Netflix has taken a significant step toward cultural inclusivity by introducing Irish-language subtitles for its new series, *House of Guinness*. This marks the first time the streaming giant has incorporated Irish subtitles into one of its productions. The series, which delves into the storied history of the Guinness family and their iconic brewery, has been lauded as a positive move by Irish language advocates. The decision underscores Netflix’s commitment to supporting Ireland’s creative sector and its diverse audience. Linda Ervine, manager of the Irish language project Turas in east Belfast, described the initiative as ‘very positive’ and symbolic of the growing demand for the language. She emphasized the importance of offering viewers the choice to engage with content in both English and Irish. Póilín Nic Géidigh, a broadcaster and Irish language speaker from County Donegal, echoed this sentiment, calling it ‘a good step in the right direction’ and expressing hope that other companies would follow suit. Mary Delargy from Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, an Irish language cultural organization, expressed her delight, noting that the move recognizes the power and significance of the Irish language on a global scale. Steven Knight, the creator of *House of Guinness*, highlighted the importance of the Irish language to the country’s cultural identity, stating that the subtitles allow the series to celebrate Ireland’s heritage. The show, set in 19th-century Dublin and New York, explores the legacy of Sir Benjamin Guinness and the impact of his will on his four children. Featuring a talented cast of Irish actors, the series is part of Netflix’s broader efforts to highlight Irish culture and history. This initiative not only enhances accessibility for Irish-speaking viewers but also amplifies the global recognition of Ireland’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
分类： entertainment
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The record-breaking Nigerian chef ready to take on the world
Hilda Baci, the Nigerian celebrity chef and double Guinness World Record holder, is a force to be reckoned with. At just 30 years old, Baci has carved out a name for herself as Nigeria’s most celebrated culinary figure, blending her love for food with a sharp business acumen. Born in Calabar and raised in Abuja, Baci’s journey to stardom began in her mother’s eatery, where she honed her skills and developed a passion for cooking. Today, she is the face of the My Food by Hilda brand, which boasts over a million Instagram followers and includes a Lagos-based restaurant, cookery classes, and a private chef service. Baci first gained international attention in 2023 with her 93-hour, 11-minute cook-a-thon, a feat that broke a world record and inspired a wave of endurance challenges across Nigeria. More recently, she set a new Guinness record by cooking over 8.7 tonnes of jollof rice in a single pot. Baci’s success is no accident; it is the result of meticulous planning and a deep understanding of brand building. She envisions a global legacy for Nigerian cuisine, with plans to expand her brand to the UK, US, Canada, and South Africa. Beyond her culinary achievements, Baci is also a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment, challenging societal expectations around marriage and gender roles. Her story is one of resilience, ambition, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
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Sinclair and Nexstar to reinstate Kimmel on ABC stations
Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show, ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’, has been reinstated across all ABC channels following a week-long suspension. The decision comes after Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group, which operate numerous ABC affiliates nationwide, reversed their initial ban on the show. The controversy stemmed from Kimmel’s comments regarding the death of conservative figure Charlie Kirk during his September 15 monologue. Kimmel’s remarks, which criticized former President Donald Trump and his allies for their response to Kirk’s murder, sparked widespread backlash. Sinclair and Nexstar initially pulled the show, citing concerns over Kimmel’s tone, but later reinstated it after receiving feedback from viewers, advertisers, and community leaders. Kimmel, who was briefly suspended by ABC, returned to the network on Tuesday, addressing the controversy in his opening monologue. He expressed regret for his earlier comments but also criticized Trump and FCC Chair Brendan Carr for what he described as ‘mob’ censorship tactics. The reinstatement of the show has reignited debates about free speech, with some viewers canceling their Disney+ subscriptions in protest. Despite the controversy, Kimmel’s return episode drew record ratings, with 6.26 million viewers tuning in live. Meanwhile, Trump expressed disappointment over Kimmel’s reinstatement, calling it a ‘fake news’ decision. Sinclair and Nexstar have stated that discussions with ABC and Disney are ongoing, with both companies emphasizing their commitment to protecting the First Amendment.
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Eurovision body to hold vote on Israel’s participation
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced a pivotal vote to determine whether Israel will be allowed to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. This decision follows mounting controversy over Israel’s inclusion due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The vote, set to take place at the EBU’s general assembly in early November, will involve all 68 member countries, including non-participating broadcasters from nations such as Tunisia, Egypt, Turkey, Algeria, Jordan, and Lebanon. A simple majority will decide the outcome, potentially excluding Israel if over 50% of members vote in favor.
