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A decade after its launch, Studio Ghibli Fest continues to attract growing audiences across the United States, bringing longtime fans and young viewers together to enjoy beloved animated classics such as My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo and Spirited Away on the big screen. For Amanda Mendoza VanCleave of Austin, Texas, the annual festival has become a family tradition shared with her three-year-old daughter and mother. Every year, the three attend Ghibli screenings together. VanCleave said her daughter excitedly recognises the familiar Totoro logo as soon as it appears on screen, often delighting audiences with her enthusiasm. Although the family first discovered Studio Ghibli films through HBO Max, watching them in cinemas has become a special yearly event. During a recent screening of Hayao Miyazaki's 1988 classic My Neighbor Totoro, the three even wore matching Totoro-themed pajamas. Studio Ghibli films have long inspired devoted fans, but their continued success in cinemas years—and in some cases decades—after their original release is rare. Every year, both loyal followers and first-time young viewers return to theatres to watch the films. Running from June through October, Ghibli Fest has been held for the past 10 years. Popular titles including My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away and Ponyo have become regular cinema attractions rather than occasional re-releases. The festival has also continued to expand. When North American distributor GKids and Fathom Entertainment launched Ghibli Fest in 2017, five films generated about $5 million in ticket sales. Since then, annual box office earnings have steadily increased, even after Studio Ghibli films became widely available on HBO Max in 2020. GKids President Dave Jesteadt said the festival's continued growth has exceeded expectations. He said organisers initially never imagined the programme would last this long, noting that attendance has continued to set new records each year instead of declining. The festival reached its highest box office in 2024, earning $16.4 million from 14 films. Last year, eight titles collected $10.6 million. This year, Ponyo and My Neighbor Totoro have already completed successful five-day theatrical runs. According to Shannah Miller, Vice President of Marketing at Fathom Entertainment, the festival has expanded from about 640 cinema locations in its early years to more than 1,100 this year. Strong audience demand has also led to longer screening schedules for many films. When GKids acquired North American distribution rights to the Studio Ghibli catalogue in 2011, the Japanese studio emphasised the importance of theatrical releases. Initially, screenings were mainly held in major cities and independent cinemas. Ghibli Fest later expanded into multiplexes, introducing the films to a wider audience, particularly children discovering animation beyond Hollywood productions. Industry experts say the festival has also helped cinemas fill quieter periods, as older films increasingly attract audiences when there are fewer new Hollywood releases. Streaming has also introduced Studio Ghibli to younger viewers, many of whom later choose to experience the films in theatres. Jesteadt said the arrival of the films on streaming platforms actually created a new generation of cinema-goers eager to watch them on the big screen. This year's festival continues with Tales of Earthsea in August, Only Yesterday, the 40th anniversary screening of Castle in the Sky, a 4K restoration of Princess Mononoke in September, and the 25th anniversary screening of Spirited Away in October. Although Studio Ghibli films are occasionally re-released in other countries, Ghibli Fest remains a unique event exclusive to the United States. Fans say the cinema experience offers something that streaming cannot. Angela Lector, who has attended screenings dressed as characters from the films, said watching Ghibli movies in theatres creates opportunities to meet fellow fans and share the experience with others. Many fans also hope the festival will include more lesser-known Studio Ghibli titles in future editions. For VanCleave, the annual screenings continue to create new memories. She recently invited another family to a showing of Ponyo, giving their three-year-old daughter her first cinema experience. The two children ended up sharing a recliner while watching the film together, adding another memorable moment to the growing tradition.

