Live-Action ‘Gundam’ Movie Switches Its Director And Ditches Netflix

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

In not altogether surprising news, the live-action Gundam movie is getting a new director and moving away from Netflix.

Previously, Netflix was going to handle the distribution of this live-action movie along with Jordan Vogt Roberts attached to direct.

However, now that Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance has finally been released and hasn’t exactly done all that great, it appears that the prior setup has now been dropped in favor of a new director and with no involvement from Netflix.

As reported by Deadline, the new director will be Jim Mickle, and I think that is an interesting and good choice. Not that Jordan Vogt Roberts was a bad choice, as he clearly cared about Gundam, but he was likely collateral damage with how Requiem for Vengeance landed in terms of its recent viewer count.

Mickle will also produce this new Gundam live-action movie along with his partner Linda Moran, which bodes well as their Sweet Tooth drama has been genuinely and consistently excellent.
Sweet Tooth is also a noteworthy work because it shares some parallels with how it deals with younger protagonists, which is an important and core staple of the Gundam saga.
That aside, it’s worth highlighting that the Deadline piece does get some things wrong about Gundam. The first is that last year Gundam actually generated $1 billion in revenue last year, rather than $600 million, and the second is that this live-action film will be the second for the Gundam franchise.

The first Gundam live-action movie was, in fact, G-Saviour back in 1999, which was to commemorate the then 20th anniversary of the saga. For many fans, G-Saviour tends to be thought of as being a pretty poor instalment in the Gundam franchise, but it has its charms. It also spawned a surprisingly decent PlayStation 2 game for the era.

All that aside, it seems that Sunrise and Legendary Pictures are pivoting away from the Netflix model for this live-action movie and are moving more towards something that may fit Gundam better overall.

It’s still too early to say how this new setup will work out, but for now, I am cautiously optimistic. Not least because this will now dodge the curse of being a Netflix live-action adaptation.
Follow me on X, Facebook and YouTube. I also manage Mecha Damashii and am currently featured in the Giant Robots exhibition currently touring Japan.

Free Movies You Can Stream This November on Freevee, Fawesome, Plex and More

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

If you’re overwhelmed by the endless increases in the cost of your favorite streaming platforms, don’t forget that free TV services like Tubi, Plex, Freevee and Fawesome have new originals and movie classics premiering every month. These services are updated frequently, and this November, there are some great films on all of them, all available for free.On Tubi, you can check out one of their many new original movies, including thrillers like The Stepdaughter 2 (Nov. 8) and Married to a Balla (Nov. 14), plus loads of other acquisitions like The 40-Year-Old Virgin, 13 Going on 30, and The Silence of the Lambs. For kids, Freevee is the place to be, with the arrival of hits like The Lego Movie, Puss in Boots and many more.Over on Fawesome, you can check out Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, along with spooky hits like Zodiac and The Descent. On Plex, modern cult classics like But I’m a Cheerleader, Singles and Jackie Brown arrive this month, too. Here’s a look at some of the best free movies streaming in November.Read more: Best Free TV Streaming Services: Tubi, Pluto TV, Freevee and MoreTubi

Eco-Friendly Adventures: Discover 5 of Egypt’s Sustainable Tourism Destinations

Travel

By: Buthayna El Haggar

As the world increasingly embraces sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation, Egypt deserves to catch attention as a beacon of eco-friendly travel.

The country boasts diverse landscapes, a rich culture, and initiatives focused on environmental conservation. Here, we highlight prominent ecotourism destinations and offer practical tips for responsible tourism.

1. Siwa Oasis

Via Instagram

Nestled in the Western Desert, Siwa Oasis is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant local culture. Home to the indigenous Amazigh community, Siwa has developed eco-lodges that use sustainable materials and promote water conservation practices.

In 2024, initiatives aimed at preserving Siwa’s unique biodiversity are ongoing, with visitors encouraged to engage in community-led tours that highlight traditional agriculture and Siwan hospitality.

Eco-friendly activities include visiting the ancient mud-brick structures and exploring the many natural springs that dot the oasis.

