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(L-R) Thia (Elle Fanning) and Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) in 20th Century Studios' PREDATOR: BADLANDS film. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved. Dan Trachtenberg's Predator: Badlands is not just another entry into the venerable sci-fi action franchise; it is a profound act of cinematic revolution. Fresh off a spectacular pre-premiere screening, we can confirm that Trachtenberg has done the unthinkable: he has taken the universe's most vicious, amoral hunter and dared to ask, "What if he had a soul?" The result is a film that is as aesthetically daring as it is emotionally complex. The most jarring, yet brilliant, pivot comes in the characterization of the Predator itself. While the classic villain always relied on the terror of the mask, Badlands  strips this away, showing the creature's most vulnerable feature-its bare face-for extended sequences. We learn that this specific entity, given the name Yautja  (a name that carries a slightly unfamiliar, almost Japanese-like resonance), is unlike any we have encountered. Its famous Rasta-like hair is replaced with an unfamiliar rubbery texture, and its speech clicks are rooted in a fascination with Earth's own complex linguistics, seemingly inspired by Khoisan languages like Xhosa or Zulu. This new Yautja is placed on an extensive personal journey, moving from primal hunter to an entity capable of growth and sensitivity. He acquires new social skills, primarily the concept of symbiosis-the "give and take" of trading-a remarkable moral evolution that fundamentally redefines the species. The sheer level of CGI and characterization dedicated to his eyes is a triumph, achieving a new level of "alienating" texture, far beyond typical creature design. A Score of Ambiguity The film’s emotional depth is beautifully amplified by the musical partnership of Sarah Schachner and Benjamin Wallfisch . Wallfisch provides the necessary blockbuster scale, but it is Schachner's influence that truly elevates the score. Her choice of dystopian vocal synth effects is immediately recognizable, drawing parallels to her iconic work on the Anthem  video game score. This specific sound design brings a layer of necessary ambiguity to the unfolding narrative, crafting a sonic landscape that mirrors the Yautja’s confusing, internal shift. While the new Predator design is revolutionary, Trachtenberg smartly keeps touchstones of familiarity. The iconic three-dotted triangle laser beam  remains a chilling signature weapon. Furthermore, the Creator that the Yautja is hunting introduces stunning new CGI capabilities, particularly in a visually impressive healing process that pushes the boundaries of cinematic body horror and restoration. However, the scout location choices occasionally undersell the film’s ambition. In a world striving for complete "alienation," the repeated inclusion of a familiar waterfall and standard gravitational water physics feels curiously conventional. It's a small compromise, perhaps made by the director to prevent the audience from drifting too  far from familiar territory, but it misses a chance for total immersion in the new world. Fanning’s Masterclass The explicit guidance and preparation given to the human cast is clear in the finished product. Elle Fanning  delivers a performance of profound versatility. Her ability to accommodate rapidly shifting situations while traversing the full emotional spectrum of the audience is a masterclass in delicate, balanced character work. She seamlessly pivots between two dichotomic characters, proving herself not just an actress, but an artist applying precise paint and brushstrokes to the film’s canvas. In conclusion, Predator: Badlands  is a great film that serves as a thrilling action movie and a surprisingly poignant character study. It’s highly recommended viewing that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

Photo Courtesy of the Australian Firefighters Calendar Firefighter Ben Wallace chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about being a part of the 2026 Australian Firefighters Calendar. The Australian Firefighters Calendar is an Australian owned and operated company. Although they are not a charity per se, they have donated $3.5 million to both animals and people in need since 1993. On being a part of the 2026 Australian Firefighters Calendar, Wallace said, "It’s always an incredible honor to be part of something that’s become such a proud Australian tradition. Every year the calendar grows bigger, reaches more people, and raises more funds for great causes." "Being surrounded by people who are passionate about giving back while representing the firefighting community makes it feel really special. It’s more than a photoshoot — it’s about connection, teamwork, and doing good," he said. This calendar supports many charities, and he underscored its importance. "As firefighters, we see firsthand how quickly lives can change. The charities we support, whether they help sick kids, animal rescue organizations, or community health initiatives, all make a real impact where it matters most," he said. "Knowing the time we give can help someone through a tough moment is deeply motivating. Giving back is part of who we are, both on and off duty," he added. "I’ve been a firefighter for nine years now, and what I love most is the camaraderie and purpose," he noted. "Every shift, you’re surrounded by people who have your back and who share the same goal: to protect and help others. It’s a career that keeps you grounded, challenges you constantly, and reminds you of the importance of community." Photo Courtesy of the Australian Firefighters Calendar On working with David Rogers (the director of the Australian Firefighters Calendar), he stated, "David is the driving force behind the calendar — his passion and commitment are unmatched. He’s built something that not only celebrates firefighters but genuinely makes a difference. He treats everyone like family, and his vision for how the calendar can evolve each year is inspiring. It’s a privilege to work alongside him." "This is my eighth year being part of the calendar, and it has been an amazing journey," he exclaimed. "Every edition has its own energy, theme, and story. It’s great seeing how the calendar continues to grow and how loyal the supporters have become over the years." On his daily motivations as a firefighter, he said, "It’s the people, my team, my community, and my family. Knowing that what we do can make a real difference keeps me going. Every call, every training session, every early morning is about being ready to help when someone needs it most. That sense of purpose is incredibly motivating." On his future plans, Wallace shared, "I want to keep growing both personally and professionally. Whether it’s mentoring younger firefighters, continuing charity work, or finding new ways to support the causes we care about, I want to stay involved in work that matters. And of course, I’ll always make time to support the calendar and the incredible charities behind it." Regarding his definition of the word success, Wallace said, "Success, to me, isn’t about fame or recognition, it’s about impact. It’s knowing you’ve made a positive difference, no matter how big or small. Whether it’s saving a life, inspiring someone to chase their goals, or helping raise funds for a good cause, that’s success in my eyes." For fans, he expressed, "I would love for people to see that the calendar is so much more than photos, it’s about heart. Every image represents dedication, teamwork, and a genuine desire to give back." "When you buy a calendar, you’re helping real people and animals not only in Australia but now across the world. I hope they feel that connection and pride knowing they’re part of something meaningful," he concluded. To learn more about the 2026 Australian Firefighters Calendar, visit the official website , and follow the calendar on Instagram .

Photo credits: Valentina with Enrico Bufalini, Director Cinecitta' Studios / Archivio Luce and Lawyer Paolo Picarelli Matera, Italy — In a powerful step toward bridging cultures and promoting peace through the universal language of film, Valentina Castellani-Quinn has been appointed as the new Artistic Director at MATIFF, the Matera International Film Festival. Her inaugural initiative, titled “A Drop of Hope,” aims to inspire dialogue between nations, communities, and faiths through meaningful, thought-provoking cinema. The program was unveiled against the backdrop of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former European Capital of Culture. With its ancient stone walls and millennia of history, Matera stands as an enduring symbol of resilience, diversity, and the capacity for transformation—making it a poignant setting for this new cultural endeavor. Photo Credits: Valentina Quinn on a masterclass with Luce Cardinale, niece of Iconic actress Claudia Cardinale “A Drop of Hope” is not just a film program—it is a cultural movement. Inspired by the deeply impactful work of The Parents Circle, a grassroots organization made up of Israeli and Palestinian families who have lost loved ones in the conflict and now work together for peace, Castellani-Quinn’s vision with Fuina, is to use cinema as a bridge rather than a battleground. She believes that film, more than any other medium, has the unique power to reach across divides and invite audiences into conversations that matter. “Cinema today is one of the most powerful platforms for conveying ideas—through imagery and dialogue, it transcends boundaries and speaks directly to the soul,” said Castellani-Quinn during the program’s unveiling. Her focus is particularly on youth but extends to all generations, encouraging viewers not to passively absorb the content often pushed by social media algorithms, but to reflect, question, and engage. The films curated under A Drop of Hope seek to stimulate empathy, awareness, and ultimately, peaceful action. This year’s edition of MATIFF featured 100 international films, including several European premieres. Among the standout selections were "Eleanor the Great", a much-anticipated directorial debut by Scarlett Johansson, and I Bambini di Gaza (The Children of Gaza), a poignant documentary directed by Loris Lai and produced by the legendary Tarak Ben Ammar. The latter, which had its U.S. premiere at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, received the prestigious Best Feature Film award at MATIFF—testament to its raw honesty and emotional depth. Among the many Films MATIFF Presented the International Premiere of the newly restored Version in color of the Iconic Pier Paolo Pasolini Film " IL VANGELO SECONDO MATTEO". Photo Credits : Valentina Quinn with President RAI CINEMA Nicola Claudio Photo Credits: Valentina with President and Founder MATIFF, Leonardo Fuina With Castellani-Quinn at the helm of the international program, MATIFF is not only celebrating cinematic excellence but is also positioning itself as a cultural force for good—a festival where storytelling becomes an instrument of unity rather than division. As the world faces increasing polarization, initiatives like A Drop of Hope serve as a reminder that peace does not begin in the halls of politics, but in the hearts of individuals—and often, it begins with a story. Follow Matera International Film Festival-MATiFF on Instagram, IMDb.

