United News of Bangladesh

New films from Wes Anderson, Ari Aster, and Richard Linklater will compete for the Palme d’Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, organizers announced Thursday. Coming off a 2024 edition that produced the Academy Award best-picture winner “Anora,” as well as a number of Oscar contenders in “Emilia Pérez,” “The Substance" and “The Apprentice," the French film festival responded with a 2025 lineup bursting with big-name auteurs. Thierry Frémaux, Cannes’ artistic director, announced the selections in a news conference in Paris with festival president Iris Knobloch. Entries include Aster’s “Eddington,” a pandemic-set Western starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal and Emma Stone; Anderson’s “The Phoenician Scheme," starring Benicio Del Toro as a European profiteer and Linklater's appropriately French-language “Nouvelle Vague,” about Jean-Luc Godard and the French New Wave. Julia Ducournau, whose “Titane” won the Palme d’Or in 2021, making Ducournau only the second female filmmaker to ever receive Cannes’ top honor, will return to the festival with the 1980s New York-set “Alpha,” about an 11-year-old with a parent who has AIDS. Other previously Cannes regulars coming back include two-time Palme winners Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. The Belgian filmmaking brothers’ latest is titled “Young Mothers.” Joachim Trier, whose “The Worst Person in the World” was a highlight of the 2021 Cannes, is back in competition with “Sentimental Value,” which likewise stars Renate Reinsve. Sean Baker's 'Anora' wins Palme d'Or, the Cannes Film Festival's top honor Playing outside of competition is Scarlett Johansson’s “Eleanor the Great” — the actor's directorial debut. Among the films some had hoped might show up in Cannes but that weren’t announced were Terrence Malick’s long-awaited Jesus drama “The Way of the Wind” and Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another.” Cannes earlier announced that “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” will launch at the festival, which three years ago bestowed an honorary Palme d’Or on Tom Cruise. This year, Robert De Niro is set to receive one during the festival’s opening ceremony. Bangladeshi critic Sadia Khalid Reeti walks official Cannes Red Carpet as FIPRESCI jury member Following in the footsteps of Greta Gerwig, Juliette Binoche will head the jury that decide this year’s Palme d’Or. Knobloch said it's the first time in 60 years that two women succeed each other in this role. The festival runs May 13-24.

Over 200 Bangladeshi musicians will come together to express solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine during this year’s Pahela Baishakh procession, singing the iconic lines: "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free." The announcement came at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Seminar Room of the National Theatre Hall in Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) where Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki shared some details of this year's Chaitra Sangkranti and Pahela Baishakh festivities, calling the initiative a “symbolic yet powerful gesture for peace.” “During this Pahela Baishakh we want to stand with the people of Palestine,” Farooki said. “Through music, we will express our wish for a peaceful world.” Prominent members of the country’s music scene and members of BAMBA (Bangladesh Musical Bands Association) including Foad Nasser Babu of Feedback, Kazi Faisal Ahmed and George Lincoln D’Costa of Artcell, Tonmoy Tansen of Vikings, Nigar Sultana Sumi of Lalon, Pinky Chiran of all female band F-Minor, Prottoy from the Rangamati-based band Invocation, and Dalchhut’s manager and lyricist Shahan Kabondho among others attended the press conference. Farooki said over 200 musicians, specifically guitarists, are expected to participate and BAMBA is actively engaging its member bands to join spontaneously. He called on the guitarists and rhythm musicians in and around Dhaka to bring their instruments and take part in the celebration and protest. He urged everyone attending the rally to carry a Palestinian flag, saying, “This year, the world is awaiting to see a new version of our Pahela Baishakh celebrations in this new and inclusive Bangladesh, and we believe the procession including our band musicians will be significant to this year’s celebration because no one else could have taken this stand for the oppressed Palestinians, the way they did.” Warfaze frontman Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu, speaking on behalf of BAMBA and the broader rock and band musicians' community, highlighted the historic nature of their participation. “Traditionally, the Chaitra Sankranti and Pahela Baishakh events have not included our band musicians over the years. This year, for the first time, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy have invited us to be part of it - for which we are deeply grateful,” Tipu said. Mangal Shobhajatra may get a new name: Farooki He shared that BAMBA, in association with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and Cultural Affairs Ministry will host a grand concert on April 13, marking the Chaitra Sankranti at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital.  Tipu expressed concerns on the global unrest, especially the atrocities in Palestine, and emphasised the musicians' collective message of peace regarding their inclusion this year at the Pahela Baishakh procession. “We want a peaceful world. That’s why we’re taking part in the Baishakh's procession and will sing together in the hope of a better future," Tipu said.

