Kathmandu: Selena Gomez has announced her engagement to songwriter Benny Blanco, sharing the exciting news on Instagram with a picture of her sparkling engagement ring. The actress and singer captioned the post, "forever begins now," confirming her commitment to Blanco, with whom she has been in a relationship since last year.



The couple, known for collaborating on hits like I Can't Get Enough (2019) and Single Soon (2023), received an outpouring of congratulations from famous friends. Among those celebrating the news were pop star Taylor Swift, who commented, "Yes I will be the flower girl," and rapper Cardi B, as well as actresses Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, and singer Lil Nas X.



In an Instagram Story shared with her 423 million followers, Gomez also posted a video revealing her engagement ring to loved ones, prompting joyous reactions on the other end of the phone.



Blanco, who has worked with artists like Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Calvin Harris, previously spoke of his admiration for Gomez on The Drew Barrymore Show. "She's one of the sweetest, most charming, and humble people I've ever met," he said, describing their relationship as "completely real."



Gomez, who recently joined the billionaire ranks with a $1.3 billion fortune, is also celebrating career successes, including two Golden Globe nominations this week. She was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez and Best Actress in a TV Series for Only Murders in the Building.



Source: BBC

Selena Gomez engaged to songwriter Benny Blanco

Kathmandu: Pranaya Shakya and his company, Kaleidoscope Production, were honored with the prestigious 2024 Freedom Filmmaker Recognition at the closing ceremony of the Queer Film Festival Kathmandu (QFK). Kaleidoscope Production, Nepal's only LGBTQIA+ led visual media production firm, was celebrated for its significant contribution to diverse cinema practices in Nepal and South Asia.



The Freedom Filmmaker Recognition, institutionalized by Docskool in 2018, is awarded to individuals and collectives who make remarkable strides in promoting diverse cinematic voices. The award features Docskool’s mascot, a human figure in agony, symbolizing the perseverance of filmmakers who continue to create freely despite challenges from both state and non-state actors. It serves as a tribute to the resilience of filmmakers who defy restrictions in their pursuit of artistic expression.



The recognition was presented on December 9th during the closing ceremony of QFK, Nepal’s first Queer Film Festival, held from December 6th to 9th. This year’s festival, hosted at multiple venues including Yalamaya Kendra and Docskool, alongside satellite locations such as Pink Tiffany Restaurant, Roxy, Smog Restaurant, and Hard Rock Café Kathmandu, attracted over 2,000 visitors. The festival showcased 51 films, including feature films, documentaries, and short fiction, exploring themes of queer identity.



The closing ceremony also featured the final screening of Fadia’s Tree, a poignant film marking the culmination of this year’s festival.



Docskool, the organizer of both the Freedom Filmmaker Recognition and the Queer Film Festival Kathmandu, is a filmmaker’s network established in 2008. The organization supports emerging filmmakers through alternative mechanisms and creative initiatives, helping to foster a more inclusive and diverse film culture in Nepal and beyond.

Pranaya Shakya and Kaleidoscope Production receive 2024 Freedom Filmmaker recognition

Kathmandu: The 12th edition of the Nepal Human Rights International Film Festival opened today, featuring a diverse lineup of 53 films from 23 countries. The festival, which aims to raise awareness and promote human rights, also includes side events such as seminars and interactive sessions. This year’s theme, ‘Social Justice,’ highlights global efforts to address inequality and injustice.



Pandav Khatri, President of the Human Rights International Film Centre and Festival Director, spoke at the opening, emphasizing the festival’s role in showcasing films that address human rights issues. "We have been regularly organizing this festival to promote and screen human rights-related films," Khatri said.



Among the films featured are ‘All We Imagine As Light,’ ‘The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent,’ ‘The Outrun,’ and ‘Anaar Daana,’ all of which have received recognition at renowned film festivals such as Cannes and Berlin.



A key highlight of this year's festival is ‘Devi,’ a documentary by Nepali filmmaker and journalist Subina Shrestha. The film tells the powerful story of Devi, a rebel warrior and survivor of sexual violence during Nepal's civil war, who continues to fight for justice. ‘Devi’ has garnered significant international recognition, including an Honourable Mention in the Best Social Impact Documentary category at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and the Edge of Impact Award at the Documentary Edge Festival. It was also featured at the Alternativa Film Festival 2024 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.



