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Taylor Swift deepfakes spark calls for US legislation
Rtv news
27 Jan 2024, 21:16
US politicians have called for new laws to criminalise the creation of deepfake images, after explicit faked photos of Taylor Swift were viewed millions of times online.
The images were posted on social media sites, including X and Telegram.
US Representative Joe Morelle called the spread of the pictures "appalling".
In a statement, X said it was "actively removing" the images and taking "appropriate actions" against the accounts involved in spreading them.
It added: "We're closely monitoring the situation to ensure that any further violations are immediately addressed, and the content is removed."
While many of the images appear to have been removed at the time of publication, one photo of Swift was viewed a reported 47 million times before being taken down.
Deepfakes use artificial intelligence (AI) to make a video of someone by manipulating their face or body. A study in 2023 found that there has been a 550% rise in the creation of doctored images since 2019, fuelled by the emergence of AI.
There are currently no federal laws against the sharing or creation of deepfake images, though there have been moves at state level to tackle the issue.
In the UK, the sharing of deepfake pornography became illegal as part of its Online Saftey Act in 2023.
Source: BBC
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Iranian Exile Mohammad Rasoulof is Germany's Oscar Entry
15 films have now been shortlisted for the 2024 Oscar race for Best International Feature Film, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Tuesday. Among them is Germany, which has submitted Mohammad Rasoulof's latest film, "The Seed of the Sacred Fig."
The work was inspired by the mass protests in Iran in 2022 that were sparked by the killing of a young woman, Mahsa Amini, by the so-called morality police. Rasoulof heard the demonstrations from his prison cell when he got the idea for a thriller exploring state violence, paranoia and censorship.
"The Seed of the Sacred Fig" follows Iman, an investigator for Iran's Revolutionary Court who is loyal to the regime but has begun to question the arbitrary and summary nature of the death warrants he is asked to sign.
At home, his wife and young daughters become caught up in the "Women, Life, Freedom" protests sparked by the death, in custody, of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini.
Amini had been detained for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly and was reportedly beaten by the police.
Fleeing Iran by foot
After shooting the feature in secret — the Iranian regime had banned the director from filmmaking in 2017 — Rasoulof had to leave the production and flee the country by foot across the border. He had just been sentenced to eight years in prison and a whipping for criticizing the regime, including their aggressive response to the pro-democracy protests.
After leaving Iran, Rasoulof was able to apply for asylum in Germany; he had lived in the country a few years earlier. His passport had been confiscated in Iran before his flight, but his information was already on file with the German authorities.
The director chose Germany in part because "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" was being edited in Hamburg by Andrew Bird, who works with award-winning German-Turkish director Fatih Akin.
Still, Rasoulof had not been able to visit the country when his film "There is No Evil" won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2020. That film was about the death penalty in Iran, and he made it while waiting for another prison sentence to be confirmed.
A dissident in exile
Rasoulof was awarded a special jury prize for "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" at the Cannes Film Festival in May not long after escaping Iran and completing the film abroad. The film also won the film industry's Fipresci prize, which was awarded during the festival.
"It was quite clear for me that what mattered most now was to go on making films and telling my stories," Rasoulof said in Cannes. "I had more stories to tell, and nothing could stop me from telling them."
Why an Iranian film representing Germany at the Oscars?
Munich-based German Films is a cinema marketing company that appoints the independent jury responsible for selecting the nation's Oscar entry. This year's jury chose "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" from among 13 films.
The fact that "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" was produced by Hamburg-based Run Way Pictures, received funding from a northern German film board and has a German distributor made it eligible for selection.
The jury called Rasoulof's latest cinematic triumph an "outstanding work by one of the great directors of world cinema."
"We are very happy to know that Rasoulof is safe in our country," continued the jury statement. "And we are delighted that he will be representing Germany at the Oscars in 2025."
The director and his producers said in a statement that the selection "shows how powerful intercultural exchange can exist in a free and open society."
In the past, the German jury has chosen local stories and productions. These include "The Tin Drum" (1979), by Volker Schlöndorff, "The Lives of Others" (2006), by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, and "All Quiet on the Western Front" (2022), by Edward Berger, all of which won the Academy Award for an international film.
Of the 15 shortlisted films announced on December 17, five nominated finalists for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film will be announced on January 17, with the winners to be presented in March 2025.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Arrives in Bangladesh to Join "Echoes of Revolution"
Popular Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has arrived in Bangladesh to perform at the "Echoes of Revolution" concert organized by the Spirits of July platform.
