culture

'Gladiator III' Already in Progress, Director Ridley Scott Confirms

Ridley Scott's highly anticipated Gladiator sequel has yet to debut in US theaters, but the veteran director is already deep into planning a third installment. Gladiator II, set to hit North American cinemas this Friday, stars Irish actor Paul Mescal (Normal People) as Lucius, the son of Russell Crowe's Maximus from the multiple Oscar-winning ...

Beirut Chants: Resilience Through Music and Community

“No sound rises above the sound of music.”  “Beirut Chants has never been a ‘festival’ in the conventional sense. For us and our loyal fans, Beirut Chants has always been a shared space, a reflection of our diverse community's determination, solidarity, and authenticity. It is where all Lebanese come together, no matter how tough the ...

Rising Stars: Lebanese Conservatory Talents Take Berlin by Storm

The Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music (The Conservatory) has achieved a new milestone on the international stage. Thirteen teams of students, from both the Eastern and Western music departments, earned awards in Berlin’s 9th Rising Stars Grand Prix 2024 – International Music Competition. This globally renowned event ...

A Noel Gallagher Guitar Sells for Over €271,000

A guitar that belonged to Noel Gallagher, the lead guitarist and songwriter of Oasis, was sold at a Bonhams auction in London for an impressive £226,800, which equates to over €271,000. The instrument, a red Gibson Custom Shop Florentine Les Paul, was a key element in the Britpop icon’s collection during the height of the band’s fame in the ...

Caracalla Carries Baalbeck's Timeless Spirit to World Stages

Amid Lebanon's ongoing challenges, Caracalla Dance Theater recently showcased its enduring strength and cultural pride on the world stage. Invited to represent Lebanon at Beijing Forum for Performing Arts (BFPA) 2024, held at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing, Caracalla joined over 60 arts institutions from across the ...

Turkey Revives Hammam Tradition with Restorations and Museums

For centuries, hammams were central to Ottoman society, but they mostly fell out of use with the advent of running water. Today, many in Turkey are being restored to revive an ancient ritual bathing tradition. A mainstay of old Turkish films, hammam scenes were highly entertaining—a free space where women socialized, ate, drank, and even ...

Hidden 17th-Century Frescoes Found in Roman Villa’s Ceiling

A hidden treasure of 17th-century frescoes has been uncovered in Villa Farnesina, Rome. Rosy-cheeked cherubs, preserved in vivid hues of blue, red, and gold, adorn the paintings concealed for centuries above the vaulted ceiling of what was once the living room of Agostino Chigi, a prominent banker and Renaissance patron. Chigi had the villa ...

Elie Saab Enchants Riyadh for His 45th Anniversary

On November 14, 2024, Riyadh's Boulevard City transformed into a luxurious, magical setting to host 1001 Seasons, a breathtaking fashion and music event celebrating the 45-year career of Lebanese designer Elie Saab. Under the artistic direction of Carine Roitfeld, former editor-in-chief of Vogue France, the show presented no fewer than 300 new ...

John Malkovich’s Anti-War Comedy Sparks Nationalist Outrage in Bulgaria

John Malkovich's direction of Arms and the Man, a satirical 19th-century play by George Bernard Shaw, has stirred intense reactions among nationalist groups in Bulgaria. These groups argue that the production insults the country and misrepresents its history, an accusation Malkovich has dismissed as far-right agitation. The premiere, held ...

Cultural Dialogue at the Franco-Arab Film Festival in Paris

The Franco-Arab Film Festival of Noisy-le-Sec (FFFA), held in Île-de-France, returns for its 13th edition from November 15 to 30. This year, the festival will take place both in Noisy-le-Sec and Paris, with part of the program dedicated to Gaza, featuring a special day of screenings, discussions, and short films that delve into the complex ...

Taylor Swift Triumphs at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards

The American superstar Taylor Swift triumphed on Sunday evening at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards, taking home four awards at this ceremony celebrating the biggest names in global music in Manchester, United Kingdom. The 34-year-old artist, although not present, won major categories: Artist of the Year, Best Live Artist, Best Video for her clip ...