Entertainment
BLCPS unites music stars demonstrating music intellectual property rights, royalties
The BLCPS, or Bangladesh Lyricist Composers & Performers Society, the first and only Collective Management Organisation (CMO) for Music authorised by the government, organised a star-studded conference on Tuesday at the Crystal Palace Auditorium in the capital’s Gulshan Club.
Satoshi Watanabe, honourary advisor of the CISAC (The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers), delivered the keynote speech on the importance of CMOs and their function and activities in creating worldwide music intellectual property rights and collecting royalties.
Daud Miah, NDC, Registrar, Copyright Office, Bangladesh joined as the chief guest at the event. Satoshi Watanabe, honourary advisor of the CISAC, was present as the special guest at the event, presided over by eminent music director Sheikh Saadi Khan.
Taylor Swift wins Grammy album of the year for the 4th time
Several of the country’s eminent and popular music stars joined the special conference, where the BLCPS demonstrated a spotlight vision in safeguarding the intellectual property of Bangladesh's music producers, in support of the government's ongoing efforts to develop a 'Smart Bangladesh'.
The conference, hosted by popular singer Alif Alauddin, began with a minute of silence in respect of the country’s legendary composer Alauddin Ali and popular vocalist Andrew Kishore, who have been actively involved with the BLCPS from its inception in 2013, working diligently for the entity despite their severe illness. In the conference, the BLCPS acknowledged the contributions of these two late great artists with heartfelt respect and wished their eternal peace.
BLCPS Trustee Sujit Mostofa said, “In our country, many of our artists do not about their rights and how to collect their royalties. Under the leadership of BLCPS President Sabina Yasmin along with the dedication of the BLCPS team members, we are aiming to protect and manage the rights of Bangladeshi songwriters, composers, singers and distributors.”
Hamin Ahmed, CEO of the BLCPS, echoed the same, adding, “Through BLCPS, lyricists, composers, and performers will be able to receive their due royalties from both within and outside of the country. It’s not any organization but an entity for the betterment of the industry, and anyone from the industry can join the entity regardless of their membership in any organization.”
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Demonstrating an insightful presentation on the importance of CMO, honourary advisor of the CISAC Satoshi Watanabe praised the BLCPS while emphasising the importance of the CMO (Collective Management Organisation) in safeguarding music intellectual property rights and royalty collection worldwide, highlighting the potential benefits of membership in a collective management organisation such as the BLCPS.
Chief guest of the event Daud Miah, NDC, Registrar, Copyright Office lauded the BLCPS for taking the initiative and assured necessary assistance to the entity from the government. BLCPS Legal Advisor Barrister ABM Hamidul Misbah also spoke at the event, which concluded with the vote of thanks from the chair of the conference Sheikh Saadi Khan.
In addition to the keynote presentation at the conference, Satoshi Watanabe conducted a three-day training earlier in Dhaka to address the BLCPS's capacity requirements as the only CMO in Bangladesh that works with the CISAC.
The CISAC aims to improve communication, interest protection, and technology sharing across nations. For its specific focus on the development of lyricists and composers, this international confederation is called the leading global organisation that is actively working for the betterment of lyricists and composers.
The CISAC is currently active in a total of 116 countries with its 225 CMOs and over 5 million creators; and its diverse field of works includes music, audiovisual, drama/play, literature, and visual art – and the people actively involved in these genres.
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In addition to the CISAC, the United Nations' autonomous organisation, WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation), has been working for the preservation of intellectual property (IP) and the intellectual creations of people from 193 member states around the world, as well as the preservation of information and policies related to this. Sections 38-44 of Chapter 9 of the Bangladesh Copyright Act safeguard individuals' intellectual property interests.
The BLCPS (Bangladesh Lyricist Composers & Performers Society) is the first CMO for the music industry in Bangladesh. Founded in 2013, the organisation received its licence from the government in 2014 to accomplish its vision to protect and manage the rights of Bangladeshi songwriters, composers, singers and distributors.
Annie Lennox calls for ceasefire in Gaza during Grammy performance
Scottish Singer-songwriter Annie Lennox called for a ceasefire in Gaza during the Grammy Awards on Sunday.
Lennox is one of over 300 artists, actors, and campaigners that signed a statement in late October urging the US Congress and President Joe Biden to call for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and Israel via Artists4Ceasefire.org, reports CNN.
