After film on Bosnia war, Actress Jolie plans film on Afghanistan

BERLIN: Angelina Jolie says it was only natural that her directorial debut should tackle some of the toughest issues facing humanity and after wartime Bosnia, Afghanistan is likely to be her next subject.

At the Berlin film festival to present her unflinching drama about rape as a weapon of war, “In the Land of Blood and Honey”, the Hollywood icon-cum-humanitarian told AFP her turn behind the camera was aimed at using cinema as a force for reconciliation.

“I’ve written a lot of journals while travelling over 10 years in the conflicts around the world and being frustrated by the lack of intervention,” said the 36-year-old Oscar-winning actress.

“So I went to the region and started to really look at the Bosnian war, but I couldn’t really understand or figure it out, and I felt this is my generation this happened to so I should know this. So I gave myself some education.”

Jolie, who backs a range of causes as a UN goodwill ambassador, said her research inspired her to start writing a screenplay and her partner Brad Pitt encouraged her to show a rough draft to people from all sides of the brutal 1992-1995 war.

But when it came to making the film, she realised she was the only one with both the objective distance and passionate commitment to do the job.

“And this is how I found myself being a director!” she said.

“I knew that there might have been people who were technically more capable than me, but I knew I really, really cared from the bottom of my heart so therefore I felt I should do it.”

She filmed versions of the movie in local languages and English in parallel.

It tells the story of a young Muslim woman and the policeman son of a Bosnian Serb general who had a fling before the conflict broke out.

When they meet again, she has been taken prisoner by a unit of the Bosnian Serb army commanded by her former lover.

As the women around her are gang raped, the officer offers her protection, telling the other soldiers she is his “property”. But the upheaval of the relentless war means he is only able to shield her for so long.

Jolie said the most difficult part of filming was asking her actors, almost all of whom come from the former Yugoslavia and had their own bitter memories of the war, to simulate the savagery that tore their country apart.

“It was very hard for everybody, for the actors, the men who had to be the aggressors,” said Jolie, who is in the German capital with Pitt and their six children.

“They were fathers, husbands and very sweet men and they didn’t want to do that. But they knew also they had to do it on behalf of the women just to show the brutality they suffered.”

She said the hardest scene to shoot was one in which elderly women were ordered to undress at gunpoint while soldiers look on and laugh – an experience recounted to her by a prison camp survivor.

“This is one that you just never want to ask anybody to do and you are asking real older women to do this,” she said.

“The whole crew was very uncomfortable but the women were so sweet and so professional. I came to them several times asking, ‘Are you really OK, are you sure?’”

She said she hoped Serbs would see the film with open minds when it is screened in wide release this month.

“I went to Auschwitz recently and so many names are Serb names all along the walls because they fought against the Nazis .. and later they were to be the aggressors,” she said.

“I think it’s important to study (genocides) and to understand them so we will really understand how to stop them.”

Bosnia’s war between its Croat, Muslim and Serb communities claimed some 100,000 lives. Tens of thousands of people were held in prison camps, where torture and abuse were commonplace. Some 20,000 women were raped, according to the government’s estimates.

Asked what’s next, Jolie said she would keep her focus on the world’s trouble spots.

“I have been working on something that deals with Afghanistan but I haven’t shown it yet to anybody,” she said. AGENCIES

SHC’s three judges take oath

KARACHI: Three judges of Sindh High Court (SHC) took oath after they have been made permanent judges, TrendPK reports Saturday.

Chief Justice of Sindh High Court (SHC), Justice Musheer Alam administered oath to Justice Muhammed Ali Mazhar, Justice Muhammed Tasneem and Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi.

The oath taking ceremony took place at the court’s Committee Room. The SHC judges, Bar representatives and senior lawyers attended the ceremony. TrendPK

Buena Vista musician declines to go to Grammys

HAVANA: A top Cuban musician from the Buena Vista Social Club has declined to go to the United States to attend the upcoming Grammy Awards ceremony, website Cubasi reported.

In an interview with the website on Friday Eliades Ochoa said he had received a US visa but would stay home instead.

“I prefer to play here in Cuba, in front of my people, rather than go to the Grammys,” said Ochoa, 65. “I said it even before the visa came: I prefer to remain in Cuba and play for my people.”

He did not specify whether he himself had applied for the visa.

Ochoa’s album “Afrocubusmo,” which represents a mixture of traditional Cuban and African music, was nominated for a Grammy award.

“The nomination itself was an award for us,” the musician said. “It was a recognition of Cuban traditional music, of our roots. And if we win a Grammy, so much the better.”

Ochoa is currently on a concert tour promoting his new album, “A Bolero for You,” with performances scheduled in Havana and Varadero.

