iPhone 17 Pro Max Powers New Wave of Global Filmmakers

The Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) has unveiled its latest MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone program, spotlighting four emerging filmmakers who are redefining cinema with the help of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

MAMI Select is a flagship program by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) that empowers emerging filmmakers to create short films using iPhones, showcasing how accessible technology can democratize cinema and redefine storytelling.

This year’s slate of short films explores diverse themes — from a clandestine romance in Mumbai, to divinity and chaos in Kerala, to a migrant girl’s dream in Goa, and the haunting silence of a Bengali woman losing her voice. Each filmmaker harnessed the iPhone’s advanced camera system, ProRes RAW, Cinematic Mode, Action Mode, and 8x optical zoom to craft visually striking stories that resonate far beyond India. 

The Four Voices

Cinematographer Ramananda Sarkar (left) and filmmaker Ritesh Sharma (left background) frame a shot on iPhone 17 Pro Max while filming She Sells Seashells on location in Goa. [Image - apple.com]

• Shreela Agarwal (11.11): A love letter to Mumbai at night, filmed with ProRes RAW to capture vivid details in low light.
• Ritesh Sharma (She Sells Seashells): A migrant girl’s dream in Goa, blending reality and imagination through Cinematic Mode and precise sound design.
• Robin Joy (Pathanam): A surreal tale of an angel’s fall, brought to life with Action Mode and AI-powered editing.
• Dhritisree Sarkar (Kathar Katha): A haunting story of a news anchor losing her voice, shot with 8x optical zoom to capture inner trauma.

Mentorship and Impact

Guided by acclaimed directors Sriram Raghavan, Chaitanya Tamhane, Dibakar Banerjee, and Geetu Mohandas, the program demonstrates how accessible technology is democratizing filmmaking.

MAMI director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur notes: “The fact that these films have been captured with iPhone has inspired hundreds of people to go out there and start making short films. It’s creating a new generation of filmmakers.”

Democratizing Cinema

Ritesh Sharma uses the Blackmagic Camera app on iPhone 17 Pro Max while framing Maruti, his film’s protagonist, selling trinkets on the beach. [Image - apple.com]

For these storytellers, the iPhone is more than a tool — it’s a gateway. By removing barriers of cost and equipment, it allows new voices to tell stories that might otherwise remain untold.

As filmmaker Agarwal puts it: “The freedom, simply put, is unmatched.”

All four shorts are now streaming on MAMI’s YouTube channel, offering audiences worldwide a glimpse into the future of cinema — one where creativity, not equipment, defines the art.

Key Takeaway

The iPhone 17 Pro Max isn’t just a smartphone — it’s becoming a serious filmmaking instrument, empowering diverse voices and reshaping global storytelling.

Indian Film Restoration Leader Prasad Revives Charles Burnett’s Landmark My Brother’s Wedding in 4K

Prasad, India’s leading film restoration and post-production facility, has completed the full 4K picture remastering and restoration of My Brother’s Wedding, the landmark film by acclaimed filmmaker Charles Burnett. The restored version will be screened at the Berlin International Film Festival under the Forum section, which celebrates films that push the boundaries of cinematic expression.

Originally released in 1983, the film is a low-budget independent tragicomedy set in South Central Los Angeles. It follows the story of a man caught between family expectations and loyalty to a friend, exploring themes of class tension, community dynamics, and personal responsibility. The film is regarded as an important example of socially grounded American independent cinema and has gained renewed critical appreciation following its later restoration and re-edited.

The restoration marks a significant milestone for Indian film preservation on the global stage. Prasad undertook the complete 4K restoration process, including detailed frame-by-frame image repair, colour correction, and digital mastering—carefully preserving the film’s original visual texture, tone, and cinematic intent, while presenting it with renewed clarity for contemporary audiences.

The project was carried out in collaboration with Milestone Films, the UCLA Film & Television Archive, and Kino Lorber, reflecting the international trust placed in Prasad’s restoration expertise and India’s growing role in global film heritage preservation.

We were overjoyed to be in collaboration with Prasad, Deluxe Audio, UCLA Film & Television Archive, Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive, and Kino Lorber to bring Charles Burnett’s enduring and timeless film MY BROTHER’S WEDDING back to the world., said, Maya S. Cade, incoming president of Milestone Films.

Abhishek Prasad, Director and CTO, Prasad, added — This restoration was not just about enhancing resolution, it was about preserving cultural memory. Every film carries the spirit of its time, and our responsibility is to ensure that spirit is not lost to ageing reels or obsolete formats. Having this work showcased at Berlin reinforces India’s growing contribution to global film preservation.

Berlin International Film Festival – Screening Details:

• Monday, Feb 16 | 21:00 – Delphi Filmpalast, Berlin
• Sunday, Feb 22 | 16:30 – Cinema Paris, Berlin

The Berlin screening places My Brother’s Wedding alongside a distinguished slate of restored world cinema and underscores the increasing international recognition of Indian film restoration capabilities. With major restoration projects and facilities across India, the US, the UK, Germany, Japan, and Saudi Arabia, Prasad continues to bridge the past and the future of cinema, ensuring classic films are preserved as living works to be experienced by generations to come.

About Prasad:

Prasad is a global leader in film preservation, restoration, and post-production with over six decades of expertise. Founded in 1956 by legendary filmmaker Shri L. V. Prasad, the company has worked on 30,000+ films and is the trusted partner for Hollywood studios, OTT platforms, broadcasters, and national archives worldwide.