Singer Rei Ami, whose voice featured in the hit film KPop Demon Hunters, and actor-comedian Ken Jeong are among the celebrities appearing in Discovery Channel’s annual "Shark Week," which begins Sunday. Rei Ami said taking part in the programme gave her a new appreciation for sharks after watching about 16 reef sharks feed while diving off the Korean Peninsula. Although she expected to be frightened, she said the experience left her amazed. “I thought I'd be more scared, but I was completely in awe. Watching nature up close is something you can’t easily describe,” she said. The new season of "Shark Week" will feature 20 one-hour episodes exploring different shark species and their behaviour. The programmes include record-setting dives, research into shark attacks and studies of how sharks hunt and survive. Rei Ami, who grew up watching the popular TV event, completed two cage dives and two open-water dives with reef sharks, hammerhead sharks and bull sharks. Ken Jeong, however, chose to stay safely on the boat while appearing alongside her in the opening programme, "K-Pop Shark Heroes." Joking about his role, he said he preferred supervising from a distance rather than entering the water. The week-long event runs until Aug. 1 and includes programmes on great white sharks moving farther along the US East Coast and how thresher sharks use their tails to catch prey. One of the featured episodes follows Canadian high diver Molly Carlson as she jumps 50 feet (15 metres) from a helicopter into a protective cage surrounded by reef sharks. Carlson, who has spoken openly about living with anxiety, said she accepted the challenge to overcome her lifelong fear of sharks and encourage others to face their own fears. This year's lineup also includes an expedition to search for a rumoured 15-foot (4.5-metre) mako shark off Southern California, which researchers believe could become the largest mako shark ever recorded. Marine biologist Kendyl Berna said warmer ocean temperatures have increased food supplies in the area, creating conditions that may allow mako sharks to grow larger than usual. Despite its dramatic style, "Shark Week" continues to focus on science and shark conservation, alongside entertainment. Rei Ami said the series helps correct common misconceptions about sharks. “People often fear sharks because of misunderstandings. These programmes show how they really behave and why there’s usually no reason to fear them,” she said. The series also offers practical safety advice for people who encounter sharks in the water, including staying calm and avoiding splashing, as human-shark encounters become more common in some coastal areas.

Kaylee Hottle, the deaf actress known for her role as Jia in the recent "Godzilla" films, has died in a car crash in the US state of Maryland. She was 18. According to the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, the crash occurred shortly before 3 a.m. Tuesday in Ijamsville when the vehicle carrying Hottle and two others veered off the road and struck a culvert. Hottle was airlifted from the scene but died before reaching the hospital. Authorities said the 19-year-old driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while the third passenger declined medical treatment. Investigators believe excessive speed was a contributing factor, and the crash remains under investigation. A native user of American Sign Language (ASL), Hottle came from a deaf family. Her parents, Joshua and Ketsi Hottle, shared emotional messages on social media expressing their grief. Her father said the family was devastated by the loss and thanked supporters for their sympathy. He also publicly forgave the driver involved in the crash, urging him not to let the tragedy define the rest of his life. Hottle gained international recognition for portraying Jia, an orphaned girl who communicates with Kong through sign language, in "Godzilla vs. Kong" (2021) and "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" (2024). Her performance earned praise for bringing authentic deaf representation to a major Hollywood franchise. Tributes poured in from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry. Her "Godzilla" co-star Millie Bobby Brown wrote on Instagram that she was devastated by the news and would deeply miss Hottle. Actor Alexander Skarsgård, who learned ASL while filming with Hottle, had previously praised her professionalism and ability to quickly adapt to the director's guidance. In a 2024 interview with The Associated Press, Hottle said she had not been familiar with monster movies before being cast in the franchise and credited her father for introducing her to the genre. She also described her parents and sisters as her greatest role models. Besides the "Godzilla" films, Hottle appeared in a 2021 episode of "Magnum P.I." and was set to appear in the upcoming film "What Doesn't Kill Us." Her co-star in the upcoming film, deaf actress Alaqua Cox, expressed heartbreak over Hottle's death, while Academy Award-winning actors Marlee Matlin and Troy Kotsur also paid tribute, remembering her talent and urging people to cherish their loved ones. The Texas School for the Deaf, where Hottle studied, announced her death and said counseling and support services would be made available to students and staff as the school community mourns her loss.