On Friday (December 20), the renowned subcontinental musician landed at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at midnight. Upon his arrival, a group of Dhaka University students greeted him with flowers. Later, he checked into a five-star hotel in the capital.
The "Echoes of Revolution" concert will be held at Dhaka's Army Stadium on Saturday night (December 21). This event aims to support the injured and families of those who lost their lives during the July uprising. World-renowned musician Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will perform some of his most popular songs free of charge.
In addition to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, popular local bands Artcell, Chirkutt, Aftermath, and Silsila will also perform at the concert. Rap artists Shezan and Hannan are scheduled to perform as well.
Beyond music, the event will feature a variety of attractions, including a graffiti exhibition about the July Revolution, stage dramas, and an enchanting water zone.
All proceeds from the concert will be donated to the "July Martyrs Memorial Foundation," a welfare organization supporting the families of the injured and deceased. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and his team are performing without compensation, and the organizers will also refrain from taking any profit from ticket sales.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has exempted all VAT and supplementary duties (on tickets and venue charges) associated with organizing the concert. In a special order signed by First Secretary (VAT Implementation) Mohammad Ariful Islam, it was stated that the concert, organized by "Spirits of July" and "Skytracker Limited," has been granted tax exemptions under the Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty Act, 2012, Section 126(3). The exemption applies provided all conditions are met, ensuring transparency.
To facilitate the concert at Dhaka's Army Stadium, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued special traffic instructions for the day. These will be effective from 2 pm to 11 pm. During this time, vehicles can use the expressway toll-free via the Airport, Kuril, and Banani ramps to avoid congestion.
The DMP commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali issued a public notice advising the use of alternative roads near the Army Stadium. Vehicles travelling from Tongi-Uttara towards Gulshan, Banani, and Mohakhali are encouraged to use the alternative route from Staff Road Railgate to Navy Headquarters.
Additionally, vehicles heading from Uttara to Gulshan and Banani via the airport can use U-turns near the Radisson Hotel or under the Banani overpass to access the expressway. Traffic from ECB Circle to Banani can use the ramp in front of Kurmitola Hospital.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's Remark on Bangladesh
A charity concert titled "Echoes of Revolution" was organized by a platform named "Spirits of July" to support the families of those killed and injured in the student-led protests of July-August. The event's main attraction was the legendary South Asian singer Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. The Pakistani artist performed on Dhaka's stage without any remuneration.
On Saturday (December 21), around 10 pm, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan took to the stage at the Army Stadium, where the audience warmly welcomed him. As soon as he stepped onto the stage, he addressed the crowd in Bangla, saying, "Assalamu Alaikum, Bangladesh, I love you."
After exchanging greetings with the massive crowd at the Army Stadium, he began with the song "Tu Na Jaane Aas Paas Hai Khuda." He then performed his popular songs one after another. The stadium was packed with fans, who were mesmerized by his music. It seemed as though everyone was enchanted by his melodious tunes.
Alongside Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, popular local bands like Artcell, Chirkutt, Aftermath, and Silsila performed at the concert. Additionally, rap artists Shezan and Hannan entertained the audience with their performances.
It is worth mentioning that Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's popularity is global. He is the son of Ustad Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan and the nephew of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. As the grandson of the legendary Qawwali artist Fateh Ali Khan, he was connected to music from an early age. Initially, he sang devotional Sufi songs as a Muslim artist. Later, he also started singing for Bollywood films.
His first Bengali song, "Tomari Naam Lekha," written by Bangladeshi lyricist Robiul Awal, earned him significant praise in Bangladesh.
BPL Music Fest: Ticket Prices Drop to BDT 500
BPL T20 Music Fest, the much-anticipated concert, is scheduled for December 23 at the iconic Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Gates will open at 2:30 pm, entry will close at 4:30 pm, and the concert will begin at 3:30 pm.
The event promises to be a musical extravaganza, headlined by renowned Pakistani singer Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, one of the subcontinent's most celebrated singers. Supporting acts include popular bands and artists like Miles, AvoidRafa, Muza, Xefer, Sanjay, and Hannan.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan arrived in Bangladesh to participate in the "Spirits of July" event. Additionally, he is set to perform at the BPL T20 Music Fest on December 23.
This information was revealed during a board meeting held on Saturday (December 21) at the BCB office at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium.
