Latest news with #Deaf
Hans India
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Charlotte Ritchie talks about her experience filming ‘Code of Silence'
Mumbai: English actress Charlotte Ritchie, who steps into detective mode for the first time as DS Ashleigh Francis in the gripping new British crime drama Code of Silence, said that her character is good at what she does and quite intuitive, so she's been fun to play. Speaking about her role, Ritchie said, 'She's been a detective sergeant at Kent Canterbury police for quite a while, and confident in her job. She's very instinctive and not fully by the book, but definitely not a maverick either. 'She's good at what she does and quite intuitive, so she's been fun to play. But where she excels in work, there's a marked contrast with the chaos of her home life.' What drew Ritchie to the project wasn't just the character, but the story's fresh perspective, she added, 'I thought it was an interesting way of telling a story, with the focus being Alison's point of view. People love crime dramas – and a lot of them are brilliant – but this felt different and refreshing in its perspective and the themes it was dealing with.' 'It's about the way we communicate, the way the world sees Deaf people and interacts with them, underestimates them and keeps them at arm's length.' Ritchie said that it plays out against the backdrop of an already strong narrative about an inexperienced young woman who finds herself way over her head. 'I also knew that Rose Ayling-Ellis was playing Alison and she's brilliant, so connected and alive when she's acting. There's an attentiveness to her that was captivating.' Sharing her experience about what it was like working on a set with such diversity, she added, 'It's so great to have a variety of outlooks and experiences onset and in life. There were things that were subtly different: I began to notice that hearing people rely a lot on not necessarily looking at each other when they speak, but everyone was learning on set.' The actress said that it meant that people looked at each other more, considered each other more and took a second to make sure someone had understood what they were saying. Said the actress: 'You just thought a little bit more about the person next to you and how they might be experiencing the day, and became more conscious of the way that you're behaving in relation to other people. It binds everyone together.' The series puts the unsung powers of silence front and center, following Alison Brooks, a smart but struggling deaf canteen worker with an extraordinary knack for lip-reading. Suddenly swept into a high-stakes undercover operation by the cops, Alison finds herself navigating criminal conspiracies, double lives, and an emotionally charged connection with main suspect Liam Barlow. The British crime drama lands exclusively on Lionsgate Play on August 1.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
45-day government exhibition commences in Tirunelveli
Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M. Appavu inaugurated a government exhibition to popularise the government schemes at the playground of Florence Swainson Higher Secondary School for the Deaf opposite Palayamkottai Central Prison here on Wednesday. Mr. Appavu, after inaugurating the expo, handed over welfare measures worth ₹2.74 crore to 1,194 beneficiaries. The 45-day expo has 32 stalls set-up by the government departments to explain to visitors about the welfare schemes being implemented by the government. Mr. Appavu said 255 'Ungaludan Stalin' special camps for addressing the genuine grievances of the public within 45 days were being organised in the district since July 15. Hence, the public should make use of these camps. Moreover, the public should visit every stall in the exhibition to enlighten themselves about the welfare schemes being extended by various government departments and avail them, the Speaker said. Collector R. Sukumar said a total of 14,708 applications had been received in the 47 'Ungaludan Stalin' camps organised in various parts of the district and due solution had been provided to 2,297 petitions. Corporation Commissioner Monika Rana, Mayor G. Ramakrishnan, Deputy Mayor K.R. Raju and chairman of District Panchayat Council V.S.R. Jegadeesh and others were present.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
30 Years Of Impact: Arts Access Aotearoa Looks To Future
Arts Access Aotearoa is marking 30 years of driving accessibility and inclusion in the arts for people and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand, often excluded from cultural life. The organisation was founded as a charitable trust on 27 July 1995 with funding from Creative New Zealand and led by Penny Eames from 1995 until 2004. The late Mel Smith CNZM was the founding board Chair and became its Patron in 2002. The Patron in 2025 is Her Excellency, The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand. Access to the arts a basic human right Arts Access Aotearoa was built on the belief that access to the arts is a basic human right – a belief that's remained steadfast over 30 years. In that time, it has led the national conversation about arts accessibility and inclusion. Today, it supports creative spaces, professional arts and cultural organisations, and Deaf and disabled artists. It also advises Te Ara Poutama Aotearoa Department of Corrections on its arts programmes in prisons, and advocates for the arts as a valuable tool supporting prisoner rehabilitation. Richard Benge, Executive Director of Arts Access Aotearoa, says the 30-year milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the organisation's impact and look forward to the work ahead. 