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As of January 23, additional artists who have signed the letter included America Ferrera, Jordan Peele, Gracie Abrams, Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, Amanda Gorman, Dua Lipa, Jon Stewart, and Drake, it said.
“We are here to lend our voices and our platforms to amplify the global call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the safe return of all hostages, and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilians in Gaza,” an Artists4Ceasefire statement read. “We stand for our common humanity, and a future rooted in freedom, justice, dignity and peace for all people. We cannot be silent. Compassion must prevail.”
A large demonstration in Brussels calls for ceasefire in Gaza
Singer and social media star Montana Tucker, on the red carpet at the Grammys expressed support for Israeli hostages, said the report.
“I understand what is going on right now is extremely sensitive. It doesn’t have to be political. It just has to be about humanity,” Tucker told CNN.
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Raining Grammys for India: AR Rahman, Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan in one epic selfie
In a landmark achievement for Indian music, the celebrated band Shakti, featuring the legendary tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, percussionist V Selvaganesh, and violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, clinched the Best Global Music Album award for their latest work, “This Moment,” at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
Shortly after the ceremony, musical icon AR Rahman, who was in attendance, shared a moment of pride on social media, posting a selfie with Shakti’s acclaimed members – Mahadevan, Hussain, and Selvaganesh.T
op Grammy Award winners of 2024
Rahman’s post, filled with joy, praised their remarkable success: “It’s raining Grammys for India…Congrats Grammy winners #ustadzakirhussain (3 Grammys) @shankar.mahadevan (first Grammy) @selvaganesh,” capturing the celebratory spirit of the moment.
In an additional feather in their cap, Zakir Hussain, along with flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, also received the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance for their collaborative piece, “Pashto.” This composition further earned accolades as Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, highlighting the diverse talents within the Indian music scene.
Miley Cyrus wins record of the year at Grammys
Ricky Kej, an Indian music composer and Grammy laureate himself, extended his congratulations via a heartfelt video of Shakti's acceptance speech, emphasizing the brilliance of these musicians and their contribution to India's global recognition in music. Kej’s enthusiastic post on X celebrated the band’s victory: “SHAKTI wins a Grammy!!! Through this album 4 brilliant Indian musicians won Grammys!! Just amazing. India is shining in every direction…”
This year’s Grammy success for Shakti and its members adds to a growing list of international accolades for Indian artists, including AR Rahman’s dual Grammy wins in 2010 for his work on “Slumdog Millionaire”.
Taylor Swift wins Grammy album of the year for the 4th time
Top Grammy Award winners of 2024
A list of top winners at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR“Midnights,” Taylor Swift
RECORD OF THE YEAR“Flowers,” Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus wins record of the year at Grammys
BEST NEW ARTISTVictoria Monét
SONG OF THE YEAR (SONGWRITER’S AWARD)“What Was I Made For?” Billie Eilish and Finneas
BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM“Midnights,” Taylor Swift
BEST POP SOLO PERFORMANCE“Flowers,” Miley Cyrus
Taylor Swift wins Grammy album of the year for the 4th time
BEST NEW ARTISTGracie Abrams; Fred again..; Ice Spice; Jelly Roll; Coco Jones; Noah Kahan; Victoria Monét; The War and Treaty.
