Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Merge Foundations, Launch SeVVA Initiative – Global Bulletin (EXCLUSIVE)
NON-PROFIT INITIATIVE
Real life husband and wife couple, celebrity cricketer Virat Kohli and Bollywood star Anushka Sharma, are merging their respective foundations – Anushka Sharma Foundation and Virat Kohli Foundation – to launch SeVVA, a joint non-profit initiative aimed at helping those in need.
Sharma and Kohli said in a joint statement: “In the words of Kahlil Gibran ‘for in truth it is life that gives unto life – while you, who deem yourself a giver, are but a witness.’ With this sentiment in mind, we have decided to work together through SeVVA aiming to reach out to as many people as possible. SeVVA’s work won’t be confined to a particular issue as it will continue to strive for social good by championing humanity which is the need of the hour today.”
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Next up for Sharma is “Chakda Xpress,” a Netflix film inspired by the life of one of women cricket’s all-time greatest players, Jhulan Goswami. Kohli, a former India cricket captain, will continue to represent his country and team Royal Challengers Bangalore in the lucrative Indian Premier League cricket tournament.
FIRST LOOK
Sky has released a first-look image for original dystopian drama series “Helgoland 513.”
It’s 2036 and Helgoland has become the last safe haven for humanity. A small community of survivors are entrenched on Germany’s only deep-sea island following an apocalypse that has thrown the rest of the world into chaos. A totalitarian society is established, tolerating only 513 people on the island at any one time.
The survivors trapped on the island have limited resources to share and an inhumane social-ranking system determines the lives of each of the 513 inhabitants. Helgoland’s only doctor is high on the priority list, whilst others are far behind and have to fight for a better place and, their ultimate survival. But they face another threat from the outside. On the mainland, a group of rebels are preparing to conquer the island and disrupt the last safe place for mankind.
The seven-part series is directed by Robert Schwentke (“Flightplan”), who also serves as showrunner and head writer.
The cast includes Alexander Fehling, Martina Gedeck, Kathrin Angerer, Samuel Finzi, Antje Traue, Tobias Resch, Maja Sch?ne, Markus Gertken, László Branko Breiding, Traute Hoess, Tijan Marei, Selam Tadese, Annika Meier, Philipp Hochmair, Martin Brambach, Wolfram Koch and Waldemar Kobus.
“Helgoland 513” is a UFA Fiction production commissioned by Sky Studios Deutschland.
APPOINTMENTS
Electronic Arts‘ chief commercial officer Scott Forrest has joined the U.K.’s National Film and Television School‘s (NFTS) board of governors. Throughout 2023, the NFTS will mark the 10-year anniversary of its Games Design and Development program. With his multi-layered experience in the gaming sector, Forrest is expected to bring valuable insights and perspectives to the NFTS.
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U.K. producers’ body Pact has elected Alex Jones, joint MD of drama indie Red Planet Pictures as vice-chair of its council. Additionally, six Pact members have been co-opted to the council, including Julie Baines, founder and producer at Dan Films; Nicky Bentham, founder and producer at Neon Films; Thomasina Gibson, freelance producer and director of Heroes Productions; Billy Macqueen, executive producer and co-MD of Darrall Macqueen; Holly Pye, commercial director at Objective Media Group; and Steve Warr, MD of Raw Cut.
CONCERT
Superstar classical pianist Lang Lang will return to London’s Royal Albert Hall on Nov. 21 and 23 for two concerts spotlighting the work of composer Camille Saint-Sa?ns. The musician, currently seen on Channel 4’s hit show “The Piano,” will be accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as he performs two Saint-Sa?ns works: the composer’s second piano concerto, and his “Carnival of the Animals.” The latter piece will also feature a second soloist: Lang Lang’s wife, fellow pianist Gina Alice.
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