With a team of 1,100+ professionals across India, USA, UK, Germany, Japan, and Saudi Arabia, Prasad offers end-to-end digital solutions including 8K film restoration, DI, HDR grading, Dolby Atmos mixing, film and tape digitisation, audio restoration, data migration, media vault management, VFX, and colourisation. Recognised with 20+ National Awards, Prasad continues to safeguard cinematic heritage and transform legacy content into valuable digital assets for the future.

Learn more at: www.prasadcorp.com

Hollywood’s Biggest Night Goes Online: Oscars Land on YouTube

In a move that marks one of the most significant shifts in Hollywood’s media history, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the Oscars will stream exclusively on YouTube beginning in 2029. The deal, confirmed by NBC News, ends the decades-long broadcast partnership with ABC and ushers the world’s most-watched film awards into a digital-first era.

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End of an Era

Since the 1970s, ABC has been the home of the Academy Awards in the United States. That contract, which runs through 2028, will conclude with the 100th Oscars. Starting with the 101st ceremony in 2029, YouTube will take over as the exclusive global streaming partner.

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Global Reach, Free Access

Unlike the traditional broadcast model, the Oscars will be available live and free worldwide on YouTube, including red carpet coverage and behind-the-scenes programming. In the U.S., viewers will also be able to watch via YouTube TV, bridging the gap for audiences accustomed to cable-style viewing.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor described the deal as a way to “expand access to the Oscars globally” while infusing the ceremony with “innovative opportunities for engagement.”

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Why the Shift Matters

• Declining Ratings: Oscars viewership has fallen sharply since its 1998 peak of 55 million (when Titanic swept the awards). Recent broadcasts hover around 20 million.
• Digital Dominance: Younger audiences increasingly consume content online, making YouTube a natural fit.
• Data & Engagement: Unlike broadcast TV, YouTube offers real-time analytics, interactive ad formats, and global reach — tools that could reshape how the Oscars evolve.

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Strategic Impact

• Advertising: Brands will pivot from prime-time TV slots to YouTube’s dynamic ad ecosystem, leveraging pre-rolls, interactive sponsorships, and influencer collaborations.
• Audience Demographics: Gen Z and Millennials are expected to drive engagement, while YouTube TV provides continuity for older viewers.
• Cultural Positioning: The Oscars transform from a “TV event” into a global digital spectacle, aligning with how cultural moments are increasingly consumed online.

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Industry Reactions

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan hailed the partnership as a chance to inspire “new generations of film lovers and creators.” Industry analysts see the deal as a watershed moment, signaling the growing dominance of streaming platforms in hosting cultural events once monopolized by broadcast television.

The Oscars are coming to @YouTube 🎬

Starting in 2029, YouTube will become the global home for this celebration of cinema, helping to inspire a new generation of film lovers everywhere 🌎

Thank you to @TheAcademy for the partnership! pic.twitter.com/9PviFW5lp2

— Neal Mohan (@nealmohan) December 17, 2025

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Looking Ahead

The Oscars’ leap to YouTube is more than a change of platform — it’s a redefinition of Hollywood’s biggest night. By embracing digital-first distribution, the Academy is betting on accessibility, interactivity, and global reach to restore the ceremony’s relevance in a fragmented media landscape.

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👉 Bottom line: Starting in 2029, the red carpet won’t just roll out in Hollywood — it will roll out across the world’s screens, free and live on YouTube.

Kannada Filmmaker Narasimha Murthy Crafts India’s 1st AI-Made Movie

Kannada director Narasimha Murthy has made waves by creating Love You, which is claimed to be the world's first Al-generated feature film. This marks a fascinating shift in filmmaking—AI is now stepping into creative storytelling in ways we’ve never seen before.

The film was crafted using 30 Al tools, with a budget of ₹10 lakh, and took six months to complete. It features Al-generated characters and 12 songs, with Murthy himself writing the dialogues and lyrics.

While the film is a groundbreaking experiment, Murthy acknowledged some challenges, such as inconsistencies in character features and difficulties in lip-syncing. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has granted it a U/A certificate, making it the first Al-generated film approved for theatrical release in India.

A priest named Narasimha Murthy from Siddehalli village near Bengaluru created the first AI generated Kannada film titled Love You.

The 95 minute film was made with a budget of 10 lakh rupees and took six months to complete.

Murthy worked with Nuthan, a graphic designer turned… pic.twitter.com/UeCYYhAQCH

— Daily Updates (@dailyupdates04) April 23, 2025

Narasimha Murthy faced several challenges while creating Love You, the world's first Al-generated feature film. One of the key hurdles is Character Consistency Issues where in maintaining uniform facial features for Al-generated characters throughout the film proved difficult. At times, characters appeared slightly different in different frames.

Lip-Syncing Difficulties is also one of the challenges. Matching Al-generated animations to dialogue was a tough challenge, as the lip movements didn't always align perfectly with spoken words.

Rendering Time & Computational Power was another challenge. Processing Al-generated visuals required substantial computational resources, making the production time-consuming despite its relatively low budget.

Creative Control vs Al Limitations also existed in the film made. While Al provided innovative outputs, Murthy had to manually adjust dialogues, lyrics, and character interactions to ensure coherence and emotional depth.

Despite these challenges, he successfully completed the film within six months using around 30 AI tools. It’s fascinating to see AI pushing the boundaries of storytelling.

Amazon Acquires Creative Control of the James Bond Franchise

Amazon MGM Studios (formerly Amazon Studios), an American film and television production and distribution studio announced, has announced the formation of a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights, and those parties will remain co-owners of the franchise.

Under the terms of the new venture, Amazon MGM Studios will gain creative control of the James Bond franchise following closing of the transaction.

Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have been the driving forces behind the James Bond film franchise for decades. With this announcement from Amazon, the both are stepping back from their roles as producers, transitioning into advisory positions. Amazon MGM Studios will now take creative control of the James Bond franchise.

Wilson, who has been involved with the 007 series for nearly 60 years, stated that he will focus on art and charitable projects. Broccoli, whose family legacy has shaped Bond’s cinematic journey, expressed her intention to focus on other projects.

Amazon's control over the James Bond franchise is expected to bring several significant changes. With Amazon at the helm, the franchise might branch out beyond traditional films. This could include spin-off films, TV series, and other media formats, similar to what has been done with the Star Wars and Marvel franchises.

Amazon may push for a quicker turnaround for Bond content. Historically, there has been a considerable gap between Bond films, but Amazon might aim to reduce this time to keep the franchise more active and engaging.

With Amazon's resources and innovative approach, we might see new storylines, characters, and possibly even a different tone or style for future Bond films. This could include exploring backstories of supporting characters like Moneypenny, M, and Q.

Amazon's global platform could help the Bond franchise reach a wider audience, potentially increasing its popularity and influence worldwide.

Some fans and critics are concerned that the franchise might suffer from overexposure or a decline in quality due to the increased volume of content. There is also apprehension about whether the unique charm and prestige of the Bond films will be maintained under corporate control.

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said, "Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment. . “We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James B ond to movie theatres around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide. We are honoured to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”

In 2022, Amazon acquired MGM, including a vast catalog with more than 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows. Since the MGM acquisition, Amazon has held rights to distribute all of the James Bond films, and as a result of this transaction will have creative control over future productions.

PVR INOX Unveils SCREENIT, A Groundbreaking Feature for Personalized & Customized Movie Shows

PVR INOX Unveils SCREENIT: Revolutionizing The Movie Experience with Personalized Shows

SCREENIT: Create, Promote & Earn via PVR INOX APP!

PVR INOX Limited, India’s largest and most premium cinema chain, has just unveiled SCREENIT—a revolutionary platform, available only on PVR INOX app that redefines the way audiences experience cinema. With SCREENIT, movie enthusiasts can create or join customized shows at their preferred cinemas, bringing a whole new level of personalization and excitement to the big screen. But that’s not all—now you can also turn your love for movies into rewards!

Inspired by the overwhelming success of re-releases, expanding to over 120 cinemas nationwide SCREENIT takes the cinema experience to the next level by giving audiences the unique opportunity to relive cherished classics and fan favorites. This ground-breaking platform puts the power of curation directly into the hands of moviegoers, enabling them to choose from a diverse library of 500+ titles and create unforgettable, community-driven screenings.

“SCREENIT is more than just a platform—it’s a transformative step toward redefining the cinematic experience, said Mr. Renaud Palliere, CEO of Luxury Collection and Innovation, PVR INOX Limited.

SCREENIT empowers audiences to curate their movie experience—choosing what, when and where to watch—all while offering exciting rewards. By turning movie screenings into personalized and rewarding events, SCREENIT enhances the joy of cinema and encourages deeper connections within communities”, Mr. Renaud said. 

Mr. Kamal Gianchandani, Chief Business Planning & Strategy, PVR INOX Limited, added, “The overwhelming success of re-releases has shown us that audiences still crave the unmatched experience of watching iconic films on the big screen. SCREENIT is our way of celebrating this nostalgia while providing a modern, flexible, and highly personalized way to enjoy films. It’s an innovation that brings timeless cinema back to life on your terms.”

How SCREENIT Works

Effortless Customization: Users can explore the SCREENIT platform, exclusively available on the PVR INOX app, to create or join a show. Browse through a wide selection of movies, pick your preferred cinema and time, and book your tickets. If the perfect show doesn’t exist, users can easily create one by selecting the movie, timing, and location. With a minimum of just two tickets required to create the show, users can then invite friends or join shows created by other movie enthusiasts.

The Ultimate Movie Playlist: SCREENIT’s curated movie library offers a diverse collection of films, from timeless classics to fan favorites, catering to every kind of viewer.

Share & Earn Rewards: Once a show is created, users can share a unique promotional link with friends, family, or communities to encourage them to join the screening. For every ticket booked through the shared link, users earn exciting rewards, making the movie experience not just enjoyable but also rewarding.

Promote & Earn’: Turn Your Passion for Movies into Rewards

With the innovative ‘Promote & Earn’ feature by PVR INOX, you can now create a unique promotional link for any "Now Showing" movie directly through the PVR INOX app. Share this link across platforms like social media, WhatsApp, and messages to invite your network to book tickets. For every ticket booked through your link—whether it’s for a show in your city or any other city—you earn 2% of the ticket amount as a cash incentive. The more you share, the more you earn, turning your love for cinema into a rewarding opportunity. This feature makes it easy to connect with audiences, build excitement, and monetize your passion for movies!

Download the PVR INOX app today and embark on an innovative journey filled with rewards. Experience entertainment like never before!

PVR INOX Limited is the largest film exhibition company in India with 1739 Screens across 353 properties in 111 cities (India and Sri Lanka). Since their inception, both PVR and INOX have created iconic cinema brands with storied histories of achieving significant milestones and setting benchmarks in the film exhibition industry. With a collective heritage of transforming out-of-home entertainment in the country, the merged company offers a wide range of cinema services such as child-friendly audis, the latest screening technology, superior sound systems, a wide range of F&B offerings, film and non-film content, and an array of formats in the premium screen category.

For further information, please visit: http://www.pvrcinemas.com

Premier of 1st AI-written Movie Is Cancelled After Backlash

The world premiere of the first feature film written entirely by Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been canceled after facing a slew of complaints.

