Culture

Venice Film Festival 2025: 21 Films Compete for the Golden Lion

This is Beirut 25/08 15:35 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Movies 82nd Venice Film Festival Documentaries Italy Culture

As the leading international cinema event of the fall, the Venice Film Festival welcomes a flurry of stars and a strong selection of films, many with a distinctly political tone. 21 Films Competing for the Golden Lion Among the 21 films vying for the Golden Lion, the most anticipated include: Le mage du Kremlin, by Olivier Assayas An ...

SpotlightSemi-Permanent Manicure at Risk: TPO Classified as Carcinogenic

Bélinda Ibrahim 25/08 15:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

European Union Manicure Semi-Permanent Cancer TPO

For years, semi-permanent nail polish has captivated a growing clientele, attracted by the promise of glossy, chip-resistant nails that last for weeks. But under the UV lamps of beauty salons, a small revolution is looming. As of September 1, 2025, both Switzerland and the entire EU will prohibit the sale and use of these polishes if they contain ...

'KPop Demon Hunters' Dominates American Box Office With $18 Million

This is Beirut 25/08 14:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Cinema U.S. Box office Film Culture Art

Netflix's monster animated hit KPop Demon Hunters ruled the North American box office with a special singalong event, raking in $18 million in a first victory in theaters for the streaming giant, industry estimates showed Sunday. Netflix refuses to report ticket sales data, so the amount is based on projections from rival studios and exhibitors, ...

Venice Film Festival Returns with Daring Stories and Star Power

This is Beirut 25/08 10:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Venice Film Festival Italy Culture Art Film Competition

The 82nd Venice Film Festival lifts its curtains this Wednesday, turning the Lido into a magnet for cinema’s brightest talents and boldest ideas. Over eleven days, twenty-one films will compete for the Golden Lion, while dozens of world premieres, documentaries, and out-of-competition works will chart new creative territory. This year’s ...

Five Morning Rituals to Awaken Your Skin Without Makeup

Bélinda Ibrahim 24/08 19:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Rituals Beauty Skin Face Morning

In the morning, we all dream of stepping out with naturally radiant skin without relying on makeup. A few well-chosen steps can transform your complexion, revive its glow and awaken your skin even after a short night. Here are five easy rituals to embrace as soon as you wake up to reveal your natural beauty and leave makeup behind. 1. Gentle ...

Word of the weekSanction: A Word with Two Faces

Sana Richa Choucair 24/08 15:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Ukraine

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the word sanctions dominated headlines for months. Western governments imposed sweeping economic sanctions targeting banks, state companies, oligarchs and energy sectors – efforts meant to isolate Moscow diplomatically and financially. In parallel, targeted sanctions have also become common ...

Spotlight'Emily in Paris' Resumes Filming After Assistant Director’s Death

Marie-Christine Tayah 24/08 10:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Emily in Paris Netflix Series Culture Art Rome

A beloved crew member’s sudden death has shaken the usually effervescent world of Emily in Paris. The assistant director, whose dedication and behind-the-scenes work helped shape the series’ distinct energy, collapsed unexpectedly during a recent shoot. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but sadly could not be revived, sending shockwaves ...

SpotlightNetflix Takes Center Stage at the Venice Film Festival

Bélinda Ibrahim 23/08 18:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Netflix Venice Film Festival Cinema Film Culture

For several years, Venice has served as the discreet yet decisive battleground between traditional cinema and streaming giants. In 2025, Netflix makes a striking return to the Lido, shaking up the hierarchy of studios and auteurs alike. Three high-profile world premieres in official competition, carefully crafted productions and a calculated ...

Cracker Barrel Logo Change Sparks Cultural Backlash Across U.S.

This is Beirut 23/08 13:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Culture Heritage U.S. Food Art

Cracker Barrel has a special place in the hearts of many Americans, offering homestyle American cuisine in a folksy "Old Country Store" setting complete with rocking chairs and occasional country music performances. But an attempt to rebrand the storied US chain has sparked a firestorm of opposition online and opened a new front in the culture ...

'KPop Demon Hunters' breaks Netflix records and hits theaters

This is Beirut 23/08 10:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Cinema Art Culture Animated musical Film KPop Demon Hunters

After shattering viewership records on Netflix and climbing to the top of global music charts, the animated musical KPop Demon Hunters is now making its big-screen debut. This summer hit follows a trio of young Korean pop stars who battle demons using high-energy songs and synchronized dance moves. Since its Netflix release on June 20, the film ...

ChronicleWith 'Mother', Mitevska Restores Mother Teresa’s Humanity

Bélinda Ibrahim 22/08 19:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Mother Teresa Film Cinema Venice Film Festival Culture

Who was the real Mother Teresa? In Mother, Macedonian director Teona Strugar Mitevska reexamines the legend to reveal a woman far beyond the clichés. Premiering in the Orizzonti section at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, the movie focuses on seven pivotal days in 1948 that forever changed Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, the woman who would become Mother ...

Norma Nolan, First Miss Universe from Argentina, Has Passed Away

This is Beirut 22/08 13:35 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Norma Nolan Miss Universe Argentina Death

A discreet yet iconic figure has passed away in Miami, Florida, at the age of 87: Norma Nolan, the first and only Argentine woman ever to win the Miss Universe crown in 1962, leaves behind a legacy of grace, determination, and inspiration for generations of young women. Born in Venado Tuerto, Argentina, on April 22, 1938, Norma Beatriz Nolan was ...