Jennifer Esposito’s ‘Fresh Kills’ to get its world premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival
Updated 10 November 2023
Arab News
DUBAI: US actor-turned-director Jennifer Esposito’s mob drama “Fresh Kills” will get its world premiere at Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival, which runs from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9.
The film festival, which takes place in Jeddah, this week announced a new set of international films that will launch in its Festival Favorites and Treasures strands.
The movies include Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut “Woman of the Hour,” which is a crime drama, and Swedish director Niclas Larsson’s family drama "Mother Couch,” starring Ewan McGregor and Ellen Burstyn.
Other titles include the David Oyelowo-produced documentary “Allihopa: The Dalkurd Story,” the Women’s World Cup documentary “Copa 71,” with executive producers Serena and Venus Williams, Laetitia Colombani’s “The Braid” and Asmae El Moudi’s documentary’s “Mother of All Lies,” which is Morocco’s Oscar entry this year.
“We have incredible female directors included in this lineup of both established names and new talent,” said Kaleem Aftab, the festival’s director of international programming, emphasizing that the selection highlights the “changing landscape of cinema” from the Arab world, Asia, Europe and North and South America.
The theme of the festival’s third edition is, “Your Story, Your Festival.”
Organizers said on Monday their goal was to provide “a unique and powerful platform for celebrating film, connecting cultures and expanding horizons while welcoming stories from all walks of life.”
The Red Sea International Film Festival also unveiled its selection of 36 movies from Saudi Arabia, as well as its Arab Spectacular and Red Sea: Competition lineups for this year’s third edition.
“Collectively, these strands will showcase the rich and varied work by established and new filmmakers from the region, including documentaries and titles produced by the Red Sea Film Foundation,” organizers said.
The program will put a spotlight on films made in the Middle East and North Africa region, featuring 36 feature-length and short films from Saudi Arabia.
Where We Are Going Today: Bab coffee shop in Riyadh
Updated 29 August 2024
Waad Hussain
If you’re searching for a serene spot to enjoy your coffee, look no further than Bab coffee shop. Nestled in the heart of Riyadh, Bab offers a quiet and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for both work and leisure.
The interior design of Bab is a standout feature. With its modern aesthetic and cozy seating, it’s a space where you can enjoy your time. The ambiance is complemented by soft lighting and tasteful decor, making it an ideal setting for anyone looking to relax or get some work done.
In terms of coffee, Bab serves what can only be described as some of the best. You must try the El Salvador V60, which is nothing short of exceptional. The rich, aromatic brew leaves a lasting impression and is a must-try for any coffee enthusiast.
But Bab isn’t just about coffee; their food offerings are equally impressive. The upside-down cheesecake is a trendy dessert that lives up to the hype. It’s deliciously creamy with a unique presentation that makes it a delightful treat. Another highlight is their spicy honey feta sandwich. The combination of savory feta and sweet honey is a match made in heaven.
The customer service at Bab deserves a special mention. The employees are incredibly nice and welcoming, adding to the overall positive experience. Whether you’re there for a quick coffee run or a longer stay, they make you feel right at home.
Saudi jewelry brand APOA celebrates Fashion Trust Arabia Awards nomination
Updated 29 August 2024
Shyama Krishna Kumar
DUBAI: “Small wearable sculptures” is how the founders of APOA (A Piece of Art) describe their jewelry.
Within a year of launching their Riyadh-based brand, Saudi Princesses Mashael Khalid Al-Saud, Nourah Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Sarah Naif Al-Saud are thrilled that it has made the shortlist of finalists in Fashion Trust Arabia Awards’ jewelry section.
“We knew it was a long shot but we were very confident in our brand and the achievements we've made so far,” Mashael — the youngest of the three cousins — tells Arab News. “It was just such an exciting moment to learn we were in the top three.”
“I can't describe how I feel honestly,” Sarah adds. “We have worked so hard for it. We are so happy with this achievement.”
The idea for the brand arose in 2020, during the COVID pandemic.
“It was Sarah and Nourah who were talking about this at first,” says Mashael. “Then they asked me to join.” (“Mashael has amazing taste,” Sarah adds.)
“Sarah and Nourah are older than me, so they've shared a lot of their experience with me. We complement each other: Our fashion tastes are very different, but we balance each other out,” Mashael continues.
“We are cousins and we live together and we travel together. We’re always wearing each other’s clothes. And when we travel, we use each other's things. We’ve always had a love for accessories. We can't wear anything if we do not accessorize our outfit,” Sarah says. “We saw that there was a need in the market for fashion accessories. We wanted to make fashion accessories that are affordable and yet very dressy, so you can wear them for special occasions and you can keep them for a lifetime. These aren’t things you will wear and get bored with after a month or two, or a year or two.”
Since its launch in 2023, APOA — “injected with strong Saudi DNA” and inspired by culture, architecture, nature and travel — has dropped four eclectic collections, which the cousins call “chapters.”
“We call them chapters because, basically, it's like you’re reading a book. So, each chapter has a storyline — an idea or a whimsical thought behind it,” says Mashael.
