Actress Judith Godreche, a leading figure in France's #MeToo movement, received a standing ovation at the Cesar Awards after calling for the French film industry to "face the truth" about sexual violence. At the Cesar Awards in Paris on Friday, French actress Judith Godreche denounced the French film industry's "level of impunity, denial and privilege" in dealing with allegations of rampant sexual abuse.  A leading figure in France's #MeToo movement, Godreche had been invited to speak at France's version of the Oscars, after actresses alleged they were teenage victims of sexual abuse by directors.  Godreche has accused directors Benoit Jacquot and Jacques Doillon of sexually assaulting her while she was a teenager.  "Why accept that this art that we love so much, this art that binds us together, is used as a cover for illicit trafficking of young girls?" she said. "We can decide that men accused of rape no longer rule the [French] cinema." "Is it possible that we are able to face the truth?" the actress questioned. "With the same moral strength that we use to be creative, let's have the courage to say out loud what we know quietly," she said.    A #MeToo moment for French cinema   Hours before the award ceremony commenced, France's culture minister Rachida Dati deplored French cinema for  "collectively turning a blind eye for decades" to sexual violence, and hailed Godreche's courage for speaking out.  "This should be the beginning of profound soul searching for French cinema," Dati said in an interview with  the French flim magazine "Le Film Francais." Actress and director Valerie Lemercier, who presided over the ceremony, raised the issue in her opening remarks. "I will not leave this stage without praising those who are shaking up the habits and customs of a very old world where the bodies of some were implicitly at the disposal of the bodies of others," she said. The first award of the night went to Adele Exarchopoulos for best supporting actress in "All Your Faces" in which she plays a victim of incest. Justine Triet, who became just the second woman to win the best director in the award's 49-year-old history, dedicated her win to women who have been abused.  Outside the ceremony's venue, protestors led demonstrations at the call of the national labor union to support victims of sexual violence.  Recent sex abuse allegations Godreche, 51, recently accused Jacquot — 25 years her senior — of raping and abusing her during a six-year-long relationship that started when she was 14. She said the relationship was marred by violence, confinement and control as if she had "joined a cult."  Godreche, 51, has claimed that Doillon, 79, sexually assaulted her when she was a 15 year old actress in a film he directed.  Earlier this month, she filed a formal complaint with prosecutors. Both the directors have denied the allegations.  

Arijit Sing will be sung in a Dhaliyood movie, "Tui Amar Pakhi, Ami Tor Pakhi" which is confirmed by the producer of the movie Zakaria Masood.  He already gave his voice in a song of Dhakai movie. There is a song in the movie, where I wanted Indian artist Arijit Singh to playback. But I could not confirm without talking to him. Now talked to Arijit Singh recently. Will go to India soon for signing the contract. Earlier in the movie 'Dhaka Attack', Arijit Singh playback the song 'Tuptap', accompanied by India's another singer Somlata. At that time the song 'Tuptap' was highly appreciated by the audience.

Austrian actor Helmut Berger has died at the age of 78. One of the stars of European cinema in the 1960s and 1970s, he was renowned for playing narcisisstic and sexually-ambiguous characters. The German-speaking cinema world mourned the passing of one of its past stars on Thursday, with news that Helmut Berger died in his sleep shortly before his 79th birthday. It was in such films as "The Damned" (1969) and "Ludwig II" (1972) that Berger gained recognition for his striking looks and captivating presence on screen. Who was Helmut Berger? Born in the Austrian spa town of Bad Ischl in May 1944, Berger worked as a film extra in Rome before being discovered by Italian director Luchino Visconti. Visconti, who later became Berger's partner, gave him his first big acting role in 1967's "The Witches." His collaboration with the Italian director is considered to be outstanding. Berger personified the breaking of sexual taboos in European cinema. He became known in particular for his portrayal of narcissistic and bisexual figures. He played prominent roles in Visconti's "The Damned" and "Ludwig II," in which he portrayed an insane Bavarian king. "Helmut Berger was one of the greatest and most talented actors European cinema had ever seen," said Berger's agent Helmut Werner, who announced Berger's death on his website. "His mentor, [Visconti], recognized this talent immediately. No other actor after him embodied the Bavarian fairy tale king as expressively." Visconti is often cited as having called Helmut Berger "the most beautiful man in the world." Finding world fame Berger was credited with personifying the breaking of sexual taboos in European cinema, gaining fame for his portrayal of narcissistic and bisexual figures. His fame was not limited to the German-speaking world. Berger found world fame with Vittorio De Sica's "The Garden of the Finzi-Continis," Massimo Dallamano's "Dorian Gray," and, later, in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather Part III." As such, he starred alongside cinema greats such as Elizabeth Taylor, Henry Fonda, Burt Lancaster and Silvana Mangano. Pop icon Madonna cited the androgyny of characters like Berger and David Bowie as among the most important influences on her work. Visconti died in 1976, plunging Berger into a personal crisis with few new major roles, instead appearing on talks shows and reality television. However, Berger's agent Werner said the actor had no regrets: "Many years ago, Helmut Berger told me: 'I have lived three lives. And in 4 languages! Je ne regrette rien!"