Kaylee Hottle, a deaf actor best known for her starring role in two “Godzilla” films, died in a car crash in Maryland early Tuesday morning, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office said. She was 18. Hottle was one of two passengers in the car when it went off the road and hit a culvert in Ijamsville before 3 a.m. The driver was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the other passenger declined medical treatment, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. Excessive speed is believed to be a factor in the crash, which is under investigation, the sheriff’s office said. Hottle was a native signer of American Sign Language, and her family members are also deaf. Her parents, Joshua and Ketsi Hottle, shared emotional video statements about her death on social media sites. “Kaylee’s mom and four siblings are crushed,” her father said in ASL in a post from an airport. “They are together at home, grieving. I am on my way to Maryland to bring Kaylee’s body back home.” Hottle’s heart stopped before she arrived at a hospital, transported by air from the scene of the accident, her father said. “Very grateful for the 18 years we had together — and wish we had more,” he said. Joshua Hottle also reached out to the driver, described by the sheriff’s office as a 19-year-old Frederick man. “I have forgiven you,” her father said. “Don’t let this incident ruin the rest of your life.” “I still feel Kaylee is with us,” her mother said in ASL in a post. In “Godzilla vs. Kong” and the sequel, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” Hottle played an orphaned girl named Jia who sees beyond Kong’s threatening appearance and forms a special bond with the monster, communicating with him using sign language. “I’m so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed Kaylee,” her “Godzilla” co-star Millie Bobby Brown posted on Instagram. Co-star Alexander Skarsgård, who learned ASL to communicate with Hottle, told the pop culture website Junkee in 2021 that he and others were impressed by the young ingenue’s professionalism and her ability to quickly incorporate the director’s notes into her acting. In a 2024 interview with The Associated Press, Hottle said through an interpreter that she hadn’t watched monster movies before she was cast in “Godzilla,” so her father helped her understand the genre. “I look up to a lot of people, but the one person I look up to, the few people I look up to mostly, are my parents and my sisters,” Hottle said. Hottle said that when she was working on the first film, she was a bit concerned about whether she would be able to return to her “normal life,” afterward. “People do recognize me at school, yes, but it’s not as bad as I thought it would be,” Hottle said. Hottle previously appeared in a 2021 television episode of “Magnum P.I.” She was listed as appearing in the upcoming film “What Doesn’t Kill Us.” “I’m so heartbroken. My heart goes out to her family during this unimaginable time,” Alaqua Cox, her co-star in that film and fellow deaf actor, wrote on Instagram. Other prominent deaf actors also shared messages of grief online. “I am absolutely gutted about the passing of sweet Kaylee Hottle. May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity,” Oscar winner Marlee Matlin wrote on Instagram. Fellow Oscar winner Troy Kotsur, who starred in the film “Coda,” wrote that Hottle’s death made him think of his own daughter, and reminded him not to take time for granted. “I have no words to express on what happened this morning,” Kotsur wrote, offering his “deepest condolences” to the Hottle family. Officials with Texas School for the Deaf in Austin also announced Hottle’s death on Facebook, writing that counseling and support services would be available to her classmates and friends. “Please keep Kaylee’s loved ones in your thoughts as we mourn this tremendous loss together,” the school wrote. ___ Boone reported from Boise, Idaho. Lage reported from Ann Arbor, Michigan.    