The four-day festival is expected to attract a wide range of stakeholders from the film industries of Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. Screenings and side events are being held at the Film Development Board’s meeting hall and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) auditorium hall.



This year’s event offers a platform to discuss pressing human rights issues and celebrates the power of film in fostering social change and justice.

12th Nepal Human Rights International Film Festival kicks off

Kathmandu: A recent study has revealed that nearly half of women working in Nepal's entertainment industry have experienced some form of workplace harassment. The study, conducted by the Shakti Group in the cities of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Itahari, found that 46% of female workers reported facing harassment at their workplaces. Among them, 30% reported experiencing sexual violence.



The study, which involved 507 participants from these three cities, found that Pokhara had the highest percentage of workers reporting harassment, with 69% of respondents in the city claiming they had faced abuse. In Kathmandu, 45% of workers reported similar issues, while 23% of workers in Itahari said they had been subjected to workplace harassment.



The report also highlighted that workers in specific sectors of the entertainment industry were more likely to face harassment. Among respondents, 73% of dancers, 51% of dohori (traditional Nepali music) singers, 34% of massage parlour workers, 30% of cabin workers, and 30% of snack shop workers reported experiencing harassment.



The study indicated that harassment in the entertainment sector comes from various sources, including customers, employers, colleagues, police officers, community members, and even intimate partners such as husbands, boyfriends, and friends. Additionally, the report revealed that only 6% of workers in the sector had a written contract for their employment.



The findings suggest that the entertainment industry in Nepal does not meet the international labor standards set by the International Labour Organization (ILO), particularly in terms of fair and safe working conditions. The report points out that the lack of enforcement of labor laws has left many workers vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.



Overall, the study underscores the pressing need for improved labor protections and enforcement of laws to safeguard workers in Nepal's entertainment sector.



Source: Rashtriya Samachar Samiti

Study reveals widespread workplace harassment in Nepal's entertainment sector

Kathmandu: The Film Development Board has officially published a list of 158 operational movie theaters across the country, urging film distributors to ensure that only these licensed theaters are provided with films for screening.



In a formal notice issued today, the board confirmed that the licenses for these public movie theaters have been recently renewed. The announcement outlines the distribution of movie theaters across various provinces:



Bagmati Province leads with 67 movie theaters, Koshi Province follows with 26, Madhesh Province has 24, Gandaki Province is home to 14 theaters, Lumbini Province has 24, Karnali Province operates 2, and Sudurpaschim Province has 1. The board has also clarified that the number of operational theaters could fluctuate in the future, with the possibility of new theaters opening or existing ones ceasing operations.



This move is part of the Film Development Board's ongoing efforts to regulate and streamline the movie exhibition industry in Nepal.

FDB announces official list of operational movie theaters across Nepal

Kathmandu: The National Film Awards 2024 were presented in a ceremony at the President's Residence, Sheetal Niwas, on Wednesday. President Ram Chandra Paudel honored filmmakers and artists for their outstanding contributions to Nepali cinema.



The film Bulaki was awarded Best Film, while Nischal Basnet won Best Director for Dimaag Kharab. Bipin Karki received Best Actor for Prasad 2, and Swastima Khadka was named Best Actress for her role in Dimaag Kharab.



Other awardees included Raj Bahadur Sane (Best Screenplay and Dialogue) and Shiv Dhakal (Best Cinematographer), both for Bulaki, and Mitra D. Gurung, who received Best Editor for Mahajatra.



Jari was recognized as the Best Commercially Successful Film, and Swastima Khadka also won the Jury Encouragement Award for her performance in Tulki.

Bulaki receives Best Film Award 2024

Kathmandu: In a recent statement, the Department of Commerce Supplies and Consumer Protection (DoCSCP) has emphasized that food and beverages sold in theatres must not exceed the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) indicated on their labels.



This directive applies to all sealed food and beverage packets, including bottled drinks such as water and juice.



The DoCSCP has warned that any violation of this pricing regulation could result in legal action under existing laws. Consumers are encouraged to report instances of overcharging to ensure compliance and protect their rights.

Theatres urged to adhere to maximum retail price for food and beverages

Kathmandu: In a vibrant exchange of music, cultural heritage, and creativity, artists from 21 countries are set to convene in Kathmandu. The 'GLOMUS Camp' international workshop will welcome over 30 universities' musicians, dancers, and performers for a 10-day event starting tomorrow, as announced by Principal Shishir Upreti of the Nepal Music School Trust.



