Latest news with #Seabirds
Express Tribune
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Lahore's Puffball quits MUBI
Pakistani animation studio Puffball has announced the removal of its films from global streaming platform MUBI, citing what it called a deeply unethical financial affiliation. In a joint statement issued on Instagram on Thursday in collaboration with Indian studio Spitting Image and the peace-building initiative Project Dastaan, Puffball condemned MUBI for accepting USD100 million in funding from Sequoia Capital, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm known to have recently invested in Israeli defence tech companies. "We are deeply disturbed by MUBI's decision to accept investment from Sequoia Capital, a firm that finances Israeli defence technology companies, especially after 20 months of live-streamed genocide by Israel against the Palestinian people," read the post. "As artists and storytellers, we cannot in good faith continue to host our work on a platform whose financial affiliations abhorrently contradict the ethical frameworks we stand for." The statement confirmed that Puffball has formally requested the removal of its animated works Rest in Paper, Seabirds, and Sultana's Dream from the MUBI platform. The three films comprise the anthology Lost Migrations, an ambitious cross-border animation series made in collaboration with Spitting Image and Project Dastaan that tells overlooked stories of Partition survivors through experimental short films. Founded in 2019 by filmmaker Arafat Mazhar, Puffball Studio first rose to critical acclaim with Shehr-e-Tabassum, a haunting dystopian short inspired by Pakistan's censorship regime and blasphemy laws. Their follow-up, Swipe, offered a direct reckoning with mob violence and religious extremism in Pakistan, further establishing the collective's voice as fiercely political and deeply rooted in local realities. Project Dastaan, co-founded by Saadia Gardezi and Sparsh Ahuja, aims to reconnect displaced Partition survivors with their pre-1947 homes using immersive media, particularly virtual reality. Spitting Image, the Bangalore-based animation house that co-animated Lost Migrations, is known for its socially engaged storytelling and visual experimentation. Together, the three groups brought to life a quietly radical animation project across borders. Sultana's Dream, animated by Puffball and based on the feminist utopia imagined by Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain in 1905, juxtaposes dreams of liberation with the violence of Partition. Seabirds, created by Spitting Image, examines a seafaring community displaced from Burma and then again by Partition, illuminating the layers of identity loss. Rest in Paper, a tribute to Saadat Hasan Manto's Toba Tek Singh, reflects on the absurdity of borders and the wounds they continue to inflict. Under scrutiny Puffball's decision resonates with other cultural boycotts being organised under the banner of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement, which has gained traction among artists, writers, and academics calling for material and symbolic pressure on institutions linked to Israeli state violence. Founded in 2007 as The Auteurs in Turkey, MUBI has carved out a global niche as a curated streaming platform for independent and arthouse films. Over the years, it has distinguished itself from mainstream giants through a rotating selection of auteur-driven cinema, often spotlighting underrepresented voices. In recent years, the platform has expanded beyond streaming into theatrical distribution and production. Buoyed by the success of The Substance, a body-horror drama that became a breakout hit in 2024, MUBI has cemented its place as a serious player on the international festival and awards circuit. At Cannes this May, the company made headlines with its aggressive acquisitions, including the Jennifer Lawrence-led Die My Love for a reported USD24 million. However, it finds itself in hot water since disclosing a significant investment deal with Sequoia last month. In addition to MUBI, the firm's May 2025 funding round also included a USD10 million investment in Kela, a surveillance tech company founded by four Israeli intelligence veterans. A subsequent round raised the company's total backing to $100 million, with Sequoia playing a central role. Critics point out that this link aligns MUBI, even if indirectly, with Israeli state interests amid an ongoing and widely condemned assault on Gaza. Growing backlash MUBI responded to the growing calls for boycott with an Instagram statement posted on June 14, clarifying that Sequoia is one of several firms it has partnered with since its founding. "The beliefs of individual investors do not reflect the views of MUBI," the statement read. "We take the feedback from our community very seriously, and are steadfast in remaining an independent founder-led company." Social media backlash surged after an X user posted, "Time to add MUBI to the BDS list. They are now funded to the tune of USD100 million by Zionist venture capitalists Sequoia Capital, who are actively engaged in military support of the genocide." The call was echoed by activist groups like Film Workers for Palestine, which demanded MUBI return the funds and sever ties in a statement shared on social media handles. "Sequoia Capital is also a major investor in Airbnb, which profits off of stolen Palestinian land by renting homes in illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank," the statement said. While MUBI continues to host Palestinian films and work by Palestinian filmmakers, critics argue that such gestures are rendered hollow if the company continues to accept funding tied to military operations against the very communities it claims to platform. "I'm dying to know how much money MUBI has lost in cancelled subscriptions amid the Sequoia Capital investment drama. I hope a devastating amount," wrote one critic on X, while another asked netizens to "cancel MUBI subscriptions for taking investment from Sequoia, who invest in Israeli military arms manufacture." According to one X user, there are viable alternatives to MUBI. "Buy a box set and cancel your subscription. There are many ways of watching the show these days without giving money to Sequoia Capital," the post advised.