Photography: Ilana Panich-Linsman/Netflix. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos interviewed canadian TV personality Antoni Porowski about being a part of “Queer Eye” on Netflix, his Emmy win, the digital age, and HIV prevention campaign that raises awareness on sexual health. Byron Pulsifer once said: “Imagine, dream, and believe in yourself. With determination and belief, you will be surprised at what you accomplish.” This quote applies to Antoni Porowski. Porowski is a New York Times bestselling author, an Emmy award-winning producer and a culinary expert. He is known for being the food and wine expert on “Queer Eye” on Netflix. On his experience in “Queer Eye,” Porowski exclaimed, “It has been going really well. We wrapped our last season, which is mostly bitter. The only sweet part is the sense of accomplishment and all the memories that I’ve made, as a result.” “I’m a nostalgic person,” he admitted. “So, there’s no shortage of those throughout the past 10 seasons.” “We filmed in DC, which, where we had the same sitting president in Season 1 as we have Season 10 now. It’s a reminder of how much the world has changed, but how much progress isn’t linear,” he elaborated. “The fact that we make steps forward, and then we make steps back, which is sort of how the world operates,” he observed. Photography: Ilana Panich-Linsman/Netflix “It’s a very sobering reminder of that. So, I feel the timing is certainly right. I’m really happy about the location that they chose to have these conversations with an added character and all of it,” he explained. “Selfishly, DC is beautiful and has so many incredible museums and running paths,” he noted. “I had a really nice time filming there.” The show won the 2023 Emmy Award for “Outstanding Structured Reality Program.” On his Emmy win, Porowski remarked, “I’m not going to lie, it was a complete shock. We’ve had a really beautiful winning streak since the show came out, and there was a lull last year.” “To be recognized by the Academy and by fans and voters for what we’re producing, is a beautiful thing. The Emmy statue is literally right behind the laptop,” he said. “The plaque arrived several weeks later,” he said. “So, before I put it up on the shelf with the first one, I want to make sure that it has its plaque for this season so that I can put it up there.” “It was beautiful to have Jeremiah Brent, who joined us more on the tail end of this iteration of ‘Queer Eye’ because I am confident that in some way, shape or form, the show has to continue, right? And I really hope that it does because so many important conversations were had,” he elaborated. “In many ways, I feel like we’ve only scratched the surface in terms of the diversity of our cast, the storytelling, the heroes that we were helping, the locations we went to, and to the food I got to prepare on all fronts,” he recalled. “So, it was nice to have Jeremiah be able to enjoy that because he has worked so hard and really has put his entire heart and resources into this that it was really beautiful to watch him enjoy it for the first time and the ceremony and all the rituals involved in getting ready and the photos and all of it,” he explained. “Also, the excitement of jumping up on that stage and having our show creator share his gratitude and thanks to everybody. It was really emotional in a really beautiful way,” he admitted. “There were a lot of tears,” he added. On raising awareness on sexual health, he said, “I’m super grateful to be part of any narrative and culture.” “I’ve had a lot of conversations with friends, and even though I was raised in a family of physicians, and it was something that we talked about at a very early age, and it was sort of normalized,” he explained. “Not to say that we didn’t have any stigmas in my family, it certainly wasn’t a perfect upbringing, but in terms of sexual health, and in a lot of ways, mental health, it was something that we talked about a lot,” he elaborated. Photography: Ilana Panich-Linsman/Netflix “What I’ve realized is that I’m very privileged, and that is not necessarily the case for a lot of people,” he noted. “Within the LGBTQIA+ community, I think communication in any single relationship with yourself, with your mental health care provider, with your friends, your board of directors, your partner or your family, communication and education are so paramount,” he underscored. “I think it’s important to have those talks, because the more that we talk about it, the more that we lean into it, the less precious it becomes, the less desensitized it becomes, and the more information we gain so that we can make decisions as to what we want to do with our bodies,” he elaborated. Prep pills, Stock footage Porowski defined “Healthysexual” as simply “being proactive about protecting your sexual health—including understanding HIV prevention options, such as PrEP.” “Talk to your doctor about HIV prevention options and visit the Healthysexual website to learn more about sexual health and PrEP,” he added. Porowski opened up about his partnership with Gilead on this HIV prevention campaign. “Health and self-care have always been really important to me — whether that’s through eating healthy, exercising, or mental well-being,” he said. “Partnering with Gilead felt like a natural extension of that because sexual health is part of self-care too.” “I come from a family of doctors, so I’ve always turned to doctors for guidance and preventative care,” he admitted. “Health was always discussed openly, and I want to use my platform to help others feel comfortable having those same conversations about HIV prevention and PrEP,” he added. Porowski discussed the stigma when it comes to sexual health. “There is still a lot of stigma and misunderstanding when it comes to PrEP and sexual health,” he said. He continued, “Taking PrEP means you’re being thoughtful, caring, and responsible. Using my platform to talk about HIV prevention options like PrEP is about normalizing these conversations and encouraging people to make informed choices for themselves and their partners.” “I want people to feel empowered to talk to their doctors because those conversations are where prevention starts,” he noted. On his daily motivations, he shared, “These days, I am motivated by a hope for a better future!” Photography: Ilana Panich-Linsman/Netflix “When I hit 40, I had this awareness that there are parts of me that I feel were half-baked, like the cake is in the oven. All that’s left is like the frosting and the decorations, but there’s still frosting and decorations,” he said. “Also, it’s this awareness of appreciating and embracing who I am and the journey that I’ve come on, but I am also hopeful for what is to come,” he foreshadowed. “I think my sense of community has been No. 1 right now and I’m leaning into friends,” he noted. “I know it might sound a little emotional but what has been a driving force in the past two years is really forging friendships, and just working on trying to set up a life where I can be in the city and in the country so my dog can run around,” he elaborated. “My dog is also a big motivator as well. I want to make sure she has the best life possible,” he added. Porowski also addressed the significance of mental health in the digital age. “Mental health in the digital age is definitely an ongoing struggle,” he noted. “I’m not an expert. I don’t have a perfect blueprint on how to navigate, but I like to put on my curiosity hat with a lot of my behaviors.” “One thing I have learned is when I’m working a lot, whether I’m filming a project or I’m traveling, I spend a lot less time on my phone and granted work really fills my cup as do experiences and being exposed to different cultures and going to countries I’ve never been to before,” he elaborated. “As much as I enjoy all of that, I realize that not being on my phone as much does bring me a lot more sense of peace and gratitude,” he acknowledged. “I think it’s important sometimes shut the phone off and just focus on the things that I can actually control.” “That’s how I live my life, that’s how I treat other people, the time I spend with my dog and the friends that I spend time with as well that I allow into my life that I give that energy towards and that focus on,” he expanded. On the title of the current chapter of his life, Porowski revealed, “The Reawakening.” “When I was in college, I had a really big and strong foundational group of board of director friends that I studied with, wrote projects, studied for finals, went out and partied with and went to concerts with,” he recalled. “I’m finding myself more in this chapter, leaning into being social and really forming my own sense of community,” he said. “I’m really nurturing friendships with people who challenge me, people who are more ambitious than me, and I am leaning into mentors. So, I would say it’s kind of a reawakening,” he explained. “So, I’m going back to a lot of the things that worked for me in my 20s. When I was a young Padawan (Star Wars reference), I leaned into friendships and community. I think community is a big one now,” he stressed. On his favorite motto to live by, he shared, “I think a good motto is: ‘You don’t have to have everything figured out today.’ The way that you feel right now isn’t the way that you’re going to feel forever.” Porowski continued, “A good reminder, no matter what I’m going through is that I’m not terminally unique. Whatever it is that I’m experiencing, it’s probably not the first person in the history of the world to go through it… probably millions before me have, and they’ve been able to live really big, bountiful lives.” “So, I’m not that special, in a good way. I take any opportunity to right size myself and realize that I’m part of a community,” he added. Regarding his career-defining moments, he said, “I think just walking on the set of ‘Queer Eye’ on the first day. I walked in with the intention of only wanting to teach people how to cook.” “I didn’t want to talk about my sexuality,” he admitted. “I didn’t want to talk about my personal life. Those were things that I wasn’t ashamed of, but they were personal to me, and they were sacred and they still are.” “What I realized is connection, community, and conversations have to be a two-way street. We can’t just ask someone questions and demand answers and not be able to share or reciprocate in some way, shape or form or manner,” he said. “It’s that sort of like symbiosis of being able to share together and relate and not relate and be curious about things and asking questions that allows us to feel connected,” he expressed. “That’s what I’ve learned,” he admitted. “You know, I never wanted to talk about sexuality when I was on the show because I identified as fluid. And now case in point, what happens when you start asking questions? I have this wonderful partnership with Gilead and PrEP to be able to encourage people to speak to physicians.” “If you would have asked me seven or eight years ago, I would have been like, ‘nope, there’s no way.’ I think when we’re not stubborn and when we put on our curiosity hat on and we’re open minded and ask questions, I think people will be shocked to know what they can learn about themselves,” he elaborated. Porowski had great words about Canadian actor  Tim Rozon (“Schitt’s Creek” and “Wynonna Earp”). “I love Tim! We were servers together in Montreal a very long time ago,” he admitted. “His restaurant, Garde Manger , is great! The Lobster Poutine was incredible, and the same is true for the deep-fried Mars bar with vanilla ice cream.” When asked about his superpower of choice, he responded, I think it would be ‘teleportation’ because there are so many places in the world that I haven’t gone to, even though I’ve traveled quite a bit. For instance, I’ve never been to Easter Island.” “There are a lot of places that I want to go to that are really hard to get to, even though I’m not a big fan of flying,” he admitted. On his definition of the word success, Porowski said, “I think success means being content with the life that you’ve built for yourself, and in a position where you are constantly learning something.” “Whether it’s a technique in a kitchen, whether it’s a communication style with your family, your partner, and maintaining a certain sense of curiosity on all fronts, because I think you never stop learning,” he elaborated. “I remember my dad, who is a retired physician, and he had this patient who was into her early 100s in Vermont. She came in one day and she always had new hobbies that she was picking up.” Porowski continued, “When she was over 100, she picked up learning a new language, and she was born and raised American. She just randomly decided she wanted to learn some new language, which had nothing to do with her heritage or anything. She just wanted to learn it.” “I think people who learn are the ones that have the most interesting lives, because when we stay curious (like about our sexual health and leaning into a physician and learning about our options), I think curiosity is really the key,” he acknowledged. For his fans and supporters, he said, “For anybody right now who is experiencing any type of fear on any front or any anxiety about the state of the world, there are a lot of things that we can’t control, but I think this is an opportunity to lean into the things that we can control such as learning more about sexual health.” “If you are worried about feeling alone like you’re the only one feeling these feelings, lean into your community and listen to your friends and you will learn that they have their own anxieties,” he noted. “Lean into community, lean into your friends, and find that chosen or biological family,” he said. “If you are blessed to have one that you get along with and just have people around you that you can check in with so that you’re not alone with whatever it is that you’re experiencing, and you realize that we’re actually all connected. We really are,” he concluded. To learn more about Canadian TV personality Antoni Porowski, follow him on Instagram ,  TikTok , IMDb .

Actor and environmental activist Ian Somerhalder ("The Vampire Diaries" and "Lost") has been interviewed about his new documentary “Common Ground,” which he narrated and served as an executive producer. On October 29th, Somerhalder and environmental documentary director Josh Tickell hosted a book signing of his book "Kiss the Ground" at the Barnes and Noble at The Grove in Los Angeles. To learn more about this book signing event, visit the link. Somerhalder narrated the documentary along with Oscar winner Laura Dern, Jason Momoa, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, and Donald Glover. The film was directed by Josh and Rebecca Tickell (“Kiss the Ground”), both of which wrote the screenplay with Johnny O’Hara. It sheds light on biodiversity and the growing regenerative agriculture movement. “This documentary is the best thing in the world,” he exclaimed. “This is the greatest achievement of my life, at this point, other than my children. There is nothing like it.” Josh and Rebecca Tickell wrote the script as a love letter to their children, and it suggests methods on how we can fix our broken food system. “This journey that Josh and Rebecca have been on, and have brought us on, is the single-most impactful journey I’ve ever been on,” he said. It is the goal of regenerative farmers to help bring soil health across America and beyond, in order to grow and foster this ever-growing regenerative movement. On the lessons that he learned from this environmental documentary, Somerhalder said, “I can literally run on zero sleep. It has taught Josh, Rebecca, and myself that every revolution in the world has started with one person.” “Since there are so many people in the world, we feel sometimes like we can’t do anything and that there is no hope. One of the things that I really learned about myself in this process is proving that if you have light inside of you, then you should never be afraid to let it shine,” he elaborated. “Even just a little bit in an enormous amount of darkness can bring so many people to it. People, in general, get so bogged down with the amount of really bad information out there, and what I’ve learned about myself, I have the ability within myself because I don’t see doom and gloom,” he explained. “If we continue going like this, we have very serious problems, and quite arguably, they are irreversible… but that’s not going to happen,” he said. “I learned that with your conviction and your light inside of you, even just a pinhole of light in a sea of darkness changes someone’s life, and it inspires them to find their light. It helps people realize that it’s not all doom and gloom,” he explained. “There are age-old techniques that are going to bring us out of this crazy issue that we have found ourselves in… this trench that is so hard to get out of. It takes one ladder and we know what that ladder is… and that ladder is regenerative agriculture,” he expressed. “Also, you don’t need every congressional chamber to vote on it, you just need a select few that get behind it and really move the needle. It has been this amazing journey of soundbites and inspiration to move that needle, and get that information out in a very concise and efficient manner. It has been unbelievable,” he acknowledged. Somerhalder feels that ‘regenerative agriculture’ is the most important story of our time. Somerhalder shared that he is thrilled with all of the Oscar and awards buzz that this documentary has been getting, and rightfully so. “Deserve and earn are two different things,” he admitted. “I was never raised that way. I don’t know who deserves anything but you can earn something.” “This film has earned its right to have that Academy stamp. This film needs an Oscar nomination, not for the egos of the producers, writers, and directors, but because this is the most important story of our time,” he underscored. “We are not here trying to make money, we are here to physically save our planet,” he stressed. “This is about the middle of our country. It is about re-energizing, revitalizing, restoring, reclaiming, and basically, re-industrializing middle America.” “When you invest in middle America and build it from the inside out, then America thrives, and when America thrives, everyone else thrives,” he added. “It is not the Wild West,” Somerhalder clarified. “It is the true North, the way that we are moving forward. We have our North star and we know where we need to go, we know where we can go, and we know where we are going because we know where we’ve been.” “It is really bizarre,” he noted. “Josh and I were talking about a lot of the conflicts that are happening around the world, and a lot of them in the Middle East as well. Climate disruption is changing the political and geopolitical landscape. When there are climate-related things like droughts or food shortages, it forces people from rural areas into urban areas.” “We have the ability to start shifting this by fixing our climate and by managing our weather, and restoring the world back to the way that it used to be; this would allow ecosystems to thrive so that people can thrive,” he added. Ian Somerhalder: Regenerative agriculture is the solution to desertification “Desertification is happening at an alarming rate,” he said. “The world is desertifying because of land mismanagement. Josh told me ‘you can never build guns fast enough to outrun the desert.’ Meaning we can’t build guns fast enough to kill each other over these stats that the desert is growing. As the desert grows, people are going to have to flee and they will be climate refugees.” “By fixing our climate through regenerative agriculture, and everything else restores and follows suit,” he added. “By seeing regeneration and holistic land management work — in person and with my eyes — it was in that moment, that was a career-defining moment. That was the greatest ‘aha!’ moment of my life, other than being born and my two children being born. It gives me chills to think about it because regenerative agriculture works,” he expressed. “Holistic land management sequesters carbon, it produces oxygen, it revitalizes freshwater, it balances climate, it produces higher yields for farmers, and it makes people more money,” he added. 