Cinema Without Borders: Of love and hatred—The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo

The barren, dusty landscape gives the feel of an American Western but is punctured by the colours and brightness, verve and vitality of the trans community. They are all named after colourful birds with drab and dull miners on their hunt. This sense of contrasts and contradictions takes several other forms—the emotions and drama get interspersed with humour, violence gets balanced by unconditional love and brutality is offset by tremendous grace. Cespedes' narrative does get needlessly protracted and overtly didactic at points but he does manage to create a compelling universe thanks to the production design (Nicolas Roses and Oscar Rios Quiroz of the Art Department) and cinematography (Angello Faccini). A world that you carry home and that stays in your mind long after the film is over.
Needless to say, Cespedes gets ample strength and support from his phenomenal large ensemble. Cortes brings an unusual depth to her character that goes way beyond her young age. Dinamarca is spontaneous and natural as Mama Boa, despite being a non-professional actor. The most compelling presence is of Catalan as Flamenco who uses body language, face and expressive eyes to great effect. Totally mesmerising!
In the pride month, and with transgender rights under siege globally, specially USA and UK, it feels fitting to look back at the Chile-France-Germany-Spain-Belgium co-production that won the Un Certain Regard prize at the recently concluded Cannes Film Festival. The bigotry and otherising at its core haven't quite gone away but have acquired myriad other forms, be it to do with sexuality or caste, class, gender or religion.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Hindustan Times

8 hours ago

• Hindustan Times

Keeping the tune alive: How Lucknow's Gharanas continue to evolve through centuries

Behind the melodies infused with the rich musical traditions of Lucknow's Gharanas lies a story of endurance, evolution and innovation. These Gharanas, some of which have flourished for over three centuries, have borne witness to the world's transformation—from the dawn of the industrial revolution to the age of artificial intelligence. June 21 every year is being celebrated as the World Music Day On the occasion of World Music Day which falls on June 21, Khalifas and Ustads from Lucknow's renowned Gharanas share the enduring journey for preserving and expanding these musical legacies: innovation rooted in tradition and global promotion without losing identity. Ilmas Hussain, Khalifa of the Lucknow Tabla Gharana, said the Gharana is among the most prominent in the country. It is credited with influencing the creation of the Farrukhabad and Banaras Gharanas and is known for its unique style of playing the tabla using all ten fingers. 'The Gharana was established under the patronage of the Nawabs in the mid-18th century and has continued to evolve with the fast-changing world,' said Hussain. 'In the age of rock and jazz, we have stayed rooted while branching out—collaborating with Flamenco, Uzbekistani, and Afghanistani music. These fresh approaches have helped us stay relevant and promote our Gharana globally.' Ustad Gulshan Bharti, head of the Qawwal Bacchon Ka Gharana, said their music—deeply influenced by Sufism—has always focused on Swar (notes), Taal (rhythm) and Laya (tempo), making their Qawwalis both spiritual and engaging. 'We've constantly experimented with different musical forms, including classical, opera, and jazz. This rhythmic diversity keeps our music fresh, never monotonous,' said Bharti. 'But our roots remain intact—we only add what enhances the essence.' Irfan Muhammad Khan, khalifa of the Lucknow Shahjahanpur Sarod Gharana, remains committed to preserving the purity of classical forms. 'Concerts and international tours have helped us sustain the legacy of the Gharana. When we travel, listeners deeply appreciate the authenticity we bring. Even my students are actively working to keep the tradition alive,' Khan said. Prof Jayant Khot, president of the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi and a member of the Gwalior Gharana, believes that the survival of Gharanas over the centuries lies in their ability to diversify musically. 'The Akademi is also doing its part to promote various Gharanas across the state through summer workshops. This helps cultivate a love for playing and listening to music, especially among children and the general public,' Khot said. However, the picture isn't entirely rosy. Siddiq Khan, the sole surviving Nakkara player from the Lucknow Nakkara Gharana, paints a more sobering view. 'I'm trying to uphold the legacy of my forefathers,' he said. 'But it's disheartening when people don't even know the difference between a Nakkara and a Nagada. Not many are coming forward to learn this art.'

Time of India

4 days ago

• Time of India

Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz accused of grooming and sexual relationship fan 21 years younger: 'He played with my hopes'

