Lucy Liu shines in Zuhair Murad on Berlin red carpet
Updated 05 November 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: Actress Lucy Liu cut a striking figure at the Berlin premiere of her film “Red One,” wearing a head-turning gown by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.
Liu dazzled in a black velvet dress from Murad’s fall/winter couture collection, which featured a crystal-encrusted bodice adorned with looped net detailing.
She completed the look with Tamara Mellon heels and Roxanne Assoulin jewelry. Her hair was styled in a sleek chignon with delicate floral details.
Liu walked the red carpet alongside her fellow cast members, including Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, J.K. Simmons, and director Jake Kasdan.
“Red One” is an action-comedy film which sees Santa Claus (Simmons) go missing in mysterious circumstances. Tasked with saving Christmas, the North Pole’s head of security (Johnson) teams up with the world’s most notorious bounty hunter (Evans). Together, they embark on a globe-trotting adventure to locate and rescue Santa.
The film is set to premiere in Saudi Arabia on Nov. 7.
The unveiling of Murad’s fall/winter collection at Paris Fashion Week in June drew notable guests including Avril Lavigne and Ellie Goulding.
The designs emphasize his signature craftsmanship with luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk and lace, with pieces featuring intricate beadwork, sequins and embroidery.
With a color palette of bold blacks, deep reds, and metallic tones, accented by warm shades of bronze and copper, they exude a sense of sophistication and drama.
Silhouettes range from voluminous, sweeping gowns to sleek, form-fitting dresses, incorporating daring cutouts and striking necklines. One highlight on the runway was a shoulder-baring gown in powder red, with sequins on the bodice transforming into cascading feathers on the skirt.
Murad has dressed an impressive roster of A-list celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Zendaya and Katy Perry.
Earlier this week, at the premiere of Netflix’s “Time Cut,” US actress and singer Madison Bailey wore a black off-the-shoulder sequined long-sleeved midi dress with cut-out detail from the designer’s ready-to-wear Fall 2024 collection.
Michelle Yeoh, Eva Longoria inspire audiences in Jeddah
Updated 07 December 2024
Nada Hameed
Jeddah: Hollywood actress Eva Longoria and Oscar-winning actress and producer Michelle Yeoh captivated the audience with their insights about the film industry at two “In Conversation” panels at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah.
With the festival set to run until Dec. 14 in Al-Balad, the conversations shed light on the significance of purpose-driven storytelling, cultural representation and breaking barriers in cinema.
Longoria, known for her role in “Desperate Housewives” and her directorial debut in “Flamin’ Hot,” shared her commitment to producing films that make a cultural impact.
Hollywood actress Eva Longoria posed before her In Conversation talk at the Red Sea International Film Festival. (Getty Images)
Speaking about her belief in using media as a force for social change, she said: “If we’re going to change the world, it’s going to be through culture. And who has the biggest impact on pop culture? Media — TV, films. If I can make things that change culture, culture changes minds and hearts.”
Longoria elaborated on her criteria for selecting projects, saying: “When I read a script, it’s clear to me very quickly if I want to direct it, do it, or be in it. It has to say something — bring a cultural or female perspective we need to see and hear.”
As a director, producer and actress, Longoria is keen to multitask. Expressing her belief in the leadership abilities of women, she said: “I like to direct, produce and act because I want to control everything. As women, we’re natural directors, decision-makers and multitaskers. It’s rewarding to do all three.”
Longoria also emphasized the importance of supporting women in the film industry, particularly women from underrepresented communities. Reflecting on her work with Latinas, she said: “When you help a woman, she helps her family. And when you improve the lives of families, you improve the lives of nations.”
Her advice to the next generation in the film industry focused on perseverance and the importance of experience. “If you don’t have the body of work, you can’t get the job. And you can’t get the job because you don’t have the body of work. You learn by doing. You volunteer your talents to anyone who will take you.”
Meanwhile, Yeoh, celebrated for her roles in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” for which she won the Best Actress Oscar in 2023, spoke about her involvement in action films.
