Author: Greggory W Morris

Japan Society Announces the 18th Annual Japan Cuts Festival of New Japanese Film July 10 – 20 2025

All films will be screened at Japan Society (333 East 47th St., New York, NY 10017) and presented in Japanese with English subtitles unless otherwise noted. To learn more about the Japan Society and JAPAN CUTS, visit japansociety.org/japancuts and follow Japan Society Film on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Letterboxd.

About Japan Society: The premier organization connecting Japanese arts, culture, business and society with audiences in New York and around the world. At Japan Society, we are inspired by the Japanese concept of kizuna (絆)–forging deep connections to bind people together.

We are committed to telling the story of Japan while strengthening connections within New York City and building new bridges beyond. In over 100 years of work, we’ve inspired generations by establishing ourselves as pioneers in supporting international exchanges in arts and culture, business and policy, as well as education between Japan and the U.S.

Feature Story & Q&A Interview of Distinguished Cinematographer Meena Singh

“Whom do you think is going to read this? I have something to say to somebody considering a journey into the film industry as a potential livelihood. It’s a strange time to enter the industry. I’ll say that. But I think ultimately, maybe I said this already, but I think ultimately it’s all about engaging people and connecting people through stories and hopefully changing people’s minds about things. Hopefully allowing them to see the other point of view about things.”  

  “And I think as long as people are doing that, finding whatever medium it is, that is a tool for them to tell stories about people’s experiences. I think that is what’s important is that we continue to understand there are differing perspectives and we continue to see the universality. I think of all humanity. That is what is important. So I hope that people use the visual medium to do that. Even on iPhone vertical, 62nd verticals.”

Bernie Sanders: Zohran Mamdani!

“I don’t need to tell you that running as a progressive in this country is never easy.” Often times, you are taking on the corporate establishment, the media establishment, and the political establishment of both parties. You are also taking…

Brennan Center for Justice: Supreme Court Term in Review – Scheduled for July 9, 2025

The Supreme Court currently faces some of the biggest challenges in its history. Trump* says he is determined to break through the constitutional limits of executive power, and the Court’s own public approval hovers near all-time lows. Will the justices stand up for the Constitution on the biggest issue facing the country, the extraordinary executive power grab?
Against this backdrop, the justices are poised to hand down rulings in key cases that will affect millions of people’s lives, including access to healthcare, education, and political representation and the power of federal courts to issue nationwide injunctions. Join us on Wednesday, July 9, at 3 p.m. ET for a virtual conversation with Supreme Court experts about the Court’s decisions this term and what they mean for the rule of law at a time when democracy is under strain.
Whether you follow the Court closely or are looking to understand its role in our system of checks and balances, this discussion will provide essential context for how the Court is working today.

 

{*the WORD editor often refers to Trump as TACO TRUMP EXISTENTIALIST MENACE (TTEM)}

the WORD Editor,Writer Gregg W. Morris

Breaking News from the New York Civil Liberties Union About Mahmoud Khalil’s

As the world knows, TACOS’ federal agents snatched the Columbia graduate student and U.S. green card holder from his home on March 8. Then his administration kept Mahmoud locked up even after a federal court ruled that the original reason the TACO ET.AL.  gave for detaining him is unconstitutional. The fight is not over: TACO will continue coming after Mahmoud for his protected speech in support of Palestinian rights.

The NYCLU will keep fighting to make sure Mahmoud remains free, alongside the national ACLU, ACLU of New Jersey, the ACLU of Louisiana, Dratel & Lewis, the Center for Constitutional Rights, CLEAR, Van Der Hout LLP, and Washington Square Legal Services.

We won’t rest until the Trump administration’s bogus charges against Mahmoud are dropped and his freedom is permanently secured.

Thank you for supporting the fight for Mahmoud.

NYCLU Team

 

 

2025 Tribeca Festival U.S. Narrative, International Narrative and Documentary Winners – Part 1

The 24th annual Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX, announced competition winners with CHARLIEBIRD, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and NATCHEZ taking top honors in the U.S. Narrative, International Narrative, and Documentary competitions. The Competition categories represent the breadth of Tribeca’s programming with awards for U.S. Narrative, International Narrative, Documentary, Viewpoints, Nora Ephron, Short Film, Best New Directors, Audio Storytelling, Games, AT&T Untold Stories, and Tribeca X. The Festival concludes June 15.
 
“Every year at Tribeca we set out to spotlight the most exciting new voices from around the world,Tribeca Festival Director and SVP of Programming Cara Cusumano was quoted as saying in a press release. “We are thrilled our jury honored this mission with winners that brilliantly represent the vibrancy and diversity of global independent storytelling today.”

Part 2 – 2025 Tribeca Competition Categories: U.S. Narrative, International, Documentary, Viewpoints Award

The 24th annual Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX, announced competition winners with CHARLIEBIRD, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and NATCHEZ taking top honors in the U.S. Narrative, International Narrative, and Documentary competitions. The Competition categories represent the breadth of Tribeca’s programming with awards for U.S. Narrative, International Narrative, Documentary, Viewpoints, Nora Ephron, Short Film, Best New Directors, Audio Storytelling, Games, AT&T Untold Stories, and Tribeca X. The Festival concludes June 15.
 
“Every year at Tribeca we set out to spotlight the most exciting new voices from around the world,Tribeca Festival Director and SVP of Programming Cara Cusumano was quoted as saying in a press release. “We are thrilled our jury honored this mission with winners that brilliantly represent the vibrancy and diversity of global independent storytelling today.”

Film Review-Article: THE INVISIBLE DOCTRINE, The Secret History of Neoliberalism

Now streaming on Apple TV. The film blends meticulous reportage with powerful visuals to shine a light on an ideology that remains largely invisible in public discourse and that allows for it to exert an inimical and toxic influences on things that directly affect people. Even if those understandably skeptical of its framing – definitely not this reviewer – THE INVISIBLE DOCTRINE promises to provoke thought—and perhaps inspire a reimagining of political and economic systems. – Gregg W. Morris, Editor, Researcher, the WORD.