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That’s how life goes, film: plot, cast, true story, review

by James Carter Senior News Editor
written by James Carter Senior News Editor

Sardinian Shepherd’s Epic Battle Inspires New Film – A Story of Resistance and Resilience

Breaking News: A David-and-Goliath struggle for land and identity in Sardinia is captivating audiences with the release of ‘Life Goes Like This,’ a new film directed by Riccardo Milani. The movie, already a hit at the Rome Film Festival, tells the true story of Ovidio Marras, a shepherd who refused to sell his ancestral land to a powerful real estate group, and is now sparking conversations about development, community, and the courage to say ‘no.’ This is a story for anyone who’s ever felt powerless against overwhelming forces – and a reminder that sometimes, standing your ground is the most important thing.

The Real Ovidio Marras: A Legacy of Resistance

Ovidio Marras, a shepherd from Teulada, Sardinia, passed away in 2024 at the age of 86, but his legacy of defiance lives on. For years, Marras fiercely protected his furriadroxiu – a traditional Sardinian agro-pastoral settlement – from Sitas, a real estate group aiming to build a large, “eco-sustainable” resort on the pristine Tuerredda beach. Despite receiving offers exceeding 12 million euros, Marras steadfastly refused to grant permission for a road that would bisect his land, effectively halting the project. This wasn’t just about money; it was about preserving a way of life, a connection to the land, and a cultural identity threatened by unchecked development.

From Sardinian Beach to the Silver Screen: ‘Life Goes Like This’

Riccardo Milani, known for bringing true stories of “normal heroes” to life (as seen in his previous film, ‘A World Apart’), was deeply moved by Marras’s story. The film, starring Giuseppe Ignazio Loi (a real Sardinian shepherd himself) as Efisio Mulas – a character inspired by Marras – Virginia Raffaele, Aldo Baglio, and Diego Abatantuono, doesn’t shy away from the complexities of the situation. It portrays a community divided: some eager for the economic benefits of the resort, others fiercely loyal to Marras and the preservation of their heritage. Milani’s approach, as he explains, is to “speak to people who don’t think like me,” presenting a nuanced perspective on a deeply divisive issue.

The Ghost Village of Malfatano: A Warning Sign

The story isn’t just about a single man’s resistance; it’s a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of unchecked development. The ruins of Malfatano, a ghost village left behind after a similar construction project, serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences. The legal battle, which concluded in 2016 with a ruling in Marras’s favor, prevented the construction of the resort, but the issue remains unresolved. Demolition orders for parts of the existing structures have been issued, yet there’s resistance from those who hope to revive the project and reap its economic rewards. This ongoing tension highlights the delicate balance between progress and preservation.

Beyond the Headlines: The Broader Implications

The story of Ovidio Marras resonates far beyond the shores of Sardinia. It speaks to a global struggle against unsustainable development, the erosion of traditional cultures, and the power of individual courage. Milani’s film isn’t simply a biographical drama; it’s a mirror reflecting the challenges faced by communities worldwide grappling with similar issues. The film also touches on the role of local politics and the often-distant presence of the state, leaving communities to navigate these conflicts largely on their own. The casting of Virginia Raffaele, a Roman actress, underscores the universal appeal of this story, while Geppi Cucciari, a Sardinian native, brings authenticity to the role of the judge tasked with resolving the conflict.

A Love Letter to Sardinia and a Call for Respect

‘Life Goes Like This’ is, at its heart, a love letter to Sardinia – its breathtaking landscapes, its rich culture, and its resilient people. It’s a film that encourages viewers to reflect on their own relationship with the land, their communities, and the importance of standing up for what they believe in. Milani’s work, following his celebration of Sardinia in a recent docufilm on Gigi Riva, continues to champion the values of identity, legality, and respect for both people and the environment. The film’s success is a testament to the enduring power of stories that remind us of our shared humanity and the importance of protecting the places we call home.

As ‘Life Goes Like This’ continues its run in cinemas, it’s sparking vital conversations about the future of Sardinia and the lessons learned from Ovidio Marras’s unwavering commitment to his land. For more breaking news, in-depth analysis, and compelling stories from around the world, stay tuned to archyde.com – your source for informed perspectives and timely updates.

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U.S. and Chinese Officials Clash Over Export Controls and Tariff Threats in Malaysia

by James Carter Senior News Editor
written by James Carter Senior News Editor
  • Bessent, Greer meet China’s He Lifeng for fifth time since May
  • Talks aimed at keeping Trump-Xi meeting on track, thwarting major trade war escalation
  • China’s rare earths export controls a key focus for Kuala Lumpur meeting

KUALA LUMPUR/WASHINGTON, Oct 24 (Reuters) – Top economic officials from the U.S. and China are due to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on Friday for talks to prevent a trade war escalation and keep next week’s meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on track.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to find a way forward after Trump threatened new 100% tariffs on Chinese goods and other trade curbs starting November 1 in retaliation for China’s vastly expanded export controls on rare earth magnets and minerals.

