World News
Celebrity Guest Post: I Want The World To See Haiti As I Do, by Jimmy Jean-Louis
I think about Haiti every day. It is where my roots lie and my old memories live. Haiti is where I lived as a boy before I left for Europe with my family to start a new life far from everything I had ever known and loved. That experience taught me a way to see the world, […]
I think about Haiti every day. It is where my roots lie and my old memories live. Haiti is where I lived as a boy before I left for Europe with my family to start a new life far from everything I had ever known and loved. That experience taught me a way to see the world, and to understand how the world sees Haiti. As a boy growing up in France, and later working as a model and actor, I learned about popular perceptions of my country—chronically corrosive politics, insecurity, corruption, the poorest place in the Western Hemisphere. Rather than alienate me, learning these perceptions gave me the strength to speak out and find meaningful ways to change how people see my homeland.
Changing The Way Haiti Is Perceived
In 2006, I landed the role of “The Haitian” on the NBC television series “Heroes.” This opportunity pushed me to accept and embrace the responsibility of representing Haiti and the culture of my homeland. The impact was unexpected as suddenly, and perhaps for the first time in a long time, the world could juxtapose the words Haiti and heroes in the same sentence. In 2012, I was cast as Toussaint Louverture in a film that told the story of Haiti’s greatest hero and leader of the Haitian Revolution whose military genius and political shrewdness transformed an entire society of slaves into the world’s first independent black nation.
These were positive achievements but not enough. I needed to do something more for my country, especially for the many young Haitians who remain the most vulnerable and excluded members of Haitian society. I was inspired to create Hollywood Unites for Haiti, a non-profit organization named after a soccer team I played for in Los Angeles called the Hollywood United Football Club. For Haitian youth, sports bring new opportunities and open their minds to the world beyond. Positive focus on Haiti has always been in short supply and I felt it was important to boost interest in youth through activities, and in turn in the country itself.
Not long after, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), aWashington D.C.-based organization that has worked in Haiti for more than three decades, asked me to join their campaign as a PADF Goodwill Ambassador to push to end the exploitation of children in all forms. Having learned about their long history of sustainable development in the Americas, including Haiti, I was pleased and proud to accept. The role has allowed me to raise awareness among Haitians, members of the Haitian diaspora, diplomats, U.S. members of Congress, and many others in the U.S. and abroad about the damaging effects of child exploitation.
Traveling to and from Haiti over the years, I began to notice a shift. My country was changing. I could sense hope when I spoke to people. I was inspired to think that things were getting better.
Then the earthquake hit.
In those dark early days following the January 2010 disaster, I felt like everything had collapsed. Not only the buildings but worse, the human spirit of everyday Haitians. I walked among ruins in a place I did not recognize anymore. My heart broke.
Four years after that terrible tragedy, I still cannot stop thinking about Haiti. Yes, progress has been made. Thanks to the work of organizations like PADF that have partnered with the Haitian government, local organizations, and private sector service providers, the rubble no longer chokes the streets. Homes are being repaired, neighborhoods are springing back to life, and small businesses are creating new jobs. Wherever I go, I tell everyone that Haiti is open for business.
Haitains Coming Together To Rebuild
As Haitians, we must come together to foster this budding hope and ensure it continues to grow. We cannot afford to be divided as we face the challenges ahead: creating jobs, repairing damaged and building new infrastructure, eliminating child exploitation, creating after-school programs for children and youth, providing education and access to quality healthcare, reducing insecurity, developing tourism, and ensuring political stability and government transparency. We have our work cut out for us.
With Hollywood Unites for Haiti, we are working to do our part. We have built a school in Petionville’s isolated Cadet area where access to the rest of the city is difficult, and almost no basic services are available. I know this area well because it is near where I would visit my grandparents when I was a boy. Today, about 130 children of all ages are receiving free education and one hot meal a day. The school is powered by solar energy and in time we hope to make more improvements.
In partnerships with The Heart Fund, a French non-profit that fights cardiovascular disease, we are also drawing attention to the issue of healthcare access and heart disease prevention. Through our partnership, we bring heart specialists to provide specialized care to vulnerable, ill children, and perform difficult surgeries in partnership with local private clinics and doctors.
