Mansfield set for action with film screenings that pack a punch

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowMansfield Town Film Festival is proud to announce an exciting collaboration with the British Film Institute (BFI) to screenings of classic action films to the Mansfield Palace Theatre this October.This initiative will showcase some of the most celebrated action films ever made, giving audiences in Mansfield a unique opportunity to experience these cinematic masterpieces on the big screen.The Art of Action Season is designed to celebrate the artistry and skill behind action filmmaking, focusing on the genre’s ability to deliver both entertainment and visual storytelling at its finest.The programme will kick off on October 4th with the screening of The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), a swashbuckling classic known for its thrilling action sequences and iconic performances.The Train (1964)This will be followed by The Train (1964) on October 18th, a tense World War II thriller featuring a compelling storyline about the French Resistance’s efforts to stop a Nazi train.The season will conclude on October 25th with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), a visually stunning martial arts epic that captivated audiences worldwide with its breathtaking choreography and profound narrative.Jay Martin, Festival Director of Mansfield Town Film Festival, expressed his excitement about the partnership and the upcoming season: “We are thrilled to partner with the BFI to present the Art of Action Season.“This selection of films not only celebrates the dynamic nature of action cinema but also highlights the incredible artistry involved in creating these adrenaline-pumping sequences.“Our goal is to provide the local community with access to world-class films and foster a deeper appreciation for the craft of filmmaking.”The decision to bring the Art of Action Season to Mansfield is a testament to the town’s growing reputation as a cultural hub. Mansfield Town Film Festival, now a key event in the local cultural calendar, has been instrumental in reviving the town’s cultural scene.Since its inception, the festival has been committed to promoting diversity and elevating underrepresented voices in the film industry, with a particular focus on working-class talent and local stories.The festival’s success is reflected in its ability to attract renowned filmmakers and a diverse range of films from across the globe, as well as its engagement with the local community through workshops, discussions, and special events.Sian Booth, Mansfield District Council’s Cultural Services Manager, highlighted the significance of bringing such a prestigious programme to Mansfield: “Hosting the BFI’s Art of Action Season is a fantastic opportunity for Mansfield.“It allows us to showcase our vibrant cultural offerings and demonstrates our commitment to making high-quality, diverse cultural experiences accessible to all.“The films selected for this season are not only entertaining but also offer a fascinating insight into the evolution of action cinema.We’re proud to support events like this that bring people together and celebrate the arts in all their forms.”The BFI’s Art of Action Season was curated to celebrate the evolution and artistry of action cinema, a genre often celebrated for its thrills but also deserving of recognition for its craft.The films in this season were selected to showcase the genre’s diversity, from the daring stunts and romantic adventure of The Adventures of Robin Hood, to the tense, plot-driven suspense of The Train, and the poetic, choreographed martial arts of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.Each film represents a different era and style of action filmmaking, offering audiences a chance to explore the genre’s development over the decades.The Art of Action Season aims to achieve several key goals: to highlight the skill and creativity involved in making action films, to promote a deeper understanding of the genre among audiences, and to celebrate films that have pushed the boundaries of action cinema.By partnering with local festivals like Mansfield Town Film Festival, the BFI hopes to bring these films to new audiences and encourage a broader appreciation for film history and craft.Jay Martin added, “Our collaboration with the BFI aligns perfectly with our festival’s mission to bring diverse and thought-provoking films to Mansfield.“We’re excited to offer our community a chance to experience these legendary films as they were meant to be seen—on the big screen, surrounded by fellow film enthusiasts.”Mansfield Town Film Festival has built a strong reputation for innovation and community engagement, attracting attention not only from local audiences but also from film professionals and critics. The festival’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, as well as its efforts to provide platforms for underrepresented voices, have made it a standout event in the UK’s cultural landscape.The addition of the Art of Action Season to this year’s offerings is another step forward in the festival’s ongoing mission to elevate the cultural life of Mansfield.This event also marks an important moment for Mansfield Palace Theatre, which continues to be a vital cultural venue for the town. Hosting the Art of Action Season enhances the theatre’s role as a hub for cinematic and cultural experiences in the region.The theatre has a long history of bringing quality performances and films to the community, and this collaboration with Mansfield Town Film Festival and the BFI further cements its position as a key player in the cultural development of the area.Tickets for the Art of Action Season are now available on the Mansfield Palace Theatre website. We encourage everyone to book early to avoid disappointment, as these screenings are expected to attract a wide audience of film lovers and action aficionados alike.Join us this October for an unforgettable cinematic journey through the art of action films and experience the magic of these legendary movies on the big screen!Continue Reading

