VIENNA, 16 June 2016 – Accountability is crucial to preventing future crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide, said President of the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC), Judge Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi as she addressed the 823d meeting of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) on Wednesday in Vienna.

Fernandez emphasized that the current security challenges are staggering in their numbers and complexity.

“The world is facing destabilizing conflicts around the globe which include not only deliberate acts of violence against the physical security and well-being of civilians, but also deliberate attacks against their cultures and identities,” she said. “This demands a multi-faceted response from the international community to stop violence in the short-term, but also sustainable conflict resolution in the long-term.”

Fernandez stressed the importance of justice in preventing future crimes and the necessity of building the capacity of national jurisdictions. The ICC can exercise jurisdiction over crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide but it is complementary and not intended to replace national systems, she noted.

“Capacity building of national jurisdictions is essential. The OSCE has played a role - especially in the former Yugoslavia - and can also make contributions through supporting the rule of law and democratic institutions,” Fernandez said.

Ambassador Adam Bugajski of Poland, the OSCE participating State currently chairing the FSC, said: “In paragraph 30 of the Code of Conduct we committed ourselves, inter alia, to ensure that armed forces personnel are aware they are individually accountable under national and international law for their actions."

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National Points of Contact from 16 OSCE participating States on implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their components were familiarized with countries’ commitments stemming from this Resolution, at a training session co-organized by the OSCE from 28 June to 1 July 2016 in Kaliningrad, in the Russian Federation. A National Point of Contact from Chile – an observer State – also took part.

The session was hosted by the Government of the Russian Federation, and conducted in partnership with the UN Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD) and the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).

Welcoming the participants on behalf of Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, an official of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that “the efficiency of the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 can be guaranteed only through its full implementation by all countries”, and by encouraging close and constructive co-operation between all parties.

Robin Mossinkoff, the Head of the Forum for Security Cooperation Support Unit, said: “The OSCE has been supporting the network of OSCE National Points of Contact on implementing Resolution 1540 with annual meetings since 2014, and appreciates the Russian Federation’s initiative to hold this year’s annual meeting in format of a training session.”

Participants were provided with an overview of the international non-proliferation regimes and instruments. They discussed the national legislative and regulatory framework, enforcement of legislation with regard to export and border controls, transshipment, illicit trafficking and brokering control as well as the role of the Points of Contact in supporting the development and implementation of these measures.

Anton Martyniuk, the UNRCPD Coordinator of the project, noted that establishing Points of Contact and fostering their operation is a solid contribution to implementing Resolution 1540 at the national, regional and international levels.

Participants also visited a border crossing point to learn more about the work of a commodity identification centre.

The training course was organized as part of the joint UNODA-OSCE project on facilitating the regional implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540. UNRCPD and the OSCE organized the course in co-operation with the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts.

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KYIV, 15 July 2016 – The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine today opened a new sphere of project assistance to Ukraine – improving democratic control of defence and security sectors – with a presentation of international experience and best practices at a conference in Kyiv.

The event, co-organized with the Parliament and the Ministry of Defence, brought together more than 120 parliamentarians, military and civilian representatives of various ministries, experts, and civil society activists to learn about the basic principles in this area, as well as practical examples from other countries.

During the conference, the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security and the OSCE Security Sector Governance and Reform Guidelines were presented. Ukrainian translations of these documents can be found at www.osce.org/fsc/41355  and www.osce.org/uk/secretariat/253156, respectively.

The participants discussed in detail the national models of parliamentary and civic control over the defence sectors of Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, and Norway.

“The ability of Parliament, and of society at large, to exercise control over its security services is a true litmus test for democracy and rule of law,” said Jeffrey Erlich, Senior Project Officer at the OSCE Project Co-ordinator’s Office. “Such oversight contributes to a much more effective security sector by rooting out corruption, and by strengthening the bond between society and the armed forces.”

Igor Dolgov, Deputy Minister of Defence, said: “For me there is no question of whether it is possible to simultaneously deal with current crisis and implement reforms in defense sectors, including strengthening mechanisms of democratic control over armed forces. It is needed and it is already happening.”

Until the end of the year, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator will provide expertise in developing a concept paper and implementation plan for democratic oversight; assist in promoting dialogue between the military, parliamentarians, experts and civic activists; and contribute to raising awareness among the public by publishing relevant online resources.  Further assistance efforts will continue after 2016.

