"(It's) a powerful exploration of the harshness of the rural landscape, with an ecological message that still resonates. ... In many ways, it defined a particular branch of US cinema – one that became particularly popular in the 1970s, and expressed an abject fear of those who lived outside of cities." - BBC
"The final episode (of Neighbours) airs in Australia on Thursday and in Britain on Friday. It will be the swan song for a show that has lasted nearly 9,000 episodes over 38 seasons, and became appointment viewing every weekday for many Australians and Britons." - The New York Times
"Relative to the approximately 26% of adults in the US who have a physical or psychological disability, representation continue(s) to lag behind, a new study released (on) the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (reported). ... Disability inclusion was highest, the study found, in 2019." - The New York Times
The overhaul, which removes permanent members such as the heads of the Cannes Film Festival and the César Académie, comes out of criticism that the old committee kept submitting movies that premiered at Cannes but had little chance of actually getting a Best International Film nomination, let alone winning. - Variety
The project aimed to invite Nottingham’s citizens and tourists to experience and interact with the historical roots of the city through virtual archaeology, using their smartphones or tablets. - The Conversation
New research finds that 29% of UK teens use Instagram as their main news source; another 28% use TikTok and YouTube. Says one, "The only time I visit news sites is to look further into stories I've heard of or seen. Physical newspapers are not of interest." - The Observer (UK)
Many in France are concerned that broadcasters will now rely on a government grant from VAT receipts instead of a tax levied on households. They also fear that the amount could be cut in times of economic crisis or if a far-right candidate is elected as president. - Variety
Olivia Rodrigo’s brilliance lies in her use of TikTok as a tool to present her celebrity image as authentic to a young, global audience. Her use of social media self-branding to remix already existing ideas, sounds and texts in fresh, new ways is what makes her and other young artists and creators shine. - The Conversation
"Peele, who won an Academy Award in 2018 for Get Out's original screenplay, has brought industry prestige to a historically overlooked genre." And his influence is strong: "Among Peele's audience is a generation of BIPOC filmmakers inspired by his storytelling." - CBC
Panah Panahi, a filmmaker whose filmmaker father Jafar was arrested recently, says, "Who are you doing this for? ... What’s the point of this kind of resistance? From our family’s perspective, you sometimes think that, well, maybe it wasn’t worth it.” - The Guardian (UK)
Sure, Ms. Marvel absolutely nails the life of a Muslim teenager in the U.S. But "there’s been a cardinal unspoken rule when it comes to filming in Jersey: Come film our seedy underbellies, but don’t you dare make this place look inviting." - Slate
Dreams of the company building a global base of 700 million or even 800 million paid memberships now seem far-fetched, given the company has stalled out at around 220 million. - New York Magazine
Attracted to places like Vilnius, where Moscow and Paris collide at a fraction of the cost — and tens of millions of dollars in production rebates are quickly granted — Hollywood is setting its sights on lesser-known corners of the globe. - Los Angeles Times
"The answer lies in the expectations that Austen fans, a particularly passionate and opinionated crowd, bring to her work. The problem isn't that (the new, much-criticized Persuasion) takes liberties — every iteration does; that's practically the point — but what sort of liberties those are." - The New York Times
"Expectations that pent-up demand from movie-hungry audiences would lead to packed cinema halls have been belied by millions of dollars in lost revenue, as moviegoers become more discerning about where they spend their money." - BBC
