US Students, Businesses, and Hollywood Lead 'National Shutdown' Strike against ICE and CBP | DW News

Jan 31, 2026 | US businesses and schools went on strike on Friday to protest federal immigration tactics. The strikes are meant to force a 'national shutdown' to put pressure on the Trump administration to pull immigration enforcement ages from US cities.

Scenes from Different from the Others / Anders als die Andern (1919)

1 Jun 2019 | Excerpts from Different From the Others (Anders als die Andern) (Germany, 1919), which was preserved by UCLA Film & Television Archive as part of the Outfest UCLA Legacy Project. Funding provided by The Andrew J. Kuehn Jr. Foundation and the members of Outfest.

Synopsis

The concert violinist Paul Koerner takes a student under his wing, much to the worry of the boy’s parents. Koerner is meanwhile being blackmailed by a former lover, since in Germany any homosexual relations at that time were punishable under the law, codified in Article 175, which was not removed from the books until the 1960s. The German film, Different From the Others is, as far as we know, the first fiction feature film to address a specifically gay audience. Fortunately, even though more than 90% of all German silent films have disappeared, this film exists today in at least half its original length. When the film was first shown in 1919, gay and lesbian audiences must have been amazed that a mainstream fiction feature film would portray their situation as a fact of nature, rather than a perversion. Today, this film celebrates the brief opening of that door, before it slammed shut for another 50 years.

The film was produced and directed by Richard Oswald, at that time one of Germany’s most prolific independents, who made films cheaply and premiered them in a Berlin cinema he owned, where his wife would often handle the office box. Oswald had earned a fortune in 1917/18 with a number of “educational” feature films about sexually transmitted diseases, which were approved by the censorship authorities, simply because syphilis was rampant in the trenches. Oswald would continue to produce controversial films, like his acknowledged masterpiece, The Captain from Koepenick (1931) based on Carl Zuckmayer’s anti-authoritarian play. The Nazis never forgave Oswald for Anders als die Andern or Koepenick, forcing Oswald into exile and eventually to Hollywood, where he directed several films and television shows. Although long underappreciated in Germany, recent critical reappraisals have valued his in-your-face aesthetic and modern subject matter.

Only a severely truncated version of the film has survived, with Ukrainian titles, as Gosfilmofond in Russia. It was restored previously to a semblance of the original 1919 release by the Munich Film Museum. The UCLA restoration is based on that Munich reconstruction, with some changes and additions made.

Credits

Richard-Oswald-Produktion. Screenwriters: Magnus Hirschfeld and Richard Oswald. Cinematographer: Max Fassbender. With: Conrad Veidt, Leo Connard, Ilse von Tasso-Lind, Alexandra Willegh, Ernst Pittschau, Fritz Schulz.



WIKIPEDIA: Magnus Hirschfeld »

George Clooney Fires Back at Trump after US President Mocks His French Citizenship

THE GUARDIAN: Trump called the actor and his wife, Amal, ‘two of the worst political prognosticators of all time’ after they were awarded French passports

George Clooney has lashed out at US president Donald Trump for criticising France’s decision to grant the Hollywood actor and his family French citizenship.

The 64-year-old Oscar winner, his wife, Amal Alamuddin Clooney, and their two children became French citizens earlier this month after living on a property in southern France for years.

Clooney has hailed French privacy laws that have kept his family largely protected from international media intrusion, as well as the opportunity to raise his children outside Hollywood.

Trump, whose administration has backed anti-immigration parties in Europe, wrote on Truth Social that France was welcome to the Ocean’s Eleven star, who is a long-term Democrat supporter, fundraiser and a vocal critic of the president.

“Good News! George and Amal Clooney, two of the worst political prognosticators of all time, have officially become citizens of France which is, sadly, in the midst of a major crime problem because of their absolutely horrendous handling of immigration,” Trump wrote.

“Clooney got more publicity for politics than he did for his very few, and totally mediocre, movies,” the president added. “He wasn’t a movie star at all, he was just an average guy who complained, constantly, about common sense in politics.” » | Sian Cain and agencies | Friday, January 2, 2026

'What a Cliffhanger!' | Simon Marks' American Week

Dec 20, 2025 | In this edition of American Week, Simon Marks reflects on the legacy of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and breaks down Donald Trump's 'jaw-dropping' response to the Oscar nominee's death.

Simon also reacts to Melania Trump's self-produced $40 million Amazon documentary and delves into the latest development in the President vs the BBC saga.


