‘Barbie,’ ‘A Thousand and One’ and ‘Joy Ride’ Rank Among the Inclusion List’s 150 Most Inclusive Films

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” was a poster child for the power of inclusion when it broke box office records in 2023, but the $1.45 billion-grossing movie is only the 119th most inclusive film made in the past five years, according to the Inclusion List.
The annual list — presented by Dr. Stacy L. Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, in collaboration with the Adobe Foundation — is a data-driven ranking that identified the 150 most inclusive films from 2019 to 2023 and ranks a single year’s films across gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQ+, disability and age representation.

“Our goal with the Inclusion List is to celebrate those who are showcasing and working with exceptional talent from all backgrounds,” stated Dr. Smith in a press release announcing the researchers’ findings. “In the second year of its release, the newest iteration of the Inclusion List spotlights films, filmmakers, and distributors who clearly demonstrate that inclusion is a part of great entertainment.”

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Gina Prince-Bythewood’s “The Woman King” (2022) remains the most inclusive film from the past five years, while 2023’s “A Thousand and One” — from writer-director A. V. Rockwell, produced by Lena Waithe and Rishi Rajani and starring Teyana Taylor — joins the list at No. 2. “Bottoms,” “The Color Purple” and “The Blackening” also ranked in the top 10 (No. 7, 9 and 10, respectively).

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For context, “Barbie” score for gender inclusion ranks in the top 3.33% of films surveyed, while “A Thousand and One” ranks in the top 0.67% of those films.

Joining “Barbie” and “A Thousand and One” as top performers in terms of representation of girls and women on screen and behind the camera are “You Hurt My Feelings,” “The Marvels” and “Priscilla.” Scoring highest for representation of underrepresented racial/ethnic groups on screen and behind the camera, were “Joy Ride,” “A Thousand and One,” “The Color Purple,” “House Party” and “The Blackening.” Top scorers for LGBTQ+ representation were “All of Us Strangers,” “Theater Camp,” “Bottoms,” “Knock at the Cabin” and “Saltburn.” People with disabilities factored most in “What Happens Later,” “John Wick: Chapter 4,” “Moving On,” “Golda” and “The Holdovers.” Finally, “Book Club: The Next Chapter,” “Moving On,” “Marlowe,” “The Miracle Club” and “Golda” notched the highest scores for the representation of people age 65 and older on screen.

Other 2023 films that rank among the Inclusion List’s top 150 are “Origin,” “American Fiction,” “Past Lives,” “Chevalier,” “Journey to Bethlehem,” “Sound of Freedom,” “Love Again,” “Saw X,” “Transformers: Rise of the Beast,” “80 for Brady,” “Haunted Mansion,” “Missing,” “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret,” “It Lives Inside,” “About My Father,” “Silent Night,” “65,” “Big George Foreman,” “Cocaine Bear,” “Blue Beetle,” “Creed III” and “The Creator.”

While the first installment of the Inclusion List spotlighted producers who prioritized representation, this time, five directors and eight editors were recognized for the inclusivity of their work in film over the past five years. “By celebrating these artists, our goal was to showcase the voices behind the stories that bring inclusive stories to audiences,” Dr. Smith noted.

Out of more than 400 directors evaluated during this period, Catherine Hardwicke (“Mafia Mamma,” “Miss Bala”); Olivia Wilde (“Booksmart,” “Don’t Worry Darling”); Destin Daniel Cretton (“Just Mercy,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”); Reinaldo Marcus Green (“King Richard,” “Joe Bell”); and Kasi Lemmons (“Harriet,” “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody”) worked with the highest percentage of women and people of color as department/unit heads across the films assessed.

