Entertainment
30 bands to perform at Dhaka Summer Con from 13-15 July
The country's biggest pop culture festival "Dhaka Summer Con 2023" is going to be held over three days from July 13 to 15 at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital.
Also read: Joy Bangla Concert 2023: Young music lovers counting hours
Thirty bands will perform on one stage of the first-ever Dhaka Summer Con held at Hall 3 and Hall 4 of International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB).
Also read: Young music lovers rejoice as Joy Bangla Concert is back after a two-year gap
Eight bands will perform on the first day of this three-day concert.
Apart from this, Hatirpool Sessions, K-Pop Performance, Raihan Islam Shubo and others will be performing.
On the second day, 'Messianic Era', 'Naive', 'Encore', 'Subconscious', 'Aftermath', 'Sonar Bangla Circus', 'Ashes', 'Brahmaputra', 'Cryptic Faith' and 'Artcell' will perform.
The last day's lineup includes the bands 'Relative', 'Mechanics', 'Carnival', 'Black', 'Arbovirus', 'Avoid Rafa' and 'Warfaze'. AK Rahul, Black Jang and Shafayet will also perform.
Also read: Registration now open for Joy Bangla Concert 2023
Event management and public relations company MediaQuest Bangladesh is going to organize this festival with segments including cosplay competitions, concerts, comic books, experience zone, kids zone, games, hip-pop, K-pop, food zone and panel discussions.
Dhaka Summer Con 2023 convenor and co-founder of MediaQuest Bangladesh Tariqul Sumon told UNB, "Dhaka Summer Con will become a single meeting place (Milan Mela) for all the popular music bands of the country."
“It is not just a concert, it is going to be the country's biggest pop culture festival,” he added.
Bangladeshi actress in UK Smrity Fami appears in 'The Flash' movie
Bangladeshi model-actress of the ‘90s Smrity Fami, now living in the UK, has appeared in the latest movie based on the DC character 'The Flash', released worldwide in June.
The much anticipated movie was released in Bangladesh as well, garnering mixed to positive reviews from the moviegoers.
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Fami, who is currently working as a Media Lecturer at Newham College in the UK, appears as a forensic scientist in the film, alongside the star-studded ensemble cast of “The Flash”.
In a recent interview with a Bangladeshi daily, Fami said that sharing the screen and set with Ezra Miller, Ben Affleck, George Clooney, Michael Keaton and other iconic actors had been a delightful experience for her.
Fami herself also shared her experience on her Facebook profile about acting in the film, saying that it was great to see herself in such a project on the silver screen and she hopes that the audience will also enjoy the movie as well.
Also read: Flash actor Ezra Miller 'grateful' after harassment order lifted
As an actress, Smrity Fami also worked with Indian director Shekhar Kapur's film "What's Love Got to Do with It?" and British writer-director Nida Manzoor's film "Polite Society". She also authored a book titled "Virtual Reality with Cinema Technique and Storytelling," published in 2020.
Currently pursuing her MA in Film and Television at Cambridge School of Art, Anglia Ruskin University, Smrity Fami has previously studied Film and TV Production at University of Greenwich in the UK. She also runs her own beauty brand 'Fami UK'.
One of the popular models in the 1990s, Smrity Fami modeled for national and international brands in Bangladesh. She also acted in several Bangladeshi television dramas.
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Fami then took a break and moved to the UK to pursue higher studies in film and television. In 2020, Fami appeared in a TVC alongside Shakib Al Hasan, directed by Amitabh Reza Choudhury.
She is married to popular Bangladeshi singer-actor Pritom Ahmed, who has also been an enlisted artist in the British film and television industry and appeared in several Hollywood and international OTT projects including popular series "The Crown" on Netflix.
Why are fans throwing objects at favourite musicians on stage? Adele speaks out
Bracelets, phones, and candy are just a few of the items that have lately been thrown at musicians on stage.
Adele is the latest celebrity to speak out about the concerning trend, telling a Las Vegas crowd that she would "kill" anyone who threw something at her, reports BBC.
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In a widely circulated video, she tells the crowd that they have forgotten "show etiquette."
"Dare you to throw something at me," she joked.
Adele is well-known for throwing T-shirts into the audience during her Vegas residency, but her statements are in reaction to a series of events in which fans flung objects on stage, said the report.
