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Cannes 2025: Impressive Thriller ‘The Plague’ from Charlie Polinger

Cannes 2025: Impressive Thriller ‘The Plague’ from Charlie Polinger by Alex Billington May 24, 2025 A fresh new debut from a filmmaker who has real talent. One of the best first films at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival is titled The Plague, an American indie thriller made by filmmaker Charlie Polinger. During the intro at […]

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Cannes 2025: Impressive Thriller ‘The Plague’ from Charlie Polinger

by Alex Billington
May 24, 2025

The Plague Review

A fresh new debut from a filmmaker who has real talent. One of the best first films at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival is titled The Plague, an American indie thriller made by filmmaker Charlie Polinger. During the intro at its world premiere, actor Joel Edgerton (who also runs his own production company called Blue-Tongue Films – though they’re not involved in this film) stated that he’d already seen few of Polinger’s short films before reading the script for this & couldn’t wait for him to finally make his mark with his first feature. That moment is here and, yes, he has definitely made his mark. Even after watching many other films over the course of the festival, this one still stands out, it still lingers in my mind and the score still haunts me. Even if the story about bullying is a bit obvious, and even if it never dips into any full-on horror despite the feeling often that it might do so, it is still an impressive debut with top notch filmmaking across the board. The Plague plunges viewers into the chilling realm of kids picking on other kids and it’s proper freaky stuff.

Written & directed by Charlie Polinger, The Plague is set in the early 2000s and tells the story of a group of kids at a water polo summer camp. I know these sports camps as I went to a few when I was growing up & they were always awkward experiences for me, too. A bunch of feisty, young, bored kids thrown together for a week (without any parents). Newcomer Everett Blunck stars as a scrawny kid named Ben, who tries to gain the camaraderie of the other group of kids that already know each other. Kenny Rasmussen co-stars as Eli, a weird boy who has some skin problems that appear as rashes on his body. The other kids think this is some scary disease they dub “The Plague” and act as if it’s horrible, always making fun of him, constantly picking on him, not going near him. But Eli doesn’t seem to care and just does whatever he wants to do his own way, even if they keep bullying him. Kayo Martin also co-stars as Jake, the bullying ringleader who is always the one finding something to pick on with any kid. The performances from Everett Blunck and Kayo Martin are some of the best young performances I’ve seen in quite a while. They’re not only convincing but also challenging, diving into a disquieting dynamic that is necessary for this story to work as well as it does.

Aside from the kids being legit in their roles (and Joel Edgerton as their coach), this is proper filmmaking firing on all cylinders. There’s some incredibly unique cinematography by DP Steven Breckon, framing the pool and the buildings and every shot in a way that is instantly peculiar or unsettling yet also entrancing. This guy has an eye, that’s for sure, and I’m glad he teamed up with Polinger. The score rules – it’s a stirring horror score built around “aaah” and “oooh” vocals sampled into percussive music. The singer / composer Johan Lenox is the inventive musician behind this score and he deserves extra attention for creating this especially freaky score. Still thinking about it all the time… It’s part of what makes this movie so chilling to watch, keeping viewers on the edge of their seat even if it’s not actually horror. Ultimately the story is less about bullying and more about being yourself, not letting any peer pressure or conformity get to you. Not an easy task, especially when you’re a kid growing up who wants to be seen as cool and accepted in the group. It’s a helluva good film that’s entirely original and gripping – Polinger instantly proving he’s got the chops.

Alex’s Cannes 2025 Rating: 8 out of 10
Follow Alex on Twitter – @firstshowing / Or Letterboxd – @firstshowing

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Duke University

DURHAM, N.C.— Duke women’s soccer is welcoming six newcomers to the pitch in 2025 as Kieran Hall takes over the reigns as the head coach of the Blue Devils.  The six-member class is ranked No. 3 nationally by TopDrawerSoccer. The Blue Devils will spotlight each of the six newcomers ahead of preseason practice starting in […]

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DURHAM, N.C.— Duke women’s soccer is welcoming six newcomers to the pitch in 2025 as Kieran Hall takes over the reigns as the head coach of the Blue Devils.  The six-member class is ranked No. 3 nationally by TopDrawerSoccer.

The Blue Devils will spotlight each of the six newcomers ahead of preseason practice starting in late July.

Our second rookie is Kaylee Kim, a 5-4 forward from Belmont, Calif.  Kim is listed as the No. 5 player from the Northern California and Hawaii regions.  A 2024 NorCal All-League First Team (2023) and Second Team (2024, 2022) selection, Kim tallied 32 goals and nine assists as a freshman and sophomore at Carlmont High School.  She also competes for Bay Area Surf club team.

