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Unmasking Misinformation: Journalist’s Quest for Verified Truth (International Edition)

The Journalists as Fact Checkers workshop, organised by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Africa for the Womentorship Champions, recently, was an unexpected catalyst for my growth as a female human rights defender. It effortlessly merged with my duties as both a journalist and an advocate, highlighting how journalism serves as a crucial act of service against misinformation. In Zimbabwe, where confirming straightforward facts such as fatality counts from road accidents can be difficult because of restricted access to data, fact-checking goes beyond being just part of one’s job; it transforms into a nuanced but important mode of defiance. One powerful takeaway was learning about “lateral reading,” which pushed me to go deeper than just skimming content and succumbing to click temptations. This change in mindset has provided me with a persistent critical outlook, examining each headline through the meticulous gaze of an investigator. Rather than taking information at ...

Edie Faldo Embraces the Absurd in Horror-Comedy 'The Parenting': "This Role Was Totally Outside My Comfort Zone"

Set in the picturesque Massachusetts countryside, a charming yet eerie abode played host to several distinguished figures from Hollywood, such as Edie Falco and Brian Cox—both taking roles quite different from what we typically see them play—to shoot the horror-comedy film "The Parenting," which is currently available on Max. In this movie, the pair portrays a married couple who are asked by their homosexual son to spend a weekend at a rental home where he plans to introduce them to his partner’s family. However, they discover too late that the residence is not unoccupied; instead, it harbors an age-old demon seeking a corporeal form to inhabit...and unfortunately for Cox, he becomes the unwitting vessel.

This represents quite a departure from Logan Roy, the part that the classically trained Cox portrayed with such brilliance in HBO’s “Succession.” In “The Parenting,” he has the opportunity to embrace sheer silliness—albeit in an irreverent and playful manner. For instance, in one scene, his possessed character walks into a room completely nude and commands everyone to “check this out!” while gesturing toward his private parts. Fans of Falco will enjoy her contribution to the lighter comedic moments too; she even performs the iconic “robot” dance to help ease the tension.

They’re genuinely hilarious individuals, whether the cameras are rolling or not," Falco remarks about her co-stars like Lisa Kudrow, Parker Posey, Nik Dodani, Brandon Flynn, and Dean Norris. "Our experience together was incredibly enjoyable. Often when it’s deep into night and work stretches over many hours, everyone starts feeling rather euphoric, and laughter takes hold uncontrollably. Once this happens, stopping becomes nearly impossible. This occurred several times as our set became filled with absurdity, and each one of us embraced every moment of it wholeheartedly.

Sharon, played by Falco, is a former psychologist (and occasional model from the '80s) who finds it impossible to refrain from analyzing everybody she encounters. According to Falco, Sharon simply can’t control this habit. She expresses excitement about having the opportunity to work on such an entertaining script. Each time reading through the lines, she found herself thinking, “Well, looks like I’m going for this!” This happiness stems from how unusual it is for roles like this one to be offered to her. Typically, actors aspire for casting directors or decision-makers to approach projects with creativity, ensuring more varied character choices. For her, this role felt entirely outside what’s usual for her.

"What You’d Call Horror Comedy" falls into the genre of both horror-comedy and relational drama, offering distinct character development for each couple involved. As Falco points out, “The essence lies in the script.” The narrative could theoretically start and end similarly from a relationship perspective. However, amid the turmoil they encounter, everyone undergoes significant personal growth—this transformation being typical under such chaotic circumstances. Even though these situations can be absurd, individuals often reveal their true selves when confronted with bizarre events.

For instance, there’s an outrageous scene where Cox’s character takes hold of Falco. During this sequence, she had the opportunity to try something new for nearly four decades—utilizing a harness and a lift. There was no stunt double involved; it was entirely Falco. She expressed excitement: “I also got to partake in some thrilling activities. I thought, wow! As I did it, though, I realized people might not believe us since it appears somewhat absurd from our perspective. However, once everything came together, it showcased craftsmen at every stage of production. It was truly remarkable.”

Falco enjoyed the experience immensely, and the viewers will likely feel the same way. She mentions, "'It’s absurd, and at times you might even leap from your chair,' she explains. 'Many scenes genuinely took me aback with their impact. Making this was an incredibly delightful process. Our aim is for that enjoyment to resonate with the audience.'"

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