United News of Bangladesh

Cannes Film Festival is becoming a major forum for debate over artificial intelligence, with filmmakers and industry leaders divided over whether the technology will help cinema evolve or threaten creative jobs. At this year’s festival, AI has emerged as one of the most discussed topics, reflecting growing concern over how the technology could reshape the global film industry. Scott Mann, co-chief executive of AI company Flawless, said the industry appears to be reaching a turning point. “It feels like a major shift,” he said, adding that AI could provide the technological boost the film business needs. AI is more visible than ever at Cannes this year. Meta has signed a multiyear partnership with the festival and set up a presence at the Majestic Hotel. Meta’s AI tools were also used in Steven Soderbergh’s documentary John Lennon: The Last Interview. The film explores a detailed interview that John Lennon and Yoko Ono gave on the day Lennon was killed in 1980. Soderbergh used AI to create surreal visuals to accompany the conversation. While some critics objected to the use of AI, Soderbergh said experimentation is necessary to understand the limits of the technology. Views at Cannes vary widely. Actor Demi Moore, a member of the festival jury, said resisting AI is likely to be futile. Filmmaker Peter Jackson compared AI to any other special effect, while director James Gray said AI may be useful but cannot replicate the depth of human emotion and creativity. Gray urged young people to study literature and the humanities to better understand human nature. The debate comes as Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently introduced new rules stating that only performances actually given by human actors, with their consent, will be eligible for acting awards. At the same time, the Academy said the use of AI tools will neither help nor hurt a film’s Oscar chances. SAG-AFTRA has also reached a tentative agreement with studios to establish safeguards for the use of digital replicas and synthetic performers. Some developments have alarmed Hollywood, including the unveiling of Tilly Norwood, a fully AI-generated virtual actress, and a planned AI recreation of late actor Val Kilmer for a new film approved by his family. Kent Sanderson, CEO of Bleecker Street, said AI is likely to reduce production costs and make filmmaking more accessible. Cannes artistic director Thierry Frémaux said the festival supports artists and workers whose jobs could be affected by AI. He stressed the need for clear laws and regulations to ensure the technology is used responsibly. Mann agreed that unlicensed generative AI poses risks, but said the technology should not be viewed as a single, all-encompassing threat. He said AI, if used carefully and ethically, could help revitalize the film industry rather than replace the people who power it.

The New York Times has filed a second lawsuit against the United States Department of Defense in five months, challenging a policy that requires journalists to be accompanied by escorts while inside the Pentagon. The newspaper argues that the rule violates the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which protects freedom of the press. “The policy is an unconstitutional attempt by the Pentagon to block independent reporting on military affairs,” Times spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander said. He said the American public has the right to know how the government and military are operating using taxpayers’ money. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell rejected the claim, saying in a post on X that the lawsuit was an attempt to gain easier access to classified information. The case marks the latest chapter in an ongoing dispute between the media and President Donald Trump’s second administration. The Times first sued the Pentagon in December after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth introduced new rules for journalists seeking access to the building. In March, US District Judge Paul L. Friedman struck down those restrictions, ruling that they violated the rights of Times reporter Julian E. Barnes and the newspaper. After the ruling, the Pentagon introduced an interim policy requiring reporters to be escorted at all times while inside the building. In April, Judge Friedman said the new policy also violated his earlier order. However, the escort rule remained in place after an appeals court temporarily suspended part of the judge’s decision while the government challenges it. The new lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Washington, directly challenges the escort requirement on constitutional grounds. The Times said the rule is part of a broader effort to limit access for journalists who are unwilling to report only what Pentagon officials approve. The newspaper called the policy “clearly unconstitutional.” In its earlier lawsuit, the Times and several other news organizations refused to accept the Pentagon’s new terms for obtaining press credentials and left their workspaces inside the building. They continue to cover the US military from outside the Pentagon, while journalists approved under the new rules now occupy the press offices. Parnell said the escort policy is lawful and narrowly designed to protect national security information from unauthorized disclosure.