2023 ‘Human/Nature Award’ At the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, “Common Ground” was recognized with the 2023 “Human/Nature Award,” which is bestowed on a film that best exemplifies solution-oriented environmental storytelling. On the title of the current chapter of his life, Somerhalder said, “Regeneration.” “I am building two companies, one of which, Brother’s Bond Bourbon, is massively successful in the spirit space, and one in the health and wellness space. These are two categories that I live in, and are my main focus in my life,” he said. “I quit acting four years ago to build these companies and to raise my family,” he revealed. “Also, we needed to get ‘Kiss the Ground’ and ‘Common Ground’ out. ‘Common Ground,’ in particular, we have to get fully launched and out.” “Building my companies, raising my family, and releasing these films is a very tall order. It takes years, that’s why I stepped out of acting over four years ago, so that’s where I am,” he acknowledged. “After these chapters will be me going into my phase where I will spend the rest of my days with my family… It will be my ranching days,” he said. Brother’s Bond Bourbon Somerhalder is proud of his Brother’s Bond Bourbon , a straight bourbon whiskey, which he launched with Paul Wesley, for being “regenerative whiskey.” He noted that it has been going “gangbusters” and that “it’s wild.” Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder. Photo Credit: Dean Bradshaw, Courtesy of Brother’s Bond Bourbon “With Brother’s Bond, I want people to feel the idea of coming together,” he said. “The brand ethos is to bring people together. I think that we can argue that we need togetherness now more than ever.” “Also, when we were a tiny little company, we built it to be the world’s truly first regenerative spirits company,” he said. “Even though we are small tiny company, we have started this movement within the spirits space to build out regenerative supply chains within the whiskey industry and the alcohol industry in and of itself, and that is something to be really proud of. We are just a small part of that, but we are a catalyst in it for sure,” he elaborated. Best advice that he was ever given On the best advice that Somerhalder was ever given, he remarked, “It goes back to simplifying your life. At the end of the day, it is true… less is more. In the ‘80s, we were all taught that the more you had, makes you happy. In rural Louisiana that was not the case but the less you have, the happier you are.” Somerhalder continued, “Henry David Thoreau once said: ‘The cost of a thing is the amount of what I will call life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run.’ Basically, how much time in your life you had to spend to get that one thing, and that is ultimately the cost of what that thing is.” Ian Somerhalder, Rebecca Tickell, and Josh Tickell. Photo Courtesy of Big Picture Ranch Favorite mottos to live by Regarding his favorite mottos to live by, he shared, “It all goes back to the pursuit of happiness. One thing I learned after turning 45 is that the less things you have, the happier you are. You have this thought when you are younger that if you acquire and amass more things and property (cars or clothes), you will be happier. Somerhalder continued, “Ultimately, what you find is when you strip that away, you feel better. It all goes back to the old Buckminster Fuller idea, which is to ‘do more with less.’ In life, when you feel good from the inside out, you act that way.” “When you feel good, you are good. It’s about getting to that place of stripping down to what is important to you and simplifying our lives. When you go back to nature, you go back to simplicity and that is the pursuit of happiness,” he acknowledged. “Nature is inextricably linked to that, and with nature comes balance. With balance comes simplicity, and with simplicity, ultimately, comes happiness,” he added. Superpower of choice On his superpower of choice, Somerhalder said, “My character in ‘The Vampire Diaries’ had this power where he could look you in the eye and make you or convince you to do anything that he wanted you to do. I’ve made the joke a million times, but it really rings true.” “If I had that ability, I would go to Washington, DC, and sit with the powers that be (not just congressional chambers but the board rooms of the big corporations as well) and get these people to act on their good instincts and actually make choices that are great for the planet. That’s really where I would win if I had that superpower,” he elaborated. Success Somerhalder furnished his definition of the word success. “Success is a very interesting word,” he admitted. “When I stop now and look at friends who have a tremendous amount of time to do things they love, that is success.” He continued, “Basically, people who have time to do the things they love. When you look at them, you realize that they are successful. It’s not the guy who has to fly to 100 cities a year on his private jet to go to meeting after meeting after meeting, they might be financially successful but they might not be ‘ life successful.’ That is a big thing you realize… and this is me approaching my mid-40s. You think you have all the time in the world… you don’t.” “You find success by how much time someone has to spend doing the things they love with the people they love,” he expressed. Closing thoughts on ‘Common Ground’ “This is the most important story of our time,” he reiterated about “Common Ground.” “All the things that we are trying to do for humanity with justice of every type, if we don’t have a healthy planet, it is all in vain.” Somerhalder continued, “The one thing that we can do is to make sure that we put our best foot forward to make sure that we stop climate change in its tracks because this climate disruption is going to make our world pretty uninhabitable. That’s the first thing right there. To dive headfirst into this, and make sure that we get our act together to make regenerative agriculture the greatest carbon sink that we can create at scale.” “This is also one of the greatest economic options that we have,” he said. “It is this idea of how we can build a bright, prosperous future right now by building the largest carbon capture food economy that the world has ever seen, not just here in the United States but around the world.” Rebecca Tickell, Laura Dern, and Josh Tickell in ‘Common Ground.’ Photo Courtesy of Big Picture Ranch American track and field legend Steve Prefontaine once said: “To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.” Ian Somerhalder is an environmental activist, farmer, and family man who embodies this quote. With his documentary films “Common Ground” and “Kiss the Ground,” as well as his Brother’s Bond Bourbon, he is putting regenerative agriculture at the forefront of the American and global landscape. For more information on “Common Ground,” check out its official website , and follow the documentary on Instagram . To learn more about actor and environmental activist Ian Somerhalder, follow him on Instagram , IMDb .

Esther Anaya is Colombian DJ, singer-songwriter, music producer, and a classically-trained violinist. She chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about her new single “Fantasy” and being a part of the digital age. Regarding her new single “Fantasy,” she exclusively told Hollywood Hills Magazine, “‘Fantasy’ is the moment you stop doubting yourself and step into who you’re meant to be. It’s that rush of clarity where everything clicks. It's your power, your purpose, your voice.” On her music and songwriting inspirations, she said, “I’m inspired by real life situations experienced by both me and the people close to me. the highs and lows, love, challenges and resilience.” “I’ve gone through a lot of growth, and music has always been my way of processing and expressing myself. I’m also motivated to give my best while on stage by the exchange of energy with the crowd,” she elaborated. “With so much occurring in the impact of life, it’s my goal to give my audience music that lifts them up and makes them feel liberated,” she added. On being a part of the digital age, she said, “It’s powerful. We’re living in a time where you don’t need permission to create, express, or share your art.” “You can reach someone on the other side of the world with one song. That said, it also means you have to stay grounded in who you are,” she observed. “The digital world moves fast, but staying authentic is what makes the connection real,” she added. Regarding her future plans, she shared, “This is just the beginning. I’m focused on releasing more music that defines my sound and identity, embodiment of music that’s euphoric, emotional, powerful.” “I’m building toward headlining major festivals, touring globally, and creating experiences that are as visual and emotional as they are musical,” she said. “Of course, continuing to grow my charity,   ASAF Angels , to bring music therapy and hope to kids in underprivileged communities around the world,” she added. For young and aspiring artists, she said, “Don’t wait for the ‘perfect moment,’ it doesn’t exist.” “Start where you are, with what you have, and stay consistent. Protect your vision, trust your uniqueness, and surround yourself with people who support your growth. Your journey is yours. Honor it,” she elaborated. On her definition of the word success, Anaya said, “Success, to me, is impact. It’s knowing that my music touches people, inspires them, or helps them through something.” “It’s being aligned with my purpose, living authentically, and giving back. The stages and recognition are beautiful, but the emotional connection is the real success. That is what builds legacies,” she explained. For her fans, she said, “Thank you for growing with me. ‘Fantasy’ is just the first step into a new world of sound and emotion that I’ve been building from my heart.” “I hope when you listen, you feel uplifted, understood, and unstoppable. We’re entering a new era, and I’m so grateful you’re here with me,” she concluded. Her new single “Fantasy” is available on Spotify by clicking here . For more information on Esther Anaya and her new music, visit her official website and follow her on Instagram .