The workshop will be inaugurated by the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Pandey. Participants will engage in training sessions and showcase their artistic talents. Principal Upreti emphasized that the camp aims to foster creative intelligence and facilitate the exchange of music and cultural heritage across the globe.



Founded in 2007, GLOMUS held its inaugural camp in Mozambique and has since taken place in Ghana, Tanzania, Malaysia, Brazil, and Denmark, with this being its first iteration in Nepal.



According to a statement from the organizers, "GLOMUS not only provides opportunities for students and faculty but also encourages discussions on creative citizenship." The initiative advocates for the equal rights of artists worldwide, emphasizing their entitlement to global creative citizenship.



GLOMUS also promotes student-centered learning and facilitates collaboration among student representatives from various countries. The organizers have confirmed that over 200 participants from Nepal will be involved in the workshop.

International artists to gather in Kathmandu for 'GLOMUS Camp'

Kathmandu: Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, has tragically died after falling from the third floor of a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. He was 31 years old.



Authorities were alerted to the hotel following reports of an "aggressive man who may have been under the effects of drugs and alcohol." According to police statements, Payne fell from the balcony shortly after officers arrived on the scene.



In the wake of the news, fans have gathered outside the hotel to pay their respects, lighting candles, singing One Direction songs, and holding moments of silence in memory of the beloved singer.



Originally from Wolverhampton, UK, Payne rose to international fame as a member of One Direction, which was formed on the X Factor in 2010. The band quickly became the biggest boy band in the world before going on hiatus in 2016. Payne released his debut solo album in 2019, further showcasing his musical talent.



Fans and fellow artists are mourning the loss of Payne, whose impact on music and pop culture will be remembered.

Tragic death of One Direction star Liam Payne in Buenos Aires hotel incident

Kathmadu: The first International Mountain Art Festival (IMAF) will take place from October 18 to 24, 2024, in Jomsom, Mustang. This festival aims to celebrate the beauty and culture of mountain communities through various art forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, film, and music.



According to a press release from the Kimff Foundation, the event will feature international artists from countries such as Thailand, Poland, Romania, Bhutan, Indonesia, and Taiwan, alongside Nepali artists. Notable participants include Thai artists Direk Kingnok and Ekaraj WSP, Polish artist Iwa Kruczkowska, and Nepalese artist Shreejan Rajbhandari.



IMAF aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among artists, environmentalists, and local communities, highlighting the ecological significance of mountains while promoting responsible tourism. The festival is organized by the Nepal Tourism Board and supported by various sponsors, including the European Union and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

International Mountain Art Festival set for October 18-24 in Jomsom

Kathmandu: The Madan Puraskar Guthi has honored writer and journalist Mohan Mainali with the prestigious Madan Puraskar (2080) for his book Mukam Ranamaidan. Linguist Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav also received the Jagadamba Shree Award (2080), with both awards accompanied by a cash prize of Rs 400,000.



The awards were presented by Guthi Chair Kunda Dixit during a ceremony at Patan Dhoka today. In his address, Chair Dixit acknowledged the significant contributions of both awardees to the protection and promotion of the Nepali language and literature.



Mohan Mainali highlighted that his book explores the historical aspects of the Anglo-Nepal War, while Prof. Yadav emphasized that the responsibility for preserving endangered languages lies primarily with the respective communities and their speakers.

Madan Puraskar Guthi Awards 2080 to Mohan Mainali

Kathmandu: Indian actor Chiranjeevi has officially entered the Guinness World Records for his remarkable achievement in the film industry. Over his 45-year career, he has performed dance in 537 songs across 156 films. He was honored with this recognition by fellow actor Aamir Khan.



Chiranjeevi began his acting career in 1979 with the film "Punadhirallu," though his first released film was "Mana Vuri Pandavulu," directed by Bapu. He gained prominence in lead roles with hits like "Antalo Ramayya Vidilo Krishnaiah," released in 1982.



The film "Kaidhi," released in 1983, catapulted Chiranjeevi to superstardom, earning him the title of Megastar Chiranjeevi.



In addition to acting, Chiranjeevi ventured into politics, launching his political career in 2008 with the Praja Rajyam Party in Andhra Pradesh. During the party's formation, he emphasized social justice as a key agenda. In the 2009 general elections, his party won 18 out of 294 seats in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly. He is currently not active in politics.

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