Comedian Kunal Kamra recently revealed that he was approached for the upcoming season of Bigg Boss, hosted by Salman Khan. Sharing a screenshot of his exchange with a casting director on Instagram Stories, Kamra made it clear that he had no interest in joining the reality show. The message from the casting team read:"I am handling the casting for this season of Bigg Boss and your name came up as someone they might find interesting. I know it might not have been on your radar, but honestly, it's such a mad platform to show your real vibe and win over a massive audience. What do you think? Should we talk about it?" Kamra responded bluntly: “I would much rather check into a mental hospital...” He did not clarify whether the offer was for Bigg Boss OTT or Bigg Boss 19. Sunny Deol's surprising revelation about reuniting with Shah Rukh Khan Meanwhile, Kamra remains in the spotlight for his parody targeting Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The Madras High Court recently granted him interim protection from arrest in connection with the parody. The comedian has reportedly ignored three summons issued by Mumbai Police and has now approached the Bombay High Court, seeking to have the cases against him quashed. Kamra’s petition argues that the legal action violates his constitutional rights, specifically the right to freedom of expression under Article 19 and the right to life under Article 21. Source: NDTV

Robert Caro, Salman Rushdie, and Sandra Cisneros were recognized on Monday night at an Authors Guild dinner gala that celebrated the importance of the written word in safeguarding democracy. Cisneros, the fiction writer, poet, and pacifist, who was awarded the Baldacci Award for Literary Activism, said, “The world we live in is a house on fire and people we love are burning.” Caro, the Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, received the Preston Award for Distinguished Service to the Literary Community, while Rushdie, the novelist and outspoken critic of censorship, was honored with the Champion of Writers Award for his unwavering commitment to free expression. The Authors Guild, representing over 15,000 published authors, advocates for various causes, including opposing book bans and addressing the implications of AI use. The event, held at Gotham Hall in midtown Manhattan, was hosted by "Saturday Night Live" star Ego Nwodim. Caro, who accepted his award via a pre-recorded video, served as Guild president from 1979 to 1981. He remarked that many of the issues concerning writers decades ago still remain, including the timeless challenge of “waiting for their editors to get back to them.” He stressed that the Guild’s work is as urgent as ever, urging that authors cannot fight their battles alone. “To receive this award from the community that has given me so much moves me deeply,” Caro shared. Rushdie addressed the threats from the Trump administration to cut funding for universities and reduce support for the arts and humanities, emphasizing that “the sphere of culture is under attack as never before” in his lifetime. He added, “All segments of the story of America are in the process of being suppressed and perhaps even erased. Authors are the keepers of that story.” Drawing from his reading of the 18th-century classic Candide, Rushdie reflected on the title character’s decision to withdraw from the chaos of the world and “cultivate his garden.” He challenged his audience, saying, “Is that how we are going to respond to the crisis of our time? Or are we going to engage with it and fight?” ‘A Minecraft Movie’ gives Hollywood major box office boost At 77, and having survived a brutal stabbing on stage in 2022, Rushdie acknowledged his age and struggles, but expressed that, “I may still have a little fight left, and I hope you all do, too.”