In partnering with the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of the Armed Forces (DCAF), the project will also draw on their expertise.

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Two two-day training courses on combating domestic violence through strengthening the co-operation and capacities of different state and non-state players were organized jointly by the OSCE Office in Yerevan, the Armenian Police and the Social Justice non-governmental organization on 17-18 May and 19-20 May 2016 in Tsakhkadzor, Armenia.

The participants consisted of 80 representatives from the Yerevan and Gegharkunik province police juvenile and community services, social services, municipal child protection units, guardianship and trusteeship councils and non-governmental organizations. They were divided into two groups and trained separately.

“Combating domestic violence has always been high on the OSCE agenda, as it is primarily a violation of a human right and often a precursor of more serious crimes. The police and local governments both play key roles in combating domestic violence, however, only through a concerted multi-agency approach can it be done most effectively,” said Bernhard Frankl, Politico-Military Programme Officer at the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

Participants were introduced to definitions of domestic violence, its characteristics and types, the prevailing myths, phases and cycles. Active debates and group exercises were held to discuss potential victims along with the psychological and behavioral aspects and techniques of interviewing victims. The effects of domestic violence on different aspects of society, multi-sectoral responses and legal regulations were also highlighted.

The training course is part of an ongoing project by the OSCE Office to strengthen police capacities in preventing domestic violence.

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YEREVAN, 30 June 2016 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited the premises of the OSCE Office in Yerevan on 30 June to discuss its work and activities and to meet with civil society representatives, while in Armenia as part of his official visit to the three countries of the South Caucasus.

Steinmeier was welcomed by Ambassador Argo Avakov, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan.  “The Office in Yerevan is closely co-operating with state structures and civil society in Armenia and welcomes this visit by the Chairperson-in-Office,” said Avakov. “Civil society plays an important role in enhancing public confidence in the electoral process, improving police-public partnership as well as promoting women and youth engagement and the freedom of the media in Armenia.”

The Chairperson-in-Office underlined his appreciation for the Office’s activities in all three dimensions and commended its good co-operation with Armenian institutions.

The OSCE Office in Yerevan works closely with government partners, civil society and other actors in Armenia to support activities in a variety of areas including legislative and criminal justice reform, anti-corruption, migration policy, economic integration, environmental activities, raising awareness on human rights, media freedom, access to information, gender equality, assistance to police and security sector reform.  

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PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 14 March 2016 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo held today the first of a series of four roundtables to be held this month on the ways to secure financing for the public service broadcaster, Radio Television Kosovo (RTK).

Through these roundtables, the Mission will consult a wide range of experts - journalists, Members of Parliament, academia, representatives of NGOs and media institutions - on the impact of the lack of financing on the public service broadcaster and its editorial policy, as well as on its further development.

The RTK has been without sustainable financing since 2009 when a court suspended the funding of RTK  through household electricity bills, citing human rights and discrimination concerns.

“We are in 2016 and alternative and viable funding options for the financing of RTK are still being considered, pending a final decision. On-going issues pertaining to the financing mechanisms and to the Law on RTK have to urgently be solved,” said Ambassador Jean-Claude Schlumberger, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

“Without sustainable financing, the public broadcaster cannot develop into a full-fledged service provider for its audience. In addition, the already-existing delays with the digitalization process are exacerbated by this lack of funding,” he added.  

The roundtables will be followed-up with a regional conference in April, with experts from the Western Balkans and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), to come up with recommendations, for relevant institutions to consider while amending and implementing the Law on RTK.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with the protection and promotion of human rights, democratization, and public safety sector development. It helps safeguard freedom of the media and freedom of expression and supports media development.

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From 16 to 20 May 2016 in Budva, Montenegro, the OSCE Mission organized a training course for 45 legal professionals from northern Kosovo on international human rights standards during trial proceedings.

Participants, who are candidates to join the reintegrated justice system in northern Kosovo, were briefed and engaged in in-depth discussions on the human rights requirements, international standards and best practices in ensuring a fair trial.

The training consisted of presentations and lectures on international human rights standards, search tools for the European Court of Human Rights database, rights of access to justice and equality in the administration of justice, right to a public hearing, right to be presumed innocent and privilege against self-incrimination, protection of victims and witnesses, the equality of arms principle and the right to a hearing before a competent, independent and impartial tribunal established by law.