BEST COUNTRY ALBUM“Bell Bottom Country,” Lainey Wilson
BEST R&B SONG“Snooze,” SZA
BEST MUSICA URBANA ALBUM“Mañana Será Bonito,” Karol G
BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE“Ghost in the Machine,” SZA featuring Phoebe Bridgers
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BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM“The Record,” Boygenius
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICALTheron Thomas
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICALJack Antonoff
BEST R&B ALBUM“Jaguar II,” Victoria Monét
BEST PROGRESSIVE R&B ALBUM“SOS,” SZA
BEST AUDIO BOOK, NARRATION AND STORYTELLING RECORDING“The Light We Carry: Overcoming In Uncertain Times,” Michelle Obama
BEST REGGAE ALBUM“Colors of Royal,” Julian Marley and Antaeus
BEST LATIN ROCK OR ALTERNATIVE ALBUM (tie)“Vida Cotidiana,” Juanes and “De Todas Las Flores,” Natalia Lafourcade
BEST LATIN POP ALBUM“X Mi (Vol 1)," Gaby Moreno
BEST RAP ALBUM“Michael,” Killer Mike
BEST RAP SONG“Scientists & Engineers,” Killer Mike ft. André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane
BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE“White Horse,” Chris Stapleton
BEST COUNTRY SONG“White Horse,” Chris Stapleton
BEST FOLK ALBUM"Joni Mitchell at Newport (Live)," Joni Mitchell
BEST POP DANCE RECORDING“Padam Padam,” Kylie Minogue
BEST ROCK ALBUM“This Is Why,” Paramore
BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE“Not Strong Enough,” Boygenius
BEST ROCK SONG“Not Strong Enough,” Boygenius
BEST AMERICANA ALBUM“Weathervanes,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
BEST METAL PERFORMANCE“72 Seasons,” Metallica
BEST JAZZ INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM“The Winds of Change,” Billy Childs
BEST JAZZ VOCAL ALBUM“How Love Begins,” Nicole Zuraitis
BEST COMEDY ALBUM“What’s in a Name?,” Dave Chappelle
BEST COMPILATION SOUNDTRACK FOR VISUAL MEDIA“Barbie The Album,” various artists
BEST SONG WRITTEN FOR VISUAL MEDIA“What Was I Made For?,” Billie Eilish
BEST SCORE SOUNDTRACK FOR VISUAL MEDIA“Oppenheimer,” Ludwig Göransson
BEST MUSIC VIDEO“I'm Only Sleeping," the Beatles
BEST MUSIC FILM“Moonage Daydream”
BEST MUSICAL THEATER ALBUM“Some Like It Hot”
BEST GOSPEL ALBUM
“All Things New: Live in Orlando,” Tye Tribbett
BEST CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC ALBUM“Church Clothes 4,” Lecrae
BEST AFRICAN MUSIC PERFORMANCE“Water,” Tyla
Miley Cyrus wins record of the year at Grammys
Miley Cyrus took home her second Grammy of the night — and all time — with record of the year for “Flowers.”Earlier in the night, she won the first award of the telecast for best pop solo performance, also for “Flowers.”
Taylor Swift wins Grammy album of the year for the 4th timeAfter Meryl Streep and Mark Ronson proclaimed her winner of record of the year, she danced with fellow nominee Billie Eilish as she made her way to the stage.Cyrus made several swerves during her speech, saying: “My life was beautiful yesterday. So please don’t think this is important. Even though it’s very important.”
The Grammys ended in controversy, again. Here’s what to knowThen after giving several thank-yous, Cyrus — clad in at least her fourth outfit of the night — said, “I don’t think I’ve forgotten anyone, but I might have forgotten underwear.”
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Taylor Swift wins Grammy album of the year for the 4th time
Taylor Swift won album of the year at the Grammy Awards for “Midnights,” breaking the record for most wins in the category with four.
She began her speech by thanking her producer and friend Jack Antonoff and added, “I would love to tell you this is the happiest moment of my life,” she told the crowd, but said she feels this happy when she creates music and plays shows.
Earlier in the night, Taylor Swift used her 13th Grammy win on Sunday to announce her new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” will arrive April 19.
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“I know that the way that the Recording Academy voted is a direct reflection of the passion of the fans,” she said while accepting the best pop vocal album award. “So, I want to say thank you to the fans by telling you a secret that I’ve been keeping from you for the last two years."
One of the night’s biggest awards, record of the year, went to Miley Cyrus for “Flowers,” her second-ever Grammy and second of the night.
“This award is amazing. But I really hope that it doesn’t change anything because my life was beautiful yesterday,” she said in her speech.
Victoria Monét won best new artist. “Thank you to the champagne-servers tonight," Monét began her acceptance speech. “Thanks to my mom, a single mom raising this really bad girl." Then she started to cry, telling the room that this award was “15 years in the making.”
Billie Eilish won song of the year for writing the “Barbie” hit, “What Was I Made For?” She thanked director Greta Gerwig for "making the best movie of the year.”
It was just one of several standout moments from Sunday's show, hosted by Trevor Noah and broadcast live from Cypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles.
Karol G made Grammy history Sunday by becoming the first female performer to win best música urbana album for her blockbuster “Mañana Será Bonito” record.
