A U.S flag flies as fire engulfs a structure while the Palisades Fire burns during a windstorm on the west side of Los Angeles, California, U.S. January 7, 2025. REUTERS/Ringo Chiu ” ….if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked…
Spoiler alert! We’re discussing details from the movie “September 5” (in theaters now), which tells the story of the hostage crisis at the 1972 Munich Summer Games. Beware if you haven’t seen it yet.Movies about real events have to walk a fine line between the documented truth and the needs of storytelling. That becomes particularly difficult when the subject matter involves crime.“September 5” walked that fine line spades as it set out to retell the story of Sept. 5, 1972, when eight Palestinian Black September terrorists took 11 Israelis hostage at the Munich Summer Games. The terrorists demanded the release of more than 300 Palestinians and non-Arabs who were imprisoned in Israel on various charges. Ultimately, five terrorists and all 11 athletes and coaches were killed. Though the movie hews very close to what happened that day, the timeline is compressed.“If we did this movie in real time, it would have been 22 hours long,” says director Tim Fehlbaum.The filmmaker elected to re-create that terrible day in a taut 95 minutes, focusing specifically on how the team from ABC Sports pivoted to a horrific news story for the ages.Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY’s movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox.Were Roone Arledge and Geoff Mason real ABC Sports staffers?Yes. Roone Arledge went on to become a legend at ABC, ultimately overseeing the network’s news division before he died in 2002 at age 71. Geoffrey Mason has won dozens of Emmys for his work in sports event production, working for a range of networks over his long career.In “September 5,” Arledge is played by Peter Sarsgaard, and Mason is portrayed by John Magaro. Fehlbaum says Mason provided invaluable assistance for his film.But some characters in the drama were composites, a decision made to keep the story moving. For example, a German staffer hired by ABC Sports named Marianne Gebhardt (Leonie Benesch) proves invaluable because she is able to translate German radio reports about the unfolding crisis. But that job was actually done by a variety of employees that day, Fehlbaum says.“There were many instances where certain functions (of the television production) were handled by various different people,” he says.Did Roone Arledge really defy orders from ABC headquarters to hand the story over to New York?Yes. The ABC Sports team was in position to cover the Olympic Games when the hostage news broke, but after a few initial reports, Arledge was instructed to hand the story back to the network’s New York headquarters.But Arledge, whose quick thinking catapulted him to success in ABC’s news division, resisted. He ordered massive cameras tethered by long cables into the streets to better capture the hostage area; gave the green light for staffers to pose as Olympians to smuggle footage in and out of the Olympic Village; and pushed back on orders to relinquish the story to a news desk 4,000 miles away when the drama was unfolding within eyesight.Is that real ABC Sports anchor Jim McKay in ‘September 5’?Actual ABC footage of legendary sports host Jim McKay is interwoven into the film.This comes into play primarily when TV monitors in ABC Sports’ Munich control room are showing the same events the network broadcast in 1972, including updates and interviews by McKay.The lone news reporter in the mix, future ABC News anchor Peter Jennings, is played by Benjamin Walker, who has a scene in which he argues to be sent into the field close to the condo where the hostages are being held.Did news reports incorrectly suggest the hostages had been freed?Yes. Around midnight on Sept. 5, German officials erroneously announced there had been a successful police operation at a nearby airbase, where the hostages and kidnappers had arrived to board a plane to Cairo.But a few hours later, Reuters and other news agencies had to correct that information: The hostages and terrorists had been killed in a firefight with German police at the airfield.McKay told his global audience: “They’re all gone.”Is the broadcast equipment shown in ‘September 5’ the real thing?The biggest sleight of hand in the film belongs to production designer Julian Wagner, who scoured the internet to buy as much gear as possible that was used in and around 1972, no small task because such equipment was junked decades ago.“Nothing we found worked, so we had to refurbish it all so that it did,” Wagner says. “For a while, we were worried (the equipment) would either explode on camera or be too loud during filming. But it worked out. At one point I asked my team, ‘Do we have it all?’ And they said, ‘There’s nothing else out in there in existence that we don’t have.’ So that felt good.”Does ‘September 5’ show actual footage of the hostage crisis at the 1972 Munich Summer Games?In addition re-creating the team’s cramped newsroom, Wagner also carved out smaller rooms in which Fehlbaum could “trap the actors” for intense discussions in the heat of the broadcast moment.Some of those talks focus on big-picture journalism questions, from whether to actually have live cameras trained on potentially deadly scenes to debates over whether showing terrorists in action actually played into their desires.When it came to showing images of the terrorists in “September 5,” Wagner says, Fehlbaum went with a combination of now-famous images from the real event and filmed re-creations.“It’s a wild mix, and some of the actors couldn’t even tell which was which,” Wagner says. “But we felt we had a responsibility to the real victims, so you won’t see any real images of them. That was the only and the right thing to do.”
