Oliver Stone has no intention of quitting the film industry

London, May 21 (ANI): Veteran director Oliver Stone has revealed that he has no plans to quit films.

The filmmaker said he has just finished working on a documentary called South Of The Border, which is to be released in June (10).

It looks at Hugo Chavez and the revolution in South America.

The documentary features a road trip through the continent where eight presidents are interviewed about Chavez, reports The Mirror.

When asked if he has any plans to stop directing soon, he said: “No. I hope to get these documentaries done – they are very important to me – and go back to films early next year.” (ANI)

Christina Aguilera says no to reconciliation with dad

London, May 14 (ANI): Christina Aguilera says she sees no reason to have her long-time estranged dad back in her life.

Aguilera, 29, briefly patched up with her father Fausto in 2009 only to realise she had too many bad memories associated with him.

And now she doesn”t want to reconcile with him.

“It”s (relationship) pretty nonexistent. I”m in a place in my life where I just don”t see a reason for it. There”s always room for forgiveness – and I do forgive – but you grow up and make choices for your family,” the Daily Express quoted Aguilera, as telling Latina magazine.

In 2009 the beautiful singer opened up about her childhood memories in a documentary.

She told E!: “I witnessed a lot of unpleasant things – a lot of pushing and shoving and fighting and quarrelling. Growing up I did not feel safe. Feeling powerless is the worst feeling in the world. I turned to singing as an outlet. The pain at home is where my love for music came from.” (ANI)

When Lily Allen discovered a tarantula in her bed

London, May 14 (ANI): Singer Lilly Allen has revealed how she was terrified after discovering a tarantula in her bed during her recent trip to the Amazon rainforest.

The songstress spent a week in the Brazilian state of Acre filming a documentary for the World Wildlife Fund charity in a bid to publicize the need for conservation efforts.

But the British singer admits she wasn”t a fan of the area”s scary populace.

“I”ve been there (Brazil) a few times on tour but only to like Rio and Sao Paulo,” the Daily Star quoted her as telling Sky news.

“It was really nice to go up to the rainforest – even though there was a tarantula in my bed one evening, which was slightly terrifying. I just screamed and ran out of the room.”

A report in The Sun newspaper documents Allen”s terror at her confrontation with the critter – she sprinted from the hut, screaming: “There”s a f**king tarantula in my room! It”s about the size of my hand.” (ANI)

Time travel possible, says Stephen Hawking

Melbourne, May 03 (ANI): Astrophysicist Stephen Hawking thinks that time travel is possible.

In the past he has steered clear of the topic in public lest he be considered a crank but Hawking told the Daily Mail that now he is less worried about that possibility.

Preparing for the debut of his Discovery documentary, Stephen Hawking”s Universe, which screens next week, Hawking said he believed humans could travel millions of years into the future and repopulate their devastated planet.

“Time travel was once considered scientific heresy, and I used to avoid talking about it for fear of being labelled a crank,” News.com.au. quoted him as saying in the docu.

“These days I”m not so cautious,” he added.

Manchester University professor Brian Cox told The Times that Hawking”s theory had already found some basis in experiments carried out by the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva.

Hawking also says we can only travel forward in time.

Moving backwards is impossible, Hawking says, because it “violates a fundamental rule that cause comes before effect”. (ANI)

Kidnapped ex-ISI men, British journalist’s release unlikely: Afghan Taliban commander

Islamabad, Apr 26(ANI): Two former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officials and a British journalist who went missing in North Waziristan Agency earlier this month, are unlikely to be released by their captors, who believe the former ISI sleuths had been spying on them.

Two former ISI officers, Colonel (retd) Imam and Squadron Leader (retd) Khalid Khwaja and journalist Asad Qureshi, went missing in North Waziristan, where they had been working on a documentary on the Taliban.

Qari Ziaur Rehman, an Afghan Taliban commander, confirmed that the trio was not in the captivity of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, but one of the scattered groups of the Pakistani militants, either the Punjabi Taliban or any other group.

Rehman said the captors of the trio believe that they had succeeded in smashing a network that had been spying on them.

He also said that different groups of the Afghan Taliban made hectic efforts for the release of the kidnapped men, but the captors did not oblige them.

“All the efforts made by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (Afghan Taliban) to secure release of the two former ISI officials and the British journalist have failed,” The News quoted Qari Ziaur Rehman, a Taliban commander in Kunar.

“The Taliban commander said the Punjabi Taliban groups, including the one led by Ilyas Kashmiri, were extremely annoyed with the two former ISI officials, particularly Khalid Khwaja, because they believed that they played an important role in the arrest of all their operatives and leaders by the Pakistani authorities,” he added. (ANI)

Kidnapped ex-ISI men, British journalist’s release unlikely: Afghan Taliban commander

Islamabad, Apr 26(ANI): Two former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officials and a British journalist who went missing in North Waziristan Agency earlier this month, are unlikely to be released by their captors, who believe the former ISI sleuths had been spying on them.

