National Indian Film Festival to be held across Australia next month

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

A new celebration of South Asian cinema will be held across the country next month, with the Australian Centre for Indian Cinema announcing the inaugural National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA).

Held from February 13-16, the event includes screenings in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, Darwin and Hobart.

One yet-to-be-decided city will host the opening night party, workshops, closing night film, and panels on investments, coproduction, development, and collaboration. The festival will also offer development grants for Australian screen content related to India and awards, to be announced in November.

The NIFFA is the brainchild of veteran director and Australia India Film Council chair, Anupam Sharma, who will work with festival director Peter Castadli in bringing the event to life. Dendy Cinemas, major Indian news media company NDTV, and cinema advertising company Val Morgan are on board as stakeholders.

The announcement comes 12 months after India became the 14th country to officially sign a co-production treaty with Australia, allowing projects in both countries to access government funding including grants, loans, and tax offsets.

Sharma said NIFFA would be “one of the rare film festivals which will be produced by filmmakers”.

“Australia was craving for a professional national celebration of Indian cinema, and it is an absolute honour to receive the support of mainstream Australia with Dendy as our major partner and NDTV as our media partner,” he said.

“One of the most important and exciting aspects of the festival will be the programming coverage on NDTV about Australia-India cultural and artistic ties, which will reach a potential audience of over 350 million across NDTV platforms. Money cannot buy such exposure for Australian cultural links with India.”

Castaldi was pleased to take up “such an important role in this vital Indo-Australian cultural and business initiative”.

“On the back of the co-production treaty, sparking a resurgence of film links and high box office revenue in Australasia for pan-Indian films, it makes sense to offer a national audience the opportunity to enjoy a professionally curated taster of the vitality of the amazingly rich and diverse Indian production sector,” he said.

“I look forward to working with the NIFFA to deliver exciting, informative, and entertaining experiences for all Australians.”

The program and award details will be announced on January 6.

Marvel’s Alien: Romulus Prequel Reveals How The Xenomorph From The 1979 Movie Really Died

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

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20th Century Studios

This post contains major spoilers for Marvel’s “Alien: Romulus” #1.
Director Fede Álvarez brought the “Alien” franchise back to life with this year’s “Alien: Romulus.” It was the first entry in the franchise in seven years following the commercial disappointment that was Ridley Scott’s “Alien: Covenant” in 2017. But Álvarez didn’t shy away from touching on Scott’s prequels in his film, nor did he shy away from making direct connections to Scott’s original 1979 horror/sci-fi masterpiece “Alien.” Now, a new comic that serves as a prequel to Álvarez’s film makes even more connections to Scott’s ’70s classic, shining a light on the fate of the first Xenomorph that terrorized the crew of the Nostromo.

Marvel’s “Alien: Romulus” #1, written by Zac Thompson and illustrated by Daniel Picciotto, serves as a direct prequel to the events of the film of the same name. The cold open of the film sees a crew aboard the Renaissance Station discovering not only the wreckage of the Nostromo, but also the cocooned remains of the Xenomorph, dubbed XX121 in the book. Well, at the very least, these unfortunate souls believe they’ve found remains. Xenomorphs are quite resilient, it turns out, as even the cold vacuum of space can’t kill them.
The “Romulus” prequel comic shows us that Rook, who was made in the likeness of Ian Holm’s Ash from “Alien, wishes to study the Xenomorph and, as Álvarez’s movie reveals, he ultimately gets his wish. Meanwhile, a pair of security guards named Adrian and Hyla are against it, believing the organism should be destroyed. The duo end up disabling the Xenomorph’s cryo-sleep device and — wouldn’t you know it — the deadly creature comes back to life and starts wreaking havoc.

The ending of Alien was not the end for the original Xenomorph

Marvel Comics

Because the science officers aboard the Renaissance had already cloned several of the facehuggers, all of the necessary ingredients to make more Xenomorphs were there. Pretty much everyone dies, with Hyla and Rook at odds trying to accomplish different missions. Rook wants to extract the “Prometheus Fire” serum from the Xenomorph, which ties back to both “Prometheus” and “Covenant” Hyla, on the other hand, wants to kill XX121 for good.

