culture

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 ...

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

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 ...

'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy' Arrives on Valentine’s Day 2025

After eight years of speculation, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy has finally arrived. Following Bridget Jones's Diary (2001), The Edge of Reason (2004) and Bridget Jones's Baby (2016), the upcoming film adapts Helen Fielding’s bestselling novel of the same name. This chapter takes a dramatic turn: Bridget is a widowed single mother navigating ...

Vintage Subway Cars Bring 1930s New York Back to Life

In a unique tribute to New York’s rich transit history, vintage subway cars from the 1930s have returned for a limited time. These R1-9 railcars invite passengers to experience the past firsthand, blending nostalgia with New York’s timeless energy. Nearly a century after the New York subway introduced its iconic R1-9 fleet, the agency has ...

The Art of Wearing Red Lipstick with Confidence and Style

More than a cosmetic, red lipstick is a story of empowerment, growth and everlasting style. Its voyage spans thousands of years, deeply rooted in old traditions, and evolves into a universal icon of femininity and power. A Step Back in Time Red lipstick has an amazing past, evolving from ancient beauty practices into a universal symbol of ...