The Dink, a new sports comedy arriving on Apple TV this Friday, mixes underdog humour with a familiar redemption story, using the fast-growing sport of pickleball as its backdrop. The film follows Dusty, played by Jake Johnson, a former tennis prodigy whose promising career ended early after a loss to a young Andy Roddick. Now working as a tennis coach at his father's exclusive club, Dusty spends more time talking about his past than building a future. His father Chuck, played by Ed Harris, raised him with dreams of becoming a tennis champion and has nothing but contempt for pickleball. Dusty shares that attitude until a wrist injury forces his doctor, played in a brief but funny appearance by Ben Stiller, to recommend pickleball as part of his recovery. Reluctantly taking up the sport, Dusty finds himself playing alongside a lively group of older women, including characters played by Mary Steenburgen, Cleo King and the late Lynne Marie Stewart. As he spends more time with them, he gradually changes his view of both the sport and himself. Jake Johnson delivers another strong performance as an imperfect but likable underdog. Mary Steenburgen adds warmth and humour, while Ed Harris is convincing as Dusty's demanding father. The supporting cast includes Patton Oswalt as an enthusiastic pickleball player, Chloe Fineman as Dusty's unpredictable former girlfriend and Chris Parnell as a tennis professional. Directed by Josh Greenbaum and written by Sean Clements, the film balances comedy with emotional moments without making pickleball or its players the target of constant jokes. One standout comedy sequence, involving minor characters rather than the main storyline, is described as one of the film's funniest moments. Greenbaum, known for directing Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar and the upcoming Spaceballs sequel, continues to establish himself as a dependable comedy director at a time when big-screen comedies have become increasingly rare. The review also notes that although audiences still enjoy going to cinemas, many mainstream comedies are now being released directly on streaming platforms instead of theatres. While films like The Dink and Kevin Hart's 72 Hours continue the tradition of straightforward comedy, the reviewer suggests something is lost when audiences cannot share the experience of laughing together in a movie theatre. The Dink begins streaming on Apple TV on Friday. The Motion Picture Association has given the film a PG-13 rating for strong language and sexual material. It runs for 102 minutes and receives two-and-a-half stars out of four.

Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and his wife, singer-host Shibani Dandekar, have drawn criticism on social media after a video of them performing at a wedding went viral. The clip, widely shared on social media, shows Farhan, dressed in a black suit, singing Pichle Saat Dinon Mein from the 2008 film Rock On!!. Shibani later joined him on stage to perform Pehli Baar from the 2015 film Dil Dhadakne Do. While some users enjoyed the performance, many criticised the couple, saying they appeared "out of sync" and questioning their vocal performance. Several social media comments also suggested that Farhan's singing was below his earlier standards. The viral video comes as Farhan remains in the spotlight over developments surrounding Don 3. The filmmaker has faced speculation about the project following reports that actor Ranveer Singh had exited the film. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Farhan described the past few years as "challenging" and said the experience had taught him to "expect the unexpected." He said no project should be considered certain until filming is complete but stressed that Don 3 remains one of the stories he is committed to bringing to the screen. Source: NDTV

Global music stars Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira headlined the FIFA World Cup's first-ever halftime show on Sunday, delivering a fast-paced performance featuring several international artists, Muppets characters and Hollywood celebrities. Held at MetLife Stadium near New York, the 11-minute show was designed to bring a Super Bowl-style halftime spectacle to football's biggest tournament. Unlike the Super Bowl's single-headliner format, the World Cup show featured several performers, each taking the stage for about two minutes. Madonna opened the performance with her 2000 hit Music, joined by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. After appearing in a pre-recorded roller rink sequence, she entered the stadium in a dune buggy before performing live. Renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel then led an orchestra in a performance of Seven Nation Army, the popular football anthem by The White Stripes. Members of the Muppets, including Animal on drums, also appeared during the performance. K-pop group BTS followed with their global hit Dynamite, wearing red-and-black outfits in a colourful stage performance. Actors Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, appearing as their popular "Ted Lasso" characters, introduced Justin Bieber, who performed Everything Hallelujah with an acoustic guitar in a more relaxed segment. Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy then performed Dai Dai, the tournament's official World Cup anthem, which had been played before every one of the tournament's 104 matches. Shakira, dressed in a colourful feathered outfit, was joined by dancers, including children, before Burna Boy joined her on stage. Shakira is well known for World Cup songs, including the iconic 2010 anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa). The halftime show concluded with the PS22 Chorus from Staten Island performing alongside Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who curated the event, Gustavo Dudamel, Shakira and several Muppets and Sesame Street characters, including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Cookie Monster and Count von Count. Although Dudamel conducted about 40 musicians from the New York Philharmonic and Venezuela's Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra on the field, the orchestral music had been pre-recorded earlier in the week. Following Spain's victory over Argentina in the World Cup final, Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem celebrated enthusiastically with Spanish supporters inside the stadium. Among other celebrities attending the final were Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner and actor Matt Damon, who attended with his wife, Luciana Barroso Damon. Jennifer Hudson, Post Malone and Tom Cruise feature in pre-match ceremony Before kickoff, Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, Post Malone and Tom Cruise led the World Cup closing ceremony with musical performances and speeches. British singer Robbie Williams performed FIFA anthem Desire, joined by Nicole Scherzinger and Italian singer Laura Pausini. Online personality IShowSpeed performed his football-themed song Champions, while Post Malone sang his new track Chrome Heartbreaker before teaming up with Swae Lee for their hit Sunflower. Actor Tom Cruise then addressed fans, celebrating the tournament and welcoming the finalists, Spain and Argentina. The national anthems were performed live before the match. Jennifer Hudson sang the US national anthem, while Spain's La Marcha Real was performed by Spanish Brass. Argentine singer María Becerra sang Argentina's national anthem before kickoff.