How To Choose A Money-Making Business Idea

Business News

Starting a business is exciting, but the journey to profitability starts with choosing the right niche. Many entrepreneurs dive into business ideas they’re passionate about, only to realize later that passion alone isn’t enough to sustain a successful business.

While doing what you love is important, if there’s no demand or willingness to pay for your product or service, your business will struggle to thrive. That’s why identifying a profitable niche is one of the most crucial steps when starting a business strategically.

You want to build a business that not only aligns with your passions but also brings in sustainable income. A strategic approach, combined with understanding your market, ensures that your business not only fulfills you personally but also generates steady, reliable income.

Let’s explore the key steps to identifying a profitable niche:
1. Solve a Specific Problem
One of the best ways to identify a profitable niche is to focus on solving a specific problem for a particular group of people. Ask yourself what problem you solve better than anyone else. Businesses thrive when they provide solutions that people are actively seeking. The more targeted your solution, the more likely people will pay for it.

2. Validate the Market Demand
After identifying the problem you want to solve, it’s time to validate the demand. Many entrepreneurs skip this step, assuming that just because they are passionate about an idea, others will be too. Research is key.

Start by looking for evidence that people are actively searching for solutions related to your niche. Use tools like Google Trends or keyword research tools to understand what people are searching for in your area of interest.

If you find that there’s little conversation or interest around the topic, it might be a sign that there isn’t enough demand. In that case, it’s time to pivot your idea or explore other, related problems that people need solving.
3. Evaluate Competition (and Learn From It)
Competition isn’t a bad thing. In fact, competition is often a sign that there’s demand in the market. However, to carve out your profitable niche, you need to evaluate your competition and look for gaps or areas where you can differentiate yourself.
Here are a few questions to consider:

What are your competitors doing well?
Where are they falling short?
Is there an underserved market segment that you can focus on?
How can you position your offering differently?

Finding a gap in the market or offering a unique perspective will help you stand out and attract your ideal customers, even in a competitive space.
4. Identify Your Ideal Client
Knowing who you’re serving is just as important as what you’re offering. The more specific you are about your target market, the easier it is to develop a marketing strategy that resonates with them.
Ask yourself:

Who is my ideal client?
What are their demographics (age, gender, profession, income level)?
What challenges are they facing that my product or service can solve?
Where do they spend time online? What kind of content do they consume?

By defining your ideal client, you can craft tailored marketing messages that speak directly to them, increasing your chances of attracting paying customers.
5. Determine Profitability
Once you’ve identified a potential niche, it’s important to assess whether it can be profitable in the long run. This involves looking at several factors:

Pricing: Can you price your product or service high enough to cover costs and make a profit? Are people in your target market willing to pay for the value you provide?
Market Size: Is the market large enough to sustain your business? While it’s great to have a narrow focus, if your audience is too small, it could limit your revenue potential.
Scalability: Can you scale your business in the future? Look for niches where there’s room for growth or expansion. For instance, if you start by offering 1:1 services, can you eventually turn your expertise into a course or digital product to reach a broader audience?

6. Focus on Your Expertise
Make sure that you chose a niche that aligns with your expertise or skills. People are more likely to trust you if you have experience or knowledge in the area. If you’re venturing into a new field, consider how you can upskill yourself or partner with someone who has the expertise needed to serve the niche effectively.
Remember, people are willing to pay for value, but they need to feel confident that you’re the right person to deliver it.
The bottom line is that choosing a profitable niche is not about chasing trends or following the crowd. It’s about aligning your passion with market demand, solving a specific problem, and understanding your target audience’s needs. By strategically selecting a niche where people are willing to pay for the solution you provide, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.

