. Thankfully, I do not feel like an outsider anymore.
society, even if you don’t have the funding for the project, do you see a way for younger people to handle their problems in a healthier way? HITHA: The good thing is that the pressures of our current society are being acknowledged. Issues such as body shaming and the discrimination of people based on their gender, race, and/or sexuality is finally being fought against. But these problems have not disappeared. Sadly, there is nothing one person can do to deal with the pressures of our current society. It requires a group effort to lift the taboo of talking about mental illness, discrimination, and other problems our societies face. Our societies and governments need to work together to revoke the pressure and allow younger people to feel loved no matter who they are. I personally plan on visiting many schools to talk to the youth and show them their power. Just talking to one person might change the course of the world. HW: Have you ever experienced any discrimination and how did you handle it? HITHA: Yes, my family and I have experienced discrimination for being people of color. There have been multiple cases where we were traveling, and we received weird looks from the people around us. In one instance, my family and I were stopped at an airport in Germany and rechecked for anything harmful because of the color of our skin. Thankfully, my neighborhood is culturally diverse, so we mostly don’t experience discrimination at our home. Although I get angry when I am discriminated against because of the color of my skin, I stay calm.
WHO WE ARE HW: How do your friends see you now that you are an accomplished singer and writer? HITHA: My friends will always look at me as just a friend. Nothing special, but I want our relationships to be that way. I am still the same person I was before, just doing something different! HW: Would you ever consider writing a book of poetry? HITHA: Although I am fond of writing song lyrics, poetry is not really my thing. I like writing music so I can add my own melodies and play around with the composition. However, I might in the future... HW: Have you ever thought of a long-term plan to help younger people deal with their pressures of our current
Right now, people are acknowledging the discrimination that many others face, whether that be in the department of gender, race, and/or sexuality. I am proud to say that I take part in these conversations and fight for the rights of those who don’t experience equality. I’ve touched on many of these topics in my upcoming album “We Are Who We Are.” HW: In addition to your daily breathing exercises do you practice traditional meditation? HITHA: No, I don’t practice traditional meditation because I can’t sit still for more than 15 minutes unless I’m reading something. However, I picked up a skill that is similar, which I realized was not very common. When I feel extremely stressed out, or am being overwhelmed with emotion, I can blank out. I go into a state in which I don’t think or feel anything. I just exist. It gives me a sense of bliss and completely calms me down. Sometimes, I listen to music to go into this state. Focusing on the sound only and letting it go in one ear and out the other helps me enter and exit this state. I learned later that this state was in fact the ultimate goal of meditation.
Social (FB/IG/Twitter): @officialhitha website: www.officialhitha.com email: hithamusic@gmail.com HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 7
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JOE ROSIGNOLO & theJIMI HENDRIX n o i t a ound F
by Anthony Ewart The world mourns the loss of Eddie Van Halen. A Guitar God has left us. I can only hope that a Foundation is set up to honor his legacy. The blueprint for such a wonderful Foundation exists now in honor of another magnificent Guitar God: Jimi Hendrix.
Martino, Frank Sinatra, Jerry Vale and Louis Prima. Joe's dad loved the guitar music Chet Atkins, Duane Eddy, Al Caiola, Vinnie Bell and Los Indios.
Jimi Hendrix was an Artist who has left his fantastic musical impression upon the world. He joined the old world of blues with the emerging sound of rock and united the world in his discovery. Like Gustav Mahler or Claude Debussy he believed the music he heard in his mind. And like any great Artist, he helped us hear this music and love it as much as he did.
“
We begin with Joe Rosignolo, the President-CEO of the Jimi Hendrix Foundation. As a 7 year old growing up in Rochester NY in 1960 he was surrounded by music, culture and history. Rochester NY is the home of George Eastman, Susan B Anthony, Jay Silverheels (Tonto) Rochester Philharmonic, Cab Calloway, Mitch Miller and Chuck Mangione. Joe used to walk to Mangione’s bakery quite often. Joe Sr. was a Rock and Roller. He had a Pompadour and listened to all the greats of the day: Elvis, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley. Little Joe had access to every record imaginable in every style and genre of artists. Of course because of Joe's Sicilian ancestry he listened to all the Italian greats: Dean Martin, Al
The sound of their guitar struck the proverbial chord within my being. I actually felt the notes in my chest. I immediately picked up my mothers “Spanish “ guitar, a blonde Gibson with F holes and was glued to the record player practicing for hours and hours a day. I realized then that a guitar had a voice, larger than life and yet very personal. I’VE ALWAYS SAID THAT THE VENTURES’ INSTRUMENTS SOUNDED LIKE BEAUTIFUL VOICES AND THE BEATLES VOICES SOUNDED LIKE BEAUTIFUL INSTRUMENTS.
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The music of Jimi Hendrix is with us forever...but only because it is cared for and looked after. This is the story of the Jimi Hendrix Foundation, which owns the rights to the "Name, Likeness and Signature of Jimi Hendrix." This is the story of the unsung Heroes making sure that we never forget Jimi Hendrix and the glorious music he shared with the world. Why was it so important for Jimi Hendrix to "share his music" with the world? Because Jimi Hendrix honestly and earnestly cared about people. Helping better their lives. Jimi Hendrix was as compassionate and generous to those in need as he was talented. The Jimi Hendrix Foundation, at its core, carries on this spirit of "giving back" that was so important to Jimi.
One life changing day in 1960 Joe's mom brought home a record by The Ventures called "Walk Don't Run" and when Joe heard that guitar sound, in his own words, this is what followed:
The reason Joe dwells on the Ventures so much is because they helped shape his appreciation for the quality and tone of Rock and Roll, music production and professionalism, and the confidence and ability to share and teach songs to friends.
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During the same time a young Jimmy Hendrix (before Jimi) would hang around at the Spanish Castle with a guitar and amp ready to sit in which Pat O’Day let him do on a few occasions. They worked together again when Pat promoted the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Bob Reisdorff was the Ventures’ first producer and after selling his Dolton Record label to Liberty went on to setup Liberty Records UK. The dedication party was a who’s who of rock with everyone there from the Beatles to the Stones and of course sitting next to him --Jimi Hendrix. Bob told Joe that he and Jimi were trying to out order each other buying champagne for everyone. After taking over the Jimi Hendrix Foundation Joe began to see how many of the people he knew were associated with Jimi and how much of their lives eclipsed in some way or another. “There wasn’t ‘six degrees of separation’ between us,” Joe is known for saying, “It was more like two.” Call it serendipity. After Jimi Hendrix’s death in 1970, Al Hendrix, the father of Jimi Hendrix, rekindled his friendship with Jimmy Williams, a close friend of his son. The two became very close friends. Because Al was extremely heart-broken over the loss of his son he turned to Jimmy Williams and in one sense lived vicariously through him as the son he had lost. Jimmy made a promise to Al that he would help protect the name and legacy of Jimi Hendrix.