 

To stay up to date with Blue Devils women’s soccer, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching “DukeWSOC”.

#GoDuke

 


GoDuke.com: What made you choose Duke?

Kaylee Kim:
I chose Duke because of the strong sense of family and community that surrounded me from the start. The team demonstrated incredible support and loyalty to one another and the school as a whole made every student feel welcomed and valued. The coaches made me feel at home while also showing me that they’re committed to pushing me to reach my full potential.

 

GD: Tell us about your soccer game and what you hope to bring to Duke?

KK: 
I’m a hard worker who is always determined to chase after every ball, sacrifice for every tackle and leave everything on the field. I aim to bring that contagious energy to every practice and game!

 

GD: Favorite Duke player you grew up liking to watch?

KK:
  Michelle cooper

 

GD: Most excited for at Duke (soccer and not soccer)?

KK: 
I am most excited to be supported and guided by our amazing coaching staff and upperclassmen that I know will help me grow so much. 

 

GD: What is a fun fact/skill/talent people may not know about you?

KK:
  Fun Fact: I don’t like kimchi! 

 

GD: Who are your biggest inspirations on and off the pitch?

KK: 
My biggest inspiration on the pitch are my Bay Area surf teammates who never fail to support me and always want the best for me. They’ve taught me how a passionate and intense environment can truly feel like home. Off the field, my biggest inspiration is my parents, who have always demonstrated that hard work leads to success and that giving your best effort means living without regrets.

GD: What is your proudest moment on the soccer field so far?

KK: 
My proudest moment on the soccer field so far came during the final game of the season, which would decide the league champion. It had been a challenging season adjusting to a new team and environment. With the score tied 1-1 late in the second half, I managed to chase down the ball and score the winning goal, securing a 2-1 victory for Bay Area Surf and clinching the league title.

 

GD: At what age did you start playing soccer?

KK: 
I started playing at seven years old

 

GD: Did you play other sports growing up?

KK: 
Track, tennis, swimming, skiing and snowboarding

 

GD: I know it is early, but do you have any idea yet what you think you might want to major in?

KK: 
I am still working on discovering my major!

 

Quick Hitters:

Favorite Athlete? 
Kevin De Bruyne 

Hobbies? Ceramics, snowboarding, running, thrifting 

Favorite TV Show? The Good Place and Gilmore Girls

Favorite Movie? Truman Show and Big Hero 6

Favorite Emoji? ??

Latest show you watched on television/Netflix? How I Met Your Mother

If you were to play another sport, what would it be? Beach Volleyball

Mountains or Beach? Beach

Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream? Brownie Batter 

Any Pregame Rituals? None!



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FIU Beach Volleyball Coach Bids Farewell After two Seasons

Bautista Samperi | Sports Director Terri Del Conte will step down as head coach of the FIU beach volleyball team to focus on her family.  After two seasons, the California native informed the team on Wednesday of her decision to leave the program. As reported by the FIU Athletics Department, Del Conte said, “My experience […]

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Bautista Samperi | Sports Director

Terri Del Conte will step down as head coach of the FIU beach volleyball team to focus on her family. 

After two seasons, the California native informed the team on Wednesday of her decision to leave the program.

As reported by the FIU Athletics Department, Del Conte said, “My experience at FIU made this decision very hard. I loved working with Scott [Carr, Athletics Director], Julie [Berg, Deputy AD], FIU staff and, above all, the team. I have had many goals since graduating college that I put a pin in, and one of those is building a family.”

“That is my main focus over the next couple of years, along with serving my hometown community in every way I can,” Del Conte said. “After the passing of my father, it has put into perspective the importance of family, and it’s time to make that more of a priority. Thank you, Panther family, for all the love expressed over these last two years, they have been memorable!”

During her time at FIU, Del Conte coached five student-athletes to All-Conference USA honors, including 2025 CUSA Freshman of the Year Brianna Luoma.

Two athletes, Giada Bianchi and Reka Orsi Toth, earned AVCA All-American honors during her time at FIU.

“We are very appreciative of Terri’s time here at FIU and her service in not only leading, but growing, our beach volleyball program to be one of the best in the country,” said Director of Athletics Scott Carr. “Although we hoped she would continue as our head coach, we understand and respect her decision and desire to prioritize family and wish her the best.”

A national search for her replacement is now underway, with Del Conte set to assist the program throughout the transition.

