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

South African tavern owner kills seven, self in deadly mass shooting

Published

4 days ago

October 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A South African tavern owner has reportedly killed seven people, including a three-year-old child, in a mass shooting in Gauteng Province, before turning the gun on himself.

The provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili, who confirmed the incident, said it happened during the early hours of Sunday, October 13, in the Mokokotlong informal settlement and is being investigated by police in Orange Farms.

Muridili said the incident was stoked after one of the victims went to the local tavern to buy alcohol but he found that it was already closed.

“He (the victim) had an altercation with the tavern owner and went back home. It is alleged that the tavern owner followed him home where the family members were still celebrating after lobola negotiations. The tavern owner entered the house and opened fire on the family members.

“He shot and killed seven people including a three-year-old boy (five family members, a neighbour, and a friend).

“Four people survived the shooting, two of them, a 31-year-old and a one-year-old boy were taken to hospital with injuries while a 24-year-old woman and a four-year-old did not have injuries,” Muridili said.

Muridili said the tavern owner then drove back to his home in Evaton where he then turned the gun on himself and shot himself.

‘He was rushed to the hospital but died on arrival. The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit has registered seven counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and an inquest,” Muridili said.

Culture

South African star Tyla grabs four MTV EMA nominations

Published

5 days ago

October 12, 2024

Isaac Dachen

2024 is definitely a good year for South African “Ampiano” star, Tyla, as she continues to shine on the global stage after receiving four nominations for the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs).

Tyla, who already boasts of an incredible catalogue full of awards, has scooped a Grammy, a Billboard R&B Award, and an MTV Video Music Award (VMA).

She has also received five nominations for the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) and has more opportunities of scooping more awards with her latest nominations.

Tyla’s EMA nominations include Best New Artist, Best Afrobeats Artist, Best R&B Artist and Best African Act, making it her first-ever nomination for the EMAs.

Tyla who spoke on the new nominations, explained she was beyond grateful for the nominations and said it was “a dream come true to be recognised among such incredible artists.”

According to the South African, the “Water’ star has paved the way for African artists on the global stage, proven to be an inspiration for musicians across the continent, and been a key figure among African artists on the global stage.

“Tyla’s recognition in the Best Afrobeats category, in particular, is significant. It reflects the growing popularity of the genre globally, with artists like Burna Boy and Rema also nominated,” the entertainment platform wrote.

The EMAs will take place in Manchester on 10 November and fans can place their votes up until 6 November with Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr, also nominated as “Best New Artist.”