Macron to host Arab foreign ministers for Gaza talks
Updated 25 May 2024
AFP
PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron will on Friday host the foreign ministers of four key Arab states for talks on the war in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, his office said.
Joined by his own top diplomat Stephane Sejourne, Macron will discuss the situation with Qatar’s Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Egypt’s Sameh Shoukry, Ayman Safadi of Jordan and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, the Elysee said.
Marrakech Film Festival opens in Morocco with ‘The Order’
The Marrakech International Film Festival, now in its 21st year, will showcase Oscar contenders and screen films for members of the public
Updated 7 min 7 sec ago
AP
MARRAKECH: One of the Middle East and North Africa’s largest film festivals opened Friday in Morocco, drawing actors and directors from throughout the world to present 70 features from 32 countries.
The Marrakech International Film Festival, now in its 21st year, will showcase Oscar contenders and screen films for members of the public. But unlike larger festivals in Venice, Cannes or Toronto, it places unique emphasis on emerging directors and films from the Middle East and Africa.
The roster of actors and directors who will participate in this year’s conversations and tributes includes Sean Penn, Alfonso Cuaron and David Cronenberg.
Remi Bonhomme, the festival’s artistic director, said what makes the festival unique is its ability to draw talent on par with the world’s largest festivals while also spotlighting up-and-coming directors from Morocco, the Middle East and Africa.
“We pay a lot of attention to countries that are underrepresented in cinema,” he said. “We support filmmakers who have their own voice, who develop a story that is in a specific context, whether it is Iran, Morocco or the US“
“But they don’t have to be the voice of their country. They have the need to have the freedom to express their own personal vision,” he added.
Among the themes that Bonhomme is excited about in this year’s films is family. Filmmakers, including “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” director Mohammad Rasoulof, are “exploring social and political impact through the scale of a family,” Bonhomme said.
The festival opens Friday with “The Order” — a thriller starring Jude Law that chronicles an FBI manhunt for the leader of a white supremacist group.
The jury competition contains 14 first or second films. The nine-person jury includes actors Jacob Elordi and Andrew Garfield as well as Ali Abbasi, the Iranian-Danish director of “The Apprentice.” Luca Guadagnino, the Italian-Algerian director of “Queer” will preside over the jury.
The films in competition include Saïd Hamich’s “Across the Sea” about a young Moroccan man’s immigration to Marseille and Damian Kocur’s “Under the Volcano,” Poland’s Oscar entry for Best International Feature.
The festival — founded by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and is presided over by his brother Prince Moulay Rachid — plays a major role in showcasing and promoting Moroccan films and directors.
Red Sea International Film Festival 2024: The award contenders — part two
Updated 25 min 38 sec ago
Arab News
DUBAI: Following part one, here is the second half of our rundown of the films in competition at this year’s RSIFF, which begins Dec. 5.
‘Seeking Haven For Mr. Rambo’
Director: Khaled Mansour
Mansour’s debut feature will tug at the heartstrings of animal lovers. Set in Cairo, the film centers on 30-year-old Hassan, who faces eviction from the home he shares with his mother and his dog, Rambo. Their landlord, Karem, wants them out so he can expand his auto-repair workshop. When Karem attacks Hassan, Rambo steps in, and the landlord is humiliated in front of the whole neighborhood. Karem vows to take revenge. Mansour told Deadline that the film is “not about extreme violence against dogs, but about me and my generation’s relationship with society … That relationship in which we always feel chased in our city like stray dogs. At the same time, we do not know any other haven to belong to.” Mansour’s film was backed by the Red Sea Film Foundation.
‘Sima’s Song’
Director: Roya Sadat
Starring: Mozhdah Jamalzadah, Niloufar Kookhani, Aziz Deildar
Sadat has established herself as one of Afghanistan’s leading filmmakers. Her latest feature is a period piece, set in Kabul in 1978, and follows two friends — Suraya, a wealthy communist, and Sima, a not-so-wealthy Muslim conservative — navigating their country’s transition to socialism, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the rise of anti-Soviet resistance, including the mujahideen. With the Taliban once again controlling her country, Sadat’s film is a timely one. “The world has turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to what is happening to Afghan women,” she told Variety. “Perhaps this film can … invite the audience to join this collective call for solidarity through a shared sense of empathy.”
The Tunisian filmmaker’s second feature — which was backed by the Red Sea Film Foundation — is reportedly based on real-life events. A dissatisfied woman in her late twenties, Aya, is the sole survivor of a bus crash. Realizing that no one knows she is alive, she impetuously takes the opportunity to flee to Tunis under a false identity. But when she witnesses a crime, she learns just how precarious her new life is.