Annette Davey (“Poms,” “Together, Together” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3”); Anne McCabe (“Land,” “Dear Evan Hansen”); Blair McClendon (“Aftersun,” “The Assistant”); Catrin Hedström (“The Marvels,” “Candyman”); Hilda Rasula (“American Fiction,” “Moving On”); Harry Yoon (“Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings,” “Minari”); Mary Jo Markey (“The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” “Charlie’s Angels”); and Terilyn A. Shropshire (“Miss Bala,” “The Woman King”) were named the most inclusive editors for having two or more films on the list.

The top distributors were also ranked by the number of films appearing on the list with Universal Pictures again leading the major studios with 29 films making the list, followed by Sony Pictures Entertainment (21 films) and Warner Bros. (18 films). A24 led the list of independent distributors with 14 movies, followed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) with 10 films and Bleecker Street in third with nine.

The full report and methodology are available at inclusionlist.org, as well as a breakdown of the 100 most inclusive broadcast and cable series from the 2021-22 broadcast season and streaming series from 2021 to 2023.

Hyatt Regency Nairobi to boost Kenya’s economy, tourism

Travel

Located in the vibrant Westlands neighborhood, this five-star hotel is poised to enhance not only tourism but also business opportunities in the region, thereby reinforcing Nairobi’s status as a premier destination for both leisure and corporate travel.
The Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands, featuring 219 rooms, stands strategically in one of Nairobi’s foremost commercial and tourist hubs. The hotel aims to cater to the burgeoning demand from business travelers and tourists alike, positioning itself as a prime venue for meetings and events.

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With an array of amenities and a focus on delivering a distinctive hospitality experience that marries local cultural elements with Hyatt’s renowned service standards, the hotel is anticipated to draw additional inbound tourism while supporting the local economy.
Stephen Ansell, Managing Director for Middle East and Africa at Hyatt, expressed enthusiasm over the hotel’s launch, noting, “This debut signifies a substantial milestone in Hyatt’s African growth strategy. We are dedicated to expanding into desirable destinations, ensuring the diverse needs of modern travelers are met, as we offer our World of Hyatt members and customers enhanced choices.” This expansion underscores Kenya’s increasing attractiveness as an international travel destination.
The hotel is not merely an addition to the skyline of Westlands; it is set to become a vibrant focal point for various activities. Guests at the Hyatt Regency Nairobi will have easy access to some of the country’s most famed attractions including the Nairobi National Museum, Karura Forest, and the iconic Nairobi National Park, all of which highlight the natural and cultural wealth of Kenya. The close proximity to shopping centers like Sarit and Westgate Mall further positions the hotel as a convenient hub for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in both traditional and modern Kenyan experiences.
Igor Jovovic, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands emphasized the hotel’s mission to offer an authentic Kenyan experience, stating, “From our design reflecting the vibrant Kenyan landscape to our curated culinary offerings, the Hyatt Regency aims to encapsulate the rich flavors of Kenya.” Such immersive experiences are essential for tourists seeking to connect with the local culture, ultimately encouraging longer stays and repeat visits.
The hotel itself is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of guests, featuring a combination of 147 guestrooms, suites, and 72 apartments. Equipped with modern conveniences such as high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and luxury bath amenities, the rooms provide a perfect blend of comfort and functionality. The choice of warm, earthy tones in the hotel’s interior design draws inspiration from Africa’s stunning landscapes, creating a tranquil atmosphere that welcomes visitors from around the globe.
In addition to its luxurious accommodations, Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands offers diverse culinary experiences, blending local flavors with international cuisine, which is expected to attract food enthusiasts. Moreover, the extensive range of amenities includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, an aerobic studio, and a serene indoor pool that overlooks the city, making it ideal for both relaxation and recreation.
“Business travelers will find the hotel’s versatile meeting spaces particularly appealing. The top floor features one of East Africa’s largest ballrooms, providing stunning city views and ample space for grand events and conferences. With over 21,520 square feet dedicated to various meeting formats, including ten distinct spaces equipped with cutting-edge audio-visual technology, the hotel is equipped to handle high-profile corporate gatherings.’’ He added.