“This is my first time at the Grammys,” she told the audience in English. “And this is my first time holding my own Grammy.”
Performances were many. Olivia Rodrigo brought her bloodsucking ballad “vampire” – or in this case, bloodletting, as red liquid dripped from the walls behind her. Joni Mitchell, 80, made Grammy history by performing “Both Sides Now” from her 1969 album “Clouds”; Travis Scott did a medley of “My Eyes,” “I Know?,” and “Fein.” Burna Boy was joined by Brandy and 21 Savage and did “On Form,” “City Boys,” and “Sittin’ on Top of the World."
A long and touching In Memoriam segment celebrated many of the musical greats lost last year. Stevie Wonder performed “For Once in My Life” and “The Best Is Yet To Come” in honor of Tony Bennett; Annie Lennox delivered “Nothing Compares 2 U” for Sinéad O’Connor. “Artists for ceasefire, peace in the world,” Lennox said at the end of the song, her fist extended in the air.
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Jon Batiste did a medley of “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean On Me,” and finally “Optimistic” with Ann Nesby for the late great music exec Clarence Avant. Oprah introduced a fiery Tina Turner tribute of “Proud Mary” by Fantasia Barrino and Adam Blackstone.
SZA also took the stage – performing a medley of her larger-than-life hits “Snooze” and “Kill Bill," joined by dancers wielding katanas. Later, she'd take home the trophy for best R&B song — for “Snooze,” handed to her by Lizzo. SZA ran to the stage and gave a charming, out of breath speech because she was “changing, and then I took a shot.”
Luke Combs’ delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Fast Car” with Tracy Chapman – his cover of the Chapman classic has dominated country radio and won him song of the year at the 2023 CMAs. In 1989 the song won Chapman best female pop vocal performance.
Dua Lipa opened the show with a high-octane medley: first, a tease of her forthcoming single, “Training Season,” then, her most recent single, “Houdini," and finally, her disco-pop “Barbie” hit “Dance the Night."
Eilish and Finneas also brought “Barbie” to the Grammys stage with live string accompaniment. They were followed by Cyrus, who performed “Flowers” for the first time live on television.
“Why are you acting like you don't know this song?” she teased the crowd — John Legend and wife Chrissy Teigen were among those in the audience who got up to dance — and later cheered mid-song, “I just won my first Grammy!”
Best country album went to Lainey Wilson for “Bell Bottom Country,” — her very first Grammy — as presented by Kacey Musgraves. “I’m a fifth-generation farmer’s daughter,” she told the crowd, adding that she’s a “songwriting farmer,” and that’s where the musical magic came from.
Jay-Z was awarded the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and used his speech to talk about the hip-hop greats that came before him – and heavily suggesting at the Grammys history of placing rap on the backburner – or at the very least, not in the televised version of the show. (This year, there were no rap categories on the telecast, but two pop, one Latin, one country and one R&B.)
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“We want you all to get it right,” he said. “At least get it close to right,” before switching focus to Beyoncé. “Most Grammys, never won album of the year. How does that work?”
Bridgers took an early lead at the Grammys, quickly winning four trophies ahead of the main telecast, with her and her boygenius bandmates bringing an infectious energy to the pre-telecast Premiere Ceremony.
Jack Antonoff took home producer of the year, non-classical for a third year in a row, tying Babyface as the only other producer to do so consecutively. “You need the door kicked open for you,” he said in his acceptance speech. “Taylor Swift kicked that (expletive) door open for me," he said.
The first of three new categories in 2024, best pop dance recording, went to Kylie Minogue for “Padam Padam" — her first win in 18 years.
About 80 Grammys were handed out pre-broadcast. Regional Mexican star Peso Pluma won his first Grammy for his first and only nomination, for best música Mexicana album for his “Genesis.”
Best African music performance, a new category which aims to highlight regional musical traditions and recognizing “recordings that utilize unique local expressions from across the African continent,” went to South African singer Tyla for her ubiquitous hit, “Water.”
“I never thought I’d say I won a Grammy at 21 years old,” she said in her acceptance speech. “Last year God decided to change my whole life.”
Killer Mike won three awards in quick succession Sunday night, but ended up in police custody before the main Grammys ceremony began because of an altercation, police spokesperson Officer Mike Lopez said.
