United News of Bangladesh

Sean Baker's "Anora," a comic but devastating Brooklyn odyssey about a sex worker who marries the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch, won the Cannes Film Festival's top award, the Palme d'Or. The win Saturday for "Anora" marked a coronation for Baker, the 53-year-old indie filmmaker of "The Florida Project " who used iPhones to make his 2015 film "Tangerine." It's also, remarkably, the fifth straight Palme d'Or won by specialty distributor Neon, following "Parasite," "Titane," "Triangle of Sadness" and last year's winner, "Anatomy of a Fall." Baker accepted the prize with his movie's star, Mikey Madison, watching in the audience at the Cannes closing ceremony. "This, literally, has been my singular goal as a filmmaker for the past 30 years, so I'm not really sure what I'm going to do with the rest of my life," said Baker, laughing. But Baker, the first American filmmaker to win the Palme since Terrence Mallick in 2011 with "The Tree of Life," quickly answered that his ambition would remain to "fight to keep cinema alive." The director said the world needed reminding that "watching a film at home while scrolling through your phone, answering emails and half paying attention is just not the way — although some tech companies would like us to think so." "So I say the future of cinema is where it started: in a movie theater," said Baker, who dedicated his award to all sex workers "past, present and future." The awards were chosen by the nine-member jury led by Greta Gerwig, who told reporters she was "forever changed as a filmmaker because of this experience." Gerwig praised "Anora" as having the feeling of classical cinema, saying it felt like an Ernst Lubitsch or Howard Hawks film that lead in unexpected directions. While "Anora" was arguably the most acclaimed film of the festival, its win was a slight surprise. Many expected either the gentle Indian drama "All We Imagine As Light" or the Iranian film "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" to win. Both of those films also took home prizes. It wasn't the only jolt of the closing ceremony, though. Before George Lucas was given an honorary Palme d'Or, his old friend and sometimes collaborator Francis Ford Coppol a appeared to present it to him, reuniting two of the most pivotal figures of the last half-century of American moviemaking. Coppola, who earlier in the festival premiered his self-financed sci-fi epic "Megalopolis," called him his "kid brother." Lucas called Coppola "a big friend and a brother and a mentor." "I'm just a kid who grew up in a vineyard in Modesto, California, who makes movies in San Francisco, with my friend Francis," said Lucas. "It's definitely a different world. I've actually never made a film in Hollywood as a director." "All We Imagine As Light," about sisterhood in modern Mumbai, won the Grand Prix, Cannes' second-highest honor. Payal Kapadia's second feature was the first Indian in competition in Cannes in 30 years. Afterward, Kapadia urged a wide understanding of Indian cinema, saying "there's amazing work going on in our country." "Not just Bollywood," said Kapadia. The jury awarded a special prize to Mohammad Rasoulof's "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," a drama made secretly in Iran. Days ahead of the film's premiere, Rasoulof, facing an eight-year prison sentence, fled Iran on foot. His film, which includes real footage from the 2022-2023 demonstrations in Iran, channels Iranian oppression into a family drama. The Cannes crowd met an emotional Rasoulof with a lengthy standing ovation. Coralie Fargeat's body horror film "The Substance," starring Demi Moore as a Hollywood actress who goes to gory extremes to remain youthful, won for best screenplay. "I really believe that movies can change the world, so I hope this movie will be a little stone to build new foundations," said Fargeat. "I really think we need a revolution and I don't think it has really started yet." Some thought Moore, who attended the awards ceremony, might take best actress. But that honor instead went to an ensemble of actors: Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz for Jacques Audiard's "Emilia Perez," a Spanish-language musical about a Mexican drug lord who transitions to a woman. Gascón, who accepted the award, is the first trans actor to win a major prize at Cannes. "This award is not just for me. It's for all people who are fighting for themselves and their rights," Gascón told reporters. "We've been insulted, denigrated, subjected to a lot of violence without even knowing why. I think this is award is so much more than anyone could imagine." Explaining the jury's unusual choice of giving best actress to an ensemble, Gerwig said each performer was a standout, "but together they're transcendent." "Emilia Perez" also won Cannes' jury prize, giving it a rare two awards at a festival where prizes are usually spread around. Best actor went to Jesse Plemons for Yorgos Lanthimos' "Kinds of Kindness." In the film, three stories are told with largely the same company of actors. Plemons, a standout in several chapters, didn't attend the closing ceremony. Portuguese director Miguel Gomes won best director for his "Grand Tour," an Asian odyssey in which a man flees his fiancée from Rangoon in 1917. "Sometimes I get lucky," shrugged Gomes. The Camera d'Or, the prize for best first feature across all of Cannes official selections, went to Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel for "Armand," starring "The Worst Person in the World" star Renate Reinsve. Tøndel is the grandson of Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman and Norwegian actor Liv Ullman. Last year's top winners in Cannes went on to considerable arthouse success and awards-season runs through the Oscars. That included the Palme winner "Anatomy of a Fall" and the Grand Prix winner "The Zone of Interest." Whether this year's Cannes lived up to that lineup was a regular conversation topic during the festival. But it was a notably eventful Cannes not just for the some of the films — including "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" and Kevin Costner's "Horizon: An America Saga" — that screened but for other surrounding dramas. After stalling for years in France, the #MeToo movement gained momentum ahead of the festival following allegations by Judith Godrèche against two prominent French filmmakers. She brought her short "Moi Aussi" to the festival. The wars in Gaza and Ukraine were sometimes referenced in press conferences and in subtly symbolic ways on the red carpet. Festival workers, seeking better protections, protested during the opening night ceremony. The Olympic flame, ahead of its arrival in Paris for the summer games, stopped by. Honorary Palmes were also given to Meryl Streep and the Japanese anime factory Studio Ghibli.  