The Grammys ceremony will be held in Los Angeles on Sunday. AGENCIES

Two Westerners kidnapped in Pakistan held by Taliban

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Two Western aid workers kidnapped in Pakistan in January are being held by the Pakistan Taliban near the border with Afghanistan, a senior militant commander told Reuters on Saturday.  

Gunmen stormed a house in Multan in southern Punjab province on Jan. 19 and drove away with two foreigners — one an Italian citizen and the other believed to be a German.  

“The two NGO (non-governmental organization) workers who were kidnapped in Multan nearly a month ago are in our custody near the border. We haven’t made any demands yet,” a senior commander of the Pakistan Taliban said.  

“They are in good health.”  

A Punjab provincial police chief said last month the foreigners were being held for ransom.   

Criminal gangs often target foreign aid workers in Pakistan in hope of securing large ransoms for their release. Pakistani officials say militant groups such as the Taliban are also involved in kidnappings.       

The senior commander said the Westerners were being held by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, an umbrella group of Pakistani militant factions formed in 2007 which is also allied with the Afghan Taliban and al Qaeda.  

In January, a Kenyan aid worker and his Pakistani driver went missing in southern Sindh province. A British doctor with the International Committee of the Red Cross was kidnapped by gunmen from the southwestern city of Quetta on Jan. 5.  

Last year, American aid worker Warren Weinstein was kidnapped from the central Pakistani city of Lahore. Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for Weinstein’s abduction in December.  

In July, a Swiss couple was kidnapped from the southwestern Baluchistan province by the Pakistani Taliban.  

Such kidnappings in Pakistan put off long-term investors. Foreign direct investment in Pakistan fell 37 percent to $531.2 million in the second half of 2011 from $839.6 million in the final six months of 2010. AGENCIES

Woman, 60, pulled alive from rubble after 30 hours

 

Rescue workers on Tuesday pulled out a 60-year-old woman, Saliha Bibi, alive after she was trapped for 30 hours in the rubble of a collapsed factory in Lahore, as the death toll from the accident rose to 19.

 

The three-storey factory manufactured medicine and collapsed Monday after several gas cylinders inside exploded. It had been set up illegally in a residential area and continued operations even though the government tried to shut it down three times, officials said.

 

Rescue workers on Tuesday heard the 60-year-old woman screaming for help, and it took them several hours to pull her out from the jagged pile of concrete blocks, said Rizwan Naseer, head of rescue service 1122.

 

The woman appeared exhausted but otherwise unharmed as the workers pulled her free. She drank from a bottle of water and took a deep breath before being led away from the site.

 

She was the 15th person to be saved and told the rescuers there were others who were still trapped alive, said Naseer.
Around 30 people are still believed to be under the rubble, said another rescue official, Asad Ahmad. Workers have retrieved 19 dead bodies so far, he said.
 

 

NATO supply be restored if demands met: Mukhtar

 

Talking to mediamen, Ahmad Mukhtar said, “We should have no misperception with the US. Our dealings with it have remained very good earlier. We are endeavoring our relations with all world countries remain good. The US is also part of the world. We should restore NATO routes after our all demands are accepted.”

 

Responding to a question, he said drone attacks were still a problem that had not been resolved as yet. “We will continue to take up this issue with US authorities till it is resolved,” he remarked.

 

Pakistan-US relations were growing tense due to drone attacks, therefore US should stop these attacks, he said. –Online
 

Genelia to be brand ambassador of Rasna

After having created a ‘bubblicious’ sandstorm of sorts with her memorable performance in her debut film Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Naa, Genelia D’Souza has always charmed her way to the viewers’ minds and hearts alike.

She recently made national news after exchanging the nuptial vows with her sweetheart Riteish Deshmukh. And now, the actress is being chosen as the brand ambassador of the soft drink concentrate Rasna, if the market buzz is to be believed.

The official announcement of the same is expected to happen anytime now.

Lahore: 19 bodies recovered from factory rubble

 

As per details, the three-story factory collapsed on Monday in Lahore after a gas explosion, killing at least 19 people and trapping dozens.

 

“The factory has completely collapsed and two houses next to it as well,” an emergency official said, adding that authorities were having trouble getting heavy rescue machinery to the area because of narrow streets.

 

According to sources, at least 60 people including 25 women were at work when the factory, which produced veterinary medical products, crumbled.

 

Sabzazar Police have registered a case against the factory owners.

 

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has also taken the notice of the incident and sought report within 48 hours.
 

Diet Coke® and Minka Kelly Celebrate The Heart Truth® With Lucky Fans

TrendPK.com: “Showing a little heart” never goes out of style. That’s why actress Minka Kelly and iconic fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg are teaming up with Diet Coke and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) The Heart Truth ® campaign. The goal: to raise awareness of women’s heart health educational programs. Five lucky Diet Coke fans will join these women for the star-studded Red Dress Collection Fashion Show on February 8, which kicks-off New York Fashion Week.