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Bebe Rexha was hurt and brought to the hospital last month after being hit by a phone while performing.
And when a sex toy dropped on stage when Lil Nas X performed in Sweden on Saturday, he appeared amused, the report also said.
In November, Harry Styles got hit in the eye with a sweet, and Pink appeared uneasy when a bag of human ashes was tossed on stage.
Ava Max has previously been smacked on stage, and in June, a bracelet was thrown at country artist Kelsea Ballerini.
Charlie Puth has also requested fans put an end to the practice, stating on Twitter that "the trend... must come to an end" and that it is "disrespectful and very dangerous."
So why are fans doing it?
Dr Lucy Bennett is a Cardiff University lecturer who studies the interaction between fans and their favourite performers. She believed that people's attitudes have shifted since the Covid-19 pandemic, "where we couldn't be physically present at concerts." And Dr Bennett believed some individuals are doing it since it is more difficult to be noticed by artists on social media.
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"If you're in the same physical space as them, and you're throwing something, then you're going to get noticed," she said of the behaviour.
‘Eagerly wait to pack suitcase and travel to this country’: Anupam Roy, Taalpatar Shepai performing in Dhaka today
Popular Indian Bengali singer Anupam Roy and the Taalpatar Shepai band have said that they always love to perform for their Bangladeshi fans, acknowledging the love of their admirers in the country."Whenever my management informs me that I am going to perform in any event here in Bangladesh, it always feels great. I eagerly wait to pack my suitcase and travel to this country. I love to perform here; I love the food," Roy said at a press conference in a Dhaka hotel on Wednesday (July 05, 2023).
Echoing the same, Pritam Das from the popular duo Taalpatar Shepai said they are overwhelmed with the love of their Bangladeshi fans and admirers."We have only performed once in Bangladesh till date; however, we are really excited to come here again as we have been greatly admired by our loving fans in this country. Hopefully we can enthrall them again tomorrow (today)," said Pritam.
Also read: Bangladesh Deputy High Commission Kolkata releases Mujib Year songThe event Pritam referred to is the "Magical Night" concert scheduled to take place at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) hall-4 on Thursday (July 06, 2023).
The event will also feature popular singers-musicians from Bangladesh and West Bengal including Arnob, Meghdol, and Hatirpool Sessions.Organized by Triple Time Communications with an aim to initiate a cultural exchange between the artists of West Bengal, India and Bangladesh, the concert is promising to deliver a majestic, melodic fusion of Bangla songs with this ensemble cast of dynamic artists.
A press conference was organized on Wednesday which was attended by Anupam Roy with the dynamic duo of Pritam Das and Suman Ghosh of Taalpatar Shepai along with the organizers.
Also read: Sandhya Mukhapadya's melodious legacy will live foreverRoy, while answering a question from this correspondent, said, he was grateful to many Bangladeshi artists and moved by the enthralling performances featured in the two seasons of Coke Studio Bangla."Whenever I come here to perform, I have always received tremendous support from many respected Bangladeshi artists. The late-great Ayub Bachchu is one of them; he always admired me from the beginning," said Roy."I remember when I was young like Pritam and Suman, Bachchu bhai and many other legendary musicians — who are also immensely popular in our West Bengal — showered me with love and tremendous guidance. I am so grateful, and I always feel blessed that I got love from both the Bengals," said Roy.When asked which songs he was going to perform at the concert, Roy said: "As musicians and artists we have so many songs but no matter where we go, crowds always demand for some of the most popular tracks. I will definitely try to deliver some of them tomorrow (today)."
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Pritam Das said the same applies for them as well, adding that no matter where they perform — be it West Bengal or in Bangladesh — they always try to deliver the same enthralling performances which made them dearest to their ardent listeners.Anupam Roy, massively popular among Bangladeshi fans for his popular tracks "Amake Amar Moto Thakte Dao," "Bawshonto Eshe Gechhe, "Boba Tunnel' and more, performed for a couple of times in Bangladesh.
Taalpatar Shepai performed for the first time in the concert titled "Let's Vibe with Taalpatar Shepai" back in June this year.The duo gained immense popularity for their melodious, soft rock tracks such as "Ami Shudhu Khujecchi Amay," "Hridoya," "Moddhorate" and a handful of soothing covers of popular Bengali songs.