Joe Rosignolo, President-CEO Jimi Hendrix Foundation Joe used to sit on his front porch on Portland Avenue playing guitar and older guys would come from all over the neighborhood and ask him how to play a song. He was 10 they were 18. He was one of those crazy kids who could pick out similarities in songs. “If you know one,” Joe says, “You know several dozen. I can tell of at least 10 Beatle songs that borrowed influential elements from the Ventures.” Little did Joe know at the time that all this was a prelude to him “Managing” the Ventures and running the Jimi Hendrix Foundation. During the years following Joe met and became friends with many artists who not only knew and worked with the Ventures but also knew and worked with Jimi Hendrix. Pat O’Day was an Broadcaster and concert promoter in Seattle who was responsible for really “breaking the Ventures in” who were from there. He played “Walk Don’t Run” as a news kicker on his program which became so popular it was picked-up by Liberty Records and the rest is Ventures history.
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In the 2000s Jimmy Williams was brought in to the Foundation to help “clean it up.” He became President and CEO. The Foundation had just won a legal case against the Estate regarding the Lanham Act trademark, common law trademark and publicity rights, but the Foundation was vexed and troubled by outsiders as well as insiders who absconded with funds and made commercial business deals inside the Foundation for personal gain outside the rules of IRS guidelines for tax exemption. Being a non-profit, as you know, contrary to popular understanding doesn’t mean you can’t make a profit and accumulate revenues. So Jimmy cleaned house getting rid of everyone and brought in new board members he could trust. People like Charles Hernandez, Gordon Shoji and Dr. David Harris who headed up the University of Arizona Medicine Dept. Other board members were Ian Miller, Stefan Isaac and David Kramer. These members were set in place to help keep out infiltrators and there were several. Jimmy went on to bolster and add to the initiatives of the Foundation in 2005. He created the Music For Life program, UN Blue Key affiliation and other community related initiatives and sponsorships and held several benefits, but all of this was taking a toll on Jimmy.
A community center leased by the Foundation was vandalized for $30,000 which Jimmy paid for out of his own pocket. Joe knew for a fact that through his years at the Foundation legitimizing it Jimmy paid out a couple hundred thousand of his own money. He was getting tired and was searching for someone to take over. As he told Joe, he couldn’t find anyone honest to run it. He made Joe promise that someday he would find an honest Hendrix.At the time Joe was blending his own brand of Rosignolo Guitar Polish with his son David and eventually he approached Fender and they loved the stuff and soon Joe supplied them with 4 step Fender Custom Shop Polish kits up until they were bought by another business group. That lasted into the first year Joe was at the Foundation. Jimmy brought Joe in first as a Contractor because of his music and business connections and ability to source products and help bring in sponsorships. He also knew that Joe had passion for integrity and honesty and was a stickler for protocol. The board at Jimmy’s request voted Joe in as CEO and then a few months later Jimmy transitioned out because of health issues and he felt that he did all he could to protect and preserve the
name of Jimi Hendrix as a charity as he promised his good friend Al Hendrix. As Jimmy Williams said, “I’m a military man not a business man.” Shortly after Joe was voted in as President. It seems that lightning struck three times in Joe Rosignolo’s life ….Road managing for the number one Rock and Roll instrumental group in the world-The Ventures… Suppling Custom Shop guitar polish to the number one Rock and Roll guitar company in the world-Fender… And now President and CEO of the Jimi Hendrix Foundation the number one rock and roll guitarist of all time. Realizing the significance of his position and what an honor and privilege it is to be in charge of a Foundation that has such a great worldwide impact, the first task at hand was to bring in a few people that Joe could trust. He asked Tom Hagan to come on as COO. Tom and Joe were good friends and he was a big fan of Rosignolo Guitar Polish.
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In October of last year Joe contacted Freddie Mac and they were very helpful and accommodating and gave the Foundation several houses around the country as part of the Foundation’s neighborhood renovation program. The idea is to fix up these homes and create affordable housing for mom’s with special needs children, veterans with disabilities or the displaced and homeless. Joe’s focus is still on the Foundation’s music programs and mission statement, but helping the community in ways that also generates revenue to fund the many Jimi Hendrix Foundation programs helps greatly in addition to their donations. “Obviously we need funds to renovate these houses, “ Joe told me emphatically, “So the call to action goes out to anyone that would like to donate, grant or otherwise contribute. Because of my background in carpentry and general construction I will begin the process and stay at one of the houses in South Dakota to get it ready and livable. We know that Jimi gave his all in every performance and that has been our goal as well as helping others. We are not afraid to roll up our sleeves as they say. The Jimi Hendrix Foundation is looking forward to working with real legitimate philanthropic people who want to help make a difference.We can’t make it happen without funds and donations.”
Terri Haynes, Joe’s Executive Assistant Terri Haynes, Joe’s Executive Assistant, made the transition from the guitar polish business to the Foundation very easily. Joe is on record saying: “If anyone deserves a paycheck Terri Haynes does. Her dedication and unwavering passion is extremely valuable to the Foundation. The Foundation has through the years been plagued with people attempting to use us it as a stepping stone for their own personal agendas, advancements and causes and to circumvent the Jimi Hendrix Estate. Joe has had to finally sift out those people. “Our goal,” Joe told me by phone, “And intention has always been to promote our causes in the giving spirit of Jimi as he would have wanted and as his father set out to do.”
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With a name as great and well known as Jimi Hendrix the Jimi Hendrix Foundation can help those in need to teach them how to discover and become themselves. Everyone needs a chance to interact and experience life and music is a great healer. As Jimi Hendrix sang, “I got my own world to look through and I ain’t gonna copy you.” Joe’s other passion with the Jimi Hendrix Foundation is his focus is on autism, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and how music therapy can help. Giving instruments to kids, young adults and schools helps. $5,000.00 buys 100 guitars to give away to kids, $5,000.00 buys 1000 sweaters or jackets to give to the homeless. The Foundation is making a difference and communities are feeling it. If you would like to help the Jimi Hendrix Foundation you can contact them at 877-IF6WAS9 or contact Joe personally at HeyJoe@JimiHendrixFoundation.org
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AI DU B
FASHIONis PASSION Natalia Spivak
I seemed to have been born with a love for fashion. My mom and two of her sisters had an amazing taste and designed stunning stylish dresses for themselves using a sewing machine at home. Vogue, Burda was my favorite magazines since childhood. Using kids sewing machine I even created my own designs for Barbies. I think fashion is a big addiction. My passion took me forward and I selected media career as a fashion journalist. I leaded topics about fashion and regularly attended Fashion Shows and glamorous Red Carpets. At this luxury events life introduced me to many celebrities, actors, film directors, singers. This area became my comfort zone and it was fun and easy to do interviews with celebrities for magazines. One day I received a call from one of the top newspaper with offer to become a special correspondent for them in energy and politics topics. Since that time I have done interviews with Ministers, Prime Ministers, Ambassadors,
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Presidents, politicians from different countries, top business leaders like Sir Richard Branson, Anthony Scaramucci, Dr. Edward Bosarge. These articles were many time the most viewed front page publications. Now I cover different topics worldwide: economics, energy and politics. And especially for Hollywood Weekly Magazine back to my favorite passion what is fashion. I agree with Miuccia Prada:”What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.” Stay tuned for new styles and fashion I'm going to introduce you to rubric Fashion is Passion: the best designers from fashion weeks in New York, London, Paris, Milan, and exclusive fashion from Dubai and Hong Kong Fashion weeks with one million dollar gowns. It is going to be hot.