Two former ISI officers, Colonel (retd) Imam and Squadron Leader (retd) Khalid Khwaja and journalist Asad Qureshi, went missing in North Waziristan, where they had been working on a documentary on the Taliban.

Qari Ziaur Rehman, an Afghan Taliban commander, confirmed that the trio was not in the captivity of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, but one of the scattered groups of the Pakistani militants, either the Punjabi Taliban or any other group.

Rehman said the captors of the trio believe that they had succeeded in smashing a network that had been spying on them.

He also said that different groups of the Afghan Taliban made hectic efforts for the release of the kidnapped men, but the captors did not oblige them.

“All the efforts made by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (Afghan Taliban) to secure release of the two former ISI officials and the British journalist have failed,” The News quoted Qari Ziaur Rehman, a Taliban commander in Kunar.

“The Taliban commander said the Punjabi Taliban groups, including the one led by Ilyas Kashmiri, were extremely annoyed with the two former ISI officials, particularly Khalid Khwaja, because they believed that they played an important role in the arrest of all their operatives and leaders by the Pakistani authorities,” he added. (ANI)

Muslim web site warns ”South Park” creators of retribution

London, Apr.21 (ANI): A radical Islamic website is warning the creators of “South Park” that they could face violent retribution for depicting the Prophet Muhammad in a bear suit during an episode broadcast on Comedy Central last week.

According to Fox News, the web site — RevolutionMuslim.com — posted a warning following the 200th episode of Trey Parker and Matt Stone”s “South Park,” which included a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad disguised in a bear suit.

The web posting also included a graphic photo of Theo van Gogh, a Dutch filmmaker who was murdered in 2004 after making a documentary on violence against Muslim women.

“We have to warn Matt and Trey that what they are doing is stupid and they will probably wind up like Theo Van Gogh for airing this show,” the posting reads.

“This is not a threat, but a warning of the reality of what will likely happen to them,” the posting added.

Reaching by phone early Tuesday, Abu Talhah al Amrikee, the author of the post, said he wrote the entry to “raise awareness.”

“This is not a small thing. We should do whatever we can to make sure it does not happen again,” he said. (ANI)

Ambika Soni reaffirms commitment to Public Service Broadcasting Trust

New Delhi, Sept 15 (ANI): The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has renewed its commitment of financial support to the Public Service Broadcasting Trust (PSBT), a Delhi-based NGO.

Under the plan scheme component for production of documentaries through NGOs, the Films Division would grant funds to the PSBT, which has been short-listed for production of documentaries for the current financial year.

In the past also, the Doordarshan and the PSBT have had a successful public-private partnership.

Over the past nine years, a large number of documentary films have been funded by the Doordarshan.

Among the National Non-Feature Film Awards-2007, at least four of such joint productions of the Prasar Bharati and the PSBT have won accolades.

Speaking on the occasion of ‘Commemorating 50 years of Public Television In India’, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni invited suggestions from the luminaries of PSBT Trustees for making the Public Service Broadcaster-Doordarshan more vibrant and interesting while retaining its commitment for healthy entertainment suitable for family viewing.

Soni also reiterated that her Ministry would continue to strive to encourage creative skills so long as they honour the sensibilities of all single television viewing families.

The Minister exhorted the young filmmakers – particularly those who are the beneficiaries of the PSBT-Ministry fellowships, to take up the challenge of making relevant programmes for particularly the marginalized strata of society.

“The Doordarshan is the only channel with the widest terrestrial reach which caters to the remotest and border areas often neglected by the commercial interests of other channels,” she added.

She also invited stalwarts like Shyam Benegal (a PSBT Trustee), who had made the memorable ‘Bharat ek khoj’ serial for Doordarshan in the past, to contribute meaningfully to Doordarshan again.

Adoor Gopalkrishnan (Chairman PSBT)’s new film “Oru Pennum Randaanum”, funded by Doordarshan was screened on the occasion. (ANI)

Robbie Williams eager to appear on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

London, Sept 14 (ANI): Singer Robbie Williams is desperate to appear on reality show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!.

The 35-year-old singer might join the rumoured line-up including Mark Lester, footballer Jason Cundy and wife Lizzie, actor Brian Blessed and snooker legend Jimmy White.

“I really like I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! It’d be fun to go on,” the Sun quoted Williams as saying.

The Angels star also revealed his love for a documentary about US suburban housewives.

He said, “I like to see how these shows are constructed, filmed and edited.” (ANI)

A docudrama plays a story of women cricketers’ struggle and triumph

Kolkata, Sep 9 (ANI): A docudrama titled ‘Indian Women’s Cricket team Poor Cousins of Million Dollar Babies’ highlights the disparity between men and women cricket players in India.

