Three Norwegian features on the shortlist for the Oscar candidature

Norway’s submission for the Oscar nom as Best Foreign-Language Feature will be Izer Aliu’s Hunting Flies, Jorunn Myklebust Syversen’s The Tree Feller or Joachim Trier’s Thelma.


The Norwegian Oscar Committee announced yesterday (30 August) that three Norwegian features (out of 28 premiered in 2016/2017) are considered to be Norway’s candidate for the Oscar nomination as Best Foreign-Language Feature: Izer Aliu’s Hunting Flies (Fluefangeren), Jorunn Myklebust Syversen’s The Tree Feller (Hoggeren) and Joachim Trier’s Thelma.

The producers of the films will now have the opportunity to present their plans for an Oscar campaign to the committee, which will decide the Norwegian runner for the trophy on 5 September.

The Foreign Language Committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the five nominees on 23 January 2018. The Oscar ceremony will take place on 4 March.

Hunting Flies (Fluefangeren)
Dir/Scr: Izer Aliu. Prod: Khalid Maimouni for Storyline Pictures


The drama about the rise and fall of dictatorship takes place in a classroom, where the idealistic teacher Ghani loses his job on the first day of school. In an attempt to get it back he locks his students up in the classroom, trying to force them to resolve a generation long conflict between their villages.

Hunting Flies was screened in the Toronto International Film Festival 2016, it received the Amanda – Norway’s international Film Prize – for Best Director, and is Norway’s candidate for the Nordic Council Film Prize 2017. Norwegian premiere: 21 April 2017

The Tree Feller (Hoggeren)
Dir/Scr: Jorunn Myklebust Syversen. Prod: Maria Ekerhovd for Mer Film


39-year-old Anders decides to give up his ordinary life in the city and moves to a small farm with the only desire of being out in nature and lose himself in physical work. But his attempt to escape is constantly interrupted by pushy relatives – he soon realises he has just traded in one claustrophic existence for another.

The Tree Feller received two nominations for the Amanda, Norway’s national film prize. Norwegian premiere: 7 April 2017

Dir: Joachim Trier. Scr: Eskil Vogt, Joachim Trier. Prod: Thomas Robsahm for Motlys


The supernatural thriller portrays Thelma, a young student in Oslo. When she is drawn to another woman, she is overwhelmed by emotions she does not dare acknowledge - and frightening and inexplicable powers are forcing themselves into the open.

Thelma opened this year’s Norwegian International Film Festival in Haugesund, where it received the Norwegian Critics Prize. It has also been invited to the film festivals in Toronto and New York. Norwegian premiere: 15 September 2017

Previous Norwegian Oscar nominées include Norwegian directors Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg’s Kon-Tiki (2013), Petter Næss’ Elling (2001), Berit Nesheim’s The Other Side of Sunday (Søndagsengler/1996), Nils Gaup’s Pathfinder (Veiviseren/1987) and Arne Skouen’s Nine Lives (Ni liv/1957).

Mohit Marwah shines in Raag Desh

The bright young actor, Mohit Marwah, who made everyone go 'wow' with his act in his debut film, Fugly; is back in action with Raag Desh. The film is on the trials faced by the officers of Subhash Chandra Bose's Indian National Army; after they are captured.
Mohit is all excited about his role, as it is so different from run-of-the-mill stuff and offers him to show his histrionics. Acting runs in his genes, since he is the son of Sandeep Marwah, regarded worldwide as the father of the North-Indian Film Industry. A true 'chip-off-the-old-block', he derives his striking handsome features from his father.  

Raag Desh is the 1st feature film to be produced by Rajya Sabhya TV and the story of the trials of INA officers will unfold to the world for the very first time. The film is already a big success, as it was the first time that trailer of the film was launched in Parliament.

Press Release - Zee Companion brings to its viewers exclusive Live & local content on Zee TV

‘Chai & Chit Chat’ with your Zee Companions, every Thursday!