This Eid-ul-Fitr "Leader: Amie Bangladesh" ranked at the number 1 position based on populirity. This Eid about 100 cinema halls which were closed along with 60 open single screens have opened on this Eid. A total of 8 movies- 'Leader: Amie Bangladesh', 'Jinn', 'Local', 'Kill Him', 'Paap', 'Shotru', 'Prem Pritir Bandhan' and 'Adam' have been released this Eid. Among these, which movie is the most advanced and the top of the audience's choice, it is determined within a few days of its release. This time around 100 cinema halls which were closed along with 60 open single screens have opened on Eid. There is also a multiplex.  Audiences have shown interest in movies released since Eid. 'Leader: Amie Bangladesh' starring Shakib Khan and Shabnam Bubly and directed by Tapu Khan has been doing strong business since its release on Eid. This movie released in 100 halls of the country is doing good business everywhere in single screen and multiplex.  The number of shows of the movie in Blockbuster increased 3 to 5 from the day after Eid. Apart from this, the movies 'Jinn', 'Kill Him', 'Local', 'Paap' are trying level best to survive the competition.

Once popular with filmakers for its scenic locations and pristine landscape, Jammu and Kashmir fell behind in the pecking order of shooting destinations as militancy peaked. However, with the revival of cinema, Jammu and Kashmir has been the centre of attraction for filmmakers over the last couple of years. Following the implementation of the new Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy in 2021, the Union Territory has been emerging as a preferred shooting location for the film industry and more than 150 films and web series have been shot in the UT in less than 2 years. After recording a sharp upturn in the number of tourists and air traffic in 2022, the UT is being promoted at all global fora to further explore the tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir. Owing to the efforts of the Department of Tourism and other stakeholders over the past two years, Jammu and Kashmir is now opening up for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions and tourism (MICE). Over the past couple of months, many corporate delegations have visited Kashmir and many more visits are lined up for the coming season. Executives of travel companies visit the valley with their clients, helping Kashmir emerge as a corporate tourism destination as well. According to the administration, the UT has all the infrastructure, services and tourism packages required for MICE tourism. In addition to introducing adventure activities, it is working in a holistic manner to attract tourists across all segments through promotions, roadshows, and events. A senior official told local media that the administration was also working on a regular basis to maintain the interest of tourists. According to the official, for the first time in the history of the UT, a record 1.88 million tourists visited Kashmir last year. The Jammu and Kashmir administration is also focused on exploring the full potential of pilgrim tourism by developing various religious tourism circuits in the Centrally-Administered Territories. The facilities and infrastructure are being strengthened to keep in view the increasing number of devotees. According to official data, the construction work of the Mantlai Wellness Center has been completed at a cost of Rs 80 crore and the design of the Katra Multi-modal Station has been finalised. Work on the Tawi Riverfront is also underway full swing while Mansar and Surinsar have carved their place on the country's tourism map. The government, according to the administration, is working tirelessly to open the Sanasar Tulip Garden for locals as well as tourists this year. Conservation and renovation of 18 historical heritage sites in Jammu, Kathua, Ramban, Reasi, Samba and Udhampur will start soon. Jumbo Zoo will be opened to the public in April this year. Source: ANI

In ‘Naya Jammu and Kashmir’, Tricolour is flying high and cinema halls are running housefull. Pakistan-sponsored terrorists and separatists, who used to threaten and intimidate nationalist people for hoisting the National Flag and visiting theatres, have been cut to size and shown their right place. Scrapping of Article 370-A (a temporary provision in the Constitution) on August 5, 2019, has shown the way. All notions stand dispelled and the message is clear that the union territory has been merged completely with the Union of India, and no power on earth can snatch it. By welcoming the change, people have endorsed the decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led dispensation to end 70-year long status-quo of the Himalayan region. During the past three years, the union territory has witnessed unprecedented development on all the fronts and the security scenario has improved. The security forces have cornered terrorists sent by Pakistan and the local