Entertainment

Martin Scorsese supports Iranian director jailed for Cannes screening

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2 years ago

August 19, 2023

Staff Reporter

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Tehran [Iran], August 19 (ANI): American-Italian film director Martin Scorsese comes out in support of prominent Iranian director Saeed Roustaee who has been sentenced to six months in prison for the “unauthorised” screening of his movie ‘Leila’s Brothers’ at the Cannes Film Festival, New York Times reported citing local media. Along with Roustaee- who directed the movie -Javad Noruzbegi, the producer were both sentenced to six months in prison by the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Tehran for “participating in the opposition’s propaganda against the Islamic regime,” according to the conviction announcement made by the court and reported in Etemad, an Iranian reformist newspaper.

Martin Scorsese shared a petition calling for “justice” for Roustaee and the film’s producer Javad Noruzbegi.

“Please sign this petition to bring justice to Saeed Roustayi,” Scorsese wrote on Instagram.

“The defendants aligned with the oppositional media, under the influence of propaganda, in line with the counter-revolutionary (anti-regime) forces,” the announcement read. “With the aim of raising money and seeking fame,” it said, they “prepared fodder and intensified the media battle against the religious authority,” NYT quoted the Iranian newspaper.

Roustaee and Noruzbegi will serve about nine days of their sentence, with the remainder suspended for five years, Etemad reported.

During that period, Roustaee and Noruzbegi will be required to complete a 24-hour course about”creating movies aligned with national interests and national morality” and refrain from associating with other individuals in the film industry, NYT reported citing Etemad.

‘Leila’s Brothers’ tells the story of an Iranian family struggling to escape poverty in Tehran. The movie was screened at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, where it won top honours from the International Federation of Film Critics.

According to NYT, Roustaee did not have permission from Iran’s Ministry of Culture to screen the film, and he alleged that the ministry wanted him to censor some of the movie’s “most important scenes”.

“Roustaee’s sentence has concerned many in the Iranian cinema community,” said an Iranian filmmaker who was granted anonymity because he said he was concerned about his safety. “We believe that this indicates that a new wave of limitations and restrictions has emerged.”The Iranian government is extra sensitive to criticism and dissent because of the upcoming one-year anniversary of widespread anti-government protests that erupted last September, Ray Takeyh, the Hasib J Sabbagh senior fellow for Middle East studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.

“The regime is watchful of what is happening and is determined to control the discourse that is taking place,” NYT quoted Takeyh as saying.

Meanwhile, several prominent figures in Iran’s film industry have been imprisoned in recent years after running afoul of government authorities.

In 2022, the award-winning filmmaker Jafar Panahi was also ordered to serve a six-year prison sentence by Iran’s judiciary; he had been sentenced in 2010, when he was arrested after supporting protests.

Taraneh Alidoosti, the lead actress in’Leila’s Brothers’ was arrested in December after calling on Iranians to support anti-government protests. She was released on bail only after spending two and a half weeks in detention. (ANI)

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Staff Reporter

Announcements

DP World ILT20 Crowns ‘Habibi & Habibti’ as mascot winners

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2 weeks ago

November 2, 2025

Staff Reporter

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The DP World International League T20 concluded its first-of-its-kind Mascot Design Competition this week. The competition was held from 4 July to 21 September.

The competition captured the imagination of students across the UAE. With an overwhelming number of entries, the activation demonstrated the extraordinary creativity, enthusiasm, and energy that cricket inspires among young minds, making it a truly nationwide celebration of sport, culture, and community.

The grand mascot unveiling was held at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, Oud Metha. The winning student, Levin Veeroy Fernandes, was officially announced, and his imaginative design (Habibi and Habibti) was transformed into the official mascot of the DP World ILT20, now set to become the face of the league for seasons to come.

The event featured an exciting reveal ceremony, with the student’s design brought to life and presented in front of a vibrant audience, celebrating not only Levin’s creativity but also the remarkable participation of schools and students across the UAE.

The DP World ILT20 extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants whose contributions made this initiative a resounding success. Each entry brought unique ideas and perspectives, reinforcing the league’s commitment to inspiring young minds and celebrating the spirit of cricket.

