Why Are All Eyes on Nicole Kidman’s 'Babygirl?'

Now released in cinemas, Babygirl marks one of Nicole Kidman's most daring performances in years. As the lead character Romy, she dives into the complexities of female power, age and vulnerability, offering a striking portrayal that challenges mainstream narratives. A Provocative Plot Foremost, the film explores the themes of power, desire and ...

Elie Rizkallah Explores Architectural Memory Through Reminiscence

Through this exhibition, Elie Rizkallah offers an artistic reinterpretation of 1960s Lebanese architecture. Now based in Paris, the artist draws inspiration from the streets of Beirut, where each building tells a story—a narrative woven between memory and disappearance. He shares his thoughts with This Is Beirut. The idea for this exhibition ...

Antoine Kerbaj, the Lebanese Legend: A Voice and Presence That Endure

Antoine Kerbaj’s passing at 90 evokes a profound sense of loss in the hearts of the Lebanese. A life dedicated to the stage and screen, his departure brings a wave of nostalgia for a bygone era — when families gathered around black-and-white television sets, captivated by his words and gestures. Generations grew up to the rhythm of the ...

A Life of Triumph and Struggle: The Story of Emilie Dequenne Aka ‘Rosetta’

Rewarded from the very start for Rosetta, Emilie Dequenne became an essential figure in Belgian and French cinema. Passing away at 43 from a rare form of cancer, she leaves behind a career defined by artistic rigor, diverse roles and unwavering dedication. A Fighter Until the End Emilie Dequenne faced her illness with courage, even as it kept ...

Leggings in 2025: A Wardrobe Essential for Every Occasion

Leggings first gained popularity in the 1960s as a sleeker alternative to capri pants. By the 1970s, they had become a fashion staple, embraced for their comfort and figure-hugging fit. Their prominence only grew in the decades that followed, with the 2010s bringing trends such as pairing leggings with long tunics and layering them under skirts or ...

Beirut Women Film Festival's 8th Edition: Empowering Female Filmmakers

The 8th edition of the Beirut International Women Film Festival 2025 unveils its official poster featuring Zainab Fawwaz, a pioneering Lebanese writer and feminist of the late 19th century, who challenged societal norms and paved the way for women's voices. Standing at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, she embraced leadership as a path ...

Power to Women Embracing Their Timeless Strength at the Oscars and César Awards

This year, women took center stage at the Oscars and César Awards, their speeches carried more than just gratitude—they embodied resilience, empowerment and authenticity. Beyond talent and dazzling gowns, they unveiled the deepest parts of themselves, embracing vulnerability as a source of strength. Through their words, they reminded the world ...

Paris and JR, the Artist Turning Cities into Open-Air Galleries

Some artists change the world simply by existing. JR is one of them. His projects showcase an extraordinary level of creativity, brought to life on a monumental scale, turning cities into canvases filled with beauty and art. "Beauty will save the world," wrote Dostoevsky. And art is beauty. In September 2025, JR, in collaboration with the Christo ...

The Endless Chic of Black and White Stands Out at the César Awards

Few color combinations command attention quite like black and white. At the César Awards, this classic pairing took center stage, with stars embracing its timeless appeal in bold yet understated ways. The Power of Timeless Elegance  The striking duo of the black and white outfit has been a cornerstone of style for decades, embodying a refined ...

'Vingt-quatre heures de la vie d’une femme' to Take the Stage in Beirut

Bringing Zweig’s compelling narrative to the stage, Vingt-quatre heures de la vie d’une femme (Twenty-Four Hours in a Woman’s Life) is preparing for its next chapter in Beirut. Under the direction of Ji Chen, Joanna Khalaf delivers a performance that bridges two cultures, offering audiences an immersive experience in both French ...