The film, titled "The Last Screenwriter," was set to debut at London's Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square. But just a few days prior to the planned event, the showing was suddenly canceled. The cinema's reason for axing it, according to director Peter Luisi? Complaints. Lots of them.

Directed by Swiss filmmaker Peter Luisi, the 76-minute movie follows an award-winning screenwriter named Jack, portrayed by Nicholas Pople, who grapples with his diminishing talents in the face of an AI system.

 

As AI surpasses his writing skills, Jack spirals into a self-destructive cycle of fear and obsolescence. The cinema initially intended to engage in a discussion about AI's impact on the arts but faced backlash for promoting AI cinema. Luisi's experiment aimed to explore the capabilities of AI-generated scripts, and while the premiere was canceled, it sparked conversations among writers about the role of artificial intelligence in creative processes.

Main Criticisms of the AI-written film

The main criticisms of the AI-written film "The Last Screenwriter" centered around several key points. Critics argued that the AI-generated script lacked the depth, emotional nuance, and authenticity typically associated with human-written narratives. The dialogue felt mechanical and lacked the subtleties that make characters relatable.

Some viewers found the plot predictable. The AI system relied on existing patterns and tropes, resulting in a storyline that followed familiar beats without offering any surprises. The film struggled to evoke genuine emotional connections. Viewers felt detached from the characters and their struggles, as the AI lacked the ability to create truly moving moments.

Many questioned whether using AI to write an entire film compromised the artistic integrity of the project. Some argued that creativity and storytelling are deeply human endeavors that cannot be replicated by algorithms.

The premiere sparked discussions about the ethical implications of AI-generated content. Critics worried about the potential displacement of human screenwriters and the impact on the creative industry.

Despite these criticisms, the experiment raised important questions about the intersection of AI and art, prompting further exploration and debate within the filmmaking community.

Tableau and IMDb Partner To Launch Data Visualization Campaign for Movie Lovers

Tableau is teaming up with IMDb, the online database of information related to films, television series, podcasts, home videos, video games, and streaming content online – to empower movie lovers and analytics fanatics to create and share free data visualizations about their favorite films.

How it works: For the next two years, IMDb will share a selection of its massive dataset on Tableau Public, which allows users to explore, create, and share data visualizations online. The IMDb data sets are available to Tableau users through a licensing arrangement between IMDb and Tableau.

• Users can analyze a vast collection of movie-related data points licensed by IMDb, including cast and crew, user ratings, genres, plots, and more.
• And, with a step-by-step starter kit provided by Tableau, data viz beginners all the way up to experts can tap into — and experiment with — the pop culture-fueled data.
• Select submissions received before May 2, 2024 will be featured on Tableau websites, social media channels, and in presentations at Tableau Conference, April 29 – May 1, 2024 in San Diego.

Exlpore Data + Movies Here

“Tableau is committed to enabling 10 million people with data skills by 2027. We want to inspire and educate beginners, experts, and everyone in between to use data in ways that can make a real impact on their lives and organizations,” said Elizabeth Maxson, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer, Tableau. “We are excited to collaborate with IMDb, and allow our community members to flex their creative muscle and experiment with data about the movies they know and love.”

"New collaboration with Tableau will empower entertainment fans and professionals to surface and share insights from the IMDb database in visually compelling ways,” said Nikki Santoro, Chief Operating Officer, IMDb. “This is an exciting, unique opportunity for users to showcase their love of film for a global audience by creating new and distinctive data visualizations that will entertain and inform movie fans.”

Members of the Tableau community shared how they used the new partnership to flex their creative muscle.

Lindsay Betzendahl, Tableau Visionary, used the tools to build a visualization that highlights her favorite actor, Jim Carrey.

“Tableau is more than just a tool to make charts – it brings stories to life by harmonizing the power of analytics with creative, flexible designs,” Betzendahl said. “This collaboration with IMDb allowed me to experiment with unique and enjoyable datasets.”

Irene Diomi, Tableau Visionary, visualized Meryl Streep’s IMDb movie ratings from 2000-2022, measuring some of her most iconic films against one another.

Koffee & Bunn and Blocktickets Release World's 1st Ltd. Edn. NFT Premiere Membership for Kichcha Sudeepa starrer Vikrant Rona

Blocktickets, a blockchain based ticketing platform will be dropping exclusive NFT Premiere Membership for Kannada superstar Kichcha Sudeepa’s latest 3D movie, Vikrant Rona. Koffee & Bunn Innovation, a global investment company started by Priya Sudeepa, has conferred the NFT ticketing rights to Blocktickets. Zakirhushen Kareemkhan, Group CEO, Koffee & Bunn Innovation said that the technical supremacy of Blocktickets over other platforms is the reason for choosing the ticketing platform for this movie.

This will be the first time in the world that a movie will be launching its premiere tickets and memberships as NFTs. Fans will be able to select from Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond NFT memberships with a range of benefits including access to a red-carpet premiere event, NFT logo of the movie, exclusive party invitations, opportunities for pictures with the leading actor, and a one-on-one interaction with the stars. The movie Vikrant Rona will be simultaneously released in Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.

The movie Vikrant Rona is a fantasy action-adventure thriller, written and directed by Anup Bhandari. The premiere event will be hosted in Dubai on 26th July’22. The fans who buy NFT memberships will be able to keep them as souvenirs or sell them as exclusive collectibles in the secondary market over blockchain. This will create an immersive experience for the movie fans as they will be able to engage personally with the movie. Apart from Kiccha Sudeepa, ‘Vikrant Rona’ also stars Jacqueline Fernandez, Nirup Bhandari, Neetha Ashok, Ravishankar Gowda, and Vasuki Vaibhav in leading roles.

