culture

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

"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

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

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

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 ...

Petram Chalach's 'Stereo Vision': Distilling Reality's Complexity

Lebanese self-taught artist Petram Chalach's ongoing solo exhibition "Stereo Vision" at Galerie Janine Rubeiz in Beirut showcases his unique ability to distill events, images and collective experiences into captivating painterly metaphors. The exhibition, which opened on December 18, 2024, and runs until January 17, 2025, marks Chalach's third ...

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 ...