DUBAI Photos by Navin Khianey
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BR AZ IL
ORSON WELLES Came To Rio in 1942, Ambassador Frederico Lapenda is bringing him Back to Brazil Again. BY FABIO GLINGANI
Frederico Lapenda
F
rederico Lapenda, international producer of Worldwide Motion Pictures is also the president of the Beverly Hills Film Festival, and the Tourism Ambassador of Brazil. Mr. Lapenda believes in something radical. He has carefully researched the matter and now believes that instead of producing TV, Internet and various Magazine ads to promote Tourism, the relevant Bureaus should produce “Actual Motion Pictures” to promote their culture, food and places of interest. In this manner, instead of spending money on ads, people could actually see the wonders of their country, around the world. This would promote tourism, especially in these days when people, the world over…dream about magnificent locations to visit.
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At the same time, while promoting tourism, Bureaus could make significant profits from the films they actually produce. They could quickly recoup their investments. For example, GAME OF THRONES being produced in Australia, was a huge profit machine for tourism… because all the filmed locations encouraged an explosion in new tourists. Films also have an incredible mystique of their own. And great movies are im-
mortal. Who will ever forget the ending to the great Romantic Thriller, CASABLANCA, when Humphrey Bogart said: “We will always have Paris!” That incredible movie actually sold Two Locations, at the same time. Casablanca, because of its mystery and adventure… and Paris, because of its Romance and Beauty. Both locations opened their doors to a new, huge explosion of Tourism, after the war ended.
There are endless examples of other Motion Pictures that successfully promoted towns, cities, and different country’s. THE BEACH, starring Leonardo de Caprio, was a huge success. According to O Jornal O Sul, the Maya Bay Beach location on the island of Koh Phi Phi in Thailand, increased by more than 2000% the number of visitors after the film was shown around the world. Since filming in 1999, the average num-
ber of visits was 171 people per day. But, after the film shown, globally…the average on visiting tourists was over 250 boats a day, and over 4000 visitors who came ashore. Thailand was visited by more than 35 million tourists in the year 2015, but there was a significant increase in 2016, because in that year there were 10 million tourists, thanks to the premiere of THE BEACH. BRAVEHEART, tells us the story of the legendary thirteenth century Scottish hero, William Wallace (played by Mel Gibson) came out in 1995 and the next year the amount of people visiting Scotland increased by a massive 300 percent. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 2 the second movie in the franchise starring Tom Cruise was shot in Sydney. It has been proven that the movie itself, increased tourism to Australia by over 200 percent.
Even FROZEN, the famous Disney musical in 2013, has not only won the heart of every child, but also fired up the tourism in Norway. Although the movie takes place in the mythical kingdom of Arendelle, it is loosely based on the Scandinavian country of Norway. According to recent Government Reports, travel to Norway from the United States jumped over 37 percent after the movie was released. That is one more reason why Producer Frederico Lapenda is determined to produce a movie that is indigenous to the history of Brazil. A story that cries out to be made, in the place where it happened. A story filled with glamour, the beauty of Rio, and the drama of espionage in wartime from the sands of Copacabana Beach, to the marble halls of the Presidential Palace. This is the story of the legendary actor, director and writer Orson Welles, who left Hollywood and came to Rio in 1942 … to ride a float in our Mardis Gras…and to be a spy.
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To write this exciting new film about the true history of Brazil, Frederico Lapenda has commissioned an Emmy Nominated, and Writer’s Guild Award Winning Writer, to fashion a new screenplay about an incredible life-changing event in the life of Orson Welles. An event that could only happen in our Brazil. An event that impacted our culture, and changed the course of film …. forever. Lapenda says that films bring tourism, which generates a gigantic impact on a country’s economy. It create jobs, exports the local culture and it gives locals a chance to understand other cultures. According to Gilson Machado the president of Embratur, our federal state owned agency, “tourism joins together almost 52 sectors of the whole economy. It is said to be the fastest way to an economy recovery. In the whole world, the tourism industry is bigger than the chemical one, representing almost 10.4% of the world GDP. Also, it generates 7 times more Jobs than the automotive industry.” Lapenda who had secured financing to shoot the film, walked away because the investor did not have the same vision for Brazil that he did. Lapenda went on to say: ‘The power and leverage of negotiation lies with the ability to walk away from a deal.’ This story about my Brazil, is one of the best film I have ever been associated with. And I simply refuse to do a film that fails to do justice to Mr. Welles, and to Brazil.”
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ind ia
CEREMONIAL INDUCTION OF RAFALE AIRCRAFT IN THE INDIAN AIR FORCE BOOSTING DEFENCE BI-LATERAL COOPERATION BETWEEN INDIA AND FRANCE
The formal induction ceremony of the Rafale ghter
jets began with a traditional 'Sarva Dharm puja' at the Ambala Air Force Station . The Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh and the Minister of the Armed Forces of France,Ms. Florence Parly, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria were present with Priests of many faiths to Bless the Jets.
Praying for the security of the nation and the success of the Rafale jets, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh & Christian priests narrated short prayers to bless the new jets
From Speed To Weapon Capabilities Of India’s Rafale Fighter Jets When all the 36 Rafale jets are delivered by 2022, India will have 32 squadrons, still well below the 42 squadrons of the sanctioned strength.
The ve Rafale jets, three single-seat and two twinseater trainers landed at the Ambala airbase on July 29 nearly four years after India signed an intergovernmental agreement with France to procure 36 of the aircraft at a cost of Rs 59,000 crore. The Government of India set on the Rafale jets due to its air superiority advantages and technical benets for the Indian Air Force operations. The Rafale jet is tted with 14 hard-points and 13 India-specic enhancements. Its total external load capacity is more than 9 tonnes. Hence, it can lift the equivalent of its own empty weight in payloads. Its loitering capacity is 1.5 times that of the Sukhoi. The range is 780 to 1055 km as against 400-550 km of a Sukhoi jet. Similarly, the Rafale jet can engage in 5 sorties per 24 hours against 3 by the Sukhoi. Moreover, the Rafale is powered by two SNECMA M88 engines, which helps it attain a range of more than 3,700 km. Having a top speed of 2223 km, it is equipped with laser-guided bombs weighing 900 kg. 2500 rounds per minute can be red from its internal cannon. Rafale considered as a 4.5 generation aircraft will now lead the IAF's ghter jets. Also, Rafale maintenance time per ight hour is 2.25 hours against 6-8 hrs for other ghters. Speaking about the Rafale, IAF chief Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria had backed the Rafale against China's untested F-35 knockoff J-20. 24 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
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The ve Rafale ghter jets that landed in Ambala will resurrect the Number 17 Golden Arrows squadron of the Indian Air Force. It will take the IAF’s squadron strength to 31. The state-of-the-art 4.5 Generation Rafale jet can reach almost double the speed of sound, with a top speed of 1.8 Mach. With its multi-role capabilities, including electronic warfare, air defence, ground support and in-depth strikes, the Rafale lends air superiority to the Indian Air Force. While China’s J20 Chengdu jets are called fth generation combat jets, compared to 4.5 generation Rafale, the J20 have no actual combat experience. Whereas the Rafale is combat proven, having been used by the French Air Force for its missions in Afghanistan, Libya and Mali. It has also been used for missions in Central African Republic, Iraq and Syria. Rafale can also carry more fuel and weapons than the J20. Each aircraft has 14 storage stations for weapons. The jets come with one of the most advanced Meteor air-to-air missiles. The 190-kg missile has a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) of over 100 km, traveling at a top speed of Mach 4. The F16 jets, used by Pakistan, carry the AMRAAM missile, which has a BVR of 75 km. Rafale can also outperform F16 in dogghts. The Rafale jets also come with SCALP, the air-toground cruise missile with a range over 300 km. It is a long-range deep strike missile. The MICA air-to-air missile on Rafale is for both, closequarter dogghts, and for BVR. At the last-minute, India has also asked for HAMMER (Highly Agile and Manoeuvrable Munition Extended Range), which is an air-to-ground precision guided missile produced by French conglomerate Safran, and can be used against bunker-type hardened targets within the range of 70 km. Speaking at the ceremony, the Defence Minister
Rajnath Rajnath Singh Singh said said that that the the induction induction of of the the ve ve Rafale Rafale ghter ghter jets jets are are important important given given the the kind kind of of situation situation that that has has been been created created on on the the country’s country’s borders borders in in recent recent days. days. The The induction induction of of Rafale Rafale into into IAF IAF also also represents represents the the strong strong ties ties between between India India and and France. France. The The strategic strategic ties ties between between the the two two countries countries have have also also strengthened. strengthened.