recruitment in terror outfits has fallen to zero. Separatists, who used to dance to the tunes of their ‘masters’ sitting across the Line of Control, have lost their addresses. They are no longer able to propagate the agenda of the neighbouring country in Kashmir. Their finances have been choked as the investigating agencies have booked them under stringent laws and blocked all Hawala channels through which illegal money used to flow into the union territory. In a nutshell, the ‘anti-national’ elements, who used to threaten people for saluting the National Flag and talking about peace, have either passed away or are behind the bars. People are enjoying real freedom after facing the Pakistan-sponsored onslaught for three decades. As of date, they are unfurling the National Flag and thronging cinema halls, restaurants, hotels and other places without any fear or threat. PM Modi’s viral video Recently, a video clip of a speech dated January 24, 1992 given by Narendra Modi when he was somewhere in Kashmir on his way to Srinagar’s Lal Chowk to unfurl the Tricolour as a part of the BJP’s Ekta Yatra under the leadership of Dr Murli Manohar Joshi went viral on social media. The clip depicted how bad the situation was in Kashmir in the 90’s. In the video, Modi could be heard saying, “Terrorists have challenged that one who is a real son of his mother should try and dare to unfurl the Tricolour at the Lal Chowk of Srinagar. We will see if he manages to go back alive. I want to tell them, it is just a matter of a few hours before 26th January. Who is the real son of his mother, will be decided in the Lal Chowk of Srinagar on 26th January.” After this, he is seen with Dr Murli Manohar Joshi and other BJP workers waving the Tricolour at Lal Chowk. Rahul reaches Lal Chowk after 32 years Last month, senior Congress leader and scion of Nehru-Gandhi family, Rahul Gandhi, ended his Bharat Jodo Yatra by unfurling a Tricolour at historic Lal Chowk in Srinagar. He walked through the streets of Kashmir without any threats from terrorists and the separatists. There was no shutdown, no stone-pelting, or any grenade attacks. Till 2019, unfurling a Tricolour in Srinagar was considered to be a security threat as the terrorists and their supporters had created a fear psychosis that whosoever tries to do so will have to face the consequences. Despite threats and intimidations, many nationalist people on the occasions like Independence and Republic Day used to appear at Lal Chowk and make attempts to unfurl the Tricolour. But former rulers instead of facilitating their endeavours, used to ensure that they don’t succeed by directing the law enforcing agencies to arrest them. None of the Congress leaders, even when they were a part of the ruling coalition in J&K, ever made an attempt to unfurl the Tricolour at Lal Chowk. It took nearly 32-years for Rahul Gandhi to reach Srinagar’s city centre and send a message to adversaries that J&K is an integral part of India. From 1990 to 2019 terrorists dictated terms From 1990 to 2019, Pakistan-sponsored terrorists and the separatists hired by the people sitting across the LoC left no opportunity to keep the pot boiling in J&K. Denizens of the Himalayan region were made to participate in “anti-India” protests and observe shutdowns on the dint of the gun. Stooges of the neighbouring country used all the coercive ways to create a notion that every Kashmiri supported the terrorists and the separatists. They forced people into submission. Anyone who tried to oppose them was labeled as a mukhbir (informer) and shot dead. When the gun-toting terrorists appeared on the streets of Srinagar in early nineties, they carried out the selective killings of the members of Kashmiri Pandit community. They closed down schools, colleges, cinema halls, stadiums, restaurants and hotels etc. They tried to control everything and ran a parallel system. Former J&K regimes failed to deliver Till security forces regained control, terrorists had done enough damage. Kashmiri Pandits had left everything behind and fled away, tourists had vanished, hotels and restaurants had pulled down their shutters and the education sector was hit hard. Political regimes led by Kashmir based politicians that came into power from 1996 to 2018 made tall promises like they would bring back Kashmiri Pandits, reopen cinema halls, and create a conducive atmosphere for tourists. But they were unable to fulfill their commitments due to them sailing in two boats. In Delhi they used to swear by J&K’s accession to India being final and in Kashmir they used to tell the separatists and Pakistan that peace cannot return to the Valley without them being made a party to the problem. ‘Pathan’ brings back memories On August 5, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led dispensation “bit the bullet” by taking a historic decision about merging J&K completely with the Union of India. Since then every effort