She shared her experience with martial arts choreography, describing the art of movement in action sequences. “Action is like dance. Everything’s choreographed, but the projection of power and timing are different. It’s a blend of grace, speed and impact,” she said.
Yeoh’s experience in the industry has been one of defying expectations, particularly in action cinema. Reflecting on her groundbreaking role in 2000’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” she praised director Ang Lee for revolutionizing martial arts films.
“Ang Lee is a poet. He introduced martial arts cinema to the world in a way that made audiences feel like they were running on rooftops with us.”
Her determination to challenge Hollywood’s limited portrayal of Asian women was a defining aspect of her career. She shared the impact of saying no to stereotypical roles. “At that time, roles for Asian women were so stereotyped. I waited for two years because I refused to step backwards. Saying no is powerful.”
As a champion of cultural representation, Yeoh discussed the evolving landscape of cinema, stressing the importance of creating opportunities for diverse storytellers. “It’s crucial to create equal opportunities for storytellers to tell their stories in their own way. That’s how the industry evolves.”
For Yeoh, the journey is more about authenticity. “Tell your stories. Don’t cut corners. Believe in what you do because if you don’t believe in that, you’ve lost the battle already.”
Her experience as both an actress and producer has shown her the importance of both personal growth and collective representation. “Cinema is one of the best ways to learn about the world ... bring the world to you,” Yeoh said.
Both Longoria and Yeoh emphasize the importance of representation in the film industry. Longoria advocates for breaking barriers by focusing on women’s roles and encouraging diversity behind the scenes. She is committed to creating spaces where women and people of color can thrive in the industry.
“It’s much harder for women and people of color to break through,” she said. “Not because of intentional exclusion but because people hire who they know and who has the experience. That’s why building pipelines is so critical.”
Yeoh echoes these sentiments, stressing the significance of diverse voices in filmmaking.
“We are beginning to see changes,” she said. “We are beginning to welcome more diversity. We are beginning to see more women, especially, behind the cameras and other jobs, just instead of being an actress.”
This year’s roster of speakers at the festival includes the Academy Award-winning actor Brendan Fraser, renowned director and producer Michael Mann, Academy Award-nominated actor Jeremy Renner, acclaimed director Spike Lee, actress and director Olivia Wilde, Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo, as well as more Bollywood legends alongside Middle Eastern icons.
Michael Douglas talks 50-year career at Red Sea International Film Festival
Updated 07 December 2024
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Hollywood actor and producer Michael Douglas was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah this weekend.
The honorary award was presented by Jomana-Al Rashid, chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, during the Academy Award-winning actor’s on-stage In Conversation talk on Friday.
The honorary award is a testament to Douglas's career and enduring influence on, and contribution to, cinema during his 50 year career, according to Al-Rashid.
The honorary award was presented by Jomana-Al Rashid. (Arab News)
“We are thrilled to recognize Michael Douglas with the Red Sea International Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award … (for) Douglas’s exceptional talent, dedication to his art, and for his remarkable impact on the world of entertainment,” she said.
In his acceptance speech, Douglas remarked on the festival's impact in the Arab World and Saudi Arabia.
“I am truly honored to receive this award from the Red Sea International Film Festival. It’s wonderful to be here among my fans from Saudi and the region. It is a great honor to receive this award from an organization which is dedicated to fostering the growth of films and offering a unique opportunity for aspiring filmmakers from Saudi Arabia, the Arab World, Asia, Africa and other parts of the world.”
The 80-year-old actor sat down for a conversation with TV presenter Raya Abirashid prior to receiving his award.
The actor is attending the Red Sea Film Festival with his wife and fellow actor Catherine Zeta-Jones. (Getty Images)
He told fans that it has not always been an easy path. “My first shows weren’t very good,” he admitted.
The Oscar winning actor said he has been enjoying a career break over the past two years but is still open to taking on projects that introduce him to a new genre or type of role.
Looking back at his career, Douglas said one of his few regrets was getting caught up in producing in the wake of producing 1975’s “One Flew Out Of The Cuckoo’s Nest.”
