Filmmaker Awarded $4 Million After Being Struck by Sheriff’s Bullet During 2020 Protests

Los Angeles, Calif. — A jury has ordered Los Angeles County to pay nearly $4 million to a filmmaker and his daughter after he was injured during protests in 2020, sparked by the death of George Floyd. The decision highlights ongoing scrutiny of law enforcement tactics employed during the demonstrations. Cellin Gluck, 66, was filming the protests near Beverly Boulevard and Stanley Avenue when he was struck in the face by a rubber bullet fired by a sheriff’s deputy. His attorneys reported that the impact caused significant injuries, including a fractured face and shrapnel lodged … Read more

Vietnamese Filmmaker Vo Dien Gia Huy Shines with Special Jury Award at Prestigious US Film Festival

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM — Vietnamese actor Vo Dien Gia Huy has garnered international recognition after receiving the Special Jury Award at a prominent U.S. film festival. This accolade highlights his outstanding performance and the growing visibility of Vietnamese cinema on the global stage. Gia Huy’s distinguished role was celebrated at the festival held in California, where numerous filmmakers and actors from various genres gathered to showcase their work. His portrayal has not only resonated with audiences but also caught the attention of critics, further enhancing the reputation of Vietnamese talent in the film … Read more

Ukrainian Filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa to Lead Jury at 31st Sarajevo Film Festival, Amidst a Star-Studded Lineup

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina — Ukrainian filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa has been appointed president of the jury for the main competition at the 31st Sarajevo Film Festival, which will run from August 15 to 22. This prestigious role was announced on Friday, highlighting Loznitsa’s significant contribution to cinema. Joining Loznitsa on the jury are Serbian actor Dragan Mićanović, Romanian director and actor Emanuel Pârvu, Bosnian-Dutch filmmaker Ena Sendijarević, and Berlin International Film Festival director Tricia Tuttle. This diverse panel will be responsible for selecting the recipients of the Heart of Sarajevo awards, which honor outstanding achievements … Read more

Iranian Filmmaker Soheil Beiraghi’s ‘Bidad’ Triumphs at Karlovy Vary Festival Amidst Government Backlash

Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic — Iranian filmmaker Soheil Beiraghi faced significant legal challenges for his latest film, Bidad, also known as Outcry, which recently earned the Special Jury Award at the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, celebrated as one of Central Europe’s major cinematic events. The film tells the story of a young girl who defies Iran’s strict laws by singing in public, activities that have been banned since the 1979 revolution. It further challenges societal norms, particularly through its portrayal of women who do not wear the mandated hijab, making a bold statement … Read more