North Dakota’s Century-Old Sunday Activity Laws Revolutionized: From Silent Films to Shopping Sprees

Fargo, N.D. — A century-old slice of North Dakota’s legislative history reveals the intriguing evolution of the state’s blue laws, regulations that once restricted commercial activities on Sundays. Originally introduced as SB 294, the bill — designed to ease these restrictions — faced initial resistance before becoming law under Governor Lynn Frazier in 1917. Initially, SB 294 proposed to allow various leisure activities on Sundays, such as visiting bathing beaches, enjoying Chautauqua assemblies, and engaging in boating and swimming. While the Senate approved, the House of Representatives narrowly rejected the bill, sending it back for … Read more

Nepali Star Asha Magrati to Judge International Feature Films at the 39th Fribourg Film Festival

Fribourg, Switzerland – In a significant recognition of her contributions to the Nepali film industry, Asha Magrati, a celebrated Nepali actress and producer, has been appointed as a jury member for the International Feature Film Competition at the 39th Fribourg International Film Festival (FIFF). The announcement, made on International Women’s Day, underscores Magrati’s impact on cinema in Nepal. Magrati, whose performances in acclaimed films such as ‘White Sun’ and ‘Pooja, Sir’ have garnered widespread praise, will serve on the festival’s jury alongside British cinematographer Derek Hudson and Swiss actress-pianist Anna Pieri Zurcher. Their collective expertise … Read more

Eco-Inspirational Films Triumph: ‘Radical Thread’ and ‘Mollie’s Pack’ Lead Winners at Prestigious Environmental Film Awards

In a celebration of cinematic achievements focusing on environmental and social activism, numerous films have earned top honors at a prominent film festival. Among the awarded, “A Radical Thread” clinched the People’s Choice Award, underscoring its impact and popularity among viewers. “The Memory of Darkness, Light, and Ice” was distinguished with the John de Graaf Environmental Filmmaking Award, highlighting its evocative storytelling and profound engagement with environmental issues. Meanwhile, the Student Filmmaker Award was presented to “Tule,” which captured the jury’s attention with its insightful narrative and innovative approach to filmmaking. “Mollie’s Pack” took home … Read more

Innovative Films Shine at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival: ‘Atropia’ and ‘Seeds’ Lead Top Honors

Park City, Utah – The Sundance Film Festival, a pinnacle event in the independent film scene, announced its 2025 award winners in a grand ceremony held in this picturesque ski town. The event, known for spotlighting emerging talents and innovative storytelling, celebrated both U.S. and international films across numerous categories. “Atropia” clinched the Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, with “Seeds” taking home the top honor in the U.S. Documentary Competition. On the international front, “Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears)” and “Cutting Through Rocks” were accorded the highest awards in the World Cinema Dramatic … Read more