“Careful what you wish for,” he said. “I had a big production company. I financed my own movies. The producing aspect of my life sort of took over, and I would find myself in movies I was producing, and that is not a good combination,” he said.
“I would finish acting and then there would be a pile of crap, scripts that we were developing that I would then have to go through, making all my notes for them and all of that. So, the job became overwhelming. There were about 20 years in there which I could have simplified and probably enjoyed life more.”
The actor is attending the Red Sea Film Festival with his wife and fellow actor Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Throughout his career, Douglas has delivered performances in iconic films such as “Wall Street, ““Fatal Attraction,” “Basic Instinct,” “The China Syndrome,” “The Game” and “Behind The Candelabra” among others. He most recently starred in Apple TV series “Franklin.”
Filmmaker Lama Jarkas explores familial struggles with short on mother-daughter turmoil
Updated 07 December 2024
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: Lebanese Palestinian director Lama Jarkas unveiled her short film “Diaa Shamsi” at the Red Sea International Film Festival this week, exploring the struggles between a mother and daughter as the latter seeks to spread her wings.
In an interview with Arab News, Jarkas elaborated on the film’s themes and her motivations for telling the emotionally turbulent story.
Over 17 minutes, “Diaa Shamsi” follows the struggles of a young woman named Diaa, aged 17. She feels suffocated by her narcissistic mother, a woman more concerned with her appearance and societal opinion than with her daughter’s well-being. Tensions escalate when Diaa, on the verge of graduating from high school, expresses her desire to take a part-time job as a corporate writer, only to face her mother’s rejection over worries about public opinion.
Jarkas delves into the complexity of the mother-daughter relationship, emphasizing that “narcissism manifests differently in everyone.” She aims to explore the emotional conflicts arising from such dynamics: “Many individuals struggle with the effects of narcissistic parenting, which can lead to issues like low self-esteem,” she said.
The film, which she describes as deeply personal, marks her directorial debut. It was crafted during her sophomore year at Jeddah's Effat University and bringing it to a film festival such as RSIFF, with its roster of international talent, has been a milestone.
Jarkas said she was “eager to see how the audience connects with it. I hope viewers resonate with its themes and characters on a deeper level,” and emphasized the importance of authentic regional storytelling.
“I aim to highlight the diverse narratives that exist within Saudi culture. While my film may not represent every individual, it’s a story that many can connect with or relate to in some way. By exploring the complex and challenging dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of emotional struggles,” she said.
“The complexities of family dynamics can be challenging, and I want viewers to walk away with a greater appreciation for the importance of support and understanding in pursuing one’s dreams.”
Speaking of her role as a filmmaker in shaping the perception and understanding of Saudi culture, she added: “Every artist has a crucial part in sharing the stories of their culture. As a Lebanese Palestinian raised in Jeddah, I feel a responsibility to highlight the diverse narratives within Saudi Arabia. By doing so, I aim to deepen understanding and appreciation of the region’s richness and complexity.”
Ahmed Al-Qithmi explores a turbulent marriage in Red Sea title ‘The Edge’
Updated 07 December 2024
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: In the realm of cinema, few stories resonate as deeply as those that explore the complexities of human relationships. Ahmed Al-Qithmi’s debut short film, “The Edge,” delves into the intricacies of a troubled marriage between protagonists Sultan and Haneen, capturing the emotional turbulence that often accompanies love.
Selected as part of the New Saudi/New Cinema (Shorts) lineup at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Al-Qithmi shared insights on character development, thematic exploration, and the challenges of filmmaking.
At the heart of the seven-minute short are characters that Al-Qithmi believes reflect the trials of many couples. “The story draws on common themes that resonate with many marital experiences,” he explained. “Everyone either goes through these situations or knows someone who has.”
The film emphasizes the importance of being emotionally available and effective communication in relationships, and Al-Qithmi confronts other, often taboo, issues.
