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Sivaranjini J., the director behind the debut feature Victoria, shares how a striking image—a rooster being sacrificed in a beauty parlor—inspired her film’s journey from a small village in Kerala to international acclaim. Selected as India’s only entry in the Shanghai International Film Festival’s Asian New Talent competition, the film marks a personal triumph for Sivaranjini, who admits she nearly abandoned her filmmaking dreams before this breakthrough.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another festival selection—it’s a story about persistence and creative vision paying off. For emerging filmmakers, especially women in a male-dominated industry, Sivaranjini’s journey underscores how unconventional ideas can resonate globally. It’s a reminder that even when dreams feel out of reach, they might just be one bold image away from reality.

This year’s Shanghai International Film Festival is going big—really big—with over 400 films from 71 countries, plus a fresh twist: virtual reality entries debuting for the first time. Festival boss Chen Guo frames it as a cinematic handshake between cultures, aiming to spark deeper global dialogue through movies.

Editor’s Note: In a world where political tensions often dominate headlines, a film festival stacking its lineup with global stories (and even VR experiments) feels like a quiet but meaningful win. It’s not just about entertainment—it’s a nod to how art can soften borders, even if just for a couple hours in a dark theater. Plus, the VR addition shows they’re not stuck in the past. Cool, right?

Heather Burns, known for her role in Miss Congeniality, says she’d eagerly return for a third film, calling her time on set with co-stars like Sandra Bullock "one of the best experiences" of her life. During the Tribeca Festival premiere of her new movie, The Best You Can, she gushed about reuniting with her "lifelong friends" for another installment.

Editor’s Note: Fans of the beloved comedy franchise have reason to get excited—Burns’ enthusiasm hints at potential momentum for a third Miss Congeniality. Her heartfelt nostalgia also reminds us how rare it is for cast chemistry to last decades, making the idea of a reunion feel genuinely special, not just a cash grab.

Kites is a unique debut film by Walter Thompson-Hernandez that blends reality and fantasy, set against the vibrant yet harsh backdrop of Rio de Janeiro. It earned a special jury nod at Tribeca for its unconventional storytelling, opening with real news footage of a tragic event before weaving a dreamlike narrative. The film doesn’t spoon-feed its audience—it invites them to lean into its poetic, sometimes challenging vision.

Editor’s Note: Indie films like Kites remind us that cinema isn’t just about escapism—it can reframe real-world struggles through imagination. For film lovers, this is a chance to see a fresh voice (and a fresh festival favorite) take creative risks. For everyone else? It’s proof that even tough stories can be told with beauty and hope.

Shakira opened up about the emotional toll of being an immigrant in the U.S., describing it as a life filled with constant fear. In a BBC interview, the Colombian superstar didn’t hold back, criticizing former President Trump’s harsh stance on immigration—a hot-button issue that fueled nationwide protests, with thousands taking to the streets from LA to beyond.

Editor’s Note: When a global icon like Shakira shares her personal struggles with immigration, it puts a spotlight on the human side of a polarizing political debate. Her words resonate with millions who feel unseen, adding star power to a movement demanding change. This isn’t just about policy—it’s about people living in fear, and that’s hard to ignore.