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The talks, due to start on Saturday on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in the Malaysian capital, are the fifth meeting between He, Bessent and Greer since May, shifting from European cities to a key Asian exporter dependent on both China and the U.S.

RARE EARTHS STRANGLEHOLD

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The talks are again focused on China’s stranglehold over global supplies of rare earth minerals and magnets essential for high-tech manufacturing, which Beijing has used as an effective leverage point against Washington.

In April, Trump hit Chinese imports with new tariffs that quickly escalated to triple-digit rates on both sides, and Beijing cut off rare earths supplies to U.S. buyers, a move that threatened to halt U.S. production of electric vehicles, semiconductors and weapons systems.

Bessent and Greer’s first meeting with He in Geneva in May led to a 90-day truce, which brought down tariffs sharply to about 55% on the U.S. side and 10% on the Chinese side and restarted the flow of magnets. The terms were refined in London and Stockholm and September talks in Madrid produced a deal to transfer Chinese short video app TikTok to U.S. ownership control.

But the delicate truce frayed two weeks later, when the U.S. Commerce Department vastly expanded a U.S. export blacklist to automatically include firms more than 50% owned by companies already on the list, banning U.S. exports to thousands more Chinese firms.

China struck back with the new global rare earth export controls on October 10, aiming to prevent their use in military systems by requiring export licenses for products using Chinese rare earths or rare earth refining, extraction or processing technology developed by Chinese firms.

Bessent and Greer blasted China’s move as a “global supply chain power grab” and vowed the U.S. and its allies would not accept the restrictions. Reuters reported that the Trump administration is considering a plan to up the ante with curbs on a dizzying array of software-powered exports to China, from laptops to jet engines, according to sources familiar with the deliberations.

STEPPING BACK FROM BRINK

But their challenge in Kuala Lumpur, analysts say, is to negotiate a return to the prior status quo to keep magnets flowing and avoid a massive U.S. tariff hike. If they fail, next Thursday’s Trump-Xi meeting in South Korea during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit may be canceled.

“Ultimately, I’m optimistic that at this particular meeting there will be tactical decisions to sort of extend the pause,” said Dennis Wilder, a senior fellow at Georgetown University’s Initiative for U.S.-China Dialogue on Global Issues.

“Trump won’t go to the 100% tariffs. The Chinese will back away a little bit from this idea that rare earths exports to defense sectors around the world will not happen,” Wilder told an online forum hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The U.S. side is also likely to press Beijing to resume buying American soybeans after China bought none in September, heaping economic pain on farmers, a key Trump political constituency.

But the talks are less likely to dig into the core U.S. complaints about China’s export-driven economic model that prompted Trump’s tariffs in the first place, which include a long-sought rebalancing of Chinese economy towards more consumption and reducing its excess production capacity.

“We’re not able to get to that because we’ve got to ask them to buy soybeans, right?” said Philip Luck, director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Economics Program. “It’s not the core issue.”

Reporting by David Lawder and Rozanna Latiff

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.opens new tab

What specific U.S.export controls are causing friction with China regarding technology transfer in Malaysia?

U.S. and Chinese Officials Clash Over Export Controls and Tariff threats in Malaysia

Rising Trade Tensions in Southeast Asia

recent high-level meetings in Kuala Lumpur between U.S. and Chinese officials have revealed escalating tensions surrounding export controls, tariff disputes, and concerns over economic coercion within the strategically crucial region of Southeast Asia. The discussions, framed as part of ongoing efforts to manage the complex U.S.-China relationship, quickly devolved into pointed exchanges regarding trade practices and national security concerns. This clash specifically centers on Malaysia’s growing role as a potential hub for technology manufacturing and its implications for both superpowers.

The Core of the Dispute: Semiconductor Supply Chains

The immediate trigger for the heightened friction appears to be the U.S.’s continued tightening of export restrictions on advanced semiconductors and related technology. Washington argues these controls are necessary to prevent China from acquiring capabilities that could be used to enhance its military and surveillance apparatus. Beijing vehemently opposes these measures, labeling them as protectionist and a intentional attempt to stifle its technological advancement.

* U.S.Concerns: Preventing the flow of cutting-edge chip technology to Chinese entities involved in military research and advancement. Maintaining a technological advantage in critical sectors.

* Chinese Counterarguments: Accusations of the U.S. using national security as a pretext for economic containment. Assertions that the restrictions violate free trade principles.

Malaysia, a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain, finds itself caught in the crossfire. U.S. officials have reportedly expressed concerns that Chinese companies are increasingly utilizing Malaysian facilities to circumvent export controls, potentially through re-routing or repackaging of sensitive components.

