Adam Driver-starring ‘Ferrari’ to close Jeddah’s Red Sea International Film Festival  

Adam Driver-starring ‘Ferrari’ to close Jeddah’s Red Sea International Film Festival  
Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) will wrap up its third edition next month with a closing night gala screening on Dec. 7 of “Ferrari,” the biopic from Michael Mann starring Adam Driver, Penelope Cruz, Shailene Woodley and Patrick Dempsey. (Supplied)
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Updated 23 November 2023
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Adam Driver-starring ‘Ferrari’ to close Jeddah’s Red Sea International Film Festival  

Adam Driver-starring ‘Ferrari’ to close Jeddah’s Red Sea International Film Festival  

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s much-awaited Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) will wrap up its third edition next month with a closing night gala screening on Dec. 7 of “Ferrari,” the biopic from Michael Mann starring Adam Driver, Penelope Cruz, Shailene Woodley and Patrick Dempsey.  

Mohammed Al-Turki, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said about “Ferrari”: “This exhilarating film has been close to the festival’s ‘heart,’ as it has been supported by our Red Sea International Film Financing, a vehicle for us to champion acclaimed storytellers and create the opportunity for cultural exchange. Michael Mann’s powerful film shows true craftsmanship and empathy for the ambitious genius behind one of the world’s most desired works of design.”  

Organizers also unveiled the lineup for the International Spectacular program, which presents “cinema from around the globe and features celebrated auteurs and international filmmaking icons.”  

The festival said that the section “showcases some of the most highly anticipated and talked about films of the year, screened for the first time in the Arab world.”  

The International Spectacular program will feature Sofia Coppola’s biopic “Priscilla,” Ava Duvernay’s “Origin,” John Woo’s “Silent Night,” Lea Domenach’s “Bernadette” (“The President’s Wife”), Aardman’s Sam Fell-directed “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,” and Yann Mounir Demange’s short “Dammi,” starring Riz Ahmed.  

Iconic Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron” will screen as the public closing film. The film features a celebrity-studded English voice cast including Christian Bale as Shoichi Maki, Dave Bautista as The Parakeet King, Gemma Chan as Natsuko, Willem Dafoe as Noble Pelican, Karen Fukuhara as Lady Himi, Mark Hamill as Granduncle, Robert Pattinson as The Gray Heron and Florence Pugh as Kiriko.  


Amina Muaddi celebrates PETA win on Instagram

Amina Muaddi celebrates PETA win on Instagram
Updated 06 October 2024
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Amina Muaddi celebrates PETA win on Instagram

Amina Muaddi celebrates PETA win on Instagram

DUBAI: Jordanian Romanian luxury shoe designer Amina Muaddi took to Instagram to celebrate her win at the PETA Vegan Awards 2024.

Muaddi won the award for Best Vegan Heels in the Fashion category for her stylish Brito Slipper heels crafted from plexiglass and TPU.

“I won a @peta award for the Brito,” she wrote on Instagram Stories and shared a photo of the award.

Now in their 11th year, the PETA Vegan Awards celebrate fashion companies and designers dedicated to creating animal-friendly clothing, shoes, accessories and bags. The 2024 winners include Berlin-based GmbH for its innovative leather biker jacket and Armedangels for its eco-conscious recycled linen blazer, among others.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AMINA MUADDI (@aminamuaddi)

Last month, Muaddi unveiled her latest pair of heels on none other than Barbadian superstar Rihanna as the footwear mogul was spotted at Milan Fashion Week.

Muaddi created a custom-made pair of Anok mules for the singer in a shade called butter satin, which Muaddi showed off on Instagram before hitting the streets at the now-concluded Milan Fashion Week.

The designer attended shows by Ferragamo, The Attico and Gucci and showed off apparel by each of the brands as she sat in the front row.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AMINA MUADDI (@aminamuaddi)

She also turned heads at the Dior show at Paris Fashion Week last month, while French Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair graced the runway for Danish fashion label Ganni.

Muaddi, who is a regular at Dior fashion shows, opted for a classic white button-down shirt and a sleek black satin pencil skirt. Her look was accessorized with a pair of dark, round sunglasses and a small, textured blue Dior handbag.

Since launching her eponymous footwear line in August 2018, Muaddi has attracted a loyal following of celebrities including Dua Lipa, Gigi Hadid, Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber. Her brand, known for its distinctive footwear, bags and jewelry, has quickly become a favorite among the fashion elite.