Let’s fly the gun-free skies.
Travelers tried slipping more than 6,600 guns past Transportation Security Administration agents last year — with 41 of those firearms found in carry-ons of those passing through LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy and Newark Liberty International airports.
Ten loaded guns were discovered inside bags screened at both JFK and LaGuardia while a record 21 guns were detected at security checkpoints at Newark Liberty, according to the TSA data.
A photo shows one of the loaded handguns TSA agents spotted at JFK. TSA photo
This loaded gun was detected at Newark-Liberty. TSA photo
“The TSA team at Newark set a record for the most guns intercepted at our checkpoints in a single year,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s security director for New Jersey. “It is not a record that we seek to set. We would much rather see fewer people bring their guns to our checkpoints.”
At JFK, “we saw a decrease in the number of firearms that people brought to our checkpoints from 15 guns in 2023 to 10 in 2024,” said John Essig, TSA’s security director for JFK. “We see that as a positive sign that more travelers who want to transport their firearms are doing so properly.”
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The 41 guns is down from 48 last year.
Year-end figures released by the TSA showed 6,678 firearms were identified at airport checkpoints nationwide during 2024 — a slight decrease from the 6,737 found in 2023.
Nearly 6,700 guns were stopped from making their way onto planes. Getty Images
LaGuardia TSA agents stopped this loaded gun from making it on board. TSA photo
Agents at 277 U.S. airports caught people with firearms in their bags, and approximately 94 percent of those guns were found loaded, the TSA said.
Even with a concealed weapon permit, firearms aren’t allowed on airplanes. Permitted travelers can travel legally with their firearms so long as its in their checked bags in the cargo hold.
Let’s fly the gun-free skies.
Travelers tried slipping more than 6,600 guns past Transportation Security Administration agents last year — with 41 of those firearms found in carry-ons of those passing through LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy and Newark Liberty International airports.
Ten loaded guns were discovered inside bags screened at both JFK and LaGuardia while a record 21 guns were detected at security checkpoints at Newark Liberty, according to the TSA data.
A photo shows one of the loaded handguns TSA agents spotted at JFK. TSA photo
This loaded gun was detected at Newark-Liberty. TSA photo
“The TSA team at Newark set a record for the most guns intercepted at our checkpoints in a single year,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s security director for New Jersey. “It is not a record that we seek to set. We would much rather see fewer people bring their guns to our checkpoints.”
At JFK, “we saw a decrease in the number of firearms that people brought to our checkpoints from 15 guns in 2023 to 10 in 2024,” said John Essig, TSA’s security director for JFK. “We see that as a positive sign that more travelers who want to transport their firearms are doing so properly.”
Explore More
The 41 guns is down from 48 last year.
Year-end figures released by the TSA showed 6,678 firearms were identified at airport checkpoints nationwide during 2024 — a slight decrease from the 6,737 found in 2023.
Nearly 6,700 guns were stopped from making their way onto planes. Getty Images
LaGuardia TSA agents stopped this loaded gun from making it on board. TSA photo
Agents at 277 U.S. airports caught people with firearms in their bags, and approximately 94 percent of those guns were found loaded, the TSA said.