As the title suggests, the docudrama shows how while men cricketers hog all the limelight and bask in the glory of success and money, women cricketers are way behind their male counterparts though they have been able to carve a name for themselves in the international sport arena.

The 25-minute audio-visual commentary narrates a story of the triumph of women’s cricket despite the disparities and differential treatment.

Former Indian Skipper Anjum Chopra said the docudrama has been able to mirror the women cricketers’ struggle, hard work and determination to reach the milestone they have achieved despite receiving far less attention of sports authority, sponsorship and media coverage as compared with their male counterparts.

“I really liked it. I think it’s very nice. It covers a lot of angels into the lives of women cricketers on and off the field. It’s a true depiction of the lives and struggles of Indian women cricketers go through,” Anjum Chopra added.

The The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI ) spends millions of rupees on men’s cricket and its stalwart players but women’s team, which has consistently done well in the context of world tournaments, has not received the same attention and promotion.

Sunil Yash Kalra, who has directed the documentary, said it’s time to tell the story of players engaged in the most popular and fast growing game in India despite their gender.

“It’s a sport which is a nerve centre of India, the subcontinent. And, it’s also included in the Asian Games next year. So, basically if you were to look at it… A, it’s the fastest growing game. B, there is a story that needs to be told about each individual member, that’s what the idea is to showcase the best to the rest of the world,” Kalra added.

The film also reveals interesting facts about women’s cricket in India. For example, women’s cricket in India can be traced back to early 20th century when an Australian school teacher Anne Kelleve made cricket a compulsory game at the Baker Memorial School in Kottayam, Kerala, in 1913.

The Women’s World Cup was initiated in 1973, two years before the men’s World Cup. And, Indian eves played T20 international cricket in 2006 while Indian men played their first match in 2007. (ANI)

Susan Boyle story set to woo Japan

London, August 30 (ANI): The story of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ star Susan Boyle is set to end up in a TV show with a Japanese crew eager to record her fairytale rise to stardom.

The Scottish songbird, who turned into an overnight celebrity with her jaw dropping rendition of her audition song ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, will have her story filmed for a special documentary.

Japanese TV bosses will jet into the singing sensation’s hometown of Blackburn, West Lothian, reports the Mirror.

Filmmakers will also interview fans at the Happy Valley Pub where the 48-year-old star used to sing karaoke.

Her brothers Gerry, 55, and John, 52 may also for a part of the show set to be screened on primetime TV in mid-October.

Kanako Hiramoto, from NHK, said: “We wanted to tell the story of the Susan Boyle phenomenon and how the world responded to her remarkable performance on Britain’s Got Talent. People in Japan are fascinated by the story.” (ANI)

Screen Actors Guild bosses ban members from being part of MJ’s docu

London, Aug 30 (ANI): The feature length documentary on Michael Jackson being made by Sony has been hit with controversy, as union bosses at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) have warned members not to be part of the project.

They claim that film’s producers have not agreed to the minimum basic terms and conditions for performers and background actors employed on the project, the Daily Express reports.

A statement from the union reads: “Guild members are reminded of their obligation not to accept employment on any non-signatory project, as well as their obligation to confirm with the guild that a project is signatory. Employment on any non-signatory project within the guild’s jurisdiction may subject a member to a Rule One violation.”

The film is set to feature behind-the-scenes footage of the King of Pop during his rehearsals for his comeback This Is It concert, which Sony had purchased from concert promoters AEG Live.

However, the union did not have jurisdiction over the footage.

Sony has planned to release it on 28 October and run it in theatres for two weeks worldwide. (ANI)

Kate Winslet to narrate docu on autism

Washington, Aug 27 (ANI): Brit actress Kate Winslet is all set to narrate a new documentary about an Icelandic mother trying to come to terms with her son’s autism.

Winslet, 33, was compelled to agree to do the narration for director Fridrik Thor Fridriksson’s ‘The Sunshine Boy’ after she watched footage that he had sent her.

The film chronicles film producer Margret Dagmar Ericsdottir as she struggles to understand her severely autistic son Keli.

“I am delighted and honoured that Kate agreed to do the narration,” Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

“Her contribution plays an instrumental role in increasing awareness for autism, which many claim is the world’s fastest-growing epidemic,” she added.

‘The Sunshine Boy’ is expected to receive rave reviews when it debuts as part of the Real to Reel section of the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12.

The flick will feature musical contributions from Icelandic stars Bjork and Sigur Ros. (ANI)

Britney’s snooper sentenced to 3yr probation, 240hrs community service

Washington, August 21 (ANI): Peeping into Britney Spears’ home in California has landed a woman three years’ probation, and a court order do 240 hours of community service.