Ella Langley was the biggest winner at this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards, taking home four major awards, while Cody Johnson won the night’s top prize, entertainer of the year. Langley started the evening by winning song of the year for her hit “Choosin’ Texas.” She later picked up single of the year for the same song, music event of the year with Riley Green for their duet “Don’t Mind If I Do,” and female artist of the year. Accepting her awards, Langley thanked her fans and said she was overwhelmed by the support she has received, especially from women in the industry. Johnson, meanwhile, won both male artist of the year and entertainer of the year. In his acceptance speech, he said music allows him to express emotion and dedicated his top award to Luke Combs. The 61st annual ACM Awards took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, after being held in Texas for the previous three years. Shania Twain hosted the show for the first time. She opened with her iconic hit “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and praised the growing influence of women in country music. The ceremony featured performances by some of country music’s biggest stars, including Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett, Kacey Musgraves, Blake Shelton and Kane Brown. The Red Clay Strays won group of the year, while Brooks & Dunn were named duo of the year. Parker McCollum won album of the year for his self-titled 2025 release, beating strong competition from Morgan Wallen and others. Before the main ceremony, Langley was also named artist-songwriter of the year. Jessie Jo Dillon won songwriter of the year for the third consecutive year.

The third namaz-e-janaza of content creator and actress Kaarina Kaisar was held at the Central Shaheed Minar on Sunday night, with a large number of colleagues, supporters and admirers gathering to pay their last respects. The namaz-e-janaza took place around 10:30pm and was attended by leaders and activists of various political parties and organisations, including National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, Dhaka city Jamaat Secretary General Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir.    

The first namaz-e-janaza of popular content creator Kaarina Kaisar was held after Maghrib prayers at around 7:00 pm on Sunday at Banani DOHS Jame Mosque. Earlier, her body arrived in Dhaka from Chennai, India, at around 5:00 pm. The second namaz-e-janaza will be held at 8:30 pm at Banani Darbar Sharif Mosque, followed by the third at 10:00 pm at the Central Shaheed Minar, said Kaarina’s father and former national football team captain Kaisar Hamid after the first janaza. After attending the first janaza, NCP Convener Nahid Islam urged people across the country and July movement activists to attend Kaarina’s namaz-e-janaza at the Shaheed Minar. He said Kaarina had been a fellow activist during the July uprising. “We deeply mourn her death and pray for her departed soul,” he said. The fourth funeral prayer will be held on Monday after Fajr prayers at 7:00 am in Gazaria Upazila of Munshiganj. She will then be buried at the family graveyard. Kaarina passed away on Saturday while undergoing treatment in Chennai due to liver-related complications. She was 32.

The body of popular content creator Kaarina Kaisar who died in Chennai, India, due to liver-related complications will arrive in Dhaka on Sunday afternoon. Later, she will be laid to rest in Munshiganj on Monday. “Karina’s body will return to the country around 5:00 pm on Sunday. Many thanks to US-Bangla Airlines for waiving the cargo fee. I would also like to thank Deputy Secretary Hafizur Rahman Sajal, a well-wisher of our family, for his wholehearted support,” Kaarina’s father and former national football team captain Kaisar Hamid wrote on Facebook early Sunday. Her first namaz-e-janaza will be held after Maghrib prayers at 7:00 pm at Banani DOHS Jame Mosque. The second prayer will take place at 8:30 pm at Banani Darbar Sharif Mosque, followed by the third at 10:00 pm at the Central Shaheed Minar, he added. The fourth funeral prayer will be held on Monday after Fajr prayers at 7:00 am in Munshiganj's Abdullapur. She will then be buried at the family graveyard. Earlier, Kaarina passed away on Saturday while undergoing treatment in Chennai due to liver-related complications. She was 31.    

