分类： entertainment

Dubai-based Advanced Media Trading, a leading distributor of professional broadcast and cinema equipment across the Middle East and North Africa region, has announced the return of its biannual digital cinema event, CINECommunity. Scheduled for January 15-17, 2026, at the company’s UAE headquarters in Dubai, this initiative celebrates the UAE Year of Community through strategic collaborations with Courtyard Art & Community Centre and Analog The Room.

The three-day program will feature nine specialized digital cinema workshops addressing contemporary industry topics. These include cinematic lighting techniques after sundown, digital intermediate film laboratory processes, and sustainable production practices titled ‘greening the UAE screen one frame at a time.’ Notably, this edition marks a significant milestone with half of the workshops being led by accomplished female instructors, including Los Angeles-based cinematographer Sarah Winters, Cairo-based director of photography Zeina Khalil, and Abu Dhabi’s pioneering sustainable production advisor Nena Ostrogovic.

The event will also welcome returning instructors Fouad Aoun and Nikita Petsa, alongside new participants from Prague-based VFX studio Magic Lab. In a unique tribute to Dubai’s cultural landscape, Advanced Media has transformed its premises to replicate the iconic environment of Al Quoz’s The Courtyard, where founder Dariush Zandi will present a seminar on ‘the importance of community in the creative process’ on January 16.

Additional programming includes a hands-on workshop titled ‘Journey Through Camera Evolution and Hands On with All Formats’ conducted by Mohammed Kamal, founder of AnalogTheRoom. Kaveh Farnam, co-founder and chairperson of Advanced Media Trading, emphasized the event’s collaborative nature: ‘Cinema, or any other creative production, is inherently collaborative. We wanted to emphasize the importance of community and teamwork as part of our mission to position ourselves as facilitators and supporters.’

Registration for the free 90-minute workshops opened on December 25, 2025, with sessions conducted in Advanced Media’s showroom and training space. The facility will remain open to the general public from 2-8 pm daily throughout the event duration.

The Harbin Ice and Snow World in China’s Heilongjiang province has transformed into a breathtaking equestrian wonderland in anticipation of the upcoming Year of the Horse. This annual winter spectacle, renowned for its magnificent ice architecture, has fully embraced the zodiac theme with an impressive collection of horse-themed sculptures carved from ice and snow.

The frozen kingdom now showcases a diverse array of equine artworks that capture the dynamic spirit and progressive energy symbolized by the horse in Chinese culture. These meticulously crafted sculptures range from life-sized galloping stallions to abstract interpretations of equine forms, all illuminated by the park’s signature colorful lighting systems that create a magical atmosphere after dark.

Artists and ice sculptors have employed specialized techniques to achieve remarkable detail in their frozen creations, from flowing manes to muscular contours, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship in sub-zero temperatures. The exhibition serves both as an artistic celebration and cultural homage to the upcoming lunar year, which begins in February 2025.

Beyond their visual spectacle, these frozen equestrian displays carry deep cultural significance, conveying traditional wishes for success, prosperity, and good fortune in the coming year. The thematic installation represents one of the most ambitious zodiac celebrations in the festival’s history, continuing Harbin’s tradition of blending ancient cultural elements with contemporary ice sculpture techniques.

The Year of the Horse installation will remain on display throughout the winter season, expected to attract millions of domestic and international visitors to northeastern China’s most famous winter destination.

The global animal rights community is mourning the loss of French cinematic legend Brigitte Bardot, who passed away at age 91. Ingrid Newkirk, founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), issued a heartfelt tribute celebrating Bardot’s transformative journey from international screen icon to one of history’s most influential animal welfare advocates.

Newkirk characterized Bardot as ‘an angel for animals’ who consistently leveraged her celebrity status to champion animal protection causes. The PETA founder revealed that Bardot had personally participated in numerous organizational campaigns throughout her advocacy career, including a successful 2013 initiative that persuaded luxury British retailer Fortnum & Mason to cease sales of foie gras.

Bardot’s remarkable transition from entertainment to activism began in 1973 when she voluntarily retired from her illustrious film career at its peak. She relocated permanently to her Saint-Tropez residence on the French Riviera, where she established what would become her life’s work: the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for animal protection in 1986.

Her advocacy portfolio encompassed diverse and impactful campaigns spanning several decades. She emerged as a vocal protector of baby seals and elephants, campaigned vigorously against ritual animal sacrifice practices, and demanded the closure of horse slaughterhouses. Newkirk emphasized that Bardot often stated she ‘truly bloomed’ through her animal protection work, and called upon the public to honor her memory by performing acts of kindness toward animals.

