Portland protest nov 4

The Czech Republic’s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival has defended its decision to invite a Russian film to its 56th edition, in spite of promises that it would not welcome Russia state-backed films due to the war in Ukraine . Russian directors Natasha Merlulova and Aleksey Chupov’s drama Captain Volkonogov Escaped is due to play in the Horizons sidebar. A number of Ukrainian directors who have also been invited to show their films at the festival published an open letter protesting the move on Tuesday. “We understand your arguments, however, we strictly refuse your interpretation that the screening of this film, which was in the past supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, distracts the international community from the war crimes committed in Ukraine,” said the festival’s president Jiří Bartoška, executive director Kryštof Mucha and artistic director Karel Och in an official statement. “On the contrary, we believe that by … [Read more...] about Karlovy Vary Defends Decision To Invite Russian Film To 2022 Edition

EXCLUSIVE: Lionsgate has hired public relations executive Laurel Pecchia as their VP, Corporate Communications, reporting to EVP, Corporate Communications Peter Wilkes. Pecchia will be helping with corporate media relations, executive speeches and presentations, employee communications, preparation for Board presentations and earnings calls, and liaison with the publicity teams of Lionsgate’s business units. She will also play a key role in communicating the studio’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. “Laurel is an exceptionally talented and versatile communications executive with a strong grasp of our business and where it’s heading,” Wilkes tells Deadline. “She will be a great asset in helping the Company tell its story to our constituencies.” A graduate of Stanford University with a B.A. in Communications and French, she previously handled corporate and client media relations, wrote executive scripts and press releases and managed internal … [Read more...] about Laurel Pecchia Joins Lionsgate As VP Corporate Communications

EXCLUSIVE: The Francis Lawrence directed Lionsgate prequel Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes continues to expand its ensemble cast with a third round of actors playing mentors and tributes from the Suzanne Collins’ YA novel. Max Raphael will play Festus Creed, mentor to a tribute from District 4. Zoe Renee will play Lysistrata Vickers, mentor to a tribute from District 12. Ayomide Adegun will play Pliny “Pup” Harrington, mentor to a tribute from District 7. Kaitlyn Akinpelumi will portray Domita Whimsiwick, mentor to a tribute from District 10. Sofia Sanchez will play Wovey, tribute from District 8; while Amélie Hoeferle will play Vipsania Sickle, mentor to a tribute from District 7. They join previously announced cast members Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Hunter Schafer, Jason Schwartzman, Josh Andrés Rivera, as well as two previous rounds of tributes and mentors . Logline for the prequel in the $3 billion-grossing franchise, … [Read more...] about ‘Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes’: Six Join Prequel’s Growing Ensemble Of Tributes & Mentors

As Texas slowly turned up the heat on trans youth and their families over the past year, Violet didn’t want to be the frog trapped in the pot of boiling water. “The frog doesn’t realize it until it’s getting cooked,” she says. “We could see where things were going and we thought, ‘We really need to not wait until it’s too late.’” Violet, whose name has been changed because she fears potential prosecution from her former home state, is the parent of two transgender children. Last year, she decided it was time to leave Texas after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law banning trans students from playing on sports teams that align with their gender identity. Things only got worse from there. In February, Abbott issued an order directing the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to conduct “investigations of any reported instances of Texas children being subjected to abusive gender-transitioning procedures,” according to his office . Although Violet knew she … [Read more...] about Families of Trans Kids Are Banding Together to Save Their Children

TMZ.com UPDATE 11:54 AM PT -- Hutchinson went on to say, the day after the insurrection, Trump's advisors persuaded him to make public remarks to calm the country. She says Trump agreed, but refused to characterize the riots as violent, and Trump said he didn't think the rioters did anything wrong. Instead, he blamed Pence and, presumably referring to the "Hang Mike Pence" chants, Trump said, "Mike deserves it." She also said Trump wanted to say he would pardon the insurrectionists, but was talked out of it by his advisors. Donald Trump was not only in on the January 6th insurrection, he wanted to lead the insurrectionists to the Capitol, and when the Secret Service refused to drive him there, Trump tried to grab the wheel of the Presidential car ... this according to Mark Meadows ' right hand aide, Cassidy Hutchinson . Fox News Her testimony is shocking ... the January 6th House Committee called a special session so she could appear and tell … [Read more...] about Donald Trump Fought Secret Service to Lead Rioters to Capitol