tle>FACTMEDIA: July 2023

Saturday, July 22, 2023

Box Office:Barbie vs Oppenheimer




Warner Bros has officially announced that Barbie achieved outstanding preview earnings, grossing an impressive $22.3 million, surpassing the previous record held by Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which earned $17.5 million. This success comes as a notable triumph for Warner Bros, especially after facing challenges with the release of The Flash last month.

Conversely, Universal has reported that Oppenheimer earned a respectable $10.5 million from 3,150 theaters during its previews.

Barbie's remarkable earnings include $1.1 million from Wednesday previews at 500 locations. Even if we were to exclude this amount, the $21.2 million earned on Thursday still stands as the highest preview gross of 2023. Notably, the Thursday previews were screened at 3,400 locations, indicating a wide and successful distribution strategy.

Regarding Oppenheimer, its preview gross aligns with other successful superhero films and blockbusters, such as It Chapter Two, which had a substantial $91 million opening weekend. However, it's essential to acknowledge that the film's preview success does not guarantee it will surpass the aforementioned threshold, as current comparisons suggest parallels to movies like John Wick: Chapter Four. Interestingly, despite being an adult drama, Oppenheimer saw a significant turnout from the 18-34 age group, comprising 66% of the audience.

Overall, both Barbie and Oppenheimer's preview performances demonstrate promising potential for their respective studios in the highly competitive film industry.Last week's box office champion, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, continues to impress with an estimated $99.2 million accumulated from 4,327 theaters over the course of nine days. While it maintains some premium large-format screens, it has gracefully made way for Oppenheimer to occupy IMAX screens for the next three weeks.

The film's international performance will play a vital role as it carries a substantial budget comparable to that of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. The stakes are high for Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, and its success on the global stage will be crucial in determining its overall profitability. With its strong domestic showing and strategic decision to share IMAX screens with Oppenheimer, the film's prospects look promising as it aims to capture audiences both at home and abroad.

Saturday, July 15, 2023

"From Aligarh to New York: The Artistic Odyssey of Zarina Hashmi"

                                                             


                                                                                                Today, Google Doodle celebrates the birthday of Zarina Hashmi, the late influential Indian American artist renowned for her groundbreaking work. On this day, she would have turned 86, and her artistic legacy continues to inspire people worldwide. The captivating doodle, designed by the talented guest illustrator Tara Anand from New York, pays heartfelt tribute to Hashmi's artistic style by masterfully incorporating her signature geometric and minimalist abstract shapes, creating a mesmerizing visual experience for users worldwide.



Today's Google Doodle commemorates the birthday of Zarina Hashmi, the celebrated Indian American artist known for her extraordinary sculptures, prints, and drawings. Hashmi's groundbreaking artwork was deeply aligned with the Minimalist movement, skillfully employing abstract and geometric forms to evoke profound spiritual experiences within her viewers.

Designed by the talented guest illustrator Tara Anand from New York, the captivating doodle pays homage to Hashmi's artistic brilliance by incorporating her signature abstract and geometric shapes. The doodle not only honors her remarkable contributions to the art world but also invites users to immerse themselves in the contemplative essence of her creations, celebrating the enduring impact of her work on art and spirituality.Born in 1937 in the quaint Indian town of Aligarh, Zarina Hashmi experienced a happy childhood alongside her four siblings until the partition of India disrupted their lives. The tragic event forced Zarina, her family, and countless others to uproot and relocate to Karachi in the newly established Pakistan.

At the age of 21, Hashmi married a young diplomat, embarking on a journey that took her across the world. Her travels to Bangkok, Paris, and Japan opened doors for her to explore the realm of printmaking and immerse herself in the influences of modernist and abstract art movements.

In 1977, Zarina Hashmi made a significant move to New York City, where she emerged as a passionate advocate for women and female artists of color. Swiftly joining the Heresies Collective, a feminist journal dedicated to exploring the intersection of politics, art, and social justice, she became an influential voice in supporting underrepresented artists.