The first chapter was a tribute to the Kingdom’s heritage of pearl diving and a way to put their Arab roots on full display. The latest is dedicated to “women on the go.”
While all design ideas come from the three founders, APOA has a technical designer based in Barcelona and the pieces are manufactured at an atelier in Italy.
“We work with our technical designer to basically clean up the mess of our ideas and put them on paper, so we can hand it over to the manufacturers. But each piece is approved by the three of us before that happens,” Mashael explains.
The founders celebrated another milestone earlier this year when they participated at Paris Fashion Week as part of the Saudi 100 Brands initiative.
“It was an immense experience,” Mashael says. “And we're very thankful, because not everyone gets this opportunity. We are part of this initiative that our government is funding. It takes people many years to join a show or to get this recognition. And we've got that in our pocket. It's literally a dream come true,” said Mashael.
“I get very anxious and nervous meeting people. I believe in my brand, but it's another thing trying to convince a stranger: ‘Yes, trust me, this brand is going places.’ Or, ‘These pieces are amazing.’ So, it was really nice seeing people from all over — publishers, buyers… we met a lot of amazing people in the industry.”
Before the announcement of the FTA Awards winners in Morocco, the cousins are already looking forward to chapter five, which will have a floral focus, as well as to their second collaboration with Saudi label Ashi Studio — a “very bold” piece, according to Sarah, that will launch in October.
Arabs grace the red carpet at Venice Film Festival opening
Updated 29 August 2024
Arab News/AFP
DUBAI: The opening red carpet of the 81st Venice Film Festival played host to a number of media and entertainment industry leaders from the Arab world on Wednesday.
Jomana Alrashid, chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, and Mohammed Asseri, CEO, attended the opening ceremony alongside Saudi producer Mohammed Al-Turki, the foundation’s former CEO.
They weren’t the only Arabs spotted on the red carpet. Lebanese presenter Raya Abirached also attended, wearing a pink cape gown by Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika.
The Venice Film Festival kicked off with the devilish debut of Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice” sequel and a surge of star power for the glitzy competition.
Lady Gaga, George Clooney, Daniel Craig, Julianne Moore and Brad Pitt are among the A-listers expected over the next 10 days in Italy’s watery city for the world’s longest-running movie festival, known as “La Mostra.”
The return of big-budget Hollywood pizzazz – after a low-key edition last year due to the Hollywood writers’ strike – was on full display with the out-of-competition world premiere of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
The film again features Michael Keaton as a chaos-causing ghoul, alongside Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Monica Bellucci and young star Jenna Ortega – who sported a backless red gauze confection that matched the red carpet.
Wednesday’s opening ceremony saw Sigourney Weaver presented with a lifetime achievement Golden Lion, with the “Alien” star calling the honor "jet fuel of encouragement.”
The festival shifts tone on Thursday, when eyes turn to Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas in “Maria,” Pablo Larrain’s biopic about the opera diva’s tormented life – one of 21 films in contention for the top Golden Lion prize to be awarded Sept. 7.
Also much anticipated is the dark psychological thriller “Joker: Folie a Deux,” the sequel to US director Todd Phillips’ 2019 Venice-winning film loosely based on the DC Comics characters and set in a gritty Gotham City.
The film brings back Joaquin Phoenix, who won an Oscar for his depiction of the failed clown descending into mental illness, this time paired with Lady Gaga as his sidekick and love interest Harley Quinn.
Incoming: The best movies heading your way in the rest of the year
Updated 29 August 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: From long-awaited sequels to an intriguing biopic, these are the Fall/Winter films we’re most looking forward to
Gladiator II
Starring: Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen
Director: Ridley Scott
When: Nov. 21
Discussions about a sequel to Scott’s huge 2000 hit “Gladiator” reportedly began the following year. It was another 17 years before official confirmation of “Gladiator II” was given, and a further five years before filming actually began. So there’s a considerable weight of expectation for all involved, particularly Paul Mescal, who is essentially stepping into the sandals of Russell Crowe’s iconic Maximus Decimus Meridius — albeit as a different character. Mescal plays Lucius, grandson of Rome’s former emperor, Marcus Aurelius, and son of Lucilla (Nielsen) — Marcus Aurelius’ oldest child — making Lucius the former heir to the Roman Empire. He is living with his family in North Africa when the Roman army invade and he is captured and forced into slavery. Inspired by the story of Maximus, Lucius resolves to fight as a gladiator and resist tyranny, under the guidance of the power-hungry Macrinus (Denzel Washington).
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Starring: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
When: Sept. 5
The sequel to Burton’s 1988 cult-classic comedy horror sees Keaton reprise his role as the decidedly non-woke ‘bio-exorcist’ Beetlegeuse, while Ryder and Catherine O’Hara return as Lydia and Delia Deetz, and Ortega plays Lydia’s teenage daughter Astrid. Thirty-six years on from the events of the original, the three generations of Deetz females return to the family home in Winter River, where Astrid accidentally opens the portal to the Afterlife, allowing Beetleguese to return to the world of the living and wreak havoc again.