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Former MP Brendan Horan eyes Whakatāne council role in elections

“Whakatāne has the most qualified mayor in the world with Victor Luca,” he said. He expressed disappointment in not seeing greater support for him on the council, particularly in his advocacy for more affordable rates. “Affordability is vital, and we have to look to the future. There’s no reason Whakatāne District Council cannot create new […]

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LCU Athletics Partners with FanWord to Elevate Storytelling and Digital Engagement

Story Links LUBBOCK, Texas (June 26, 2025) – Lubbock Christian University Athletics has announced a new strategic partnership with FanWord, one of the nation’s leading storytelling and technology companies in college athletics. The collaboration, which centers on FanWord’s content creation platform FanWord Assist, aims to strengthen the Chaparrals’ storytelling capabilities and amplify […]

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LUBBOCK, Texas (June 26, 2025) – Lubbock Christian University Athletics has announced a new strategic partnership with FanWord, one of the nation’s leading storytelling and technology companies in college athletics. The collaboration, which centers on FanWord’s content creation platform FanWord Assist, aims to strengthen the Chaparrals’ storytelling capabilities and amplify the voices of LCU student-athletes, coaches, and alumni.
 
With a proud championship tradition and a commitment to academic and athletic excellence, LCU Athletics continues to seek forward-thinking tools to enhance its digital presence. The integration of FanWord Assist into the department’s communication efforts will enable LCU to streamline content production and deliver more consistent, impactful written stories.
 
“There are countless impactful stories to share at LCU,” said Chris Due, LCU’s Associate Athletic Director for Communications. “We’re excited to partner with FanWord to help us highlight the journeys of our student-athletes and coaches in a creative and forward-thinking way.”
 
FanWord Assist, already trusted by more than 100 institutions across the country, helps athletic departments produce a wide variety of content including game recaps, athlete bios, feature stories, and news releases. The addition of the platform will increase LCU’s capacity for timely storytelling while enhancing brand engagement and audience connection.
 
“Partnering with Lubbock Christian University is a major highlight for us,” said Chris Aumueller, CEO of FanWord. “They have an incredible athletic tradition and a clear passion for telling meaningful stories. Our goal is to help them bring those stories to life more easily and effectively, and we couldn’t be more excited to support their journey.”
 
The partnership underscores LCU’s commitment to innovation in college athletics and aligns with the department’s broader mission to promote and celebrate the achievements of its community—both on and off the field.
 
To learn more about FanWord and its storytelling tools, visit FanWord.com.
 



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Sports Market Place Directory 2025

DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The “Sports Market Place Directory 2025 Edition” book has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering. Sports Market Place 2025 provides a one-stop resource for this billion-dollar industry. This will be an important resource for large public libraries, university libraries, university athletic programs, career services or job placement organizations, and is a must for anyone doing […]

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Sports Market Place Directory 2025

DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The “Sports Market Place Directory 2025 Edition” book has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.

Sports Market Place 2025 provides a one-stop resource for this billion-dollar industry. This will be an important resource for large public libraries, university libraries, university athletic programs, career services or job placement organizations, and is a must for anyone doing business in or marketing a product or service to the vast U.S. sports industry.

Sports Market Place is the classic sports reference work that has served the sports industry for over 50 years, offering full coverage of 103 sports – from Air Sports to Yachting – including data on fast-growing segments such as cycling, fitness, gymnastics, martial arts, running, swimming, and weightlifting. Over the years, this work has grown to include nearly 2,000 pages of valuable content, including professional, college and youth leagues and teams, sports media, events, facilities, sponsors, manufacturers, and professional services.

With this directory on your desk, you have a comprehensive tool providing current key information about the people, organizations and events involving the explosive sports industry at your fingertips. Sports Market Place provides must-have contact information (nearly 13,500 listings) including: 11,484 websites, 6,047 email addresses, and nearly 40,000 key executives.

  • Single Sports has over 2,109 sport-specific organizations, leagues and teams that comprise over 100 specific sports. It includes professional, major and minor leagues, coaches, managers, and an alphabetical index.

  • Multi Sports includes 12 specific categories, including athletic foundations, Olympic teams, halls of fame and youth sports organizations. It includes a total of 835 and an alphabetical index.

  • College Sports has 1,697 listings with associations, conferences, degree programs, and division I, II and III schools. You’ll find a comprehensive list of coaches and sports management programs, and an alphabetical index.

  • Media includes prominent newspapers and radio and television sports programming. Listings include editors, commentators, show hosts and an alphabetical index.