Donald Trump is a most despicable man. By re-electing such an awful man to the presidency, Americans have shown the world that they were not worthy of democracy. So now, they have lost it! The man they re-elected has turned their country into an autocracy. It's not quite as bad as Russia yet, but it's getting there fast. — © Mark Alexander

Nick Reiner Formally Charged With Murdering His Parents

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Prosecutors said that Mr. Reiner killed his parents, Rob and Michelle Reiner, using a knife. He has not yet entered a plea.

Prosecutors in Los Angeles on Tuesday formally charged Nick Reiner with murdering his parents, the Hollywood fixtures and Democratic Party heavyweights Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.

The son faces two counts of first-degree murder, with prosecutors requesting they be considered under “special circumstances,” in part because there were multiple murders. Special circumstances can add time to a sentence if convicted.

Nick Reiner, if convicted, could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty, although prosecutors have not said whether they would seek the death penalty. (Gov. Gavin Newsom has put a moratorium on executions, but the death penalty still exists in California.) Mr. Reiner has not yet entered a plea. » | Matt Stevens and Jill Cowan | Reporting from Los Angeles | Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Trump Blames Rob Reiner's Murder on 'Trump Derangement Syndrome'

Dec 16, 2025 | President Trump said Rob Reiner was killed because of the film director's "raging obsession" with him.

Ben Kentish spoke to Trump's former Republican opponent, Joe Walsh, who said this was proof that the US President is a 'psychopath'.

Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 68, allegedly were killed following a heated argument with a family member. The pair were found dead on Sunday, sources close to the couple have told US media.

Mr Trump responded to the alleged murder with a post to Truth Social: "A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS."

Rob Reiner and Wife Found Stabbed to Death: What We Know

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The director’s family said that he and his wife, Michele, died on Sunday, and county jail records show that their son, Nick Reiner, was arrested.

Rob Reiner, the award-winning Hollywood actor and director, and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found stabbed to death in their home in Los Angeles on Sunday, according to the police and others briefed on the case.

Their son Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested on Sunday night and booked into jail in Los Angeles County, county jail records show. He is being held on $4 million bail, according to the records. The Los Angeles police chief, Jim McDonnell, said on Monday that he was “booked for murder.” » | Jin Yu Young | Monday, December 15, 2025

Leer en español.

Trump Seizes on Rob Reiner’s Death to Attack the Hollywood Director: The president attributed the killing of Rob Reiner and his wife to “Trump derangement syndrome.” There was no indication that the couple’s political beliefs were linked to their deaths. »

Rob Reiner, Actor Who Went on to Direct Classic Films, Dies at 78: Mr. Reiner, who was in “All in the Family,” directed films including “This Is Spinal Tap,” “When Harry Met Sally …,” “The Princess Bride” and “A Few Good Men.” »

Michele Singer Reiner: A Photographer Who Changed Movie History: Falling in love with her inspired the director Rob Reiner to give “When Harry Met Sally…” a new ending. The Reiners went on to work together on movies and political causes. »

Trump Launches Attack on Film Director Found Stabbed to Death, Rob Reiner

Dec 15, 2025 | Donald Trump has launched an 'extraordinary' attack on Rob Reiner, who was found dead alongside his wife on Sunday.

LBC's Helen Hoddinott updates Shelagh Fogarty - moments before Rob Reiner's son Nick Reiner has been arrested and is in custody on $4m (£2.9m) bail, according to the LASD Inmate Center records.

Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, apparently died of stab wounds and a family member is being questioned, US media reported. Authorities are investigating an “apparent homicide” at Reiner’s home in Los Angeles after police, firefighters and paramedics were called to the property on Sunday, it has been reported.

Reiner, 78, was a prolific Hollywood director and created some of the most well-known movies of the 1980s and 1990s, including the thriller A Few Good Men in 1992 and the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally in 1989.

Brian Cox Gives a Damning Indictment of Trump's America | LBC

Dec 10, 2025 | Hollywood titan Brian Cox spoke to Andrew Marr about the future of Trump's America. The Succession actor's children live in America.

In his interview with Andrew, Mr Cox expressed his concern about America becoming a 'police state' and claimed 'free speech is being squeezed'.

Alan Cumming on LGBTQ+ in the Arts, Safety in the US and Traitors Fame

Nov 13, 2025 | From Hollywood to the Highlands — actor, activist and US traitor’s presenter Alan Cumming is returning to his roots in Scotland.

He’s taking over as Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre, promising to turn the small Highland town into a global stage.

Cumming spoke to us about his plans there and his fears over LGBTQ+ rights in America.

A warning — this report contains some strong language.