“The justice system in the northern Kosovo has been dysfunctional for years now. Such a situation negatively impacted both the rule of law, proper delivery of justice and the observance of fundamental human rights, including the right of access to justice and the right to trial within a reasonable time,” said Jean-Claude Schlumberger, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. “The aim of this training was two-fold: enhance participants’ awareness of the importance of promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms in the courtroom but also encourage them to use pertinent international mechanisms in their daily work.”

Nikola Kabašić, a leading representative of the judicial community in northern Kosovo, said: “Continuous and systematic education of professionals whose main responsibility is to promote, implement and protect human rights is an obligation of all local and international institutions and organizations. That is why this training is important because the level of democracy of one society is measured by the extent of respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

Kosovo Deputy Minister of Justice, Nusret Hoxha, who was a guest at the training course noted the Ministry’s support as well as the need for local judges and prosecutors to be given additional opportunities to become familiar with best international practices in the justice sector.  

The course was held following a needs assessment conducted by the OSCE Mission, which highlighted the need to engage in educational programs as a priority in building the capacities of judicial professionals in the north.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights and communities rights protection and promotion, democratization and public safety sector development. The Mission supports the justice system in Kosovo and runs programmatic activities aiming to improve its performance in line with human rights and fair trial standards. 

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VIENNA, 20 July 2016 – OSCE media freedom representative Dunja Mijatović today condemned the murder of journalist Pavel Sheremet in Kyiv, Ukraine.

This morning, Sheremet, a journalist with Radio Vesti and the Ukrainskaya Pravda online media outlet, was killed in a car explosion.

“This killing and its circumstances must be swiftly and thoroughly investigated, and the perpetrators brought to justice,” Mijatović said, noting President Petro Poroshenko’s strong condemnation of the act and immediate action to investigate. “We have lost a prominent and dedicated journalist and my sincere condolences go out to Sheremet’s family, friends and colleagues.”

Sheremet, originally of Belarus and recipient of the 2002 OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Prize for Journalism and Democracy (www.osce.org/pa/54293), worked as a journalist in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia during his career.

“This morning’s gruesome incident reminds us all that the safety situation for journalists in Ukraine must be addressed effectively and timely,” Mijatović said.  

The Representative recalled the murder of the prominent Ukrainian journalist Georgyi Gongadze in 2001, the founder of Ukrainskaya Pravda, and reiterated her call on the authorities to fully investigate that crime.                                              

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more atwww.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom. 

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As fall comes to an end, students look forward to the Thanksgiving traditions they engage in each year. As the holiday approaches, students shared sentiments about the traditions they celebrate with family and friends.

The post Students Await Thanksgiving Traditions appeared first on Pepperdine Graphic.

Junior Isabella Reyes is bringing a new club to Pepperdine's campus in support of her father's impact with the Free Wheelchair Mission. The club is expected to launch in the spring semester.

The post New Club Launching this Spring: The Free Wheelchair Mission appeared first on Pepperdine Graphic.

COPENHAGEN, 29 June 2016 – Following the suicide bombings yesterday at Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul, killing at least 36, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ilkka Kanerva (MP, Finland) issued the following statement:

“I condemn in the strongest terms yesterday’s horrific suicide bombings at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul. This sort of indiscriminate violence against innocent civilians is absolutely unacceptable, and my deepest sympathies go out to the victims, their families, and the people and government of Turkey.

“As the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is set to gather in Tbilisi, Georgia, for its 25th Annual Session later this week, I urge all of us to recommit ourselves to building a more stable, secure and peaceful world, and to redouble our efforts to fighting terrorism in all its forms."

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BERLIN / VIENNA, 15 July 2016 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Germany’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier today condemned the deadly terror attack in Nice, France. 

“A day dedicated to joy and the pride of the French Nation ended in tragedy,” said Minister Steinmeier. “Many people were cruelly and senselessly taken from peaceful celebrations to death, many are struggling for their lives.  Our thoughts and our compassion lie with the victims, their families, the French people. We share the grief of France, in these dark hours we stand shoulder to shoulder.”

Ambassador Zannier said: “I am saddened and shocked by the terror attack in Nice. We at the OSCE stand in solidarity with the families of the victims, and with the people of France. OSCE participating States and Partners will not be intimidated by murder and violence. We will work together to tackle this scourge.”