Since the launch, Muaddi has enjoyed a series of successful events, notably her collaboration with Rihanna’s Fenty collection. This partnership was immensely successful, earning the Collaborator of the Year award at the 34th FN Achievement Awards in 2020.

A year after this accolade, Muaddi’s influence and success were further recognized when she was named one of Women’s Wear Daily and Footwear News’ 50 Most Powerful Women.


Tilda Swinton wears Maison Alaia as protesters interrupt film screening

Tilda Swinton wears Maison Alaia as protesters interrupt film screening
Updated 06 October 2024
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Tilda Swinton wears Maison Alaia as protesters interrupt film screening

Tilda Swinton wears Maison Alaia as protesters interrupt film screening

DUBAI: British actress Tilda Swinton wore an all-black ensemble from Maison Alaia on the red carpet at the New York Film Festival screening of her film “The Room Next Door.”

The simple design from the label, which was founded by late Tunisian couturier Azzedine Alaia, featured a black sweater and skirt, which Swinton paired with bright red heels.

According to a report by Deadline, the post-screening Q&A for “The Room Next Door” was interrupted by protesters chanting in support of Palestine as well as Lebanon, the recent target of Israeli airstrikes.

A spokesperson told Deadline: “Two individuals held a banner and shouted slogans in the theater during the Q&A following the NYFF screening of Pedro Almodovar’s film ‘The Room Next Door.’ They were peacefully escorted out.”

The protest reportedly drew some applause, along with some shouts calling for them to “go away.” Director Almodovar gave the group a chance to be heard as he and Swinton helped diffuse the situation.

“The Room Next Door” is Spanish filmmaker Almodovar’s first English-language movie. The picture won the Golden Lion at its Venice Film Festival world premiere as well as the Brian Award for Almodovar.

Swinton described the protest as “a dignifying thing for this festival,” adding: “These interruptions are uncomfortable, but they’re necessary, and it is relevant to our film. Syria is the room next door, Beirut, Gaza. Pedro’s film asks us not to look away.”


REVIEW: Zelda’s ‘Echoes of Wisdom’ brings puzzle magic

REVIEW: Zelda’s ‘Echoes of Wisdom’ brings puzzle magic
Updated 06 October 2024
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REVIEW: Zelda’s ‘Echoes of Wisdom’ brings puzzle magic

REVIEW: Zelda’s ‘Echoes of Wisdom’ brings puzzle magic

LONDON: Nintendo’s biggest release of 2024 brings us back to the rich world of “The Legend of Zelda” series, but with a fresh perspective.

For the first time, Princess Zelda steps into the spotlight, taking charge of the adventure in a bold 2D experience that occasionally switches to side-scrolling segments.

Directed by Tomomi Sano — the first female to do so in the “Zelda” series — the game balances a love for nostalgic gameplay with clever, innovative mechanics, although some aspects feel more limited compared with its open-world predecessors like “Breath of the Wild” and “Tears of the Kingdom.”

While the series is known for its combat and exploration, “Echoes of Wisdom” shifts focus to something more puzzle oriented. Players will rely on Zelda’s new weapon, the Tri Rod, which creates echoes of objects or enemies previously encountered. This opens the door to creative gameplay, where using everyday items such as beds, pots and meat to solve puzzles feels just as rewarding as traditional swordplay. For instance, beds are cleverly used as stairs, pots disguise Zelda from enemies, and meat can distract foes, allowing for stealthier approaches.

This change in combat design might feel odd for diehard fans expecting direct sword-to-sword battles, but it makes for a refreshing take that emphasizes strategy over brute force. There is still a sword, but it is available only for limited stretches of time, making you think more carefully about when to use it. The shift to problem-solving does make the game feel slightly less challenging; the difficulty never feels overwhelming, and getting stuck is almost impossible due to its tight design.

The game plot’s mysterious force — the purple space-like rifts — steal people away, including Link himself. Zelda’s journey involves collecting spirits to repair these rifts, leading to an emotional narrative with plenty of text-heavy storytelling. As you progress, you’ll encounter an evil version of Link, adding intrigue and raising the stakes. While some may find the abundance of dialogue a bit heavy handed, it contributes to a deeper, more fleshed-out story.