Reporter: Minnie Stephenson
Camera & Editor: James Betteridge
Producer: Vik Patel

Grace Kelly: Behind the Glamour and the Crown | Full Documentary

Oct 25, 2025 | Considered one of the most beautiful actresses of her time, Grace Kelly remains an icon today. Her life and career are well documented, from her work in Hollywood to her marriage to Prince Rainier and her tragic death in a car accident in 1982.

But do we know the inside story? Who really was Grace Kelly?

Thanks to an exclusive agreement with the Principality of Monaco, this documentary will tell Grace’s life story as it’s never been told before, through the eyes of those close to her and who loved her, including her family – notably Prince Albert of Monaco –, and friends.

For the first time, the Grimaldi family has given access to its private archives, much of which has never been made public before, and agreed to talk us through this intimate material. This comprises many films shot in 8mm, 16mm and super-8 by Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier themselves, which reveal a mother who is quite different to the official image: Free, vibrant, surrounded by her children and participating in family life.

A look back on an icon with a tragic destiny.

Documentary: Her Name Was Grace Kelly (2020)
Director: Serge de Sampigny
Production: Patrick Spica Productions

«Tout le monde se faisait des lignes» : George Clooney raconte sans détour son passé sous cocaïne

MADAME FIGARO : Dans un long entretien accordé à Esquire depuis sa villa sur les rives du lac de Côme, l’acteur de 64 ans s’est livré sur sa jeunesse, ses excès et sa peur de l’échec. Entre souvenirs de défonce et confidences de père apaisé, l’époux d’Amal Clooney se raconte avec humour.

Le journaliste d’Esquire plante le décor : autour de la maison italienne des Clooney, sur les rives du lac de Côme, un miroir d’eau paisible, au loin un vieux pêcheur qui enroule sa ligne, et une route étroite et sinueuse qui serpente le long du rivage. La bâtisse, érigée au XVIII siècle et achetée par George Clooney au début des années 2000, est un refuge où la tranquillité et la lenteur sont les maîtres mots. Avec son épouse Amal, il s’y est établi, séduit par cette immobilité presque enivrante. C’est là, dans cette bulle suspendue, que l’acteur a reçu le magazine américain pour une journée d’entretien, à l’occasion du numéro qui lui est consacré en ce mois d’octobre. » | Par Léa Mabilon | mardi 7 octobre 2025

George Clooney says he was ‘worried’ about raising his children in Hollywood: George Clooney has been immersed in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood for decades, but he didn’t want the same for his children – and for good reason. »

Erich Maria Remarque und Marlene Dietrich | Doku HD| ARTE

Sep 10, 2025 | In seinem Welterfolg „Arc de Triomphe” verarbeitete der Schriftsteller Erich Maria Remarque seine eigenen Exilerfahrungen und die folgenreiche Begegnung mit Marlene Dietrich. Die Dokumentation rekonstruiert die bewegende Entstehungsgeschichte dieses stark autobiografischen Romans, der heute als ein Schlüsselwerk der europäischen Exilliteratur gilt.

Was bedeuten Flucht und Vertreibung für die Betroffenen?

Das beschreibt der Bestsellerautor Erich Maria Remarque in seinem zweiten großen Welterfolg „Arc de Triomphe“. Der Roman erzählt die Liebesgeschichte eines verfolgten deutschen Emigranten, der unmittelbar vor Ausbruch des Zweiten Weltkriegs in Paris eine geheimnisvolle Frau trifft. Eine Amour fou, wie Remarque sie selbst mit der Hollywood-Diva Marlene Dietrich erlebt hat. Zu einer Zeit, in der ein Leben im faschistischen Deutschland für beide Weltstars ausgeschlossen war.

Die Dokumentation rekonstruiert die Parallelen zwischen dieser realen Liebesgeschichte und der fiktiven im Roman. In „Arc de Triomphe“ verarbeitet Remarque nicht nur den Schmerz seines eigenen Heimatverlusts, sondern auch seine über zehn Jahre währende, aufreibende Beziehung zu Marlene Dietrich. Entlang der Lebensstationen des Paares und auf der Grundlage von biografischen und historischen Dokumenten sowie Filmausschnitten – 1947 wurde „Arc de Triomphe“ in Hollywood mit Starbesetzung verfilmt – begibt sich der Film auf eine mitreißende Zeitreise.