Mid Air Refuelling Being Carried Out By Rafales On Their Journey Back Home.
The jets entered Indian airspace on Wednesday afternoon.
the Al Dhafra French air base near Abu Dabhi and took off from there for Ambala. The jets India has bought are a mix of single-seater and two-seater planes. The jets that reached India are also a mix of both.Interestingly, the twin-seater air planes have the current Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria’s initials, “RB”, as he played a signicant role in negotiating the deal.The single-seater aircraft have the initials of the last chief of Air Force, retired Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa. The IAF aircrew and ground crew have undergone comprehensive training on the aircraft, including its highly advanced weapons systems, which are fully operational now. Post arrival, efforts will focus on operationalization of the aircraft at the earliest, IAF had stated.The immediate focus will be to ensure that the pilots and ground crew put their heads down and become integrated with the overall IAF operations at the earliest. Further, it is important that the ferry-in of ghters as well as move of support crew is completed safely and swiftly. The rst jets will comprise the resurrected No 17 ‘Golden Arrows’ squadron of the Air Force, and will be stationed in Ambala. The Golden Arrows were raised in 1951 and have been involved in a number of signicant operations through their history, including the Kargil War. But after the Air Force started to phase out the Mig-21, which were operated by the Golden Arrows, the squadron was disbanded in 2016.It has been resurrected now for the multi-role, state-of-the-art Rafale.
The ceremony at Ambala Air Force Station included a ceremonial unveiling of the Rafale aircraft, a traditional ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’, Air Display by Rafale and Tejas aircraft as well as by ‘Sarang Aerobatic Team’. It was followed by the traditional water cannon salute for the ghter jets. The proceedings culminated the ceremonial induction of Rafale to Golden Arrows. It was a new chapter in India-France defence ties and is an achievement for both the countries. They are fully fully committed to 'Make in India' initiative as well as to the further integration of the Indian manufacturers in the global supply chain said Minister of the Armed Forces of France Florence Parly. Rafale jets travelled almost 7,000-km journey from France to reach at Air Force Station Ambala.The rst batch includes ve aircraft, being own by Indian Air Force pilots. They took off from the Merignac airbase near Bordeaux in France.
The The Army Army is preparing for extra provisions for additional troops who have been moved to the LAC amid the standoff with the Chinese. Three extra Army divisions having moved to the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh to mirror the Chinese build-up, the Army has started preparing for extra provisions for the additional troops who will remain deployed through the winter. The eastern Ladakh region is a high-altitude desert, where temperatures can drop to -20°C.
Ten aircraft have been been delivered delivered on schedule, as per a statement by the Indian Embassy in France. Of these ten, ve reached India, while the other ve will remain in France for training missions. The distance covered by them is close to 7,000 kms, and will require air-toair refuelling. While the distance can be covered within a day as well, with the refuelling, it planned that the jets made a stop in United Arab Emirates. They took to
India is ready for any exigencies that could arise with China at the LAC and the the presence presence of Rafale jets now with No 17 ‘Golden Arrows’ squadron , the strength has doubled to have air superiority to any illegal advances by the Chinese troops who have tried to create a web ,where India is ready both by the Army troops on ground and Air Force with Rafale jets to challenge the Chinese misconduct of expansionism . HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 25
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RUPA NAIK
NOVEL MISSION TO EMPOWER WOMEN ENTREPRENUERS AND PROVIDE A PLATFORM FOR WEAVERS, ARTISANS TO CONNECT WITH GLOBAL PLAYERS AND PROMOTE INDIAN HANDLOOM INDUSTRY
Rupa Naik is a Senior
Director MVIRDC, World Trade Centre, Mumbai. She has over 30 years of extensive knowledge and experience in Trade Promotional activities. She has served with various Trade bodies in her career starting from ‘All India Manufacturers Organization’ as the Director, ‘All India Association of Industries as the Executive Director. Her present position as Senior Director at World Trade Center – Mumbai also includes Bhumbaneswar, Jaipur and Goa which is promoted by M. Visveswaraya Industrial Research and Development Center (M.V.I R.D.C) She has travelled across the world on various professional assignments and has attended key business networking conferences that include ILO, WTO and UNCTAD. Her expertise in organizing International Conferences, Exhibitions and Trade Missions is a class apart with an eye for details that include conceptualizing, budgeting, marketing and identifying target audiences for innovative programs aligned to business challenges. Rupa’s extensive network has encouraged the participation of speakers from World Bank , World Trade Organization, UNCTAD and OECD to name a few, Global Economic Summit, World Trade Expo, Innovative Technology for Manufacturing, GRULAC, WTCA’s 44th General Assembly, INDIALLIA ,The International Business Development Forum, At the Incredible Destination, India and World Trade Week and others. She has been responsible for the active participation of the Government to support MSME’s and also ensured to build a platform for Women Entrepreneurs in India by associating WTC Mumbai as a verier for SheTrades, an initiative of UNCTAD, all of which has had a direct impact on trade and investment. 30 26 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Rupa's strong leadership qualities have progressively driven World Trade Center towards achieving excellence in creating a brand value for these trade services. Her persistence towards strengthening the competitiveness of Indian Industry and facilitating activities for her members and stake holders to improve business opportunities are integral to the culture and ethos of World Trade Center. She has been encouraging women weavers and artisans with their creative talent and has been always helpful with her acts of kindness and compassion. Invariably ,she purchases sarees woven by women weavers and those who participate at any Exhibition. Next day ,she would visit the same stall wearing the same saree , which indirectly is a great satisfaction and a reward to the weavers.
RUPA NAIK IS WEARING THIS HANDLOOM SAREE FROM WEST BENGAL
Rupa endeavors to develop a robust platform for linking MSMEs with the potential partners within the WTC network and beyond through the connections that she has developed over the years to help member WTCs. Through the Handloom Festival she plans to provide a platform for weavers, Artisans and women entrepreneurs to connect with global players and design houses.