Hyla does accomplish her mission, defeating the original Xenomorph with a barrage of gunfire before putting it down for good. Sadly for her, Rook ends up getting her sucked out of the station’s airlock, so she also dies and is unable to warn anyone else of what transpired on the station. In the end, then, Rook gets to secure his serum and that tees up the events of “Alien: Romulus” the movie. Much like the film, the “Romulus” comic does a lot to fill in some gaps in the overall timeline without stepping on any pre-existing continuity.
As for the future? Disney and 20th Century Studios are currently developing a “Romulus’ sequel, which will likely see the return of Cailee Spaeny’s Rain and David Jonsson’s Andy. Plot details remain under wraps, but one thing is for sure: They won’t be encountering that particular Xenomorph because it is good and truly dead now. Despite Ellen Ripley’s best efforts, that alien lived to kill again decades later. It truly is a perfect, deadly organism.

“Alien: Romulus” is available on VOD now, or you can pre-order the film on 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD via Amazon.

Book Review | ‘Awake For Ever in a Sweet Unrest: a novel’ by Chuck Rosenthal

Arts & Culture, Books

For a novel of only 89 pages, Awake For Ever in a Sweet Unrest is surprisingly deep, and will appeal to readers familiar with the Romantic movement as well as those who just want to be carried away by a good story. Chuck Rosenthal has produced a large corpus of work, many novels, a memoir, and essays. He possesses an agile imagination, an eye for telling detail, and an ear for dialogue, and he gives readers a sense of the mad passions that drove Keats, Shelley, and Byron.

Beatriz is 19 and her life is directionless when we first encounter her. She’s the daughter of academics who live a comfortable life in Venice, California, but she’s working as an unpaid volunteer at Beyond Baroque, a “citadel of poetry, of poets,” on Venice Boulevard, part bookstore, part art gallery, and another feature in the garden out back, at the bottom of a stairway: A mysterious repository crammed with thousands of old books. There’s no electricity in this strange catacomb, no cell reception, and electronic devices like laptops do not function. Same for flashlights.

Haunted? Beatriz’s colleagues think so. Pad, pencil, and kerosene lamp in hand, Beatriz takes on the task of cataloging all the old books. But from the moment she enters the catacomb and closes the door behind her, she’s drawn into a disorientating world where authors spring to life and the shackles of time break. The first person she encounters is Mary Shelley, of Frankenstein fame, who tells her matter of factly that she must start with Keats. “If you want truth and beauty, follow me,” says Mary Shelley. “If you want knowledge, go back to school.”

Beatriz time travels, first with Keats in Scotland, though the poet is quick to point out that we don’t travel in time, “we travel inside what we are, what we were. No more.” Soon thereafter, Beatriz finds herself walking across France with Percy Bysshe Shelley and others on their way to Italy to hook up with Byron and his entourage. More adventures follow, on land and at sea, but back at Beyond Baroque reality reasserts itself when the catacomb and all it contains is slated for demolition.

Can Beatriz stop it? I won’t spoil the ending. Let’s just say it’s “Written out on the thread dangling between beauty and horror, between the made up and the real … ”

This review originally appeared in the California Review of Books.

N.J. just acted to thwart book bans, protect librarians

Arts & Culture, Books

As parent-activists across the country continue to challenge access to sexually explicit books in schools and public libraries, New Jersey just took a step toward avoiding these skirmishes and protecting librarians from legal trouble.The state Senate on Monday approved the “Freedom to Read Act” that would require the state Commissioner of Education to create policy that would dictate how library materials are selected and how challenges would be evaluated. Local school boards and library boards would use this model to adopt their own policies.Librarians also would be granted legal immunity from civil and criminal challenges that arise from any book ban debate, according to the bill, A3446.

