Shoojit Sircar Advocates for Jury Respect Amid National Film Awards Controversy

MELBOURNE, Australia — Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar has called for respect towards the decisions made by the jury of the National Film Awards, emphasizing the inherent subjectivity of art. Sircar’s comments come on the heels of recent criticisms related to the prestigious awards, notably surrounding the recognitions for actor Shah Rukh Khan and the film “The Kerala Story.” In an interview with local media ahead of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025, Sircar remarked that questioning the jury’s decisions post-announcement is unproductive. He defended the credibility of the award process, asserting, “You leave it … Read more

Shoojit Sircar Reflects on the Art of Judging Cinema as He Prepares for IFFM 2025 Amid National Award Controversies

Melbourne, Australia — Celebrated filmmaker Shoojit Sircar is embracing a new role as a judge for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). This year marks his second consecutive time serving on the jury, where he will help select the Best Short Films. Ahead of the festival’s 2025 edition, Sircar shared insights about the challenges of evaluating cinematic art. Although Sircar typically refrains from serving on juries, he expressed a personal connection to the IFFM, describing it as almost a family affair. "This festival is very dear to me, and the organizers are close friends," … Read more

Hawaii Judge Restores Ocean Protections, Halting Commercial Fishing in Pacific National Monument After Environmentalists’ Challenge

HONOLULU — A federal judge in Hawaii has supported environmental advocates by ordering a halt to commercial fishing in a vast area of the Pacific Ocean, a move that challenges an earlier decision made under the Trump administration to roll back ocean protections. The ruling affects the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, a designated area that shelters various marine species such as turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. Environmental organizations argue that longline fishing, which uses baited hooks on lines stretching up to 60 miles, poses a significant threat to these vulnerable species. In 2017, … Read more

“Burg Simpson’s National Reach: How Mass Tort Lawyers are Championing Clients Across the Country”

In Denver, Colorado, a prominent law firm is making waves in the realm of mass tort litigation, providing legal representation to clients across the United States. Burg Simpson, known for its commitment to advocating for those wronged by corporations, has garnered a reputation for taking on significant cases resulting from defective products and corporate negligence. Firm officials emphasize their dedication to not only winning cases but also to delivering justice and support for victims. With a team of experienced attorneys, Burg Simpson focuses on complex litigation, often taking on large organizations and holding them accountable … Read more