News Broadcasting
World cinema takes front row seat on BBC Four
MUMBAI: UK pubcaster BBC’s channel BBC Four celebrates the wealth of contemporary international cinema by bringing viewers dedicated programming which highlights the work of leading directors and actors across different continents.
In January 2006 BBC Four will air the three -part series, Asian Invasion on East Asian cinema presented by Jonathan Ross. The series explores some of the most innovative cinema in the world today.
He travels to Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea to discover the best current cinema on offer and interviews the hottest directors and actors. It also features interviews with key personalities in the Asian film industry including award-winning directors Park Chan-wook and Kim Ki-duk, Ryuhei Kitamara, who directed the first Godzilla movie to have been made in the last 10 years, and actor-turned-director Derek Yee, whose intense dramas have crossed cultural boundaries. He also meets Stephen Chow, a charming comedian and most popular Asian superstar, and takes a nostalgic look at all-time heroes Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan.
Ross will also host the third annual BBC Four World Cinema Award. The award, which is announced live on 26 January 2006, is given to the best foreign language film of 2005 chosen by a panel of judges from a six film shortlist announced in early January.
To accompany the series, BBC Four will air several foreign films like Ping Pong (Japan) and Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter… And Spring (South Korea).
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