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How US megastar Luke Combs helped Britain fall in love with country music
Country music is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity, particularly in the UK, where it has become the fastest-growing genre among listeners. Last year alone, the genre amassed three billion streams, a testament to its expanding global appeal. Grammy-nominated artist Luke Combs, a leading figure in the country music scene, recently shared his insights on this phenomenon in an exclusive interview with BBC News. Combs, who boasts over 25 million monthly Spotify listeners and 7.5 million Instagram followers, attributes the genre’s success to its universal resonance. ‘Country music is a place that everybody can go and enjoy,’ he remarked. Combs has been a trailblazer in bringing country music to the UK, where he has performed multiple times, including a historic one-off performance of the Grand Ole Opry at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest-running live radio show, has never before left the United States, making this event a landmark moment in country music history. Combs, known for hits like ‘When It Rains It Pours,’ expressed his excitement about the performance, calling it a ‘bucket list’ experience. The sold-out show also featured other prominent artists, including Darius Rucker, Marty Stuart, and British group Mumford and Sons. Combs noted the unique enthusiasm of UK fans, who often engage with entire albums rather than just singles, a contrast to his American audience. He also highlighted the role of streaming platforms in broadening the genre’s reach. Award-winning singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde, who joined Combs on the bill, emphasized the impact of cross-genre collaborations in expanding country music’s fan base. Opry boss Colin Reed hinted that the success of the London show could pave the way for future international performances. Combs concluded by expressing his confidence in the Royal Albert Hall as the perfect venue for this historic event, marking a new chapter in the global journey of country music.
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The Indian who caught ‘Bikini killer’ twice – and is now Netflix hero
Netflix’s latest film, *Inspector Zende*, brings to life the gripping story of Indian police officer Madhukar Zende, who captured the infamous serial killer Charles Sobhraj not once, but twice. Starring Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee in the titular role and Jim Sarbh as Sobhraj, the film delves into the intense cat-and-mouse game between the two in 1986. The narrative begins with Sobhraj’s audacious escape from Delhi’s high-security Tihar jail on March 16, 1986, where he had been serving a 12-year sentence for murder. Using drug-laced sweets, he incapacitated prison staff and fled, only to resurface in Mumbai days later. Inspector Zende, who had previously arrested Sobhraj in 1971, was called in to track him down again. The film highlights Zende’s relentless pursuit, culminating in Sobhraj’s arrest at a Goa restaurant. The retired 88-year-old officer, now a celebrated figure, reflects on his career and the notoriety of Sobhraj, who was dubbed ‘The Serpent’ for his cunning escapes and crimes across Asia. The film not only revisits a significant chapter in Indian law enforcement history but also pays tribute to Zende’s legacy as a ‘supercop’.
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Stray Kids downplay global fame: ‘Success is a strong word’
Fresh off their record-breaking DominATE World Tour, Stray Kids, the South Korean powerhouse, has once again proven their relentless drive and creativity. Instead of taking a well-deserved break, the group released their latest album, *Karma*, just weeks after concluding their tour, which included two sold-out nights at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This marks their second album in under a year, alongside an EP and a 12-track mixtape, *Hop*, featuring solo contributions from each of the eight members. Their achievements don’t stop there; they also made their Marvel Cinematic Universe debut with a cameo in *Deadpool & Wolverine*, contributing the soundtrack song *Slash*. These accomplishments catapulted them to become the fifth biggest-selling act globally in 2023, trailing only Taylor Swift and Drake. What sets Stray Kids apart is their hands-on approach to music—writing and producing their own material, a rarity in the K-pop industry. Despite the grueling tour schedule, which included three-hour nightly performances, the group found time to explore local cultures, from art galleries to baked potato outlets. Their collaborative spirit and shared workload, as explained by rapper Han, have been key to sustaining their creative output. *Karma* showcases their versatility, blending Brazilian funk rhythms with pop-punk influences, while tracks like *Bleep* deliver bold messages against detractors. The album’s success was further amplified by Felix’s legal victory in unmasking an anonymous social media user in a defamation case, highlighting the challenges of fame in the K-pop world. Beyond their music, Stray Kids have cultivated a deep connection with their fans, known as STAY, through intimate live streams and interactive concert experiences. Their DominATE tour set box office records, selling 1.2 million tickets and grossing $182 million, while *Karma* debuted at number one on the US charts—a historic feat for the group. Despite their monumental success, the members remain humble, with leader Bang Chan emphasizing their hunger for more milestones. Looking ahead, Stray Kids aim to leave a lasting legacy, as articulated in their track *Half Time*, which reflects their renewed commitment to their craft. With their boundless ambition and innovative spirit, Stray Kids are just getting started.