Elizabeth Olsen’s 10 best movies

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Deputy Movies Editor, Digital Spy  Mireia (she/her) has been working as a movie and TV journalist for over seven years, mostly for the Spanish magazine Fotogramas. Her work has been published in other outlets such as Esquire and Elle in Spain, and WeLoveCinema in the UK. 
She is also a published author, having written the essay Biblioteca Studio Ghibli: Nicky, la aprendiz de bruja about Hayao Miyazaki’s Kiki’s Delivery Service.   During her years as a freelance journalist and film critic, Mireia has covered festivals around the world, and has interviewed high-profile talents such as Kristen Stewart, Ryan Gosling, Jake Gyllenhaal and many more. She’s also taken part in juries such as the FIPRESCI jury at Venice Film Festival and the short film jury at Kingston International Film Festival in London.    Now based in the UK, Mireia joined Digital Spy in June 2023 as Deputy Movies Editor. 
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Why reaction to Lionsgate’s AI film deal reminds me of the Campaign for Real Ale

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

A shiver of unease, combined with a strangely defeated shrug, is how the news that entertainment behemoth Lionsgate has signed a deal with the artificial intelligence firm Runway seems to have been greeted by most.The deal gives Runway access to Lionsgate’s substantial back catalogue to develop a new AI model, with the aim of helping film-makers to “augment their work” through the use of AI.Lionsgate’s output includes franchises such as John Wick, Saw and The Hunger Games. So, what exactly will be the end result of this deal? An infinite number of episodes of John Wickon streaming TV in a kind of uncannier-than-uncanny-valley animated series? Four more feature-length iterations of Knives Out, using flesh-and-blood actors but AI-gen scripts? And an AI-gen musical score? And will this result in the increased prohibition of new writers’ work because it is so outside the algorithmically field-tested content?Well, it’s perhaps naive to get too exercised about intellectual property (IP) and proprietary content. Hollywood has always developed projects based on existing literary works, and produced spin-offs on the back of successful TV shows and films. Shakespeare himself often based his plays on existing stories, and developed Falstaff as a recurring character.But wasn’t the conclusion of the recent writers’ strike supposed to have kept AI in its place? It has been considered as a tool to be used by writers (or creators generally) to facilitate their work, and not something that would supplant them entirely. But maybe that was always a little naive. When the new Alien: Romulus movie used AI to bring a character from the original Alien film back from the dead – after discussions with the late actor’s estate – there was outcry at how crass, exploitative and, above all, smug it was. Clearly, however, everyone involved thought that it was a brilliant idea, and expected all lovers of the original film to show a kind of brand loyalty in praising the decision. Some did. Many didn’t. I felt that it was corporate IP/AI at its creepiest.View image in fullscreenThe movie industry is reaching a crisis point of sustainability and authenticity, comparable to the outrage seen in the early 70s among pub customers at the introduction of homogenous gassy, ghastly Double Diamond-type beer, which resulted in the Campaign for Real Ale. Or perhaps a closer comparison is to this country’s sudden spasm of objection to genetically modified food in the 1990s, which resulted in supermarkets taking it off the shelves. Although GM food is now making a comeback because climate change is making it necessary to cultivate hardier types of crop.Now, we are facing a tsunami of genetically modified Double Diamond content sloshing about on screens big and small. There has to be a consumer-led pushback against artificially cultivated proprietary schlock – and critics have to play their part in noticing it and calling it out. Clearly, AI could be a fascinating new generator of creativity and experimentation, but it could also be the complete opposite of those things. ChatGPT-style film-making has, arguably, always been a feature of Hollywood in spirit, but now the technology has caught up. If we are not vigilant, original film-making will become a marginal, connoisseur activity and artificially replicated content will overrun the cinema chains.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Latino leaders empower business growth

