culture

In Sudan, Aspiring Female Filmmakers Capture Resilience Amidst Conflict

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 ...

The 12th Edition of the Boghossian Foundation Awards Ceremony

The Boghossian Foundation in Lebanon, led by Mary Boghossian Salame, has announced the winners of the 12th edition of its awards, honoring young Lebanese talents in visual arts, cinema and children's literature. The ceremony took place on the morning of November 28, 2024, at the Foundation's offices in Beirut, in the presence of jury members and ...

Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney Spark Beatles Nostalgia

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 ...

‘A Christmas Gift’ Brings Holiday Magic to Casino du Liban

The holiday season is all about creating unforgettable memories, and A Christmas Gift by Pipeline Productions is poised to do just that. Taking place at the Casino du Liban in Jounieh, this awe-inspiring show will run over two weekends, December 21-23 and December 27-29. The production promises a heartwarming journey through music, dance and ...

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

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 ...

Sursock Museum Reopens Its Doors, Lamia Abillama Unveils History

After two months of closure during the recent war in Lebanon, the Sursock Museum is reopening its doors to the public this Friday, December 20. A festive day packed with events awaits visitors to celebrate the long-anticipated return of this iconic cultural institution. “Having been greatly weakened by the August 4, 2020 explosion at the Beirut ...

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

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 ...

'Last Tango in Paris' and Maria Schneider’s Tragic Fate

The Last Tango in Paris was born from a fantasy by Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci. He had imagined meeting a stranger on the street and having a sexual encounter with her, without ever knowing her identity. This idea became the foundation of the script he developed with his friend Franco Arcalli. Initially, Dominique Sanda was cast in the ...

Pharrell Williams Becomes UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Education

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 ...

Algeria: Imprisoned Author Boualem Sansal Transferred to Medical Care

Boualem Sansal, who has been detained since mid-November for "threatening state security," was transferred to a medical care unit, his publisher and lawyer in France reported on Monday. Speaking at a solidarity event held in a Paris theater, publisher Antoine Gallimard and lawyer François Zimeray addressed several hundred attendees. “We ...

Iranian Singer Parastoo Ahmadi Arrested for Daring Desert Concert

On December 11, 2024, 27-year-old Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi performed an unprecedented concert in the Iranian desert, her hair uncovered and shoulders bare. Without an audience but streamed live on YouTube, the performance quickly went viral. Fully aware of the risks, Parastoo boldly defied Iran’s strict laws, which prohibit women from ...

Zakir Hussain: The Tabla Maestro Who United the World

Zakir Hussain, the undisputed master of the tabla, made his mark in the history of music by building bridges between the East and the West. Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai into a family of musicians, he was the son of the renowned Alla Rakha and was destined for an exceptional career. A true child prodigy, he gave his first public concert at the ...