Celebrating 40 years of the country’s pioneering band Warfaze, Coke Studio Bangla season 3 has released a mesmerizing collaboration with the band on Saturday, as the platform brings a revived rendition of the iconic Warfaze song ‘Obak Bhalobasha’. Admired by listeners for decades, the song was originally written, composed and performed by the former lead vocal of Warfaze Babna Karim and was featured in the band's sophomore album titled ‘Obak Bhalobasha’, released in 1994 from Sargam. Uploaded on Coke Studio Bangla’s digital platforms on Saturday evening, the song was also premiered at the Liberation War Museum at the same time in the presence of Warfaze members and Coke Studio Bangla producer Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, among others. The Coke Studio Bangla rendition of the song is composed, arranged and performed by Warfaze alongside the Coke Studio team. This revived edition is produced by the Coke Studio Bangla producer Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, alongside Warfaze co-founder and band leader Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu and its guitarist Samir Hafiz. Babna Karim, the former lead vocalist of Warfaze penned the original lyrics amidst the serene yet powerful backdrop of crashing waves on a seashore of Cox’s Bazar - the longest uninterrupted natural beach in the world, capturing the untamed beauty of nature. This new version, a tribute to the timeless original, is a symphony of nostalgia and innovation, featuring a choir, a string orchestra, and the distinctive heavily distorted guitar riffs that define Warfaze's sound. However, this new rendition signifies a beautiful amalgamation of two popular vocalists of the band representing two different eras of Warfaze - as Babna Karim is accompanied by the soulfully melodic Palash Noor, the band's current vocalist. Two other founding fathers of the band, Ibrahim Ahmed Kamal and Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu took their helm as the guitarist and drummer of the song, alongside Samir Hafiz on guitar, Shams on keys, and Roger on bass, accompanied by Md Jalal and Sayonton Mangsang on flutes among others.

Sadia Khalid Reeti, a distinguished Bangladeshi film critic, screenwriter, and journalist, made a notable appearance at the 77th Cannes Film Festival as a member of the FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) jury. Reeti walked the red carpet on May 22. Reeti's participation in the official red carpet lineup underscores the high honor of being recognized at Cannes, a privilege reserved for globally renowned figures. This year's lineup included celebrities like Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Emma Stone, and Demi Moore, alongside celebrated filmmakers and actors. As the sole representative from Bangladesh this year, Reeti served on the FIPRESCI jury for the Un Certain Regard section. This marks her second tenure on the jury at Cannes, following her 2019 participation in Critics’ Week and Directors’ Fortnight. "I want to clarify something so we are not encouraging people to pack suitcases full of costumes and head to Cannes claiming they achieved some applaudable feat. The red carpet is there on the way to screenings at the main venues; however, the red carpet where photographers line up in tuxes and gowns to feature someone officially for the festival is different," Reeti explained to UNB. "There are certain protocols, and we should be diligent enough not to make a fool of ourselves anymore as artists and journalists." Walking Cannes red carpet in a self-made gown: Who is Nancy Tyagi? Reeti emphasized her commitment to representing Bangladesh with sophistication and versatility. "I wanted to represent Bangladesh in a way that doesn’t put us in a box that stops us from evolving. I’m wearing Jamdani saris at the award ceremonies, but for the red carpet, I wanted to also highlight that the traditional fabrics used in saris can be fashioned into many things that we can own on the global stage. Everything from my gown and jacket to my jewelry, purse, and shoes were all made in Bangladesh," she said.