WTC, WINNIPEG AND TRIESTE OFFER FAVOURABLE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIA
Rupa Naik was concerned with the plight of women weavers and artisans during this pandemic, she got in touch with her colleagues in World Trade Centres in Winnipeg and Trieste and shared her ideas to create a platform for weavers and artisans through World Trade Centre. Ms. Mariette Mulaire, President and CEO, World TradeCenter Winnipeg and Board Member, World Trade Centers Association, New York,who immediately agreed to join in to support this novel mission. Ms. Andrea Garwood, Vice President and Board Member, World Trade Center Trieste and Board Member, World Trade Centers Association, New York followed to support this mission and together they wanted to do all that was possible to improve the lives of weavers and artisans in India and how trade and commerce could begin online and help the entrepreneurs Rupa decided to use the platform of World Trade Center, Mumbai in organizing this Virtual Trade Dialogue Series on ‘Strengthening Trade Connections through Partnerships with Winnipeg, Canada and Trieste, Italy’ on Friday 25th September 2020 . These three brilliant women came together with all their knowledge and expertise and wisdom, they were the Distinguished Speakers at the webinar and described about their city , its historical background that could open up the Tourism sector and to be operational once life returns back to new normal and international ights could resume operations. They also emphasized on ease of doing business with a view to enhance trade and investment ties with Winnipeg, Trieste and World Trade center, Mumbai. World Trade Centers through this webinar created an effective platform to strengthen networks and create opportunities for business enterprises in an ever changing world economy and how best to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. To maintain a continuity, Rupa Naik announced a ‘Virtual World Trade Expo’ for MSMEs and being organized by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai. She plans to open with a ‘Handloom Festival’ from 17th October to 15th November 2020. She has prepared the Virtual World Trade Expo which is open to all artisans, weavers and craftsmen from India and overseas to showcase and sell their products domestically or internationally. World Trade Centre ,Mumbai has invited weavers from across India to participate in this meaningful and global presentation of the Indian authentic weaves of sarees, shawls, bags, stoles, furnishings and many other accessories made from khadi, silk, jute , handlooms, linen and all natural bers. This will project and promote the sustainable fabrics of India which spins mystery and magic through its different weaving techniques , processes and motifs making each piece as truly unique and original. This Virtual World Trade Expo aims to showcase the weavers and artisans and craftsmen through this portal to benet the participants. They will be exposed to the Global visibility through promotional programs . It is estimated that 330 WTCs across 90 countries ,who have been invited to experience and explore this platform. This platform will also invite experts and eminent fashion designers for virtual dialogue meetings on the emerging challenges to guide the weavers/artisans . It will facilitate to engage the Weavers /Artisans in discussions with buyers from India and overseas . This platform will also connect the weavers /artisans to overseas weavers / skills / designers and encourage virtual exchange programs
The exhibitors could upload videos, pictures / designs / products and a good write-up on their products . The weavers could include their prole with photographs, certicates, testimonials and any other material which has publicity value She has ensured a highly subsidized participation fee to make it affordable to the participants considering the pandemic which has caused several challenges world over. The Expo is scheduled for a month initially, depending on the response; WTC, Mumbai may extend the period to involve as many weavers, artisans, craftsmen, buyers and designers to make it truly meaningful and benecial to all stakeholders. The handloom Industry needs a boost from the North East states. Rupa is condent that the combined efforts will surely result in enhancing sales, exports, exchange programs as well as motivating and empowering the weavers, artisans and craftsmen. The Expo will lay special emphasis on women weavers, artisans and entrepreneurs who are in this business which will add to their visibility on the portal. Speaking of business opportunities in Manitoba, Ms. Mariette Mulaire, President and CEO, World Trade Center Winnipeg and Board Member, World Trade Centers Association, New York said that Manitoba‘s abundance of land makes it lucrative for agriculture. It is also a source of clean energy and offers world-class research and innovation. It is home to advanced manufacturing and has the largest tri-modal inland port in North America. With over 60 free trade and investment agreements, Manitoba offers easy access to markets in North America and beyond. Highlighting the promise that Trieste holds for international business, Ms. Andrea Garwood, Vice President and Board Member, World Trade Center Trieste and Board Member, World Trade Centers Association, New York said that Trieste is located in the middle of a multinational area and is at the centre of global sea transport dynamics. It stands out for its high quality of life and environment with a high level of education, high income per head, employment, security, services and infrastructures. Many insurance rms were founded in Trieste, some of which have become leading companies in Europe today. Ms. Rupa Naik, Senior Director, World Trade Center Mumbai highlighted the export potential of Maharashtra, suggesting that Maharashtra has 570 software technology and food parks, and has export promotion hubs in automotive and auto components, gems and jewellery, IT/ITe S, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and textiles sectors . Processed diamonds account for 31 per cent of Maharashtra’s exports. Potential exports from Maharashtra include Solapur blankets, Warli Painting, Kolhapuri footwear, Solapur Terry Towel, Nashik Valley Wine, Nashik Grapes, Mahabaleshwar Strawberry, Nagpur Orange, Onion, custard apple, raisins, turmeric, g, pomegranate, mangoes, chickoo, Ajara Ghansal Rice and Kokum (Garcinia indica). Ms. Naik further opined that given their innovative capabilities, Winnipeg and Trieste should partner with Maharashtra, and therefore with India, in Smart City Development. The programme was attended by representatives from various World Trade Centers, industry, MSMEs and academia. This year the World Trade Centre ,Mumbai completes 50 years in the service of trade and industry. To commemorate this occasion and to promote India's primary and traditional sector ,the World Trade Centre, Mumbai has initiated the Virtual World Trade Expo. 31 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 27
INDIA CELEBRATES THE COMING OF MOTHER OF UNIVERSE – MOTHER DURGA ON THE EARTH DESPITE COVID-19 India will begin celebrating the coming of Mother of Universe – Mother Durga on the Earth with worship and devotion despite Covid-19,the festive season signals hope. Traditionally during this festival people engage in the purchase of new dresses ,jewelleries, decorative items and gifts for family, relatives many other things .Mother Durga rides on the lion and kills the dreaded demon, Mahisasur. This year the people in India pray for Mother Durga to kill the “Coronavirus demon” too. Accompanying the Mother Durga will be Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, Mother Lakshmi and Mother Swaraswati. Lord Ganesha is worshipped globally to make an enterprise a success and for prosperity. Lord Karikeya is worshipped as a destroyer of evil. He symbolizes strength, relinquishment, non-attachment and love and unity in the family. Mother Lakshmi ,wife of Lord Vishnu ,lives in the house of pure, righteous, those observing austerity and simplicity ,engaging in the services of humanity and are conscious of Lord Vishnu. Mother Swaraswati is the expeller of ignorance, granter of wisdom, power, talent, intuition and the creative arts. They are remembered not only in calamities but also in happiness and prosperity. 28 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 32
Due to nancial constraints ,people will still be purchasing merchandise as a matter of auspicious purchases. Due to Covid-19 ,marketing has shifted to e-commerce . Giant e-commerce companies like Walmart, Amazon, Flipkart ,Reliance and others have a major slice of marketing. Retailers have been affected greatly. This has social and economic impact. Ecommerce marketing has become convenient , safe and hygienic. Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman have taken several measures to revive the economy and save it from further steeper fall.
