Culture

Controversial Moroccan movie, ‘The UnRedacted’, nominated for Bafta Award

Published

2 years ago

December 29, 2022

A controversial Moroccan movie which was rejected by major film festivals in the United Kingdom and the United States for allegedly propagating “Islamophobia”, has now been nominated a Bafta award which will hold early next year.

It was a dramatic turnaround for the the “infamous movie” which was formerly titled “Jihad Rehab”, before its American director, Meg Smacker, changed the name to “The UnRedacted”.

The Bafta Award Committee announced the nomination of the movie on Thursday despite the widespread criticism it recieved when it was premiered at the Sundance film premiere, which had critics questioning the ethics of the documentary-style production.

The storyline of the film follows four prisoners at Guantanamo Bay as they prepare for freedom, with the documentary-style film focusing on Yemeni men at a Saudi deradicalization center.

Following the criticism, Sundance issued an apology, saying “it is clear that the showing of this film hurt members of our community – in particular, individuals from Muslim and MENASA communities – and for that, we are deeply sorry.”

Among the reasons that ultimately led to the movie being canceled was the issue of consent and ethics behind the men featured in the film as the major movie makers questioned if participants had fully consented to being filmed.

The film was ultimately rejected by major film festivals in both the UK and the US, and some have even reported rejecting showing the film before watching it based on the bad press it had received.

This is not the first film to be banned this year due to hurtful and damaging content toward the Muslim community. In June, Morocco and other Muslim countries had banned a movie titled “The Lady of Heaven” for its “blasphemous” depiction of Prophet Muhammad.

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Culture

Chidimma Adetshina makes history as she emerges first runner-up for Miss Universe 2024

Published

7 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Chidimma Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico, made history as she finished as the first runner-up at the pageant.

The reigning Miss Universe Nigeria finished on the podium of the event held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Sunday morning after an electrifying final face-off between Nigeria and Denmark, as the two women looked poised to claim the crown.

Adetshina, who competed against over 120 contestants from around the world, delivered Nigeria’s best-ever performance in the prestigious competition.

The competition, which was described as one of the most thrilling in recent years, celebrated the talents, intelligence, and elegance of women from around the globe.

A post by the pageant organizers on Instagram said:

“The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment.

“Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, ultimately won the crown taking over from Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.”

The top five were rounded out by Miss Mexico, María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa, in third place, along with contestants from Thailand and Venezuela.

This year’s pageant was celebrated as one of the most inclusive in Miss Universe history, featuring first-time entries from Iran and Somalia and an expanded lineup of 30 semifinalists, showcasing greater diversity and global representation.

Chidimma’s path to the Miss Universe Nigeria was controversial at best as she had previously entered the Miss South Africa pageant but withdrew following criticism of her nationality and allegations from South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs concerning her mother’s documents.

She was later invited to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria and emerged as the winner of the beauty pageant ahead of 24 other contestants.

Culture

Tyla set to drop new single ‘Tears’ on November 20

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African “Ampiona” crooner, Tyla, is set to thrill her fans to her new single titled, “Tears’, which is set to drop on November 20.

According to a statement by her management team, Tyla’s fans should expect something different from the “Water” singer as she is set to release a brand-new single in collaboration with Coke Studio.

“This exciting partnership follows her announcement as part of the Coke Studio 2024 line-up alongside R&B star Usher Raymond in September,” the statement said.

Tyla who is fondly called the “Pretty girl from Joburg,” also took to her Instagram page to share the news with her fans.

Posting a snippet of the video on her Instagram story with the caption, “‘Tears’ coming November 20th! A song in partnership with @CocaCola”, confirming the November release date, she urged her fans to look forward to something different from what they are used to.

The brand has also shared on its social media platforms that Tyla will be performing this highly-anticipated single when she returns to Johannesburg, South Africa, at a special Coke Studio live event.

In an interview with Coke Studio, the 22-year-old singer shared how she breaks away from her original sound with “Tears”.

“I feel like in a lot of my songs, I’m dancing a lot. I really wanted a song where I could just sing, be more raw with people, and showcase my voice this time,” she said.

Snippets from the new single has showcases Tyla’s enchanting vocals, revealing a more vulnerable side that is different from her previous work.

“Breaking away from the amapiano and pop sound she’s best known for, Tyla embarks on an exciting new journey with this project,” one of the reviews said.

“Through “Tears”, she wants to connect with listeners in a raw, captivating way as she partners with Coke Studio to bring this new sound to life.’