  • Sports Sponsors includes 119 sponsors that support most major sports, including college bowl games, and an alphabetical index.

  • Professional Services comprises 13 categories, from executive search services to ticket services, for a total of 1,684 listings, and an alphabetical index.

  • Facilities has 1,365 listings and includes seven categories from arenas to facility concession services. You’ll find stadiums, race tracks, architects, management services, and an alphabetical index.

  • Manufacturers & Retailers include 1,929 listings, with a separate section for Software Manufacturers. Listings include valuable contact information, including key executives, plus products and brands. This chapter includes two indexes – one by sport and one by subject.

  • Events, Meetings & Trade Shows include 1,060 listings, of which 130 are trade shows. Events and trade shows are listed separately by both sport and date. This section also includes two alphabetical indexes, one for trade shows and one for events.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Single Sports

  • Alphabetical Index

  • Air Sports Organizations

  • Archery Organizations

  • Arm Wrestling Organizations

  • Auto Sports Organizations

  • Auto Sports Racing Leagues/Teams

  • Badminton Organizations

  • Bandy Organizations

  • Baseball Organizations

  • Baseball, Professional Leagues/Teams: Major

  • Baseball, Professional Leagues/Teams: Minor

  • Basketball Organizations

  • Basketball, Leagues and Teams

  • Biathlon Organizations

  • Billiards Organizations

  • Boating Organizations

  • Bobsledding Organizations

  • Bowling Organizations

  • Boxing Organizations

  • Broomball Organizations

  • Canoeing Organizations

  • Climbing Organizations

  • Cricket Organizations

  • Croquet Organizations

  • Curling Organizations

  • Cycling Organizations

  • Cycling, Leagues/Teams

  • Dart Organizations

  • Diving Organizations

  • Equestrian Organizations

  • Equestrian, Commissions/Pari-Mutuel

  • Exercise/Fitness Organizations

  • Fencing Organizations

  • Figure Skating Organizations

  • Fishing Organizations

  • Football Organizations

  • Football, College Bowl/Classics

  • Football, Professional Leagues/Teams

  • Frisbee Organizations

  • Golf Organizations

  • Greyhound Racing Organizations

  • Gymnastics Organizations

  • Handball Organizations

  • Hockey, Field Hockey Organizations

  • Hockey, Ice Hockey Organizations

  • Hockey, Professional Hockey (NHL)