Read more: 10 Netflix English Originals releasing in August 2023The "Magical Night" concert will welcome the music lovers at ICCB hall-4 today from 5 pm onwards.
10 Netflix English Originals releasing in August 2023
In recent years, Netflix has become a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, producing and releasing a wide range of original content. Every month Netflix unveils an array of exciting English language originals, promising an unforgettable viewing experience. From gripping dramas to hilarious comedies and thrilling adventures, let’s take a look into Netflix's English original films and series releasing in August.
English Language Netflix Originals Coming in August 2023
Heartstopper (Season 2)
On August 3, Heartstopper season 2, directed by Euros Lyn, will grace the screen once again. This heartwarming, queer, British coming-of-age rom-com is based on Alice Oseman's popular graphic novel. Besides the main cast including Kit Connor, Joe Locke, Yasmin Finney, the show will introduce seven new faces in the latest season. Nick and Charlie are going to navigate their budding relationship, embark on a school trip to Paris, and face unforeseen challenges.
Mech Cadets (Season 1)
This animated sci-fi show, adapted from the Boom! Studios YA comic book series, is set to launch on August 10. The drama portrays a future plagued by an alien attack, where young teen Stanford Yu aspires to become a pilot for the Robo Mechs defending our planet. The audience will be captivated by the stellar voice talents of Daniel Dae Kim, Ming-Na Wen, Brandon Soo Hoo, and Debra Wilson. Directed by Tohru Patrick Awa, this thrilling series is a collaboration between BOOM! Studios and Polygon Pictures.
Read more: 10 Most Hyped Bangladeshi Movies Releasing on Eid-ul-Azha 2023
Painkiller (Limited Series)
Prepare for a gripping exploration of the opioid crisis in the United States with "Painkiller”. This thought-provoking limited series, directed by Peter Berg, shines a light on the origins of the crisis through the eyes of perpetrators, victims, and truth-seekers.
Created by Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster, this six-episode drama is adapted from Patrick Radden Keefe's New Yorker article and Barry Meier's book, "Pain Killer: An Empire of Deceit and the Origin of America's Opioid Epidemic." Starring Uzo Aduba, Matthew Broderick, Sam Anderson, and Taylor Kitsch, "Painkiller" takes viewers on a compelling journey of revelation and accountability. Coming to Netflix on August 10, 2023.
Heart of Stone
Heart of Stone, directed by Tom Harper, is an American spy action thriller film that tells the story of international intelligence agent Rachel Stone. Tasked by the peacekeeping operation known as Charter, Stone must protect the mysterious MacGuffin called "The Heart" from enemy acquisition.
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The screenplay is written by Greg Rucka and Allison Schroeder, based on a story by Rucka. Starring Gal Gadot, Jamie Dornan, and Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, “Heart of Stone” is set to be released on August 11, 2023, by Netflix.
The Monkey King
Get ready for an extraordinary adventure as a brave monkey and his enchanted fighting stick join forces on a thrilling quest. Their journey takes them face-to-face with gods, demons, dragons, and the formidable foe lurking within Monkey's own ego. Stephanie Hsu, BD Wong, and Hoon Lee bring these captivating characters to life. Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated release on August 18, 2023. This exciting movie is directed by Anthony Stacchi.
‘Female 3’ shatters records with unprecedented viewership
Following the immense success of the previous instalments, "Female" and "Female 2," Director Kajal Arefin Ome has crafted "Female 3" to coincide with the Eid-Ul-Adha festival."Female 3" premiered on the Bongo YouTube channel on the 4th day of Eid. The drama earned 5 million views within 24 hours setting a new record as no other production on the YouTube channel has ever achieved such a viewership in such a short span of time, said a press release.Similar to its predecessors, "Female 3" showcases the exceptional acting skills of popular actors such as Mishu Sabbir, Ziaul Hoque Polash, Marzuk Russel, Chashi Alam, Sharaf Ahmed Jibon, Saidur Rahman Pavel, Musafire Syed Bacchu, Schumonn Patwary, Lamima Lam, Shimul Sharma, Arfan Mridha Shiblu, and many others, the release reads.Kajal Arefin Ome's debut web series, "Hotel Relax," was released on Bongo during Eid-Ul-Fitr and garnered significant popularity, breaking the record for the highest number of subscriptions on the platform. Recently, "Hotel Relax" achieved yet another impressive milestone by accumulating 5 crore paid minute views.