has been put to restore the pristine glory of the union territory. During the past three years, tourists have thronged the Himalayan region in droves, displaced Kashmiri Pandits have started returning to the Valley, schools and colleges are functioning without any disruptions. Cinema halls that remained closed for 32-years in Kashmir have reopened. Shahrukh Khan’s movie ‘Pathan’ has brought back the memories of good old days when the cinema halls in Kashmir used to run house-full. After three decades, the newly opened multiplex screening ‘Pathan’ in Srinagar ran house-full signifying a major change in Kashmir situation. The fear psychosis created by the terrorists has disappeared as the people don’t fear the gun anymore. By hoisting National Flags atop their homes during the ‘Har-Ghar-Tiranaga’ campaign and by turning their backs towards Pakistan’s ‘agenda’, people have sent a clear message that they want to prosper and move ahead in their lives, and they cannot be misled anymore. Source: ANI

Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida has passed away. She was renowned as one of Europe's most erotic film icons. Italian news agency ANSA announced on Monday that the actress had passed away. She was 95. Lollobrigida was not only a major Italian star, she also became internationally famous as a sex icon. Her film titles say it all: "Wife for a Night," "The Unfaithfuls," "The Wayward Wife," "Beautiful But Dangerous" — these are all titles from the 1950s, linked by a clear theme.  That same theme continued well into the 1960s: "Go Naked in the World," "Strange Bedfellows," "Pleasant Nights," "The Sultans," "Imperial Venus" and "Curious Way to Love." 'La Lollo' marketed for eroticism Admittedly, the original Italian names of some of these highly eroticized film titles sound rather harmless in comparison. Film distributors throughout the world tried to draw attention to the attractive actress' sex appeal — even if the actual films didn't have much to do with sex. And it worked. Lollobrigida became one of the most sought-after sex symbols of her era. While the US was busy promoting the likes of Jayne Mansfield and Marilyn Monroe, Europe responded with Lollobrigida and, later on, Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot. And while the respective film industries on either side of the Atlantic were competing to crown an unparalleled beauty, Lollobrigida saw her own rivalry heating up with Loren. The two divas of the silver screen were in fierce competition, along with all the other European belles, to be unofficially crowned as Europe's most erotic female film star. The winner is still up for much debate. Born to be famous Born on July 4, 1927, just outside Rome, Lollobrigida began competing in beauty pageants at the tender age of 3. The camera loved her outstanding beauty — and she clearly loved the camera. It was through these pageants that Italian film directors first took notice, when she was in her teens. Following numerous performances as an extra, "La Lollo" was cast in minor and increasingly larger film roles as she became an adult. Her first major roles came in 1952, starring opposite French screen hero Gerard Philipe in "Fan-Fan the Tulip" and "Beauties of the Night." Lollobrigida's fame grew steadily as she enchanted moviegoers across Europe with her Italian temperament, her boundless sensuality and her impressive figure, which was only emphasized by the work of canny seamstresses altering her outfits to highlight her assets.  Breakthrough role The gorgeous Mediterranean brunette certainly had a knack for making the hearts of men skip a beat. This did not go unnoticed in Hollywood, where Lollobrigida launched a successful career just a few years later. Her breakthrough came in 1956 with a pan-European production opposite Anthony Quinn in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." Despite her widespread popularity, "La Lollo" never managed to win an Academy Award. Though many other famous actresses over the years have shared a similar fate, it may just have been due to her reputation with regard to her acting ability.  Film producer Carlo Ponti allegedly once said that she was, at best, a "mediocre" actress. Whether or not he was right in that assessment is in the eye of the beholder. With or without the coveted award, Lollobrigida's career continued to reach ever greater heights. In the 1960s, she starred in one movie after the next. While arthouse films were beginning to carve out their share of the market during that decade, she continued to see herself first and foremost as an actress in popcorn flicks. However, her fame could only go so far, and the nature of cinema was changing rapidly. But instead of trying to push the envelope, she also wanted to focus on things that were important to her. She turned her attention to photography, and later sculpture, finding success in both. On her 95th birthday on July 4. 