The production of the highly anticipated Bollywood sequel ‘Drishyam 3’ has been plunged into legal controversy following the abrupt departure of actor Akshaye Khanna from the project. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has formally issued a legal notice to the actor, alleging breach of contract after Khanna reportedly accepted a signing amount and committed his schedule to the film before withdrawing.

According to Pathak’s detailed account, the conflict originated from Khanna’s insistence on growing his natural hair for the role, a demand that clashed directly with the film’s narrative continuity. ‘Drishyam 3’ begins precisely where its predecessor concluded, creating an impossible timeline for any significant physical transformation. ‘The day the old film ends, it starts at night, so how will he grow his hair in four hours?’ Pathak questioned, highlighting the logistical impossibility of the actor’s request.

The producer revealed that despite initially agreeing to utilize a wig after discussions, Khanna ultimately reversed his decision. Pathak suggested that external influences might have contributed to this reversal, stating that ‘people around him put it in his mind that by wearing a wig, you will look very beautiful.’

The financial implications of this departure are substantial. Pathak confirmed that sets had already been constructed at Yash Raj Studios, incurring significant production costs. The legal notice demands compensation for these expenses along with other incurred losses should Khanna fail to respond by the deadline.

In a strategic response to this casting crisis, the production team has secured acclaimed actor Jaideep Ahlawat as Khanna’s replacement. Pathak elaborated that while Ahlawat will fulfill similar narrative functions within the plot, his character will be presented ‘in a new form’ with fresh creative dimensions. This last-minute recasting introduces an unexpected element to the sequel’s development.

Akshaye Khanna has maintained complete silence regarding the allegations, offering no public statement or explanation for his departure from the high-profile project.

‘Drishyam 3’ continues its production schedule despite these setbacks, with principal photography proceeding with its stellar ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Shriya Saran, and Tabu. Under the direction of Abhishek Pathak, the film remains scheduled for its global theatrical release on October 2, 2026.

Dubai’s luxury retail sector received a celebrity endorsement as Dilip Joshi, the renowned Indian television actor famous for his long-running role as Jethalal in ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah,’ made a special visit to Kanz Jewels in Dubai. The celebrated actor, who holds a world record for his continuous portrayal of a single character across more than 3,500 episodes spanning over 15 years, explored the jeweler’s signature collections during his shopping excursion.

Joshi expressed particular admiration for the brand’s exceptional craftsmanship, intricate detailing, and design excellence. ‘Kanz Jewels offers an exceptional blend of trust, quality, and elegance,’ Joshi remarked during his visit. ‘The collection and hospitality truly stand out.’

The management of Kanz Jewels welcomed the opportunity to host the television personality. Anil Dhanak, Managing Director of Kanz Jewels, stated: ‘We were delighted to welcome Dilip Joshi. His visit reflects the trust and popularity Kanz Jewels enjoys among celebrated personalities and discerning customers alike.’

The appearance of such a prominent entertainment figure at the Dubai-based jewelry retailer highlights the continuing attraction of Dubai’s luxury market for international celebrities and reinforces the emirate’s status as a premier shopping destination for high-profile visitors from around the world.

Hyderabad police have formally charged actor Allu Arjun and 22 others in connection with a deadly stampede that occurred during a pre-release screening of ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ nearly one year ago. The incident at Sandhya 70mm Theatre in RTC X Roads resulted in the death of one woman and left multiple attendees injured.

The comprehensive chargesheet, filed by Chikkadpally police earlier this week, identifies the prominent actor as ‘Accused No. 11’ alongside his personal security detail, theater management, event organizers, bouncers, and members of the actor’s fan association. According to official statements from the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, the accused include 14 individuals who were arrested and nine others granted anticipatory bail.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Ramesh Kumar confirmed that one injured victim continues to receive medical treatment nearly twelve months after the December 4, 2024 tragedy. The fatal stampede occurred during highly anticipated preview screenings of the much-awaited sequel to Allu Arjun’s blockbuster film ‘Pushpa: The Rise’.

The legal action represents a significant development in a case that has drawn attention to crowd management practices at major film events across India. The chargesheet suggests multiple parties shared responsibility for ensuring public safety during the high-profile event that attracted massive crowds despite the potential risks.

This case marks a rare instance of criminal charges being brought against a top-tier Indian film star in connection with event-related casualties, setting a potential precedent for celebrity accountability in similar incidents moving forward.