Photography: Paul Archuleta Emmy-nominated TV host Matenopoulos sat down with this fellow Greek-American journalist at   The Great Greek restaurant in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. “We are at   The Great Greek restaurant, which is very fitting to talk about this new cookbook,” Matenopoulos said. “The owner, Dionisi, is incredible and the Greek food here is absolutely delicious. I hope I make this proud because his food here is really good.” On her idea for “Greekish” cookbook, she said, “My first Greek cookbook is called ‘It’s All Greek to Me’ and it was an instant bestseller.” “Honestly, I was so proud of that book, and I am surprised that it made the bestseller’s list for three months. That cookbook had generations and generations of my families’ recipes,” she noted. “For years after I wrote that book, people kept on asking me when I was going to write my second cookbook, and I always wanted to, but it takes a long time and it’s a lot of work. This book really was a labor of love ,” she explained. “My new book is called ‘Greekish’ because it’s not just Greek recipes… it allows people to take recipes and put their Greek twist to it. My friends inspired me to include my other recipes in there to share with people for when I do barbecues and dinners,” she elaborated. “I make amazing nachos and a great steak and smashed potatoes, and I decided to add those recipes in the book, especially since I don’t only cook Greek food, so that’s how ‘Greekish’ was born,” she said. Photography: Paul Archuleta While choosing her favorite recipe in this book is like being asked to pick a favorite kid, she listed the “Paidakia” one as her personal favorite, which is “Lamb chops.” “My daughter Alexandra loves them too,” she admitted. “Ever since she was a little girl, she would pick a lamb chop up and eat it like a lollipop, so we called it the ‘Lamb Lollipops,” she explained. Her favorite Greek desert is “Portokalopita,” which is traditional Greek orange phyllo cake. On her daily motivations to do everything that she does, Matenopoulos responded, “Being Greek. We have pride and a fire that is in our DNA, and its inexplicable.” Regarding the lessons learned from this book, Matenopoulos reflected, “It taught me a lot about patience, and it taught me that sometimes, mistakes end up being better than the original. I made a mistake in a recipe, and it ended up tasting better than when I made it before.” “Some of the best recipes really happen by accident, ” she admitted. For once and for all, Matenopoulos clarified whether or not lettuce belongs in a Greek Country or Village salad. “There is no lettuce in a traditional Greek Village Salad. If there is lettuce in it, you need to get up and leave,” she said with a sweet laugh. “A salad with lettuce would not be a Greek salad… it would be a lie.” “Let us be honest, there is no lettuce of any kind in a Greek salad,” she underscored. On the title of the current chapter of her life, she revealed, “The Chrysalis” Photography: Paul Archuleta Regarding her definition of the word success, she said, “Success means being at peace. When I can put my head on the pillow at night and feel at ease.” Most recently, she was on “ Access Hollywood ” where she cooked her Greek lemon chicken with artichokes. “ Summer and Greek food mean everything to me; it’s my life,” she exclaimed. “Access Hollywood” host Mario Lopez described Greek food as “the type of food that reminds him of summer.” For her fans and supporters, she expressed, “Honestly, I do all of this for you. Thank you for being on this journey for me ever since I was 21 years old… that is a long time. The fans are so supportive and so loyal.” “I don’t do any of this for the accolades or the awards… all of those are nice but they are secondary. The truth is without the fans, I wouldn’t be nominated for an award or get any accolades,” she expanded. “If it weren’t for the fans, I would have nothing. I would write a book, but nobody would buy it. So, what’s the point? Thank you to the fans for everything,” she said, effusively. “Don’t be afraid to cook,” Matenopoulos told prospective readers. “There are bar codes at the bottom of each page, and if they scan the QR code, I pop up and I teach them how to cook.” “I teach them how to make these recipes if they don’t want to read them. I sometimes do that barefoot in my kitchen with no makeup and I teach them how to cook,” she said. “Make mistakes, play around and be creative,” she noted. “Cooking is an art and baking is a science (if you mess up a baking recipe it goes bad), but cooking, you can change things up all the time. “Cooking is fun and it shouldn’t be pressure. You need to break some eggs to make an omelette,” she concluded. On Thursday, November 6th, Debbie Matenopoulos will be at Limani restaurant in New York. She will host an exclusive cookbook signing event as she shared her passion for authentic Greek cooking, which will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fans and readers can enjoy an evening of Mediterranean hospitality with passed hors d’oeuvres, a KLEOS Mastiha welcome cocktail, and a live cooking demo of Limani’s famous Lobster Pasta as it is featured in her latest celebrated cookbook. Guests will also take home a take of Limani — their signature olive oil —  and a signed copy of Debbie’s new cookbook “Greekish.” Her “Greekish” cookbook is available on digital service providers by clicking here . For more information on Greek-American TV host Debbie Matenopoulos, follow her on Instagram .

Photography: Bobby Quillard RJ Mitte (“Breaking Bad”) chatted about starring in the new film “Westhampton,” which had its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival . Helen Keller once said: “ Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” An individual and actor that embodies hope and optimism is RJ Mitte. Mitte sat down and chatted with this journalist at  Burgerology Midtown over breakfast. “Westhampton” was written and directed by Christian Nilsson. On being a part of “Westhampton,” Mitte exclaimed, “It feels amazing to be in New York. I am very excited about this project. I have a couple of days to enjoy New York for once, so that’s nice.” The synopsis is: Years after leaving his Long Island hometown to chase his dream as a filmmaker, Tom Bell (Finn Wittrock) is down on his luck as a director. Unable to replicate the success of his breakout film, Tom remains haunted by guilt from the high school accident that inspired it. As the black and white 16 mm of Tom’s film creates a dreamlike, heightened connection to the past, his return to Westhampton forces him to confront buried secrets, broken relationships, and the past he tried to rewrite. Mitte was drawn to this project simply by his love for making movies. “I love acting and making movies. I love finding projects that I really care about, and projects that have meaningful moments in them.” “This film definitely has a lot of moments that push who people are while still being relevant,” Mitte said. “The team for this movie is so good, and an excellent group of actors.” “We have so many different walks of life on this film, and they were all professional. They helped grow these characters. I enjoy taking a character and evolving with that character in those moments,” he elaborated. Mitte enjoyed his character “Fitz” in “Westhampton” especially since he was unlike any other character he has ever played before. “This character was more like me,” Mitte admitted. “He is a bartender at this place in a town that he never left. My character is always so happy. Normally, in movies and projects, I am crying because I usually do dramas.” “I would say this is the happiest character I’ve ever played,” he acknowledged. Mitte opened up about working with Finn Wittrock, who took on the roles of lead actor (as Tom Bell) and as executive producer. On working with Finn Wittrock, he said, “Finn was great. I loved working with him. Finn is such an easy actor to bounce off of, and he is very giving.” “Most of my scenes were with Finn and Amy Forsyth,” Mitte admitted. “We also had some local talent that live in Westhampton be a part of the film. It was a really community-based film, and I really love those. This location wasn’t just a set; it feels like you were in it and you were there, and it became alive,” Mitte elaborated. Regarding his favorite mottos and quotes, he shared, “One of my favorite quotes is remember the past, preserve the future.” Aside from being an actor, Mitte is also a producer, model, filmmaker, and activist with cerebral palsy. He has advocated for cerebral palsy and other disabilities. He is also on the Board of Directors of  The Mitte Foundation,  whose mission is to identify, engage, and support educational and community organizations that have the potential to manifest the Foundation’s vision. On being an actor and performer in the digital age, Mitte remarked, “I’ve been a big believer in this year, 2025. There are a lot of technologies that are going to become big.” “I’m not a huge fan of social media but it’s a tool, especially if it’s used the right way,” he noted. “I like connecting with the fans and the accessibility aspect of it. We are no longer limited by distance or location. We live in a world where there is global connectivity.” “I am very excited for these next five years as far as technologies, communications and growth,” he admitted. “We’ve had our adolescence of social media in all of these different things. It has taught us to become more accountable on things. I am very excited for the future,” he added. On the title of the current chapter of his life, Mitte revealed, “Moving Forward”. Mitte continued, “This year, specifically, a lot of projects were in gridlock (due to time restrictions and things that haven’t been in my control). I am very excited for this year because I have a lot of projects moving forward and coming out such as ‘Westhampton’ at Tribeca Film Festival, and ‘Love Me Dead’ with Dove Cameron.” “I am very excited about that movie too. There are a lot of good things moving forward, and I can’t wait,” he added. Regarding his definition of the word success, he said, “Success means trying harder… just keep pushing forward.” “Success is a great tool to grow, and it’s hard to maintain. Just keep enjoying it, loving it, and understanding it. We can always be better,” he acknowledged. For fans and viewers, Mitte remarked about the movie, “First and foremost, I hope people enjoy the film. Also, I hope it gives them insight on actions… and how they can rectify their mistakes and actions.” “They can expect a journey of following us from the past to the future, and having to face that past, and that’s something unique about the film. I think the cast and crew did a really great way of capturing that, and I hope people enjoy it,” Mitte concluded. For more information on actor and producer RJ Mitte, follow him on   Instagram , IMDb .