2. Nubian Villages (Aswan)

Via explanders

The Nubian villages, particularly Gharb Suhail near Aswan, offer an intimate look at traditional Nubian culture. Recent initiatives focus on empowering local women through the Nubian Women’s Project, which supports artisans and preserves traditional crafts.

Travelers can contribute to responsible tourism by opting for homestays, engaging in cultural exchanges, and purchasing handicrafts directly from local artisans. This not only provides economic support but also ensures the continuation of Nubian heritage.

3. Wadi El Gemal National Park

Via YouTube

Wadi El Gemal, located along the Southern Red Sea in Marsa Alam, is another highlight for eco-conscious travelers. Home to rich biodiversity and the Ababda and Bishari tribes, the park promotes conservation initiatives aimed at protecting its ecosystems.

Local tribes offer guided tours that educate visitors about traditional conservation practices, such as sustainable fishing and flora preservation. Eco-tourism activities here often include camel treks, wildlife watching, and participation in environmental restoration projects.

4. Fayoum Oasis

Via CNN

Fayoum Oasis, with its picturesque lakes and archaeological sites, is a treasure trove for eco-tourists. The Wadi El Rayan area is particularly significant for its unique waterfalls and wildlife.

Eco-lodges in Fayoum focus on sustainable practices, and travelers are encouraged to engage in activities such as bird watching and kayaking, all while minimizing their environmental impact. New programs aimed at waste management and local biodiversity conservation are gaining traction in 2024.

5. Ras Muhammad National Park

Via national-parks

Located in Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai, Ras Muhammad National Park is a prime destination for marine conservation. With initiatives aimed at protecting coral reefs and promoting sustainable diving practices, visitors can partake in guided eco-diving experiences.

These programs not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute to local conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of protecting marine life.

Tips for Sustainable Tourism

Via TripAdvisor

When visiting these stunning destinations, here are a few tips to ensure your travel is environmentally responsible:

Respect Local Cultures: Engage with local communities respectfully, learn about their customs, and participate in cultural exchanges.

Opt for Eco-Lodges: Choose accommodations that prioritize sustainable practices and support local economies.

Reduce Waste: Carry reusable items such as water bottles and shopping bags to minimize plastic waste.

Support Local Artisans: Purchase handmade crafts directly from artisans to promote fair trade and preserve local heritage.

Participate in Conservation Efforts: Join local initiatives, such as beach clean-ups or wildlife conservation projects, to give back to the community and environment.

Egypt’s ecotourism destinations offer a unique opportunity to explore the country’s natural wonders while supporting local communities and conservation efforts.

By choosing to engage in responsible tourism, you can help protect Egypt’s rich landscapes and cultural heritage for future generations. Do any of these remarkable spots evoke memories for you? 

We Also Said: Don’t Miss It…Cosmic Wonders and Pink Lakes: The Middle East’s Most Extraordinary Natural Spots

Culture & Tourism Month begins! Lobster Fest in the line-up

Travel

in All News / By: BVI News on November 1, 2024 at 6:14 AM /

Junior Minister of Tourism Luce Hodge-Smith has officially launched Culture and Tourism Month 2024, spotlighting the Territory’s rich heritage and featuring the highly anticipated Anegada Lobster Fest—a marquee event on the Virgin Islands’ tourism calendar this November.
“This month is a time to reflect on our journey, celebrate our people, and explore how we can continue to share our culture with the world through sustainable tourism,” Hodge-Smith stated in a Facebook presentation on Thursday, October 31. “Let us work together to strengthen the bonds of culture and tourism for a prosperous future,” she added.
Tourism Director Katherine Smith spoke about the deep connection between culture and tourism, noting that “whenever tourists travel to a destination to experience its culture, this can include arts tourism, heritage tourism, or just a people’s everyday culture.”
Smith further outlined the diverse lineup of activities planned for November, including the popular Anegada Lobster Fest, running from Friday, November 7 through the weekend, and the Fungi Festival from November 15 to 17.
Other events include the 284 Excellence Film Competition on November 2, a history workshop at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College on November 15, the unveiling of The Manatee mural at the Bamboushay Lounge on November 23, and the Cultural Food Fair featuring a coconut and guava tart competition on November 29.
Smith added that the Territory’s offerings reflect multiple facets of tourism, which will be showcased throughout November. Last year’s Culture and Tourism Month celebrated the theme, “Our Virgin Islands, Our Story: Tell Your Story.”