DP World ILT20 CEO David White: “On behalf of team DP World International League T20, I want to thank all the participants for their efforts. For us, all of you are winners, we are delighted with the interest that the competition created across the UAE.

“The DP World ILT20 is all about UAE and the development of the sport amongst present and future generations of cricketers. Sport and cricket in particular has helped bring together a number of communities and nationalities across the UAE. Cricket has a four-decade long legacy in the country and with the continued growth of the league, the future of cricket not only in the UAE but across the Gulf region is bright and exciting.”

Indian High Schools Group CEO Shri Punit MK Vasu: “Our partnership with DP World ILT20 presents a remarkable platform for our learners to witness world-class cricket in Dubai while embracing the deeper lessons the sport imparts.

“At The Indian High Group of Schools, we uphold the belief that cricket’s enduring spirit fosters respect, discipline, leadership, resilience, teamwork, and composure under pressure, values that cultivate not only accomplished athletes, but also well-rounded, future-ready individuals prepared to lead with integrity, ethics and purpose in a global arena.”

The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with a blockbuster opening, the six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026.

Entertainment

Canada Super 60 set to dazzle with star-studded concert line-up at Vancouver’s BC Place

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1 month ago

October 9, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The Canada Super 60 isn’t just changing the game; it’s creating North America’s newest entertainment spectacle. From October 8 to 13, Vancouver’s iconic BC Place will transform into a full-fledged cultural carnival, blending high-octane cricket with back-to-back music concerts.

Get ready for six nights of non-stop entertainment, headlined by some of the biggest names in Punjabi, Desi, and global fusion music. From the infectious beats of Harrdy Sandhu and Jassie Gill to the international flair of Mickey Singh, each night promises a festival atmosphere both on and off the pitch.

Concert Line-Up Highlights

Oct 8 – Harrdy Sandhu (9pm)
Oct 9 – Jassie Gill (9pm)
Oct 10 – Mickey Singh (9pm)
Oct 11 – Parmish Verma (9pm)
Oct 12 – Raf-Saperra (9pm)
Oct 13 – GirlsLikeYou x Indo Warehouse (6:15pm)

The entertainment bonanza runs alongside thrilling cricket matches featuring international stars and fan favourites. With Yuvraj Singh backing the league and legends like Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina on the field, Canada Super 60 is shaping up to be the ultimate blend of glamour, game, and groove.

“This is not just cricket; this is a lifestyle experience,” said a spokesperson for Canada Super 60. “Our entertainment line-up reflects the league’s ambition to unite cultures through music, sport, and community.”

Fans can expect full-scale stadium productions, food and cultural showcases, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments, turning BC Place into Canada’s most happening venue this October.

About Canada Super 60

Canada Super 60 is the newest format in global cricket, a 60-ball showdown that delivers fast-paced action and festival-style entertainment. Backed by international icons and powered by music, sport, and cultural unity, it’s redefining how fans experience cricket in North America.

Entertainment

UAE students risk repeating a year if absences exceed 15 days, new rules state

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2 months ago

September 2, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Public school students in the UAE could be required to repeat an academic year if their unexcused absences exceed 15 days, under new rules announced by the Ministry of Education.

The updated guidelines exclude absences related to illness, medical travel, official event participation, emergencies, or family bereavements. Students will now be allowed up to five unexcused absences per term, capped at 15 across the year. Any excess will trigger a review, with the student’s file referred to the relevant authorities and child protection services.

The ministry also clarified that absences on Fridays, or on days immediately before or after official holidays, will count as two days. A warning system has been introduced to notify parents on the first day of absence.

Special exemptions will apply to students of determination and those with chronic illnesses. Parents may also appeal within five working days of being notified, ensuring fairness in implementation.

The initiative is aimed at tackling absenteeism, which the ministry said has a direct impact on academic performance. Citing studies, it noted that missing 10 per cent of school days equates to a loss of half an academic year, while absences beyond 20 per cent amount to a full year’s loss in achievement.

Schools have been instructed to create individual support plans for students at risk of frequent absences, including counselling sessions, parent engagement, and incentive programmes.

The ministry added that it will be up to educational boards to decide whether these rules will also extend to private schools.