jamescfm Wrote:Reprinted from:


First edition of Kaliburg Film Festival held for almost a century
Support from the Academy, Kalistani government and several industry figures allows historic festival to flourish once again in Ananto
28 April 4681


The historic Kaliburg Film Festival concluded overnight in the Kalistani capital city following its first edition since 4592. Films from across the globe were in competition for the festival's top prize, the Golden Mantis, and individuals from all aspects of the filmmaking process, as well as critics and members of the public, were in attendance. The Kaliburg festival is the first of an expanded range of film festivals taking place this year in order to mark the 2500th anniversary of the foundation of the International Motion Picture Academy and was able to take place thanks to backing from the Kalistani government and others.

Between 3881 and 4107, the Kaliburg festival was held in high regard alongside the three major IMPA-supported festivals held in Valois, Rittersheim and Kaizhou. Kaliburg juries and audiences had a reputation for rewarding alternative and genre films in a manner not typical of the other three festivals and a particularly memorable period for the festival was the "Golden Age of Horror". For seven consecutive years beginning in 3923, the festival's top prize was awarded to a horror film despite none of the other three festivals rewarding these films.



Above: Tang Zhenya received the Best Actress award for her first feature film appearance following a successful television career as the title character in Wuying


The relationship between Kaliburg and the horror genre is even reflected in the prize given to the best film in competition. The Golden Mantis is based on 3450 horror classic Mantis, in which a giant mantis brings terror to the Kalistani island of Ananto. Although it struggled to make back its budget, the film gained a cult following in the decades after its release and has been recognised by critics and film historians as a seminal film in the genre for the way it uses special effects and the manner in which it reflects societal concerns present at the time.

Over two hundred films were available for audiences across the festival's nine day programme. On top of the numerous film screened as part of the main competition, there were a variety of out of competition and special screenings including some classic films from across the festival's history. In characteristic fashion, both the Golden Mantis and the Audience Award were given to Kyo horror-thriller Terror.... Written and directed by veteran filmmaker Pae Pyong-ho, the film marks his return to Kyomal-language filmmaking for the first time in over three decades, having spend a significant period of his life living and working primarily in Hutori.

Acting awards were presented to Indralan newcomer Tang Zhenya for her role in satirical comedy Countdown to Deployment and Kalistan-native J. Fletcher Compton for his starring role in crime drama Streets of Sulari, which he was also responsible for writing and producing. In an interesting coincidence Dorvish director Jakob Tischner received a lifetime achievement award on the same day that his granddaughter Ann-Katrin Schütz won the competitive directing award for her second feature film Friedrich and I.

Following the success of the Kaliburg festival, the International Motion Picture Academy turns its attention to the rest of the year's programme of events. In addition to the annual festivals in Lourenne, Dundorf and Indrala, the Academy has organised three further events to be held in Istapali, Vanuku and Egelion as part of their anniversary celebrations. Capping off these celebrations are the annual Academy Awards to be held next January, which will feature an expanded selection of awards to recognise the most influential films and figures over the two and half millennia that the Academy has existed.

The International Motion Picture Academy is an international organisation dedicated to recognising and promoting quality in the art of motion pictures.

Rebecca Edwards-Bennots Wrote:Thank you, friends, for coming to listen to this speech.  As you know, I try to reserve my speech, but I am moved to speak to you and to the nation today to clarify the matter of the Ananto Strait.  The Socialist Party has long held that the Strait is inviolable, as a part of Kalistani National Territory, and as we are open to free trade but not invasion by a hostile foreign military, the Socialist Party has always held that the Strait, when violated by foreign military forces, this constitutes an ACTUAL invasion of our territory.

We have heard and appreciate the arguments of the opponents of that position.  We do not agree with them.  Given as much credit to the logic of the opponents, I will attempt to faithfully make those arguments.  They all rely on international norms of freedoms of the seas and freedoms of navigation.  Most of these arguments use language of the Law of the Sea Treaty, which Kalistan was a party to for centuries.  But at some point, likely after our nation began exploiting the petroleum found in the Strait, our nation realized that leaving that lane open to foreign military passage was an existential threat to Kalistan.  If we allow foreign military forces to have free roam, it would only be a matter of time when a superior force who is hostile to the existence of our Republic destroys a significant portion of our economy with impunity.  This realization, combined with the legitimate economic development, and increase in Kalistan's own national power to the point where it no longer has to bow to the whim of foreign nations, led to Kalistan's first quarantine of the Anantonese Ocean, specifically the Strait. 