Matt Haig goes off leash with new book, The Life Impossible: ‘I totally believe in aliens’

Arts & Culture, Books

Open this photo in gallery:Author Matt Haig.PETER FLUDE/The New York Times News ServiceLet’s just get this out of the way: Yes, an alien lifeform is one of the central characters in Matt Haig’s new book.La Presencia, as the otherworldly thing that exists in the waters off Ibiza is known to believers, might come as a shock to those who might know Haig best for his radically life-affirming non-fiction such as his bestselling memoir Reasons to Stay Alive or Notes on a Nervous Planet, which The Guardian praised as a “not smug self-help book.”If you know Haig as the author of TikTok-sensation, No. 1 international bestseller The Midnight Library (10 million copies at last count) you’ll be more primed for his particular brand of speculative fiction where fantasy meets philosophy.Books we’re reading and loving in November: Globe readers and staffers share their picksStill, Haig is the first to acknowledge that aliens can be a hard sell to readers.“People can take vampires, ghosts, libraries in the afterlife, but if you say, as a lot of scientists do, that it’s very likely that we’re not alone and there’s some other intelligent life,” he says, “suddenly that makes you a weirdo.”As he points out: The arc of human history bends toward humans realizing that we actually aren’t the centre of the universe.“We used to think the sun revolved around us, that we were the only animals with thoughts and feelings. Now we know those things are wrong,” he continues. “In the future, I think we’re going to find out that we’re not as alone as we thought we were. That could be fantastic in an E.T. sense, or it could be horrible in a Ridley Scott sense, but I totally believe in aliens.”Open this photo in gallery:The Life Impossible, Haig jokes, is the book where he’s allowing himself “off the leash,” embracing his early love of science fiction such as Cocoon. The first draft, in fact, had even more aliens.During his latest visit to Toronto, The Globe chatted with the bestselling Brit about finding success later in life, listening to reader feedback and ignoring the cynics.What is your relationship to the phrase “bestselling author,” especially at this point in your career?I’ve had quite an old-fashioned career trajectory, in the sense that I’ve built a readership slowly – too slowly for my liking at the start. Interestingly, Canada was the first place that I started to attract a strong readership, even before I became a bestseller. I wrote a book called The Humans, and I had quite a strong core of Canadian readers spreading the word.The good thing about my career, even though at the time I wanted to start off going on the bestseller list, is that it’s built organically. That means I really understand how precarious a career in writing is, and how rare it is to have a bestseller. I have zero expectations every time.[Being a bestselling author] is lovely, in the sense that you’ve got a lot of people reading your books. It’s why you write in the first place – to be read. I want to be a popular storyteller.That said, when you’re writing a book – as with thinking about reviews or Goodreads – it’s a thing you have to put aside. You can’t write from the outside in.Having had a bestseller, is there ever a temptation to reverse engineer your next book based on what worked in the previous one?It’s almost the opposite. After The Midnight Library, this one felt like, I’ve got a licence now to write a really personal, weird story. I’m not going to lie: In the past I have had that slight self-consciousness where you try and figure out what worked. With this one in particular, it gave me the confidence to not think like that. For me, it’s not just having a lot of people read a book, but having people read the book I want to write. That said, it’s always interesting to know what readers think, and even the negative opinions are sometimes valid. You can take them on board and learn from them.Is there anything specific you can think of where negative feedback influenced a choice you made?As readers of my books will know, I like to put a bit of philosophizing in. In the past, that’s felt a little shoehorned in. With my new one, The Life Impossible, the whole framing device is a teacher talking to a former student, trying to help him with his life. That was responding to feedback from people who say I do too much talking out to the reader. I love talking to the reader, but there is a valid point there where it has to feel natural to the voice and the story.This book explores a lot of big ideas. Are these things you’re working through yourself as you write them, or are you using the vehicle of fiction to share a perspective?It’s a bit of both, but more the first. With fiction, you’re working things out for yourself. This is why, even though I’ve written non-fiction books, I think I’m more of a fiction writer. I don’t feel like someone who has the answers. I do feel like my mind is quite chaotic, and there is a better way of being than the one I have. I shy away from non-fiction, where people are looking to me to have the answers. I like fiction for the fact that it’s not as solid. You’re philosophizing but there’s never a finish line to it.Also, because I had depression and anxiety for a long time, and I do still experience anxiety, often that voice I have in my fiction and non-fiction books – that kind of authoritative, guiding voice – is not necessarily my voice. It’s the voice I want to hear myself. I’m trying to be my own guide at the same time.I’m someone who went through an experience and nearly died. I’ve recovered, so I’ve got a story to tell and things to say about that, but I’m still very much a work-in-progress. What I’m trying to do is make people feel less alone, and what I can do in fiction is to articulate emotions that some people might have trouble articulating.One thing that strikes me about your work, and which I think is tremendously brave, is that it’s very sincere. We live in a world where it’s cool to be cynical, and sometimes there’s a vulnerability in, say, spending time thinking about aliens. Does it feel that way to you?I’m British, so I’m from a culture where people are suspicious of happy endings, optimism, self-help, all the things I’ve dipped my toe into. The way I see it is that when I was depressed, I had nothing but cynicism and pessimism, and that was ultimately wrong. I was convinced that I would be dead by the age of 25. I’m now 49. I was convinced there was nothing good ahead of me, I was a burden, I had nothing good to offer the world. Time has disproved 99 per cent of the things depression was telling me.Yes, optimism can sometimes be hollow, but I think it’s a challenge to go out there and find a true, earnest hope. Why not try to put out something that’s of use to people, and has something that will help people within it, and be direct about that? Especially in the British book world, there can be a lot of cynicism around that, and I used to get a bit affected by that. Now, I get strength from knowing that I’m writing honestly to myself. If you’re writing for the right reasons, and you’re connecting with readers, what else is there? Everything else is just noise.And it’s easier to block that out because I used to be that cynical person. I know often that cynicism is a defence against feeling, daring to hope.