  • Hockey, Professional, Minor Leagues

  • Hockey, Roller Hockey Organizations

  • Horseshoe Organizations

  • Inline Skating Organizations

  • Jai-Lai Organizations

  • Kayaking Organizations

  • Kiting Organizations

  • Lacrosse Organizations

  • Lacrosse, Leagues/Teams

  • Luge Organizations

  • Martial Arts Organizations

  • Motorcycle Organizations

  • Mountainboard Organizations

  • Netball Organizations

  • Orienteering Organizations

  • Pentathlon Organizations

  • Petanque Organizations

  • Platform Tennis Organizations

  • Polo Organizations

  • Racquetball Organizations

  • Ringette Organizations

  • Rodeo Organizations

  • Roller Skating Organizations

  • Rowing/Crew Organizations

  • Rugby Organizations

  • Running Organizations

  • Sailing Organizations

  • Scuba Organizations

  • Shooting/Hunting Organizations

  • Shuffleboard Organizations

  • Skateboard Organizations

  • Skiing Organizations

  • Sled Dog Organizations

  • Snowboarding Organizations

  • Snowmobile Organizations

  • Soccer (Futsal) Organizations

  • Soccer Organizations

  • Soccer, Leagues/Teams

  • Softball Organizations

  • Softball, Leagues/Teams

  • Speedskating Organizations

  • Squash Organizations

  • Surfing Organizations

  • Swimming Organizations

  • Table Tennis Organizations

  • Tennis Organizations

  • Tennis, Leagues/Teams

  • Track & Field Organizations

  • Triathlon Organizations

  • Tug of War Organizations

  • Volleyball Organizations

  • Water Polo Organizations

  • Water Skiing Organizations

  • Weightlifting Organizations

  • Windsurfing Organizations

  • Wrestling Organizations

  • Yachting Organizations

2. Multiple Sports

  • Alphabetical Index

  • Athletic Foundations

  • Disabled Sports

  • High School Sports

  • Military Sports

  • Olympic, International Federations

  • Olympic, Organizations

  • Olympic, United States Major Governing Bodies

  • Professional Organizations

  • Sports Commissions/Convention Visitors Bureau

  • Sports Halls of Fame, Libraries, Museums

  • State Games Organizations

  • Youth Organizations

3. College Sports

  • Alphabetical Index

  • College Associations

  • College Athletic Conferences

  • NAIA I Colleges

  • NCAA Division I Colleges

  • NCAA Division II Colleges

  • NCAA Division III Colleges

  • Sport Management Degree Programs

4. Media

  • Alphabetical Index

  • Newspapers

  • Magazines

  • Sports Business Directories

  • Media Production

  • Sports Radio Networks

  • Sports Radio Programs, Local

  • Sports Radio Programs, National

  • Sports Satellite Radio

  • Sports Radio Stations

  • Sports Television, Cable & Broadcasting

  • Sports Television Pay Per View

  • Sports Television Programs, Local

  • Sports Television Programs, National

  • Sports Satellite Television

  • Sports Television Stations

  • Sports on the World Wide Web

5. Sports Sponsors

  • Sponsor by Sport Index

  • Sports-Related

6. Professional Services

  • Alphabetical Index

  • Executive Search Services

  • Event Planning & Services

  • Event Security

  • Financial Services

  • Marketing & Consulting Services

  • Technical Services

  • Sports Agents

  • Sports Attorneys

  • Sports Medicine Services

  • Sports Travel Services

  • Statistical Services

  • Student Athlete Recruiting Services

  • Ticket Services

7. Facilities

  • Alphabetical Index

  • Arenas & Stadiums

  • Race Tracks – Auto

  • Race Tracks – Equestrian Downs & Parks

  • Race Tracks – Greyhound

  • Facility Architects & Developers

  • Facility Management

  • Facility Concession Services

8. Manufacturers & Retailers

  • Company by Sport/Subject Index

  • Equipment & Product Manufacturers

  • Software Manufacturers

  • Retailers

9. Events, Meetings & Trade Shows

  • Alphabetical Trade Show Index

  • Meeting and Trade Show Calendar

  • Alphabetical Events Index

  • Events by Date

  • Events by Sport

10. All-Volume Indexes

  • Entry Index

  • Executive Index

  • Geographic Index

For more information about this book visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/fkhjzi

Source: Grey House Publishing Inc

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ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world’s leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Live Water Polo U16 Girls Inter-Regional Championships 2025

June 27, 2025 Eight teams are heading to Liverpool Aquatics centre as the North West’s Region hosts the U16 Girls Inter-Regional Championships this weekend. Five teams will battle it out for the top prize with North West Thunder, West Midland Warriors, South West Sharks, London Sharks and South East competing in Division One. They’ll face […]

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Eight teams are heading to Liverpool Aquatics centre as the North West’s Region hosts the U16 Girls Inter-Regional Championships this weekend.

Five teams will battle it out for the top prize with North West Thunder, West Midland Warriors, South West Sharks, London Sharks and South East competing in Division One.

They’ll face off for the top honour after finishing as the highest ranked teams at the U14 inter-regionals two years ago.

In Division 2, Scotland, East Midlands and North East Steelers will go head to head in the event, which will see each side gain plenty of vital match experience.

You can follow all the scores from the competition with our live scoreboard below.


Division 1

Division 1 Fixtures & Results

Saturday 28 June
North West Thunder v West Midland Warriors 13:15
London Sharks v South West Sharks 14:30
North West Thunder v South East 15:45
West Midland Warriors v South West Sharks 17:00
London Sharks v South East 18:15
Sunday 29 June
West Midland Warriors v South East 09:15
North West Thunder v South West Sharks 10:30
West Midland Warriors v London Sharks 11:45
South East v South West Sharks 13:00
North West Thunder v London Sharks 14:15

Division 1 Table

Team P W D L GD Pts
North West Thunder 0 0 0 0 0 0
West Midland Warriors 0 0 0 0 0 0
South West Sharks 0 0 0 0 0 0
London Sharks 0 0 0 0 0 0
South East 0 0 0 0 0 0

Division 2

Division 2 Fixtures & Results

Saturday 28 June
Scotland v East 13:15
Scotland v North East Steelers 15:45
East v North East Steelers 18:15
Sunday 29 September
East v North East Steelers 09:45
East v Scotland 11:45
North East Steelers v Scotland 14:15

Division 2 Table

Team P W D L GD Pts
Scotland 0 0 0 0 0 0
East 0 0 0 0 0 0
North East Steelers 0 0 0 0 0 0



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