Honoring

BBC’s ‘Hell Jumper’ Triumphs at Banff Rockie Awards, Honoring Fallen Aid Worker Chris Parry and Ukrainian Resilience

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Banff, Canada — The documentary Hell Jumper, which chronicles the life and death of British aid worker Chris Parry amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, captured the Grand Jury Prize at the Rockie Awards during the Banff World Media Festival on Monday night. The film, directed by Paddy Wivell, also secured the award for best social issues and current affairs program. In his acceptance speech, Wivell emphasized the profound impact of Parry’s life and dedicated the honors to him and his family. He also extended his tribute to displaced Ukrainians affected by the war, noting … Read more

Telangana Unveils Gaddar Awards to Celebrate Telugu Cinema, Honoring Legendary Cultural Icon with New Honorees on June 14

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Hyderabad, India — The Telangana government has unveiled the first-ever Gaddar Awards, which will honor outstanding contributions to Telugu cinema. The awards ceremony is scheduled for June 14, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Gaddar, the revered revolutionary balladeer and a prominent cultural figure in Telangana. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced the Gaddar Awards, designed to replace the long-standing Nandi Awards. These accolades honor not just filmmakers, but also poets and artists, reflecting the diverse artistic community within the region. Named after Gaddar, the awards aim to promote excellence and innovation in the Telugu film … Read more

Armenian-American Lawyer Embraces Turkish Citizenship, Honoring Ottoman Ancestral Ties

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Gaziantep, Turkey – Glen Frederic Matheson, an Armenian-American attorney with historical family ties to the Ottoman Empire, has recently acquired Turkish citizenship and adopted the name “Murat.” During a significant period in Ottoman history, Matheson’s great-grandfather, Mihran Mesropyan, distinguished himself as an officer and chief palace architect, leaving a legacy that has profoundly impacted his descendant’s sense of identity. Ali Sahin, a member of the Justice and Development Party from Gaziantep, facilitated Matheson’s transition to Turkish citizenship. Sahin shared details of Matheson’s deep-rooted connection with Turkey, stemming from his great-grandfather’s prominent roles in the Ottoman … Read more

Music and Unity Shine at the 2025 SCL Awards, Honoring Top Composers and Lyricists Amidst Community Healing

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Los Angeles, CA — The sixth annual Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL) Awards recently unfolded at the Skirball Cultural Center, bringing together a vibrant community of music creators for a night of celebration and recognition. Hosted by Colin Hays, the evening was marked by a poignant opening performance of “Lean on Me,” echoing a sense of solidarity amidst the backdrop of the recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The event did not just spotlight achievements but also acknowledged the hardships faced by its members, including composer Starr Parodi, who was presented with a replacement … Read more