Entertainment news

NRK, ZDFneo Drama ‘A Better Man,’ About an Internet Troll’s Path to Redemption, Boarded by Beta Film (EXCLUSIVE) – Variety

Leading distribution company Beta Film has come on board four-part Norwegian drama “A Better Man,” created by Thomas Seeberg Torjussen.

The show, which was commissioned by Norwegian broadcaster NRK and German broadcaster ZDF‘s platform ZDFneo, is produced by Synnøve Hørsdal and Christian Fredrik Martin at Norway’s Maipo Film.

“A Better Man” centers on Tom, Norway’s No. 1 internet troll. He is a smart but angry and frustrated man with misogynistic tendencies, and an example of everything that is pathetic and wrong with the men who didn’t get the memo about the gender equality movement.

When hackers reveal his identity to the public, he is forced to dress as a woman to escape social persecution, and discovers that the world opens up to him when he dresses in women’s clothes.

Popular on Variety

Torjussen tells Variety that the idea for the series was planted “when I started digging into the misogyny of men who are left behind in what I believe is the most progressive, gender-equal region of the world.”

Although the show deals with serious issues, it will be entertaining, he says. “I cram a lot of twists and turns into every episode, which I hope will feel like a roller-coaster ride. And it’s also funny. It’s not a comedy, but there is a sense of irony to it: He is a misogynist in female clothing. We take it seriously, but I believe that’s going to be funny.”

Martin adds: “I was intrigued by this roller-coaster story of this misogynist having to hide himself in women’s clothing and being transformed on the other side, becoming a better man, so to speak. It was the combination of it being a tall tale, in one sense, and in another an important and precise reflection of our times that struck me.”

Tom is a nuanced, three-dimensional character, Torjussen says. “He is not an idiot, so he’s not wrong about everything. I’ve taken the smartest, most bitter man out there, and on some points he’s right.”

Tom’s pet hate is a stand-up comedian called Live. To Tom, she is the manifestation of what he calls the “vaginal state of Norway.”

“When it comes to the female comedian that he harasses, he’s fatter than her, but she talks about body issues and body shame as if it were a female only thing and also something that men have imposed on women, and it enrages him,” Torjussen says. “A lot of the women who have read the script have become intrigued by his arguments against them, and, to some extent, agreed with them, but then, of course, you can’t defend his actions.”

He continues, “He blames everything around him. It’s not women, but [in his opinion] it’s the feminist state that made him a wuss. And that’s why he doesn’t have any friends and because he doesn’t have any friends, he can’t get girls and then that sucks. He’s made a political scapegoat for his whole misery, in a way.”

Live is used to getting a lot of hate, and when Tom becomes a target for online harassment and then disappears, she is concerned for his safety.

“From having the experience of getting a lot of hate and ridicule, she can see that this must kill him in a way, and then she really thinks when he disappears without a trace, he has killed himself, and she believes he would have been alive if it wasn’t for her,” Torjussen says. “And then she feels that no one cares, not even his mom, and feels lonely in her worry for him.”

Another key character is Audun, Tom’s neighbor, who is “like the poster metrosexual,” Torjussen says, but has a hidden side to him. “He’s the guy who’s made it. He has a nice girlfriend. He has a kid. He has friends of both sexes. But he has this incel man inside him. He says himself that he is the original incel. The male sexuality is tamed in him, and he feels very lonely in his frustration, so he recognizes something of himself in Tom. He’s a sort of a mirror. So, we don’t tell a story that these men are only lonely, chubby men with their computers. We show another aspect of it.”

“A Better Man” is filming in Lithuania until the end of May and will be delivered to buyers in late December. It will be formally launched in the market in October at Mipcom, where the first trailer will be released.

In a statement, Anaïs de Neergaard, VP international sales and acquisitions at Beta Film, said: “Joining ‘A Better Man’ showcases our dedication to bringing content that is both compelling and engaging to the market. This limited series offers a fresh take on identity and connection in the digital age, blending humor with serious contemporary topics. Promoting empathy and personal growth, ‘A Better Man’ perfectly aligns with our goal of delivering stories that really matter to our audience.”

