Culture

“The Pearl of Intellect”: Ismailism, a Refined Shiism 
“The Pearl of Intellect”: Ismailism, a Refined Shiism 

Born in the 8th century, Ismailism is an offshoot of sevener Shiism. The philosophy brought to life by this movement allowed for the creation of some the most original texts of Shiism, including its nizarite branch, more commonly referred to by its detractors as the “Assassins.” “I began to inquire about the Ismaili school of thought. But ...

Celebrating Resilience: Rabih Kayrouz Presents Collection in Restored Atelier
Celebrating Resilience: Rabih Kayrouz Presents Collection in Restored Atelier

Beirut, the wounded city, rises from its ashes through art and creation. Emblematic of this resilience, Lebanese designer Rabih Kayrouz chose to present his new Spring-Summer 2024 collection in his Gemmayzé district workshop, beautifully restored after being devastated by the Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2020. An emotionally charged event ...

'Picnic on the Demarcation Line:' A Theatrical Introspection
'Picnic on the Demarcation Line:' A Theatrical Introspection

In the play Pique-nique 3ala khtout el tamess by Raymond Gebara, directed by Julia Kassar, the Monnot Theater in Beirut is transformed into an arena where past and present clash, revealing the scars of a nation bruised by the Lebanese civil war. This artistic production offers a profound reflection on the absurdity of war and the persistent ...

Daniel Bruhl Portrays Karl Lagerfeld... A Method Acting Study
Daniel Bruhl Portrays Karl Lagerfeld... A Method Acting Study

Becoming Karl Lagerfeld is set to premiere at the Canneseries TV festival in April 2024, with a subsequent release on Disney+ slated for June 7. This marks a significant milestone in Daniel Bruhl's career and a compelling exploration of Karl Lagerfeld's legacy. Daniel Bruhl's latest endeavor in Becoming Karl Lagerfeld represents a pinnacle in ...

Ibrahim Maalouf to Intensely Open 'Jazz à Vienne'
Ibrahim Maalouf to Intensely Open 'Jazz à Vienne'

The ancient theater of Vienne is set to be illuminated by the celebrated trumpet sounds of Ibrahim Maalouf, who will inaugurate the Jazz à Vienne festival. Scheduled from June 27 to July 17, 2024, Jazz à Vienne promises to delight jazz enthusiasts with its rich array of performances. The opening night of the 43rd edition of Jazz à Vienne, ...

Camille Cottin All the Way to Hosting Cannes Film Festival
Camille Cottin All the Way to Hosting Cannes Film Festival

In a recent announcement that has sparked considerable excitement within the cinematic community, renowned French actress Camille Cottin, celebrated for her leading role in the Netflix sensation Call My Agent, has been appointed as the host of the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. This year, the grand event is scheduled to take place ...

Prague’s 'Madmen’s Cemetery' Conceals Legends Beneath Ivy
Prague’s 'Madmen’s Cemetery' Conceals Legends Beneath Ivy

  In the shadows of Prague, the Bohnice Cemetery, known as the "Madmen’s Cemetery," holds within its grounds the forgotten stories of society’s outcasts. This enigmatic resting place, once a backdrop for Hollywood magic and royal visits, is now a testament to the dedication of those striving to preserve its haunting beauty and unique ...

Oliver Stone Announces Documentary on Lula After Castro and Chavez
Oliver Stone Announces Documentary on Lula After Castro and Chavez

  Renowned American filmmaker Oliver Stone recently completed a highly anticipated documentary on Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. While the release date remains unannounced, the film promises a deep dive into Brazil's recent political history, focusing on Lula's incarceration between 2018 and 2019 and his subsequent return to ...

'Transit Tripoli' Bridging Borders: Caroline Hatem’s Theatrical Adaptation
'Transit Tripoli' Bridging Borders: Caroline Hatem’s Theatrical Adaptation

  In a groundbreaking theatrical adaptation that reverberates with contemporary resonance, Lebanese theatre director Caroline Hatem skillfully reimagines Anna Seghers' seminal work, Transit, situating its narrative within the pressing context of displacement and emigration. The play, Transit Tripoli, is scheduled for a series of ...

Andrei Molodkin Gambles Masterpieces to Rescue Julian Assange
Andrei Molodkin Gambles Masterpieces to Rescue Julian Assange

In an unprecedented gesture, Russian artist Andrei Molodkin risks invaluable masterpieces of world art to try to save Julian Assange from extradition and a possible life sentence. This explosive confrontation of art, politics and human rights raises profound questions. At the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées, The Foundry Gallery has become the ...

Lozakovich and Kantorow at Bustan: The Finesse of Two Masters
Lozakovich and Kantorow at Bustan: The Finesse of Two Masters

Could the Al-Bustan Festival be reviving the golden age of great maestros in Baalbeck? Kantorow and Lozakovich, two young but eminent virtuosos, treated the Lebanese audience to an intense evening with interpretations worthy of the great masters, ranging from Schumann to Franck, evoking the spirit of legends such as Richter and Oistrakh.  Are ...

Queen Camilla's New Look: A Barbie Bridging Generations
Queen Camilla's New Look: A Barbie Bridging Generations

In a recent captivating intersection between popular culture and royal recognition, Queen Camilla was honored with an iconic representation that bridges generations: her very own Barbie doll. This noteworthy event, intertwining the realms of entertainment, royalty and social advocacy, occurred on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, underscoring the queen's ...