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DUSHANBE, 26 July 2016 – The Parents Against Terrorism training series, organized by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, started yesterday in Kulyab in the country’s Khatlon region with the aim of enhancing the knowledge and understanding of the local population about Violent Extremism and Radicalization that lead to Terrorism (VERLT) in order to build the community’s resilience to this phenomenon.

The trainees came from different layers of society, representing local government bodies, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, as well as the local population. The course was led by local trainers from civil society, the Ministry of Labour, Migration, and Employment, and the Committee on Religious Affairs.

“The government of Tajikistan is seriously concerned about the growing threat of global terrorism and violent extremism,” said Khurshed Kenjaev, a representative of the Security Council under the President, in his opening remarks. “It is taking solid preventative measures to tackle this phenomenon, since it cannot be the sole responsibility of law enforcement agencies to deal with the threat.” 

Ivan Ene, OSCE Field Officer in Kurgan Tyube, said: “Countering violent extremism and radicalization that may lead to terrorism requires a holistic approach. The intervention of law enforcement agencies to dissolute the problem of violent extremism and terrorism is effective to only a certain extent, therefore, if we want to apply more effective measures to fight this phenomenon, we need to engage and use the capacity of local communities and parents.”

The course focuses on the role of mothers as “positive agents of change” within Tajik culture. They are informed about the early signs of violent extremism and radicalization that may lead to terrorism. The training participants were also briefed on the violent extremist groups that are believed to be active in Tajikistan.

In the coming days, similar training sessions will be held in Kurgan-Tyube and Shaartuz. A similar activity was organized across Tajikistan in 2015 and recently held in Sughd region. 

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KYIV, 20 May 2015 – The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) will hold its regular news briefing tomorrow in Kyiv.

Alexander Hug, the SMM’s Deputy Chief Monitor, will talk about the recent Mission’s activities and the general security situation throughout Ukraine.

Journalists are invited to attend the news briefing tomorrow, 21 May, at 13:15 (Kyiv time), at the Ukrainian Crisis Media Centre, at 2 Khreshchatyk street, Ukrainian house.

Live online streaming of the news briefing will be available at http://uacrisis.org/ru/stream/#eng

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KYIV, 18 February 2016 – The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) will hold its regular news briefing tomorrow in Kyiv.

Alexander Hug, the SMM’s Principal Deputy Chief Monitor, will talk about the recent Mission’s activities and the general security situation throughout Ukraine.

Journalists are invited to attend the news briefing tomorrow, 19 February, at 15:30 (Kyiv time), at the Ukrainian Crisis Media Centre, at 2 Khreshchatyk street, Ukrainian house.

Live online streaming of the news briefing will be available at http://uacrisis.org/ru/stream/#eng.

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KYIV, 7 June 2016 – The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) will hold its regular news briefing tomorrow in Kyiv.

Alexander Hug, the SMM’s Principal Deputy Chief Monitor, will talk about the recent activities of the Mission and the general security situation throughout Ukraine.

Journalists are invited to attend the news briefing tomorrow, 8 June, at 10:30 (Kyiv time), at the Ukrainian Crisis Media Centre, at 2 Khreshchatyk street, Ukrainian house.

Live online streaming of the news briefing will be available at http://uacrisis.org/ru/stream/#eng

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An interview with the writer/director of the lovely "Memoir of a Snail".

A review of the new Max show set in the world of Frank Herbert's Dune.

An interview with the star-director on grief and his funny, heartfelt sophomore effort.

It’s mostly empty and forgettable but occasionally entertaining and inspired. If you like this kind of thing, you will like this kind of thing. 

Under President Donald Trump, the trajectory of US-Thai-Asean relations will be defined by three factors -- rising trade imbalances, intensifying US-China rivalry and Asean's long-term aspirations under its Community Vision 2045. Donald Trump's "America First" policies will impose many challenges.

The deaths of Akkhaphol Wannasai, Prayad Pilasram, Thana Tichantuek and Kaweesak Papanang, killed together with their employer on an Israeli farm near the Lebanese border on 31 October, were foretold. These workers, who came to Israel from Isan to provide a better future for their families, were killed by a rocket fired by Hezballah -- an indefensible attack on civilians by the...

More than 800 people have been thrown out of work by the abrupt closure of audio-video equipment manufacturer Funai (Thailand) Co in Nakhon Ratchasima.