Authorities have opened an investigation into how Matthew Perry received the supply of ketamine that killed him, police said Tuesday. Los Angeles police are working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with a probe into why the 54-year-old “Friends” star had so much of the drug in his system, LAPD Capt. Scot Williams said in an email. An assistant found the 54-year-old Perry face down in his hot tub on Oct. 28, and paramedics who were called immediately declared him dead. His autopsy, released in December, found that the amount of ketamine in his blood was in the range used for general anesthesia during surgery. It was listed as the primary cause of death, which was ruled an accident with no foul play suspected, the report said. Drowning and other medical issues were contributing factors, the coroner said. The investigation was first reported by TMZ. Chandler Bing, the AI chatbot: A tribute to Matthew Perry’s ‘Friends’ character People close to the actor told coroner’s investigators that he was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy. The decades-old surgical drug has seen a huge surge in use in recent years as a treatment for depression, anxiety and pain. But the medical examiner said Perry’s last treatment 1 1/2 weeks earlier wouldn’t explain the levels of ketamine in his blood. The drug is typically metabolized in a matter of hours. At least two doctors were treating Perry, a psychiatrist and an anesthesiologist who served as his primary care physician, the medical examiner’s report said. No illicit drugs or paraphernalia were found at his house. Perry had years of struggles with addiction dating back to his time on “Friends,” when he became one of the biggest television stars of his generation as Chandler Bing alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 on NBC’s megahit sitcom. Drug-related celebrity deaths have in other cases led authorities to prosecute the people who supplied them. After rapper Mac Millerdied from an overdose of cocaine, alcohol and counterfeit oxycodone that contained fentanyl, two of the men who provided him the fentanyl were convicted of distributing the drug. One was sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison, the other to 10 years. Two doctors and a manager of model and reality TV star Anna Nicole Smith were charged after with conspiring to get her prescription drugs before her 2007 death, but they were not charged with causing her fatal overdose. All the counts except one misdemeanor fraud charge against one doctor were eventually dismissed. ‘In time we will say more’: Friends stars say after Matthew Perry’s death And after Michael Jackson died in 2009 from a lethal dose of propofol, a drug intended for use only during surgery and other medical procedures, not for the insomnia the singer sought it for, his doctor, Conrad Murray, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011. Murray has maintained his innocence.

The High Court (HC) on Monday (May 20, 2024) barred Monowar Hossain Dipjol from serving as general secretary of the executive committee of Bangladesh Film Artists’ Association for the 2024-26 term. An HC bench comprising Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque also directed relevant authorities to investigate allegations of irregularities in the election. Additionally, the court issued a rule demanding an explanation as to why the election results should not be annulled in light of these allegations. Film Artistes' Association election 2024: Misha Sawdagar elected president, Dipjol general secretary The HC's orders followed a petition filed by actress Nipun Akter, who contested the election for general secretary and is currently in the USA, according to her lawyer, Palash Chandra Roy. Senior lawyer Shah Manjurul Haq, Barrister Harunur Rashid, and Palash Chandra Roy represented Nipun in court, while Deputy Attorney General Amit Das Gupta represented the state. Lawyer Manjurul Haq stated that the court's stay on Dipjol's position means he cannot perform his duties as general secretary. The court also mandated the Social Welfare Ministry to investigate the alleged election irregularities. On May 15, actress Nipun submitted a petition to the HC seeking the cancellation of the election results and a restriction on the duties of the Misha-Dipjol panel, which had won the election. Allegations of embezzlement against actor Apurba Nipun also requested the court to set a schedule for a new election. In the election held on April 20, Dipjol defeated Nipun by 16 votes, as announced by Chief Election Commissioner Khorshed Alam Khosru. Dipjol received 225 votes, while Nipun, the immediate past general secretary, garnered 209 votes.