Just months before he's set to kick off a new tour, Spanish singer-songwriter Alejandro Sanz is facing disturbing allegations from Ivet Playà, a young Catalan woman who says she was groomed and emotionally manipulated by the star beginning when she was only 18. Alejandro Sanz accused of grooming by woman 21 years younger Playà, now in her late twenties, posted a testimony on TikTok and Instagram detailing her alleged experience with Sanz, whom she says transitioned from being her idol to someone who caused her profound emotional distress. In the 10-minute video, which has gone viral across Spanish-speaking social media, she recounts a relationship that began in 2015—when Sanz was 49—and says it turned intimate during her early twenties while she worked for him. From fan to employee: Ivet Playa shares her story "It all started in 2015. I was a fan of his, and he followed me on social media. "I was amazed that someone like him, so famous, would comment on my photos and send me private messages," she says in Spanish, as translated by Latin Times, her voice trembling. Playà says that within a year, she had attended ten of his concerts in just over a month, juggling part-time jobs just to fund her travels around Spain. She moved to Madrid at age 22 after being hired by Sanz, where she claims their relationship crossed professional boundaries and became sexual. "I was supposed to be living a dream… but it was a nightmare. I feel cheated, used, humiliated, and even dirty," she says, referencing intimate messages she believes may have been accessed without her consent. In the video, Playà claims Sanz used her dreams against her. "He knew exactly what I was from the beginning. I was a girl working as a salesgirl, chasing concerts. He played with my hopes." 'He's dangerous' The most chilling part of her account echoes something Sanz allegedly said about himself in an interview: 'He takes people out. He's dangerous.' 'He took me out,' she repeats in her testimony, accusing the singer of living in a "parallel reality" where he believes he's untouchable. Playà emphasises her motivation isn't to scandalise but to tell the truth: 'No paperwork was signed with me. I feel a moral responsibility to speak, because I can—and because I believe I'm one of the few who can.' Sanz's private life under scrutiny At the time these events allegedly began, Sanz was married to Raquel Perera, with whom he shares two children. Though their separation became official in 2019, they were still together in 2015. Later, Sanz dated Cuban artist Rachel Valdés, a relationship that ended in 2023. He is currently in a relationship with Spanish actress Candela Márquez. Throughout this period, he maintained a clean public image, which Playà claims was in sharp contrast to what was happening with her. Ivet thanks internet users for support Taking to her Instagram Story, she wrote, "Today has been a tough day, but I don't want to go to sleep without thanking you for the overwhelming love and support I've received." At the moment I stay with that: that although the bad is sometimes more noticeable, if there is something I have been learning in these past months, it is that sometimes it is necessary to stay alone with the good to move forward, without it sinking you." Who is Ivet Playà? Describing herself online as a digital creator, former gymnast, and ex-community manager, Ivet Playà shares content around mental health, wellness, and healing. Her Instagram profile, @ivetplaya, features introspective captions and a self-empowered tone, but this is the first time she's spoken publicly about her alleged relationship with Sanz. Her Instagram account includes several videos of Sanz; while some show her posing with him, others capture him performing on stage. The captions are notably affectionate, often reflecting the voice of someone caught between being a starstruck fan and a committed employee. As of now, Alejandro Sanz has not responded publicly to the allegations. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.

News18

12-06-2025

• News18

Watch: Janhvi Kapoor's Cute Goodbye To Paparazzi Is Celeb Goals

Last Updated: Proving her humble demeanour, Janhvi Kapoor did not just greet the paparazzi but also engaged in a light-hearted chat with the photographers. Janhvi Kapoor will next be seen in Param Sundari. (Photo Credit: Instagram) There are divas and then there is Janhvi Kapoor. From casual cools to effortless glam, her innate ability to carry versatile looks is something we can't get enough of. Her latest appearance spoke volumes about her on-point styling game as she got captured in the streets of Mumbai on Thursday. Proving her humble demeanour, she did not just greet the paparazzi but also engaged in a light-hearted chat with the photographers before exiting the spot. For the casual outing, Janhvi Kapoor kept it stylish in a crop top paired with beige elasticated pants and her hair cascading down her shoulders added the right amount of allure. On the work front, Janhvi is keeping very busy. Last seen in Devara: Part 1 with Jr NTR, she has an impressive lineup of projects in her kitty. One of her upcoming films, Homebound, was recently premiered in the Un Certain Regard category at Cannes 2025. Following the premiere, the film received an astounding 9-minute standing ovation, adding another milestone to Janhvi's incredible career journey. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound also features Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa in the lead roles. It is produced by Karan Johar alongside Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra. advetisement Janhvi Kapoor's another much-awaited project is Param Sundari with Sidharth Malhotra. The cross-cultural love story, set against the scenic backwaters of Kerala, is slated to release on July 25. The makers released the teaser of the film last month along with Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi's Bhul Chuk Maaf in theatres. The teaser begins with shirtless Sidharth showcasing his ripped abs and then Janhvi Kapoor appears, melting hearts in a traditional saree. Well, Janhvi Kapoor has more to offer to her fans. She will also be seen playing the female lead in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, co-starring Varun Dhawan, Rohit Saraf, Sanya Malhotra and Maniesh Paul. Originally slated for a theatrical premiere on April 18 this year, the makers postponed the release date of the film to September 12 due to undisclosed reasons. In another interesting project, Janhvi Kapoor will also be seen in Peddi alongside Ram Charan. The film went on floors last year in Hyderabad and is now under production. About the Author First Published: Latest News Air India Crash: Here Are Other Accidents & Incidents Involving Boeing Planes In 2024-25 India India Vijay Rupani: Former Gujarat CM, Who Was Jailed During Emergency, Killed In Air India Plane Crash Bollywood Watch: Janhvi Kapoor's Cute Goodbye To Paparazzi Is Celeb Goals Television Hina Khan Makes FIRST Appearance With Husband Rocky Jaiswal After Wedding, Says 'Panga Toh Banta Hai' Agency feeds Sikkim Guv, CM express sorrow over Ahmedabad plane crash latest news