 

"This is a big film; we always had a big idea, a big thought. Dropping world’s first NFT Premier Membership for the movie will help us enable new, more interactive, and engaging experiences for our fans. I would want fans to remember this experience for a long time. We are extremely excited to collaborate with Blocktickets as a first in the world”, said Kichcha Sudeepa on the release of the NFT membership for his movie.

"The pandemic has been hard for the entertainment industry, especially the movie business. As the industry gets back to action, NFT ticketing can be a way of enhancing fan engagement — enabling them to own a piece of a film’s history. We are excited to explore the expanding universe of metaverse and NFTs", said Priya Sudeepa.

NFTs are simply certificates of ownership minted over a blockchain that represents a digital or a real-world asset. " _The ticketing industry has for long used the old-school system of ticketing leading to fault, scalping, and lack of innovation. With the entry of Blocktickets, which is transforming the mundane tickets meant to be discarded, into delightful experiences, new horizons for organizers, artists, and consumers have opened_ ." says Nishant Chandra, Founder of Blocktickets.

“We truly believe this partnership with Kichcha Sudeepa and Vikrant Rona will create continued value for the film industry. This is the first time anywhere across the world a film is launching NFT memberships. This gives the filmmakers access to another channel of exposure and the fans an experience of a lifetime_ ." says Abhinav Garg, Founder - Blocktickets.

Blocktickets has been pioneering the NFT based ticketing experience in India and has already partnered with various events, organizing the first ever Holi in the metaverse, NFT-based musicathon, and much more. For Web 3 they have partnered with UnicusOne, a multichain Web3 platform. Blocktickets collaboration with movie Vikrant Rona is one of the latest in the series of many others. The much-awaited movie will be releasing worldwide on 28th July’22.

Kalakari Film Festival by Rishi Nikam Became Strong Backbone for Female Filmmakers

With 500+ women films, kalakari film festival is providing an international platform to women indian and international. filmmakers and directors Recognizing the work of women occurs through the kalakari film festival.

Art is a medium through which we can convey important messages. Kalakari Film Fest is a platform that provides this great opportunity for all artists. " Kalakari Film Festival " brings the Artist, Photography Exhibition, and Award Ceremony.all participants will get a chance to showcase their artwork at events around the world.

Submissions from all over the world

UK-US including Italy, Germany, Brazil, France, Spain, Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, Egypt and almost every country in the world got their artwork registered, similarly more than 3000 registrations from the country and the world have joined this competition so far.

Rishi Nikam, Founder of Kalakari Film Fest said that the main objective of this event is to provide a platform to the artists of India who don't have a medium to display their talent and art on a worldwide level. Thus, Kalakari helps to spread Indian art. We want our artists to gain recognition. There is no registration fee for the artisans in this fest.

In a short span of time, Kalakari has gained popularity among the commoners as well as big celebrities. In this fest, celebrities from all over the world will make their presence online due to Corona. Also, congratulatory messages and wishes were sent to Kalakari Film Fest through video, which has increased the enthusiasm among the artists.

This Film Fest and Art Fest is an opportunity for all the artists of India to be part of Kalakari and showcase their talent with their team and directors.

Kalakari Film Festival by Rishi Nikam Sets Record for 2000+ Entries

Kalakari Film Festival India by Rishi Nikam sets record with 2000+ films entries around the world in this covid, In the wake of a second wave of COVID-19, Kalakari International Film Festival 2021 scheduled to be online.

International Art Exhibition and Award Ceremony by Kalakari Film Fest

Artists' fair from all over the world starting from May 1st, 2021. Due to Corona, many Hollywood, Bollywood, and TV artists will join Fest online. Art is a medium through which we can convey important messages. Kalakari Film Fest is a huge platform that provides this great opportunity for all artists. "Kalakari Film Fest 2021" brings the Artist, Photography Exhibition, and Award Ceremony. This fest will be held on 01st and 02nd May and all participants will get a chance to showcase their artwork at events around the world.

Submissions from all over the world

UK-US including Italy, Germany, Brazil, France, Spain, Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, Egypt and almost every country in the world got their artwork registered, similarly more than 3000 registrations from the country and the world has joined this competition so far.

Rishi Nikam, Founder of Kalakari Film Fest said that the main objective of this event is to provide a platform to the artists of India who doesn’t have medium to display their talent and art on a worldwide level. Thus, Kalakari helps to spread Indian art. We want our artists to gain recognition. There is no registration fee for the artisans in this fest. 

Rishi further said that --

We have once again brought something new for the artists, in which more than 3000 participants have registered so far with their magnificent art. In a very short span of time, "Kalakari" has become popular not only in India, but in almost every country in the world. All the participants taking part in it will be given free gift hampers, certificates. Also selected artwork, photography, and films will be shown on international websites. And the most important thing is if the jury likes the work of an artist, then they will get a chance to work with Hollywood actors.

10 Reasons To Use A Book Writing Template For Your Next Horror Fiction

The statement "books are man's best friend" has held relevance for centuries now, and it will continue for years to come too. Reading a novel, be it fiction or otherwise, brings delight to many while writing it is the goal of many.

Writing a book is daunting, and the task can get more problematic when the subject matter is horror fiction. The genre has a vast audience worldwide, so the drive to write horror fiction is a given. But, the sheer drive to write horror fiction is not apt enough to make it successful.

A writer needs to account for several factors before finalizing their work, and with competition rising, the stakes are only going higher. Therefore, it is viable for writers to get a hold of every bit of help they can get. Nowadays, technology and tools can simplify any task, including writing an intriguing book fiction.

