Hollywood Week: Toronto Hit with Protests, Taylor Swift Endorsement, Harvey Weinstein, James Earl Jones

Details: Category: Entertainment News; Published on Saturday, 14 September 2024 10:47; Written by Janet Walker

Protestors have made their presence and opinions known at the Toronto International Film Festival, during documentary screenings of two controversial films, "The Bibi Files," and "Russians at War," which continues to enflame divided audiences.

Russians at War, directed by Anastasia Trofimova, a Russian-Canadian, spent time with the Russian military during its invasion of Ukraine, and created a documentary, which many have called Russian propaganda. The documentary has drawn the attention of many citing the film's support of the Ukrainian massacres and the Russian tactics of rape, murder, and annihilation.

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In a statement, "TIFF supported a right to peacefully assemble but added that "we have received reports indicating potential activity in the coming days that pose significant risk; given the severity of these concerns, we cannot proceed as planned." It is unclear what the threats entailed," reported The Hollywood Reporter.

"The Bibi Files," produced by documentarian Alex Gibney, also drew protests as the film ended, many in the audience held signs indicating the time as come for Netanyahu to commit to a cease-fire, end the incriminate killing of Palestinians, and leave Gaza. The screening of "The Bibi Files," which began when secret interrogation tapes were given to Gibney, was not interrupted.

While the protestors hope they will in some way be heard. The reality is that Netanyahu will not deal. Netanyahu is dedicated to a Forever War, for reasons which may be both personal and national. He will never deal, he will never engage in negotiations for a cease-fire, he will end the occupation, when he ends it. No will convince him or persuade him to end the war. When Gaza is razed, when every inch of the debris has been searched, when every leader or member of Hamas is dead, maybe he will end the war. Until then, it's best to evacuate the Palestinians and let Netanyahu do what he is going to do. He's not simply fighting for October 7, he is fighting for every future October 7, for every thought of the possibility of another invasion.

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Taylor Swift Kamala Harris

After the first and only Presidential debate between, Vice-President Kamala Harris, and former President Donald Trump, superstar singer Taylor Swift, announced to her legions of fans, she was endorsing Kamala Harris for president. The announcement caused a spike in site traffic, as more than 400,000 fans followed her direction and headed to vote.gov site.

Swift said, "I've done my research, and I've made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make. I also want to say, especially to first time voters: Remember that in order to vote, you have to be registered! I also find it's much easier to vote early," she wrote, sharing a custom link to vote.gov in a corresponding Instagram story," reported CBSnews.com.

She was immediately condemned by former president Donald Trump who said, she would pay the price for her endorsement. This election is too important to sit on the sidelines, follow this link, https://vote.gov/register, and register to vote today. Level up, rise up, vote.

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Harvey Weinstein

Disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein, 72, has been indicted on additional sex crime charges in Manhattan. Weinstein, who has remained at Riker's Island, even as his conviction was overturned by the New York State Supreme Court last August, as he also faces a 16-year prison sentence in California. The Manhattan DA office is preparing for a re-trial, which is scheduled for November 12, 2024.

Once of his victims, aspiring actress Jessica Mann said, in The Washington Post, "The significant new criminal charges leveled today against Harvey Weinstein show that this Grand Jury, like so many others, can see clearly through his facade for what he truly is: a predator who must be held accountable for his crimes. . . . This decision once again shows that people who abuse their position of power cannot avoid justice, only at times delay it with means such as wealth, fame, and connections."

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones, who barrel chested boom voice was instantly recognizable, died this week. He was 93.

Jones, whose career spanned seven decades, had a signature role in each demographic, to the animated fans, he was the voice of Mufasa, in the Disney's "The Lion King," to the "Star Wars" generation, he was the voice of the sinister Darth Vader, to theater aficionados he was known for his roles as Shakespeare's "Othello," and August Wilson's "Fences."

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His familiar face, skill, and voice added strength to any film. Throughout the 1990s he appeared in films such as "Patriots Games," and "The Hunt for Red October," he played a retired baseball fans in "Field of Dreams" and according to The Washington Post, "appearing on "Sesame Street," he gave possibly the most committed reading ever of the alphabet."

He was lauded by the industry, as a recipient of the coveted EGOT, the moniker bestowed on those who have won each of the four major entertainment industry awards, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. His love of the theater was supported by his roles in television and films.

George Lucas, creator of the Star Wars franchise, said, in The Hollywood Reporter, "James was an incredible actor, a most unique voice both in art and spirit," Lucas said in a statement. "For nearly half a century, he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being. He gave depth, sincerity and meaning to all his roles, amongst the most important being a devoted husband to the late Ceci and dad to Flynn. James will be missed by so many of us … friends and fans alike."

Janet Walker, Award-Winning Screenwriter, Director, Producer, and Publisher, Unveils Slate at EFM

Janet Walker is the publisher, founder, and sole owner of Haute-Lifestyle.com. A graduate of New York University, she has been covering international news through the Beltway Insider, a weekly review of the nation's top stories, for more than a decade. A general beat writer/reporter and entertainment/film critic, she is also an accomplished news/investigative news/crime reporter and submitted for Pulitzer Prize consideration "Cops Conspire to Deep Six Sex Assaults" in the Breaking News Category. Ms. Walker has completed five screenplays, "The Six Sides of Truth," "The Assassins of Fifth Avenue," "The Wednesday Killer," "The Manhattan Project," and the sci-fi thriller "Project 13: The Last Day." She is a member of the Los Angeles Press Club, the National Writers Union, and the International Federation of Journalists.