Spirit

Natesh Hegde’s ‘Vagachipani’ Clinches Special Jury Mention at Spirit of Fire Festival, Celebrates Cross-Cultural Cinematic Success

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Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia — Indian filmmaker Natesh Hegde’s latest Kannada language film, “Vagachipani” (Tiger Pond), has earned the Special Jury Mention Award at the Spirit of Fire Festival. This notable event, directed by esteemed Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica, showcases international cinema in the scenic Russian town of Khanty-Mansiysk. “Vagachipani” debuted globally at the Berlin International Festival earlier in February 2025. The production of the film includes contributions from an impressive international ensemble including renowned Hindi filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, Singapore’s Jeremy Chua, and Ranjan Singh, known for his Cannes-selected project “Kennedy.” The Spirit of Fire Festival’s recognition … Read more

“Dancing Warrior”: Celebrating Lakota Spirit Through Indian Relay at the Austin Film Festival

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Austin, Texas — The documentary “Dancing Warrior,” by filmmakers Rachel McDonald and Peter Goetz, has been shortlisted for the Documentary Short Jury Award at the Austin Film Festival, slated for October 24-31, 2024. The film’s recognition at this event underscores its emerging prominence in the documentary scene, having already clinched the Best Photography prize at the Ona Film Festival, with additional official selections at the Crested Butte Film Festival and Port Townsend Film Festival. “Dancing Warrior” provides a poignant look into the lives of the youth on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where the challenges … Read more

Ibiza’s Eternal Dance: Wayne Anthony Discusses Drugs, Law, and the Unstoppable Party Spirit

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Ibiza, Spain — Wayne Anthony, a pivotal figure in the evolution of Ibiza into a global party hotspot, believes that no legal measures can deter the rampant drug use that pervades the island’s nightlife. Arriving in 1984, Anthony witnessed the transformation of this once tranquil Spanish island into a buzzing hub of hedonism fueled by dance music and illicit substances. Anthony, who once orchestrated some of the most iconic club nights and raves on the island, shared that Ibiza’s initial appeal was its breathtaking landscapes paired with a permissive party environment. “Ibiza was this beautiful, … Read more

China Revises Contentious National Security Law, Dropping ‘Harmful Spirit’ Clause Amid Public Backlash

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In a significant legal revision, China has amended a contentious clause in its draft law, a move seen by observers as an effort to protect individual freedoms and reduce legal ambiguities. Previously, the draft included language that penalized the act of “producing, disseminating, propagating or spreading articles or remarks that are harmful to the spirit or the feelings of the Chinese nation.” This phrase, criticized for its vagueness and subjective interpretation, was removed to prevent potential misuse in law enforcement and infringement on public rights. Shen Chunyao, deputy chairman of the NPC Constitution and Law … Read more