The EMK (Edward M. Kennedy) Center, a non-partisan platform dedicated to open conversation, informed action, and personal growth, celebrated a remarkable evening of musical fusion with "Musical Odyssey 2.0" on Saturday. Currently managed by the JAAGO Foundation and the American Center of the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh, the center commemorates the cultural and diplomatic interactions between the United States and Bangladesh. This event, attended by over 100 music enthusiasts, showcased an impressive lineup of young, talented musicians who brought the essence of both Bangladeshi and American music traditions to life. “Fatima” set to hit theatres on May 24 The evening featured a stellar array of performances, beginning with a mesmerizing instrumental piece, "duet," that blended the intricate sounds of tabla, flute, and violin. This set the stage for a diverse musical journey that included timeless classics by Rabindranath Tagore, such as " Purono Sei Diner Kotha" and "Bhalobese Sokhi," performed with a mix of cajon, bass guitar, electric guitar, tabla, and keyboard. The soulful renditions of Lalon Sai's " Ami Opar Hoye Bose Achhi " and "Jekhane Saiyer Baram Khana” enriched with traditional instruments like khamak and dotora, highlighted the deep-rooted cultural heritage of Bangladesh. In addition to traditional Bangladeshi music, the event featured contemporary global hits, creating a beautiful tapestry of sound. Richard Marx’s "Right Here Waiting" and Arctic Monkeys' "Do I Wanna Know" brought a touch of modernity, seamlessly woven into the evening’s program. The performances by prominent artists such as Dr. Sajid Rahman (Tabla), Arham Jahin (Violin), and Shaibal Saha (Flute) were particularly noteworthy, showcasing their exceptional talent and versatility. Anjan Dutt set to enthrall fans in Dhaka with Metropolis Volume-2.0 "Musical Odyssey 2.0" served as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, aiming to transcend boundaries and connect people through the power of harmonious melodies. The event celebrated not only the musical talents of the youth but also the enduring friendship and cultural ties between Bangladesh and the USA. This initiative aligns with the symbolic gesture made by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who planted a banyan tree at the University of Dhaka in 1972, representing friendship, resilience, and hope. The EMK Center continues to be a beacon of cultural diplomacy, fostering mutual appreciation and understanding through various programs and events. "Musical Odyssey 2.0" was a testament to the unifying power of music, bringing together diverse audiences for a night of magical tunes and unforgettable experiences.

Award-winning film “Fatima” is all set to grace the silver screen in theatres across the country on May 24. The teaser of the film was released on Thursday. “Fatima” takes viewers on a captivating journey through the lives of two young girls, Fatima and Subarna. The teaser skillfully weaves together glimpses of their dreams, wishes, and experiences across different periods. Tasnia Farin, in her acting debut, portrays the character of Fatima. Binge original ‘Baba Someone Is Following Me’ wins best web film at BFDA Awards Speaking about her role, Farin shared, “This marks my first venture into the world of cinema. The initial shooting went smoothly, but it was abruptly halted midway. During the hiatus, I also delved into regular drama work. To my surprise, after nearly eight years, director Dhrubo Hasan called me and expressed his determination to revive the film. I trusted his vision, and in the end, ‘Fatima’ not only fared well but also made its mark at several international film festivals. I was honored to receive the Best Actress award at the Fajr International Film Festival in Iran. Now, like everyone else, I eagerly await the film’s theatrical release.” The production of “Fatima” began a staggering eight years ago under the working title “Dahokal.” Director Dhrubo Hasan faced numerous challenges along the way, but his unwavering commitment ensured the completion of this cinematic gem. The film’s title evolved to “Fatima,” aligning with the story’s development and depth. The ensemble cast features talented actors, including Yash Rohan, Tariq Anam Khan, Pantho Kanai, Manas Bandyopadhyay, Sumit Sengupta, and Ayesha Monika. The distribution rights for “Fatima” have been secured bOTT platform, Bongo. ‘Shaitaan’ Movie Review: A Chilling Fusion of Psychological Intrigue and Supernatural Thrills “Fatima” recently received accolades at the 42nd Fajr International Film Festival in Iran, solidifying its status as a must-watch cinematic experience. As the release date approaches, cinephiles eagerly anticipate stepping into the world of “Fatima” and immersing themselves in its poignant narrative.

Nigeria's fashion and traditional dances were at full display on Sunday as Prince Harry and Meghan arrived in its largest city, Lagos, as part of their three-day visit to the country to promote mental health for soldiers and empower young people. The couple, invited to the West African nation by its military, were treated to different bouts of dancing, starting from the Lagos airport where a troupe's acrobatic moves left both applauding and grinning. One of the dancers, who looked younger than 5 years old, exchanged salutes with Harry from high up in the air, standing on firm shoulders. Going with Meghan's white top was the traditional Nigerian aso oke, a patterned handwoven fabric wrapped around the waist and often reserved for special occasions. It was a gift from a group of women a day earlier. The couple visited a local charity – Giants of Africa — which uses basketball to empower young people. There, they were treated to another round of dancing before unveiling a partnership between the organization and their Archewell Foundation. "What you guys are doing here at Giants of Africa is truly amazing," Harry said of the group. "The power of sport can change lives. It brings people together and creates community and there are no barriers, which is the most important thing." Masai Ujiri, the charity's president and an ex-NBA star, wished Meghan a happy Mother's Day and acknowledged how hard it can be "for us to be away from our kids and family to make things like this happen." "To do so shows dedication (and) we truly appreciate it," he told the couple. Meghan and Harry later attended a fundraiser for Nigeria's soldiers wounded in the country's fight against Islamic extremists and other armed groups in the country's conflict-battered north. The event was related to Harry's Invictus Games, which Nigeria is seeking to host in the future. The couple were also hosted at the Lagos State Government House, where Meghan received another handwoven Nigerian fabric. "We've extended an additional invitation to them that they can always come back when they want to," Lagos Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu told reporters.  