The original Anantonese Ocean Quarantine resulted in Ananto being invaded by Indrala, which threatened to completely abolish the existence of Kalistan, thus confirming the fears of the policy makers that sought to protect Kalistan with the Quarantine in the first place.  Kaliburg was utterly destroyed by the NAVAL FORCE of the Indralan Empire, and due to the valiant effort of partisan forces on a blockaded Ananto, we were able to fight Indrala to a negotiated peace which restored the status quo ex ante.  Kalistan was left in control of the Straits, foreign commercial shipping was restored through the Strait, and Military traffic shifted to Ananto's west.  This small concession was something that Kalistan was willing to sacrifice ALL of its people to achieve:  we demonstrated this fact through the loss of thousands of Kalistan Partisans and Regular Forces, and the loss of our President on the front lines.

Later, as those hostile to the existence of an Independent Kalistan with an non-aligned foreign policy, began threatening Kalistan once more over the waters, Kalistan once more closed the straits to all foreign traffic.  We were immediately attacked by several nations for asserting our rights and sovereignty.  We fought the war to a stalemate, and the Kalistani claim over the Strait was defacto acknowledged by belligerents in Kazulia and their allies.  Once more, Kalistan demonstrated their willingness to fight and die for what it calls its own. 

The Strait lie entirely within the national territory of Kalistan.  Either side of the Strait is Kalistani.  We conduct traffic which is vital to the existence of Kalistan through that strait.  Significant Kalistani economic activity takes place in that Strait.  Vital infrastructure vital to link Ananto to the Mainland exists on the floor and on the surface of this Strait.  This Strait is integral to Kalistan's existence.  And foreign military traffic's incursion in the Strait, without even the modicum of cooperation or coordination with Kalistani authorities, let alone the acknowledgement of any rights to insist on our participation in the matter is simply unconscionable. It is a naval invasion of Kalistan.

It would be ridiculous for Kalistani naval vessels to appear off the shores of any other states.  It would be deemed an act of war.  Most certainly, it would be deemed a violation of sovereignty.  Some states will mock this statement and say something to the effect of 'We'd destroy you before you ever got here.'  Well, Kalistan has said that too.  And we have.  We sought to repel the invasion in the Strait before it arrived at Kalistani shores.  And for that, nations seek to test our resolve in the Strait.  Just recently, Dorvik shortsightedly sailed its fleet through the Strait, and then belligerently passed a resolution simply declaring the offensive military weaponry and their ranges in response to our protests.  They believed they did so with impunity.  But the Kalistani Regular Navy shadowed their ships until they sailed on. 

Kalistan is resolved:  Foreign Nations will not invade our Republic.  We will simply not tolerate it, nor should we even have to say as much.  There is NOTHING in the freedom of navigation that permits foreign invasion of National Waters.  Freedom of navigation covers commercial traffic, and Kalistan has acknowledged freedom of maritime commerce.  But military invasion is something that is far different.  There is no reason why foreign naval vessels should not skirt the Island of Ananto to the east, or better yet, sail their ships within sight of Lourenne, where Kalistan has no interest.  And there is zero reason for them to seek to pass through the Strait, unless it is just to threaten Kalistan.  They insist upon sailing through the Strait just to irritate and threaten Kalistan.  But we will not succumb to their terrorism. 

We call upon ALL nations of the world to work with Kalistan to develop a new Treaty regime which respects Kalistani sovereignty within the Strait, and acknowledges the free passage of naval weaponry to Ananto's east, outside of Kalistan's National territory, and away from those things we call our vital national interests.  We want peace, and we would like resolution of this issue once and for all.  But Kalistan will NOT back down in the face of ultra militaristic belligerence.  We will not set our national interests to whatever is in the interest of imperialist nations.  The only way they will ever get us to do that is to invade us and kill us all.  Because I can guarantee it, as long as a Socialist exists in Kalistan, even the most ardent Brethrenist among them, we will NEVER acknowledge the supposed claims to right of transit of foreign military powers through Kalistani National Waters in the Strait.  We would all rather die defending those.  The fight to do so is the fight to defend Kalistani existence.

