NEW YORK: Netflix will remove footage of a real fiery train disaster from its hit post-apocalyptic survival film “Bird Box” months after the streaming giant was criticized for exploiting a tragedy.
The stock footage was taken from a 2013 crash in the Quebec town of Lac-Megantic when a train carrying crude oil came off the tracks and exploded into a massive ball of fire, killing 47 people.
Netflix licensed the footage from the stock image vendor Pond 5 and used it in “Bird Box” in an early TV news montage. The Sandra Bullock-led thriller is about monstrous entities that compel any human who sees them to quickly try to kill themselves.
Pond 5 in January said the footage “was taken out of context” and apologized. But Netflix said at the time it wasn’t planning to cut the clip, although said it was looking at ways to do things differently moving forward.
Nexflix changed its mind and said Friday it will replace the footage with an outtake from a former TV series in the US The company said it is “sorry for any pain caused to the Lac-Megantic community.”
The mayor of Lac-Megantic, Julie Morin, had criticized the use of the footage, calling it “a lack of respect.” She and Quebec’s culture and communications minister, Nathalie Roy, applauded Netflix’s latest move. “This result shows that by being united and pooling our efforts, everything is possible,” Roy tweeted.
Netflix to cut 2013 Canada train crash footage from ‘Bird Box’ months after outcry
Netflix to cut 2013 Canada train crash footage from ‘Bird Box’ months after outcry
- The stock footage was taken from a 2013 crash in the Quebec town of Lac-Megantic
- Stock image vendor Pond 5 in January said the footage ‘was taken out of context’ and apologized
Riyadh celebrates Sudanese heritage in cultural week finale
- Visitors experience sounds of dalooka, rababa in lively spectacle
- Global Harmony 2 initiative has offered an integrated cultural experience highlighting 14 cultures
RIYADH: The Sudanese Culture Week continues in Riyadh until Dec. 20, attracting visitors from a variety of nationalities to diverse cultural performances, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Ministry of Media has organized the events as part of the Global Harmony 2 initiative, in cooperation with the General Entertainment Authority and the Quality of Life Program.
Held at Al-Suwaidi Park, one of Riyadh Season’s zones, the week began with a celebratory parade featuring traditional Sudanese music which included the sounds of the dalooka and the rababa. A traditional Sudanese bridal procession was the subject of a tableau that also engaged visitors.
Sudanese Culture Week also includes musical concerts, entertainment sections, and cultural pavilions, with participation from Sudanese singers and influencers presenting activities that reflect the cultural diversity of the country’s regions and communities.
The event’s stage hosted the opening concerts, which were attended by thousands who enjoyed rababa performances and popular Sudanese songs.
Citizens and residents explored Sudanese culture through its folk arts, traditional music, and customs.
The celebration marks the final week of the Global Harmony 2 initiative’s cultural events. These have built on the program’s success in promoting cultural exchange and showcasing the cultures of communities residing in the Kingdom, reflecting the values of coexistence and cultural openness.
Over more than 40 days the Global Harmony 2 initiative has offered an integrated cultural experience highlighting 14 cultures.
Indian Culture Week was the first in a series featuring countries from Asia, Africa, and the Arab world.
Other weeks have placed the spotlight on regions such as the Philippines, Egypt, Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Bangladesh, Yemen, Uganda, and Ethiopia, providing traditional arts and music, cuisine, and social activities.
The initiative has included more than 100 artists and creators presenting artistic and musical performances, along with areas showcasing traditional cuisine, clothing, handicrafts, and family-friendly interactive activities.
It has received wide acclaim for highlighting the lives of residents in the Kingdom and the services provided to them.