Why Miss Universe Italy Lucilla Nori Is the 2025 Contender Redefining "Elegance with Substance" Italy has always been synonymous with style, and this year’s representative, Lucilla Nori , is bringing a thoroughly modern definition of Italian elegance to the global stage. At 26 years old , the model is ready to represent Italy at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant  , which will be held in Thailand from November 1st to 21st. Originally from Nettuno and now residing in Rome , Lucilla is a determined young woman, capable of transforming shyness into strength and challenges into personal growth. This will be a long journey, physically and emotionally , as she competes against representatives from over 90 countries around the world. The Model-Strategist: Intellect as a Secret Weapon Lucilla Nori’s path is distinguished by her commitment to learning and strategy. She has a solid background, including a degree in Fashion Sciences  and a master's degree in Management and Business Administration . She has also worked in digital marketing, managing websites, e-commerce, and communication strategies, thus combining creativity and strategic vision in a dynamic career path consistent with her idea of contemporary elegance. Her pageant debut dates back to 2019, when she participated in Miss Italia after winning the title of Miss Miluna Lazio. Although she didn't reach the podium, that experience ignited in her the desire to challenge herself, stating: "I began a journey to improve myself, working on communication and understanding who I am". On August 31, 2024, she won the title of Miss Universe Italy, beating out 21 competitors thanks to her authentic and charismatic presence. She is clear about the modern competition's demands: "Beauty isn't enough. The judges look for personality, determination, and authenticity. I chose to simply be myself". Her Mission: The Art of Poise as Empowerment Lucilla Nori’s personal platform focuses on teaching women to cultivate internal confidence, proving her commitment to "Beauty with Purpose" is genuine. Today, she teaches poise and posture to women and girls, with the goal of helping them rediscover confidence and inner elegance. She views this as more than just a job, calling it a "mission". She explains that "Pose is a silent language that speaks about us, even before words". This philosophy of grace as a tool for female empowerment supports her dream to combine fashion, education, and social commitment in educational projects aimed at women and young people. As she says: "I want to show that you can be strong without losing your sensitivity. True elegance is self-acceptance. And true strength is continuing to believe in dreams, even when they seem distant". The Villaggio So.Spe.: Solidarity in Rome Beyond the stage, Nori is very active in social work, collaborating with the Villaggio So.Spe. - Solidarietà e Speranza di Suor Paola in Rome. This charity welcomes single mothers and victims of violence. Lucilla draws inspiration from this work, noting: "In that place, I saw the most authentic beauty: the kind born of solidarity and the strength to start over". Supported by a close-knit family—her parents Francesca and Lorenzo, her brother Gian Lorenzo, and her grandparents—she carries the weight of representation with responsibility. Setting the Bar for 2025 As she prepares to depart for Thailand in November 2025 , Lucilla Nori knows that every dress, every word, every gesture becomes part of a larger message: beauty as awareness, grace as strength, sensitivity as a form of courage. She brings with her the voice of Italian women, the strength of the mothers of the So.Spe. Village, and the trust of the girls she supports every day. Nori intends to tell a "different story of being a woman: authentic, free, and aware". She will bring her smile, her natural elegance, and that gentle strength that comes from within. For her, true beauty is not a trophy to be displayed, but a light to be shared. She chooses to slow down and listen, to walk with her head held high, but with her feet on the ground, and to unite fashion with human values, image with content, dream with reality. As she loves to say, “Beauty is not a privilege, it’s a responsibility" . This is the key that sets her apart: an elegance that doesn't impose, but inspires; a strength that doesn't divide, but unites; and a light that does not dazzle, but illuminates.

Photography: Sam Jones Markos Papadatos interviews Jeff Daniels, World-renowned actor and musician Emmy award-winning actor Jeff Daniels (“The Newsroom” and “Godless”) chatted about his upcoming solo concert on October 23rd at   Cafe Wha? in New York City. “The important thing in life is not victory but combat; it is not to have vanquished but to have fought well,” said Pierre de Coubertin, French Educator who was primarily responsible for the revival of the Olympic Games in 1894. This quote applies to actor, playwright, and musician Jeff Daniels. Throughout his illustrious career in the entertainment industry, Daniels has earned two Primetime Emmy Awards, five Golden Globe nominations, and three Tony nominations. On his forthcoming solo show at Cafe Wha? in Manhattan, he said, “I really am excited! I’ve never played there. I’ve been doing this for about 25 years, and I really enjoy the creative control.” “This show is just me solo; getting to play at Café Wha is like playing in a living room. I tell stories, and I make you laugh,” he said. “I drop in songs you’ve never heard, but they relate to people. It’s like short stories that all end in a song. I make sure the audience gets entertained, and it’s a lot of storytelling. That’s what it is,” he explained. “It is reminiscent of the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, where all those guys played in the ‘60s. They started there, so it’s a bucket list thing for me,” he added. On his music and songwriting inspirations, Daniels shared, “I have this need to continue to create. With movies and theater, you’ve got to wait for the phone to ring. You’ve got to wait to be wanted.” “In the entertainment world, they want you to be creative now, or when they’re ready for you,” he noted. “Sometimes it can be a lot of time waiting for that call, and it certainly was when I started writing songs and playing in the ’70s, you know, all the way through until now,” he elaborated. “So, the inspiration is always there. Even though I’m not asked to be an actor, I can keep that creative and artistic side of myself going,” he said. “Whether it’s writing plays for my theater company in Michigan, or working on the guitar, working on the set, working on the next song, and building that one-man show that I’ve got when I walk out on stage with a guitar,” he explained. On being a part of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Daniels said, “I did Kelly’s show. I did my song ‘When My Fingers Find Your Strings’ and I will tell this story in my set about what happened that day.” “Most of the time when actors volunteer to play a song on a talk show, they get told to stay in their lane but Kelly’s show was the opposite. They wanted me to play something. So, I will tell this whole behind-the-scenes story, and how nice Kelly was,” he elaborated. “As nice as Kelly is on her show, that’s who she is off-camera as well,” Daniels said, complimenting Kelly Clarkson. On being an artist in the digital age, at a time when streaming, technology, and social media are so prevalent, Daniels said, “Well, in the Kelly Clarkson case, I played, and people were so stunned that I even know which end of the guitar to hold up, and where to put my hands.” “I mean, they expected absolutely nothing. The fact was that I played well, and thankfully, the video clip went viral,” he admitted. “Six months later, Kelly covered the song. She opened her show with my song, and it was great to hear her singing it. So, that was a thrill for me,” he added. Daniels’ musical influences are highly eclectic, and they include such iconic artists as Arlo Guthrie, Steve Goodman, Utah Phillips and the late but great John Prine. “John Prine was one of the great storytellers,” Daniels said. “John just happened to have a guitar in his hand. When John Prine writes a song, you know that Prine wrote that song.” “That’s what every artist is trying to do when they write something… to have that singular vision, and John Prine had it,” he said. “I kind of discovered them all at about the same time in the ‘70s.” “Stevie Goodman had it. Arlo Guthrie had it. Christine Lavin had it, and Cheryl Wheeler all had that singular vision,” he said. “The same holds true for Guy Clark and Steve Earle.” Back in August of 2018, Daniels, his son, Ben, and the Ben Daniels Band performed at City Winery in New York City. “That was fun,” he recalled. “I had my son’s band with me.” At that 2018 show, they performed The Monkees classic “Last Train to Clarksville.” “I did that song with the Ben Daniels Band. We turned it into an up-tempo bluegrass tune,” he said. On his future plans, Daniels shared, “I’m doing a lot of gigs. After Cafe