It has been reported that Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will receive a fee of $286,000, equivalent to 3.4 crore BDT, for his performance at the BPL T20 Music Fest at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. The BCB Board of Directors has already approved the payment for the singer.
Regarding this, BCB President Faruk Ahmed stated, "Madhumati Bank has purchased the title sponsorship rights for three events in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet, held in connection with the BPL Music Fest. They will pay 4 crore BDT to BCB, nearly all of which will be allocated to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan."
Meanwhile, ticket prices for the BPL Music Fest have been reduced. Tickets are available online via Tickify, the official ticketing platform.
New pricing categories include:
Platinum: BDT 8,000 (reduced from BDT 12,000)
Gold: BDT 6,000 (down from BDT 8,000)
Silver: BDT 4,000 (was BDT 6,000)
Grandstand: BDT 1,500 (down from BDT 4,000)
Clubhouse: BDT 500 (previously BDT 2,500)
Fans can also purchase tickets directly from:
Mirpur Stadium Ticket Counter
Indoor Stadium Counter
Dosa Express at Bailey Road
Tabaq Coffee outlets in Dhanmondi and Gulshan 1
To honour contributors to the July-August movement, the BCB has reserved 100 special seats for them and their families.
The festivities won't be limited to Dhaka. Concerts are also planned for the other two BPL venues, Sylhet and Chattogram, creating excitement across the country.
Incidentally, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan also performed at a charity concert titled "Echoes of Revolution" at Dhaka's Army Stadium on Saturday (December 21) night. The concert was organized by a platform named "Spirits of July" to support the families of those killed and injured in the student-led protests of July-August. This Pakistani artist performed on Dhaka's stage without any remuneration.
Mehazabien's 'Priyo Maloti': Celebrities Reaction After Watching
Popular actress Mehazabien Chowdhury has already gifted audiences with numerous hit dramas in her career. She has also won the hearts of viewers with her acting prowess in web films. On December 20 this year, Mehazabien's Priyo Maloti was released. Making her big-screen debut, the actress immediately grabs the attention of cinema lovers.
Not only the audience but also stars have been mesmerized by Mehazabien's performance in Priyo Maloti, directed by Shankha Dasgupta. After watching her performance, many celebrities have remarked, "Why didn't Mehazabien come to films earlier?" Senior stars are all praise for the actress.
Before stepping onto the big screen, Mehazabien had been developing her skills. During this journey, she was mentored by actress and director Afsana Mimi. Grateful for her guidance, Mehazabien addressed her mentor as "guru." She learned the intricacies of acting and dialogue delivery under Mimi's tutelage.
Afsana Mimi attended the premiere of Mehazabien's debut film, 'Priyo Maloti'. When asked about Mehazabien's performance on the big screen, she said, "Not only well, she did exceptionally well."
Actress Nusrat Imroz Tisha extended her heartfelt congratulations to Mehazabien. She also thanked the director and the entire team of Priyo Maloti for presenting such a beautiful film.
Jaya Ahsan, overwhelmed with affection, embraced Mehazabien warmly. After watching the film, she shared with the media, "Many have been saying, why didn't Mehazabien come to films earlier? I believe she waited because she wanted to deliver such a mature performance."
From Bijori Barkatullah to director Raihan Rafi, Toma Mirza, Raka Nawshin Nawar, Runa Khan, Nabila, Intekhab Dinar, Sohel Mondol, Syed Ahmed Shawki, and producer Shahriar Shakil—all have congratulated Mehazabien and the Priyo Maloti team.
Meanwhile, Priyo Maloti has already been shown at the Cairo International Film Festival and the International Film Festival of India. Officially selected for these prestigious festivals, the film has garnered widespread acclaim. Set entirely in a local context, it resonated deeply even with international audiences.
Notably, apart from Mehazabien, the film stars Rizvi Riju, Anisul Haque Barun, Azad Abul Kalam, Shahjahan Samrat, and Nader Chowdhury among others. Priyo Maloti narrates the story of everyday life, portraying the struggles of a middle-class woman, a role Mehazabien masterfully embodied.
Tamannaah Bhatia Shines in a Year of Cinematic Evolution
Tamannaah Bhatia, one of 2023’s most celebrated actresses, reflects on a year of triumphs and challenges. Her Tamil film Aranmanai crossed ₹100 crore, a rare feat for a regional, female-centric film without dubbing. Simultaneously, her role in Sikandar Ka Muqaddar has garnered widespread acclaim. “I’m enjoying both OTT and theatrical platforms and feel fortunate for these opportunities,” she shared.