US President-elect Donald Trump has named Elon Musk to a role aimed at creating a more efficient government, handing even more influence to the world’s richest man who donated millions of dollars to helping Trump get elected.

Located in the Cotai zone of Macau, Wynn Palace, the younger sister property to Macau's first Las Vegas-style resort Wynn Macau, puts on a really big show from the moment guests arrive to the moment they leave to ensure a truly memorable stay.

Thailand can develop into a major e-sports destination in Southeast Asia thanks to the huge popularity of video games and revenue generated in the market, says Garena Online (Thailand).

France's most famous orangutan delighted zoo visitors with her artistic antics on Thursday (June 13), three days ahead of her 50th birthday. - REUTERS

Property developer Proud Group is interested in entertainment complexes via partnerships with investors who obtain licences and want to include a theme or water park as a feature of their projects.

Commercial property developer UHG continues its acquisition of prime plots of land, leasing a one-rai site on Soi Ekkamai currently occupied by an apartment complex in order to invest 600 million baht in the development of a mid-tier hotel, prompted by enforcement of the land and building tax.

Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain market share globally, with Thailand and Indonesia being key markets within Asean, says a research agency.

"So what? Do we all just punch and shoot?" Lock & load. Marvel has debuted a new almost 4-minute long promo trailer from D23 Brazil for their next big MCU movie Thunderbolts*. This will kick off the summer 2025 movie season opening on May 2nd, 2025 next year. A ragtag group of antiheroes is sent on covert missions for the American government. This still just looks like Marvel's MCU version of The Suicide Squad, bringing together a group of offbeat superheroes / supervillains to join up as the "Thunderbolts" and do the fed's dirty work. The fun ensemble cast includes David Harbour as Red Guardian, Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr / Ghost, Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent, Sebastian Stan as Bucky, Lewis Pullman as Bob aka "Sentry", Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, and Florence Pugh as Black Widow Yelena Belova, plus Geraldine Viswanathan as Mel, and finally Julia Louis-Dreyfus as the handler Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. This is a much better trailer than the first teaser, spending time introducing every single one of these misfits. Bob still looks like the most interesting. And Red Guardian looks like the funniest one. Enjoy. Here's the D23 Brazil promo trailer for Jake Schreier's movie […]

"Watch yourself... You're not Steve Rogers." "You're right – I'm not." Marvel has launched the main official trailer for the next MCU sequel Captain America: Brave New World - landing in theaters February 14th, 2025 early next year. Sooner than you know! From director Julius Onah comes the next Captain America evolution – Anthony Mackie stars as Sam Wilson, who has taken over as the new Cap from Steve Rogers after he retired at the end of the Avengers movies. Brave New World picks up with Harrison Ford as the US president, with the power dynamics in the world changing (a real meta reference). After an attack, Cap is aked to join the military - it's not long before finds himself in the middle of an international incident. The impressive cast includes Giancarlo Esposito, Danny Ramirez as a young Falcon, Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson as The Leader, Shira Haas, Liv Tyler, Xosha Roquemore; plus an appearance by a Red Hulk, who actually shows up properly in this trailer. Is he a big trick? This is actually an exceptionally good trailer playing up the noir conspiracy thriller elements of this next Marvel movie. Worth a closer look. Here's the full […]

"Everything you are, everything you've done... has come to this." Paramount Pictures has unveiled the epic teaser trailer for the grand finale in the M:I series now officially titled Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning. Apparently they've agreed to finally admit that this will be the last Ethan Hunt movie (hence the title), even though there were rumors that Tom Cruise didn't want to say this yet. The 8th entry in the long running Mission Impossible franchise - and the conclusion to Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One from 2023. Plot details are still a secret - it's obvious Hunt needs to stop a dangerous weapon from destroying the world and will go to the submarine to find out more. The massive cast of Final Reckoning: Tom Cruise with Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Mariela Garriga, Henry Czerny, Holt McCallany, Janet McTeer, Nick Offerman, Hannah Waddingham, Angela Bassett, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Charles Parnell, Frederick Schmidt. What an fantastic teaser! I got chills! The biplanes aerial stunt sequence they shot in 2022 is also finally going to be in this. Cannot wait! It's finally ready for a summer 2025 release next […]