Tariff Threats and Retaliation Risks

Beyond export controls, the specter of new tariffs loomed large during the meetings. The U.S. has been considering additional tariffs on a range of Chinese goods,citing unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft. China has consistently warned of retaliatory measures, potentially targeting U.S. agricultural products and other key exports.

The potential for a trade war escalation is especially concerning given the already fragile global economic recovery. Analysts predict that increased tariffs could disrupt supply chains, raise prices for consumers, and dampen economic growth. The situation is further complicated by Malaysia’s existing trade relationships with both countries.

Malaysia’s Position: Navigating a Delicate Balance

Malaysia is attempting to navigate a delicate balance,seeking to maintain strong economic ties with both the U.S. and China. Prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized the importance of a rules-based international order and has called for dialog to resolve the trade disputes. However, Malaysia also recognizes its economic dependence on China, which is its largest trading partner.

* Economic Considerations: China accounts for a critically important portion of Malaysia’s exports and foreign investment.

* Strategic Partnerships: Malaysia also values its long-standing security and economic relationship with the U.S.

* ASEAN’s Role: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is attempting to play a mediating role, advocating for a peaceful resolution to the disputes.

The Impact on Foreign Investment in malaysia

The escalating tensions are creating uncertainty for foreign investors in malaysia.Companies are reassessing their investment plans, concerned about the potential for disruptions to supply chains and the imposition of new trade barriers. This hesitancy could hinder Malaysia’s efforts to attract foreign capital and diversify its economy.

Case Study: Intel’s Malaysian Expansion (2023) – Intel’s recent multi-billion dollar investment in a chip packaging facility in Malaysia was touted as a sign of the country’s growing importance in the semiconductor industry. However, the current trade disputes raise questions about the long-term viability of such investments.

Potential Scenarios and Future Outlook

several scenarios could unfold in the coming months:

  1. Escalation: The U.S. and China could impose further tariffs and tighten export controls, leading to a full-blown trade war.
  2. Negotiated Settlement: Both sides could reach a compromise, potentially involving concessions on export controls and tariff reductions.
  3. Continued Stalemate: The current tensions could persist, creating ongoing uncertainty for businesses and investors.

The outcome will likely depend on a number of factors, including domestic political considerations in both countries, the broader geopolitical landscape, and the ability of diplomatic channels to remain open. Monitoring trade policy, geopolitical risk, and supply chain resilience will be crucial for businesses operating in the region.

Benefits of Diversifying Supply Chains

The current situation underscores the importance of supply chain diversification. Companies reliant on single sources for critical components are particularly vulnerable to disruptions caused by trade disputes or geopolitical events.

* Reduced Risk: Diversifying supply chains reduces the risk of disruptions and ensures business continuity.

* Increased Resilience: A diversified supply chain is more resilient to shocks and can adapt more quickly to changing circumstances.

* Cost Savings: Competition among suppliers can lead to lower costs and improved quality.

Practical Tips for Businesses

Businesses operating in Malaysia or with exposure to the

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India Evaluates Easing Import Regulations and Tariffs on Chinese Goods, Aims for Enhanced Trade Dynamics

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India to Ease Import Restrictions on Chinese Goods, Signaling Shift in Trade Policy

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New Delhi – October 17, 2025 – India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, alongside the NITI Aayog policy body, is preparing to relax certain tariff and non-tariff barriers on imports from China, according to three government officials. This move signals a potential shift in India’s trade strategy as it balances economic needs with geopolitical considerations.

the easing of restrictions will include allowing existing anti-dumping duties on products like axle beams,steering components,and high-strength polyester yarn to expire.Moreover, the government is considering reducing tariffs on crucial raw materials used in the leather and engineering sectors – areas where domestic production currently falls short of demand.

This policy adjustment comes after a period of strained relations following border clashes in 2020. However, a recent agreement in August to strengthen business ties between the two nations appears to be driving the change. One government official stated a growing consensus that, alongside trade negotiations with the United States, revising trade policy concerning China is now essential.

Industry representatives have been advocating for lower import duties, particularly on raw materials. Currently, Indian manufacturers face a disadvantage compared to competitors in countries like Vietnam, which import these materials from China duty-free. While the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and NITI Aayog have reportedly supported these requests during inter-ministerial meetings, the final decision on tariff reductions rests with the Ministry of Finance.

Beyond tariffs, the government is also exploring a case-by-case approach to easing restrictions on Chinese investment, provided that any potential national security risks are deemed minimal. This cautious approach reflects a desire to attract investment while safeguarding strategic interests.

What are the primary economic factors influencing India’s reconsideration of its China trade policy?