'Access to creativity is about equity, opportunity and dignity,' he says. 'Over 30 years, we've seen countless examples of the arts transforming lives – in prisons, communities, theatres, museums and art galleries. 'Our focus now is to build on that legacy and ensure every person in Aotearoa has access to the arts as artists and audience members.' National reach and impact The numbers reflect Arts Access Aotearoa's national reach and its impact: 65 creative spaces are supported to deliver arts programmes in communities across the motu. 40,000+ people engage regularly in art-making in creative spaces. 970+ individuals and organisations are members of the Arts For All Network, facilitated by Arts Access Aotearoa. 300+ accessible events and services (e.g. NZSL interpreted performances, audio described gallery tours, sensory relaxed performances) are delivered every year through the Arts For All Network. 16 former prisoners who identify as artists were supported in 2024 to engage positively with the community. Arts Access Aotearoa delivers its work through four programmes: Taha Hotu Deaf and Disabled Artists Initiative: a disabled-led initiative empowering Deaf and disabled artists to create work, navigate the arts sector, advocate for change and develop their creative practice. Arts For All Network: a national disability-led network connecting individuals and arts and cultural organisations committed to making the arts more accessible and inclusive. Creative Spaces Network: strengthening and advocating for the benefits of these community-based spaces by offering professional development, opportunities and funding advice, and relationship-building. Arts in Corrections Network: guiding and promoting best practice in the delivery of effective, rehabilitative arts programmes in prisons. Vic Crockford, Chair of the Board, says the organisation's strength lies in its ability to work alongside others and lead with integrity. 'We have robust foundations and a clear strategic focus guiding our work,' she says. 'We're excited about working with our partners to deliver even more accessibility initiatives in the years ahead.' Driving change in accessibility and inclusion Vic says that from the beginning, Arts Access Aotearoa has provided leadership and driven changes in accessibility and inclusion. For example, the organisation: pioneered the concept of 'creative spaces' in the 1990s. These are inclusive community art studios providing access to arts, particularly for people with access barriers. introduced an arts in prisons programme, funded by the Department of Corrections from 2004 (and still existing) to bring high-quality, rehabilitative arts programmes into prisons nationwide. published a practical guide call Arts For All: Ngā Toi mo te Katoa in 2010, launching the national Arts For All Network bringing together arts and cultural organisations, venues and Deaf and disability communities to make New Zealand's arts and cultural sector more accessible and welcoming. built an annual awards event from 2007 to 2021, recognising the achievements of Deaf and disabled artists, creative spaces, arts accessibility and arts leadership in prisons. introduced Ngā Toi Rangatira o Aotearoa Arts Access Fellowships in 2023 supporting accessibility, participation and inclusion in the arts. monitored and advised on the multi-year investment in 54 creative spaces across the country by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage from 2021–2024. This included organising Ngā Wāhi Auaha Creative Spaces Conference 2024 in Wellington, attended by 150 creative space leaders, artists and art tutors. published Te Ara ki Runga The Path Up in 2025, a groundbreaking guide supporting Arts in Corrections educators to deliver high-quality arts programmes in prisons. This is accompanied by an online, 10-week course. established Taha Hotu Deaf and Disabled Artists Initiative in 2025 and launched a website supporting and empowering Deaf and disabled artists. Arts Access Aotearoa is grateful to its funders and supporters over many years. Thank you, Creative New Zealand, Ara Poutama Aotearoa Department of Corrections, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Foundation North, Auckland City Council, Wellington City Council, the Holdsworth Charitable Trust, Thomas George Macarthy Trust and Wellington Community Fund. Thank you to Chapman Tripp for its pro bono legal services and to Flightdec, a Strategic Partner.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Pakkay Dost' earns Sajal's seal of approval