Multi-hyphenate Modiri is, according to the Tehran Times, “Iran’s leading social satirist.” In his latest feature, a young woman named Sarah is due to leave Tehran for Canada for three years to study for her doctorate. The night before her 6 a.m. flight, after a tense final family dinner, she heads out to a farewell party at her friend’s apartment. Then there’s a knock on the door from the police.
‘To Kill a Mongolian Horse’
Director: Xiaoxuan Jiang
Starring: Saina, Undus, Qilemuge, Tonggalag
The Manchurian filmmaker’s moving debut feature is the story of a Mongolian horseman (played by Jiang’s real-life friend Saina) who decides to become a performer in the hugely popular local horse shows, where Saina’s spectacular stunts help him make enough money to support his young son and cover his father’s gambling debts. But all Saina really wants is to care for his beloved sheep and horses on the wild grasslands — a way of life threatened by climate change and capitalism.
The Bangladeshi filmmaker directorial debut has already impressed on the festival circuit. The title character is the sole carer for her paraplegic mother Shirin. When Shirin suffers a heart attack, Saba rushes to sell their home, putting her life on hold in order to save her mother. Variety called it “a pressing work of social realism, expressing — in quiet but poignant ways — the tenor of the nation’s disaffected youth.”
‘My Friend An Delie’
Director: Zijian Dong
Starring: Liu Haoran, Zijian Dong
Li Mo is flying home for his father’s funeral when he bumps into his former best friend An Delie, whom he hasn’t seen since middle school and who insists he doesn’t know Li Mo — even though they are both heading to the same funeral. With their flight diverted, the two embark on a long drive together. Through flashbacks to the late Nineties, we see the formation of their friendship and the difficult relationships both had with their parents.
Tati’s atmospheric drama is set in the unforgiving desert on the Algerian border. Saad is a filmmaker trying to scrape enough money together to finish his movie. To do so, he has been living with his friend Fethi and his family who are professional smugglers, taking goods — usually fuel — into Tunisia. While Fethi and his family have welcomed Saad into their home, he remains, essentially, an outsider.
ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) board is set to meet virtually today, Friday, to discuss three options to end a stalemate between Pakistan and India ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy tournament that is slated to be held in February next year, ESPNcricinfo reported.
Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi from February 19 till March 9. However, political tensions with India have already cast a shadow over the tournament following the refusal by Indian authorities to allow their team to play in Pakistan.
Last week, the ICC informed Pakistan of India’s decision, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to seek a clarification. Pakistan has already ruled out a hybrid model to host the tournament, unlike last year’s Asia Cup, wherein all of India’s games were played in Sri Lanka.
The situation created uncertainty and tension until the ICC released the tournament promo, visually reaffirming that Pakistan will host the championship. According to AP, the ICC board could decide on the issue by voting among members.
“The ICC board will congregate on Friday in the hopes of ending the saga of where and how the 2025 Champions Trophy will be played with less than three months to the scheduled start of the event,” ESPNcricinfo reported. “They will consider three options.”
The first option would be to adopt a hybrid model that has already been ruled out by Pakistan, while the second option revolves around the PCB retaining hosting rights and the tournament being played “entirely out of Pakistan,” according to the report.
The third option would be to hold the entire tournament in Pakistan, “but without India.”
“The last of those options is almost a non-starter, given the negative financial and commercial impact it will have on the tournament,” the report read. “The chances of a hybrid model were reduced on Thursday after a PCB official told ESPNcricinfo they had informed the ICC once again that it was off the table.”
The report quoted the official as saying that the PCB had asked for a “reasonable or acceptable” proposal to Pakistan before the ICC board meeting. It said the chances of a hybrid model had increased, quoting PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi as saying that he would discuss the ICC board’s decision with the Pakistani government.
“Whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Naqvi as saying. “But I repeat, and I am sure you know what I mean, it’s not possible that Pakistan play in India, and they don’t come here.”
Naqvi also doubled down on Pakistan not being willing to play in India any longer. India will be hosting the Women’s World Cup next year, Asia Cup in 2025, Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026 and Champions Trophy in 2029.
Pakistan could consider a hybrid model if the ICC gave the PCB the same option for tournaments being hosted by India, according to ESPNcricinfo.
It quoted the PCB chairman as saying that Pakistan would not be motivated by any financial settlement.
“We’ll not just sell our rights out just for more money. This will never happen. But we’ll do whatever is best for Pakistan,” he said.
A decades-long tense political situation between the two South Asian countries hasn’t seen India playing international cricket in Pakistan since 2008 when it competed in the Asia Cup. Both nations have competed in ICC tournaments, with Pakistan touring India last year for the 50-over World Cup.
The ICC is in talks with the PCB and the participating boards before finalizing the schedule of the eight-team tournament. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tour kicked off on Saturday after the trophy was displayed at the Pakistan Monument and Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.