The rapper won his first first Grammy in 21 years, for best rap performance for “Scientists & Engineers,” which featured André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane. Soon afterward, they won for “best rap song.” Killer Mike also took home best rap album for “Michael,” cheering, “It is a sweep! It is a sweep!”
Billy Joel was both the penultimate and final performance of the night. First, he brought his new track “Turn the Lights Back on” — his first new music in decades — live to the Grammy stage. Then, after album of the year was announced, he returned to the stage for his 1980 classic, “You May Be Right.”
A welcome surprised was the inclusion of Celine Dion, who handed Swift her record-breaking trophy. “When I say I’m happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart,” she told the audience. In 2022, Dion revealed she was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome, which causes spasms that affect her ability to walk and sing.
Japan wants everyone to know: Taylor Swift will make it in time for the Super Bowl
Taylor Swift, who is holding concerts in Japan through Feb. 10, will make it in time for the Super Bowl to see her partner and football superstar Travis Kelce play.
To make sure all her fans know, the Japanese Embassy in Washington, D.C. has sent a message on X, formerly Twitter, alluding to her hit songs in bold letters.
“Despite the 12-hour flight and 17-hour time difference, the Embassy can confidently Speak Now to say that if she departs Tokyo in the evening after her concert, she should comfortably arrive in Las Vegas before the Super Bowl begins,” it said.
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Swift is in a highly public relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Kelce. The AFC champions face off the San Francisco 49ers, the NFC champs, Feb. 11.
Noise regulations in Tokyo stipulate that events must stop using the public sound system at 9:30 p.m. That should give Swift plenty of time, given that Japan is a day ahead in the global day.
Swift is performing four nights at the Tokyo Dome as part of her Eras Tour, which continues later in Australia. That means she would have to fly halfway around the world again later in the week.
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Swift’s flying on a private jet to watch Kelce play has already prompted criticism about carbon emissions and lavish spending.
‘The Cord of Life’ bags best film as curtain falls on 22nd DIFF
The 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) concluded on Sunday, awarding Qiao Sixue-directed Chinese movie ‘The Cord of Life’ as the Best Film this year.
As for the Bangladeshi and Bengali language films, the Syam Benegal-directed biopic on Bangabandhu titled ‘Mujib: The Making of a Nation’ received the Audience Award, while the Special Audience Award was given to the Abhijit SriDas-directed Indian-Bengali film ‘Bijoyar Pore’ (Autumn Flies).
Pantho Prosad-directed ‘Sabittri’ (A Burning Soul) received the FIPRESCI Award for Best Full-Length Feature Film, Baishaki Somadder directed ‘Laila’ received the FIPRESCI Award for Best Short Film, Best Cinematography went to the Bangladesh-France-Greece joint-production film ‘Mighty Afrin - In the Time of Floods’ and ‘Surot’ (Reflection of Life) won the Special Mention at the Spiritual Film Section,
A total of 18 awards were given in different categories at the closing ceremony of the 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival, at the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum in the capital, organised by the Rainbow Film Society.
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The closing ceremony was joined by the State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammed Ali Arafat, while globally acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi, eminent Indian-Bengali actress Sharmila Tagore, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Mokammel Hossain, and Bangladesh National Museum Director General Md Kamruzzaman, among others.
Presided over by DIFF Chief Patron and former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam MP, the ceremony was also joined by Dhaka International Film Festival’s maestro Director Ahmed Muztaba Zamal, festival committee member M Hamid, and DIFF Chairperson Kishwar Kamal.
In the Asian Cinema Competition Section, the Best Director award went to Jagath Manuwarna for ‘Rahas Kiyana Kandu’ (Whispering Mountains). Popular Indian-Bengali singer-filmmaker Anjan Dutt received the Best Actor Award for his brilliant performance in the role of his maestro Mrinal Sen in his directorial film ‘Chalchitra Ekhon’ (Kaleidoscope Again), while the Best Actress Award went to the Chinese actress Badema for ‘The Cord of Life’, the Best Film at the 22nd DIFF.
The award for Best Screenplay Writing went to Dov" (Fortune), directed by Muhiddin Muzaffar (Tajikistan), and the Best Cinematography award was handed over to ‘Mighty Afrin - In the Time of Floods’, directed by Angelos Rallis (Bangladesh, France, Greece).
