Latest news with #DFI
Broadcast Pro
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
DFI launches Foundations of Screenwriting Lab for aspiring writers
For those based in Qatar, participants will also have the opportunity to continue their filmmaking journey with the DFI development team, gaining access to further consultations to develop their project. The Doha Film Institute (DFI) has announced its latest initiative to nurture emerging talent with the launch of its Foundations of Screenwriting Lab, an online programme aimed at beginners interested in learning the craft of screenwriting. The lab is designed to provide participants with a solid grounding in the fundamental principles of writing for the screen, covering both the structure and formatting of screenplays. Conducted in English, the lab will guide participants through key elements of storytelling, including screenplay architecture, character development, non-verbal storytelling and screenplay formatting using industry-standard tools such as Celtx and Final Draft. Mentors will lead lectures and group discussions and assign practical exercises to ensure participants walk away with a well-rounded understanding of the screenwriting process. By the end of the lab, each participant is expected to complete at least one scene for their screenplay. The five-day programme runs daily from 5:00 to 7:00 PM and is open to applicants aged 18 and above. In addition to online instruction, those based in Qatar will also have the opportunity to engage with the DFI development team for continued guidance and support in developing their screenwriting projects. To apply, candidates must email their original short film logline and synopsis, a CV or short bio, a copy of their ID and a brief paragraph explaining their interest in the lab to screenwriting@ Applications are now open, with a submission deadline set for 26 July 2025.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
CII President bats for DFI-style fund to ease MSME credit woes
Live Events The collateral and documentation issues are significant challenges for MSME finance and need a faster resolution, said Rajiv Memani, President, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), on to a question by ET Digital on credit availability, Memani proposed an idea to create a Development Finance Institution (DFI)-style fund for MSMEs that could alleviate credit issues, providing essential funding and support for small the uninitiated, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) provide funding and support for projects that drive economic development. They focus on high-impact, long-term initiatives, accepting higher risks for developmental gains, unlike commercial banks that prioritise Memani noted that credit growth for MSMEs has recently shown an uptick. 'I think SIDBI has played a crucial role in mitigating risk and facilitating credit access for MSMEs by absorbing the initial risk, which enables banks to lend further. As a result, MSME credit growth is now gaining momentum,' he his first press conference after taking over as the CII president, Memani emphasised the need to ease compliance and regulatory burdens on MSMEs to foster their growth. 'The central government, I think, is not happy with the underutilisation of the National Single Window System ,' said Memani. The CII is advocating for uniformity between central and state-level single window clearances, he Memani proposed policy measures to boost India's manufacturing ecosystem, including scaling up MSME financing and introducing a ' Capital Support Scheme for MSMEs' for projects with investments between Rs 50 crore and Rs 1,000 suggested providing direct support to MSMEs in the form of an interest-free loan, covering 50% of the capital investment, repayable in 5 equal instalments after a 10-year period. Additionally, he proposed launching a fund similar to the Self-Reliant Fund (SRI) to support hi-tech manufacturing there are over 63.38 million MSMEs in India. In 2023-24, MSME-related products accounted for 45.73% of India's total exports, reinforcing their role in positioning the country as a global manufacturing to government data, MSME exports have witnessed robust growth, rising from Rs 3.95 lakh crore in the financial year 2020-21 to Rs 12.39 lakh crore in the financial year 2024-25. The number of MSME exporters has also seen a significant increase, expanding from 52,849 in 2020-21 to 1,73,350 in new initiatives include CII MSME Export Helpdesk to resolve export queries and connect MSMEs with buyers and a Centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive digital transformation among MSMEs and promote Responsible AI also focused on the need to raise awareness about available land for MSMEs and seek a longer transition period for MSMEs to comply with the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) under Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Memani said that the Indian economy is projected to grow between 6.4% to 6.7% in the current financial year, driven by robust domestic demand, even as geopolitical uncertainty poses downside risks. He highlighted that growth risks are evenly balanced, with "geopolitical uncertainty" posing a downside risk and "strong domestic demand" serving as a positive factor.