Bulgarian singer Dara won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday with her upbeat anthem “Bangaranga,” securing the country’s first-ever victory. Israeli entrant Noam Bettan finished second in a Vienna contest overshadowed by protests and a boycott over Israel’s participation. Dara triumphed over 24 rivals in the grand final, with her energetic performance winning support from both juries and global viewers. ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ is an original story, asserts Tips “This is unbelievable,” she said, thanking fans who “felt the bangaranga.” The 27-year-old, not among pre-contest favorites, said the song reflects an inner force to overcome perfectionism, inspired by Bulgaria’s kukeri ritual traditions. Romania’s Alexandra Căpitănescu placed third, followed by Delta Goodrem of Australia and Italy’s Sal Da Vinci. Finnish performers Pete Parkkonen and Linda Lampenius came sixth despite being favorites. The event featured 25 acts at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle, showcasing diverse styles. However, political tensions persisted, with several countries boycotting over Israel. Protesters rallied nearby, while critics condemned Israel’s inclusion. Britain’s Look Mum No Computer finished last with one point. Bulgaria topped the voting with 516 points, ahead of Israel’s 343. Despite controversy, organizers plan expansion, including Eurovision Asia in Bangkok in November.

Music label Tips has issued a clarification asserting that its upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, starring Varun Dhawan, is an original work with no similarity to any other film. In a “public notice” shared on Saturday via Tips’ Instagram account, the company said there had been ongoing discussions in the trade and among the public regarding the film’s originality. Tips, along with producer Ramesh Taurani, director David Dhawan, and the cast and crew, clarified that the film is based on an original story and screenplay. “We have poured our hearts into making this film and sincerely look forward to welcoming audiences to cinemas on 5th June for a fun-filled family experience,” the statement added. The notice came two days after Tips Music Limited responded to what it described as “malicious and misconceived” allegations made by Puja Entertainment, owned by filmmaker Vashu Bhagnani, in an ongoing legal dispute over music and intellectual property rights. Puja Entertainment had approached a court in Bihar, alleging that its films, songs and other copyrighted materials were being used without permission by Tips. In its response, Tips said it had become aware of the legal case filed before the Civil Judge (Senior Division) in Katihar. While noting that it was yet to receive formal copies of the court order, Tips maintained that it is the lawful owner of the disputed music rights, backed by valid agreements. The company further said it has been using these rights lawfully for nearly three decades. Tips also rejected the allegations, calling them “malicious, misconceived and intended to tarnish” its reputation and goodwill, and said it would take all necessary legal steps to defend its ownership rights.#From NDTV

Netflix has announced that its upcoming crime-comedy Maa Behen, starring Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri, will premiere on June 4. The release date was unveiled on Friday to mark Madhuri Dixit’s 59th birthday. The film also features Dharna Durgaa and Ravi Kishan in key roles, alongside Geetanjali Kulkarni, Arunoday Singh and Shardul Bhardwaj. At the centre of the story is Rekha, a mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when a dead body appears in her kitchen. She is forced to team up with her two daughters, Jaya and Sushma, to hide the secret while dealing with curious neighbours and a series of chaotic events. The film is produced by Abundantia Entertainment in association with Opening Image Films and directed by Suresh Triveni, known for acclaimed films such as Tumhari Sulu and Jalsa. Producer Vikram Malhotra, founder and CEO of Abundantia Entertainment, said the film combines humour and emotional depth. “Maa Behen is a bold and entertaining story, but at its core, it is about family, society and the difficult choices people make to survive in a judgmental world,” he said. Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films at Netflix India, described the film as a surprising comedy that begins with laughter and unfolds in unexpected ways. She said director Suresh Triveni has brought together Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri, Dharna Durgaa and Ravi Kishan in roles unlike anything audiences have seen before.  #From NDTV

Malayalam actor Meera Vasudevan, now 44, says she regrets spending 17 years of her life in three failed marriages, which she believes limited her professional growth. Meera, who first gained attention in the 2003 Hindi film Rules: Pyaar Ka Superhit Formula opposite Milind Soman, later built a career in Malayalam cinema. Reflecting on her past, the Thanmathra actor said she had invested valuable time in relationships where she was not taken seriously. Certification of film ‘Contract Marriage’ suspended “I often tell my son that I wasted 17 years of my life on three marriages. I could have achieved much more by focusing on cinema, fitness or building a meaningful social circle,” she said in a conversation with Dhanya Varma. She added that she could have spent more time with her family instead of relationships lacking respect. Earlier, she told Movie World Media that she had accepted her mistakes and is now focused on her career and in a happy phase. Meera married Vishal Agarwal in 2005 (separated 2010), John Kokken in 2012 (separated 2016), and Vipin Puthiyankam in 2024 (ended 2025). With inputs from  NDTV