India Evaluates Easing Import Regulations and Tariffs on chinese Goods, Aims for Enhanced Trade Dynamics

The Shifting Landscape of India-China Trade

Recent reports indicate a significant potential shift in India’s trade policy towards China. After years of increased scrutiny and, in some cases, restrictions on Chinese imports, New Delhi is actively evaluating a relaxation of import regulations and a reduction in tariffs. This move signals a desire to recalibrate trade dynamics, perhaps boosting economic growth and addressing supply chain vulnerabilities. The core focus is on fostering a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship,moving beyond the geopolitical tensions that have characterized recent years. Key areas under consideration include electronics, textiles, and certain manufactured goods.

Reasons behind the Policy Reconsideration

Several factors are driving India’s reassessment of its China trade policy:

* Economic Slowdown & Inflation: India,like many global economies,is navigating a period of moderate economic growth and persistent inflationary pressures. Lowering import costs on essential components and finished goods from China – a major manufacturing hub – could help curb inflation and stimulate domestic industries reliant on these inputs.

* supply Chain Resilience: The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent global disruptions highlighted the fragility of relying on limited supply sources. Diversifying, or in this case, re-engaging with a major supplier like China, is seen as a strategy to enhance supply chain resilience.

* Trade Deficit Concerns: while India aims for self-reliance (“Atmanirbhar Bharat”), the considerable trade deficit with China remains a concern. Easing imports, coupled with efforts to boost Indian exports, is intended to narrow this gap.

* Geopolitical Realities: Despite ongoing border disputes and strategic competition,complete disengagement from the Chinese economy is deemed impractical and potentially detrimental to India’s economic interests. A pragmatic approach is being favored.

* demand for Specific Goods: Certain sectors within India have a significant reliance on Chinese goods due to cost competitiveness or lack of domestic alternatives. Relaxing restrictions addresses these specific needs.

Specific Sectors Likely to be Affected

The potential easing of import regulations isn’t expected to be blanket.Certain sectors are more likely to see changes than others:

* Electronics & Components: India’s electronics manufacturing sector is rapidly growing, but still heavily reliant on Chinese components. Reduced tariffs on these components could lower production costs and boost competitiveness. This includes semiconductors, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and display panels.

* Pharmaceuticals & APIs: India is a major pharmaceutical producer, but depends on China for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). Streamlining imports of APIs is crucial for maintaining drug production and affordability.

* Textiles & Apparel: China remains a dominant player in the global textile supply chain. lowering tariffs on specific textile products could benefit Indian garment manufacturers.

* Machinery & Equipment: Certain specialized machinery and equipment are currently subject to high import duties. Easing these could facilitate technology upgrades and improve industrial efficiency.

* Chemicals: The chemical industry relies on specific raw materials from China.Targeted tariff reductions could alleviate supply constraints and reduce costs.

Potential Benefits of Easing Import Restrictions

The anticipated policy shift offers several potential benefits:

* Reduced Inflation: Lower import costs translate to lower prices for consumers and businesses.

* Boost to Manufacturing: Access to cheaper inputs can enhance the competitiveness of indian manufacturers.

* Increased Investment: A more predictable and favorable trade habitat can attract foreign investment.

* Enhanced Supply Chain Security: Diversifying supply sources,even partially,reduces vulnerability to disruptions.

* Improved Trade Balance: Increased imports,coupled with export promotion efforts,can definitely help narrow the trade deficit.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the potential benefits, several challenges and considerations remain:

* Domestic Industry Concerns: Indian manufacturers may express concerns about increased competition from cheaper Chinese imports.Safeguard measures and support for domestic industries will be crucial.

* Quality Control: Ensuring the quality and safety of imported goods remains a priority. Stringent quality control measures will be necessary.

* Geopolitical Sensitivity: Any easing of trade restrictions will likely face scrutiny from political and strategic perspectives.

* Countervailing Duties: The possibility of imposing countervailing duties to address unfair trade practices will need to be considered.

* Focus on Export Growth: Simply easing imports isn’t enough. india must together focus on boosting its exports to China and diversifying its export markets.

The Role of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

The ongoing discussions regarding Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) – of which China is a member – and potential bilateral trade agreements are also influencing India’s approach. While India opted out of RCEP in 2020, revisiting such agreements or negotiating new ones could provide a more structured framework for trade with China. A comprehensive FTA could address issues such as tariff barriers,non-tariff barriers,and intellectual property rights.

Impact on Indian Businesses: Practical Tips

For Indian businesses, understanding these potential changes is crucial:

  1. Supply Chain Mapping: Analyze your supply chain to identify dependencies on Chinese goods.
  2. Cost Analysis: Evaluate the potential cost savings from reduced tariffs.
  3. Quality Assurance: strengthen quality control processes to ensure imported goods meet standards.
  4. Export Opportunities:
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Amazon Prime Day 2025: Top Offers You Don’t Want to Miss from October 7-8

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