Best and Worst: Saudi influencer Bayan Omar talks entertainment, fashion, and life
Updated 33 min 33 sec ago
Hams Saleh
DUBAI: The Saudi influencer shares some favorites — and least-favorites — from entertainment, fashion, and life.
Best TV show/film you’ve ever seen?
“Friends.” I have never seen a series with a cast that is so real. It is relatable even for our culture. For example, I relate a lot to Rachel, because I know a friend here in Saudi Arabia that looks like her and has her personality.
There’s a lot, but one I remember is “Tusk.” It was a bad idea and the animation was terrible.
Best personal style moment so far?
The dress I wore when I was nominated for the Best Content Creator Award in Dubai in 2022. I wore a white dress and I really liked that outfit. Also, every year we have MDLBeast (Soundstorm) in Saudi Arabia and I go all out for that — including the makeup and hair.
Worst personal style moment?
I don’t think I have one. I’ve never worn something that I’m not comfortable with or that I’m not impressed with the style. I like the outfits I put together because I create each one from scratch.
Gold. It just ties everything together and makes it look very nice.
Worst accessory for a little black dress?
Silver. I don’t like how it looks. I also don’t like silver with my skin tone. I feel like it doesn’t suit me. I prefer gold.
Best fashion trend of 2024?
I really like the olive green color trend. And denim skirts — I like to see a lot of forgotten trends like this come back. It takes me back in time and I like that a lot.
Worst fashion trend of 2024?
The neon trend. It grabs attention, but in a bad way. It takes away from the rest of the look. They don’t see your hair or your face, and I hate that.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Age is just a number.” My grandma used to say that all the time. She was so young when she passed away — everyone saw her as a young and youthful woman, because her soul was young.
There’s an Arabic saying: “Eat what you like and wear what people like.” I don’t like that advice at all. You cannot represent yourself, or express your personality or your interests while wearing something that other people like. You need to represent yourself through what you like. If you always try to please people, you’ll never succeed.
Best book you’ve ever read?
“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***.” I always used to think certain things, but I never said them out loud. When I read this book, it was technically saying the same things and beliefs that I had in my mind. So I felt very connected. I got validation.
Worst book you’ve ever read?
I do not have a worst book. Every book you read, you end up learning something from it.
Best holiday destination?
I like Los Angeles and Amsterdam. I feel like I belong in these cities — they are easygoing cities and very simple.
Worst holiday destination?
Istanbul. I didn’t like the people there. They were not very friendly and I don’t know how to communicate with unfriendly people or aggressive people who don’t smile.
Review: Netflix movie ‘The Piano Lesson’ is an intense family affair
Adaptation of August Wilson’s play is a heady, character-led drama
Updated 28 min 16 sec ago
Matt Ross
LONDON: To say “The Piano Lesson” is a family affair would be something of an understatement. This cinematic adaptation of August Wilson’s 1987 play follows a pair of siblings, locked in disagreement about a family heirloom — an engraved piano, ‘liberated’ from the Charles family’s ancestral enslavers and now residing in 1936’s Pittsburgh. But there’s a neat parallel, too, about the film’s journey to the big screen (and Netflix subscribers shortly thereafter), produced as it is by Denzel Washington, directed by son Malcom, co-produced by daughter Katia, and starring son John David Washington as Boy Willie.
Washington (John David, that is) reprises his role from the 2022 stage production, and is joined by fellow castmates Samuel L Jackson (Doaker), Ray Fisher (Lymon) and Michael Potts (Wining Boy).
Boy Willie wants to sell the piano and buy a plot of land following the untimely death of his employer, James Sutter. His sister Bearniece (Danielle Deadwyler), on the other hand, wants to keep it in the family as testament to the suffering endured by their ancestors. What’s more, Bearniece suspects Boy Willie had something to do with Sutter’s death, as she begins seeing the latter’s ghoulish specter around the house. Uncles Doaker and Wining Boy want peace and quiet, while Willie’s friend Lymon simply wants to escape his old life and start over.
It's a complicated, convoluted setup, and Washington (Malcolm, this time) skillfully takes his time establishing who is who, utilizing the kind of character-led exposition better suited for a stage play, in fact. The cast (as you’d expect, given their familiarity with the roles) all turn in powerhouse performances. A rendition of “O’ Berta” is a chilling standout, as is the simmering tension between widowed Bearniece and the affable Lymon.
The only place “The Piano Lesson” falls down is when it leaves the intense trappings of the family house, where it loses a little momentum as it ventures beyond the limits of the stage production. As good as it is, there’s a question of whether this needed remaking as a movie at all — but regardless, “The Piano Lesson” makes for a riveting, unsettling study on familial trauma and legacy.