Dhaka, Apr 6 (UNB)-A man in Washington of the United States was arrested after allegedly stealing his ex-girlfriend’s pet chicken, an incident that has since gone viral online. According to a video shared by the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, the man broke into his former partner's home and ran off with a chicken named Polly, prompting her to call 911. The woman told authorities that the man shouted, "I've got Polly" multiple times before fleeing the scene. Deputies later located him hiding in nearby woods, as shown in their bodycam footage. "Don't hurt my chicken," the man pleaded tearfully while clutching the bird."That's fine. Just hold your chicken. I am not gonna hurt your chicken," an officer responded, instructing him to show his hands and come out of hiding. The man eventually complied and was taken into custody, with the chicken safely placed in a patrol vehicle. Authorities confirmed Polly was returned unharmed to her rightful owner. The Sheriff's Office captioned the video on X (formerly Twitter), "On Patrol. Deputies recover an abducted chicken." The bizarre incident sparked a wave of humorous reactions on social media. "Clearly this guy ran afoul of the law," one user quipped, while another joked, "It didn't even get the chance to cross the road." A third added, "Jeepers... poor guy. Maybe he just wanted to hang with the chicken." The man now faces charges of burglary and violating an order of protection. Source: With input from Indian media

When it comes to innovation and diversity in English-language visual content, Netflix stands as the ultimate binge-watch destination for audiences worldwide. Its May 2025 lineup unveils a vibrant mix of series, movies, animation, documentaries, and TV specials. Each title adds a unique flavor to the streaming platter, with genres spanning comedy, romance, horror, crime, and sports. Let’s dive into the best 10 Netflix English originals premiering in May 2025. 10 Must-Watch English Language Netflix Films and Series for This May . The Four Seasons | Romantic Comedy | May 1, 2025 Adapted from Alan Alda’s 1981 film of the same title, this miniseries boasts Tracey Wigfield, Tina Fey, and Lang Fisher as its writers, creators, and executive producers. The executive producing team also includes David Miner, Eric Gurian, and Jeff Richmond. The production credit goes to Alda and Marissa Bregman. This feel-good romantic series trails three suburban couples who reunite for seasonal getaways. Their harmony unravels when one husband, newly single, arrives with a much younger partner, sparking tension. Read more: Panchayat Season 4 to premiere on July 2 The cast comprises Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Colman Domingo, Erika Henningsen, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Will Forte, and Marco Calvani. Forever | Romantic Drama | May 8, 2025 Inspired by Judy Blume’s book of the same name, this drama series thrives with Mara Brock Akil as its showrunner and Regina King as the director. Set against the vibrant backdrop of 2018 Los Angeles, this tender romance follows two rising young athletes. They experience first love while navigating the weight of social expectations and familial demands. Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. assume protagonist characters. The supporting cast includes Wood Harris, Karen Pittman, Xosha Roquemore, Paigion Walker, Barry Shabaka Henley, Ali Gallo, E'myri Crutchfield, and Niles Fitch. Read more: April 2025 K-Drama Lineup: Top 10 Binge-worthy Premieres Blume and King are also executive producers of the series with Erika Harrison, Susie Fitzgerald, Sara White, Anthony Hemingway, and Shana C. Waterman. Nonnas | Comedy | May 9, 2025 Penned by Liz Maccie, this comedic film draws inspiration from the life of Joe Scaravella, the visionary behind Staten Island’s Enoteca Maria. This intimate eatery welcomes grandmothers from around the world as chefs. Production studios Madison Wells and Matador Content acquired the rights to Scaravella’s life story. The plot unfolds with Scaravella’s realisation that his solitary life and unfulfilling job no longer serve him. He opens a restaurant where the warmth and wisdom of grandmother chefs redefine his world. The ensemble cast members are Vince Vaughn, Susan Sarandon, Linda Cardellini, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro, Joe Manganiello, and Campbell Scott. Read more: Pakistani Dramas Taking Over 2025: 10 Top Picks for Your Watchlist Stephen Chbosky steers the movie with his directing prowess, and Gigi Pritzker, Rachel Shane, and Jack Turner take the reins as producers. Backlash 2025 | Sports | May 10, 2025 WWE’s 20th edition of Backlash is set to deliver high-stakes drama and iconic showdowns as it heads to the Enterprise Centre in St. Louis, Missouri. This milestone event will bring together top superstars from both the Raw and SmackDown divisions. The production is made on heated storylines and rivalries ignited during WrestleMania 41. Adding historic weight to the evening, John Cena will make a much-anticipated return to the Backlash stage—his first appearance at the event since 2009. More poignantly, this outing will mark his final Backlash performance as Cena prepares to retire from professional wrestling at the end of 2025. This will also be the first Backlash to livestream on Netflix, following the platform’s acquisition of WWE Network content earlier this year. Read more: April 2025 Hindi Films Lineup: Top 10 Most Hyped Bollywood Releases Bad Thoughts | Dark Comedy | May 13, 2025 A sequence of sharp, unsettling vignettes unravels with comedic bite, turning everyday absurdities into hilariously twisted tales. Besides screenwriting the comedy series with Jeremy Konner, Tom Segura also serves as its director along with Konner and Rami Hachache. Segura even embodies the lead role with Christina Pazsitzky. The executive producing team includes Craig Gerara, Ryan Hall, Molly Mandel, Matthew Zinman, Segura, and Konner.