India readies itself for two biggest festivals this October- Durga Puja and Diwali. This year Diwali won’t be about bursting of crackers like in the past or hopping from one locality to another and meeting friends and families to exchange greetings. These festivals are celebrated as nation’s heritage, culture and traditions. Festivals in India has always played an important role to the social lives and connect with families and traditions. They allow a diversion from daily routines and gives an opportunity to mingle with the culture and society. Festivals in India are cultural in one way or the other. The cultural festivals include national, religious and seasonal. They serve the purpose of bringing togetherness of their lives and strengthen the sense of community. Festivals teach the principles and ethics to the next generation. All different religious festivals bring the same message of love, tolerance and understanding. Festivals have a huge impact on the social and cultural environment of the country. It also has a huge impact on economy. These festivals benet several sectors and businesses. Sale of textiles, automobiles, consumer durables, electronic goods , jewellery, real estate and food. The tourism sector also sees growth since holidaying to different destination is common during Durga puja and Diwali. Artisans who mostly reside in rural areas also see signicant growth in their sales and with greater employment as a cascading effect. The youth in India are now promoting “ Make in India ” products, especially during festivals, which directly impact the unorganized sector. In India the Artisan Industry is the second largest after Agriculture Industry and employs women in large numbers. Their earnings go up during the festival season. In West Bengal alone there are about an estimated 28,000 community pujas. The expenses for pandals range from few hundred thousand to tens of millions where corporate funding for outdoor advertising account for about 90% of the funding. Due to the pandemic the organizers have decided to cut their budgets. It would be a delicate call for the administration to take a decision on the festivity of Durga Puja. It is planned to have a balance in the trade- off between economy and public health.
The festival season this year has another big challenge in decelerating macro numbers. For sectors such as automobile, consumer durables, garments and tourism, -these two months, peaking with Diwali traditionally accounts for 25-35% of annual sales. The economic slowdown notwithstanding ,the mode of marketing would shift in favour of e-commerce I a bigger way as a large section of the buyers would want to avoid direct purchasing in malls and open market. According to RedSeer ,the number of online shoppers in India will nearly double to around 50 million during the festive season this year. Following the phase-wise unlocking and resumption of economic activities, the consumer sentiments have begun improving though the pandemic has continued to worsen. Research rm Mintel India in its ‘Global Covid-19 Tracker’ in August was 42% of Indian consumers are looking forward to meeting family and friends compared to earlier months .This desire accelerated because of the onset of the festive season. In India festive season begins with Navratri, which starts on 17 October and continues till the end of the year. It is estimated that two-fth of the apparels, consumer durables and electronic sales happen during this period. The e-commerce players such as Amazon and Flipkart hold massive sales that include new launches and deep discounts. Companies have adopted new models of video and WhatsApp based shopping which has become a part of main stream to serve the client better. Aggregate festive sales are expected to almost double this year to a huge $7 billion in gross merchandise value compared to $ 3.8 billion last year. E-commerce is expected to reach to $38 billion in sales in calendar 2020 from $27 billion in 2019. In this festive season , purchase of automobiles and house also happens during this time and continue to be at the far end of the consumers discretion spectrum. Both these sectors are awaiting the Government sops. It will depend largely on how effective the Government stimulus package is . The automobile industry is hoping that the August and September slowdown will end in October . All automobile and two wheeler companies are hopeful of pushing stocks with higher discounts and incentives during the festive season. The real estate sector may take an upturn if the Government comes up with new sops. The gold jewelers in India are with hopes on the upcoming festival season, with dealers offering discounts luring customers back. Given the economic uncertainty ,gold prices are ruling at an all time high. The demand has declined substantially during the post-coronavirus days. India’s gold imports have declined over 81% during the April-July period of 202021 due to signicant fall in demand in the wake of the pandemic .
There are hundreds of idol- makers , craftsmen, small shopkeepers, transport operators and many others who earn major parts of their yearly income out of this festivity. The Durga Puja festivities this year is a big challenge amid the Covid-19 crisis and ensure all precautionary measures to contain the virus spread. The organizers have decided to celebrate the festivity in a smaller scale.
Throughout the world, festival seasons give a big boost to the economy .This is the only time in recent memory that the festival may not be able to boost growth. To paraphrase what Swami Vivekananda said in 1899 : The entire wealth of the world will not alleviate poverty of a village as people are lazy and lack unity and discipline. All Indians must take on this mission to be Karmayogis not just the civil servants but also the policymakers ,politicians and all to come together during this festive season for a better world. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 29 33
INDIAN COUNCIL FOR CULTURAL RELATIONS PRESENTS THE INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL AND COMPETITION His Excellency, Ambassador Mr. Dinesh K. Patnaik (IFS:1990), Director General,
Indian Council for Cultural Relations is the rst DG to take this initiative in organising and introduce international choral festival in India . ICCR invites choirs and choral group from India and intentional groups to join this choral festival which is designed to connect choirs from different parts from the globe to share and showcase their rich cultural heritage through the medium of a Virtual Choral Concert.
Ambassador Patnaik is a career diplomat of the Indian Foreign Service with experience of 30 years in a variety of interesting and challenging assignments. He has served in Indian Missions in Geneva, Dhaka, Beijing and Vienna. At Headquarters, he has served in the Europe West, External Publicity, Africa and UN Divisions. Shri Patnaik served as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Vienna from 2009 to 2012. He was India’s Ambassador to Cambodia from 2012 to 2015 and India’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco from 2015 to 2016. He was Deputy High Commissioner of India to London from 2016 to 2018. Prior to joining ICCR, he served as Additional Secretary (Indian Ocean Region) and thereafter Additional Secretary (CPV&OIA) in the Ministry of External Affairs. Ambassador Patnaik holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Kolkata. He also holds a Master’s degree in Advanced International Studies from the University of Vienna and Certicate in International Studies from the Diplomatic Academy, Vienna. Ambassador Patnaik is married to Poonam who is an international educator. They have two daughters.
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AMBASSADOR MR. DINESH K. PATNAIK DG, ICCR- OPEN TO NEW IDEAS
His Excellency, Ambassador Mr. Dinesh K. Patnaik Director General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations with Ike Sinha, COO Hollywood Weekly Magazine in India HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 33
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Hollywood Weekly - Page Turners As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book. Bedside Reading is welcoming the new season with another selection of bestsellers available through our novel amenity, on the download at luxury hotels. Whether you’re traveling or staying cozy at home, keep up to date with our 5-star authors and book recommendations by following us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @BedsideReading BedsideReading.com
The Birth Mother by Seymour Ubell (an Audiobook) On a business trip, a high-powered fifty-six-year-old American entrepreneur visits his partners in China. After their meeting, his Asian mentor invites him to an orphanage, a trip that will change the course of his family’s life forever. Without hesitation, he and his wife fall in love with Anglo/Asian twin girls and become their adoptive parents. The children grow up in a world of twists and turns with multiple coincidences and synchronicity. Their journey takes them from China to Europe to America and back to China where their unusual birth mother enters their lives. This powerful story is filled with drama at every turn as the daughters face internal and external challenges. The Birth Mother is a story filled with love, pathos, tragedy, and triumph. Read, laugh, cry, and learn. It’s a tale you will never forget.