Tools like novel writing software and book templates can simplify the task while enhancing your writing prowess. Writers can perceive a book template as a guide to rely on as it establishes your book's blueprint. They can be used regardless of the work's nature, your writing experience, and scope.

Although many veterans prefer a book template, it is instrumental if you are an emerging writer. It can help you prepare an outline for your fiction, make it intriguing, and monitor the matter's overall flow. A book template becomes a must when your book is going to surpass over the 50,000 words benchmark.

However, despite the tool offering numerous benefits, many writers are still confused about using it. That is why the blog has gathered every piece of information you will need to make an educated decision. Here is why you should use a book writing template for your next horror fiction:

Top Reasons to Use a Book Writing Template

If you are using a book writing template within the software, you can avail of numerous advantages in different writing sections. Contrarily, if you are merely using a book writing template, you can still customize it to match your needs. Nevertheless, here are some of the most valuable benefits of using a book writing template:

Simple Writing

Designing an outline for a book is critical, but it is even more vital when writing horror fiction. Since the matter is tough to execute, an outline can simplify the writing process for you. By having a set outline, you can focus on any section you are ready to write.
Smooth Reading Experience

A well-written fiction does not confuse the readers, and a writing template ensures you do not make such a mistake. Writing the book in a set structure can improve your audience's reading experience as they do not have to go back and re-read to comprehend every chapter.

Professionalism

While content is the core of a book, it is aesthetics that boost sales. Be it fonts or layouts; your work needs to look good to thrive in the market. Writing fiction does not stop with great storytelling; you need to showcase your skillset in the looks department as well.

A book writing template can help you in this regard, as it is designed to offer the best fonts and layouts to the writer.

Easy-to-Use

Using a book writing template is not a complicated process, and even a non-technical writer can use it easily. Learning to use and implement a book template is straightforward since it is designed to simplify the process.

Time-Saving

Writing horror fiction can be overwhelming, but a writing template can offer a head start on the book's structure. As you get an outline for your work, you can save valuable time to focus on other aspects. Worldbuilding and character designing can consume too much energy, so having an outline can help you proceed stably.

With a book writing template, you do not have to worry about dedicating energy to different sections and wondering what to do next.

Ready-to-Publish Experience

If you are writing your fiction intending to publish it, then a book writing template becomes a must for you. It enhances your book's publishing potency by articulating it in the best way possible. Horror fiction can take a writer to places, so being backed by a template is crucial for a seamless publishing experience.

Well-Executed Message

Reading a well-structured book can help your readers understand the message better. It can even make obscure ideas viable and memorable since the readers were captivated throughout their read. When they take something from your fiction, they attach value to it, which is always suitable for a writer.
Thoroughness

You need to be thorough while writing horror fiction as not to let the readers lose interest. A book writing template can help you be methodical and save you from omitting any crucial plot details.

While writing fiction, you need to ensure it is well-paced and does not possess any continuity errors. Both issues can be avoided with thoroughness proposed by a book writing template.

Symmetry and Balance

A well-written fiction is both balanced and symmetrical. Being symmetrical means when you gather different sections of the book, they make sense as a whole. On the other hand, being balanced refers to assigning apt significance to different parts of the work.

A horror fiction needs to balance every idea's quantity and quality, and a writing template can execute it impeccably.

Scheduled Writing Routine

Using the best book writing app with quality templates can ensure you maintain a writing schedule. Ideas can enter your mind anytime, but you must spend some time on your fiction daily. While you can have random writing spurges, periodically writing is always a good idea.

Plus, having an outline and sticking to it can save you from going on tangents. Although it will not eradicate the urge to slack off, it will undoubtedly help you stay focused on the task at hand.

Conclusion

Writing horror fiction is an intricate task with numerous facets to cover. However, with the help of a book writing template, you can simplify the task several folds. A writing template proposes innumerable benefits, and the blog has mentioned the most common ones.

Using a book template can smoothen your book writing experience while offering a seamless publishing process. Reading through the blog will help you better understand the benefits of a book writing template to make an educated decision.

In A 1st, An AI Humanoid Robot to Play Lead Role in A Sci-Fi Movie

As film production across the globe halted amid COVID-19 crisis and several lockdowns to prevent the pandemic has already pushed the release of any fresh movies, film makers are now relying on robots, AI actors, as they are immune to Coronavirus.

A US-based flim financer, Bondit Capital Media, along with New York’s Ten Ten Global Media and Belgium's Happy Moon Productions have teamed up to finance new Sci-Fi movie called 'b', which will have an Artificial Intelligence based Humanoid Robot named 'Erica', playing a lead role in the upcoming film with the budget of US$70 milllion.

The AI Actor's name 'Erica' stands for "Erato Intelligent Conversational Android".

According to Hollywood Reporter, the science-fiction movie will be the first to rely on an artificially intelligent actor. The movie's story is created by visual effects supervisor Eric Pham, Tarek Zohdy, and Sam Khoze.

Erica with its creator, Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro. Photo: Osaka University/ATR

The movie tells the story of a scientist who discovers dangers associated with a program he created to perfect human DNA and helps the artificially intelligent woman he designed -- Erica -- escape his lab. The story aligns well with Erica’s real-world origin story — her creators, Japanese scientists Hiroshi Ishiguro and Kohei Ogawa — designed her to study human-computer interaction, with Ishiguro even creating an android version of his own daughter in the past.

Created by Hiroshi Ishiguro Laboratories, Eric is an advanced android designed as a research platform to study human-robot interaction. It understands natural language, has a synthesized human-like voice, and can display a variety of facial expressions.