The world map is expansive and includes eight dungeons, although it is not on the huge scale of the open-world adventures from previous entries. The structured world feels more like a throwback to older titles in the series, but it lacks the same sense of vastness and discovery that made “Breath of the Wild” a fan favorite. However, the charm lies in its design, with each area offering something unique, like the option to ride a cute horse that makes traversal more fun.

From a visual standpoint, “Echoes of Wisdom” stays true to the series’ roots, blending familiar 2D graphics with occasional side-scrolling moments. The art direction is simple yet effective, evoking a sense of nostalgia while still feeling modern enough to keep players engaged. The same goes for the music, which echoes classic “Zelda” themes while introducing a few new tracks that complement the gameplay beautifully.

Yet there are moments where the game struggles, particularly when several enemies flood the screen, leading to a noticeable drop-in frame rate. This does not ruin the experience but can be jarring during more chaotic moments.

With a playtime of about 12 to 16 hours, “Echoes of Wisdom” delivers a tightly crafted adventure that feels like a tribute to the old-school “Zelda” games. It may not have the enormous scope or freedom of recent entries, but its creative puzzles, clever use of objects, and a compelling story starring Princess Zelda make it a worthwhile journey for fans of the series.

While not perfect, “Echoes of Wisdom” is a charming addition to the “Zelda” legacy, offering a different kind of adventure that feels at once nostalgic and fresh, with a few surprises along the way.


Georgina Rodriguez leads Guess holiday campaign

Georgina Rodriguez leads Guess holiday campaign
Updated 05 October 2024
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Georgina Rodriguez leads Guess holiday campaign

Georgina Rodriguez leads Guess holiday campaign

DUBAI: Guess this week tapped Saudi Arabia-based Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez as the face of its 2024 holiday campaign.

Set to launch this month, the collection includes a range of footwear, from high heels to boots, along with ready-to-wear pieces, outerwear and accessories.

Rodriguez, a familiar face for Guess, was photographed by the brand’s longtime collaborator Nima Benati, showcasing an array of looks from the new holiday line.

In one shot, she reclined on a sofa in a nude mini-dress embellished with diamonds. Another look featured her in a satin animal-print dress, paired with a shaggy pink coat and nude heels, accentuated by a bold red handbag. She also appeared in a long camel coat, belted at the waist, with matching snakeskin boots and a handbag.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by GUESS (@guess)

In another outfit, Rodriguez stunned in a deep red knit dress, styled with knee-high boots and a red handbag. She also posed in black-and-white photos, wearing a denim jumpsuit and pointed-toe heels.

Creative Director Paul Marciano emphasized their strong ongoing collaboration in a statement, saying: “Georgina perfectly embodies the spirit of the Guess woman — her beauty, confidence, and elegance make her the ideal face of our brand.

“Working with her over the years has been a wonderful experience, and this new campaign brings her iconic look and the essence of the brand to the forefront once again,” he added.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez said: “I was delighted when Guess asked me to be the face of the Holiday campaign. It is truly an honor to be part of the Guess family, and I am absolutely thrilled for the wonderful opportunity to be a Guess Girl again.”

Rodriguez was in Paris last week for the city’s prestigious fashion show. She attended the Messika and Vetements shows.

For Messika, she donned an off-the-shoulder, form-fitting silver dress with a metallic finish and slight draping at the bust, complementing her look with silver pointed-toe heels, a glitzy diamond necklace and matching earrings.

Meanwhile, for Vetements, Rodriguez was dressed in a sleek, off-the-shoulder black velvet mini dress that she paired with sheer black tights and classic black stiletto heels. For accessories, Rodriguez added a statement diamond necklace and matching earrings with her hair styled in a wet-look finish.


Masterpieces of Islamic art on display in Dubai 

Masterpieces of Islamic art on display in Dubai 
Updated 04 October 2024
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Masterpieces of Islamic art on display in Dubai 

Masterpieces of Islamic art on display in Dubai 

DUBAI: Here are highlights from Sotheby’s upcoming autumn auctions of ancient and modern art from the Arab world. 