Dead Ball: A Novel of Murder and Passion by G.P. Hutchinson Hutchinson’s engrossing historical baseball thriller, “Dead Ball,” begins in 1912 when young St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Hal Gerecke unleashes a throw he’ll regret as long as he lives. Popular Boston Braves hitter Rube Wannamaker evidently never catches sight of the incoming fastball, and the next thing Hal knows, Rube is on the ground, unconscious and bleeding. As succeeding weeks pass, it becomes apparent that the errant pitch has left Rube in a permanent vegetative state. Gutted by the incident, Hal abandons baseball for married life with spunky Gracie Matthews, but recruiters for the newly formed and supposedly safer Mutual League of Professional Baseball soon pull him out of retirement. Certain folks, meanwhile—including mysterious baseball newcomer Johnny Wagner—haven’t forgotten Hal’s fateful fastball. Believing he purposely maimed Rube, they’re out for blood, and Hal’s life is in serious danger.
Under Lock and Key by Betty Bolte Giles Fairhope reluctantly journeys to the Fury Falls Inn in the wilderness of 1821 Alabama for one reason: his beloved sister Cassie needs him after their mother was murdered. He plans to find his mother’s killers, ensure Cassie’s safety, and then go home. When Cassie tells him their mother’s ghost haunts the inn, he suddenly faces his dead mother amidst shocking memories from his past, unexpected changes in himself, and dangerous family secrets. The revelations change everything he thought he knew about his family and threaten his sister’s safety and perhaps even her life... 34 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
White Out by Danielle Girard After surviving a car accident on an icy road in Hagen, North Dakota, Lily Baker regains consciousness with no idea where or who she is. Scattered Bible verses and the image of a man lying in a pool of blood haunt her memory. The same night of the accident, a young woman is murdered and tossed in a dumpster. Kylie Milliard, Hagen’s only detective, doesn’t immediately recognize the victim, but Kylie soon discovers that Lily and the dead woman share a dark past…if only Lily could remember what it was. Lily and Kylie both want answers. But Kylie has to play by the book. Lily has to play it safe. And the more Lily learns about her identity, the more she fears the truth.
Limerick Comics by Robert Hoyman Limerick Comics offers lighthearted original limericks on a wide range of history and science topics, each with an informational panel of surprising facts, presented in entertaining comics. Kids of all ages are invited to linger on each page to enjoy the humor, ponder inferences, and view the evocative details of each illustrated panel. This innovative blend of verse and fun facts is crafted to appeal to reluctant and advanced readers alike. Limerick Comics is a cross-curricular deep-dive sure to provide a springboard for discussion between kids and parents, or teachers and students.
Colloquium by Charles D’Amico Colloquium—an international detective thriller—is book 3 of 4 in the Neil Baggio series. Neil Baggio sits down for a conversation with Frank Cappelano, an FCI Milan inmate and Neil’s former boss and adversary who’s been put away for multiple murders. But as always, Cappelano’s insights are invaluable. Neil discovers a dubious connection between a missing girl—an activist who was protesting Gaines Chemical—and the head of Gaines himself. All signs indicate a cover-up, but which part? There are so many skeletons in the closet of this powerful chemical company. Once a staple in the community, built by the CEO’s parents, he has turned his family company into an enterprise. Leaning on unlikely support, Neil will work with convicted felons, inmates, and dirty guards to survive this case. But will he survive it, will he uncover all that lies below? Colloquium is book 3 of a series with many spinoffs coming
Eye of the Moon by Ivan Obolensky Percy, the narrator, begins as someone raised on the fringes of the elite, quasi-abandoned by his traveling parents. He is abruptly reunited with his pseudo-brother and pulled into his hijinks. They stumble upon the artifacts of the legendary socialite Alice, who had died mysteriously twenty years prior. Her letters and journals bring a darker world to light and the two men dive headlong into the shadows. This inadvertently involves everyone at the estate, including the butler, Stanley, who was the only confidante of Alice with hidden knowledge of what happened behind closed doors before her death. She still lives in the places lit with magic, her narrative woven tightly with Percy’s. What will be the cost of revealing the truth? Where does Percy ultimately belong?
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Inspired by an astonishing true story from World War II, a young woman with a talent for forgery helps hundreds of Jewish children flee the Nazis in this unforgettable historical novel from the bestselling author of the “epic and heart-wrenching” The Winemaker’s Wife. When Eva Traube flees Paris during the Nazi Occupation, she finds herself working for the Resistance near the Swiss border. As she prepares false traveling papers for children being smuggled to safety, she realizes that they may never be reunited with their parents--unless someone can preserve and protect their true names. A heartrending story perfect for book clubs.
Ball Gowns to Yoga Pants by Dr. Shellie Hipsky Ballgowns to Yoga Pants reveals the hush-hush details that every business owner of a startup wishes they knew before they jumped into owning their own business. Ballgowns to Yoga Pants is infused with powerful stories from Dr. Shellie Hipsky, the CEO of the motivational media company Inspiring Lives International, as she describes her rise from tenured professor to becoming an award-winning “Best Business Woman” and “Entrepreneur of the Year” whose company has grown massively in impact and revenue. Based on research and interviews, Ballgowns to Yoga Pants shows what multi-millionaire entrepreneurs have done, step-by-step as they climbed the ladder of success.
A Borrowed Life by Kerry Anne King From the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Whisper Me This comes an emotional and sharply witty novel about how life’s unexpected detours can ultimately bring you home. When her controlling husband of 30 years dies suddenly, Liz risks everything to explore a wider life and a new love despite the efforts of her daughter to hold her back. “Earthy, unpredictable, and wildly enjoyable.” —Barbara O’Neal, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids
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Just Feel: How to Be Stronger, Happier, Healthier, and More by Mallika Chopra From the author of Just Breathe, Mallika Chopra, daughter of Deepak Chopra, comes a full-color guide empowering kids ages 8-12 to problem solve, harness inner strength, and gain grit and emotional awareness. Featuring full-color illustrations, Just Feel is an engaging and easy-to-read guide that introduces kids to the building blocks of resilience and grit.
On With the Butter! Spread More Living onto Everyday Life by Heidi Herman An upbeat and sincere primer on living one’s best life.” -Kirkus Review. A motivational gift book filled with stories, encouragement, and ideas to add more vitality and activity into your everyday life. Carry on, keep doing what you’re doing, forge ahead and keep moving. Icelanders have a saying for it: Áfram með Smjörið - on with the butter!
Ave Maria by Charles D’Amico An international thriller investigating the “suicide” of a young teen with ambiguous ties to the Catholic Church. Neil Baggio, fresh off ending the Cappelano serial killer case, is called in the middle of the night by his old high school. The headmaster, formerly his teacher, asks Neil to investigate a student’s mysterious death. What looks to be a suicide will have Neil chasing down the Catholic Church, causing scene after scene and flying to Europe to chase one last lead that will live up to the Baggio name. Neil struggles as he tries to get information out of one of the oldest institutions in history, the Catholic Church. Neil can’t find the connection, can’t find the trail—all he knows is they are sweeping up the tracks, but why? Follow Neil as he causes a stir, riles up the church, and rises to the occasion. The truth is there, but will it be found before it’s finally hidden away for good?
The Summer Sand Pact by Jessie Newton These five best friends made a Summer Sand Pact as teens and have only kept it once or twice—until they reunite decades later and renew their agreement to meet in Five Island Cove every summer.