Erica is 166cm (in standing) tall and with 44 pneumatic actuators (Face: 13 DoF; Neck: 4 DoF; Arms: 9 DoF x 2; Torso: 3 DoF; Hands: 3 DoF x 2), it has forty-four degrees of freedom for face, neck, arms, and waist. It can express various facial expressions and some gestural motions. Erica's appearance is designed for beautiful and neutral female face, by which people can familiarly interact with it. It speaks in unrealistic synthesized voice.

Erica runs on ROS, Java and Python. It has 2 CMOS cameras and 2 microphones in the head.

Elon Musk, Tom Cruise and NASA working Together for a Movie Scene in Outer Space

On Tuesday, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine tweeted that that american space agency is working with Hollywood actor Tom Cruise to create a movie shot aboard International Space Station (ISS).

In response to Bridenstine's tweet, Musk wrote that the initiative "should be a lot of fun!".

Should be a lot of fun!

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 5, 2020

On Monday, Hollywood news website Deadline also reported that Tom Cruise and Elon Musk’s Space X are working on a project with NASA that would be the first narrative feature film – an action adventure – to be shot in outer space.

No studio was officially on board the project as of yet, and the project was still in the "early stages of liftoff", added the website, Deadline.

Interestingly, commercial use of NASA's facilities is allowed provided the resources used onto the space station need to be purchased as per NASA's price policy, and shall require a Reimbursable Space Act Agreement (RSAA) or another arrangement with NASA to recover costs to NASA. For example, use of life support equipment and the toilet were listed at USD 11,250 or ₹ 8.55 lakh per day approximately, while crew supplies were listed at USD 22,500 or ₹17.11 Lakh per day.

"I found it Ever So Medicinal" Emily Blunt on lending her Vocals for Mary Poppins Returns Soundtrack

The British actress showcases her vocal prowess with this Disney fantasy musical!

Mary Poppins is known for its songs, usually sung by the lead actress, formally immortalised by Julie Andrews. The latest rendition of the franchise, Mary Poppins Returns, continues this tradition, by having the lead actress Emily Blunt lend her vocals for not two or three, but for seven songs! Which includes the Academy award nominated- “The Place Where Lost Things Go”. 

The songs were written with the actress in mind and were composed accordingly to her vocal skills. The tracks - The Place Where Lost Things Go, Can You Imagine That?!, The Royal Doulton Music Hall, Introducing Mary Poppins, A Cover is Not the Book, Turning Turtle, Trip a Little Light Fantastic were all composed variedly giving the British actress an opportunity to try different musical styles . Blunt went on to great lengths to do justice to these songs and worked closely with the composers to perfect her performances. Cast members – Lin Manuel Miranda, Meryl Streep and Dick Van Dyke have also recorded alongside Emily Blunt for the exquisite songs. The album features an array for different songs from beautiful ballads to fun filled dance numbers, putting the actress in a challenging position.  Watch Mary Poppins Returns this 26th April at 1pm on Star Movies, your kid’s favourite time in the day.

Emily

Regarding the recording for the soundtrack, Blunt stated “I found it ever so medicinal. On my days off I would go to meet the songwriters and they'd be crafting these incredible songs. It was just like a lovely respite from boozing. Like I felt very comfortable with them by the time we did the recording. I mean we recorded these songs with 100-piece orchestra. It was truly a moving experience. You sing it with them so they can hear your tempo. It was wild.”

Blunt further added “To be able to lend my vocals to some of these songs has been such a huge honour. I think I felt less pressure approaching it in this way than I would doing an adaptation of something that's been done before, because it's not comparative. You've only got songs that have effectively been catered to me, and what my ability is. So in that way, it's an incredibly collaborative experience and one that I was invited into, but I think these songs, even though you have not heard them before, there's something about the music that feels familiar. I think that's always the sign of a great song.”

Mary Poppins is one of Walt Disney’s greatest Achievements

Walt Disney is one of the most influential film producers of all time. With characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, Minnie Mouse and many more being his creative achievements, Walt Disney’s legacy remains unsurpassed even today. Apart from these classic characters, Disney is also credited for producing a lot of iconic live-action films and characters, of which, one of the biggest of his career was none other than the prim and proper, umbrella-wielding British nanny Mary Poppins. 



In 1964, a live adaptation of Mary Poppins, from the popular book series was released as a fantasy musical comedy, starring acclaimed actress Julie Andrews donning the ‘practically perfect’ outfit of Mary Poppins. The film was critically acclaimed and was considered as Walt Disney's crowning live-action achievement, garnering the only Best Picture nomination, Disney witnessed during his lifetime. The film went on to win 5 Academy awards and was even selected by the United States National Film Registry to be “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". Besides, simply producing the film, however, Disney was involved, personally and creatively, in the development of the character, costumes, music and animation of the film- his interactions with the Mary Poppins series writer Pamela Travers is documented in the film ‘Saving Mr. Banks’. The movie has a number of memorable songs like Chim chimmeny, which won an Academy Award for Best Song, and Feed the Birds, which was so close to Disney, it was played at his funeral. All of the above achievements has led Mary Poppins inducted into the ‘list of iconic characters’.

After a long gap, the sequel Mary Poppins Returns was finally released. Beloved actress Emily Blunt picked up the umbrella of the titular character for the sequel. 

When asked about what she loved about the character, Emily stated -

 “I do quite like the vanity. I mean the really self-indulgent vanity it just makes me laugh so much and I think she is terribly rude. I like that too, she just doesn’t care. My sister was saying to me last night at the premier she likes it when I am waiting at the bank and I want to see Michael Banks and this package guy rudely interrupts me. She said your face is like so funny. It’s all this stuff that I think that British people find really funny.”