Malaysia on track to capture major share of Islamic tourism by 2028

Travel

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia recorded 4.82 million Muslim tourists with an estimated expenditure exceeding RM15 billion as of November last year, compared to 4.5 million tourists with RM14.7 billion in spending in 2023. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Indonesia, Brunei, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan are among the top five countries contributing to the increase in Muslim tourist arrivals to Malaysia. “Based on market projections, Islamic tourism, which is expected to grow by around 1.2 per cent annually, places Malaysia in a strong position to capture a significant share of this market by 2028, with close collaboration from all involved parties,” he said at the official launch of ‘IslamiCruise Malaysia-Saudia’ here today. Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and the Founder of IslamiCruise International Suhaimi Abd Ghafer were also present. Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia’s recognition as a leading Muslim-friendly tourist destination by the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) further demonstrates the country’s excellence in this sector. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH) chairman, said besides Malaysia’s Islamic heritage through mosques, historical sites and cultural attractions, several industries and sectors in the country have been key drivers of the success of Islamic tourism. These include well-developed Islamic tourism infrastructure and Muslim-friendly hospitality and a variety of halal-certified hotels, restaurants, products and services. “Confidence in Malaysia’s halal industry is also a key driver for Islamic tourism, through the diversity of food and beverages that are guaranteed halal, as well as food festivals and unique culinary experiences offered. “This growth is also supported by government initiatives actively promoting Islamic tourism through agencies such as Tourism Malaysia, the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), and the Department of Culture and Arts Malaysia (JKKN),“ he added. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, as the chairman of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM 2026) Committee, said the country aims to attract more than 35.6 million tourists, with an expected revenue of approximately RM147.1 billion. “I hope that IslamiCruise Malaysia-Saudia, which is expected to attract more than 70 per cent of foreign passengers, particularly from the Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia, will contribute significantly to achieving this target,” he said. Ahmad Zahid said the launch of IslamiCruise Malaysia-Saudia is not only a historic moment for the country’s tourism industry but also opens vast opportunities for industry players to continue growing and strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. “Congratulations to IslamiCruise International Sdn Bhd for being a pioneer in the Islamic tourism industry on cruise ships since 2014. This decade-long success is certainly an inspiration for us to continue innovating and offering unique, exciting, and high-value travel experiences,” he said. The IslamiCruise Malaysia-Saudia, scheduled to begin in February 2026, will offer significant opportunities to promote Malaysia’s Islamic tourism globally, in line with the MADANI government’s goal of making Malaysia the destination of choice for VM 2026.

Cardinal Sarah Publishes New Book ‘Does God Exist?’

Arts & Culture, Books

Cardinal Sarah warned that there is in fact a crisis of faith in today’s world and that it is now at ‘the deepest and most crucial’ point.

Does God Exist?: The Cry of Man Asking for Salvation is the title of a new interview book by Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect emeritus of the Congregation — now Dicastery — for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

In the book published in Italian at the end of 2024, the African cardinal answers various questions posed by journalist David Cantagalli and explains that the text “arises from an attempt to answer the questions of the editor … who with authentic apostolic zeal” wanted to ask “difficult questions.”

“I have sought the answers in my personal history and in my heart, in the magisterium of the Church and in that of the popes who have marked my life, and, last but not least, in the fruitful dialogue with friends, priests, and laypeople, who live an authentic passion for Christ and for the Church, bearing witness in the world to him whom they have encountered,” Cardinal Sarah writes.

In a recent interview with Il Timone of Italy and reported by Religion en Libertad, the cardinal explained why it is man and not God who has “died” in the West: “The West is experiencing a profound identity and anthropological crisis in which man, in his truth and beauty, seems no longer to be aware of his dignity and his vocation to happiness, to the fulfilment of his personal being.”

The cardinal also noted that “it is obvious that all this has remote roots, starting from the substitution of the Augustinian ‘amo ergo sum’ (‘I love, therefore I am’) with the Cartesian ‘cogito ergo sum’ (‘I think, therefore I am’), thus reducing relational ontology to subjective self-consciousness, depriving man of that healthy relationship with reality on which ontology, the knowledge of one’s being, is founded.”