Joker: Folie à Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Zazie Beets
Director: Todd Phillips
When: Oct. 3
The sequel to Phillips’ acclaimed 2019 movie “Joker” once again features Phoenix as the title character, loosely based on the arch-rival of Batman from DC Comics. Set two years on from the events of “Joker,” Arthur Fleck/Joker is now a patient at Gotham’s Arkham Asylum, where he falls in love with his music therapist Harleen ‘Lee’ Quinzel (Lady Gaga). The pair begin to experience shared delusions, and Quinzel transforms into her alter-ego of Harley Quinn. Outside the psychiatric hospital’s walls, Fleck’s followers launch a protest movement to secure his release.
The first of a two-film adaptation of the hugely successful stage musical of the same name, which is based on character’s from “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” It is set in the Land of Oz, and follows green-skinned Elphaba (Erivo) — a misunderstood young woman who ultimately becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, adversary of Dorothy Gale in the “Oz” novels — and her friendship-turned-rivalry with the popular Galinda Upland, who becomes the mighty Glinda the Good. When the pair encounter the Wizard of Oz, their lives take very different trajectories.
A Complete Unknown
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning
Director: James Mangold
When: Dec. 24
Chalamet plays arguably the world’s greatest singer-songwriter, Bob Dylan, in this biopic that covers Dylan’s rise to prominence in the New York (then wider US) folk-music scene up to his controversial (for folk-music aficionados) switch from acoustic to electric instrumentation on his fifth album in 1965, and his subsequent live performances over the next couple of years (including his famed appearance at the Newport Folk Festival), where he was booed by many in the audience for what they saw as a betrayal of his roots, but which has since been recognized as one of his most inspiring creative periods and a vital moment in the development of folk rock.
Nosferatu
Starring: Bill Skarsgard, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp
Director: Robert Eggers
When: Dec. 24
Remake of the seminal silent German 1922 classic (itself based on Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”), about a young woman, Ellen (Depp) who becomes the obsession of Count Orlok (Skarsgard), a terrifying vampire who will stop at nothing to possess her. It requires some serious self-confidence to remake such an acclaimed piece of pop-culture, but Eggers has considerable pedigree as writer-director of two of the most accomplished and atmospheric horror (or, at least, horror-adjacent) films in recent memory, “The Witch” and “The Lighthouse.”
REVIEW: ‘The First Descendant’ offers grind-based fun and frustration
Updated 28 August 2024
James Denselow
LONDON: The First Descendant (Steam, XBOX, PS4, PS5) is a free-to-play, third-person looter-shooter that aims to carve out its niche in a genre dominated by big names (Destiny 2, The Division, etc.).
Developed by Nexon, this live-service game combines the thrill of shooting hordes of alien enemies with a complex system of character progression, weapon variety, and loot collection. While it has its moments of excitement and visual appeal, it struggles to stand out in a crowded market and can often feel like a grind-heavy experience.
One of the game’s most appealing features is its cross-platform accessibility, allowing players on different systems to join forces and tackle the game’s 30-hour campaign together, although the reality of grind-based looting takes many more hours.
The cooperative play is at the heart of The First Descendant, with players able to choose from 14 unique characters, each offering different abilities and playstyles. This variety is bolstered by a wide range of weapons, from standard firearms to oversized, powerful guns that add a satisfying punch to combat.
Visually, The First Descendant impresses with its richly detailed environments and character designs. The game’s world is a mix of futuristic urban settings and eerie, desolate ruins, providing a visually engaging backdrop for the action. The art direction and graphical fidelity are undoubtedly high points, with each character looking distinct and the enemies, such as the towering Colossi and swarming Vulgus, providing memorable, if not particularly innovative, designs.
Gameplay-wise, the game offers a mix of standard looter-shooter mechanics with some unique twists. The combat feels solid, particularly when using the game’s oversized weapons, and the inclusion of a grappling hook adds an element of verticality and mobility that sets it apart from other games in the genre. Mastering the grappling hook can be particularly satisfying, offering opportunities for creative strategies and quick escapes during intense battles.
However, where The First Descendant starts to falter is in its reliance on grinding and the free-to-play monetization model. The game is heavily built around the concept of grinding for loot, character upgrades, and weapons, which can feel tedious after a while. Players might spend hours farming for a particular item or character unlock, only to come up empty-handed. This grind is compounded by the game’s monetization system, which, while not overly aggressive, is always present, tempting players to spend real money to bypass the grind.
The missions themselves, while varied in type, often boil down to repetitive tasks such as standing in one spot to gather resources or defending an area against waves of enemies. Despite the variety of enemies and the spectacle of big boss battles, this repetition can make the game feel “perfectly mediocre,” with moments of excitement that are often overshadowed by the monotony of its core gameplay loop.
The First Descendant is a visually striking game with solid combat mechanics and a promising cooperative experience. However, it is held back by a grind-heavy progression system and a reliance on repetitive mission structures. For fans of the looter-shooter genre, it may offer some enjoyment, especially in its early hours, but it ultimately struggles to rise above its peers in a meaningful way.
