The Cannes Film Festival has announced that Greta Gerwig, the director of the summer blockbuster “Barbie,” will preside over the jury at its 77th edition in May.
At 40 years old, Gerwig, who is also an actor and screenwriter, will succeed Sweden’s Ruben Ostlund. Ostlund’s jury awarded the 2023 Palme d’Or to the courtroom drama “Anatomy of a Fall.”
Greta Gerwig makes history as the first American woman filmmaker to take on the role of jury president at Cannes. Her presence is expected to bring a youthful energy to the festival, making her the youngest president since 1966 when Sophia Loren, then 31, led the festival.
She will be the first woman since actor Cate Blanchett in 2018 to assume this prestigious position, highlighting the ongoing effort to address gender representation imbalances.
In addition to “Barbie,” a feminist satire centered around the iconic line of plastic dolls, Gerwig has directed acclaimed films such as “Lady Bird” (2017) and “Dr. March’s Daughters” (2020). Currently, she is working on a Netflix adaptation of “The Chronicles of Narnia” and has a diverse portfolio of over two dozen films in which she has also starred.
Atif Aslam’s Generous Rs 20 Million Donation Fuels Pakistan’s First Free Diagnostic Lab
Meanwhile, famed Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has demonstrated his commitment to healthcare initiatives in the country by generously donating Rs 20 million to support Pakistan’s first-ever free diagnostic laboratory.
The philanthropic contribution from the singer was directed to the JDC Foundation, an organization at the forefront of medical advancements. This foundation has taken the lead in establishing Pakistan’s inaugural free diagnostic lab, offering an extensive range of 250 blood tests at no cost.
The noteworthy initiative has played a crucial role in delivering essential medical services to thousands of individuals daily from various regions of the province.
Atif Aslam’s substantial donation stands as a significant endorsement of the Foundation’s mission to facilitate accessible healthcare services. It underscores the singer’s dedication to supporting vital medical progress in Pakistan, with the potential to profoundly impact the lives of numerous individuals by improving their access to essential diagnostic facilities.
This act of generosity reflects a broader trend among public figures who are increasingly leveraging their influence to champion initiatives addressing societal needs, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare.