Wha? on October 23rd, I’m going to go out and play the Midwest.” “I’ve played music live for years. I’ve played at opera houses and 200 to 300-seaters. They’re fun. They’re like playing living rooms,” he said. “When you go to a place like the Grand Opera House in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, it’s like a Broadway theater. The people of the community take such pride in that venue,” he noted. “There are some beautiful venues in this country, and I love going out and playing them,” he exclaimed. “That’s what I’ll be doing in the short term,” he said. “There are a couple things in the works. One is in development and I’m hoping it happens.” For his powerful performance as the nefarious Frank Griffin, the menacing outlaw who terrorizes the West, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.” On being a part of the multi-Emmy award-winning western drama series “Godless,” he said, “‘Godless’ was a good one! Scott Frank wrote and directed that series. Scott is the real deal. When he called me and said, ‘I want you to play this guy, I think you can do it.” “Scott is the kind of guy that sees something I could do (but haven’t done yet) and he rolls the dice on me. I was really happy to come through for him because he’s a great writer and director,” Daniels elaborated. “I just love a good western, and Scott Frank knows how to write them too,” he added. On his career-defining moments, Daniels remarked, “A turning point was starring in not one but two leading roles in Woody Allen’s ‘The Purple Rose of Cairo’ in 1985. That was Woody at the height of his filmmaking. When I got that role and then read the script and I realized that I’m playing two people.” “Working with Woody was an honor; it was a thrill,” he noted. “I told myself, ‘Okay, I think it’s safe to say that you’re going to be able to at least make a living in this business.’ That was the case after I did that movie.” For young and aspiring artists, actors and singers, Daniels said, “Oh, man. It’s so different now with digital and social media. People audition on their phones and via video. I don’t know how to maneuver through that or how to navigate that.” “I didn’t do that. I had to move to New York, get an answering service, then show up in Times Square, and audition for somebody. It was different back then,” he recalled. “I think you need to really want it. You’ve got to know that this is what you’re supposed to do. It may not work out, but you’ve got to chase it,” he said. “You’ve got to chase it hard. You can’t quit easily. You know, I remember I went to New York at 21,” he recalled. “I told myself that if I can last a year, ‘I’ll be okay.’ Then, when I lasted a year, I said, ‘Okay, I’m going to give it five years.’ Then, at 25, I said, ‘Okay, I’m going to give it till I’m 30’ and if I’m not making a movie by then, I was going to quit,” he expanded. “I wasn’t going to spend the rest of my life chasing something that nobody else thinks I’m good at,” he acknowledged. “I picked up enough good people who thought I was good along the way. That’s what you need to do. You’ve got to go to New York or go chase the dream,” he said. “If you’re the only one who believes in you, then you need one other person, and then you need another person after that,” he noted. Daniels continued, “In my case, it was casting director Juliet Taylor who said, ‘this kid is good; we just haven’t found the right thing for him yet.’ It gathers steam, and then you suddenly are standing on a set with Woody Allen.” “Then, you’re going, ‘I think I had to go a long way to get here, but Woody thinks I’m good’,” he admitted. “That just makes you go, ‘all right, I’m going to stay in the game’,” he added. Regarding the key to longevity in the entertainment industry all of these decades, Daniels said, “Never lose what got you here. Fame is like heroin. It can just screw you up, if you let it.” “That was one of the reasons I moved to Michigan… whatever talent I had, wherever that came from, I didn’t want it to change because I was famous or in a movie that was a huge hit,” he noted. “So, if you just hang on to what it is you do and how you do it, you need to learn new things along the way because you don’t know everything. You’ve got to learn as you go, and you can learn from people who are better than you,” he elaborated. “If they’re better than you, study what they’re doing and figure out what they’re doing,” he said. “Then, steal from them. You will improve yourself over time.” “If you auditioned for something and didn’t get the role but if you are continually good, then you will get called back by that casting director,” he said. “So, you need to always be good, which means be prepared, and that means you probably need to outwork everybody else sitting in the waiting room who also wants that role,” he explained. “There is no easy way to do it, except if you’ve got the dream and you’ve got enough talent, now you’ve got to outwork everybody else,” he added. On the title of the current chapter of his life, Daniels revealed, “Gigging.” If he were to have any superpower, it would be to write a song or a play (for his theater company) and be able to write a first draft in four minutes. “It just doesn’t work that way,” he admitted. “You’ve got to slug it out for like two or three months, and then it’s garbage and now you’ve got to fix it. Maybe that’s the problem with AI, where people think that AI will solve all that. I doubt it, but I’m just an old school guy.” “I will sit there with the keyboard in front of me and go on a blank page and go, ‘all right, get them talking.’ So, the superpower would be ‘to shoot,’ and suddenly there’s a first draft that I can rewrite,” he elaborated. On his favorite mottos to live by, Daniels stated, “My dad told me a long time ago to invest in myself. Whatever that means to you, or what you don’t know about the guitar today, learn, so you can play it tomorrow.” “As an artist, just continue to invest in yourself. Get better and take chances,” he said. “Do things that risk failure. I will take on a role because I don’t know how to do it. I will say ‘yes’ and then figure out how to do it with no clue. ‘Godless’ was a prime example of that,” he elaborated. On his definition of the word success, Daniels said, “Success means that the dreams come true, and only you know when that is! I was doing ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ on Broadway in 2019, and at that point, I had been an actor for 44 years. That was 44 years from moving to New York.” “I had done a lot such as ‘The Newsroom,’ TV, movies and Broadway. I had done countless films. I got done with that year-long run as Atticus Finch on Broadway,” he said. “I remember my agent calling me up afterwards and asking me ‘what do you feel like doing?’ I said, ‘well, what’s out there? What can we get?’ He goes, ‘no, what do you want to do?’ That was the first time I had ever heard him say that,” he elaborated. “That was when I knew I had made it,” Daniels underscored. “I had crossed a finish line of my own making it at that point. I went ‘okay, I did it’.” “The dream came true. I did everything I wanted to do. I can do more if I want, but if it stopped now, I would be okay, and that was the moment I felt successful,” he acknowledged. For his fans and supporters, Daniels expressed, “Thanks for hanging in. I hope that whatever I do surprises you.” Daniels remarked about his upcoming Cafe Wha? show, “When I play Cafe Wha? on October 23rd, I’m going to entertain you. I’m going to make you laugh, and I will make you cry.” “God knows we could all use a laugh right now with the state of things, and that’s what I provide. I’m an exit ramp for you for an hour and a half,” he noted. “I promise it will be a good night out. I promise I won’t be bad. I promise the fans will have a good time,” he concluded. To learn more about Jeff Daniels, visit his   IMDb page   and his  official website , and follow him on  Instagram . Photography: Luc Daniels