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
NRL legend's daughter's dream crushed after missing out on prestigious job
A homegrown NRL cheerleader has narrowly missed out on her 'dream' to join the most prestigious cheerleading outfit in America. Indianna Carroll, the daughter of Manly legend Mark 'Spud' Carroll, was among 79 other finalists from across the world who applied for the NFL Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders try outs. Carroll, who has cheered for the Manly Sea Eagles Seabirds for a decade, flew out for the prestigious opportunity last week. But despite coming close, Carroll fell agonisingly short at the same stage of auditions for a second year running. A disappointed but determined Carroll issued a sad statement following the news. 'This past weekend, I had the incredible honour of standing among 80 phenomenal dancers on finals day for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders — a dream I've held close to my heart for as long as I can remember,' she said. 'Coming from Australia, my journey looked different. I didn't grow up in the same systems or with the same access, and I don't have a large social media following or a history in the American dance scene. 'I brought everything I had — my heart, my training and my deep love for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleader's legacy. I danced with every ounce of passion I had, knowing I was representing not only myself, but also the community back home who dared to dream with me.' The Dallas cheerleaders, are described as 'the epitome of cheerleading in the world' and most recently became the subject of their own hit Netflix series called 'America's Sweethearts.' 'Unfortunately, my journey came to an end (on Sunday). I didn't advance to training camp for a second attempt, and yes, that's hard to say because when you want something so deeply, it's hard to fall short,' Carroll said. 'Still, I walk away from this experience incredibly proud. I left everything I had on that field. I carried a little piece of Sydney with me to Dallas, Texas, and showed up wholeheartedly as myself. 'To be in that room, to be considered among the top 80 across the world, and to have represented where I'm from on such a world-class stage, that's something I will carry with pride forever. 'This journey teaches you to embrace your most vulnerable self, stand proud in a place that once felt impossible to reach and be proud of yourself regardless of the outcome. 'Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who believed in me and supported me throughout this journey. I'm not sure what next now, but I'm excited to find out.' As many as 4000 women applied for only 10 open spots this year among the 36 overall sports with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. It was the third time Carroll had auditioned.
7NEWS
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Indianna Carroll, daughter of NRL legend Mark ‘Spudd' Carroll, cut from Dallas Cowboys cheerleader squad
Indianna Carroll, the daughter of NRL legend Mark 'Spudd' Carroll, has issued a sad statement after having her American dream crushed. Indianna has been attempting to join the hugely popular Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders outfit (aka America's Sweethearts) but has failed to progress in the gruelling auditioning progress. It is a different story for West Australian Faith Ward, with the 22-year-old dancer/acrobat/model making it through to the training camp. But for Indianna, who also attempted to join the famous cheerleading team last year, it is heartbreak. 'This past weekend, I had the incredible honour of standing among 80 phenomenal dancers on finals day for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders — a dream I've held close to my heart for as long as I can remember,' she said. 'Coming from Australia, my journey looked different. I didn't grow up in the same systems or with the same access, and I don't have a large social media following or a history in the American dance scene. 'Many of the women auditioning were not only remarkable performers but showcased years of specialised training, gymnastic foundations, and performance experience in styles I simply didn't invest in growing up in Australia, however I showed up anyway, as fully and authentically as I could. 'I brought everything I had — my heart, my training and my deep love for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleader's legacy. I danced with every ounce of passion I had, knowing I was representing not only myself, but also the community back home who dared to dream with me. 'Unfortunately, my journey came to an end (on Sunday). I didn't advance to training camp for a second attempt, and yes, that's hard to say because when you want something so deeply, it's hard to fall short,' she said. Indianna has been a cheerleader for the Manly Sea Eagles' Seabirds for 10 years. And her mother, Monique, is the director of the Seabirds. But the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are next level. They have been the subject of a hit Netflix series (also called America's Sweethearts) and season 2 is set to be released in the coming days. Their routine to AC/DC's Thunderstruck is viral and universally popular. 'At this level you're up against the absolute best of the best, dancers who are not just technically excellent but dynamic, seasoned performers with the kind of all-round versatility – flips, tricks, and showmanship that this elite team demands,' Indianna said. 'Still, I walk away from this experience incredibly proud. I left everything I had on that field. I carried a little piece of Sydney with me to Dallas, Texas, and showed up wholeheartedly as myself. 'To be in that room, to be considered among the top 80 across the world, and to have represented where I'm from on such a world-class stage, that's something I will carry with pride forever. 'This journey teaches you to embrace your most vulnerable self, stand proud in a place that once felt impossible to reach and be proud of yourself regardless of the outcome. 'Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who believed in me and supported me throughout this journey. I'm not sure what next now, but I'm excited to find out.'