Miranda Tozier-Robbins, 26, was arrested in April after being spotted by Britney’s security guards in the grounds of the singer’s Calabasas property.

Britney was out of the town on her ‘Circus’ world tour at the time.

Miranda, who claimed that she was filming a documentary, was charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct on August 20.

Patricia Kelly, a spokeswoman for Los Angeles Superior Court, revealed that a judge in Malibu found her guilty of snooping on Spears’ property, reports Contactmusic.

Tozier-Robbins was also ordered to keep away from the singer and her house. (ANI)

Rolling Stones’ banned controversial docu leaked online

Washington, August 21 (ANI): A controversial documentary based on the Rolling Stones while they were touring the US in 1972 has found its way to the Internet.

The veteran rockers put a ban on ‘Cocksucker Blues’ over its content, including rock and roll antics, such as footage showing the musicians taking drugs.

The group placed a court order on the documentary, stating it could hit the screens legally only in the presence of its director photographer Robert Frank, reports Contactmusic.

But the eye-popping film emerged on FlavorWire.com’s blog on August 19.

Referring to the footage, guitarist Keith Richards once said: “If anyone in America saw it, we’d never be let in the country again.” (ANI)

Jackman turns journo to film docu investigating fair trade practises

London, Aug 20 (ANI): Australian actor Hugh Jackman has been out and about in New York in the role of a roving reporter to film a documentary investigating fair trade practises.

In the documentary, the Hollywood star turns up unannounced at cafes and restaurants with a camera crew to ask vendors about if they are aware of fair trade practices, reports the Daily Express.

Jackman is hoping to raise awareness for fair trade initiatives, which help struggling workers and farmers become financially stable and self-sufficient.

According to HelloMagazine.com, the actor is looking to answer questions such as “How is it that a kid dies every three seconds from extreme poverty”. (ANI)

Kitty Daisy and Lewis | Kitty Daisy Lewis | Daisy Durham | Lewis Durham | Kitty Durham | Durham Family | Three-Piece Band | Multi-Instrumentalists

Kitty Daisy and Lewis | Kitty Daisy Lewis | Daisy Durham  | Lewis Durham  | Kitty Durham  | Durham Family | Three-Piece Band | Multi-Instrumentalists

The most talented three-piece band namely Daisy Durham (21), Lewis Durham (19) and Kitty Durham (16), from Durham family, make you rock with their three-piece band each of them are multi-instrumentalists, have done wonders already even at this small age,  can play guitar, piano, banjo, lapsteel guitar, harmonica, double bass, ukulele, drums, trombone, xylophone and accordion.

They played the main stage at Bestival in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and played twice at Glastonbury in 2007 and 2008.The band featured in the 2008 documentary, We Dreamed America about the influence of American roots music on British musicians.They are on tour with Coldplay around America in July and August 2009.

Their latest  album ‘KITTY DAISY & LEWIS’ is out now on CD,

Karolina Kurkova expecting first child with fiance Archie Drury

New York, July 15 (ANI): Czech supermodel Karolina Kurkova is six months pregnant with fiance Archie Drury’s child.

Drury is a former Marine and Scientologist who made the documentary “Voices of Iraq”.The couple have been together for a little over a year. This is the first child for both,” the New York Post quoted a representative at DNA Models as saying.

Kurkova, 25, famous for her missing navel, plays Courtney A. Kreiger, aka Cover Girl, in ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra’, coming out August 7. (ANI)

The Queen is devoted to her beloved horses

London, July 14 (ANI): Queen Elizabeth II is famous for her devotion towards her horses, and a new documentary is set to feature her hands-on approach to the animals.

Trainer Katie Jerram speaks of the Royal’s dedication towards her beloved equine charges in All The Queen’s Horses, to be soon screened on ITV1.

“When I go down to Windsor Castle the Queen is always there at the riding school with a little brown paper bag of freshly cut carrots, which she feeds each horse,” the Daily Express quoted Katie as saying.

Stud groom Terry Pendry, a close friend of Her Majesty, alleges that she would “ride every day if she could”.

He added: “She even rode on her 83rd birthday in the rain.” (ANI)

Stewart planning to publish Fawcett’s cancer diaries

Washington, July 14 (ANI): Late actress Farrah Fawcett’s best friend actress Alana Stewart is planning to publish a memoir she compiled while filming the final stages of the late actress’ cancer battle.

Stewart, 64, had shot much of the footage for the Farrah’s Story documentary, which showed the late actress trying to seek out new treatments in a bid to prolong her life, reports Contactmusic.

After the documentary became a success, pulling in 8.9 million viewers in the U.S. when it was aired in May this year, Stewart decided to release ‘My Journey With Farrah’ in August.

Some of the profits raised from sales of the book will go to the Farrah Fawcett Foundation for cancer research. (ANI)