Ed Sheeran has released his latest single, Azizam, a vibrant and danceable track influenced by Persian music, marking the first release from his forthcoming eighth studio album, Play. Dropped on Thursday, the song was produced by Ilyah Salmanzadeh, known for his work with artists like Ariana Grande, Charli XCX and Tate McRae. Sheeran shared on Instagram that the idea for the song stemmed from Salmanzadeh’s suggestion to draw inspiration from his Persian heritage. The title, Azizam, translates to “my dear” in Persian. Alongside the single, Sheeran released a “Pink Heart” video, featuring footage shot across the United States during recent promotional events. He hinted at an upcoming “official” music video but has yet to reveal its release date, reports The Hollywood Reporter. During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in March, the four-time Grammy winner revealed the title of his upcoming album, Play, and shared that it forms part of a 10-album concept he envisioned at the age of 18. Tom Cruise opens CinemaCon speech with moment of silence for Val Kilmer This series includes Plus, Multiply, Divide, Subtract, Equals, followed by Play, Pause, Rewind, Fast Forward and Stop, inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s plan to create 10 films before retiring. While an official release date for Play is still under wraps, Sheeran’s last album, Autumn Variations, was released in 2023 and reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. In the meantime, Sheeran has remained active on his global Mathematics Tour, which began in Dublin in April 2022 and is scheduled to wrap up in Düsseldorf this September.

Panama is setting the stage for a major transformation in its film industry, driven by a new wave of leadership under President José Raúl Mulino. A dynamic, largely female-led team is spearheading efforts to position the country as a prime destination for international productions. At the forefront is Vice Minister of Culture Arianne Benedetti, a filmmaker and former film commissioner who played a key role in shaping Panama’s 2012 film law, according to Variety. “We’re working to enhance all forms of incentives – from infrastructure and labour support to expanded cash-back offers,” Benedetti said. A new incentive aimed at attracting gaming producers is also in development. One of the core proposals is to increase the current 25% cash rebate for international shoots to 30% or even 35%. At the same time, officials are pushing for a boost in funding for the Panamanian Film Fund, which backs local productions. There are also plans to revive MEET, the country’s co-production forum, later this year. Benedetti highlighted Panama’s growing international presence. The country will be a special focus at the 2025 Malaga Film Festival, and its producers will participate in events such as Spain’s Ventana Sur and Berlin’s European Film Market (EFM), where Panama will have a national stand for the first time. ‘Squid Game’ star O Yeong-su sentenced to one year in prison for indecent assault Speaking at the Panama International Film Festival (IFF Panama), Benedetti and newly appointed film commissioner Maria Cecilia Arias shared plans to attract a foreign partner to build a film studio in Panama. A feasibility study for the project is expected within the next two months. Last year, the team travelled to London and Los Angeles to meet with potential investors, including a company from Spain. Arias emphasised Panama’s appeal for filmmakers, with its beaches, jungles, and mountains offering versatile backdrops that can double for cities like New York, Miami, or Dubai. The country’s compact geography also makes logistics easier for production crews.