News.com.au
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
NRL star's daughter unveils huge move
A young Australian woman who has spent more than a decade dancing for an NRL team could be set to land one of the most coveted cheerleading gigs in the world. Indianna Carroll, who has cheered for the Manly Sea Eagles' Seabirds for 10 years, has made it to the third round of the NFL's Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders try outs. She will now compete against 64 others and is set to find out if she has progressed on July 14 after an intense four week training camp where she will learn the team's choreography. She has come far — with as many as 4000 women applying for just 10 open spots this year. Overall, there are 36 spots on the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, which was the subject of an incredibly popular Netflix series that debuted in 2024. Ms Carroll, who is the daughter of former NRL player Mark and of Seabirds cheerleading director Monique, left for training camp on Monday and revealed she has 'put her life on hold' to achieve her dream. 'Dallas cheerleaders are the epitome of cheerleading in the world,' Ms Carroll told The Daily Telegraph. 'I have been in a cheerleading outfit with pompoms since I was one year old. It's part of who I am.' It's the third time that Ms Carroll has auditioned, getting to the same place in the try outs last year before being cut. She said she's needed to be mentally and physically strong to not only cope with missing out previously, but in order to push herself to keep going. The young cheerleader said getting as far as she has done has been 'surreal' and she knows it will be 'hectic' in the coming weeks. Ms Carroll said she loves cheerleading, and the NFL team's squad bring a certain kind of sparkle, adding it would be a dream come true to be part of the squad. 'When you love something so passionately, the most sensible thing to do is follow your heart. It's such a burning desire for me. I can't let it rest until I give it a good go. At the end of the day you just have to back yourself and Dallas is the most iconic NFL organisation, for sure,' she said. Ms Carroll, who also works for Zimmerman, said getting to this stage 'felt right', and both her parents have expressed how proud of her they are. Last year, after not making the cut, Ms Carroll penned a lengthy letter to Instagram, saying the experience was 'unforgettable and insightful'. 'While my path ended here this season, I am unhesitatingly thankful for the lessons this has taught me and continues to. Without a little bit of darkness, I'd never see the stars so I will continue to live for the hope of it all,' she shared.
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Footy legend's daughter takes a HUGE step to joining the most famous cheerleading squad in the world
Mark Carroll lived the dream as an NRL enforcer in his decorated footy career - and now it is his daughter's turn to take a shot at becoming a global star. Indianna Carroll, 27, has been invited to the US as she seeks to become a cheerleader for the Dallas Cowboys NFL team. After impressing in the first couple of rounds, Sydney -based Carroll will now look to be named in the final 10-strong group. 'I have put my life on hold for this,' the long-term Manly Sea Eagles cheerleader told News Corp. 'Dallas cheerleaders are the epitome of cheerleading in the world. 'I have been in a (cheerleading) outfit with pompoms since I was a one-year-old. It is part of who I am.' Carroll won't have to wait long to see if she lives out her dream - the 10 winners will be announced on July 14 at The Star, the club's Dallas headquarters. She also stated it feels 'surreal' to have reached the final audition - and believes cheerleading offers a further 'element of entertainment to game days.' Indianna also doesn't have to look far for inspiration - her mother Monique has been the cheerleading director at the Sea Eagles — better known as the Seabirds — for more than three decades on Sydney's northern beaches. And if Carroll is successful, TV stardom could quickly follow - the final training camp is the subject of an upcoming Netflix documentary, America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Meanwhile, Mark 'Spudd' Carroll previously opened up about Indianna's battle with endometriosis. 'It scared the sh** out of me,' he said in 2018. 'We have tried everything. The amount of money I've spent on doctors. 'These doctors, they think they know (it all)....they have no idea, seriously. No one knows how to cure it. 'Indi went to bed one night after screaming through the house: 'I'd rather kill myself than have this bloody horrible disease. 'I went to bed bawling. I cried myself to sleep.'