While thriving in South Indian cinema, Tamannaah admits Bollywood hasn’t given her due opportunities. However, she expressed gratitude to Neeraj Pandey for casting her in Sikandar Ka Muqaddar, where she transformed herself to portray Kamini Singh. “It’s a team effort, and success belongs to everyone,” she added, emphasizing the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
Known for her versatility, Tamannaah balances glamorous roles like Aaj Ki Raat with de-glamorized performances. She prioritizes strong scripts paired with visionary directors, choosing projects that resonate with her as both an actor and a viewer.
Tamannaah observes that storytelling has evolved post-COVID, with technology playing a larger role. Rejecting claims of poor OTT content, she revealed completing a Telugu film and a web series with Diana Penty. On the ever-popular topic of marriage, she laughed, “I’m doing just fine. Why bring up marriage again?”
Tamannaah’s journey exemplifies resilience, ambition, and versatility.
Bollywood's Most Talked-About Weddings in 2024
As the world gears up to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the New Year, the festive spirit is in full swing. From the start of the year to its end, several stars in Bollywood tied the knot, making headlines with their grand or intimate wedding celebrations. Here's a look at some of the most talked-about celebrity weddings of the year.
Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal
On June 23, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal began their new chapter together after seven years of dating. The announcement of their wedding sparked a controversy about the actress's religion, as Sonakshi is Hindu and Zaheer is Muslim. However, the couple chose to marry through a civil ceremony, not adhering to any religious rituals.
For their special day, Sonakshi wore a white ensemble sent from Zaheer’s family home, while Zaheer wored a white kurta-pajama. The reception, held at 8 pm, followed a strict dress code, asking guests to avoid red. Sonakshi wore a stunning red Banarasi saree, and Zaheer complemented her in an off-white kurta set.
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant
Anant Ambani, son of India's billionaire Mukesh Ambani, married Radhika Merchant, daughter of businessman Viren Merchant, on July 12 in a grand Gujarati ceremony. Their relationship began during college and culminated in marriage after two pre-wedding ceremonies.
Radhika stunned in an ivory lehenga, while Anant opted for a pastel-toned outfit. Their wedding saw a star-studded guest list featuring Bollywood, cricket stars, business tycoons, politicians, and even Hollywood celebrities.
The Ambanis went all out for the event, chartering three Falcon 2000 jets for international guests, costing ₹7.2 lakh per hour, and deploying 100 private jets for three days. The catering was equally opulent, leaving everyone awestruck.
Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala
Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala tied the knot on December 4 in a private ceremony attended by family and close friends. The wedding was held at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad, adhering to South Indian traditions.
Sobhita dazzled in a golden silk saree paired with traditional jewellery and floral hair, while Naga opted for a beige dhoti-kurta set with a matching scarf. The couple’s relationship made headlines after Naga's divorce from Samantha Ruth Prabhu in 2021. Despite rumours, the couple never publicly acknowledged their romance until their marriage.
Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani
Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani got married on February 21 in a lavish ceremony in Goa. The festivities included sangeet, mehendi, and haldi, leading up to their wedding.
Interestingly, the couple married twice — first in a Sikh ceremony, reflecting Rakul's faith, and then following Sindhi rituals for Jackky’s heritage. Rakul looked radiant in a pastel pink lehenga, while Jackky chose an off-white sherwani. Their relationship became public in 2022 when Jackky shared a heartfelt post on Rakul’s birthday.
Ira Khan and Nupur Shikhare
On January 3, Ira Khan, daughter of Aamir Khan, married Nupur Shikhare in a simple civil ceremony, followed by a grand celebration in Udaipur on January 8. The Mumbai reception on January 13 was attended by numerous Bollywood celebrities. The couple had been together for three years.
Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth
Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth married on September 16, following South Indian traditions. Both were entering their second marriages, with Aditi previously married to Satyadeep Mishra and Siddharth to Meghna. Their love story began in 2021 on the sets of Maha Samudram.
Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda
Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda tied the knot on March 15 at ITC Grand in Delhi. The couple, who started dating in 2019 after meeting on the sets of Veerey Ki Wedding, celebrated their love after four years of courtship.
Each of these weddings showed a blend of love, tradition, and grandeur, making 2024 a memorable year in Bollywood's wedding chronicles.