Even with a concealed weapon permit, firearms aren’t allowed on airplanes. Permitted travelers can travel legally with their firearms so long as its in their checked bags in the cargo hold.
Kent Pekel became superintendent of Rochester Public Schools in June 2021. Since then, he’s effectively steered RPS through some perilous waters, and the Post Bulletin’s editorial board has lauded his leadership on several occasions. After two of his predecessors left the district in disgrace, he’s brought a calm, steady and capable hand to the helm.But now he has made an unforced error — and a somewhat puzzling one at that.
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Last February, the parent of a Franklin Elementary student complained about a book in the school library. “The Rainbow Parade” describes the experience of a young girl and her two mothers at a pride parade in San Francisco. It includes small illustrations of a nude woman (seen from behind) and a man wearing what we assume are supposed to be leather chaps and a dog collar attached to a leash that is held by his similarly-attired partner.On that page, the text states “Everyone is wearing whatever makes them feel most like themselves, even if that means wearing hardly anything at all.”On Dec. 10, the district removed the book from the library’s shelves. Pekel himself ordered this action, which he later justified in a memo that stated: “I believe that the depiction of public nudity makes the book inappropriate for the open shelves of a media center in an elementary school where students as young as kindergarten can access the book without adult supervision or guidance.”We are certain that Pekel came to his decision after much deliberation. It’s a complex situation, and when our editorial board members took up this issue for discussion, we went around and around (and down more than a few rabbit holes) as we sought consensus.Below are some of the key points that came up during our 90 minutes of spirited debate:The book’s presence in the school library was intentional. Franklin’s media department chair, Tammy Van Moer, said the book was purchased in 2023 “due to a need to represent authentic family structures and experiences of underrepresented people in our school, community and the world.” A 10-member review committee, which included community members, a secondary student, teachers, media specialists and equity specialists, has voted 9-1 in favor of keeping the book.The Rochester Public Library has strongly defended the prize-winning book and finds “intrinsic value in having this authentic representation of a pride parade on elementary media center shelves.”Last spring, Gov. Walz signed a law that prohibits K-12 schools, college and public libraries from removing/banning a book “based solely on the viewpoint, content, message, idea, or opinion conveyed.”Given all of the above, we concluded that the more appropriate course for Pekel would have been to reverse his decision last week when this topic came to a boil during a school board meeting — or, better still, he initially could have trusted the judgment of the media specialists to keep the book.So why did he dig in his heels? Why overrule the very professionals who are paid to make these tough calls? Why attempt to thread such a tiny legal needle, saying that it wasn’t the book’s subject matter that crossed the line, but rather its depiction of public nudity? Does that mean Pekel wouldn’t object to illustrations of nudity inside a home?
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We’ve read the 30-page book, and while we don’t think it would have been much the worse for omitting the unclad woman and the leather-wearing men, we’d point out that these are two tiny drawings that the average second-grader would scarcely notice nor understand — and if they did, their response would probably be a giggle, or maybe an assumption that the people are in bathing suits. Parents who watch any prime-time TV are likely exposing their kids to far more sexualized content via commercials for the latest crop of reality TV shows. And most parents today are quite familiar with the aptly-named children’s book series “Captain Underpants.”“The Rainbow Parade” doesn’t promote indecent exposure or sexual bondage. It doesn’t tell kids to be gay. Its message is one of acceptance, tolerance and being comfortable with oneself and one’s family — even if that family doesn’t have one mom and one dad.Should this book be required reading for every second-grader? Of course not, but neither should it be forbidden fruit, or available only to kids who are brave enough to ask the librarian to get it out of a locked case.Libraries (even elementary school libraries) are marketplaces of ideas. For a lot of kids, a library offers a first chance to stretch intellectual wings, to sample ideas, stories and experiences that haven’t been pre-approved and spoon-fed to them by their parents. It’s a big, interesting world, and a well-stocked library is a great way for kids to begin exploring it.Some parents, however, don’t want their kids to read about lifestyles and cultures that conflict with their family beliefs. These parents aren’t wrong, but their opinions on child-rearing, religion and/or sexuality shouldn’t dictate what other kids are allowed to read. Such parents can opt to home-school their children, or send them to private schools that match their beliefs – or those parents can go to their public school library, see what’s there and let the librarians and their kids know which books are off-limits.We think Pekel was wrong to ban “The Rainbow Parade.” Whether he meant to or not, he sent a chilling message to the gatekeepers who decide what is on library shelves — and in the eyes of some parents, he’s just declared open season on every book that contains a photo, illustration, painting or sculpture that reveals “taboo” parts of the human anatomy.