Von Paris und Antibes nach Los Angeles und New York rekonstruiert er die Entstehungsgeschichte dieses stark autobiografischen Romans, der heute als Schlüsselwerk der europäischen Exilliteratur gilt – als literarisches Vermächtnis einer langjährigen Leidenschaft zweier Weltstars. Dokumentation von Hedwig Schmutte und Rolf Lambert (Deutschland 2025, 53 Min)

Video auf YouTube verfügbar bis zum 07/12/2025

Massimo Scali & Ethan Burgess Perform at the Skating Club of San Francisco's 2025 Ice Show

Sep 17, 2025 | Olympic Talent Meets Hollywood Ice! Massimo Scali & Ethan Burgess perform to "Glass - The Poet Acts - Escape! - Orange Mountain Music" by Philip Glass at “Unity in Diversity”, The Skating Club of San Francisco's 2025 Ice Show

Robert Redford the Activist: Hollywood Icon Was Lifelong Champion of Environment & Independent Film

Robert Redford, the legendary Oscar-winning director, actor and activist, died at the age of 89 on Tuesday. Redford was a longtime environmental activist who served for five decades as a trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Robert Redford: The Incandescently Handsome Star Who Changed Hollywood Forever

A screenshot from this article. | ‘A throwback to the era of Douglas Fairbanks and Tyrone Power, the Hollywood era of gasp-inducingly handsome matinee idols and swoonworthy dreamboats’ … Redford in 1979. Photograph: Cine Text/Allstar/Sportsphoto Ltd
THE GUARDIAN: Robert Redford, who has died at the age of 89, began as a blond bombshell at a time when American cinema favoured grit, then turned into a supremely assured director and unlikely keeper of the indie flame

s the 1960s turned into the 1970s, it wasn’t cool for star actors to be good-looking. The style was more a scuffed, grizzled, bleary, sweaty, paunchy and shlubby realness. The fashion was for leading men like Gene Hackman, Jack Nicholson, Woody Allen. Even a very beautiful man like Paul Newman had a kind of rugged, daylit quality. But Robert Redford was very different. Here was a supremely beautiful movie star who went on to direct, produce and then be the guardian and gatekeeper of commercial-indie US cinema at his Sundance Institute. And he was always an outlier.

When movie audiences thrilled to George Roy Hill’s western Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in 1969, they knew that in breakout star Redford they had an almost indecently attractive male, however much he might dress it down with buckskins and moustache, playing the devil-may-care outlaw Sundance Kid himself. His sardonic charisma and sexiness shone through. And when he cleaned himself up for other roles, teaming up again with Newman for the jazz age con-men caper The Sting in 1973, the effect was electric. Neatly trimmed and shaved, Robert Redford was just outrageously handsome, incandescently handsome, he was handsomeness on legs. His photograph was in the dictionary next to “handsome”. » | Peter Bradshaw | Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Robert Redford, Hollywood actor and director, dies aged 89 | BBC News

Sep 16, 2025 | Hollywood icon Robert Redford has died aged 89.

The retired actor turned director starred in movies like Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid and All The President's Men.

Redford founded the Sundance Film Festival, which has taken place annually in Utah, US, since 1978.

Robert Redford's publicist Cindi Berger says the actor died earlier today at his home "at Sundance in the mountains of Utah - the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved."

"He will be missed greatly," Berger says, adding that the family are requesting privacy.


Robert Redford, monstre sacré du cinéma, est mort : L’acteur américain, légende de Hollywood, s’est éteint ce mardi matin à l’âge de 89 ans. »

En images, Robert Redford, l’éternel amoureux »

Legendary Italian Designer Giorgio Armani Dies Aged 91

Sep 4, 2025 | The fashion world has been paying tribute to the Italian designer Giorgio Armani, who has died at the age of 91.

From working as a window dresser in an upmarket store, he went on to build a multi-billion pound empire, his pared-back styling beloved of celebrities and Hollywood stars.

The Italian-born designer worked "till his final days", his fashion house said in a statement and had been expected to attend celebrations for his brand's 50th anniversary celebrations in a few weeks’ time time.

The Hidden Empire of Giorgio Armani

Sep 4, 2025 | This documentary explores the life and empire of fashion legend Giorgio Armani, from his humble beginnings in Italy to his rise as a global icon. We go behind the scenes to uncover the secrets of his success, from the iconic power suits that defined 80s America to his expansion into luxury hotels and restaurants. This film reveals the man behind the brand, a visionary who dressed Hollywood and built a billion-dollar empire, changing the face of fashion forever.

Italian Fashion Designer Giorgio Armani Dies Aged 91

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91, the Armani Group announced on Thursday.

The designer is credited over his decades of practice with curating a quintessentially Italian aesthetic in his clothes, as well as taking Hollywood’s red carpets to new heights


Related links here and here.

OBITUARY: Giorgio Armani, fashion designer whose cool tones and ‘slouch’ tailoring defined the 1980s: He rebelled against the hippy philosophy of the 1970s: ‘Everything was sinking under the dead weight of ornaments’ »