-
‘Wandering Trees’ Review: Iconoclastic Director Salvatore Mereu Tries a Newly Minted Fairyale, but Only Fitfully Finds Magic
Variety’s review finds that Salvatore Mereu’s three-hour Sardinian fairy tale, “Wandering Trees”, has striking natural imagery and a sincere reverence for the land, but only intermittently achieves the magic it seeks. The critic argues that the film’s blend of fantastical storytelling and social realism creates a tonal mismatch, weakening its drama because key character motivations…
-
The Democratic establishment strikes back
In today’s issue: ▪ A major upset in Wisconsin ▪ US attacks ship breaking Hormuz blockade ▪ Former Marine released from Russia ▪ Air Force One security concerns The left’s successful run in Democratic primaries hit a major roadblock in Wisconsin on Tuesday night as democratic socialist Francesca Hong, whom polls showed leading by double…
-
Sarajevo Film Festival Director Jovan Marjanovic Talks “Vibrant” Lineup, Uptick In Female Directors & Developing Long-Term, “Meaningful” Relationships With Filmmakers
Sarajevo Film Festival will open its 32nd edition on 14 August with Paweł Pawlikowski’s Fatherland and close on 21 August with a restored version of Danis Tanović’s No Man’s Land. Director Jovan Marjanović said the programme highlights Southeast European cinema while linking established international filmmakers with regional talent, and argued that Fatherland’s historical and family…
-
Pylon Bill Discounts and Unmarried Couples Reform Considered
On 12 August, the government identified more than 40 locations expected to fall within its new electricity Bill Discount Scheme, intended to compensate households close to new or substantially upgraded overhead transmission infrastructure, including pylons. Subject to legislation and final project details, eligible homes within 500 metres could receive up to £250 a year for…
-
‘Demons’ Explores the Russia-Ukraine Relationship via Borscht, Blood and Graves (Exclusive Trailer)
Writer-director Natalka Vorozhbyt’s new film, Demons, will have its world premiere at the 79th Locarno Film Festival on 13 August. The film uses a developing relationship between a Russian drifter and a Ukrainian woman as a metaphor for Russia and Ukraine, framing political conflict through a surreal rural drama. Slavik, a homeless Russian man with…
-
Wisconsin result halts winning streak for Democratic Party’s left wing
David Crowley has narrowly won Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor, defeating the more left-wing Francesca Hong in a result that interrupts recent successes for insurgent progressive candidates across the US. The centrist Milwaukee County executive will face Republican congressman Tom Tiffany in November, in a contest likely to be closely watched because Wisconsin is politically…
-
Iran war and high living costs fueling last-minute holiday bookings, Tui says
Tui says the war in Iran and pressure on household budgets are prompting more people to delay holiday bookings until the last minute, creating uncertainty for Europe’s largest travel company. The conflict has already cost Tui €60m, while weaker demand, high fuel prices and intense competition contributed to a sharp fall in quarterly profits. Two…
-
Torres misses Barcelona training to finalise PSG move
Ferran Torres has been excused from Barcelona training as he nears a move to Paris St-Germain, with the transfer expected to exceed £40m. The departure would be significant for Barcelona because the Spain forward has only one year remaining on his contract, while PSG are seeking attacking reinforcements. Torres, 26, helped Spain win the World…
-
Four ways to harden America’s power grid before our global enemies strike
The article argues that the United States should strengthen its power grid against potential attacks by hostile states, citing Iran’s reported cyberattacks on water systems and threats to domestic energy infrastructure. It contends that the country’s historic confidence in secure military logistics and energy supplies is no longer justified, given the capabilities and stated intentions…
-
Russia is helping China close gap with US forces amid Taiwan tensions, warns longtime military leader
Retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery has warned that Russia’s growing military partnership with China could reduce a key US advantage in any future conflict over Taiwan. He said Moscow may be supplying technology that makes Chinese submarines quieter and harder for the US Navy to detect, while China helps sustain Russia’s war effort. Montgomery described…