If you’re a reader who’s even slightly acquainted with the romance genre, you’ve likely heard of Rebecca Yarros.
The novelist was catapulted to worldwide fame when her spicy fantasy novel Fourth Wing — the first of five in her Empyrean series — became a bestselling sensation and one of the hottest reads of 2023.
But Yarros’ writing goes beyond tales of dragon riders falling in love and fighting wars; she has a large stable of series and novels in the contemporary romance genre to tide fans over while waiting for the next Empyrean installment.
Here’s a guide to all of Yarros’ books in order, grouped by series, plus what’s next for her dragon riders when Onyx Storm arrives on Jan. 21, 2025.
The Flight & Glory series
Entangled: Amara
Yarros’ first book series, Flight & Glory, tells the stories of several couples who either serve in the military or are in military families. Full Measures follows army brat Ember as she finds solace in her hockey star neighbor Josh after her father dies in Afghanistan. Then there’s Beyond What Is Given, in which aspiring Apache helicopter pilot Grayson develops feelings for his roommate, Samantha. These romance novels explore the conflict between one’s duty to their country and their heart (and libido).
The Flight & Glory series in order
Full Measures (2014) Eyes Turned Skyward (2014) Beyond What Is Given (2015)Hallowed Ground (2016)The Reality of Everything (2020)
The Legacy series
The Legacy series’ main draw is the romance novel Reason to Believe, which follows the big-hearted Harper as she falls in love with her brother’s best friend Knox in a tiny Colorado town. The pair is rebuilding after losing Knox’s elite firefighter crew, including his and Harper’s fathers.
If you’re looking for more small-town firefighting romance, the novellas Point of Origin and Ignite are also set in Legacy, Colo., and take place before Harper and Knox’s love story unfurled.
The Legacy series in order
Point of Origin (2016)Ignite (2016)Reason to Believe (2022)
The Renegades trilogy
While this romance series can be read in any order, each novel concerns a member of the Renegades — elite, extreme athletes — falling in love. They risk it all for their sport, will they risk it all for love, too? (I’m sorry, I’ll see myself out.)
Anyway, expect a little opposites attract action at sea, ex-lovers fighting persistent feelings, and forbidden love on a college campus, all with some extreme steam. Bet you’ll never look at the X Games the same way again.
The Renegades trilogy in order
Wilder (2016) Nova (2017) Rebel (2017)
The In Luv duet
Jay Crownover and Rebecca Yarros
Langley and Iker are an unlikely pairing — she’s a socialite witnessing her evil step-sister marry her first love, and he’s a soldier with secrets.
The first In Luv novella, co-written with romance novelist Jay Crownover, sees Langley enlist Iker to be her plus-one at this nightmare of a wedding. They soon catch feelings, but Iker’s emotional baggage complicates things.
The second installment is set nine months later when Iker returns from deployment and reconnects with Langley. You’ll have to read both books to see if the age-old fake dating trope scores another happily ever after.
The In Luv duology in order
Girl in Luv (2019)Boy in Luv (2019)
Rebecca Yarros’ stand-alone romance novels
In addition to various series, Yarros has written eight stand-alone romance novels. Her most recent is Variation, a story about injured ballerina Allie and Coast Guard rescue swimmer Hudson. The couple fell in love as teens but were pulled apart until years later when they’re forced to confront their past.