Zee Companion, the only South Asian TV show that brings to its viewers exclusive Live & local content on Zee TV has a new offering for its viewers this new year.
The show offers you a brand new topic every Thursday on Zee Companion called ‘Chai & Chit Chat’. It does what it says on the tin – all three Zee Companions will be having a cup of tea and talking about the latest happenings in the news, gossip columns, and trending this week; and sharing their opinions and stories on them alongside a guest panellist.

To kick-start the New Year, the new topic ‘Chai & Chit Chat’ premiered on 7th January gave its viewers the chance to get to know Natasha, Anila and Sujata intimately for the first time ever. Talking about the week’s trending topics, including the aftermath of spending over Christmas, New Year’s Resolutions and the potential introduction of a sugar tax that will increase the price of fizzy drinks, the three presenters gave their opinions and shared stories from their own lives.

A guest panellist, renowned author Shrabani Basu who has also appeared on BBC Radio 4’s flagship Woman’s Hour programme, BBC Television’s Saturday Kitchen and The One Show, also joined the live and interactive show. The three Companions opened up the floor to their viewers and invited them to share their stories, opinions and join the conversation. All four presenters left their phones outside the studio, picked up a cup of tea instead, and had a traditional version of a chit chat, discussion, and a friendly conversation that left viewers feeling reminiscent of times with their friends.

After the show fans tweeted – “really enjoyed the show. Took me back to my Uni days- having chitchat with friends. More such shows pls”, “Hello watching your show and its really nice, desi version of loose women.” & “ It's been now years that I'm watching Zee Companion. And I really enjoy it a lot and gain Knowledge.”

If you like the sound of our new topic ‘Chai & Chit Chat’ on Zee Companion, you can catch it every Thursday at 6pm on Zee TV. We welcome everyone’s opinions on the discussion of the day so we have a free phone number that you can call to join in the conversation!

So grab your cup of tea, get listening and definitely get calling!!!

About Zee Companion: Zee Companion is a one-of-a-kind LIVE show that acts as an interactive portal between viewers, hosts and experts. Set in a state-of-the-art studio with Live capability in Zee TV’s London office, this locally produced show aims to connect with the viewer and become their companion. The show’s affable hosts act as companions to the viewer throughout the day and share experiences, discuss issues and aid them in getting proper guidance and advice from a renowned panel of experts.

Zee Companion helps people find solutions to problems faced on a daily basis, and has brought popular and celebrated personalities from various fields on the show to discuss these issues. Each day a new topic is taken up and the guests who are well-versed in that day’s topic answer the people’s queries with sound facts and authority. Zee Companion has provided people with a link to experts they felt unable to connect with before. Some prominent guests who have appeared and interacted Live with viewers include Jay Sean, Nana Patekar, Paresh Rawal, Kumar Sanu, Shabana Azmi, Tarun Tahiliani, Jimmy Shergill, Sukhwinder Singh, Kabir Bedi, Nina Manuel, Madhoo, Preeya Kalidas, Pritam Chakraborty, Satinder Sartaj, Anandji (Kalyanji-Anandji fame), Celebrity Chef Cyrus Todiwala, Centenarian Marathon Runner Fauja Singh and many more. Esteemed Business tycoons Hussein Lalani, Shahnaz Husain, Lord G K Noon, Rami Ranger have interacted with viewers and given expert advice. The show covers a variety of topics in the fields of health, law, finance, wellness, business, education and entertainment.

Zee Companion is Live from Monday to Friday at 6 pm on Zee TV.

&TV Takes Centre Stage in Welcoming PM Narendra Modi, Dominates Wembley Park Station

In a marketing coup of sorts, &TV made the most of PM Narendra Modi's historic visit to Wembley Stadium by dominating Wembley Park Station, which will witness the Indian community in the UK come out in full force on the 13th of November. With the Prime Minister due to visit on Friday, &TV has made the most of this opportunity by making its presence felt in the heart of the Indian community.
 