The record breaking 54-year-old gap between the Mary Poppins and Mary Poppins Returns is considered to be one of the longest gaps in cinema history. Upon release, the sequel was showered with praise and was dubbed as the reason to dismiss the belief that ‘sequels are never good as the original’.

Catch the flying nanny on Star Movies on April 26th 2020 at 1 pm

'Main Mulayam Singh Yadav' Movie Motion Poster Out Now

Makers of upcoming movie, 'Main Mulayam Singh Yadav' released its motion poster on Monday. The movie is said to be one of the best political biopic that Bollywood has ever seen. With a background of politics in Uttar Pradesh, the film showcase Mulayam Singh Yadav's inspirational story from being a farmer's son to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

This is an extraordinary story of how a farmers son, based out of a small village in Uttar Pradesh, becomes a supreme leader of his state. Director Suvendu Raj Ghosh and Producer Meena Sethi Mondal have come together to deliver this inspiring tale with Amyth Sethi in the lead of role as Mulayam Singh Yadav. Produced by MS Films and Productions, the film is slated to release on 14th August, 2020.



A farmers son in a small village called Safai in Etwas district of Uttar Pradesh fought in most adverse condition to become the supreme leader of his state. Coming from a very humble background his father wanted him to become a Wrestler, but he was destined to become something bigger. In one of the wrestling contest a local Political leader Nathuram saw this young boy when he slammed wrestlers who were double the size of him, Nathuram saw this strong willed boy and gave him his first opportunity to enter Politics.

It was his destiny that Nathuram also introduced him to one of the most influential leaders of the country of that era Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. Nathuram also helped him with a job as a teacher in Karhal but his main focus remained Politics.
Lohias convictions towards the equality of people and other social justice issues strongly influenced Yadavs own ideas about standing up for the rights of minorities and his actions based on those principles marked his subsequent political career.
After Lohia came in his life Former Prime Minister of India Chaudhary Charan Singh, from whom he learned the nitty-gritty of politics and it was then Mulayam Singh Yadav became a big name in UP politics, he was also the political heir of Chaudhary Charan Singh. Nathuram, Ram Manohar Lohia and Chaudhary Charan Singh were the 3 pillars who groomed and shaped the political wisdom of Mulayam Singh Yadav.

From a teacher of an Inter-college to Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, this is the journey of a man who was in jail for 19 months at the time of Emergency. This is the story of a man who was shot on the day he won his very first election. This is the Story of a man who wrestled and found his way among the giants. When capitalism and bureaucracy were the main pillars of politics, he came and changed the scenario, he changed the game of bigger political parties and big names.

~ Newsvoir

Need of the Hour Docu-film 'Coronavirus: How to Isolate Yourself' Premieres on Sony BBC Earth

As the war against the novel coronavirus deepens with billions of people across the world facing a period of self-isolation to help contain the spread, Sony BBC Earth is bringing to India a critical docu-film 'Coronavirus: How to Isolate Yourself'. Presented by Dr. Xand Van Tulleken and Psychologist Kimberley Wilson, the 1-hour feature is a one-step guide to everything one needs to know about this pandemic and is full of useful and credible tips and advice.

Dr. Xand Van Tulleken and Psychologist Kimberley Wilson

Xand Van Tulleken is a registered doctor with the General Medical Council of the UK and a renowned presenter. To comprehend the situation, he visits leading experts who explain why self-isolation is most important in this fight against coronavirus, as well as finds out about people's real-world challenges of self-isolating. The docu-film also focusses on Kimberly who offers insights into the psychological challenges of self-isolating, talks about how to manage anxiety and provides key takeaways that everyone must adapt while self-isolating.

Coronavirus is a serious concern and while there is a long road to recovery, the crucial thing to understand is that every individual can play a part in slowing it down by self-isolating. Additionally, there is a plethora of information accessible to all which may lead to confusion and contradiction but, one must remember that just like the virus, wrong information too is contagious. Hence Sony BBC Earth is premiering the most important docu-film of the current times, 'Coronavirus: How to Isolate Yourself'.

Tune-in to 'Coronavirus: How to Isolate Yourself' every night, 13th April (today) onwards only on Sony BBC Earth.

Binge Watch the Entire John Wick Series Starring Keanu Reeves this Weekend

Set your reminders on for this weekend, as actor/director, Keanu Reeves, will deliver you a healthy dose of action - or as John Wick himself puts it , “Guns, lots of Guns!”. Follow along the silent assassin’s quest to avenge the death of his dog, with the third installment of the intense action-packed extravaganza, John Wick: Chapter 3 is set to debut for the First time on Television only on Star Movies.



Not enough John Wick for you? Star Movies has got you covered - catch up on the entire John Wick series, all through Sunday, with Chapter 1 airing at 5 pm and Chapter 2 at 7 pm.

The critically acclaimed John Wick franchise enjoys the status of being a well-crafted trilogy featuring - a layered story with complex plot points, intricate character developments and a whole lot of death-defying stunts and mayhem.

The franchise is celebrated as a genre-bending masterpiece and enjoys an iconic cult following – as both a thrilling entertainer and involving a unique depth of feeling.

In John Wick’s book revenge is a dish best served steaming hot and with a lot of pain and John Wick 3 promises the same franchise favorites- exquisitely choreographed action, masterfully designed and effortlessly executed fight scenes, a strong streak of humour and much more.

Catch John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum First Time on Television only on Star Movies, 12th April 2020 at 1 pm and 9 pm

John Wick at 5 pm and John Wick - Chapter 2 at 7 pm