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Harmony Gold takes gen-next film ‘Going Down’ to Mipcom
LOS ANGELES: Harmony Gold, which has been active in the production, acquisition and distribution of quality international titles since its inception, will kick off this year’s Mipcom trade fair in France with Going Down, a teen-driven comedy feature film.
Going Down is an 84-minutes film by PAIA Pictures, produced by Bill Ferguson, directed by Joseph A Pineda, written by Joey Velazquez and Wade Warren and stars Jay Michael Ferguson, Joshua Blake, Christine Lakin, Hope Riley, Ed Begley Jr, Renée Estevez and Dennis Haskins.
The film is about a blowout party with two buddies, who realize that no matter what they do or how much they scheme, they are well on their way to ‘going down’ for the last count.
According to an official release, while Harmony has recently acquired the fast-paced film, it still continues its mandate to acquire and distribute globally appealing long-form programming. Holding international theatrical rights, as well as worldwide rights to broadcast, pay-per-view and video distribution, Going Down is a benchmark in Harmony Gold’s efforts to deliver product in multiple formats on a global scale.
The release quoted Harmony Gold’s vice president of sales and acquisitions, Melissa Wohl, as saying, “Going Down is an example of the type of property that Harmony Gold is looking for: independent, genre films that have a definite audience. The film is sure to attract worldwide filmgoers, will work in various viewing genres and will generate multiple revenue streams, all of which are key in fulfilling our prime objectives.”
Starting mid-October, Going Down will begin its 31-city domestic release, mostly in college towns. According to Wohl, “‘In addition to American Pie, Going Down has the same comedic appeal found in Risky Business and Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The film has that same youthful allure that has made these films huge successes worldwide and we are confident that we’re bringing the next generation of this genre to Mipcom.”
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.