Social media influencers Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate were arrested in Miami on Saturday after British authorities requested their extradition over rape and human trafficking charges, the US Marshals Service confirmed. The brothers, who hold dual US and British citizenship, were taken into custody on a sealed arrest warrant, according to US Marshals Service spokesperson Brady McCarron. British prosecutors said they are seeking the brothers' extradition over allegations that they raped and trafficked women between 2010 and 2017. Andrew, 39, and Tristan, 38, moved to Romania in 2016. They were arrested there in 2022 on separate allegations of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, but the case has yet to proceed because of legal and procedural issues. The brothers have denied all allegations. Romanian authorities allowed them to leave the country last year, after which they travelled to Florida on a private jet. The Tate brothers are expected to appear before a federal court in Miami early next week, according to a person familiar with the case who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the investigation. The latest charges filed in the UK relate to alleged offences involving women in an area north of London, where the brothers grew up. Their lawyers have denied the accusations. Joseph McBride, a lawyer representing the brothers, criticised the new charges, calling them an attempt to undermine defamation lawsuits the brothers have filed in the United States. He said he had not yet been able to speak with his clients but expressed confidence they would ultimately be cleared. Andrew Tate first gained public attention in 2016 as a contestant on the British reality television show Big Brother. He was removed from the programme after a video emerged that appeared to show him assaulting a woman. The brothers have built a large online following by promoting wealth, masculinity and controversial views. Andrew Tate has more than 10 million followers on X, although he has been banned from platforms including YouTube, TikTok and Instagram for violating policies on hate speech. He has faced widespread criticism for comments about women, sexual assault and mental health, which critics describe as misogynistic. Tate has repeatedly said his remarks were taken out of context or intended as jokes. In a statement on Saturday, the UK's Crown Prosecution Service said prosecutors had added 38 new charges involving four additional alleged victims, alongside charges announced previously in 2025 involving three women. Both brothers face charges of rape and human trafficking. Andrew Tate also faces an additional charge related to profiting from prostitution, along with 19 further charges involving alleged indecent images of a child and extreme pornography, according to UK authorities. "There is no place for violence against women and girls," said Bedfordshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Karena Thomas, adding that police would continue to support victims and investigate all reported offences. The Tate brothers continue to deny all allegations against them.