As for the Women Filmmakers Section, Nancy Svendsen (USA) directed ‘Pasang: In the Shadow of Everest’ won the Best Documentary Award, while the Best Feature Film Award went to the Iranian film ‘Ashghal-ha va Arousak-ha’ (Junks & Dolls), directed by Manijeh Hekmat. South Korean filmmaker Gyeongmu NOH won Best Director for the film ‘How to Get Your Man Pregnant’, and Bangladeshi filmmaker Chaitali Somadder received the Special Mention for ‘Mukti’ in this section.
The Spiritual Films Section recognised this year’s submission by awarding the Best Feature Film to the Russian film ‘Tuda I Obratno’ (There and Back), directed by Oleg Asadulin, and ‘Kunanfinda: The Land of Death’, directed by Hansel Leyva Fanego (Cuba) received the award for the Best Documentary while Golam Rabbani-directed Bangladeshi film ‘Surot’ received the Special Mention award.
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Meanwhile, the Best Children Film Badal Rahman Award went to ‘Pravas’ (Pravas the Tour), directed by Vipul Sharma (India).
From January 20, the 22nd DIFF featured 252 films from 71 countries, including Bangladesh, India, China, Turkey, Iran, the United States, Sri Lanka and others. Films were screened at the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Auditorium (main auditorium) and Poet Sufia Kamal Auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum, National Art Gallery Auditorium and Jatiya Sangeet and Nrityakala Auditorium of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Academy Auditorium, and Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), Dhanmondi in the capital.
Besides the screenings, the 22nd DIFF also featured the '10th International Women Filmmakers Conference' on the role of women in films from January 21-22 and West Meets East: Screenplay Lab from January 15 to 18 at Alliance Francaise de Dhaka.
This year, the festival also hosted a day-long master class with eminent film scholar Dr Shi Chuan, Deputy Chair of the Shanghai Film Association of China, globally renowned Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi and Indian filmmaker, actor and singer Anjan Dutt.
Rainbow Film Society has been organising the Dhaka International Film Festival since 1992 with the theme Better Film, Better Audience, Better Society.
The 23rd DIFF will be held between January 11-19 in 2025, according to the festival director Ahmed Muztaba Zamal.
Web Film "Osomoy" Shatters Records, Surpassing 2023 Hit "Hotel Relax" in only 8.5 days
Bongo, the premiere OTT platform in Bangladesh, continues to dazzle audiences globally with one success after another, with the latest “Osomoy” directed by Kajal Arefin Ome.
Recently, Ome's debut web film, 'Osomoy,' has garnered an impressive audience of over 300,000 paid unique viewers from over 100+ countries, 33 percent higher than Hotel Relax.
The film has achieved more than 35 million paid watch time minutes in 8.5 days surpassing the previous record of 30 million minutes of Hotel Relax, a web series also directed by Kajal Arefin Ome.
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"Osomoy" presents a compelling narrative, delving into the life of Urbi, a young girl from a lower-middle-class family navigating university life.
Director Kajal Arefin Ome, known for his diverse portfolio, departs from his usual works to offer a poignant portrayal of contemporary society.
The film resonates with audiences, combining a serious storyline with Ome's signature humor.
Expressing his thoughts on the record-breaking success, Director Kajal Arefin Ome stated, "We had high expectations for the content, and the immediate positive response exceeded our predictions. The audience's love for 'Osomoy' has been overwhelming. Their support encourages me to strive for excellence in future projects."
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Tasnia Farin, a talented actress of the time, delivers a stellar performance as Urbi, supported by Tariq Anam Khan and Monira Mithu, who portray Urbi's parents with emotional depth.
The on-screen chemistry between Saraf Ahmed Zibon and Iresh Zaker, playing a journalist and police officer, adds a delightful touch, inducing laughter.
Runa Khan's portrayal of a lawyer and her compelling scenes with Intekhab Dinar has garnered attention.
The ensemble cast, including Shahed Ali, Shaswata Datta, Shimul Sharma, Lamima Lam, Israt Zaheen Ahmed, Scuman Patwary, and Ziaul Haque Polash, contributes to the film's success with their outstanding performances.
Netizens hail "Osomoy" as Kajal Arefin Ome's masterpiece, praising its superb cinematography, excellent dialogues, outstanding color grading, and captivating ambient music.