Singer-songwriter Bilal Maqsood released a second volume of nursery rhymes from children's puppet show Pakkay Dost on YouTube on Tuesday. The first volume came out in 2023 and the show's vibrant visuals and engaging narratives garnered widespread acclaim, fostering a love for Urdu and enriching the lives of countless young viewers. Actor Sajal Ali lauded Maqsood's work on social media, penning, "Bilal Maqsood, you are doing a great job!" She appreciated the show's reignition of Urdu language amongst the youth, "Urdu is a beautiful language and it's high time we stop running away from it." The actor reminded us that it's cool to embrace our mother tongue, "It was always cool! Let's own it, celebrate it and make it even cooler!" On Wednesday, Maqsood took to Instagram to promote the new episodes, "I make Pakkay Dost for kids. I have always longed to make quality content for children and have finally gotten the opportunity to do it after Strings ended. I believe the entertainment industry has stopped focusing on children since the last two decades." Being a father himself, the singer observed, "Our kids are being raised on foreign content, which is out of our control. We cannot limit their screen time but the least we can do is to introduce them to shows that teach them good values, are safe and keep them connected to their culture and language." Expressing why he chose Urdu, Maqsood stated "I made Pakkay Dost because I wanted to make Urdu cool. Kids and parents often run away from Urdu and I wanted to change that. I want to request all parents and teachers to make sure that kids around them watch Pakkay Dost." The show has been captivating young minds with playful storytelling and colourful visuals, fostering a love for the Urdu language while imparting valuable life lessons. This makes it an enjoyable experience for children and a meaningful one for parents who want to instill cultural and linguistic pride in their children. Each episode offers laughter, lessons, and an opportunity for children to connect with their roots. The show has garnered acclaim from parents and educators alike. In January, Maqsood announced partnership with ConnectHear to make Pakkay Dost accessible to the hearing-impaired community through the integration of sign language interpretation. "We are very excited to partner with ConnectHear," said Maqsood. "Our mission is to bring joy, learning and cultural enrichment and create a brighter childhood for all children. This collaboration is a significant step towards making Pakkay Dost truly inclusive and ensuring that every child can experience the magic of our show." "At ConnectHear, we believe in creating a world where no one is left behind," said Arhum Ishtiaq, CTO and Co-Founder, ConnectHear. "This alliance with Pakkay Dost allows us to bridge the gap in children's entertainment and education for the Deaf community. We're not just adding sign language to the show, we're adding joy, imagination, and inclusion to every deaf child's life."
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Sajal Ali applauds ‘Pakkay Dost' for making Urdu fun for kids
Singer-songwriter Bilal Maqsood released a second volume of nursery rhymes from children's puppet show Pakkay Dost on YouTube on Tuesday. The first volume came out in 2023 and the show's vibrant visuals and engaging narratives garnered widespread acclaim, fostering a love for Urdu and enriching the lives of countless young viewers. Actor Sajal Ali lauded Maqsood's work on social media, penning, 'Bilal Maqsood, you are doing a great job!' She appreciated the show's reignition of Urdu language amongst the youth, 'Urdu is a beautiful language and it's high time we stop running away from it.' The actor reminded us that it's cool to embrace our mother tongue, 'It was always cool! Let's own it, celebrate it and make it even cooler!' On Wednesday, Maqsood took to Instagram to promote the new episodes, 'I make Pakkay Dost for kids. I have always longed to make quality content for children and have finally gotten the opportunity to do it after Strings ended. I believe the entertainment industry has stopped focusing on children since the last two decades." Being a father himself, the singer observed, 'Our kids are being raised on foreign content, which is out of our control. We cannot limit their screen time but the least we can do is to introduce them to shows that teach them good values, are safe and keep them connected to their culture and language.' Expressing why he chose Urdu, Maqsood stated 'I made Pakkay Dost because I wanted to make Urdu cool. Kids and parents often run away from Urdu and I wanted to change that. I want to request all parents and teachers to make sure that kids around them watch Pakkay Dost.' The show has been captivating young minds with playful storytelling and colourful visuals, fostering a love for the Urdu language while imparting valuable life lessons. This makes it an enjoyable experience for children and a meaningful one for parents who want to instill cultural and linguistic pride in their children. Each episode offers laughter, lessons, and an opportunity for children to connect with their roots. The show has garnered acclaim from parents and educators alike. In January, Maqsood announced partnership with ConnectHear to make Pakkay Dost accessible to the hearing-impaired community through the integration of sign language interpretation. "We are very excited to partner with ConnectHear," said Maqsood. "Our mission is to bring joy, learning and cultural enrichment and create a brighter childhood for all children. This collaboration is a significant step towards making Pakkay Dost truly inclusive and ensuring that every child can experience the magic of our show." "At ConnectHear, we believe in creating a world where no one is left behind," said Arhum Ishtiaq, CTO and Co-Founder, ConnectHear. "This alliance with Pakkay Dost allows us to bridge the gap in children's entertainment and education for the Deaf community. We're not just adding sign language to the show, we're adding joy, imagination, and inclusion to every deaf child's life.' Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