Asymmetry in Fashion: A Reflection of Chaotic Perfection

Fashion has long embraced symmetry as a symbol of balance and a mark of perfection. Yet, recently, breaking these conventions has become a powerful design statement. Asymmetric garments, whether they’re one-shoulder tops or uneven hemlines, captivate the eye by challenging norms and expectations. This intentionally created imbalance forms a ...

Paris Book Festival Celebrates Moroccan Literature

Recognized for its linguistic and cultural diversity, the Kingdom of Morocco will be in the spotlight at the 2025 edition of the Paris Book Festival. Moroccan literature, spanning Arabic, Amazigh, French, English, and Spanish, reflects a unique cultural mosaic. Morocco’s Ambassador to France, Samira Sitaïl, highlighted the pride associated with ...

The Boiler Suit: Effortless Style with a Timeless Edge

The boiler suit, also known as coveralls or jumpsuits, holds an effortless appeal that lies in its effortlessness. You simply zip it up, embellish it with a statement element and find the appropriate bag and shoes to adopt the perfect style. Roots and Origin Once a sign of utility, conventionally created from thick canvas or even denim, the ...

Schiaparelli and Dalí: An Eternal Alliance of Art and Surrealism

This year’s haute couture week in Paris opened with Elsa Schiaparelli’s Icare collection, a tribute to the past, brimming with crinolines and corsets. Inspired by ribbons from the 1920s and 1930s, American designer Daniel Roseberry expressed his "desire to travel through time and craft silhouettes that echo the haute couture of the past," as ...

Zeina Daccache’s Stage Replaces Walls in 'Li Chabakna Ykhallesna'

The play Li Chabakna Ykhallesna delves into the struggles of Zeina Daccache and Joseph Jules, a former prisoner, as they navigate a society in crisis after years of confinement. Combining comedy and drama, with comedian Sam Ghazal, it tackles grief, family turmoil and the search for a future in a chaotic world. Directed by Zeina Daccache, the play ...

Bruno Tabbal Presents His Novel 'Le Pays Dont On Ne Guérit Jamais'

Bruno Tabbal takes readers on a remarkable journey with his novel Le pays dont on ne guérit jamais. At Le Monnot theater on Wednesday, February 5, from 5 PM onward, he merges literature and immersion for an unprecedented book signing experience. In his conversation with This is Beirut, Bruno Tabbal discusses his artistic and literary path. He ...

With 'Tropical Escape,' Zuhair Murad Celebrates Raw Nature in Paris

Displaying independence, freedom, but also delicacy and sensuality, Zuhair Murad’s Spring-Summer 2025 collection made a spectacular return to Paris during the Fashion Week. Haute couture shone in all its glory in a “Tropical Escape” of creative outfits where untamed nature and striking chicness meld seamlessly. Zuhair Murad transports his ...

Anjo Rihane to Strike Again with 'Mjadara Hamra' at Casino du Liban

Renowned actress Anjo Rihane takes center stage again in the one-woman theatrical masterpiece Mjadara Hamra. Written and directed by the acclaimed Yahya Jaber, the play promises a captivating evening of storytelling and raw emotion. Scheduled for February 1, 2025, at 8:30 PM, this highly anticipated performance will be held at the Casino du Liban. ...

Georges Hobeika Spring 2025 Couture Collection: A Parisian Tribute to Loss and Heritage

Georges Hobeika presented his Spring-Summer 2025 couture collection at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, a moving tribute to his late mother, Marie Hobeika. As he stated on his official Instagram account, “Maison Georges Hobeika Haute Couture Spring 2025 collection reflects how death represents a journey, a celebration of those whose exceptional ...

Rabih Kayrouz’s Genius Becomes Rooted in History at the Louvre

Rabih Kayrouz, a prominent figure in Lebanese fashion, achieves a remarkable milestone by securing a place at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The exhibition Louvre Couture: Objects of Art, Objects of Fashion, that opened its doors on January 24, 2025, will showcase the rich history of craftsmanship and artistic excellence through the ages. A Unique ...