And don’t sleep on The Last Letter, a fan-favorite tear-jerker and the Yarros novel most likely to be thrown across a room. It concerns a young infantryman named Beckett who fulfills his fallen war buddy’s last request to help his struggling sister. Tragedy and romance ensue, you’ve been warned.
Rebecca Yarros’ stand-alone romance novels in release order
1984: Against All Odds (2016)The Last Letter (2019) Great and Precious Things (2020) Muses & Melodies (2020) *Part of the Hush Note trilogy with Sarina Bowen and Devney PerryThe Things We Leave Unfinished (2021)A Little Too Close (2022) *Part of the Madigan Mountain trilogy with Sarina Bowen and Devney PerryIn the Likely Event (2023)Variation (2024)
The Empyrean series
Entangled: Red Tower Books
Okay, here’s the big one. Rebecca Yarros is well known for the Empyrean books, a bestselling romantasy series that will eventually consist of five novels. Its highly anticipated third installment, Onyx Storm, arrives on Jan. 21, 2025. The epic adventure follows Violet Sorrengail, a new cadet and wannabe dragon rider at the deadly Basgiath War College.
The first novel, Fourth Wing, starts with Violet surviving her lessons — where other classmates can murder you — fighting to bond with dragons, and navigating feelings for a certain wingleader named Xaden Riorson (if you know you know). Soon, Violet’s problems get much bigger as world-altering secrets are exposed. But don’t worry, there’s still time for spice. Just mention “the throne scene” to anyone who’s read Iron Flame and they’ll know exactly what you mean.
The Empyrean series in order
Fourth Wing (2023)Iron Flame (2023)Onyx Storm (2025)
When does Onyx Storm come out?
Rebecca Yarros/Instagram; Entangled: Red Tower Books
The third novel in the Empyrean series, Onyx Storm, comes out on Jan. 21, 2025.
Though plot details are very hush-hush, the story will pick up after the bonkers cliffhanger at the end of Iron Flame (no spoilers!). Violet Sorrengail has already suffered great loss as an unfathomable war decimates her homeland, and regardless of her growing powers and her elite dragons, it looks like more tragedy may loom on the horizon. Sounds like fun, right?
Apple has suspended a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature that summarized its news headlines, after a slew of complaints about repeated factual errors.The tech giant – which recently pushed back against pressure to repeal its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs – has responded to calls to withdraw the service, which sent users news notifications with inaccurate headlines that appeared to be from the news organizations themselves, using logos and titles.The BBC complained to Apple in December, and reports that it didn’t reply until December, promising a software update and clarification on its use of AI in creating the summaries – which are optional and only available with newer iPhone models.Apple Faces Criticism Over AI-Generated News Headline Summaries https://t.co/Og0xXg53tb pic.twitter.com/KtOqRE0w2ZDecember 19, 2024″We are working on improvements and will make them available in a future software update,” an Apple spokesperson told the BBC.The BBC was among other groups to complain after an alert generated by Apple’s AI inaccurately told users that Luigi Mangione – the man accused of murdering United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson – had shot himself.The feature also inaccurately altered headlines from Sky News, the New York Times, and the Washington Post, according to reports from journalists on social media.Journalism organization Reporters Without Borders has said in a statement that the situation highlights the danger in rushing out news features, adding that “innovation must never come at the expense of the right of citizens to receive reliable information.”The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!📰 Apple Pulls AI News Summaries After False HeadlinesApple temporarily disabled its AI news summary feature following major factual errors, including fabricated stories. Criticism from the BBC and Washington Post highlights trust issues in journalism and AI products. Apple now… pic.twitter.com/Y69ukekLChJanuary 17, 2025On one level there is something amusing about these mistakes. For example, anyone who decided to watch the Russell Crowe epic Gladiator on BBC iPlayer over Christmas was treated to the subtitles from Aardman’s Chicken Run.However, when it comes to current affairs, there is a more sinister issue of misinformation when it comes to more intermediate uses of AI, that can seriously further damage trust in the mainstream media.’Hallucinations’ refer to when AI models make things up, and are a “real concern” according to Jonathan Bright, head of AI for public services at the Alan Turing Institute. “And as yet firms don’t have a way of systematically guaranteeing that AI models will never hallucinate, apart from human oversight.””With the latest beta software releases of iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3, Notification summaries for the News & Entertainment category will be temporarily unavailable,” an Apple spokesperson said.Despite Apple retracting the inaccurate service, it speaks worrying volumes that an industry leader, with all its billions of dollars and expertise, still can’t control the AI it releases on its consumers.You might also like…Feel like escaping the digital world for a while? Take a look at our guides to the best film cameras, the best 35mm film, and the best dumb phones.
