Connecticut Business Owner Indicted for Million-Dollar Fraud Scheme Involving Prize Insurance Business

NORWALK, Connecticut – A business owner from Norwalk, Connecticut has been indicted on six counts of fraud related to his prize insurance business. Kevin Kolenda, the owner of Hole-In-Won LLC, allegedly defrauded dozens of organizations and individuals out of nearly $1 million. Hole-In-Won provided prize insurance for events such as golf tournaments and fishing contests through its website, claiming to be the most successful prize insurance company in the world. The indictment accuses Kolenda of collecting approximately $850,000 in insurance premiums under false pretenses and failing to pay more than $100,000 in prize costs. The … Read more

“Snow in Midsummer” Takes Top Prize at Hong Kong International Film Festival, Highlighting Tragic Historical Massacre

HONG KONG – “Snow in Midsummer” emerged as the winner of the best film for young cinema competition (Chinese-language) at the Hong Kong International Film Festival. The film, which examines the 1969 massacre of Malaysian Chinese during post-election unrest, offers a somber exploration of the historical event. Liang Ming took home the best director award for “Carefree Days,” while Lyu Xingchen won the best actress award for her performance in the same film. Jason King was recognized as the best actor for his role in “A Journey in Spring.” In the competition for non-Chinese films, … Read more

Exile and Hope: Palestinian Director’s ‘Life is Beautiful’ Wins Top Prize at International Human Rights Film Festival

BRNO, Czech Republic – Palestinian director Mohamed Jabaly’s film ‘Life is Beautiful’ has been crowned the winner of this year’s One World International Human Rights Film Festival. The festival took place in Prague and attracted over 21,000 spectators. Jabaly’s documentary follows the journey of a young Palestinian filmmaker as he navigates exile in Norway. In a unique twist, his month-long stay turns into a forced period of exile due to the political situation in his homeland. The festival also awarded director Kumjana Novakova with the jury prize for directing for her film ‘Silence of Reason’. … Read more

Groundbreaking Sudanese Drama ‘Goodbye Julia’ Takes Top Prize at Sonoma International Film Festival

Sonoma, California – “Goodbye Julia,” a Sudanese drama by director Mohamed Kordofani, emerged as the winner of the grand jury award for best narrative feature at the 27th Sonoma International Film Festival. The film tells the story of two women who form an unlikely bond, capturing the attention of the festival’s jurors. Meanwhile, Vanessa Hope’s documentary “Invisible Nation,” which explores the challenges faced by Taiwan’s first female president, Tsai Ing-wen, claimed the top jury award in the documentary category. These films stood out among 107 films from over 25 countries that were showcased at the … Read more