This is Beirut - culture

Farewell to David Lynch, Visionary Creator of Dark Dreams

Madeleine Cadoux, 17/01 10:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

David Lynch, celebrated for his deeply imaginative and often disturbing cinematic style, passed away at the age of 78. Known for masterpieces like Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive, Lynch's work explored the dark underbelly of human existence and the American dream. In a statement shared by his family on his official Facebook page, they announced, ...

Spain Breaks Tourism Records in 2024, Sparking Local Concerns Over Gentrification

This is Beirut, 16/01 18:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Spain Madrid Tourism Culture

In 2024, Spain has experienced an unprecedented surge in international tourism, with an estimated 94 million foreign visitors flocking to the country to enjoy its sun, sand, and culture, according to Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu. This marks a 10 percent increase compared to 2023, further solidifying Spain’s position as the world’s second ...

'Conclave' and 'Emilia Perez' dominate unpredictable BAFTA race

This is Beirut, 16/01 10:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Cinema Culture Film Awards Art BAFTA

Conclave and Emilia Perez on Wednesday led the shortlist of films unveiled vying for recognition at Britain’s BAFTA awards, as the race for Oscars glory gathers pace. Conclave, a fictionalized account of high-stakes horse-trading in the Vatican after the death of a pope, earned 12 nominations, while the surreal narco-thriller musical Emilia ...

Cannes Film Festival: German Iris Knobloch Reelected as President

This is Beirut, 15/01 15:50 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Cinema Festival Film Cannes France Culture

The Cannes Film Festival has extended Iris Knobloch’s presidency for another three-year term, organizers announced on Wednesday. After succeeding Pierre Lescure in 2022, Iris Knobloch was unanimously reelected for a new term that will run until June 30, 2028, according to a statement from the French Association of the International Film ...

Marjane Satrapi Rejects French Honor over Iranian Hypocrisy

This is Beirut, 15/01 14:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Culture Artist Film France Iran

French-Iranian author and illustrator Marjane Satrapi, best known for the book and film Persepolis, has refused the French Legion of Honor over the country’s "hypocrisy" in its dealings with Iran. In a letter to France's culture minister posted on social media on Monday, Satrapi said she would not accept the top state award at a ceremony ...

'Entre 2': A Hilarious Huis Clos at Le Monnot Theater

Marie-Christine Tayah, 14/01 18:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Beirut Play Monnot Theater Culture Art

Written by Bruno Chapelle and brought to life by Jean-Philippe Azéma, Entre 2 delves into an unlikely situation: being stuck in an elevator… but with whom? The show features a set design by Laure Lepelley and includes vocal contributions from artists such as Nicolas Biaud-Mauduit and Lucie Biaud-Michaud. The play cleverly explores universal ...

Oscars Nominees’ Lunch Cancelled, Industry Rallies Amid LA Wildfires

This is Beirut, 14/01 16:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Los Angeles Oscars Nominees Culture US

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Monday the cancellation of its glitzy nominees’ luncheon, as Los Angeles grapples with devastating wildfires. Nominations will now be revealed during a virtual event on January 23, marking a major adjustment to the traditional awards season. “We are all devastated by the impact of the ...

'Hope': Pope Francis Shares an Exceptional and Powerful Memoir

Madeleine Cadoux, 14/01 14:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Pope Francis Book Culture Writer Writing Autobiography

On January 14, 2025, Pope Francis released Hope, an exceptional and unprecedented autobiography. Originally planned for posthumous publication, the text was advanced to mark the Jubilee Year of Hope. Published simultaneously in more than 80 countries, the book is a historic milestone: no living pope had ever written his memoirs before. Co-written ...

Los Angeles Grammys 2025 Set to Support Wildfire Relief

This is Beirut, 14/01 12:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Los Angeles Grammys Awards US Culture Art

The Grammys, scheduled for February 2, will "proceed as planned" despite the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, the Recording Academy announced Monday. In a letter to Academy members, organizers confirmed that the 67th annual music awards gala will take place at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles "in close coordination with ...

Trump as Buddha: Chinese Statues Spark Sensation

This is Beirut, 14/01 10:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Donald Trump Culture US Sculpture China Art

Serenity and calm are not typically the first words that come to mind when describing Donald Trump. Yet, in a Chinese artisan's workshop, the former U.S. president sits cross-legged in a divine meditation pose. This porcelain version of the Republican billionaire, transformed into a Buddha, is the work of designer and sculptor Hong Jinshi. These ...

'Den of Thieves 2' Leads the North American Box Office

This is Beirut, 13/01 18:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Film Cinema Culture US BoxOffice Art

Lionsgate's heist thriller Den of Thieves 2: Pantera opened at the top of the North American box office this weekend, earning an estimated $15.5 million, industry sources reported Sunday. "This is a good opening for the second episode in a crime thriller series," said analyst David A. Gross. "These movies are made for audiences, not ...

'Diaries from Lebanon' Premieres at the Institut Français, Beirut

Marie-Christine Tayah, 13/01 14:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Film Documentary Cinema Lebanon Beirut Culture

Produced by Abbout Productions and featured in Metropolis Art Cinema's Écrans du réel 2024 lineup, the Diaries from Lebanon documentary delves into personal stories intertwined with Lebanon's sociopolitical upheavals. Through a poignant and deeply personal exploration, the film blends individual narratives with the collective memory of a ...

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