Broadcast Pro
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Doha Film Institute announces 2025 Spring Grants supporting 45 film projects
Five projects by Qatari and Qatar-based creators, together with 16 projects led by women filmmakers and 12 by returning directors. The Doha Film Institute has revealed the recipients of its 2025 Spring Grants, continuing its mission to champion independent filmmaking across the Arab world and beyond. This year, 45 diverse projects representing more than 35 countries have been selected to receive support from the film funding initiative, which has backed more than 950 projects in 75 countries to date. Awarded twice a year in Spring and Fall, the DFI Grants programme is dedicated to discovering and nurturing first- and second-time filmmakers, supporting a broad range of works including feature narratives, documentaries, shorts, experimental and essay films, as well as TV and web series. The 2025 Spring cycle highlights the growing presence of women filmmakers, with 16 projects directed by women, alongside 12 returning grantees and five projects by Qatari and Qatar-based talent. This round also marks the return of voices from Yemen and Sudan and showcases strong Gulf representation from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. In addition to Qatar, this cycle's grantees come from countries including France, Iraq, Canada, the UK, Jordan, Tunisia, Italy, Egypt, Lebanon, the USA, Germany, Algeria, Switzerland, Belgium, Libya, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Africa, Mozambique, Palestine, Portugal, Russia, the Netherlands, Iran, India, Norway, Denmark, Morocco, Syria, Rwanda, Uzbekistan and Bahrain. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, stated: 'Our Grants programme was founded to offer tangible support for original stories and important voices from around the world. These 45 films reflect the bold, diverse, and deeply human stories that challenge convention and are shaping the future of cinema. In a time marked by conflict, displacement and uncertainty, these stories offer urgently needed perspectives and affirm the role of film as a witness, a bridge and a call to empathy.' Among the selected feature narrative projects are The Arab Apocalypse by Samy Sidali, Madness and Honey Days by Ahmed Yassin Al-Daradji, Sari & Amira by A.J. Al-Thani and A Sad and Beautiful World by Cyril Aris. Feature documentaries include Akal by Basma Rkioui, Pure Madness by Inès Arsi and Do You Love Me by Lana Daher. Notable international titles such as Renoir by Chie Hayakawa, Variations on a Theme by Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar, and Memory by Vladlena Sandu reflect the Institute's commitment to a truly global independent cinema. The grants also extend to emerging voices in television and digital formats, including Like a Feather in the Breeze by Sherif Elbendary, Legacy of Light: Echoes from the House of Wisdom by Maha Al-Naemi, and web and short form works like Imagine Me Like a Country of Love by Thana Faroq and Hidden Journey by Noura Adil Suliman.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
AG Kobach urges investigation of 3 metro school districts for Title IX, FERPA violations
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach released a statement Tuesday, urging the federal government to , including three in the Kansas City metro, for 'illegal social transition policies' relating to gender identity and discrimination. According to the attorney general's office, Kobach sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, calling for the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights to investigate Kansas City USD 500, Olathe USD 233, Shawnee Mission USD 512 and Topeka USD 501. Man facing manslaughter, DWI charges in connection with wrong-way 50 Highway crash Kobach said the school districts violated the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) by allowing and/or requiring teachers to conceal information from parents about their child and their 'social transitioning' practices. Additionally, he said three of these districts – Kansas City, Shawnee Mission and Topeka – not only permitted schools to withhold information from parents, but established policies that allowed students to share bathrooms, locker rooms and other 'intimate spaces' based on their proclaimed gender identity. 'That a Kansas school district would so cavalierly act to hide such information from parents is shockingly irresponsible,' Kobach said. The letter from Kobach's office follows a complaint sent to the Department of Education by the Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies (DFI), also asking for the federal government to investigate the schools. The DFI's complaint claims that each district not only violated FERPA but also Title IX. The nonprofit further elaborated by saying each district allowed for discrimination on the basis of sex and by taking away the right of parents to 'inspect, review, and control access to the education records of their minor children.' The complaint also said employees were allowed to 'conceal information from parents and disseminate such information among their colleagues regarding requests by their minor children to alter the names and pronouns used by staff to refer to them throughout the school day to align with their 'gender identity' rather than their biological sex.' Three teachers at one of the area districts were also cited in the complaint, as well as their experiences facing various disciplinary actions by the school after misusing pronouns, calling students by their legal name and publicizing information about school policies related to the district's transgender practices. The DFI's complaint also broke down each district's guidelines relating to gender identity, sexual orientation and expression, and subsequently called for investigations by the federal government. Following Kobach's letter and the DFI's complaint, each school district issued the following statements: Kansas news: Headlines from Wichita, Topeka and around the Sunflower State 'Transgender students are welcome in all schools in the Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD). We categorically denounce any attempt by any outside individual or entity to make even one student feel something less than welcome in an SMSD school. Our parents are our partners in ensuring that every student feels a sense of belonging. In the June 24, 2025, letter from Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, the Attorney General references a letter that he sent to the Shawnee Mission School District in December of 2023. The school district wrote a comprehensive response to the Attorney General's 2023 letter, which is linked here. Our response has not changed. Attorney General Kris Kobach is attempting, as a publicity tactic, to start public discord between his office and public school districts in the very state that he represents and that he was elected to strengthen. The Shawnee Mission School District is declining to engage in this stunt; Mr. Kobach is raising boxing gloves over hypothetical scenarios and the SMSD will not step into the ring. In neither AG Kobach's recent press release nor the letter he sent the district 18 months ago is there any statement or information that any parent of a transgender student has sought help from the AG's office related to access to