Entertainment news

NASA prepping for mid-May Arctic Circle balloon flights – UPI News

April 30 (UPI) — NASA officials are planning to launch the space agency’s long-duration balloon campaign from Sweden to gather scientific data to assist with several projects starting in mid-May.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s balloon program is partnering with the Swedish Space Corporation to launch the balloons capable of operating in near-space some 150,000 feet above the Earth, NASA announced Tuesday.

“Our partnership with the Swedish Space Corporation is valuable to NASA and the scientific community by allowing us to use their high-quality facilities at Esrange,” Andrew Hamilton, acting director of NASA’s balloon program said Tuesday.

Esrange is located in a large and unpopulated area of Sweden that gets 24 hours of sunlight during the summer months.

Hamilton said high-altitude balloons will not lose gas needed to keep them aloft because of the constant sunlight during the summer months in the polar regions.

“The location of the launch range and the stratospheric winds allow for excellent flight conditions to gather many days of scientific data as the balloons traverse from Sweden to northern Canada,” Hamilton explained.

The balloon program has four primary missions this summer.

One mission uses a superconducting magnet to measure the flux of high-energy cosmic ray isotopes to unexplored energies while helping determine the age of the Milky Way galaxy’s cosmic rays.

A second mission will use high-resolution imaging equipment to record X-rays from energetic electron microbursts in the polar atmosphere.

The mission requires a balloon measuring 60 million cubic feet to fly higher than 150,000 feet.

A third mission is focused on the Sun and will use high-resolution images to observe spectro-polarimetry of its layers called the solar photosphere, cromosphere and other active regions of the Sun.

The images will help measure temperature, magnetic field and velocities associated with those layers.

The fourth mission will use a telescope to observe the sources of several black holes and neutron stars in the Milky Way to help learn how they accelerate electrons and emit X-rays.

The fourth mission will include two smaller payloads to complete two additional scientific missions.

One will use an infrared channeled spectro-polarimeter to measure the tops of clouds and the size and shape of ice particles that help scientists better understand weather while improving climate models.

Another will help NASA develop sensor technologies that measure ultraviolet UVA, UVB and UVC wavelengths and ozone concentrations.

NASA says its high-altitude balloons can lift up to 8,000 pounds and are quick, cost-effective ways to test, track and recover scientific experiments for NASA and universities located around the world.

Entertainment news

Social worker to launch book – The Herald

Social worker to launch book

Arts Reporter

Desmond Chikamhi, a Mandela Washington fellow and development practitioner, is set to launch his first book titled “Yes You Can” on Friday at Cresta Jameson Hotel in Harare from 5pm to 9pm.

The World Life Changers founder and executive director, who has been involved in community development since 2018, said the book is designed to open readers’ minds to a world of possibilities in spite of their circumstances.

“The book carries some invaluable wisdom nuggets for a victorious life and my hope is that it will unleash a culture of excellence and productivity amongst our people.

“It is a landmark motivational publication designed to equip and empower readers to chase their dreams and bring them to fruition.

“It is an antidote to the lethargy, demotivation and fear,” Chikamhi said.

The Zaka-born community builder, who grew up under challenging circumstances, said the wisdom in the book is derived from his difficult personal experiences.

“The goal is to demonstrate that impossibilities only exist in our minds. Once we reconfigure our minds to operate in a positive way, nothing is impossible. Life is there for the taking for anyone who can dash and grab it with both hands.

“The book launch is, therefore, going to be a life celebration as we share ideas and life nuggets on how to get ahead and stay ahead. Its all about daring each other not only to dream, but to also see our dreams materialising,” Chikamhi said.

The event is set to be curated by creative agency Esteem Communications while various influencers, corporate leaders and creatives are expected to attend the event.