"Ready? This is it." "Kaboom!" Time for something a bit different. This is a video game movie but it's not like most other video game movies. Though at first glance it does remind me of that upcoming Minecraft Movie coming in 2025. Masala Games has revealed a fun teaser trailer for Detective Dotson: The Movie, an animated movie that's a companion piece to the game made in Unreal Engine 5. Dotson is an aspiring Bollywood star turned reluctant detective. Dotson and his friends will seek to unravel a plot that threatens the entire nation of India. The game is currently available to play on Steam and it's likely the movie will also be released on Steam as well (or just online via YouTube - stay tuned for final release details). Masala's CEO Shalin Shodhan explains: "The events in the movie happen right before the start of the game. So... kind of the perfect origin story of Dotson." There's only a few glimpses of footage in this and while it is a movie, it still looks like a glorified, extended video game cut scene turned into a "movie" to watch. Have a look below. Here's the first official trailer for Masala […]

"This was a piece of culture, it wasn't just a video game." Prime Video has revealed an official trailer for a documentary series called It's In The Game: Madden NFL, streaming at the end of November this fall. Sports fans shouldn't miss this! It’s one of the biggest video games of all time, a groundbreaking brand that became a worldwide phenomenon, spanning generations—but it almost never happened... This is the true story. This doc series is about the beloved, mega popular Madden NFL football video game series - which originally launched in 1988 with the classic John Madden Football (for MS-DOS & Apple II). Now, 36 years after the first game's original release, EA Sports gives viewers unprecedented access to the makers of game that changed the game, and our culture too. Presented by Prime Video and A+E Factual Studios group. "You can learn everything from playing a video game." So much footage in here. This looks like it will cover not only the cultural impact and extraordinary legacy the game has, but also the origins and how hard it was to create the first few versions of Madden games many years ago. It's a 4-part doc series event to […]

"If I were free, I'd fight for what was mine. I'd fight for my people." Bleecker Street FIlms has revealed an official trailer for The Return, a brand new take on the The Odyssey story from Italian filmmaker Uberto Pasolini. This film skipped Venice and ended up premiering at the Toronto & Chicago Film Festivals this fall, with a US release now set for December in theaters. Based on the classic story written by Homer. After 20 years Odysseus finally returns to Ithaca, where he finds his wife held prisoner by suitors vying to be king and his son facing death at their hands. To win back his family and all he has lost, Odysseus must rediscover his strength and fight back. The film reunites actors Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche 30 years after their Academy Award winning triumph in The English Patient. The cast also includes Charlie Plummer, Marwan Kenzari, Claudio Santamaria, and Angela Molina. This looks damn good! Playing the story of Odysseus more as a tale of revenge, once he returns home and has to reclaim his own home against those who tried to take it from him. I stand with Odysseus! Go kick some ass Ralph […]

"We are worth more when we are addicted, polarized, and misinformed... than we are if we are living, breathing, free citizens." Neon revealed a second trailer for 2073, a frightening doc about climate change and the destructive future we're headed towards. Now set for a release in December in the US. It's the latest documentary film from Oscar-winning filmmaker Asif Kapadia, known for Senna, Amy, Diego Maradona, and others. 2073 is a hybrid doc - featuring a live-action sci-fi segment starring Samantha Morton living in a dystopian future ruined by climate change & authoritarianism (the year 2073); along with doc segments showing how we could get there, giving clear-eyed facts about the rise of right-wing authoritarianism and libertarianism worldwide – which won't stop climate change. "Through a genre-busting mix of archive and drama Ghost witnesses the terrifying threats facing us: a Democratic recession, the rise of neo-fascism, the Climate Disaster and the intrusion of surveillance technology. This is not science fiction. This is happening now." This premiered at the 2024 Venice Film Festival - where I saw it. Alas despite being a good idea, the film is rather boring and won't have much of an impact. Sadly. Though we do […]

"This is the shot we have. We may not get another one... Let's finish it." Ready? Marvel has dropped the new official trailer for the latest season of What If...?, their fun anthology series taking crazy all-out "what if" imaginative looks at different characters and ideas in the MCU. This might be the final season because Marvel's own intro from YouTube states: "Witness the season that ends it all." The Watcher even comes out and says this, too. The first season launched in 2021 to mixed reviews, and this second season debuted in late 2023 one year ago. The opening once again is: Welcome back to the multiverse. So much to see in these 8 episodes! The voice cast set for Season 3 includes Jeffrey Wright as The Watcher, once again, along with Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Laurence Fishburne as Goliath, Oscar Isaac as Moon Knight, Simu Liu as Xu Shang-Chi, Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Cap, Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop, Hayley Atwell as Captain Carter. Plus a few other surprises, of course. Looks like it has a rad Gundam style Avengers segment. Up for an adventure? […]