Manel Mallat Brings Edith Piaf’s Legacy to Life at Casino du Liban

Manel Mallat will take the stage at Casino du Liban on February 7 and 8, 2025, to perform Mon Hymne à Piaf, a tribute to the iconic Edith Piaf. Orchestrated by Danny Bou-Maroun and produced by Cats Production, the show is directed by Kristian Abouanni. This musical celebration promises to bring Piaf's timeless legacy to life, with ...

Georges Khabbaz Starring in Berlinale-Nominated Film 'Yunan'

The film Yunan, written directed by Amir Fakhr el-Din and starring Georges Khabbaz and Hanna Schygulla, will compete in the official selection at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). This prestigious competition positions Yunan for the coveted Golden Bear award alongside globally acclaimed films. As one of the world’s top ...

The Beret’s Triumphant Return: A Timeless Symbol of Elegance

This iconic accessory has transcended eras, establishing itself as a cornerstone of timeless style. Once associated with artistic and intellectual circles, the beret now reinvents itself to captivate a contemporary generation of fashion enthusiasts. From bold hues to sustainable materials, the beret balances tradition with innovation. A Legacy ...

Loïc Nervi, 'Baker Beyond Borders,' Embarks on a Mission to Lebanon

The humanitarian mission underscores the significance of bread as a universal staple that unites people across cultures. Loïc Nervi's involvement, marked by his passion for baking and his commitment to making a difference, is a testament to the power of sharing. For Géraldine Ghostine, gastronomy plays a pivotal role in cultural outreach. "It ...

'Entre 2': A Hilarious Huis Clos at Le Monnot Theater

Written by Bruno Chapelle and brought to life by Jean-Philippe Azéma, Entre 2 delves into an unlikely situation: being stuck in an elevator… but with whom? The show features a set design by Laure Lepelley and includes vocal contributions from artists such as Nicolas Biaud-Mauduit and Lucie Biaud-Michaud. The play cleverly explores universal ...

'Diaries from Lebanon' Premieres at the Institut Français, Beirut

Produced by Abbout Productions and featured in Metropolis Art Cinema's Écrans du réel 2024 lineup, the Diaries from Lebanon documentary delves into personal stories intertwined with Lebanon's sociopolitical upheavals. Through a poignant and deeply personal exploration, the film blends individual narratives with the collective memory of a ...

Hady Zaccak Wins Best Director in Cairo for ‘Cilama’

It comes as no surprise that Hady Zaccak won the Best Director prize at the first edition of the Arab Innovation Festival, held during the feature film competition in Cairo, Egypt. The director is renowned for earning numerous international accolades for his meticulously crafted and deeply focused documentaries. This award reflects the filmmaker's ...

'Freekeh' Explores Grief Through Theater, Cooking, and Music

In Freekeh: It’s Been 40 Days Since My Aunt Passed Away, Hiba Najem delivers an immersive experience that combines theater, cooking, and memory. Inspired by the traditional forty-day mourning ritual, the performance explores the emotions tied to grief and the evolution of family traditions. Accompanied by Samah Boulmona on the accordion, Freekeh ...

'Sar Waet El Haki': Philippe Aractingi’s Triumphant Return to the Parisian Stage

Philippe Aractingi makes a triumphant return to the Parisian stage with his play Sar Waet El Haki, which has been met with resounding success. Running from January 8 to February 19, every Tuesday and Wednesday at 9 PM at the Théâtre de l’Essaïon, this work authentically explores inner turmoil and universal truths. The play’s success ...

Rain or Shine: Turning Umbrellas Into Style Statements

When Rihanna sang Under My Umbrella, she tapped into a centuries-old cultural artifact that has long been a symbol of practicality and elegance. A Step Back in Time The origins of umbrellas date back to ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt and China. In Mesopotamia and Egypt, umbrellas were used as parasols to shield royalty and the wealthy from the sun, ...