‘Surongo’ to hit theatres in Saudi Arabia
Amidst the success of Bangladeshi films in theatres across the country on the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, makers of Afran Nisho’s debut feature film ‘Surongo’ have said that the film is all set to make its global release across different continents.
However, a particular country being on that list sparked interest among film enthusiasts, as this is reportedly the first time a Bangladeshi film will hit theatres in Saudi Arabia.
On Monday (July 03, 2023), the film’s lead actors Afran Nisho and Tama Mirza, director Raihan Rafi, Chorki CEO Redoan Rony and Alpha-i Managing Director Shahriar Shakil addressed several issues regarding the film, including the global release details, to journalists during a press briefing at Star Cineplex in SKS Tower, Mohakhali, Dhaka.
Why is the Barbie movie banned in Vietnam?
Addressing the media, Shahriar Shakil said, “As part of our global release, ‘Surongo’ will be released in seven countries in the Middle East in phases. This is most probably the first Bangladeshi movie to be released in Saudi Arabia, a country which has a great fanbase of Nisho among the expat Bangladeshi community.”
“We have also finalised Surongo's release in the United States, Canada, and Australia as well. It will be released on July 7 in six cities, including Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, and Darwin in Australia, and then on July 21 in New York, USA, and Canada. Then will be released in other states across the US from July 28,” Shakil added.
At the press briefing, the makers of ‘Surongo’ informed that the film is slated to be released by India's Shree Venkatesh Films (SVF) under import-export policy.
Dhallywood eyes a festive Eid as movies become the talk of the town again
SVF is one of the film conglomerates in India, and Surongo has already been sent to the Indian censor board for approval. If the film gets approved, it will be released across India on a large scale, makers of the film said.
In the Middle East, ‘Surongo’ is scheduled to be released with Arabic subtitles, they added.
Released on the day of Eid-ul-Azha, ‘Surongo’ has been successfully running at multiplexes and single-screen movie theatres across the country.
10 Most Hyped Bangladeshi Movies Releasing on Eid-ul-Azha 2023
Flash actor Ezra Miller 'grateful' after harassment order lifted
Actor Ezra Miller says they are "grateful" that a temporary harassment order filed by the mother of a 12-year-old has been lifted.
Last year, the “Flash” actor was issued a harassment prevention order after the woman accused him of inappropriate behaviour, reports BBC.
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Although Miller “made mistakes” at times, these were “false allegations,” according to the actor's lawyer.
It was an “egregious misuse of the protective order system,” Miller said.
According to the Daily Beast, the order was issued after Miller yelled at the child's adult family members and neighbours, as well as other behaviour that made the child uncomfortable, such as paying them undue attention.
Also read: English Originals Coming to Netflix in July 2023
Miller's lawyer said during a court hearing on Friday, the actor was “never alone with the child and never interacted with the child outside of two brief encounters which occurred in the presence of several other adults.”
It was one of several claims and legal troubles that the actor has encountered in the last 18 months. Miller, who uses the pronouns they/them, began treatment for “complex mental health issues” in August of last year, the report also said.
The actor’s lawyer also said, “Ezra does not deny that in the midst of their struggle that they have made mistakes and behaved at times in ways they wish they could take back.
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“That, however, does not make every allegation, rumour, or false accusation true. There are real world consequences when claims like these are heedlessly amplified, without any regard for the facts or the truth.
“These false allegations, fanned by unscrupulous media, have threatened Ezra's recovery, and done terrible damage to their reputation and career.”
In a statement on Instagram, Miller wrote: “I'm encouraged by today's outcome and very grateful at this moment to everyone who has stood beside me and sought to ensure that this egregious misuse of the protective order system was halted.”
“On a personal note, I want everyone to know that I am continuing to do my best to preserve my own wellness and what I can to reverse the collateral damage this ordeal has brought upon me and those close to me.”
Miller starred in the DC Comics superhero film “The Flash,” which was released recently. Its North American box office take of less than $100 million in three weeks is usually viewed as a failure, the report concluded.
Why is the Barbie movie banned in Vietnam?
Vietnam has banned Warner Bros' “Barbie” film from domestic release.
The ban is due to a sequence containing a map depicting China's unilaterally claimed area in the South China Sea.