"You don’t change the world by following the rules. Max has revealed an official trailer for a documentary series titled Call Me Ted, tell the story of "the man who changed media forever." Yep it's a doc about Ted Turner, the original founder of CNN back in 1980. Turner is actually still alive - he's currently 85 years old. The series spans most of his life and career. In one episode covering the 1980s: Ted’s focus on launching CNN prompts him to sell the last of his billboard business and to end his sailing career. His interest in protecting the environment and promoting world peace leads to yet another ambitious — and expensive — concept known as the Goodwill Games. And so much more in his life - so many TV networks and ambitious ideas and even baseball. Featuring interviews including Jane Fonda, John Malone, Christiane Amanpour, Alan Horn, his children, and others. This 6-part doc series will already be out this week on Max if anyone wants to dive in. Looks interesting, plenty to learn from Ted about the media saturated world we're now in. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Keith R. Clarke 's film Call Me […]

"You're going nowhere... I'm telling you how this goes." Netflix has unveiled the full official trailer for an X-mas thriller called Carry-On, landing to watch in December on Netflix soon. It's a new action thriller from Jaume Collet-Serra (of Orphan, Unknown, Non-Stop, The Commuter, Jungle Cruise, Black Adam), who is giving us a present of a cat and mouse thriller with some cheesy direct-to-video vibes. The setup: A young TSA agent fights to outsmart a mysterious traveler who blackmails him into letting a dangerous package slip onto a Christmas Eve flight. Who is he and can he actually stop him? The impressive ensemble cast features Taron Egerton as the main TSA agent, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Logan Marshall-Green, Dean Norris, Sinqua Walls, and Jason Bateman. This is finally looking like a legit thriller - reminding me of Die Hard with a Vengeance with as many twists & turns in it. Have a look below. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Jaume Collet-Serra's Carry-On, direct from Netflix's YouTube: You can rewatch the teaser trailer for Jaume Collet-Serra's Carry-On right here, for the first look again. "Every holiday season, millions travel safely by air. This Christmas will be different." […]

"The Smile of Speed." Janus Films has unveiled the official US trailer for It's Not Me, the autobiographic self-portrait short documentary film made by Leos Carax. The mastermind French filmmaker premiered this at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, and it has played at tons of other fests including NYFF, London, Karlovy Vary. The 41-minute biopic film is a "self-portrait of the director and his oeuvre, revisiting in free-form more than 40 years of the author's filmography." This autobiography takes a look back at all of his films and his work, and examines politics over time and the art-form of cinema. The intro: "For an exhibition, that in the end never took place, the Pompidou Museum asked the filmmaker to reply, in pictures, to the question: Where are you at, Leos Carax? He attempts an answer – full of questions. About himself and 'his' world: I don't know, but if I did, I'd reply that..." C'est pas moi or It's Not Me. With Denis Lavant, Kateryna Yuspina, Loreta Juodkaite, Anna-Isabel Siefken, Nastya Golubeva Carax, & Petr Anevskii, plus Bianca Maddaluno. This will be streaming on Criterion Channel in December if anyone wants to watch. Here's the official US […]

"If you don't shag him, I will." Universal Pictures and Peacock have revealed the official trailer for Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, the next romcom sequel from this long-running franchise starring Renée Zellweger. Bridget Jones first blasted onto bookshelves in Helen Fielding's literary phenomenon Bridget Jones's Diary, which became a global bestseller & blockbuster film in 2001. As a single career woman living in London, Bridget Jones not only introduced the world to her romantic adventures, but added "Singletons," "Smug-Marrieds" and "f---wittage" into the global lexicon. Then came the sequel Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004) followed by Bridget Jones's Baby (2016). In this next one, Mad About the Boy, Jones gets on Tinder and meets a dashing young man who woos her. The full ensemble cast has plenty of old & new faces: Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Isla Fisher, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, James Callis, Shirley Henderson, Sally Phillips, along with Leo Woodall as the new boy. Looks as charming & funny & cheesy as the last two sequels. Will it be any better? Official trailer (+ poster) for Michael Morris' sequel Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, via YouTube: Bridget […]