We close in asking:  since you know what we are willing to commit to, how much are you willing to commit to, just so you can prove a goddamned point?  It costs you nothing to go around the east side of Ananto.  It is safer for you and for us for you to go around the east side of Ananto.  And it is does not unnecessarily irritate Kalistan if you want to sail aircraft carriers through the Lourenne Strait, or nuclear submarines, or whatever you like.  You provoke war by sailing through the Strait, over a norm we do not even acknowledge.  The only way to force us to acknowledge your claims in that Strait is to kill us all, because Kalistanis will never acknowledge it while there is breath in our lungs.  Is this something you want, just to prove your point?  Or is it just more beneficial for us all if you go around the east side?

Think about it, please.  We would rather have peace, but we will never bow to threats and extortion.  That's just how it is.

I wish you all peace and wisdom.  I hope something I have said has made some difference.

Rogue Wrote:
GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES EXCLUSION ZONE IN ANANTO STRAIT FOR MILITARY VESSELS, ISSUES "FIRE AT WILL" ORDER
The National Navy has gained the order to maintain the new exclusion zone and fire at any military vessel trying to pass the strait
May 18th, 4683

The 2nd fleet of Kalistan during one of their recently frequent patrols in the Ananto strait

Kaliburg: The Kalistani government has announced the creation of a exclusion zone encompassing the entire Ananto strait. The reason for the creation of the zone is, according to Premier Brett Robinson, "the total lack of respect for Kalistani territorial claims and the continued violation of what we see as our sovereign territory by foreign entities". The exclusion zone will be enforced on military vessels only and most merchant shipping will be allowed to pass through the strait regardless of the exclusion zone. In addition to the exclusion zone Premier Robinson has also announced that the National Navy has gained the right to fire at will at any military vessel threatening to pass the strait and that "Forces of the National Airforce will stand ready to aid the National Navy if required"

These decisions were expected for some time as Dorvik and Lourenne once again held a so called "freedom of navigation operation" through the strait. The Kalistani government had debated the issue for some time before reaching a decision, weighing in several factors including impact on trade and international relations. The CPK government however determined that the threat to national security was a greater danger for the country then the loss of trade and economic output and therefor they had reached this decision.
In order to mitigate the effects of the lowered amount of trade between foreign nations and Kalistan the minister of finance and minister of foreign affairs have announced a joined project to improve Kalistans relations with nations in Seleya itself and sign trade deals within the continent so that the damage to the Kalistani economy is kept to a minimum. This will automatically mean a increase in over-land trade. While sea based trade will likely remain the most important for Kalistan this would shift the nature of Kalistani trade somewhat, posing new challenges for any new government that takes office.

The exclusion zone and fire at will order went into effect last night.

Rogue Wrote:
VALRUZIAN CHANCELLOR PERFORMS STATE VISIT TO KALISTAN
The Chancellor of Valruzia came to Kalistan last week to discuss increased trade ties, improve relations and discuss possible military exercises between the two countries
May 20th, 4683

The private plane of the Valruzian Chancellor landing at the International airport in Kaliburg

Kaliburg: Valruzian Chancellor Krystian Brosz visited the Kalistani capital of Kaliburg earlier this week on a official state visit to our country. The Valruzian leader had planned the trip for a few months already as Premier Robinson invited him back in 4682. When his plane landed at the international airport of Kaliburg he was greeted by Premier Robinson and several Republican Guard members, a new ceremonial force of the Kalistani military used for such occasions. He was then escorted to Robinson his personal vehicle with which they travelled to the Premiers office in downtown Kaliburg. First they talked for around 2 hours discussing a possible increase in trade ties and a military exercise the two nations would like to hold in the near future.