Mushfiqur Rahman Manzu, the producer of "Osomoy" and Chief Content Officer of Bongo, expressed delight, saying, "We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to 'Osomoy,' surpassing the success of 'Hotel Relax.' We extend our gratitude to the audience for their continued support."
Showcasing 252 films from 74 nations, 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival begins
This time, Bongo saw a huge growth of users watching from Apple, Samsung, Redmi, Realme, and OPPO device brands, including tremendous growth from Chittagong, Comilla, Khulna, Sylhet and Rajshahi.
“We launched Pre-booking this time which was a huge success, we had over 10,000 paid users book early and win a chance to watch on the opening day of the Premiere with the Ome and the exciting cast! We also enabled gifting where thousands of fans showed their appreciation for the film. We are constantly working on new ways to be ahead of the curve with our technology and tools, said COO & Co-Founder of Bongo, Fayaz Taher. “Last year we beta-tested a lot with new advertising tools such as clickable Digital screen ads including L-shaped, we plan to do a full roll in Q1 this year to enable new ways for advertisers to also connect with content in meaningful ways.”
Wrestling icon Vince McMahon resigns from WWE parent company after ex-employee files sex abuse suit
Wrestling icon Vince McMahon resigned Friday from WWE's parent company t he day after a former employee filed a federal lawsuit accusing him and another former executive of serious sexual misconduct, including offering her to a star wrestler for sex.
McMahon stepped down from the his position as executive chairman of the board of directors at WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, according to a statement released late Friday. He continued to deny wrongdoing following the lawsuit filed by Janel Grant, who worked in the company’s legal and talent departments.
The suit includes allegations that McMahon, now 78, forced Grant into a sexual relationship in order for her to get and keep a job and passed around pornographic pictures and videos of her to other men, including other WWE employees.
The AP typically does not name accusers in sexual assault cases, but Grant’s representatives said she wished to go public. Her lawyer declined to comment Friday.
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McMahon's statement said that he was leaving the board “out of respect” for WWE and TKO Group.
“I stand by my prior statement that Ms. Grant’s lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth,” he said in the statement. “I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name.”
McMahon stepped down as WWE’s CEO in 2022 amid an investigation into allegations that match those in the lawsuit, which was filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Connecticut, where WWE is based.
McMahon was the leader and most recognizable face at WWE for decades. When he purchased what was then the World Wrestling Federation from his father in 1982, wrestling matches took place at small venues and appeared on local cable channels. WWE matches are now held in professional sports stadiums, and the organization has a sizable overseas following.
WWE merged last April with the company that runs Ultimate Fighting Championship to create the $21.4 billion sports entertainment company TKO Group Holdings, and McMahon served as that group’s executive chairman of the board until Friday.
TKO Group's representative referred media inquiries about McMahon's resignation to his statement. Deadline first reported that he was stepping down.
“Mr. McMahon does not control TKO nor does he oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE,” TKO Group said earlier this week. “While this matter pre-dates our TKO executive team’s tenure at the company, we take Ms. Grant’s horrific allegations very seriously and are addressing this matter internally.”
Grant also names as defendants in the lawsuit the WWE and John Laurinaitis, an ex-pro wrestler and the company’s former head of talent relations and general manager. WWE and Laurinaitis did not return requests for comment Friday.
According to the lawsuit, McMahon lived in the same building as Grant and in 2019 offered to get her a job at WWE after her parents died.
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She alleges that he eventually made it clear that one of the requirements of the job was a physical relationship with him and later with Laurinaitis and others.
Over the next few years, McMahon lavished her with gifts including a luxury car, the suit says.
It also alleges that McMahon offered one of his star wrestlers — a person not named in the lawsuit — sex with Grant as a perk in 2021.
“WWE benefited financially from the commercial sex act venture orchestrated by McMahon, including by having wrestling talent, such as WWE Superstar, sign new contracts with WWE after McMahon presented Plaintiff as a sexual commodity for their use,” the lawsuit states.
Grant is seeking unspecified monetary damages and to have the court void a $3 million nondisclosure agreement, of which she alleges she received only $1 million.
“Ms. Grant hopes that her lawsuit will prevent other women from being victimized,” her attorney, Ann Callis, said in a statement Thursday. “The organization is well aware of Mr. McMahon’s history of depraved behavior, and it’s time that they take responsibility for the misconduct of its leadership.”