Culture

'L’Auberge de Noël:' A Magical Play for Christmas Time
'L’Auberge de Noël:' A Magical Play for Christmas Time

This Christmas season, L’Auberge de Noël, produced by Les Bouffons and written and directed by Bruno Tabbal, continues the tradition of captivating audiences of all generations. With Cynthya Karam in the lead role and an exceptional cast, the show promises to immerse the audience in a world of wonder at Le Monnot theater. Both Karam and Tabbal ...

Parastoo Ahmadi Released on Bail after her Arrest
Parastoo Ahmadi Released on Bail after her Arrest

Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi was released on bail on December 23 by a Tehran court, two weeks after her arrest for performing an online concert without wearing the mandatory veil for women in Iran. According to local media, the young artist appeared at the 38th district court in Tehran with her lawyers. The charges against her were detailed, and ...

The Enchanting Legends and Untold Secrets of Notre-Dame de Paris
Behind the ScenesThe Enchanting Legends and Untold Secrets of Notre-Dame de Paris

Notre-Dame de Paris, an iconic masterpiece of Gothic architecture, is filled with legends, mysteries and fascinating anecdotes. Let's delve into some of the most captivating secrets of this emblematic cathedral, each reflecting the richness of its past. The Mystery of the Devilish Doors One of the most intriguing legends of Notre-Dame involves ...

Théo Fouchenneret: The Soul of the Piano
ChronicleThéo Fouchenneret: The Soul of the Piano

On Sunday, December 22, nature wept over Beirut. On the way to Saint-Elie Church in Kantari, our thoughts wandered through the ruins of the capital, those gaping wounds that will bleed and ooze the horrors of war for years to come. Alas. That evening, a fine rain caressed these scars, soft and soothing, like saving kisses from angels during this ...

The Official Lebanese Top 20 of the Week - OLT20
The Official Lebanese Top 20 of the Week - OLT20

As we are right in the middle of the year’s festive season, we want to congratulate Jerusalem-born Palestinian singer, flutist and composer Nai Barghouti for an amazing achievement as she becomes the first Palestinian artist ever to land a Lebanese Number One on OLT20 with her latest release “Li Fairuz” in which she delivers a raw and ...

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

 Tilda Swinton to Receive Honorary Golden Bear at Berlinale
Tilda Swinton to Receive Honorary Golden Bear at Berlinale

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 ...