After the formalities both leaders once again stepped into Robinson his vehicle and travelled around the city, visiting the national museum and the local opera as well as going by a homeless shelter to talk with the people there and see what problems they face on a day to day basis. They then went on to go to the Kalistani parliament where they held a joint press conference stating that their intention is to "increase trade between our two nations and ensure that citizens of both Valruzia and Kalistan will feel this new relationship in their pockets. It is time Seleyan nations stand together and we look forward to a fruitful relationship".

The two leaders signed several trade deals afterwards which were focussed on a lot of different sectors, increasing hopes that this will ensure renewed growth of both the Valruzian and Kalistani economy.

Rogue Wrote:
PREMIER ROBINSON'S CPK PROPOSES RENEWED INVESTMENT INTO NATIONAL NAVY
Premier of the Republic Bret Robinson and his CPK party have proposed a appropriations bill that would authorize his government to invest in the National Navy
August 3rd, 4686

Premier Robinson explaining his party's plan to the press

Kaliburg: Premier Bret Robinson has announced, together with the CPK party leadership, that they will propose a bill to the floor of the assembly that will ask parliament to authorize additional investments into the National Navy. According to Robinson the recent tensions within the Ananto strait have caused many within navy circles to become worried about the possibility of conflict over the strait. This possibility combined with the Kalistani navy remaining thinly stredged out following the creation of the exlusion zone is reason enough for Kalistan to need investment into its naval forces said Premier Robinson.

Robinson, who is nearing the end of his second term, has made it his "task" to strengthen the security of Kalistan and has now convinced his party to take over the stance. In the plan, which is likely to be proposed in the coming months, the CPK supported by Robinson will ask for a 3 billion LOD investment in the construction of new ships and another 1 billion in Research and Development of new munitions and other naval equipment.
If the proposal is to pass the Ministry of Defense will "immediately work with our private bussinesspartners to look which ships could additionally be constructed". In addition to investments into the navy Robinson has also announced increased training for naval officers and the creation of a naval nerve center to ensure quick coordination between all naval forces.

The proposal which Robinson has named the "Military Investment for Stability Act (MISA)" will likely receive support from several party's within the assembly but it remains to be seen whether it will receive a majority of votes.

KRTVN Relaunches with smash comedy
Pokes "good-natured fun" at Dorvik
Kaliburg, Ananto
October 17, 4693


Eddie Lopez plays the title role in "Der Dorvischer Säufer"

ChitinKal Wrote:
National Conservative Party Reforms
Historical NCP Reforms After its Last Dissolution Nearly Forty Years Ago
March 3, 4694

Tod Paris, the NCP's Presidential Candidate, Speaks at the 4694 NCP Party Conference

After its abrupt and unexpected dissolution in 4653 and just over forty years of inaction, the National Conservative Party was reformed last month after a meeting between prominent political activists and held their first Party Conference in Kaliburg this morning. Heading the fourth iteration of the nearly four-hundred year old party are Director Darryl Connor, a former Deputy from the now-dissolved CPK, and Chairman Masahiko Pearce, a political activist that rose to fame during the protests against the outlawing of paramilitaries and the undoing of the system of defense that the Kalistani Armed Forces followed for centuries.

At the Kaliburg Party Conference, a number of candidates for executive positions were appointed, including the NCP's candidate for President of the Republic, Tod Paris, a former soldier in the National Republican Army and country singer. In the past, Paris has shown his support for a number of key policies which he has indicated that he would include in his platform for his upcoming bid for the Presidency, including a return to the pre-LDP dual economic system and taking a tougher stance on the international stage, specifically with regards to Kalistan's sovereign territory in the Ananto Straights and its violation by the Dorvish Navy.

The old Party manifesto was also approved during the Kaliburg Conference, though a number of new issues have become preeminent in the NCP which has compelled its members to reform the party. Chief among these are policies of national security, including the recreation of the paramilitary system and reformation of the Conservative Army of Kalistan as well standing up to foreign nations that violate the territorial sovereignty of Kalistan in the Ananto Straights.

The Party has also approved campaigning plans for the upcoming elections as well as a public awareness campaign scheduled to begin within the coming months to spread awareness of the NCP's reformation. A number of public events that are to occur throughout the year have been scheduled and revealed already, according to the NCP's Public Relations Director, Tristram Dwerryhouse.