Mohammed Al-Saleem 

‘Untitled’ 

Last week, Sotheby’s Dubai hosted an exhibition of highlights from the auction house’s upcoming bi-annual Middle Eastern art week at its headquarters in London, which involves two auctions — “Arts of the Islamic World and India” and “Modern and Contemporary Middle East.” The exhibition included centuries-old Islamic artefacts from the Arab world, alongside canvases by some of the region’s most significant modern and contemporary artists. Among the latter was this untitled work by Al-Saleem, described by Sotheby’s as “one of Saudi Arabia’s foremost modern artists” who “has greatly contributed to the growth and evolution of art in the Kingdom.” The painter “belonged to a faction of cultural development in Saudi that sought a balance between the modernist and traditionalist aesthetics. Central to the artist’s oeuvre is a mediation between abstraction and figuration, in which he employs geometric forms to capture his surroundings,” the auction house states. This particular piece is expected to fetch up to £100,000 (roughly SAR500,000) at auction later this month.  

Umayyad bronze buck 

The highlight of the “Arts of the Islamic World and India” auction is this exceptionally rare bronze sculpture dating back to the 8th century CE, which is expected to fetch up to £3 million at auction. It is, Sotheby’s states, “indisputably one of the finest known animal sculptures from the Umayyad and early Abbasid period” and “one of only two known animal sculptures with a documentary inscription, recording the name of both its maker (Abdallah ibn Thabit) and patron (Ubaydallah ibn Jabir).” The is remarkable not just for its age and condition, but for its aesthetic merit. “Its cylindrical body gains movement by the sloping line that runs from the buck’s head to its deep rounded chest,” Sotheby’s notes. “This line shifts the visual weight slightly towards the rear, subtly emphasized by the angle of the animal’s well-articulated legs. It is as if he is tensing as he maintains his alertness…” A report compiled for Sotheby’s by Dr. Julian Raby concludes: “The buck … is a major addition to our understanding of figurative sculpture in the second century of the Hijra … It also happens to be a wondrous and sophisticated object in its own right.” 

Leaf from Arabic translation of Dioscorides’ ‘De Materia Medica’ 

Between 50 and 70 CE, Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides wrote his five-volume encyclopedia of herbal medicine, which remained the leading reference on the topic for more than 1,500 years and was used extensively across Europe and the Middle East, with the original text and illustrations being copied multiple times. This double-sided, illustrated leaf comes from an Arabic translation produced in Mesopotamia in the 13th century. “In the Arab context, the text was important not just for its pharmacological and medical information, but also for its role in developing the art of manuscript illumination,” Sotheby’s notes. This leaf, it continues, is an example of the School of Baghdad miniatures and “marks the bridge between the classically rooted Byzantine style of book illustration of the Late Antique period and the genesis of what would later be termed by Western scholars ‘Persian painting.’” 

Ayman Baalbaki 

‘7ay Jober’ 

The portrayal of war — whether through his expressionist portraits of fighters or paintings of ruined urban landscapes — has been a constant theme throughout the career of Baalbaki, one of Lebanon’s most popular contemporary artists. In this work, created in 2014, the artist shifted his focus from his homeland to the civil war raging in neighboring Syria, specifically the Jober district of Damascus. “Baalbaki’s works during this time mark an enduring commitment to communicating the plight of regional conflict,” Sotheby’s states. “Harnessing materiality and texture, Baalbaki presents a flurry of skillfully arranged, gestural strokes, harnessing emotion through mark-making.” 

An illuminated Qur’an copied by Ya’qut Al-Musta’simi in 1275-6 CE  

Sotheby’s describes Al-Musta’simi as “by far the most famous calligrapher in the history of Islamic art” whose “works have — for over 700 years — been among the most sought-after examples of the Islamic arts of the book.” This example of his work, written in naskh script, is “an exciting addition to a very small corpus of manuscripts reliably attributed to the calligrapher, and provides an insight into the workings of the royal scribal ateliers of Baghdad in the late 13th century.” According to the auction house, this is the only known Qur’an by Al-Musta’simi “not housed in a major library or museum.” It is expected to fetch between £600,000 to 800,000. 

A group of 12 pottery dishes from Abbasid Iraq 

This set of iridescent bowls is thought to have been created in the ninth or 10th century CE in Abbasid Iraq. It “perfectly showcases the decorative technique of lusterware — one of the most sophisticated, expensive and difficult of the period — by potters who sought to imitate the shine of gold,” Sotheby’s states. “These beautiful examples offer a rich array of designs, from animal motifs to abstract palmettes.”