Naomi Campbell stuns at Red Sea film premiere of ‘The Absence of Eden’

Naomi Campbell stuns at Red Sea film premiere of ‘The Absence of Eden’
British supermodel Naomi Campbell was among the many celebrities spotted on the red carpet at the MENA premiere of “The Absence of Eden,” on the third day of Jeddah’s Red Sea International Film Festival. (Getty Images)
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Updated 03 December 2023
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Naomi Campbell stuns at Red Sea film premiere of ‘The Absence of Eden’

Naomi Campbell stuns at Red Sea film premiere of ‘The Absence of Eden’

JEDDAH: British supermodel Naomi Campbell was among the many celebrities spotted on the red carpet at the MENA premiere of “The Absence of Eden,” on the third day of Jeddah’s Red Sea International Film Festival.

“I love what Red Sea has become and that it’s growing and growing and growing. And it’s really amazing and phenomenal what the team and Mo (Al-Turki) and Jomana (Al-Rashid) have created,” said Campbell in a video posted on the RSIFF Instagram page.

Starring Marvel actress Zoe Saldana, best known for her role in “The Guardians of the Galaxy,” “The Absence of Eden” marks the feature directing debut of her renowned artist husband Marco Perego. The duo was also spotted at the screening. Also gracing the red carpet was the film’s other star, Garrett Hedlund.

Hedlund plays an ICE agent struggling with the moral dilemmas of his job who unites with an undocumented woman fighting to escape a ruthless cartel, played by Saldana, to save the life of an innocent girl.

The Red Sea festival runs from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9 and boasts 11 categories of films.  

This year’s celebrity-studded festival jury is presided over by director Baz Luhrmann, joined by Swedish-American actor Joel Kinnaman (“Suicide Squad”); Freida Pinto (“Slumdog Millionaire”); Egyptian actor Amina Khalil (“Grand Hotel”) and Spain’s Paz Vega (“Sex and Lucia,” “The OA”).  

The festival began with a gala screening of Dubai-based Iraqi director Yasir Al-Yasiri’s “HWJN,” modelled on a YA novel by Saudi writer Ibraheem Abbas. Set in modern-day Jeddah, “HWJN” follows the story of a kind-hearted jinn — an invisible entity in Islamic tradition — as he discovers the truth about his royal lineage.

Lebanese actress Njeim spoke to Arab News on the red carpet, saying: “The festival marks a turning point for every ambitious Saudi filmmaker, providing excellent support for young talents to showcase their work at international festivals.”


Diala Makki, Sandra Shehab spotted at Paris Fashion Week

Diala Makki, Sandra Shehab spotted at Paris Fashion Week
Updated 30 September 2024
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Diala Makki, Sandra Shehab spotted at Paris Fashion Week

Diala Makki, Sandra Shehab spotted at Paris Fashion Week

DUBAI: Lebanese TV host Diala Makki took to social media with a heartfelt message as she was spotted at Paris Fashion Week along with US Egyptian model Sandra Shehab.

The pair attended Lebanese designer Elie Saab’s Spring/Summer 2025 show separately, with Makki taking to Instagram afterwards to share a message about the current Israeli bombardment of Lebanon, which has killed more that 1,000 people over the past two weeks.

“I am a journalist yet I stare at a blank page and I am unable to write one coherent sentence. I have mixed emotions, I am sad, broken, angry but mostly broken hearted. I was in Paris filming with a Lebanese team who showed up every day with teary eyes and a heavy soul. Their strength was inspiring,” she wrote.

Lebanese TV host Diala Makki at the Elie Saab show. (Getty Images)

“I interviewed creative designers who refused to give up on the dream that there is a light at the end of the endless tunnel of darkness and uncertainty … all I want to say to my people is be strong, the world is watching us, God is protecting us … I pray for my south, my Beirut, every corner of my Lebanon,” she added.

Shehab also attended Saab’s show, for her part she showed off an all-black look, complete with a trench coat.

The New Jersey native came into the limelight in 2018 after appearing in Season 24 of “America’s Next Top Model.” Although she was eliminated in episode eight, coming in 8th place, she scored fans on social media for her portrayal of Muslim women on screen.

Sandra Shehab  attended Saab’s show, for her part she showed off an all-black look, complete with a trench coat.(Getty Images)

Saab unveiled his spring collection on Saturday at the Palais de Tokyo, showcasing a mesmerizing journey through the African savannah that felt fresh, vibrant, and completely devoid of tired clichés, according to the Associated Press’s Thomas Adamson.

Right from the start, Saab showed he wasn’t afraid to play with the safari staples—but with a twist. Safari suits, reimagined as roomy linen separates and sleek crepe jumpsuits, traded their usual khaki for the blazing red of fireball lilies, moody elephant gray, and the ochre dust of West Africa. It was a palette that brought the raw, natural beauty of the continent to life without falling into the predictable tropes. These looks weren’t the romanticized garb of the intrepid explorer; they were effortlessly chic, perfectly fitted for today’s cosmopolitan adventurer.


