Hollywood
Columbia Gorge International Film Festival to screen 224 films
NEW DELHI: An exciting variety of 224 films which includes feature length, short films, narratives and documentaries from around the world will be screened at the 7th Columbia Gorge International Film Festival (CGIFF).
The festival starting from 1 August will be held for a period of 17 days in the Vancouver city of Washington DC.
The witty comedy Frank v/s God opens the festival screening at the beautiful Angaelica Farms. Writer and Director Stewart Schill will attend the event and participate in a post-screening Q&A. A live music performance from The Solars will precede the screening.
CGIFF is a production of Angaelica, a non-profit organisation rooted in the arts and ecology. Unlike many film festivals, the CGIFF experience really shares its home with outdoor screenings and exciting non-film programming; bridging the vibrant experience of the Pacific Northwest to film festival audiences and filmmakers alike.
There will be workshops and guest conversation events on screenwriting, casting and animation, apart from a curated lineup of live music and stand-up comedy performances.
The festival includes ‘Yatra’ a short film by Mayur Bondre which is a photographic expedition in six cities of India – Mumbai, Pune, Benares, Allahabad, Agra, and Delhi to learn the concepts of life, identity, love, culture spirituality and moksha.
On select dates, the CGIFF takes a break from their screening schedule and dedicates these days to enjoying specially programmed outdoor Activities.
“It is such a beautiful environment up here”, stated CGIFF founder and executive director Breven Warren.
“We consider the fest an exchange, of sorts. One where fantastic filmmakers can share their work with our audiences and in return our audiences essentially share the sights and gifts of their gorgeous backyard,” he added.
Hollywood
Disney to cut 1,000 jobs in major restructuring drive
Layoffs span ESPN, studios and tech as company pivots to growth
MUMBAI: The magic isn’t disappearing but it is being reorganised. The Walt Disney Company has announced plans to cut around 1,000 jobs as part of a sweeping restructuring effort aimed at sharpening its edge in an increasingly unpredictable entertainment landscape. The move, led by CEO Josh D’Amaro, reflects a broader internal reset as the company rethinks how it operates, allocates resources and competes in a fast-evolving industry. In a memo to employees, D’Amaro acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but framed it as a necessary step to ensure Disney remains “efficient, innovative, and responsive” to rapid shifts in consumer behaviour and technology.
The layoffs will span multiple divisions, including marketing, film and television studios, ESPN, technology teams and corporate functions. Notifications have already begun, signalling that the restructuring is not a distant plan but an active transition underway.
Importantly, the company has clarified that the cuts are not performance-driven. Instead, they form part of a wider transformation strategy aimed at building a leaner, more agile organisation, one better equipped to respond to streaming dynamics, digital disruption and evolving audience expectations.
The timing is telling. The global entertainment industry is in the middle of a structural shift, with traditional television revenues under pressure and box office returns becoming increasingly volatile. Meanwhile, streaming platforms and digital-first competitors continue to redraw the rules of engagement, forcing legacy players to rethink scale, speed and storytelling formats.
For Disney, long synonymous with blockbuster franchises and timeless storytelling, the pivot is both strategic and symbolic. The company is doubling down on technology, direct-to-consumer services and content ecosystems that align with modern viewing habits, where audiences expect immediacy, personalisation and cross-platform experiences.
Even as the restructuring unfolds, D’Amaro struck a note of optimism, reiterating Disney’s commitment to creativity and long-term growth. Support measures for affected employees are expected as part of the transition, though details remain limited.
In essence, this is less about cutting back and more about reshaping forward. As Disney redraws its organisational map, the message is clear, in today’s entertainment world, even the most magical kingdoms must evolve or risk being left behind.