Neeraj Dhingra CEO Europe said, “In a short span of time, &TV has performed really well and have outperformed most of its competitors. We welcome PM Narendra Modi at Wembley. This kind of marketing activity has never happened at Wembley Stadium by any Asian Media broadcaster. We are proud to be associated in welcoming PM Narendra Modi to UK.

Speaking about the dominance Managing Director Here & Now 365 Manish Tiwari said: "Zee TV was the first South Asian channel to launch in 1995 and they have proven again that they are pioneers in this area with the launch of their brand new free HD South Asian channel &TV."

About &TV: &TV is a brand new Asian Entertainment channel from Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), a global media and entertainment company. Staying true to the personification of the Ampersand, &TV signifies a conjunction of aspirations and rootedness which is synonymous with the spirit of New Age India. Through its content offering, the channel will bring together people and ideologies thus fostering cohesive viewing within households. &TV will showcase a diverse and dynamic mix of relatable fiction, high voltage non-fiction, marquee events and blockbuster movies. The channel is available on Sky 795, Virgin Media 811 and also on Ditto TV and Zee Family.tv App.

Ranbir Kapoor rocks in Bombay Velvet trailer

Ranbir Kapoor is back with his new film Bombay Velvet. His last film was Besharam that released on 2nd October 2013. Interestingly it was directed by Anurag's brother, Abhinav. Filmmaker, Karan Johar makes his debut as a baddie in the film.

The best part about the trailer is Ranbir Kapoor, he has totally changed his body language for he character of Johny Balraj. The production-design of the film is impressive. Besharam had bombed at the BO, thereby giving Ranbir, the first debacle of his career; Ranbir will be hoping that his superstar status can work in favor of Bombay Velvet, though the film looks very dark and as such will find a limited audience.

Hungarian Party Rocks New Delhi


The onset of winter chill in the Indian Capital, New Delhi was the perfect setting for, what the guests described as, "AN AMAZING HUNGARIAN NIGHT IN THE INDIAN CAPITAL."


Undoubtedly, this was the largest Hungarian promotional event and party in recent years; it was aptly titled - Hello Hungary, Namaste India - organized by the Embassy of Hungary, sponsored by Hungarian Tourism cPlc., in co-operation with the Balassi Institute (HICC).

H.E. Szilveszter Bus Ambassador of Hungary in India, wants Indo-Hungarian relationship to surge further and the evening was a perfect setting towards it.
 
The whole event was built on the notion of a high-grade and youthful image of Hungary. Hundreds of guests were welcomed by live jazz music, played by Hungarian artists, which was very well-appreciated.

The icing on the cake was Romani Design’s fashion show, an undeniable triumph amongst the guests. Also affecting the senses was the culinary escapade comprising a staggering two dozen Hungarian courses and a selection of fine Hungarian wines.


One of the officials gushed "It was an overjoyed and glorious Hungarian eve! A big “Thank You” goes out to all our guests and contributors to the event. We will carry on with the conquering of the sub-continent. More business, more partnership, more friendship – more Hungary in India!"


No doubt, guests are already looking forward to it!

Mohit Marwah shines in F*ugly

F*ugly as the director Kabir explains, means, when fun gets ugly; however, a very spirited and sparkling performance by debutant Mohit Marwah makes sure, there is not a single ugly moment in this fun caper that touches quite a few social issues.
The fact that Mohit made his debut with two other actors Kiara Advani & Vijender Singh and still made audiences like him and talk about him speaks volumes about this young actor who proved his mettle in the very first film he did.

One particular thing that this critic noted about Mohit is the understated manner in which he went about portraying the angst and the dilemma of today's youth against the rotten socio-political scenario. It really requires a very refined actor to bring in those emotions and at the same time connect with the audiences.

If only for Mohit's performance, this critic would rate F*ugly 5 on 5; and that says a lot about this young & dynamic actor who keeps you glued to the screen!