Indonesia keen to improve halal tourism: ministry

Travel

Jakarta (ANTARA) –
The Indonesian government is continuing to push for improvement in halal tourism as part of its efforts to become the world’s top Muslim-friendly tourist destination.At the 6th International Halal Tourism Summit on Thursday, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said that Indonesia was named the best Muslim-friendly destination in 2023 and again in 2024 in the Mastercard Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index.According to a statement issued by her office on Friday, Indonesia also ranked first in the list of world halal tourist destinations in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) in 2023, outperforming 140 other countries.The minister said that the government is strengthening relations with industry players, expanding the market, promoting halal exports, increasing public understanding of halal tourism, and attracting investment to the halal industry to support the development of halal tourism.The implementation of activities such as the 2024 Sharia Economic Festival (ISEF) has supported the effort to make Indonesia the main destination for global Muslim-friendly tourism, she added.”Such event offers more opportunity to promote the halal industry and make Indonesia as the top of mind for Muslim tourists in the world,” Wardhana explained.She then asked related parties to improve Indonesia’s halal tourism and introduce the nation’s beauty to the world.Meanwhile, the ministry’s deputy for industry and investment, Rizki Handayani, said that improvements in attractions, amenities, and collaboration between stakeholders can improve halal tourism in Indonesia.”This is not merely about defeating neighboring countries to become Number 1. However, we should improve ourselves according to the aspects assessed in the Mastercard Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index,” she emphasized.She added that the global Muslim population of around two billion offers a great opportunity for halal tourism businesses and the development of domestic halal products.Related news: Benefits of Islamic economy non-exclusive to Muslims: VP Ma’ruf AminRelated news: Tourism Ministry speeds up implementation of halal certification ruleRelated news: Ministry, MUI agree to cooperate in halal tourism and creative economyTranslator: Hreeloita Dharma S, Resinta SulistiyandariEditor: Azis KurmalaCopyright © ANTARA 2024