This year marks the fifth year Diet Coke will play an active role in The Heart Truth ® campaign. Diet Coke is taking its efforts online, on packaging and on the runway to call attention to women’s heart health educational programs. Minka Kelly will join Diet Coke and walk the Red Dress runway in a custom Diane von Furstenberg dress.

Diet Coke fans walked their own virtual runway by using their social networks to “show their hearts” for the cause and entering to win a chance to attend the annual Red Dress Collection Fashion Show. Using the hashtag “#ShowYourHeart,” people shared photos of themselves wearing red via Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram. The entries were judged, and the five best photos were selected. Minka Kelly then judged the five winning photos to choose one grand prize winner, who received a shopping spree with a style expert. All five winners will be attending this week’s event.

“I loved the creativity the winners showed in their photos, and now I can’t wait to show off Ms. von Furstenberg’s creation and raise awareness at the Red Dress Collection Fashion Show,” said Minka Kelly. “Heart health is important for women of every age, and it’s up to each of us to help spread the word to the women we love.”

In addition to the dress Minka Kelly will be wearing in the Fashion Show, Diane von Furstenberg created a limited-edition collection of Diet Coke aluminum bottles featuring her iconic prints. The bottles will be sold in select Diane von Furstenberg stores in New York and on DVF.com during the month of February. Proceeds from the bottle sales will benefit the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), in support of The Heart Truth ® and women’s heart health research and educational programs.

The Heart Truth ® supporters can also help raise funds for the cause by “donating a tweet.” For each person who re-tweets Diet Coke’s The Heart Truth ® post on February 8, Diet Coke will donate $1 to the FNIH, up to $100,000.

Throughout the month of February, Diet Coke drinkers also will be treated to special packaging featuring the now familiar stick figure painting a large, red heart. Additionally, more than six billion packages of Diet Coke will feature The Heart Truth ® logo throughout the year.

“For five years, Diet Coke has been a passionate supporter of The Heart Truth ® and its efforts to raise awareness about the importance of heart health,” said William White, Brand Director, Diet Coke North America. “While we’ve shared this vital message with millions of people through our partnership with the NHLBI, we’ll reach even more this year with creative online programs, in-store activations and eye-catching packaging.”

Through successful heart health educational programs and with the support of scores of people dedicated to the cause, including Diet Coke fans, awareness of heart disease among women has nearly doubled in the last 12 years. More than half (54%) of women recognize that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, up from 30 percent in 1997.*

Promotions and Advertising

Diet Coke is activating national heart health programs with key retail and restaurant customers across the nation, including SUBWAY ® Restaurants. Together with Diet Coke, SUBWAY® will donate $50,000 toward heart health education and research programs. SUBWAY® fans can also help trigger an additional $50,000 for the cause. For every fan who uploads their own photo using the hashtag “#SUBWAYHeartTruth” from now until February 29, a $1 donation will be made to the FNIH, up to $50,000. The SUBWAY® restaurant chain, is ranked “number one” by consumers in the Zagat® Fast Food Survey in the “Healthy Options” category and their FRESH FIT® menu options include sandwiches and salads containing 6 grams of fat or less and “better for you” sides and drinks, such as yogurt, apple slices, low-fat milk, bottled water and sparkling beverages.

The Heart Truth ® is also supported by advertising and digital initiatives. Diet Coke’s support of The Heart Truth ® is another expression of Coca-Cola’s Live Positively commitment to encourage active, healthy lifestyles in the lives of people and communities.

The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world’s most valuable brand, our Company’s portfolio features 15 billion dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.7 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world’s top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system employees. For more information, please visit www.thecoca-colacompany.com or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo.

The Heart Truth® Campaign

The Heart Truth ® is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease and is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Through the campaign, the NHLBI leads the nation in a landmark heart health awareness movement that is being embraced by millions who share the common goal of better heart health for all women.

The centerpiece of The Heart Truth ® is the Red Dress, which was introduced as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 by the NHLBI. The Red Dress ® reminds women of the need to protect their heart health, and inspires them to take action.

To learn more, visit www.hearttruth.gov.

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Selma Blair joins Charlie Sheen’s new TV show

TrendPK.com: It looks like Selma Blair is ready to be swept up into Charlie Sheen’s world as she has joined the cast of his new FX TV show, ‘Anger Management.’

Blair will reportedly be taking on the role of Sheen’s “slightly neurotic” therapist who will likely have her hands full, states E! News. The role of his ex-wife has reportedly also been cast as actress Shawnee Smith.

The show will reportedly begin production in March and then start to air in June on FX.

What do you think about the castings?

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