There is still a lot to accomplish in Haiti. That is why we can’t stop now. We need to create an environment that gives young Haitians access to more opportunities than we have ever had before. As we move past Haiti’s worst natural tragedy I hope that we continue to engage each other, to move Haiti forward into an irresistible future. If we are clear in our convictions and faithful to our Haitian national conscience, the world will come to see Haiti as we do and we will no longer need television to show us how to be heroes for our homeland.
is the founder and President of Hollywood Unites for Haiti and serves as the Pan American Development Foundation’s Ambassador for Haitian Children. He is currently working on a personal documentary film about his homeland of Haiti.
World News
Napoléon by Abel Gance (1st period) opening Cannes Classics at the 77th Festival de Cannes
A legend known to cinephiles the world over, a major work of the silent era, one of the most monumental restorations in the history of filmmaking will be unveiled on May 14 as a world premiere: Napoléon by Abel Gance (1st period), in a version resulting from a colossal, passionate effort by the Cinémathèque française, with the support of the CNC.
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Buzz
Davido Inks Partnership with UnitedMasters For His Nine+ Records Venture
Making yet another major power move, three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated Nigerian global superstar and Afrobeats pioneer Davido has inked a deal with UnitedMasters for his recently launched label Nine+ Records.
In this groundbreaking collaboration, Davido will spearhead artist development, A&R, and behind-the-scenes curation, nurturing a pioneering lineup of artists across the continent under Nine+ Records. United by a shared vision, the teams will work together to introduce and foster talent, amplifying Davido’s influence and extending his reach even further. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in shaping the future of African and world music.
Together, the teams will collaborate closely in order to not only introduce, but cultivate career talent. It only expands Davido’s influence and reach.
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Of today’s announcement Davido said, “I couldn’t be more proud to partner with Steve and the team at United Masters, this announcement represents an exciting new chapter for developing and established artists around the world.”
Steve Stoute, Founder and CEO of UnitedMasters states, “Over the last 2 years, we’ve proven our commitment to Africa investing in artists, education, and technology. Today, we are doubling down. With this new venture with Davido & the launch of Nine Plus Records, we reinforce our mission in becoming a bridge for artists on the continent. Together we’ll identify & develop new artists while supporting them with brand and synch opportunities.”
Nine+ Records will be announcing more artists and partners in the future.
Last night, Davido just sold out one of the most iconic venues in the world, headlining Madison Square Garden in New York City. He ignited the stage with what will be remembered as a historic set, bringing Afrobeats to the Big Apple in the biggest way possible. In advance of the show, he extensively spoke to Billboard who praised how “Performing in New York has also become a special ritual” for him.
This news also arrives on the heels of various major company announcements for UnitedMasters. The company locked down a high-profile alliance with SymphonyOS and Groover. Plus, it hosted its annual “A Celebration of Independence” GRAMMY® Concert at the Palladium in Hollywood, CA. The show boasted an all-star lineup, including headliner Davido, Uncle Waffles, Tokischa, Donavan’s Yard, and NLE Choppa. Of the latter, The Source wrote, “This marked the first time UnitedMasters featured international acts, solidifying its impact and representation within the global independent artist movement.”
Stay tuned for a whole lot more soon
World News
Record Rainfall in UAE: Dubai in Chaos as Streets Flood
Chaos swept through the United Arab Emirates as it faced the most intense rainfall in 75 years, with certain regions recording over 250 mm (approximately 10 inches) of rain within a mere 24-hour period, as per the state’s media office statement released on Wednesday, April 17. (more…)
World News
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World News
Baloji and Emmanuelle Béart will co-preside over the Caméra d’or Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes
The 77th Festival de Cannes will feature an unprecedented yet self-evident pairing at the head of the Caméra d’or Jury. As rich dialogue and inspiring gaze arise from encounters, the Festival de Cannes is eager to bring together Emmanuelle Béart and Baloji to co-preside over the Jury that will honor one of the first films presented in the Festival’s Official Selection or its parallel sections.
An unprecedented pairing since French actress Emmanuelle Béart and director and songwriter Baloji, who evolves in Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have never met. She has worked with some of the world’s greatest filmmakers, dazzling both screen and stage with her incandescent performance. He is a bold, visionary creator, who made two short films before receiving the New Voice Prize at Un Certain Regard in 2023 for his acclaimed debut feature Omen.