The Moments Between by Natalie Banks Tragedy strikes the life of Claire DuPont when her husband of nine years is killed in a train accident on his way home from work, leaving her alone with two small children. One morning, six months later, she awakes to find him alive and there with her in the house, like he had never been gone. With her head spinning she picks up her phone only to see the date is actually three months before the accident ever occurred. Bewildered but grateful, she writes it off as a very vivid, bad dream. But as time goes on, she realizes that events are unfolding exactly the way they did in her dream. Racing against time, she desperately tries to change the inevitable but finds herself helpless to change anything. Unwilling to give up, she vows to stop at nothing to save her husband before it’s too late.
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A Suitable Necklace by Kim Akhtar Sabine Kumar, a conartist and cat burglar, returns to Delhi with a scheme to exact revenge on JJ Singh, her ex-partner and lover, who, five years prior, gave her up to the Indian police and cut a deal to save himself, sending her on the run.
The Lighthouse by Jessie Newton When Joel Shields dies, Robin Grover’s only goal is to get her four best friends back to Five Island Cove to celebrate the life of Kristen’s husband. She alone has stayed in the cove while everyone else couldn’t wait to get away. Alice Keller comes instantly, because her mansion in the Hamptons and her husband’s infidelity is smothering her. Not only that, but Kristen has always been like a mother to her, and she wants to support her. Eloise Hall comes quickly too, because she’s not teaching at the university this summer, and she might as well visit her mother—and the house she secretly bought years ago. Her first night on the island, she runs into an old high school crush, and a flame ignites that hasn’t been there before. But Kelli Thompson and AJ Proctor are more resistant, and as Robin, Alice, and Eloise uncover secret after secret in the books, journals, and files in Joel’s office, Robin becomes more determined to reunite them all. When Kelli and AJ finally arrive in the cove, the women are embroiled in secrets the lighthouse has hidden for decades. Robin tries to hold them all together, but she too breaks down and admits that her perfect-on-the-outside life isn’t so perfect. As these 5 best friends work together to find the truth, they must learn to let go of what doesn’t matter and cling to what does: faith, family, and most of all, friendship.
Hook Point by Brendan Kane
Hook Point: How to Stand Out in a 3-Second World, by out of the box thinker Brendan Kane, breaks down the most effective strategies to generate new opportunities, innovate and scale your business, and create a compelling brand—both online and off—so you can thrive in the new micro-attention world in which we live.
THE MIRACLE BALL METHOD FROM ELAINE PETRONE With over 1.5 million copies in print, the first edition of Elaine Petrone’s The Miracle Ball Method was a revelation. Developed by the professional dancer to treat her own injuries and using nothing more than two small, squishy exercise balls and a combination of gravity and breathing, the revolutionary method has helped millions of people manage and reduce pain and stress for almost two decades. Practitioners rave about the life-changing benefits of Petrone’s routines and their ability to heal a range of ailments. With over 1.5 million copies in print, the first edition of Elaine Petrone’s The Miracle Ball Method was a revelation. But when the book first came out in 2003, smartphones and computers were not the ubiquitous items they are now—nor were the aches and pains that go along with their use. Enter The
Miracle Ball Method, Revised Edition: Relieve Your Pain, Reshape Your Body, Reduce Your Stress. Using the beloved and proven techniques from the first edition—get on the ball, breathe deeply, and let the weight of your body do the rest—Petrone has added new combinations in this revised edition to target contemporary, widespread ailments such as the physical problems that arise from spending hours sitting in front of a screen, as well as the pervasive 2020 issues of sleeplessness, anxiety, and stress. In fact, as work from home becomes the new normal, with makeshift home offices causing new pain points, the need for Petrone’s method is only growing. (Several of Elaine’s clients have shared how helpful the method has been for feeling more connected with their bodies while being in quarantine and more sedentary.)
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COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND
CHARLEY PRIDE
TO RECEIVE THE 2020 WILLIE NELSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT 'THE 54TH ANNUAL CMA AWARDS'
Charley Pride • Photo Credit: Joseph Llanes
Country Music's Biggest Night™ to Broadcast Live from Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 8 PM EST on ABC
The Country Music Association has revealed its 2020 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient—trailblazing country music star Charley Pride.
classics like “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” (1970), “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” (1971), and “All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)” (1969).
Pride will accept the honor during 'The 54th Annual CMA Awards,' broadcasting live from Nashville’s Music City Center Wednesday, Nov. 11 on ABC. Further details will be revealed in the coming weeks.
In 1971, he was named CMA Entertainer of the Year as well as Male Vocalist of the Year in both 1971 and 1972. Pride was also the first black man to co-host the CMA Awards, taking the reins in 1975 alongside Glen Campbell. He became a Grand Ole Opry member in 1993 and in 2000, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He holds three Grammy Awards and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by The Recording Academy in 2017.
“Charley Pride is the epitome of a trailblazer,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Few other artists have grown country music’s rich heritage and led to the advancement of country music around the world like Charley. His distinctive voice has created a timeless legacy that continues to echo through the country community today. We could not be more excited to honor Charley with one of CMA’s highest accolades.” The Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award is for an iconic artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition in country music. The Award was established to recognize an artist who has achieved both national and international prominence and stature through concert performances, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, record sales, and public representation at the highest level. The artist receiving this Award has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of the genre throughout a course of years that have proven to have an unprecedented historical impact on fans and industry alike. Previous recipients of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award include Willie Nelson (2012), Kenny Rogers (2013), Johnny Cash (2015), Dolly Parton (2016), and Kris Kristofferson (2019). Through a mix of courage, determination, and extraordinary talent, Pride made country music history by becoming the genre’s first black superstar. The country legend has seen remarkable longevity in his career, which spans more than five decades. His distinctive baritone voice allowed him to take almost every song he touched into the Top 10, if not the No. 1 position, typically spending multiple weeks there. Between his chart debut in 1966, and 1989, Pride had 29 No. 1 country hits and over 50 Top 10 tracks, including enduring 38 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
About the CMA Awards: The first “CMA Awards Banquet and Show” was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards was broadcast for the first time – making it the longest-running, annual music awards program on network television. The CMA Awards have aired on ABC since 2006. ABC is the network home of the CMA Awards and CMA’s other two television properties, “CMA Fest” and “CMA Country Christmas.” About Charley Pride: Charley Pride is celebrating more than 50 years as a recording artist. He has enjoyed one of the most successful careers in the history of country music and is credited with helping to break color barriers by becoming the first black superstar within the genre. A true living legend, he has sold tens of millions of records worldwide with his large repertoire of hits. A three-time GRAMMY® award and Recording Academy “Lifetime Achievement Award” winner, Pride has garnered no less than 36 chart-topping country hits, including “Kiss An Angel Good Morning,” a massive #1 crossover hit that sold over a million singles and helped Pride land the Country Music Association’s “Entertainer of the Year” award in 1971 and the “Top Male Vocalist” awards of 1971 and 1972. A proud member of the Grand Ole Opry, Pride continues to perform concerts worldwide and has toured the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand over the last several years. Pride received the Crossroads Of American Music Award At the 2019 GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi Gala in November of 2019 and has plans to release a new album soon. Follow Charley Pride on Facebook and at CharleyPride.com.
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