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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs back in court to ask for reversal of conviction or new trial
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the renowned music producer and rapper, appeared in a New York federal court on Thursday, accompanied by his legal team, to request the overturning of his prostitution convictions or a new trial. Judge Arun Subramanian adjourned the hearing without an immediate ruling. Combs, who has been incarcerated since his arrest in September 2024, was convicted in July on two counts of prostitution related to allegations of running a sex trafficking operation. His lawyers argue that the convictions misapply the Mann Act, a century-old law designed to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Combs faces sentencing on October 3, with prosecutors pushing for a lengthy prison term, while his defense seeks a maximum of 14 months, citing his time already served. The defense also contends that applying the Mann Act to Combs’ case is unprecedented and that his celebrity status and legacy have been irreparably damaged. During the hearing, Combs’ attorney portrayed him as a voyeur with no commercial motive, distancing him from the charges. Combs was acquitted of more severe racketeering and sex trafficking charges in July but convicted on lesser charges of arranging interstate travel for prostitution. Prosecutors allege that Combs facilitated paid sexual encounters involving male sex workers and his girlfriends, some of whom testified to physical abuse. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the judge has twice denied him bail.
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Australian film altered in China to make gay couple straight
An Australian horror film, *Together*, has ignited widespread criticism after being digitally altered in China to replace a same-sex couple with a heterosexual one. The film, starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie, was shown in select Chinese cinemas during advance screenings on September 12. Moviegoers quickly noticed discrepancies after screenshots of the original scenes circulated online, revealing significant edits. The film, which was scheduled for a public release on September 19, has yet to be shown in theaters as of Thursday. The global distributor, Neon, condemned the unauthorized edits, stating they did not approve of the changes and demanded the altered version cease distribution. Directed by Michael Shanks, *Together* follows a couple who encounter a mysterious force in the countryside, impacting their lives and relationship. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January and received largely positive reviews, earning a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the Chinese version faced backlash for modifying scenes, including adding steam to obscure nudity and replacing a man’s face with a woman’s in a same-sex couple scene. References to the relationship were also removed. Critics on platforms like Douban called the edits ‘distortion and misrepresentation,’ with one user stating, ‘Not only did they alter the plot, but they also disrespected the actor’s sexual orientation.’ Neon criticized the Chinese distributor, Hishow, which has yet to comment. This incident follows China’s use of AI to alter sexual content in films like *Oppenheimer* and its broader crackdown on LGBT themes, including the arrest of writers of gay erotic fiction since February.
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Matthew McConaughey on starring with his family in film about California’s deadliest wildfire
Matthew McConaughey has taken on a deeply personal role in the new film *The Lost Bus*, a harrowing tale of survival during California’s devastating 2018 wildfires. The Oscar-winning actor portrays Kevin McKay, a school bus driver tasked with guiding 22 children and their teacher to safety through a raging inferno. However, the film’s significance extends beyond its gripping narrative—it marks a unique family collaboration, with McConaughey’s 93-year-old mother, Kay, and 17-year-old son, Levi, making their acting debuts alongside him. Directed by Paul Greengrass, known for his realistic storytelling in films like *United 93* and *Captain Phillips*, *The Lost Bus* is already being hailed as an instant disaster-movie classic. The film’s authenticity is further enhanced by the inclusion of real-life firefighters from the 2018 wildfires and the use of practical effects to recreate the terrifying blaze. McConaughey’s co-star, America Ferrera, plays teacher Mary Ludwig, with both characters forced to make life-or-death decisions while grappling with their own personal struggles. The film’s producer, Jamie Lee Curtis, drew inspiration from a Washington Post article about the Paradise wildfire, describing the project as one of the most important of her career. *The Lost Bus* not only pays tribute to the resilience of those affected by the disaster but also highlights the universal themes of sacrifice and human connection. The film is now in cinemas and will be available on Apple TV+ starting October 3.