information regarding their student. There is no complaint of withholding of student information from any SMSD parent for the U.S. Department of Education to investigate. Again, transgender students are welcome in our schools. We will continue to work to ensure that ALL students feel safe at school and can focus on learning. Parents/guardians who have concerns about their child in relation to gender identity may contact Shawnee Mission School District administration at any time for support.' Two charged in 2023 drive-by shooting that killed teen in Kansas City 'Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) is committed to complying fully with all state and federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). We remain committed to ensuring that all students feel safe at school and are able to focus on learning. KCKPS will continue to partner with parents and guardians to maintain open, respectful communication between families, their children, and the district. Parents and guardians with concerns related to their child's gender identity are encouraged to contact KCKPS administration at any time for support.' 'Olathe Public Schools is obligated to follow all state and federal laws to support our students, staff and families. As a district, it is always our practice to work directly and partner with families and students as situations arise to ensure we are providing the appropriate and necessary support. To be absolutely clear, it is our expectation that staff work directly with families regarding student-related matters involving their own child(ren). The Olathe Public Schools does not and has never socially transitioned our students. Olathe Public Schools received written communication from the Attorney General's office on Dec. 11, 2023, regarding concerns about student pronouns and gender identity. The district responded directly to the Attorney General's office on Dec. 19, 2023. On Feb. 8, 2024, the district was also made aware of a press release sent from the Attorney General's office related to the same concern. The district immediately responded to his concerns upon being notified and worked through multiple correspondences to schedule a meeting with the Attorney General's office in person. On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, the Olathe Public Schools superintendent and staff counsel met with two attorneys from the Attorney General's office, as Attorney General Kobach did not meet with the district. In that meeting, the district repeatedly sought clarity from the Attorney General's office regarding specific changes that they believed should be made by the district. The district also asked the Attorney General's office to identify specific situations involving Olathe Public Schools students, staff or families that they were aware of in which the district was not following state or federal laws. However, the Attorney General's office would not provide specific input or information regarding any alleged violations of state and federal laws by the district. Due to the limited information shared by the Attorney General's office, the district was left with no actionable information to make change. Despite the district's willingness to remedy any concerns, the result of the meeting and overall interaction left the district feeling as though they were part of a larger political agenda. As the second largest district in the state supporting tens of thousands of students, Olathe Public Schools does not have time to engage in political agendas. Our focus is and will always be educating our students for their future.' According to the DFI, if found in violation of Title IX and/or FERPA, any of the districts could face sanctions and lose federal funding. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Miami Herald
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Argentina launches FBI-style federal investigations agency
June 26 (UPI) -- President Javier Milei has approved the creation of the Federal Investigations Department (DFI), a strategic step aimed at transforming the Argentine Federal Police (PFA) into a specialized federal criminal investigation agency. The department's primary mission is to lead investigations into drug trafficking, organized crime, human trafficking, financial crimes and terrorism, replacing routine patrols with specialized investigative units. National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich said Argentina needs a modern force with the real capacity to dismantle criminal organizations. Bullrich said the DFI will be the core of the new federal police, which will no longer function as a uniformed force. It will be supported by state security and diplomatic protection services. "It will focus all efforts on one key task: getting to the root of every criminal organization that seeks power and money in this country," she said. The National Security Ministry will retain the National Gendarmerie, Airport Security Police and Federal Penitentiary Service as uniformed forces. Bullrich said the new federal police will gradually become a force of detectives and specialized investigators serving the federal judiciary nationwide. She likened the DFI to the FBI. The DFI will coordinate operations of the Superintendency for Drug Trafficking Investigations, the Federal Crimes Investigation Unit, regional and federal agencies, criminal intelligence units and other tactical support teams, including firefighters and Special Operations. The DFI has been granted broad authority. One of its main roles is investigating drug trafficking networks in border provinces that have become major entry and exit points for large-scale shipments -- cocaine from Bolivia and marijuana from Paraguay. Another priority is combating transnational organized crime groups, including Brazil's Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), Venezuela's Tren de Aragua and Italian and Russian mafias known to be active in Argentina. A controversial provision allows the new force to monitor public digital spaces -- such as social media platforms and websites -- for preventive purposes. The new law governing the federal police provides a legal framework for investigating complex crimes, including technological surveillance, "while also guaranteeing respect for civil liberties and preventing abuses," the ministry said. The department is also authorized to detain individuals for up to 10 hours to verify their identity if they cannot confirm who they are and are suspected of being wanted by the courts. It is further empowered to launch investigations without prior court approval and will have access to both public and private databases. The new law aims to professionalize both current and future personnel. Modeled after criminal intelligence agencies such as the FBI, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and counterparts in Israel and the European Union, the department is expected to recruit university graduates, IT specialists and criminologists. Political opposition and human rights groups have criticized the reforms. The Center for Legal and Social Studies (CELS) warned that the lack of clarity in many provisions could open the door to criminalizing social organizations, suppressing protests, conducting mass digital surveillance of dissenters, and taking law enforcement action without judicial oversight. Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