Subsequently, Hashmi took on a professorial role at the New York Feminist Art Institute, an institution that aimed to provide equitable educational opportunities for women artists. In 1980, she collaborated on co-curating an exhibition titled "Dialectics of Isolation: An Exhibition of Third World Women Artists of the United States" at A.I.R. Gallery. This groundbreaking exhibition played a vital role in showcasing the artistic voices and perspectives of women artists from marginalized backgrounds.


Hashmi gained significant recognition for her captivating intaglio and woodcut prints, which skillfully incorporated semi-abstract depictions of the houses and cities she had resided in throughout her life.

Her identity as an Indian woman, born into the Muslim faith, coupled with her experiences of constant movement during her formative years, profoundly influenced her artistic expression. Notably, Hashmi's artwork often featured visual elements inspired by Islamic religious decorations, characterized by precise geometric patterns that held immense aesthetic appeal.

Zarina Hashmi's early artistic works, with their abstract and subtly geometric aesthetics, have drawn comparisons to renowned minimalists such as Sol LeWitt.

Her art continues to captivate viewers worldwide, as evidenced by its inclusion in permanent collections at esteemed institutions such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, among other distinguished galleries.

These prestigious placements attest to the enduring appeal and significance of Hashmi's artistic contributions, ensuring that her impactful legacy lives on for generations to come.

Monday, July 3, 2023

Happy Guru Purnima

                                                                         





                                                                                    Guru Purnima is a significant day celebrated every year to show respect and appreciation towards one's teachers, mentors, or gurus. It falls on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadha. In the year 2023, Guru Purnima will be joyously observed on Monday, July 3rd.Historically, Guru Purnima has its roots deeply embedded in ancient India, where it has been celebrated and cherished for centuries. The term "Guru Purnima" finds its origin in the Sanskrit language, with "guru" symbolizing "teacher" or "mentor," and "purnima" representing the "full moon." As we approach Guru Purnima 2023, here are some heartfelt wishes, greetings, messages, and quotes that you can share to express your gratitude and reverence on this auspiciousoccasion.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      HappyGuru Purnima Wishes 2023

Happy Guru Purnima! On this special day, may you find the perfect guidance and inspiration from your guru. May the light of knowledge illuminate your path and lead you to success.




1A true guru is like a candle that lights up the darkness within us. Happy Guru Purnima!"


"2Guru Purnima is a reminder to bow down to the wisdom that guides us and the guru who leads us."


3"The best way to honor the guru is to follow their teachings with sincerity and devotion. Happy Guru Purnima!"


4"Guru Purnima reminds us to be grateful for the teachers who have shaped our lives and guided us on the path of knowledge."


5"A guru is not just a teacher; they are a beacon of light, guiding us through life's challenges. Happy Guru Purnima!"


Wishing you a Guru Purnima filled with love, gratitude, and profound wisdom. May your guru's teachings inspire you to reach new heights and achieve your dreams.
May this Guru Purnima bring immense joy, wisdom, and blessings into your life. May you embrace the teachings of your guru with an open heart and mind. Happy Guru Purnima!

On this auspicious day, let us express our heartfelt appreciation to our gurus for their selfless guidance and unwavering support. Happy Guru Purnima! May their wisdom continue to guide us on the path of righteousness.

As we celebrate Guru Purnima, let us remember the invaluable contributions of our gurus in shaping our lives. Their teachings and blessings are the guiding light that leads us towards a brighter future. Happy Guru Purnima!




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"The guru's blessings are like a gentle breeze that uplifts our spirits and helps us soar to greater heights. Happy Guru Purnima!"


"On Guru Purnima, let us bow our heads in gratitude and open our hearts to receive the wisdom and blessings of our gurus."


"A guru is not confined to a person; it can be found in the teachings of great souls and the wisdom of sacred texts. Happy Guru Purnima!"


"Guru Purnima is a celebration of the eternal bond between the seeker and the teacher, united in the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment."


"The guru's role is not just to impart knowledge but to awaken the dormant wisdom within us. Happy Guru Purnima!"