Business News

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – Sep.15 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the Hispanic community’s culture, contributions, and achievements.The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce supports more than five million Hispanic-owned businesses in the U.S. that contribute over 800 billion to the economy every year. Juan Velazquez, AVP Banking Center Manager at First Bank branch in Mt.Jackson, co-founded the Hispanic Advisory Committee under the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce after noticing the lack of resources and support for businesses in the Shenandoah Valley.“[They] don’t see too many examples of leadership roles in the Hispanic community, and I think it is making a difference and impacting other people,” said Velazquez. He said the goal of the committee is to integrate Hispanic organizations into the mainstream activities of the Chamber and educate the community about the presence of Latin-owned businesses in the valley.One such business sits on the edge of downtown Harrisonburg.El Paisano Bakery offers traditional Mexican pastries and treats. Approaching its sixth anniversary, co-owner Berenice Rodriguez said her business is more than just sweets—it is about sharing a piece of her heritage with the community.“I’m glad that we can share some of our culture- some of [the] things that we do in Mexico- [like] our pastries and the acceptance of the people here in Harrisonburg” said Rodriguez, who encourages potential Hispanic and LatinX business owners to embark their on endeavors.The Hispanic Business Council meets on the third Tuesday of each month, 6 pm-7 pm, at the Chamber Office at 103 South Main Street Woodstock, VA 22664. Visit the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page to learn more about events and seminars hosted by the Hispanic Advisory Committee.Copyright 2024 WHSV. All rights reserved.

Family Drama OTT Release Date: Here’s where to watch this Kannada dark-comedy movie online 

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Helmed and written by debutant director Akarsh HP, the Kannada movie is now available for watching on Amazon Prime Video where it landed earlier today on September 20th, 2024. Here’s all you must know about this flicker before adding it to your weekend watchlist.
Family Drama Box Office Performance 
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After generating massive buzz amongst the fans with its intriguing pre-release promotion material, Family Drama graced the big screens in July 2024 and received a decent response from the cinephiles. The movie’s gripping story, combined with the praiseworthy acting of its cast fared well with the fans and helped it develop an overall positive narrative in the market.
However, despite all this, The dark comedy remained unsuccessful in pulling out our large crowds into the theaters and failed to stay afloat on the ticket windows after its first week. Nevertheless, now with Amazon Prime Video streaming the movie online on its platform, we will have to wait and see how it is received by the OTTians in the coming days.
Plot of the Film
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Prasanna’s family, which includes his wife Laxmi, daughter Divya, and his son Abhay is on a constant hustle to make money to make ends meet. While Prasanna, being the primary earning member of the household, contributes the most, his family is completely unaware of his source of income. His wife, Laxmi, on the other hand, is clear about her goals and wants to start a small grocery store in the locality once she has saved enough money to do the same.
Divya, meanwhile, is trying to get a job but her weak English speaking skills always act as a hurdle in her path to glory. Her brother Abhay is a small accountant but also doesn’t refrain from indulging in petty thefts to make some extra bucks here and there. One day, Prasanna dies an untimely death and eventually, the dark truth about his nature of work is dawned upon his family, changing their lives forever.
What Job was Pranna doing? How does his family cope with the loss? And what is their next move? Watch Family Drama to find out the answers.
Cast and Production
In its cast, Family Drama features Mahadev Hadappad, Rekha Kudligi, Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy, and Abhay as the leading stars. Besides them, the comedy entertainer also sees Aashith, Ananya Amar, and Poornachandra Mtsuru essaying other key characters. It is produced by Dabbugudi Murali Krishna under the banner of DMK Entertainments.