‘We are thriving’: Barbed Wire Books continues writing its story 15 years later

Arts & Culture, Books

Fifteen years ago, Kathe Heinecken did something she had wanted to do ever since she was a little kid — open a bookstore.Tuesday marks 15 years to the day since Heinecken’s childhood dream turned into a true story.Shortly after purchasing the building at 504 Main St. in Longmont, which previously housed a bicycle shop, Heinecken opened Barbed Wire Books for business on Oct. 29, 2009.“I did buy some bookshelves from a bookstore that was going out of business in Denver and then we just built as we needed them,” Heinecken said.In its early days, Barbed Wire Books’ shelves were predominantly stocked with used books, works by local authors and reading materials kids needed for school.Heinecken had already collected books from garage sales and thrift stores in anticipation of one day opening her small business. Many of Heinecken’s friends even stored books for her in their own garages.“People who read books have books,” Heinecken said.Today, Barbed Wire Books has roughly 70,000 physical books in its inventory.After Borders announced plans to liquidate all of its bookstores in 2011, including its former Longmont location, Heinecken started selling more new books herself.“We expanded our new book section radically because we now didn’t have a new bookstore in Longmont,” Heinecken  said of when Borders closed. “So, we took up that slack.”When Used Book Emporium in downtown Longmont announced earlier this year that it would permanently close in October due to the owners retiring, some community members mistakenly thought Barbed Wire Books was shutting down too.Heinecken even put a sign on the door letting people know that Barbed Wire Books is not closing to clear up any confusion.“We are thriving,” Heinecken said.Heinecken credited Barbed Wire Books’ small staff of between five and six employees with helping run the shop, which is open every day 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the exception of holidays.“Whatever anybody wants bookwise, we’re here to do that,” Heinecken said.Paige Owens, left and Zoe Romero, look at some fun kids books at Barbed Wire Books. (Cliff Grassmick/Staff Photographer)Longmont resident Dana Silkensen, who has frequented Barbed Wire Books since it first opened, said independent bookstores like it are her favorite, pointing out how she does not want to buy her books online.“It’s an inviting, wonderful place … you’re never hurried,” Silkensen said of Barbed Wire Books. “The people that (Heinecken) hires to help … they’re just calm and comforting and helpful and pleasant and (Heinecken) is really interesting to talk to — she knows so much about books.”Although Tuesday marks 15 years, Heinecken said she isn’t planning any sort of party. Admittedly, Heinecken said that she isn’t very good at birthdays or celebrations but acknowledged that 15 years is a milestone.Instead, those who wander into Barbed Wire Books can expect to see Heinecken helping customers in any way she can, just as she’s done since first opening and as she will continue to do moving forward.“Some book stores thrive like we are … and it’s because we’ve adapted,”Heinecken is also acutely aware of how the landscape of bookstores in Longmont has changed since she first opened in 2009.“Now, I’m it,” Heinecken said. “And, it’s a huge responsibility to me.”

The Best Romantasy Books of 2024, So Far: From ‘Heartless Hunter’ to ‘A Fate Inked in Blood’

Arts & Culture, Books

If you’re a fan of BookTok, then you probably know that a new literary genre has taken over readers — and that’s romantasy. Thanks to authors like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros, the romance fantasy genre has skyrocketed in popularity — and it’s become hard to decipher which romantasy books to add on your to-read list. Well, we are J-14 are here to tell you which recent romantasy books from this year are worth reading. Keep reading for a guide to the best romantasy books to come out of 2024:
First, we’ll start with romance writer Ali Hazelwood‘s first dip into the fantasy genre, with Bride being released in February. If you’re still not quite over your Twilight phase, then this paranormal book is definitely for you.
Bride follows a “vampyre” named Misery Lark, who is forced to marry an alpha werewolf in order to form an alliance between the two supernatural creatures. Lots of romantasy tropes fall into this book: forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, you name it!

However, if you want something a bit less paranormal and a bit more fantastical, then you came to the right place. From magical viking romances to witchy enemies-to-lovers books, J-14 compiled a list of some of the best romantasy you can get your hands on right now. 2024, in particular, was a pretty great year for the genre — and while it’s often difficult to pick just one romantasy story (as their names and book covers are often all very similar), we read, parched through and picked our favs, and compiled a list of some stories we think rival even the genre’s unanimous favorites (Fourth Wing and the bible, ACOTAR).
So, open up your Goodreads app and get ready to drive over to your local bookstore as you dive into these stellar recs, if we do say so ourselves. Scroll through our gallery for a list of the best romantasy books of 2024 (so far):

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Big Bad Wolf Books returns to Cambodia, offering discounts