The crisis of faith

Cardinal Sarah warned that there is in fact a crisis of faith in today’s world and that it is now at “the deepest and most crucial” point.

As for those who give their lives to God, he emphasized that “I would not say that consecrated persons ‘don’t believe’; rather, I am convinced that, precisely because of the cultural conditions unfavorable to the radical nature of virginity for the kingdom of heaven, those who respond to the vocation today have a serious and radical initial intention.”

“The most discussed point is that of fidelity, over time, to the task that God has assigned. In an increasingly hostile cultural context, with the fragmentation of relationships, which does not allow us to perceive the support and warmth of a believing community, it is increasingly complex to live the radical nature of the Gospel. I believe that this is the crucial point for all laypeople and consecrated persons, for all the baptized.”

Regarding those who leave the Catholic Church, the African cardinal lamented that “those who leave are always making a mistake. They are making a mistake because they abandon [their] Mother; they are making a mistake because they commit a very dangerous act of pride, setting themselves up as judges of the Church.”

“Sometimes not everything is immediately understandable, and some things may seem completely inappropriate, not adequately considered, even pastorally unfounded or harmful; despite all this, this does not authorize them to leave.”

Who is Cardinal Robert Sarah?

Cardinal Sarah, 79, is one of the most distinguished cardinals in Africa and the universal Church. He is a staunch defender of the liturgy, the right to life, the family, and religious freedom. On June 15, when he turns 80, he will no longer be a cardinal-elector for a possible conclave to elect the pope’s successor.

He has criticized gender ideology, an approach that considers gender to be a sociocultural construct rather than identical to one’s sex. 

In 2018, during the Synod of Bishops on Young People, he pointed out that “watering down” Catholic moral doctrine in the area of sexuality will not succeed in attracting young people.

He was prefect of the Congregation — now Dicastery — for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments during the pontificates of Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.

He is the author of books such as God or Nothing: A Conversation on Faith, The Power of Silence, The Day is Now Far Spent, and From the Depths of Our Hearts, the latter written with Pope Benedict XVI.

Winter sport lovers kickstart tourism in Jasper but visitor numbers are ‘below the norm’

Travel

Open this photo in gallery:In this file photo, a skier enjoys the powder underneath a chairlift at Marmot Basin in Jasper.Sherpas Cinema/Travel Alberta/SuppliedSix months after the 2024 Jasper wildfire threatened to destroy Marmot Basin, the Rocky Mountain ski area’s survival is boosting both the economy and the morale of the recovering Alberta community within Jasper National Park.“We were incredibly fortunate to have escaped the direct impact of the wildfire,” says Jason Paterson, Marmot’s president and CEO. “It came very close to our leasehold but fortunately stopped just short thanks largely to airborne firefighting efforts of Parks Canada and the natural geography of the area.”However, significant challenges remained once the wildfire was under control. Overhead power lines were wiped out, debris littered the winding access road and summer maintenance work was compressed into weeks rather than months after staff returned from a 50-day evacuation. Further complicating reopening efforts, some of Marmot’s off-site staff accommodations suffered fire damage.Once it became clear that the ski season was salvageable, however, Paterson says that failing to open “was not an option. Downhill skiers and snowboarders are the backbone of Jasper’s winter economy, and without them many businesses would likely struggle to survive until summer.”Totem Ski Shop is one such business. According to co-owner and general manager Stephanie English, who moved from Nova Scotia to Jasper 25 years ago, Marmot’s uninterrupted operation prevented a 40-per-cent reduction in staff hours and a corresponding drop in revenue.More importantly, she adds, “Marmot being open has helped with our mental health as we try to achieve some normalcy. One of the reasons I live here is to enjoy everything Jasper has to offer, and skiing is a big part of that. If the mountain hadn’t opened, you would have seen restaurants close for the winter, you would have seen employment dry up.”After Parks Canada cleared the access road and expedited permitting, ATCO Electric spent several weeks burying a new power line. Less than a month after power was restored, Marmot opened for the 2024-25 ski season on Nov. 22. “This was a massive undertaking,” Paterson says. “Our maintenance and operations crews jammed months of work into weeks by pulling long shifts and working through weekends. It was a heck of an effort to get us open, and it was a huge victory for the community when opening day arrived.”A four-hour drive west of Edmonton and three hours north of Banff, the ski region is still experiencing numbers “below the norm” says Marmot vice-president Brian Rode. “There is still some hesitancy to visit Jasper as some people are unsure of what to expect, and others are staying away out of respect for our community. The best support we can hope for is for people to come visit, as this is what we need to recover, and all residents and businesses are welcoming all.”