New book presents Hindu epic Ramayana as a dialogue between Valmiki and Narad

Arts & Culture, Books

Presenting the Ramayana, one of the two great epics of the Vedic era, as a dialogue between Sages Valmiki and Narada, author Dushyanth Sridhar brings in a unique and innovative take on the Hindu epic.
In ‘Ramayanam: Vol I’, Sridhar delves deep into the heart of the narrative, exploring themes of duty (dharma), love, sacrifice, and the complexities of human emotions. Through the dialogue format, he invites readers to ponder the significance of these themes, prompting a deeper understanding of the text’s relevance in contemporary society. This innovative approach bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern interpretation, allowing readers to engage with the epic in a more relatable manner.
The dialogue format serves not only as a narrative device but also as a means of exploring the philosophical underpinnings of the Ramayana – it makes the text reflective. By channeling the perspectives of both Valmiki and Narada, he creates a dynamic interplay that encourages reflection and dialogue among readers.

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Accompanied by expressive sketches from renowned artist Keshav and rare artefact illustrations by Upasana, this volume not only narrates the story but also transforms it into a visually stunning experience,  inviting readers to appreciate the cultural and artistic heritage tied to the Ramayana.Published by HarperCollins India, ‘Ramayanam: Vol I‘ by Dushyanth Sridhar will be released on Wednesday, 25 September on SoftCover, ThePrint’s online venue to launch non-fiction books.A spiritual leader, dance producer, speaker and an author, Dushyanth Sridhar is a distinguished Vedic scholar and storyteller, celebrated for his ability to convey complex philosophies in an accessible manner.  Sridhar is known for his engaging and profound discourses on Sanatana Dharma.
His storytelling style is marked by a unique blend of depth and relatability, making ancient texts resonate with contemporary readers. Sridhar’s commitment to preserving and sharing these narratives has earned him a loyal following and established him as a prominent voice in modern Indian literature.In ‘Ramayanam: Vol I‘, he breathes life into pivotal moments of the epic, creating a tapestry of emotion and philosophy that resonates deeply with readers. The book invites readers to reflect on their own lives through the lens of the Ramayana, making it not just a retelling but a transformative journey of self-discovery.The release of ‘Ramayanam: Vol I’ has garnered high praise from various scholars and critics. Dr. Vasudha Narayanan commends the book as she writes, “Dushyanth’s amazing abilities to make the most profound philosophies accessible to all and tell stories in an enthralling way are unrivalled.”Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam describes it as a “delectable read” filled with rare insights. Sivasankari highlights the book’s innovative narration, suggesting it could become a classic in its own right. Sudha Ragunathan notes the richness of Sridhar’s experience, calling the book a “collector’s delight.”
Also read: New book explores popularity of Hindutva ideology among Indian diaspora

Three Winners Announced at the United States-Tanzania Tech Challenge

Technology

September 20, 2024 – Three organizations, Jamiii Forums, Smart Foundry Ltd., and The Launchpad Tanzania were today named the winners of the U.S.-Tanzania Tech Challenge, which brought together leading technologists, government officials, civil society, academia, and media professionals to address critical challenges and explore innovative solutions in the realms of civic participation, media literacy, and information integrity.

Through the program, Jamii Forums will receive US$100,000, Smart Foundry will receive US$80,000, and The Launchpad will receive US$70,000.
Guest of Honor Jerry Silaa, Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, provided opening remarks at the event, which was also attended by Michel Toto, UNESCO Head of Office, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Lentz, and Daniel Kimmage, Principal Deputy Coordinator of the Global Engagement Center.
“Partnering like we are today – government officials, private sector entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and consumers – can inspire the next great innovation and collaborative effort to shape our shared future,” said U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania Dr. Michael A. Battle.  “Together we can strengthen the free and open global information infrastructure.”
Launched in June, the U.S.-Tanzania Tech Challenge sought innovative solutions to promote information integrity, fostering greater participation and involvement in civic activities, and strengthen the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and interpret information in the digital age.
More than 100 entries were received and evaluated, and eight finalists were selected. These eight finalists then presented how their technologies can tackle pressing issues in the information space to a panel of judges from the United States and Tanzania on September 18.
On September 19, finalists, participants, business and technology leaders, and government officials gathers to engage in a series of meaningful panel discussions and presentations centered around the themes of the Tech Challenge, as well as discussing the future of technology in Tanzania, the influence of artificial intelligence, and how to monetize and gain access to capital for technology businesses.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Tanzania.