An obvious pairing as both are free spirits with no limits, who rely on their art to achieve creative freedom. Through her impressive filmography and her humanitarian commitment, Emmanuelle Béart is forever supporting a filmmaking to be shared, to emancipate, transcend borders and help us live together. Baloji, in his first feature film with impressive aesthetic mastery, delivers a chronicle that transcends otherness through the prism of magical realism.
Delighted to be paired at the head of the Caméra d’or Jury, Baloji and Emmanuelle Béart will combine their voices to welcome the first features of filmmakers who look at the world with inspiration, tell us about it with emotion and invite us to discuss it with the conviction of beginnings. “Being a self-taught filmmaker and a filmmaker from the Congolese diaspora,” confides Baloji, “it’s a great honour to be able to witness the vitality of first-time directors, to discover their strong singularities and their inaugural work, which will have a lasting impact on the identity of their filmography.” Emmanuelle Béart declares: “A first film is about the impossibility of doing anything other than delving into the depths of one’s being to find out what we can’t keep quiet about. A deeply moving and terribly free birth: no one is waiting for you yet. We will honor our duty with wonder and respect.”
The Caméra d’or Jury has been co-chaired three times before: by actress Françoise Fabian and director Daniel Schmid in 1996, by Marthe Keller and Géraldine Chaplin in 2002, and by brothers Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne in 2006.
In 2023, the Caméra d’Or was awarded to Pham Thien An for Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell by the Jury presided over by French actress Anaïs Demoustier
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World News
25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards Returns to Miami
The Latin Recording Academy® announced today that the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® will be held in Miami at Kaseya Center on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in partnership with Miami-Dade County and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB).
“Since our first awards presentation in the year 2000, the Latin GRAMMYs have provided an international spotlight for Latin music second to none and provided iconic performances that have become part of global music and pop culture history. We are thrilled to celebrate our 25th anniversary in Miami” said Manuel Abud, CEO, The Latin Recording Academy. “Miami has evolved to become the epicenter of Latin entertainment and we are grateful for the community support and enthusiasm we have received.”
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of The Latin GRAMMYs the show returns to the place it calls home, where The Latin Academy’s journey commenced, and its headquarters remain. This is the third time that the Latin GRAMMYs will be held in Miami, the first time in 2003 and the second time in 2020 when the show was closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Welcome home, Latin GRAMMYs! As the cultural capital for Latinos in the United States, there’s no better place than Miami-Dade to host the best of Latin music and entertainment,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “It’s a true honor to host this incredible event once again and welcome people from all over the world to enjoy the vibrant and diverse cultural hub we call home. This event celebrates the very best in music, and we are proud to showcase Miami’s unique energy, where music and culture collide in the most spectacular way.”
The three-hour telecast will be produced by TelevisaUnivision, the leading Spanish language media and content company in the world, and will air live on Univision, Galavisión and ViX, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central), preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7 p.m. ET/PT.
“We are excited to bring to life the landmark 25-year celebration of the Latin GRAMMYs from the city we call home – the city where Hispanic culture has flourished as a driving force of influence and impact globally,” said Ignacio Meyer, President of Univision Television Networks Group at TelevisaUnivision. “As the Home of Latin Music, we’re excited to deliver yet another unforgettable night of excellence in music, grounded in our passion and unwavering commitment to shining a bright light on the most culture-defining moments for Spanish-speaking audiences worldwide.”
In addition, Latin GRAMMY® Week events will take place throughout Miami-Dade County including Leading Ladies of Entertainment, the Best New Artist Showcase, Special Awards Presentation, Nominee Reception, Person of the Year and the Premiere Ceremony, preceding the telecast. More details on the week of events will be distributed in the coming months.
“This announcement underscores Greater Miami’s status as a global hub at the intersection of multicultural music, entertainment, events and tourism,” said David Whitaker, president and CEO of The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “On behalf of the travel and hospitality industry of Greater Miami, we are absolutely thrilled by the news that the 25th Latin GRAMMYs is returning home to Miami – bringing with it an influx of visitors eager to experience the excitement and energy of this iconic destination.”
The Latin GRAMMY Awards® are the preeminent international honor and the only peer-selected award celebrating excellence in Latin music worldwide.
Additional key dates in preparation to The Biggest Night in Latin Music® include:
July 24, 2024-Aug. 5,2024: First Round of Voting
Sept. 17, 2024: Nominations Announcement
Sept. 27, 2024–Oct. 10, 2024: Final Round of Voting
For more information regarding the current awards season visit: https://www.latingrammy.com/
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