This is Beirut

Tunisia: CinemaTdour, a Mobile Truck Making Cinema Accessible to All

This is Beirut, 2024-12-23 14:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Tunisia Algeria Africa Culture Art Cinema

"If you can't go to the cinema, it will come to you" might well describe CinemaTdour, a mobile cinema truck touring Tunisia to make the seventh art accessible to everyone, from rural areas to underserved neighborhoods. Dozens of workers joyfully step down from a large red truck parked in front of their factory in Djemmal, a central-eastern town ...

Arahmaiani: Indonesia’s Frida Kahlo and Freedom Advocate

This is Beirut, 2024-12-23 10:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Culture Art Exhibition Indonisia

Indonesian artist Arahmaiani has lived many lives—from an imprisoned anti-dictatorship activist to a hippie, art teacher, and environmentalist. Her experiences have deeply inspired her work, which tests the limits of freedom and challenges societal norms. As a Southeast Asian artist, Arahmaiani spent years as a nomad after her paintings, ...

Stylish Christmas Slippers: The Stars of the Traditional Festive Season

Marie-Christine Tayah, 2024-12-22 18:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Fashion Culture Art Christmas

Christmas slippers have become a true symbol of the season, reminding us of a cherished tradition that blends history, legend and modernity. Over time, they have undergone a subtle transformation, fusing ancient customs with contemporary tastes. A Tradition Anchored in History The history of Christmas slippers is deeply rooted in the past. Their ...

Mumbai’s Art Deco Heritage Faces Threats from Urban Modernization

This is Beirut, 2024-12-22 14:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

India Mumbai Cinema Art Culture UNESCO

A towering cinema with a roofline reminiscent of an ocean liner stands out in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, a testament to the city’s remarkable Art Deco heritage, which campaigners warn is in urgent need of protection. Just a short walk away lies a state-run insurance office adorned with Egyptian-style carvings, alongside a palm-lined ...

In Sudan, Aspiring Female Filmmakers Capture Resilience Amidst Conflict

This is Beirut, 2024-12-21 18:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Cinema Film Art Culture Sudan Women

Amid over a year and a half of war, aspiring female filmmakers in Sudan are capturing stories of resilience and hope with their smartphones. This initiative is part of a project designed to pave the way for a new generation of filmmakers. The film Ana Hona (“I Am Here”) follows Randa El-Taher and her friend Bekheita Abdallah, who lead the ...

Tilda Swinton to Receive Honorary Golden Bear at Berlinale

This is Beirut, 2024-12-21 14:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Film Art Cinema Actress Festival Berlin

The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) will honor Scottish actress Tilda Swinton with the Honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement at its 2025 edition, organizers announced Friday. The award recognizes the actress’ extraordinary versatility and her immense influence on modern cinema. Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle praised ...

Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney Spark Beatles Nostalgia

This is Beirut, 2024-12-20 18:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

culture art Music Beatles

Ringo Starr made a surprise appearance at the final show of Paul McCartney’s Got Back tour in London on Thursday, delighting fans with an impromptu reunion of two of the surviving members of The Beatles. Starr, the 84-year-old drummer, joined McCartney onstage at the O2 Arena for a set that included some of the Fab Four's most iconic ...

Michel Tirabosco by Zahi Haddad: 'Le Souffle de Ma Vie'

Marie-Christine Tayah, 2024-12-20 10:30 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Writing Culture Biography Literature Music Art

On January 14, 2025, Le Souffle de ma vie will be published by Éditions Favre. Written by Zahi Haddad, a biographer celebrated for exploring themes like inclusion, diversity and authenticity, the book paints a compelling portrait of Tirabosco’s extraordinary journey. Two launch events will take place in Switzerland: January 16 at 6 PM at Payot ...

Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral: Modern Stained Glass Sparks Controversy

This is Beirut, 2024-12-19 10:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Notre-Dame Paris Artist History Art Culture

On Wednesday, December 18, the designs for six new stained glass windows for the fire-damaged Notre Dame Cathedral were unveiled for the first time. French contemporary artist Claire Tabouret has been selected to infuse the iconic 12th-century structure with a modern twist as part of its ongoing restoration, following the devastating 2019 ...

The Many Faces of Marisa Paredes, Almodóvar’s Eternal Muse

Marie-Christine Tayah, 2024-12-18 14:00 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Art Cinema Film Art Spain Actress

Born on April 3, 1946, in Madrid, María Luisa Paredes Bartolomé—known to the world as Marisa Paredes—grew up in an era overshadowed by Francisco Franco’s dictatorship. Raised in a humble family as the fourth child of a concierge and a homemaker, her childhood was marked by hardship. “I endured humiliation and abuse. How could I not ...

Pharrell Williams Becomes UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Education

This is Beirut, 2024-12-18 10:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Culture Art UNESCO Singer Goodwill Paris

Pharrell Williams, global pop and fashion icon, was appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for arts, education, and entrepreneurship during a ceremony held Tuesday at the United Nations organization’s headquarters in Paris. In an official statement, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO's Director-General, praised Williams as a "complete artist" and a "humanist ...

Tunisia: The 35th Carthage Film Festival Kicks off in Tunis

This is Beirut, 2024-12-16 18:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Culture Cinema Film Art

The 35th Carthage Film Festival (JCC), one of Africa and the Arab world’s most iconic cinematic events, officially began in Tunis on December 14, 2024. This year’s program offers a diverse lineup of over 200 films, reflecting themes of social justice, cultural resilience, and artistic expression. The festival opened with two standout films at ...

Art