Also read: 5 Best Movies of Hollywood Superstar Brad PittOn Chinese maps, the U-shaped "nine-dash line" is used to show China's claims to broad sections of the South China Sea, including swaths of what Vietnam deems their continental shelf, where oil concessions have been granted, reports The Guardian.Barbie is the latest film to be banned in Vietnam for representing China's nine-dash line.
Also read: Greatest Hollywood Detective Movies of All TimesThe Vietnamese government banned DreamWorks' cartoon feature “Abominable” in 2019 and Sony's action blockbuster “Uncharted” last year for the same reason.According to the state-run Tuoi Tre newspaper, “Barbie”, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, was initially scheduled to release in Vietnam on July 21, the same day as in the United States.
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Vietnam and China have long had competing territorial claims in the South China Sea, which might be rich in energy resources.
9 Bangladeshi youths get conferred with prestigious Diana Award 2023
Addressing the paradigm-shifting roles of youths across the world and their impactful works, the 2023 Diana Award on Friday put the spotlight on over 189 youths including nine Bangladeshi young changemakers for their social actions and humanitarian efforts.
Considered one of the most prestigious accolades a young person aged 9-25 years can receive for social or humanitarian actions, the award is established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, and given out by the charity of the same name and has the support of both her sons, His Royal Highness (HRH) Prince William, the Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex.
The nine Bangladeshi changemakers who received this year’s award are Abdullah Al Hasan Dipto (23) for Pathchola Foundation, Ahnaf Abrar Husain (17) for Bhoroshasthol, Rituraj Bhowmick (10) for Baap Ka Beta, Jyotirmoyee Das Nova (24) for Wise Bangladesh, F M Farhan Faiyaz (24) for Porikolpona Foundation, S M Mobin Sikder (23) for Science Bee, Jahir Rayhan (24) for Youth For Change, Sk Shoaibur Rahaman (24) for Agri-Science Society (AgSS) and Nishat Sultana Chowdhury (24) for Ek Takay Shikkha.
Both His Royal Highness (HRH) Prince William, the Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex and sons of the late Princess Diana, delivered recorded video messages to the young awardees receiving the Diana Award in memory of their mother.
Read more: Kolkata 20th Tele Cine Awards: Afzal Hossain, Chanchal Chowdhury, Bappa Mazumder honoured
These exceptional young leaders are transforming their communities, driving lasting change and creating a fairer, more equitable society for all. This year, the award recognizes youths from countries including Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Egypt, Georgia, Guatemala, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Romania, Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, UAE, United States, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom.
Their causes and backgrounds are varied, but they are united in their innate desire to affect positive change, mobilising and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
Sharing his feelings over this prestigious achievement, S M Mobin Sikder, founder of Science Bee which is considered the world's largest Bengali language science-based educational platform, told UNB that he is honoured and thrilled over this achievement.
“This recognition not only fills my heart with joy but also reflects the significant impact Science Bee, the organization I founded, has had on the youth of Bangladesh. As I receive this news, I am overwhelmed with a mix of emotions – joy, pride, and gratitude. This award symbolizes the impact we can have when we work together towards a common goal,” Mobin told UNB.
Read more: Journalism award to recognize outstanding reporting on Bangladesh-China trade, investment ties
Through Science Bee, Mobin has also created Bangladesh's largest science-based website with 200,000 registered students and 40,000 daily learners. Mobin and his Science Bee team have impacted more than 10 million Bengali-speaking students from over 30 countries and he has received numerous awards for his contributions to community development and achieving sustainable development goals.
“For me, this serves as a reminder that even small steps can lead to significant achievements. I am truly humbled and inspired to continue my journey, using this recognition as a catalyst to further ignite the passion for science in young minds and make a lasting difference in the world. Thanks to everyone who has played a part in this incredible milestone,” he told UNB.
The Diana Awards follow a rigorous nomination process in which the award recipients are put forward by adults who know the eligibles in a professional capacity and recognised their efforts as a positive contribution to society. These nominators had to demonstrate the nominee’s impact in five key areas: Vision, Social Impact, Inspiring Others, Youth Leadership, and Service Journey.
A total of 20 panels, each consisting of three judges who understand the value of the youth, including one young person representative, determine which nominations from each region or nation will receive the award, according to the official website of the Diana Awards.
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