Review: With ‘Star Wars Outlaws,’ spend a long, long time in galaxy far, far away

Review: With ‘Star Wars Outlaws,’ spend a long, long time in galaxy far, far away
Updated 29 September 2024
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Review: With ‘Star Wars Outlaws,’ spend a long, long time in galaxy far, far away

Review: With ‘Star Wars Outlaws,’ spend a long, long time in galaxy far, far away

LONDON: Ubisoft’s Star Wars Outlaws presents an ambitious entry in the Star Wars gaming universe as the first-ever open-world instalment, set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

This game delivers an immersive crime-driven narrative that fans have long awaited, blending the familiar allure of Star Wars with gameplay mechanics reminiscent of Far Cry and Grand Theft Auto. But does it live up to the galaxy-sized expectations? Let us dive in.

The game transports players to a vibrant, morally grey underworld that feels like a perfect fit for its “original scoundrel story.” Set during the dark times of the Galactic Empire’s reign, players control Kay Vess, a resourceful outlaw who navigates the dangerous landscape of crime syndicates, shifting alliances, and backstabbing enemies.

The central narrative takes place on planets like Canto, with Kay caught between the Empire and the criminal underworld. Star Wars lore weaves seamlessly into the experience, as conversations with non-player characters and your adorable companion, Nix, help flesh out the galaxy and its struggles.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The world-building is a strong point here. Kay’s story encourages players to explore the Star Wars galaxy from a new perspective, absent of the high politics and philosophy of the Jedi. Conversations and side quests emphasize trust and reputation, providing players the freedom to “play the underworld to their advantage” and manipulate situations.

Side quests, however, tend to fall into the familiar territory of fetch tasks, limiting their creativity, but they do provide extra opportunities to engage with the game’s rich environments.

If you have ever wondered what Grand Theft Auto in space would feel like, Star Wars Outlaws gets pretty close. There is a wanted system that escalates based on your actions, adding tension to missions as you are pursued by law enforcement or bounty hunters.

The addition of slow-motion shooting mechanics adds flair, letting players make quick decisions in high-intensity moments. Combat feels satisfying, though not revolutionary, and can occasionally feel repetitive, especially when coupled with enemy artificial intelligence that does not always present a significant challenge.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Where the game shines are in its traversal mechanics. Kay’s grappling hook, stealth missions, and use of vents (which admittedly feel overused at times) allow her to sneak through the environment, offering a variety of ways to approach objectives.

There is an undeniable rush from slowing down time in mid-air during combat, but the over-reliance on certain movement tactics, like jumping and climbing, can make the gameplay feel a bit predictable.

Vehicles such as Kay’s Trailblazer spaceship and her customizable speeder bike help flesh out the Star Wars experience. While upgrades to the bike provide some sense of progression, it is the exploration aspect — flying to different planets, speeding through landscapes — that evokes the most excitement.

The inclusion of side activities, like changing music on a jukebox, learning a card game, or playing an arcade game, adds to the immersion and keeps things light when you want a break from the main story.

One glaring issue lies with the game’s technical performance. Glitches, like floating stormtroopers and awkward animations, break immersion at times. While Ubisoft is known for polishing its games post-launch, these bugs can pull players out of an otherwise engaging world.

Another point of contention is the enemy AI, which can feel lackluster. Too often, enemies fail to present a strategic challenge, relying more on brute force than intelligent tactics. This can make some combat scenarios feel repetitive.

Star Wars Outlaws is an impressive open-world experiment in the Star Wars universe. The narrative is compelling, the world immersive, and the core mechanics — while not perfect — offer enough to keep players engaged.

However, a lack of variety in missions, occasional bugs, and underwhelming enemy AI keep it from being a true standout. With a bit more refinement, this could be the definitive Star Wars game for fans of open-world exploration.

For now, it is a solid adventure with potential for more.


Bollywood’s ‘King Khan’ steals show at Indian film awards in Abu Dhabi

Bollywood’s ‘King Khan’ steals show at Indian film awards in Abu Dhabi
Updated 30 September 2024
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Bollywood’s ‘King Khan’ steals show at Indian film awards in Abu Dhabi

Bollywood’s ‘King Khan’ steals show at Indian film awards in Abu Dhabi
  • Shah Rukh Khan bags best actor award for “Jawan” film at International Indian Film Academy Awards 
  • Before “Jawaan” and “Pathaan” last year, Khan had not played any starring roles for five years

ABU DHABI: Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan declared “it’s good to be back” as he won best actor at the International Indian Film Academy Awards on Saturday after a long absence from the limelight.

The 58-year-old stole the show as event co-host before walking off with the coveted prize for his role in the action thriller “Jawan,” capping a five-hour show in Abu Dhabi.

“I just want to tell you it’s good to be back,” he told a packed crowd in the capital of the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, which has a large Indian population.

“I love awards, I’m greedy about awards... I think I have a little happiness from the audience this year because I worked (again) after a long time,” he added.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s “Animal” won best picture among six awards including best supporting actor for Anil Kapoor, another stalwart of the Hindi film industry.

