Cultural

Noor Islamic Cultural Center Sues City of Hilliard Citing Discrimination Over Rejected Zoning Plans for Multi-Use Facility

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HILLIARD, Ohio — The Noor Islamic Cultural Center has initiated a federal lawsuit against Hilliard, claiming discrimination led to the denial of their plan to repurpose a vacant office building into a mixed-use facility. The center had purchased the former BMW building on Britton Parkway early in the previous year, with visions of converting it into a space that would house offices, a restaurant, and a community center to serve the local mosque and its affiliates. This legal challenge comes after the Hilliard Planning Commission, in November, turned down the zoning changes requested by the … Read more

Clarisa Navas’ ‘The Prince of Nanawa’ Wins Grand Prix at Visions du Réel, Showcasing a Decade of Dedication and Cultural Celebration

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Nyon, Switzerland – The celebrated Swiss documentary festival, Visions du Réel, concluded its latest iteration by awarding its top prize to “The Prince of Nanawa” by Argentine filmmaker Clarisa Navas. The documentary triumphed in the International Feature Film Competition, receiving the Grand Prix and a cash prize of 20,000 CHF ($24,000). Meanwhile, Iranian filmmaker Bani Koshnoudi’s “The Vanishing Point” clinched the top Burning Lights Competition honor, rewarded with 10,000 CHF ($12,000). “The Prince of Nanawa” captures the story of Ángel, a dynamic young boy with a profound connection to his Guarani heritage in Paraguay. Navas, … Read more

Renowned Attorney and Cultural Advocate Larry P. Scriggins Passes Away at 68

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Morgantown, WV — Larry P. Scriggins, a prominent attorney and partner at the law firm formerly known as Piper & Marbury, passed away due to an aneurysm on March 31 at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital. His career and dedication to various cultural boards marked him as a significant figure in both the legal and cultural landscapes. Scriggins, whose legal acumen and commitment to the arts were well recognized, played a pivotal role in the transformation and growth of Piper & Marbury into what is now known as Piper & Rudnick. His contributions extended beyond the … Read more

Oscar Hopefuls Shine at the 34th Aspen Shortsfest with Cultural Diversity and Animated Elegance

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ASPEN, Colo. — This past Saturday marked a significant milestone for Aspen Film as they announced the winners of the 34th annual Aspen Shortsfest, an event recognized as one of only five Oscar-qualifying festivals in the United States that exclusively honors short films. The festival showcased a diverse array of 68 short films from over 29 countries, including 11 world premieres, spanning 10 thematically varied programs. The Shortsfest Competition Jury, tasked with evaluating entries across six categories—Animation, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Short Short (films of 10 minutes or under), and Student Short—bestowed awards with most categories … Read more