Breadcrumb Trail LinksNewsWinnipegAuthor of the article: Written by Devon Shewchuk, Manager of Partnerships & Marketing, North Forge Published Jan 18, 2025 • Last updated 3 hours ago • 3 minute readManitoba Premier Wab Kinew speaks at the 2024 North Forge IP Summit. Photo by Handout /Winnipeg SunArticle contentEvery business starts with an idea — a spark of creativity that, with the right tools and strategies, can transform into a thriving enterprise. Yet, many small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) underestimate the importance of intellectual property (IP). According to the 2024 IP Canada Report, businesses with formal IP tend to receive financing amounts 2.4 times higher than those without IP. Of the 30% of Canadian firms that reported developing product innovations between 2019 and 2022, just 38% of those protected their IP.Advertisement 2Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive columns by Ryan Stelter, Paul Friesen, Ted Wyman, Scott Billeck, Lorrie Goldstein, Warren Kinsella and others. Plus newsletters: Gimme Stelter for your beat on the city, The Exit Row for all your Jets news and On the Rocks for curling.Unlimited online access to Winnipeg Sun and 15 news sites with one account.Winnipeg Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive columns by Ryan Stelter, Paul Friesen, Ted Wyman, Scott Billeck, Lorrie Goldstein, Warren Kinsella and others. Plus newsletters: Gimme Stelter for your beat on the city, The Exit Row for all your Jets news and On the Rocks for curling.Unlimited online access to Winnipeg Sun and 15 news sites with one account.Winnipeg Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentArticle contentRecommended VideosArticle contentThe 2025 North Forge IP Summit, presented by ElevateIP, seeks to change that.A Marquis Intellectual Property EventOn Feb. 26, the RBC Convention Centre will host this premier event. Attendees will dive into the critical world of IP with engaging sessions, expert insights, and opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this no-cost event offers invaluable strategies to safeguard and leverage your intellectual property.A Keynote You Can’t MissOne of the highlights of the summit is keynote speaker Jeff Ward, founder of Animikii, a web development and digital agency committed to uplifting Indigenous communities. Ward, an Ojibwe and Métis leader originally from Manitoba, has built a career on empowering others through technology and innovation. As a board member for Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) and a recognized author and speaker, Jeff will share his unique perspective on the intersection of innovation, culture, and IP.The Winnipeg Sun’s Daily Headline NewsGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don’t see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of The Winnipeg Sun’s Daily Headline News will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againArticle contentAdvertisement 3Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentWhy Intellectual Property MattersThe 2024 IP Canada Report emphasizes that Canadian business owners and investors are increasingly recognizing the importance of IP for growth and competitiveness. SMEs owning formal IP were approved for debt financing at an average of $757,000 — three times higher than businesses without IP. Moreover, SMEs with formal IP are more likely to secure government financing and leverage their assets for growth and expansion.Sylvia de Sousa, a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP and works with some of North Forge’s ElevateIP clients, pressed the importance of a well-planned IP strategy.