5 best movies you can stream for free with 90% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Finding high-quality movies to watch for free can be a challenge. However, if you know where to look, there are plenty of top-rated movies with high critic and audience scores that you can stream without paying a cent.To make your movie night easier, we’ve rounded up five of the best movies, all of which have earned an impressive 90% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes, and are available on the best free streaming services. These platforms not only offer a surprising variety of films but also deliver critically acclaimed hits without any subscription fees — just be ready for a few ad breaks.Here’s a breakdown of the best movies you can stream for free right now, available on platforms like Tubi, Amazon Freevee and Pluto TV.‘Knives Out’ (2019)

Knives Out (2019 Movie) Official Trailer — Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis – YouTube

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“Knives Out” is a modern whodunit mystery-comedy that centers around the suspicious death of wealthy crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer). After Harlan is found dead following his 85th birthday party, famed detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is mysteriously hired to investigate, despite what appears to be an open-and-shut case of suicide.As Blanc questions each member of the Thrombey family, including Harlan’s nurse Marta (Ana de Armas), motives begin to surface, revealing deep family conflicts that make everyone a suspect. The story cleverly plays out with plenty of twists that challenge your assumptions.Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%Stream it now on Tubi‘The Edge of Seventeen’ (2016)

The Edge of Seventeen Official Trailer 1 (2016) – Hailee Steinfeld Movie – YouTube

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“The Edge of Seventeen” is a coming-of-age dramedy centered on Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld), a witty but awkward high school junior who feels like an outsider in her own world. Her life becomes even more challenging when her best friend, Krista (Haley Lu Richardson), begins dating her popular older brother, Darian (Blake Jenner), which leaves her feeling even more isolated and resentful.Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!She’s forced to re-evaluate her relationships, confront her insecurities and face her complicated feelings about family and friendship. Nadine’s interactions with her sarcastic but supportive teacher, Mr. Bruner (Woody Harrelson) adds some much needed comedy as she seeks advice and perspective on her life. “The Edge of Seventeen” dives straight into the awkward, messy parts of growing up.Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%Stream it now on Amazon Freevee‘Looper’ (2012)

LOOPER – Official Trailer (HD) – YouTube

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“Looper” is a sci-fi thriller set in a future where time travel exists but is illegal and controlled by criminal organizations. The story follows Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a “looper,” whose job is to assassinate people sent back in time by crime syndicates from the future. These targets appear at designated times, and Joe eliminates them without question, collecting rewards. However, things take a twist when Joe’s latest target is his future self, known as “Old Joe” (Bruce Willis).As Old Joe escapes, the younger Joe must chase him down, realizing they have opposing motives: Young Joe wants to continue his life as a looper, while Old Joe is on a mission to alter the future and save his loved ones. This tense cat-and-mouse game brings up questions about free will and the cost of personal sacrifice.Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%Stream it now on Pluto TV‘Silver Linings Playbook’ (2012)“Silver Linings Playbook” is a romantic dramedy that follows Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper), a man struggling with bipolar disorder, as he tries to rebuild his life after a mental health crisis. After a stint in a psychiatric hospital, he moves back in with his parents and becomes determined to win back his estranged wife. Pat’s optimism and intense focus on his “silver lining” often clash with the reality of his mental health struggles and his family’s worries.Pat’s life takes a turn when he meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a young widow who’s dealing with her own emotional challenges. Tiffany offers to help him reconnect with his ex-wife, but in exchange, she asks him to be her partner in an upcoming dance competition. As they train together, an unexpected bond forms between them.Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%Stream it now on Tubi‘Reservoir Dogs’ (1992)

Reservoir Dogs (1992) Official Trailer #1 – Quentin Tarantino Movie – YouTube

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“Reservoir Dogs” is a classic crime thriller directed by Quentin Tarantino that centers around a failed diamond heist and the aftermath of its fallout. The story begins with a group of criminals, each assigned a color-based alias like Mr. White, Mr. Pink, and Mr. Blonde, who are hired by a mob boss for a seemingly straightforward robbery. However, when the heist goes south and turns violent, suspicions arise that one of them might be an undercover cop.Most of the action takes place in a warehouse where the surviving criminals regroup, argue and try to figure out what went wrong. The movie’s nonlinear storytelling and intense performances of the central cast make it a landmark in independent cinema and a defining work in Tarantino’s career.Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%Stream it now on TubiMore from Tom’s Guide