A senior executive at Netflix has called for documentaries to explore stories of women beyond the roles of “victims and hookers,” urging filmmakers to diversify their narratives. While the streaming platform has released documentaries focusing on the tragic cases of Jill Dando and Lucie Blackman, both of whom were victims of murder, Kate Townsend, Netflix’s UK head of documentary films, acknowledged the challenge of portraying a wider spectrum of female experiences. Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Townsend highlighted the difficulty of showcasing stories about women that go beyond traditional archetypes in documentaries. She emphasized that while dramas have started…
Author: David Wafula
In a surprising turn of events, a musical set within the confines of a gender-neutral public toilet has emerged as a standout hit at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Titled “Public – The Musical,” this innovative show navigates complex themes such as gender identity, ideology, and human connection against the unlikely backdrop of a public restroom. The mastermind behind this theatrical venture, Kyla Stroud, discovered her inspiration during the pandemic while seeking a fresh creative outlet. Frustrated by her struggles within the music industry, she ventured into the world of musical theater, giving birth to “Public.” The storyline follows four…
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on the final day of the BRICS summit, a grouping of major emerging economies, that Saudi Arabia and Iran will join the organization as new members in January 2024. The BRICS grouping includes China, Brazil, South Africa, Russia, and India, and aims to present an alternative counterweight to Western powers in global governance. The expansion process involves the inclusion of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates along with Saudi Arabia and Iran in the first phase, followed by subsequent phases. The decision to include Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other countries from the…
In a bid to curb the proliferation of indecent content and propaganda, Somalia has officially prohibited the use of video platform TikTok, messaging app Telegram, and online betting website 1XBet. The announcement was made by the country’s Communications Minister, Jama Hassan Khalif, who stated that these platforms have been exploited by terrorist groups and immoral entities to disseminate disturbing images and misinformation to the public. The order requires internet service providers to enforce the ban by August 24. The armed extremist group al-Shabab frequently exploits platforms like TikTok and Telegram to promote their activities and agendas. The decision to ban…
TikTok has announced a collaboration with Kenya to review and monitor its content in alignment with agreed-upon guidelines. This step, as highlighted by President William Ruto, aims to ensure that the content available on the platform adheres to community standards and is devoid of inappropriate or offensive material. In a virtual meeting held on Thursday, TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew committed to actively moderating content to meet these standards. This collaborative effort between TikTok and Kenya signifies a commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful online environment. Further, as part of this partnership, TikTok’s CEO has agreed to establish a…
An Israeli former principal has been sentenced to a maximum of 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting two students at an ultra-Orthodox Jewish school in Australia. Malka Leifer, aged 56, was found guilty by a jury in April of raping and indecently assaulting sisters Dassi Erlich and Elly Sapper between 2003 and 2007. The jury acquitted her of abusing a third sister, Nicole Meyer. The conviction and sentencing mark the culmination of a 15-year effort to bring Leifer to justice. She had initially pleaded not guilty to over two dozen charges and had fought against extradition from Israel. However,…
Technology powerhouse Nvidia has reported a remarkable surge in its sales, setting a new record in the wake of the exponential rise in demand for its artificial intelligence (AI) chips. The company disclosed that its revenue soared to exceed $13.5 billion (£10.6 billion) during the three months leading up to the end of June. Further, Nvidia anticipates that its sales trajectory will continue to ascend in the current quarter, signaling its intention to undertake a stock buyback program totaling $25 billion. These positive developments were swiftly followed by a surge of over 6.5% in the firm’s shares during after-hours trading…
Hollywood actress Halle Berry and French actor Olivier Martinez have officially concluded their divorce proceedings, marking the end of a nearly eight-year journey since the initial petitions were filed. The former couple, who announced their decision to split in October 2015, have reached an agreement on various aspects of their separation. In a document obtained by Kahawa Tungu on Tuesday, it was revealed that Berry and Martinez have decided to share joint legal and physical custody of their 9-year-old son, Maceo. This arrangement reflects their commitment to co-parenting and ensuring the best interests of their child. As part of the…
South Carolina Supreme Court has reversed a temporary block on the state’s abortion restrictions. The ruling saw four justices in agreement, while one justice dissented, voicing their differing perspectives in three separate opinions. The law in question, known as the “Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act,” places stringent limits on most abortions, effectively prohibiting them as early as six weeks into a pregnancy when cardiac activity can be detected in a fetus or embryo. The legislation was signed into law by Republican Governor Henry McMaster in May, prompting immediate legal action from Planned Parenthood South Atlantic and several other…
Former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani turned himself in on Wednesday as a defendant in the racketeering case involving former President Donald J. Trump and his associates. Giuliani surrendered at the Atlanta jail, where the defendants are being processed. Giuliani’s bond was set at $150,000. He arrived in Atlanta amid a motion filed by another defendant in the case, lawyer Kenneth Chesebro, seeking a speedy trial. Under Georgia law, this would require the trial for all 19 indicted individuals, including Giuliani and Trump, to begin no later than November 3. Giuliani, who played a key role in promoting…
The legendary Rolling Stones have potentially unveiled the title of their upcoming 31st studio album in a creative advertisement featured in a local newspaper, the Hackney Gazette. The ad, which cleverly references several of the band’s iconic songs, hints at the album’s name and theme. “Our friendly team promises you satisfaction,” it reads. “When you say gimme shelter we’ll fix your shattered windows.” While the Stones have yet to officially confirm the album’s existence, the advert drops numerous hints. The band’s trademark lips logo appears as a miniature version above the letter “i,” and the glass repair business mentioned in…
Morgan Stanley, a prominent financial institution, has been slapped with a fine of £5.41 million ($6.9 million) by regulator Ofgem due to energy traders engaging in business discussions via WhatsApp on private phones. This breach of rules pertains to the requirement for firms to record messages linked to energy trading. This represents the first fine of its kind issued under transparency regulations designed to safeguard consumers against market manipulation and insider trading. Ofgem expressed its dissatisfaction with Morgan Stanley’s shortcomings, deeming them “unacceptable.” The financial institution could have faced a penalty of up to £7.7 million; however, a 30% reduction…
Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and his two wives were Wednesday arrested by anti-graft agency over corruption and economic crimes committed during his tenure as the governor. The three were arrested from their Nairobi home and taken to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission offices for grilling. An official at Integrity Centre Police Station, Nairobi said they were recording statements. EACC officers raided his Lang’ata home and his rural home at Emabole village, Butere. Read: I Would Rather Resign From Politics than Join DP Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza – Oparanya They arrested him and his wife Priscillah before being driven to Integrity Centre.…
In a demonstration before Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), an Amnok-class corvette of the North Korean Navy was showcased, marking a significant display of the nation’s naval capabilities. The event, reported by Pyongyang’s state media on Monday, highlighted the Guards 2nd Surface Ship Flotilla of the East Sea Fleet of the Navy of the Korean People’s Army (KPA), which holds the distinguished title of O Jung Hup-led 7th Regiment. The featured corvette, Patrol Ship (corvette) No. 661 of the Amnok-class, was unveiled during the demonstration. The Supreme Leader observed as the ship’s…
In a move aimed at bringing significant reforms to the health sector, Governor Irungu Kang’ata of Murang’a County has taken the decision to dismiss all current medical superintendents in the county pending an internal suitability assessment. Governor Kang’ata, in a statement released on Tuesday, revealed that his administration is determined to revamp the health sector, with one of the key changes being the implementation of a mandatory test for the selection of medical superintendents. In light of this decision, the governor instructed all existing medical superintendents to step down from their roles effective September 7. The chief officer in charge…