Meghan Markle Divorce Rumors Intensify with Alleged Bombshell Book About Prince Harry Split

Arts & Culture, Books

A new Vanity Fair article about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s life after the royal family claims Meghan’s team floated the idea of a post-Harry divorce book. This type of allegation stokes the flames of split rumors as Meghan and Harry continue to maintain a professional distance.

Meghan Markle’s team reportedly gauged interest in post-Harry divorce book

In a Vanity Fair feature story, elements of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s life were put under a microscope. The article’s author, Anna Peele, cited those close to the couple who revealed some surprising details about their post-royal family life.

One of the most surprising bombshells was from a person “with knowledge” who confirmed details that Meghan’s team approached a publishing house to see if there was interest in a potential book idea. Reportedly, the theme was post-divorce.

Peele writes, “Not a general book on life after marital dissolution, or one about Meghan’s past experience. (She was married to producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2014.) This book—this notion of a book, really—might center on a post-Harry divorce.”

The article continued, “Not that there was actually one in the works! Just…if this a priori divorce ever came to be, would this publisher theoretically be interested in a book that took place in its aftermath?”

Reportedly there was no offer, nor was there a manuscript provided for this alleged book. “After all: There was no divorce,” Peele concluded.

A post-divorce book idea stokes the flames of acrimony between Harry and Meghan

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For years, rumors of a split between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have existed. However, if the couple is experiencing marriage difficulties, they have not addressed them publicly.

Prince Harry did speak of certain elements of his marriage in a December 2024 interview for the New York Times Dealbook Summit, per People Magazine. “It’s definitely not a good thing. Because apparently we’ve bought or moved house maybe 10 or 12 times and we’ve apparently divorced maybe 10 or 12 times as well,” Harry said.

“So, it’s just like ‘what?’ So, it’s hard to keep up with but that’s why you just sort of ignore it.  The people I feel most sorry about are the trolls,” Harry continued.

“Their hopes are just built and built, and it’s like, ‘Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes,’ and then it doesn’t happen. So I feel sorry for them. Genuinely, I do.”

Prince Harry’s friend says split allegations make a ‘bad time worse’

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry photographed in 2024 | Juancho Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images

In an article published by The Daily Beast, a friend of Prince Harry claims that divorce allegations make a “bad time worse” for Harry and Meghan Markle. This friend believes the Vanity Fair article only focuses on the couple’s reported discord.

“Things aren’t easy for them right now. Vanity Fair have succeeded in making a bad time worse,” they said.

The friend concludes, “The Vanity Fair divorce story seemed very unfair. There was a book but there wasn’t a book, she was planning for life after divorce, but they are totally in love. What? There was not a shred of evidence.”

Thus, these types of rumors continue as the couple professionally separate. Meghan’s next big projects are the debut of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, and her American Riviera Orchard lifestyle brand. Prince Harry will launch the 2025 Invictus Games in Canada, which will take place from Feb. 8 to Feb. 16, 2025.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reside in Montecito, California. However, neither has commented on allegations made in the Vanity Fair article.