Popular content creator and Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia (2020) listed young cultural personality Raba Khan and popular music director and singer Arafat Mohsin Nidhi revealed on Friday that they had tied the knot. Raba Khan shared the newlyweds' wedding photoshoot on her Instagram on Friday, with the caption: “It all started with a love song… 04.04.2025  ,” marking the day of their marriage. It is learned that the couple’s relationship has been a three-year-old secret love affair, which began while they collaborated on a song. The wedding ceremony of the newlyweds took place on Friday afternoon at a venue in the capital, joined by friends, media colleagues and relatives of Raba and Nidhi. Their simple yet gorgeous and elegant wedding look are being lauded on social media. A versatile music composer, singer and also fiction director and ad filmmaker, Arafat Mohsin Nidhi has recently worked on two of the most hyped films of this Eid-ul-Fitr, ‘Borbaad’ and ‘Daagi’. He also performed in the title track of the latter film, which marked the playback debut for ‘Daagi’ protagonist and popular actor Afran Nisho. Raba Khan is considered as one of the most popular social media influencers in recent times, known for her lifestyle vlog YouTube channel ‘The Jhakanaka Project’. She is also a model, singer, writer and actress. Honoring her influence, Unicef selected Raba Khan in November 2018 as a Youth Ambassador to advocate for children's rights, and she was also listed in the 2020 Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia. Additionally, Raba is also the niece of the country’s esteemed politician and Bangladesh National Party (BNP)'s National Standing Committee member, Nazrul Islam Khan.

South Korean actor O Yeong-su, widely recognized for playing Oh Il-nam (Player 001) in Netflix’s Squid Game, has been sentenced to one year in prison after being convicted of indecent assault. The 80-year-old was initially handed an eight-month prison term with a two-year probation period. However, a more recent court ruling has increased the sentence to one year of imprisonment. The charges stem from incidents in which O Yeong-su was accused of forcibly molesting a woman on two separate occasions — allegations he has consistently denied. During a hearing on Thursday, April 3, prosecutors described O as a seasoned theatre actor with nearly 50 years of experience who had “sexually harassed a junior colleague lacking power within the troupe.” Local media reported that prosecutors claimed the victim had lived in fear both professionally and personally since the events took place. They also criticized O’s response, alleging he caused further harm by stating, “I did it with the heart of a father” instead of offering an apology. Prosecutors highlighted the consistency in the actor’s statements since the allegations first emerged, using this to argue for a one-year sentence aimed at supporting the victim’s healing and discouraging similar offenses. In contrast, O Yeong-su’s legal team denied all charges, arguing the case relied solely on the victim’s testimony, which they said lacked clarity, consistency, and logical detail. They also noted that the actor had only formally responded to the accusations to avoid controversy that could negatively impact Squid Game, which had recently brought him international recognition at the time. Addressing the court, O expressed deep regret over his situation. “It’s humiliating to stand trial at this age,” he said. “If I said or did anything inappropriate, I’ll accept the judgment. But I don’t believe my actions amounted to assault.” He added, “If, during a brief interaction, my careless words or actions caused pain, I’m sorry. In an instant, everything I built in 80 years has crumbled. I feel empty. I just want to return to where I belong.” The accusations date back to 2017, when the actor allegedly hugged and kissed the victim against her will near his home — an incident he has repeatedly denied. The final verdict in the appeal trial is scheduled to be delivered on June 3.