After the success of the 'Anjan in Dhaka Metropolis with Ahmed Hasan Sunny' concert last year, acclaimed Indian-Bengali singer, songwriter, and filmmaker Anjan Dutt is all set to mesmerize his fans n Dhaka with 'Anjan Dutt Metropolis Volume-2’, this Saturday at the Dhaka Arena, Purbachal, 300 feet Expressway. The event will also showcase the Bangladeshi band Kaaktaal and popular singer, songwriter, and music director Ahmed Hasan Sunny, set to perform their soulful songs. Preparations for the concert are over and there will be sponsor booths and many other programs, according to the organizers. There will also be stalls of various brands and their products. The programme is sponsored by Mutual Trust Bank as the title sponsor. Junior Chambers International (JCI) Bangladesh is with this concert as youth engagement and outreach partner. There are special arrangements with Asian Paints, Polar Ice Cream, Dan cake, Pran Up, Vision Smart TV, GoZayaan, Spark, Ama coffee, Maroon, Raw Xposure, 96.4 Spice FM, Arbab Group and Codixel as partners. Popular ticket provider Get Set Rock is distributing Regular and VIP tickets for the event. Anjan Dutt has come to sing in Bangladesh several times before. He made his debut in the entertainment world in the early 80s, acted in many movies and impressed the audience as a self made filmmaker as well, in the West Bengal film industry. As a musician, he is equally popular in both the Bengals, and known for his remarkable songs including “Bela Bose,” “Ekdin Brishti te Bikele,” “Tumi Na Thakle,” “Mala,” “Ranjana,” “Tumi Ashbe Bole” and more. Addressing the event, which is being organized by Assen, Xirconium and Arclight Events, Anondo Chowdhury, founder and CEO of Assen, said, “This concert has been organized to give a memorable evening to the audience. I hope the audience of Dhaka will enjoy a wonderful program.”

For the last two decades, Bangladeshi band music enthusiasts have been waiting to witness the live performance of the original line-up of Black. Tomorrow (Friday), their wait will come to an end as the original line-up of Black will be reunited to perform at the “Rock N Rhythm 4.0; Resurrection of Black” at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) Expo Zone in the capital. Presented by Adventor Communications, the concert promises to be the ultimate music extravaganza, blending contemporary music to suit the taste of the band music fans. Formed in 1998, Black will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and this concert featuring its current and original members is all set to resurrect the band’s iconic line-up which the fans of Black eagerly await to experience tomorrow. The five iconic members of the band are Jon Kabir, Mahmudul Kabir Meraz, Khademul Jahan, Tahsan Rahman Khan and Mehmood Afridi Tony, who last performed together back in April 2005. The concert will feature Warfaze-famed popular expatriate band artist Oni Hasan, who will perform with the music stars in his motherland after 11 years. Also, the popular band Recall, known for their majestic song “Etota Bhalobashi,” will perform for the first time in Bangladesh in this concert. In addition, the concert will feature live performances by Popeye Bangladesh, Cryptic Fate, Old School, and Farooque Bhai Project, and the line-up left the fans awestruck since the announcement of the concert. The previous concerts of Adventor Communications were heavily appreciated by the music lovers of Bangladesh, namely Rock n Rhythm 1.0, Rock n Rhythm 2.0, Rock n Rhythm 3.0; Tribute Fiesta, Anuv Jain Live in Dhaka, Darshan Raval Live in Dhaka, etc were some of its live concerts. The concert will be held at ICCB Expo Zone and the gate will be opened at 1 pm. The live performances will begin from 2 pm onwards. Tickets for "Rock N Rhythm 4.0" are available for purchase at https://tickify.live/events/rnr4/. More information about the concert including the full lineup of performers and schedule, are available at the Facebook Page of Adventor Communications.