Christopher Nolan's latest epic, The Odyssey, has received an overwhelmingly positive response from early audiences, with many viewers describing it as one of the acclaimed filmmaker's finest works and even ranking it above Oppenheimer and Tenet. Released on July 17, the film has generated widespread discussion on social media platform X, where moviegoers praised its grand visuals, technical excellence and immersive storytelling. Many viewers called the film a cinematic spectacle, highlighting its breathtaking visuals, powerful sound design and emotionally engaging performances. Some noted that the opening section unfolds at a slower pace, but said the story becomes increasingly gripping as Odysseus' journey progresses. Several audience members also recommended watching the film on the biggest screen possible, saying its visual scale and sound are key to the experience. Some suggested that viewers unfamiliar with the story of Troy, the Trojan War or Homer's epic may benefit from reading a brief summary beforehand. One reviewer described The Odyssey as a "cinematic marvel," praising Nolan's direction and saying the film surpasses Oppenheimer while matching or even exceeding the ambition of Tenet. The reviewer also applauded the film's visual effects, cinematography and musical score. Matt Damon, who plays Odysseus, received widespread praise for his performance, with several viewers calling it one of the best of his career. Tom Holland, portraying Telemachus, also earned acclaim for his emotionally compelling role. Another viewer said the film delivers both entertainment and a fresh cinematic experience, crediting Nolan with creating one of his most immersive films to date. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reactions, some viewers pointed to minor shortcomings, including occasional difficulty following the dialogue, a slower first act and limited emotional connection with a few supporting characters. The Odyssey features an ensemble cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o and Charlize Theron. The film is an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic, following the long and perilous journey of Odysseus as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War. Early audience reactions suggest Nolan's latest production is poised to become one of the year's biggest cinematic events. Source: NDTV

Article 370 emerged as the biggest winner at the 72nd National Film Awards of India, taking home the Best Feature Film award, while Yami Gautam was named Best Actress and Kartik Aaryan and Malayalam superstar Mammootty shared the Best Actor honour. The awards, recognising excellence in Indian cinema for 2024, were announced at a press conference in New Delhi on Saturday, honouring outstanding achievements across feature and non-feature films in multiple Indian languages. Yami Gautam won the Best Actress award for her performance in Article 370, which also secured awards for Best Feature Film and Best Background Music, composed by Shashwat Sachdev. Kartik Aaryan received the Best Actor award for his role in the Hindi film Chandu Champion, sharing the honour with Mammootty for his acclaimed performance in the Malayalam film Bramayugam. Tamil filmmaker Rajkumar Periasamy was named Best Director for Amaran, while Srikanth won the award for Best Hindi Film. Science-fiction epic Kalki 2898 AD won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Production Design. Pushpa: The Rule Part 2 earned two awards for Best Costume Design and Best Screenplay. Among regional cinema winners, Raayan was named Best Tamil Film, Committee Kurrollu won Best Telugu Film, Feminichi Fathima was selected as Best Malayalam Film, Mithya won Best Kannada Film, Chalvhitra Ekhon claimed Best Bengali Film, while Mukkam Post Bombilwadi took the Best Marathi Film award. In the technical categories, Shehnad Jalal won Best Cinematography for Bramayugam, R. Kalaivannan received Best Editing for Amaran, and Manas Choudhury won Best Sound Design for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Sanjay Mishra was named Best Supporting Actor for Bhakshak, while Sachana Namidass won Best Supporting Actress for the Tamil film Maharaja. The Best Children's Film award went to 35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu, while Captain Miller received the honour for Best Film Promoting National or Social Values. Swatantrya Veer Savarkar was recognised as Best Debut Film. In the music categories, Vaikom Vijayalakshmi won Best Female Playback Singer for the Malayalam song Angu Vaana Konilu from A.R.M., while Abhay Jodhpurkar received the Best Male Playback Singer award for the Marathi song Navasachi Gauri Mazi from Gharat Ganpati. The awards also recognised achievements in non-feature films. Bhangaar (Obsolete) won Best Non-Fiction Film, while Ram-Nami was named Best Documentary Film. Marathi short film Hamsafar received the Best Short Film award, and Touched As Water won Best Animation Film. Piplantri: A Tale of Eco Feminism was honoured as the Best Non-Feature Film Promoting Social and Environmental Values, while filmmaker Aanand L. Rai won Best Direction in the non-feature category for Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek. The National Film Awards are India's highest official recognition for cinematic excellence and celebrate achievements across mainstream, regional and independent filmmaking. Source: NDTV