Author Archives: Raunak Devjani

91st Academy Awards welcomes diversity in selection of winners

Inclusivity and the Academy haven’t exactly gone hand-in-hand over the last 90 years. But Sunday’s Oscars ceremony may indicate a stark shift in trend. The 2019 show marks an unparalleled triumph for African-Americans in the industry. It set the record for most individual black winners, and also placed emphasis on films like “Green Book,” “BlacKkKlansman” […]

Q&A: UCLA alum, co-writer of ‘A Star is Born’ discusses characters, messages in film

Addiction, fame and toxic relationships could potentially lay the foundation for an extremely problematic story. But in 2018, these issues were at the heart of a film that racked up eight Academy Award nominations, and widespread critical acclaim. Co-written by UCLA alumnus Eric Roth, “A Star Is Born” reincarnates the tale of two lovers and […]

Student groups unite to celebrate Latino culture at first Noche de Ritmo

The first annual Noche de Ritmo brought together mariachi music, traditional dancing and chicken and cheese tamales. Organized by the Latino Greek Council, the event was held Tuesday night in Bruin Plaza. The LGC has previously hosted a similar culture night called Bienvenida, said Jeannette Mendivil, a fourth-year sociology student and president of the council. […]

Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Basset discuss ‘Black Panther’ at Hammer

Clearly, the “Black Panther” hype will not die anytime soon. Tuesday night, ardent fans attended the Hammer Museum’s special screening of the film, followed by a panel discussion featuring actors Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o and Angela Bassett. “Black Panther” is one of ten films chosen for the 2018 MoMA Contenders series, which aims to highlight […]

Q&A: ‘Wildland’ documentary kindles humanization of firefighters

They say the hottest fire forges the strongest steel. Alex Jablonski’s “Wildland” is proof. The documentary film follows members of a firefighting crew over a summer as they battle both personal struggles and physical calamities, including the 2016 Soberanes fire – one of the most costly wildfires in California’s history. The TV version of “Wildland” […]

Theater review: ‘Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol’ strikes fear into heart, then defrosts it with holiday warmth

An ornate coffin that stands open upon a stage is the impressive opening image of “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.” An eerie haze dances under sapphire lighting, signaling the wintry tale that will ensue. Shortly after, an unnamed narrator lights a candle and begins telling the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge to audience members unnerved by […]