“For most start-ups, IP is a key investment in and component of growth and increasing competitive edge in the market,” she said. “Failing to develop an IP strategy that properly protects the business’s IP rights at the early stages may result in challenges and obstacles later on that could prevent the business from further development and expansion.”Advertisement 4Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentWhat to ExpectGuiding attendees through the summit is emcee Margaux Miller, a celebrated event host and community leader in the tech and startup ecosystem.Attendees will gain actionable insights into why IP matters, thanks to a panel that explores how proactive intellectual property (IP) strategies can drive business success. Founders like Carbon Lock Tech’s Kevin Danner and Campaign Compass’ Nancy Cooke will share their stories and experiences, while lawyers like Dan Partriarca from Filmore Riley LLP and Yvan Guy Larocque at Hall & Larocque LLP will highlight the importance of integrating IP considerations early in a business journey. By attending, you can gain expert insights, networking opportunities and practical knowledge to leverage as you grow your business.Build, Protect, and ProsperThe 2025 IP Summit isn’t just a conference; it’s an investment in your business’s future. With the guidance of experts and industry leaders, you’ll leave equipped with the knowledge and connections to take your ideas from concept to impact. For more information and to reserve your ticket today, visit www.northforge.ca/ipsummit. Following the IP Summit, guests may also enjoy attending Bioscience Association Manitoba’s Funding Day event, also being held at RBC Convention Centre. For more information, visit www.biomb.ca/events/.Article contentShare this article in your social networkComments Join the Conversation Featured Local Savings
A young Pietermaritzburg filmmaker is set to release the trailer of his second locally-produced feature film, Isipho The Gift on Valentine’s Day.
Ayanda Zungu (28), from KwaMpumuza, said he is excited about the production, which was filmed at various locations in and around Pietermaritzburg.
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The locations include Thandile Bridal and Decor Shop and a doctor’s surgery in the Pietermaritzburg CBD. In KwaMpumuza location, three houses, the councillor’s office, Phayiphini High School and the mountain cave in Elandskop also feature in the movie.
Zungu said the 60-minute feature film was shot in just 10 days, with filming set to wrap up on Saturday.
“This movie has been recorded using a high-quality camera, which allows for better recording quality. We have been filming in KwaMpumuza, Elandskop and the Pietermaritzburg CBD,” said Zungu.
Zungu, who is also a scriptwriter and director, won the Best Feature Film award at the Umusa Excellence Awards for his first feature film, Ihlathi Legazi.
He said his latest movie is suitable for all audiences and conveys an important message.
The movie is centred around the theme of good versus evil, explored through the journey of a couple after a wife discovers what her husband is involved in.
A young woman, Lerato, uncovers the truth that her husband has been performing dark rituals. She falls pregnant and, in a climactic battle of good versus evil, Lerato gives birth to a miraculous child, whose presence vanquishes the dark forces.
Zungu added that English and isiZulu are used in the movie.
“It is a film for everyone. We want people to understand that they should never rush or take shortcuts on their journey. Instead, we want to encourage people, especially the youth, to take the right path towards their goals. Success does not come overnight; it comes through hard work,” he said.
Isipho The Gift is a collaborative effort involving Sokhulu Film Production, Bafololo Production and Keep It Moving Arts. It is produced by PMB Achievers Production in collaboration with Bafololo Production and Bhekizizwe Media.
Zungu said he enjoyed the process of filming Isipho The Gift, even though some sessions extended late into the night.
Some sessions would start at 8am and end at 11pm. Before we filmed the wedding scene, we finished a session at 11pm and then arrived at the KwaMpumuza councillor’s office at midnight. We decorated the office as a wedding hall and left at 5am.
“We went home and returned by 8am to film the scene. At times, we even camped out while filming,” said Zungu.
The actors in the movie hail from Durban, Howick and Johannesburg. Among the cast are Percy Zondi, the son of chief inkosi Nsikayezwe Zondi of the Mpumuza Tribal Authority, who plays one of the main characters, Njesuthi, and Dr Yuvania Siva Chetty, who takes on the role of a doctor.
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Isipho The Gift will be released in June 2025 at the Msunduzi-Voortrekker Museum.
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