Arts & Culture, Books

The world’s largest book fair, Big Bad Wolf Books, is back in Cambodia for the third time, bringing massive discounts and a vast selection of books to Phnom Penh. The fair started last Friday and will finish on Sunday, at the Borey Rung Reung in Chroy Changvar, offering discounts of up to 95% on thousands of titles across 20 categories and is open from 10:00 am to midnight each day.With prices ranging from $0.40 to $97.00, the event promises something for every reader. Categories include nonfiction, young adults, children’s books, cookbooks, self-help, educational resources, self-development, and history, catering to all ages and interests. Big Bad Wolf’s mission is to make a positive impact in the world by promoting reading and providing affordable books to communities across the globe.The event has already garnered enthusiastic responses from visitors. A local mother of three attending for the first time expressed her excitement: “I’m so happy to be here to buy books for my kids. It’s my first time attending, and it’s such a great chance to find affordable books for them.”Ly Phalla, a third-year student from the Prek Leap National Institute of Agriculture, came in search of self-development books and was astounded by the range. “I love to read, but I’ve only been to small libraries before. Seeing this many books here is amazing, it feels like a dream come true,” he shared.This year’s sale features an expanded collection of books, with new categories and exclusive promotions, as the organisers have carefully selected the titles on offer, ensuring a fresh experience for returning visitors, said Bernard Lee, the Big Bad Wolf Regional Head.“We’re excited to bring an even more extensive collection this year, with more exclusive discounts, so everyone can leave with a bag full of books,” Lee said.In the past Big Bad Wolf events in Cambodia have drawn thousands of visitors, contributing to the country’s literacy efforts by making books more accessible and affordable.“Our biggest achievement has been the community’s response. Each year, we get closer to our mission of creating a nation of readers. Making books affordable and accessible is our way of fostering a love for reading across Cambodia,” Lee noted.Despite the event’s success, organising Big Bad Wolf in Cambodia has its challenges, including logistics, shipment coordination, and maintaining low prices. However, the organisers are dedicated to providing an impressive selection at affordable rates and encourage readers to visit.“We believe in changing the world, one book at a time,” Lee remarked. “Books offer new perspectives, spark imagination, and inspire positive change. They’re a tool for growth not only for individuals but for communities and nations.”Founded in 2009, Big Bad Wolf Books has become a global advocate for literacy, cultivating reading habits and reaching over 48 cities across 15 countries in Asia and Africa. Its mission resonates with Cambodians and book lovers worldwide, making this event more than just a sale; it’s a movement to inspire and empower readers through the joy of reading books.Related PostsTags: Big Bad Wolf Books, Book fair in Cambodia

The Garden District Book Shop to Host Victor Dixen Nov. 6

Arts & Culture, Books

NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The Garden District Book Shop announced French author Victor Dixen will be at the shop on Nov. 6 to celebrate his Vampirya series books. As a two-time winner of the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire, Dixen stands at the forefront of French fantasy.
The series follows a fiery heroine, Jeanne Froidelac, who seeks vengeance against a royal court of deadly vampires in this epic alternate history set in lavish Versailles. Both books within the series, “The Court of Shadows and The Court of Miracles,” will be available in French and English translations. 
The event will begin at 6 p.m. Dixen will share insights into the world of Vampirya before opening up the floor for a Q&A. Afterwards, Dixen will be available to mingle with guests and personalize copies of his books. The event is free and open to the public but interested parties are encouraged to reserve their copies via Eventbrite ahead of the event. 
“The Court of Shadows”

Louis XIV transformed from the Sun King into the King of Shadows when he embraced immortality and became the world’s first vampire. For the last three centuries, he has been ruling the kingdom from the decadent Court of Shadows in Versailles, demanding the blood of his subjects to sate his nobles’ thirst and maintain their loyalty.
In the heart of rural France, commoner Jeanne Froidelac witnesses the king’s soldiers murder her family and learns of her parents’ role in a brewing rebellion involving the forbidden secrets of alchemy. To seek her revenge, Jeanne disguises herself as an aristocrat and enrolls in a prestigious school for aspiring courtiers. She soon finds herself at the doors of the palace of Versailles.
But Jeanne, of course, is no aristocrat. She dreams not of court but of blood.
The blood of a king.