This is the cold, unsentimental chain of events that dictated the TERMINATION of MTV's music channels. Follow the arrows; they map the inevitable failure of the old business model. Stop calling the end of MTV’s music channels a gentle decline. It is a calculated, corporate TERMINATION . The news that Paramount Global  is dismantling its dedicated music channels is the final, brutal proof that LINEAR TV IS A SUNSET INDUSTRY , and your Hollywood office needs to see this as a severe warning, not just a headline. Paramount is enacting the global shutdown  of the last core music channels - including MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, and MTV Live - starting with the end of December 2025  in key international markets. Only the main MTV HD  channel will remain, but it is a husk; its programming is almost entirely dedicated to profitable, unscripted reality franchises like The Challenge  and Geordie Shore , not music. This isn't just a rebrand; it is part of a massive, company-wide $500 million global cost-reduction strategy . The music channels were financially DOA against digital competition. MTV: From Cultural Kingmaker to Cable Casualty MTV's original content model was ERADICATED  by three fundamental shifts the digital giants perfected. The first fact is that Convenience Crushed Curation . The old model forced the audience to wait hours for a VJ to play their favorite three-minute video, hoping they caught it. The new reality is that YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify  offer infinite, personalized, on-demand content instantly  because the viewer now has 100% control. Consequently, MTV's scheduled programming became an obsolete inconvenience. The second fact is that Algorithms Beat Broadcasting Fees . Linear TV requires massive infrastructure costs, carriage fees, and constant royalty payments for music video usage, making it an expensive liability. Digital platforms, on the other hand, scale globally with low overhead and leverage user-generated content, making music delivery exponentially cheaper and more profitable online. In a cost war, the traditional broadcast model loses every time. The third fact is that the Audience Wants to Participate, Not Watch . The MTV era saw the audience as passive consumers who just tuned in, but the streaming era views the audience as a CREATOR  who films, edits, and posts the trends. Music discovery is driven by viral TikTok  clips and personalized Spotify  playlists, meaning the power to dictate taste moved from a New York boardroom to billions of smartphones. MTV lost its status as the gatekeeper. The Paramount Pivot: Follow The Money The brand itself is not dissolving; it is TRANSMUTING  into a digital asset. This move validates a harsh reality: the valuable part of MTV  is the BRAND IP  ( The Real World , VMA's , etc.), and the future home for that valuable IP is the STREAMING ECOSYSTEM  via Paramount+. Your action item is to stop investing resources into the declining linear space. This MTV SHUTDOWN  is not history; it is your business plan for the next five years. If a cultural behemoth like MTV  cannot sustain its linear music model, your mid-tier cable property is already standing on quicksand. The grid is being turned off. Adapt, or your brand is next. NOW MOVE.

Barbara Di Mattia is an Italian-American producer based in Rome. Her work bridges art, emotion, and cultural identity, creating films that transcend borders, languages, and time. Barbara, your career spans continents, from Venezuela to Italy to the United States. How did your journey in the entertainment world begin? - I was born in Maracay, Venezuela, and grew up in Italy, in the Abruzzo region. My path started in Milan, where I worked as an actress and model before moving to Beverly Hills. Living in California opened a new chapter for me, that's where I began producing. For me, cinema is the highest form of artistic expression: it engages and envelops the viewer, drawing them into the story and allowing them to truly empathize with it. That's why I strive to tell stories that, in some way, can raise awareness about important issues. You produced the backstage of the Oscar-nominated film The Postman - Il Postino. What did that experience mean to you personally and professionally? - Il Postino will always be a masterpiece of Italian and international cinema. Massimo Troisi was one of the greatest Italian actors and directors of all time, an artist of immense sensitivity and humanity. The backstage, directed by Stefano Veneruso, his nephew and my partner in life and work, allowed me to witness the depth of that creative process. It's an experience that continues to inspire everything I do. Photography: Roberto Pelosi You also produced Starting Tomorrow I'll Get Up Late, available on RaiPlay. Tell us about that project. - Starting Tomorrow I'll Get Up Late was co-produced with Rai Cinema and is inspired by the life of Massimo Troisi. The screenplay was written by Anna Pavignano, Oscar nominee for The Postman - Il Postino who shared with Troisi an extraordinary artistic and emotional bond. The film Starting tomorrow, I'll get up late received the prestigious Premio Charlot and was presented at the magnificent Giffoni Film Festival, both milestones that confirmed how audiences still connect deeply with Troisi's poetic legacy. It was also presented at both the Italian Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, followed by a screening of the film. Your new film, The Years of the Father, is co-written with Anna Pavignano and directed by Stefano Veneruso. What inspired this story? - The Years of the Father tells the story of an Orthodox Jewish young man who leaves Jerusalem for Rome to meet the father he has never known and believed to be dead. It's a film that delves into one of the most universal relationships: that between a father and a son. It explores various emotions, starting from an indissoluble love and the invisible emotional bond that connects generations. Writing it together with Anna Pavignano was an extraordinary experience. The film, directed by Stefano Veneruso, features a wonderful cast including Massimo Bonetti, Daniel Bondì, Lee Levi, Arianna Aloi, and Florence Nicolas. As an independent producer, what was it like to bring The Years of the Father to life? - Producing The years of the father as an independent filmmaker was both a challenge and a lesson in perseverance. Making a film today requires enormous effort, and for independent producers it's even more complex, because, as the word says, we are "independent." We don't rely on the structures of big studios or networks; we build everything step by step, often driven only by conviction and passion. In Italy, thanks to the support of public institutions and ministerial funds, it's still possible to make meaningful films, but it's not easy. Bureaucracy, limited resources, and the competition for funding make every production an uphill journey. Yet, despite all of that, The years of the father exists, and that, to me, is already a small victory. Photography: Stefano Veneruso You have several projects in development, including 7 Dwarfs at Auschwitz and the animated feature Ciro & Peace. Can you tell us more about them? - 7 Dwarfs at Auschwitz  is based on a true story, the incredible journey of seven Jewish dwarf siblings who were musicians and actors before being deported to Auschwitz. It's a film about resilience, identity, and the power of art and family to survive even in the darkest times. Ciro & Peace  is a story that celebrates friendship, inner strength, and the power that love can have in shaping the destiny of a child, Ciro, and his beloved feathered friend Peace, a beautiful Ararauna parrot. It carries a message of hope and sacrifice, showing how a child can perform acts of extraordinary courage to find his faithful friend, a journey that begins in Mexico, passes through Italy, and ends in Ukraine, in the midst of war. Among my upcoming projects, there's also a film set in the magnificent city of Venice, a poetic and visually striking story linked to climate change, and a documentary about football, exploring the human and emotional side of the sport. You've also brought theatre productions to life, such as Troisi Poeta Massimo. Tell us about that experience. -Troisi Poeta Massimo is a play I hold very dear. I produced it with Istituto Luce - Cinecittà, and it's been on stage for several years, earning both public and critical acclaim. It celebrates Massimo Troisi not only as a filmmaker and actor, but as a poet of everyday life, someone who transformed simplicity into emotion. You've curated exhibitions dedicated to Troisi in some of Italy's most iconic venues. What does that mean to you personally? - I am truly honored and proud to have had the opportunity to help share his art with the public. Exhibitions dedicated to Massimo Troisi have been hosted at remarkable places like Castel dell'Ovo in Naples, Palazzo D'Avalos in Procida during Procida Capital of Culture, and the Teatro dei Dioscuri al Quirinale in Rome. Keeping his legacy alive is both a privilege and a joy. Photography: Roberto Pelosi Q: How do you see the role of women producers today in the global film industry? A:  I believe women bring sensitivity, intuition, and emotional depth to storytelling. But I'm also aware that, as a woman, I often have to work a little harder to earn the same recognition men receive more easily. There's still much progress to be made, even in a globalized world where bias remains. However, I also believe that hard work is the only real key, for men and women alike, to achieve anything meaningful. Q: If you had to define your mission in one sentence, what would it be? A:  To make films that speak to the heart and remind us that humanity, in all its beauty and fragility, is our greatest story. Q: What's next for you? A:  My focus now is on 7 Dwarfs at Auschwitz  and Ciro & Peace, both of which I hope to bring to international audiences soon and I'm open to collaborations with producers, distributors, and institutions who share the same passion for authentic, meaningful cinema. We recommend you to follow Barbara Di Mattia on: Instagram , IMDb .