Rani Mukerji was named best actress for the child-custody drama “Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway” and Vidhu Vinod Chopra won best director for “12th Fail.”

In a rambling event that finished at 2:30 am, Khan’s comedy skits with fellow actor Vicky Kaushal were interspersed with hip-thrusting dance numbers and frequent commercial endorsements.

Shahid Kapoor rode up to the stage on a motorbike and after “King Khan” appeared, to blasts of fireworks and with a huge crown superimposed above his head, there were constant ad-lib tributes to the star.

Before releasing “Jawan” and “Pathaan” last year, Khan had not played any starring roles for five years.

His return comes as Mumbai-based Bollywood, for decades India’s dominant film business and a major cultural export, faces challenges including competition from elsewhere in the vast, culturally diverse country.

As non-Hindi productions grow in popularity, Bollywood has also been outshone by independent films such as director Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light,” which won the coveted Grand Prix award at Cannes in May.

Bollywood’s cinema-based business model is also grappling with the rise in streaming services such as Netflix, whose Indian content includes eight films and 14 series.

Elara Capital, an Indian investment and advisory firm, estimates that box office takings were down up to 35 percent in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year.

However, 2023 was particularly strong as Bollywood bounced back after Covid with a strong slate of films, compared to a much weaker content pipeline this year.

Abu Dhabi was playing host for the third straight edition of the globe-trotting event, which started in 2000 and has only taken place once in India.


Nora Attal attends Business of Fashion party in Paris

Nora Attal attends Business of Fashion party in Paris
Updated 29 September 2024
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Nora Attal attends Business of Fashion party in Paris

Nora Attal attends Business of Fashion party in Paris

DUBAI: British Moroccan model Nora Attal posed with the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of The Business of Fashion publication Imran Amed at the BoF 500 Class of 2024 celebration during Paris Fashion Week on Saturday.

The annual list highlights 500 of the most influential people in the global fashion industry, with this year’s cohort including the likes of Thomas Plantega, who has been recognized for steering the turnaround of the resale platform The Vinted Group; Faraz Manan, a Pakistani designer based in Dubai whose bridal garments are worn across South Asia and by the South Asian diaspora in the Middle East and beyond; and Maryse Mbonyumutwa, the founder of pan-African fashion brand Asantii and garment manufacturer Pink Mango.

The Class of 2024 includes people of 37 nationalities based in 26 countries.

Nora Attal posed with the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of The Business of Fashion publication Imran Amed. (Getty Images)

“Back in September 2013 when we first conceived of the BoF 500, I wrote: ‘No other sector has a cast of characters as passionate, diverse and interesting as those who influence and animate the business of fashion. Yet, mostly, what’s projected in the media that reaches the broader world is only a thin, and sometimes superficial, slice of this captivating group. The more we thought about it, the more we felt like now was the right time to explore this talented community of people and collect them together online’,” Ahmed wrote in his editor’s note ahead of the release of this year’s list.

The celebration was held at Paris’s Shangri-La Hotel and was attended by industry insiders, including design duo Benjamin Alexander Huseby and Serhat Isik, who both wore outfits adorned with the Palestinian keffiyeh print.

The Berlin-based duo have garnered a large industry fan-base for their streetwear aesthetic and focus on sustainability.

Design duo Benjamin Alexander Huseby and Serhat Isik were spotted at the celebration in Paris. (Getty Images)

Attal attended the event in a striking black grown with a cut-away back portion that left a white, swimsuit-style corset visible when she turned around.

The model has had a busy season so far, walking in high-profile shows such as Burberry, Simone Rocha and Nensi Dojaka — all within a span of just two days — at London Fashion Week in September. After wrapping up her appearances at London Fashion Week, the model headed to Milan where she hit the runway for Alberta Ferretti and Dolce & Gabbana.


Georgina Rodriguez creates new fragrance with Saudi label Laverne

Georgina Rodriguez creates new fragrance with Saudi label Laverne
Updated 29 September 2024
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Georgina Rodriguez creates new fragrance with Saudi label Laverne

Georgina Rodriguez creates new fragrance with Saudi label Laverne

DUBAI: Argentinian model Georgina Rodriguez is collaborating with Saudi perfume label Laverne again – this time for a new fragrance.

Called Sense, the label took to Instagram to promote the new perfume. “Sense, femininity in a bottle. The new fragrance by Laverne x Georgina is now for only 175 riyals,” read a post.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by LAVERNE (@laverneksa)

On the official website, the label goes on to say that Sense is the result of a collaboration between Dalia Eisem and Rodriguez that lasted more than a year and included the creation of more than 740 samples.

“Finally, Georgina chose the perfect combination that embodies all her feelings in a perfume bottle,” it said, noting that the fragrance included notes of blackcurrant, mandarin, jasmine, cashmere and orange blossom.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by LAVERNE (@laverneksa)

In March 2023, Rodriguez – the longtime partner of legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo – collaborated with Laverne to become the face of their new fragrance, Blue Laverne.