“We have enlisted the services of Esteem Communications to help us curate the launch and all is in place for an uplifting life experience.

Music and entertainment will be provided by Sabastian Magacha, Mavery very, Loice Manzunzu, Fire Colloso and Simbarashe Mparira,” Chikamhi said.

Chikamhi, who has implemented a number of life changing community development projects around Zimbabwe, said working with vulnerable communities to change their lives was the biggest inspiration behind the book.

“Working with communities and getting to change their lives through our organisation was the biggest inspiration behind this book. My eyes were opened to possibilities and I want fellow Zimbabweans and readers across the world to see things the same way.

During Cyclone Idai, we assisted over 10 000 families in Chimanimani under one of our Disaster and Relief Programmes, where we respond to natural disasters that befall our vulnerable communities. We donated non-food items like crutches, wheelchairs, blankets and clothes worth thousands, with support from United Methodist Church in the United Kingdom,” Chikamhi said.

Various guests among them academics, politicians, company executives and creatives are expected to attend the event.

Entertainment news

Breaking news. – The Herald

New gold-backed ZiG aims for economic independence

Marshall Ndlela Correspondent

ZIMBABWE’S financial landscape is undergoing a significant transformation.

After years of relying on the US dollar, the nation’s banks have begun issuing new Zimbabwean notes called the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG).

This strategic shift marks a pivotal moment in the country’ economic history, potentially redefining its path towards self-sufficiency and stability.

A nation’s decision to issue its own currency is often driven by a deep yearning for economic independence and control over its financial destiny.

A sovereign currency empowers a country to tailor its monetary policies to address its unique economic needs and aspirations.

This flexibility allows Zimbabwe to manage interest rates, influence inflation, and stimulate domestic growth through strategic fiscal measures.

Imagine Zimbabwe being able to adjust interest rates to encourage borrowing for business expansion or lower them to ease the burden on consumers, all without relying on external forces.

The adoption of a national currency presents several advantages for Zimbabwe.

Perhaps the most significant benefit lies in the new-found ability to influence the domestic economy.

Zimbabwe can now set its own interest rates, a crucial tool for stimulating investment and economic activity.

Additionally, managing the money supply allows for greater control over inflation, a critical factor in ensuring price stability and protecting the value of citizens’ savings.

A national currency empowers Zimbabwe to manage its exchange rates strategically.

By manipulating the exchange rate, the country can potentially make its exports more competitive in the global marketplace, attracting foreign investment and increasing its export earnings.

This could lead to a significant boost in economic activity and job creation.

Beyond the tangible economic benefits, a national currency serves as a powerful symbol of sovereignty and national identity.

It fosters a sense of unity and belonging among Zimbabweans, representing their nation’s unique place in the global economic landscape.

The path towards de-dollarisation is not without its hurdles.

A major concern lies in the potential for economic instability during the transition period.

Zimbabwe’s citizens and businesses may be hesitant to trust and readily accept the new currency, especially if they have witnessed past episodes of hyperinflation and devaluation with previous local currencies.

Building trust and confidence in the new system is paramount. The good thing is that de-dollarisation will happen in 2030 – by that time, the ZiG will have cemented its position as a currency of choice for Zimbabweans.

The success of the new Zimbabwean currency also hinges on the Government’s commitment to fiscal discipline.

Resisting the urge to print excessive amounts of money, a tactic that can lead to hyperinflation, is crucial.

Establishing a sound economic foundation with credible monetary policies and sufficient reserves to back the new currency will be essential for ensuring its long-term viability.

Without a doubt, Zimbabwe’s decision to reintroduce its own currency represents a bold step towards economic self-determination. While the advantages of a sovereign currency are undeniable, the road ahead is paved with challenges.

The nation’s success hinges on its ability to navigate the complexities of de-dollarisation with prudence, transparency, and a commitment to sound economic management.

Marshall Ndlela is a Zimbabwean economist based in Melbourne, Australia.

Feedback: [email protected]