Chair

Rachel Griffiths to Chair Jury at CinefestOZ, Offering $100K Film Prize Amid Stellar Lineup and Intimate Filmmaker Events

by

Busselton, Australia — The CinefestOZ Film Festival, celebrated for its premiere of Australian cinematic works, has announced Rachel Griffiths, a distinguished actress and filmmaker, as the Jury Chair of its prestigious film prize. Scheduled from August 31 to September 8 in the scenic South West region of Western Australia, the festival boasts the country’s most lucrative film award, offering $100,000 to an outstanding Australian production. Griffiths expressed her excitement about the role, emphasizing the festival’s cultural significance post-pandemic. “After the challenges brought by Covid, events such as CinefestOZ play a crucial role in reviving our … Read more

Former Democratic Party Chair Cleared as Rape Lawsuit Withdrawn

by

San Jose, Calif. — In a sudden turn of events, the lawsuit alleging rape against a former Democratic Party chair has been officially withdrawn. The case initially drew widespread attention due to the high-profile status of the accused and sparked significant discussions regarding leadership accountability and victim advocacy within political circles. The plaintiff, whose identity remains protected under legal anonymity provisions, had accused the former party chair of sexual assault during an event several years ago. Details of the allegations surfaced publicly last year, causing both local and national uproar and leading to calls for … Read more

Global Cinema Leaders Assemble: Debra Granik to Chair Diverse Jury for Prestigious Orizzonti Awards at Venice Film Festival

by

Venice, Italy — The renowned Venice Film Festival has once again brought together an eclectic mix of cinema’s most innovative minds to form the international jury for its prestigious Orizzonti section. This year, the jury is chaired by the acclaimed American director and screenwriter, Debra Granik, known for her powerful narratives and compelling character studies in films like “Winter’s Bone” and “Leave No Trace.” The jury, which includes directors, actors, and screenwriters from across the globe, underscores the section’s commitment to diversity and innovation in filmmaking. Among them is Ali Asgari, an Iranian filmmaker celebrated … Read more

Illinois GOP Chair Criticizes State’s Voting Laws on Final Day, Pushes for Stricter Regulations

by

MILWAUKEE — In a notable address on his final day as chair, Don Tracy criticized Illinois’ voting regulations, labeling them as lax and forecasting a continued push for stricter measures under his successor, Kathy Salvi. Tracy, a lawyer from Springfield, is departing after more than three years at the helm of the Illinois Republican Party, amid a period marked by significant electoral setbacks for the GOP. During his tenure, Tracy instituted the role of a full-time election integrity director, striving to compensate for the dwindling influence of local GOP organizations at the county and township … Read more