“I addressed various matrimonial issues in the film, such as neglect and lack of interest during critical moments. Additionally, I aimed to highlight more severe experiences, including domestic violence,” he explained.
“Sultan’s character underwent significant evolution throughout the writing process,” Al-Qithmi said of his lead character, who is played by actor Khalid Yaseen.
“Initially, he resembled my personality closely, however, as we continued, we developed an independent persona for Sultan. This involved thoroughly exploring his social background, including a complete family structure with details about his siblings, ages, reasons for his marriage, and hobbies and interests.”
Haneen’s character was equally meticulously developed. Al-Qithmi spoke with various women to shape her personality, finding insights that would resonate with audiences before he sat down with actress Rand Al-Qusaybi to round out the role.
Al-Qusaybi’s “background in psychology aided our portrayal of Haneen,” the director said. “Interestingly, after our research, we found that Haneen’s personality was quite the opposite of Rand Al-Qusaybi’s. This contrast allowed us to create a compelling dynamic that showcased a different facet of the actress’ talent.”
One of the film’s central messages is the importance of honest communication in relationships. Al-Qithmi hopes audiences will take away the understanding that “a successful relationship requires honest communication between spouses … We should start speaking transparently with our partners rather than expect them to understand us through our reactions.”
Visually, Al-Qithmi used warm tones to enhance emotional intensity, and handheld camera movements during conflicts serve to amplify the tension, vividly illustrating the couple’s struggles.
“I chose a German-inspired style for filming because it enhances color intensity and incorporates warm tones in the images … During moments of conflict, we employed handheld camera movements to illustrate the intensity of anger and frustration. In the bedroom, I utilized a rotating camera technique while changing the time in the same location, showing that the couple shares the same room and bed, yet each exists in a different world,” he explained.
As “The Edge” makes its festival debut, Al-Qithmi is already contemplating future projects and told Arab News that while he remains committed to exploring themes related to family and relationships, he is also looking to cut his teeth in the world of comedy and science fiction.
Riyadh’s XP Music Futures brings together global musicians
Updated 07 December 2024
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
RIYADH: Riyadh’s XP Music Futures serenaded music enthusiasts by featuring international artists and creating new opportunities for music industry professionals from diverse backgrounds at the Jax District in Diriyah this weekend.
The summit marked the launch of Riyadh Music Week, which will also include the Global Music Makers Summit, Billboard Arabia Music Awards, Music Cities Convention Awards, and the Soundstorm 2024 music festival.
The 3-day event, which wraps up on Dec. 7, features distinct “DAY” and “NITE” programming. XP DAY featured a daytime program with workshops, panel discussions, and sessions led by diverse speakers.
XP NITE is a nighttime activation where regional event organizers, promoters, and record labels take over and perform at JAX’s multiple stages with a colorful array of music genres.
Bader Assery, senior project manager at MDLBEAST, told Arab News the music event has collaborated with Nigerian artists, bringing new Afrobeats flavors to the region.
“We try as much as we can to differentiate year on year. We don’t want it to be repetitive or boring and we want to bring something new every year to excite the audience and to attract new audiences.
“This year we are partnering with a lot of musicians from Nigeria. Every year we have a specific country we focus on and collaborate with.”
Artists from the country performed a mix of Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music, showcasing their culture through music, said Assery.
“The beauty from what I have seen from the artists that we brought in is that even if they take sounds that are very common, they add their own flavor and sound to it. It feels much more authentic than copying pasting another sound, which is something we try to do with our Saudi artists as well.”
Writer, musician, and composer Heba Hussein, who goes by the stage name Kayan, told Arab News she came to XP to explore a new culture.
“I came to XP for cultural diversity and impressive musicians and also to expand my knowledge of the Saudi musical community and it is very impressive.”
The artist, who is known for blending Arabic poetry with jazz and neo-soul, said she is looking forward to her set.
“As for my feelings for my show on Saturday, I am very excited and a little stressed, but this is normal …I am confident of my ability to present a wonderful show. The world is not ready for the change I will make in the music industry.”
