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Goldman, Sachs to finance Weinstein’s new film company
MUMBAI: A couple of months after announcing their decision to leave Disney and by extension Miramax by September movie mavericks Harvey and Bob Weinstein have announced a deal with Goldman, Sachs & Co.
As per the agreement the investment banking firm will provide The Weinstein Company with an equity investment and a debt financing commitment. The two firms will work closely together over the coming months to officially launch The Weinstein Company in October 2005. The brothers said, “We are thrilled with this important relationship that provides us with the resources to produce and market the exciting slate of films that we have planned. We look forward to getting to work.”
The brothers have said they hope to raise $1 billion as they build up their firm which will first focus on movies and later could branch into the internet and other digital media. The The Goldman loan has been estimated to be in the region of $100 million.
Meanwhile The Weinstein Company has acquired the US distribution rights to three films- Decameron, Last Legion and Young Hannibal which have all been produced by the legendary Dino de Laurentiis.
These three films have a combined budget of $185 million. Decameron directed
by David Leland, stars Hayden Christensen Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith and Mischa Barton
in a tale of romance, passion and adventure amongst Italian nobles during the time of the Florentine Plague. Last Legion stars Colin Firth and Ben Kingsley and will start production in
August. It’s the epic tale of a warrior named Aurelius who must protect the young Caesar when ancient Rome falls to the Goths. Young Hannibal is the prequel to the famous Hannibal
Lecter series.
It tells the story of the formative years of Hannibal Lecter, revealing the origins of the now legendary character. Young Hannibal is
based on the upcoming book Behind the Mask by Thomas Harris.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
