culture

Beirut Art Film Festival Keeping Lebanon Cinematically 'United in Heritage'

The Beirut Art Film Festival (BAFF) unveils its United in Heritage initiative, a six-month cultural program designed to unite Lebanese citizens around their shared heritage. The program features monthly screenings in 12 cities, simultaneously bringing communities together to rediscover Lebanon’s cultural treasures. Following each screening, a ...

Partial Closure of British Museum Following Cybersecurity Breach

The British Museum, one of the world's most renowned cultural institutions, announced on Saturday the partial closure of several galleries after a cybersecurity breach caused by a former contractor. The incident led to the "shutdown" of its IT systems, impacting museum operations. "We are working tirelessly to ensure the museum returns to full ...

Al-Bustan Festival: A New Dawn Driven by ‘Art that Saves Humanity’

A contagious smile, tinged with pride, stretches across the lips of Laura Lahoud. Her enthusiasm is palpable, and she has no trouble showing it. As Vice President of the al-Bustan Festival, she warmly greets everyone who comes to offer their congratulations – and sometimes even their gratitude – after the press conference on January ...

Olivier Derivière: The Composer Who Brings Video Games to Life

Since the age of 6, Olivier Derivière has never left the world of video games, a passion that has led him to become one of the most prominent composers of video game music. At 46, this French musician works tirelessly, game controller in hand and sheet music in front of him, to provide players with a unique sonic experience. Scheduled for release ...

The Italian Film Festival Launches at Metropolis Cinema in Beirut

The inaugural edition of the Italian Film Festival in Lebanon, a collaboration between the Italian Embassy in Lebanon, its Cultural Institute, and Metropolis Art Cinema, has been a success. Together, they attracted a diverse audience of Italian cinema fans, art enthusiasts, and curious cinephiles eager to explore contemporary Italian ...

Hans Zimmer to Rearrange Saudi National Anthem as Part of Cultural Reforms

Saudi Arabia has enlisted Hans Zimmer, the Oscar-winning German composer known for his film soundtracks, to "rearrange" (meaning to reorchestrate) its national anthem, a senior official from the kingdom announced. The artist, recognized for his iconic works such as those for The Lion King, The Dark Knight trilogy, and Dune (2021), has agreed to ...

Manel Mallat Brings Edith Piaf’s Legacy to Life at Casino du Liban

Manel Mallat will take the stage at Casino du Liban on February 7 and 8, 2025, to perform Mon Hymne à Piaf, a tribute to the iconic Edith Piaf. Orchestrated by Danny Bou-Maroun and produced by Cats Production, the show is directed by Kristian Abouanni. This musical celebration promises to bring Piaf's timeless legacy to life, with ...

Timothée Chalamet Steps into Bob Dylan’s Shoes

Hollywood's prodigy, Timothée Chalamet, embodies the iconic folk artist Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, a biopic that earned eight Oscar nominations. Directed by James Mangold, known for Walk the Line and Le Mans 66, the film focuses on Dylan's early years in 1960s New York, a time when he carried a guitar on his back and shared ...

'Emilia Pérez': French Cinema Renaissance at 2025 Oscars Nominations

The 2025 Oscars are marked by a strong presence of French cinema, with several films in contention in top categories. Among them, Emilia Perez by Jacques Audiard has set a record with 13 nominations, a rare feat for a non-English language film. This musical drama on gender transition has been praised for its cosmopolitan dimension, with sets ...

Sundance Festival Opens With Olivia Colman Amid Wildfire Aftermath

The US film industry's first major gathering since wildfires devastated Los Angeles begins Thursday at Sundance, where Olivia Colman and John Lithgow will kick off the indie movie festival under somber circumstances. Hollywood's annual pilgrimage to the Rocky Mountains to debut the coming year's top indie films takes place two weeks after blazes ...

Georges Khabbaz Starring in Berlinale-Nominated Film 'Yunan'

The film Yunan, written directed by Amir Fakhr el-Din and starring Georges Khabbaz and Hanna Schygulla, will compete in the official selection at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). This prestigious competition positions Yunan for the coveted Golden Bear award alongside globally acclaimed films. As one of the world’s top ...

Jude Law to Step Into Vladimir Putin’s Shoes

Jude Law, renowned for his versatility and commanding screen presence, is set to embody Vladimir Putin in The Mage of the Kremlin, Olivier Assayas’ adaptation of Giuliano da Empoli's award-winning geopolitical novel. Known for roles that span kings, detectives and romantics, Law now faces the challenge of portraying one of the most enigmatic ...