"What happened to you?" "I met a penguin." Lionsgate has revealed the official trailer for The Penguin Lessons, a cute dramedy about rescuing a penguin in Argentina. A similar story to My Penguin Friend with Jean Reno that also opened in theaters this year, but also not the exact same story. Starring Oscar nominee Steve Coogan, this poignant dramedy from director Peter Cattaneo follows an Englishman's personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin during a cataclysmic period in Argentine history. He finds the small penguin covered with oil and cleans him up, making a new friend in the process. The main ensemble cast in here includes Björn Gustafsson, David Herrero, Jonathan Pryce, Vivian El Jaber, Aimar Miranda, Micaela Breque, Tomas Pozzi, and Ramiro Blas. It was shot in Spain though it takes place in Argentina. After premiering at TIFF, the movie will open in the UK next April - still waiting for a US date. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Peter Cattaneo's The Penguin Lessons, direct from YouTube: From Penguin Random House's bestselling book of the same name by Tom Michell, The Penguin Lessons is the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work […]

"All things are possible..." Netflix has revealed an official trailer for a movie called Mary, yet another new take on the birth of Jesus story. This is ready for streaming in December already. Directed by DJ Caruso (Disturbia, Eagle Eye, I Am Number Four, Redeeming Love), Mary reveals a side of the icon we’ve never seen or even imagined before. Noa Cohen (from the series "Infinity", "8200") stars as Mary in this coming-of-age biblical epic tale in which Mary is shunned following a miraculous conception and forced into hiding. When King Herod ignites a murderous pursuit for her newborn baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph go on the run – bound by faith and driven by courage – to save his life at all costs. The ensemble cast includes Ido Tako, Stephanie Nur, Susan Brown, Ori Pfeffer, Eamon Farren, Hilla Vidor, Mili Avital, Gudmundur Thorvaldsson, Dudley O'Shaughnessy, and Keren Tzur, with Anthony Hopkins. So they made an action thriller about Mary? They must be really hoping to get more religious viewers tuning in. Look good? Here's the official trailer (+ two posters) for DJ Caruso's film Mary, direct from Netflix's YouTube: Through Mary's eyes, this coming-of-age biblical epic is the story […]

"Nobody is above the law." Except pretty much every politician and billionaire. Jolt has revealed an official trailer for a new documentary film called The Bibi Files, which first premiered at the 2024 Toronto Film Festival this fall. It's described as "the documentary Benjamin Netanyahu tried to ban" by court order but it fell through. It might also be called a controversial doc, but it's only really "controversial" because it dares to tell the truth and show that Netanyahu is a corrupt, power-hungry, war criminal. Using never-seen-before interrogation footage, this investigation of Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his inner circle provides an unflinching gaze into the private world behind the headlines and the TV reports. Petty vanity and a sense of entitlement leads to corruption, and the unwillingness of the Netanyahus to give up power. The extreme right senses opportunity in Bibi’s weakness, and the dominos fall. Another powerful doc about the truth, but I still doubt it will change anything or have enough of an impact to really save more lives. We can only hope. Here's the main official trailer for Alexis Bloom's doc The Bibi Files, direct from Jolt's YouTube: Using never-seen-before interrogation footage, this investigation of Benjamin […]

"Those delinquents hot-wired a carnival ride the other night." Hulu has revealed an fun trailer for a holiday comedy called Nutcrackers, the newest comedy directed by David Gordon Green. He spent a long time making his Halloween trilogy, but it's good to see him back directing more lively & funny films like he used to (Pineapple Express, Your Highness, Prince Avalanche, Manglehorn). Nutcrackers premiered at TIFF a few months ago and is opening direct-to-streaming on Hulu at the end of November in time for the holiday season. DGG's Nutcrackers follows strait-laced and work obsessed Mike as he is suddenly thrust into being a caregiver for his rambunctious, orphaned nephews. In the most unlikely of places, 4 siblings find a loving shelter in an unexpected turn of circumstances. This endearing dramedy draws inspiration from actual events and deftly crafts a gripping story that unites everyone. Starring Ben Stiller, Linda Cardellini, Edi Patterson, Tim Heidecker, Toby Huss, Homer Janson, Ulysses Janson, Arlo Janson, and Atlas Janson. This looks kooky and funny, with a few amusing laughs, but it's a story we've seen so many times. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for David Gordon Green's film Nutcrackers, direct from YouTube: Hotshot Chicago […]