2022, Lollobrigida told ANSA that she was determined to stay creative with the photography and art projects she turned to after her decades as a sex symbol. But she didn't turn her back on show business altogether. A few minor roles in the 1970s and '80s aside, she remained true to her original calling by working as jury president at film festivals — first in Toronto and later at the Berlinale in Germany as well. Diva-like behavior The 1986 Berlinale, however, did not exactly run smoothly for Lollobrigida. As head of the jury, she caused a major stir when she rejected the majority pick for best picture. "Stammheim," directed by German filmmaker Reinhard Hauff, was clearly not her cup of tea. The courtroom drama took a closer look at the legal proceedings behind the trials of the Red Army Faction (RAF), a group of radical left German terrorists held responsible for the murder of 33 people during the 1970s. The film clearly went against Lollobrigida's ideas of what constitutes a good film, and she didn't hold back in letting the press know about it. Her choice to distance herself from the jury's vote was seen as unprofessional, but in hindsight appears to be a testament to her trademark confidence that had taken her so far in life. Lollobrigida managed to weather the controversy and was still recognized as "the" Italian diva long after. 'Right to live and die in peace' Despite her increasing physical and mental fragility in recent years, La Lollo attempted to stand for parliament in the general election held in Italy on September 25, 2022, which was won by the right-wing party of Giorgia Meloni. Her grandnephew, Francesco Lollobrigida, became the farm and food sovereignty minister for the winning party. She last appeared in public on November 21, 2022, on a popular Italian TV show, tearing up as she discussed her ongoing legal dispute over her estate with her son and grandson. "I have a right to live and die in peace," she said.

The Information Ministry has given permission to all concerned to screen films in the country’s cinema halls from October 16. The ministry on Wednesday issued a circular permitting all concerned authorities to open the cinema halls keeping at least half of the number of seats in the cinema halls vacant, ensuring proper hygiene and social distancing during the prevailing COVID 19 situation, said an official handout in the capital. Earlier, Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud told a delegation of filmdom that he would discuss the issue of opening the cinema halls with the Prime Minister. Source: BSS AH

Tahsan Khan. No need to introduce him freshly. But in the recent days discussions have begun freshly centering Tahsan. The reason is, the handsome singer-actor is going to act in the film. The popular heroine of Kolkata Shrabanti will play her role in the film against the blusterous popular star of local showbiz Tahsan. The name of the film is ‘Jodi Ekdin’. Tahsan talked to Rtv online over the film directed by Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Raj. Senior Reporter AH Murad took the interview. In the film after shaking the music and drama arena I am getting offer to work in cinemas for several years. But script of this cinema makes me interested to work in particular. As an entertainer my job is to entertain Bangladesh. But everything depends on how the spectators would accept the film after its completion. How do you feel at the moment? To say about my feeling for acting in the film I have to go back to my past. When my first music album was released, when I saw my first drama on television screen- there were some feelings. I am feeling the same kind of excitement after coming to act in this film. Want to know about the story of the film It is a tale of a family of our country. An eight year old little girl is acting as the central character. From that point of view it is supposed to be a familial film beyond traditional custom. The story is its life. We want to represent ourselves to the people from the point of emotion. Perhaps, it has no item song or fighting like commercial film but what it has is the story. The story of the cinema is its main power. You have gained massive popularity for acting in drama. How much of this continuation would you be able to maintain in film? People’s expectations are getting broader day by day. For me the challenge is much bigger. I want that the cinema would be a real cinema. This is the challenge to me. People who come from drama arena to perform cinema have to face criticism. Whether the cinema is going to be drama. I had a number of good conversations with the director. We want to offer a full cinema. When the film will be released? So far I know no specific timeframe is fixed for releasing the film. All the team members are trying to present a good film. Decision will be taken to release it when all would think that they were able to work according to their target.         AH