Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week

Special Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week
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The fifth annual Music Cities Awards were held in the Middle East for the first time on Dec. 8 at Mayadeen Village in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Special Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week
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The fifth annual Music Cities Awards were held in the Middle East for the first time on Dec. 8 at Mayadeen Village in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Special Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week
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The fifth annual Music Cities Awards were held in the Middle East for the first time on Dec. 8 at Mayadeen Village in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Special Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week
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The fifth annual Music Cities Awards were held in the Middle East for the first time on Dec. 8 at Mayadeen Village in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Special Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week
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The fifth annual Music Cities Awards were held in the Middle East for the first time on Dec. 8 at Mayadeen Village in Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Updated 10 December 2024
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Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week

Music Cities Awards lead convention as part of Riyadh Music Week
  • A number of initiatives and foundations from across the globe took home wins for their work in creating transformations across communities through music
  • Brazil’s music scene had a successful night as it took home two awards

RIYADH: Riyadh Music Week festivities continue in the capital as the fifth annual Music Cities Awards were held in the Middle East for the first time on Dec. 8 at Mayadeen Village.

A number of initiatives and foundations from across the globe took home wins for their work in creating transformations across communities through music.

Hosted by Saudi actor Hakeem Jumuah, the night kicked off with opening remarks by CEO of the Music Commission Paul Pacifico and CEO of Sound Diplomacy Music Events and Education, Luke Jones.

Jones told Arab News: “The Music Cities awards is the world’s leading (platform), and I think recognition of people doing fantastic and important policy work in the development of Music City, strategies, night time economy, and everything else that is needed to make music, entertainment and culture work in an economically viable and sustainable way around the world.

“So in Riyadh, that’s exactly what we are trying to build. It’s a real privilege and a pleasure for us to host this important award ceremony as we build our city with these important tenets in mind.”

With over 300 applications from 19 countries across six continents, this year’s competition highlights the vital role that music plays in shaping the cultural, economic, and social fabric of cities.

To the nominees and applicants this year, he said: “Your innovative projects and unwavering commitment to using music for the greater good are an inspiration to us all.

“It enriches communities, fosters creativity, and reminds us of music’s profound ability to connect. We encourage all of you to continue applying for the awards. It’s not just a competition, it is a growing database of inspiration and celebration of what is possible when using becomes a tool for transformation.”

The selection process was led by a high level global jury of 10 experts who work at the forefront of music and city development, including Helen Glengarry, music industry lead of the City of Gold Coast, Australia; Khadija El-Bennaoui, head of performing arts at the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi; Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, GRAMMY Award-winning engineer, producer, composer, and owner of Royal Studios; and Nada Alhelabi, the general manager of MDLBEAST Foundation in Saudi Arabia.

Brazil’s music scene had a successful night as it took home two awards. The city of Salvador, which was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music due to its rich Afro-Brazilian cultural influences, won Best Global Music City, while The Brazilian Symphony Orchestra Foundation took the category for best initiative to support music education and career development.

Australian entities also took home big wins. Queensland Music Festival was named the Best Music Tourism Initiative for its flagship Queensland Music Trails, while Music Victoria, a prominent organization known for its advocacy, research, and professional development within the music industry, won Best Organization Or Individual Supporting Music In The City.

Best Initiative to Support Diversity and Inclusion in Music went to the Miami Music Project, Inc., while Central Florida Community Arts won Best Initiative Using Music to Improve Health and Wellbeing.

The French Bye Bye Plastic Foundation, a women-led grassroots nonprofit focused on eliminating single-use plastics in the music industry, won Best Initiative Using Music to Support Environmental Sustainability; The Best Initiative Using Music for Economic, Social or Community Development went to the Viña del Mar International Song Festival; and Best Night-Time Economy Initiative was won by Bristol Nights, a partnership project initiated by Bristol City Council to support the city’s nightlife and those working from 6 pm to 6 a.m.

Located in Toronto and Hamilton, Canada, Main Stage Rehearsal Studios won the title for Best Use of Music in Real Estate or City Planning, while the Best Digital Innovation to Support Musicians or Music in Cities went to Opulous, which has developed products that transform how users engage with the music industry.

The award show started the two-day Music Cities Convention, held Dec. 9-10, including a number of panels and workshops dedicated to discussing what it takes to create a solid foundation for a thriving music industry.

The festivities were organized by Music Cities Events, which is part of sound diplomacy events and education.

“This event is a rare opportunity for policies to be put on stages, alongside events like Soundstorm festival and XP, to give policy its rightful focus as the underpinning of everything else that we need to happen to have creative careers and successful environments,” said Pacifico.


Lyna Khoudri supports French Arab directors ahead of Cesar Awards

Lyna Khoudri supports French Arab directors ahead of Cesar Awards
Updated 12 January 2025
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Lyna Khoudri supports French Arab directors ahead of Cesar Awards

Lyna Khoudri supports French Arab directors ahead of Cesar Awards

DUBAI: French Algerian actress Lyna Khoudri took to social media to drum up support for “Bye Bye Tiberias,” which is eligible in the documentary category at the 50th Cesar Awards in France.

France’s answer to the Academy Awards, the Cesar Awards will be held on Feb. 28, with voting for all categories closing on Jan. 28.

The awards are voted on by a cohort of 4,000 professionals in the film and media industries.

Khoudri does not feature in “Bye Bye Tiberias,” French Palestinian Algerian filmmaker Lina Soualem’s documentary feature that follows Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass. Best known for her roles in HBO’s “Succession” and Hulu’s “Ramy,” as well as films including “Munich” and “Blade Runner 2049.” Abbass grew up in the Galilean village of Deir Hanna. In her early 20s, she made the decision to leave her family home and follow her dream of becoming an actress in Europe. Behind her she left her mother, grandmother, and seven sisters. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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It is this decision that is central to “Bye Bye Tiberias.” Reflecting on Abbass’ chosen exile and the ways in which the women of her family have influenced her and her mother’s lives, Soualem’s film portrays four generations of daring Palestinian women, including her great grandmother, Um Ali, her grandmother Nemat, and her great aunt Hosnieh. 

“When my mother reads a poem about my great grandmother, we can feel that she is overwhelmed by emotion,” Soualem, who is also Abbass’ daughter, previously told Arab News.

“And the story of my great aunt combines all the tragedy of our family, because it’s the loss of place, it’s the separation from family, it’s the body separated from the soil. I couldn’t imagine being separated from my mother and sister for 30 years. And what is impressive is that, despite all of this, my great aunt seems to be a model of femininity and positivity for my mother. The one who lost the most is the one who taught her the most.” 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Khoudri also took to Instagram to promote director Hakim Atoui’s “Blood Ties” in the Best Short Fiction Film category.

“When Ali and Leila visit their mother, who has just been discharged from hospital, they have some revelations to make. They are shocked to discover that she is now living with Elyo, a medical assistance robot. Lunch with this strange machine soon turns into a family feud,” the logline of the film reads.


Limitless Orchestra marks world premiere at Dubai Opera with show honoring Johann Strauss, Hans Zimmer

Limitless Orchestra marks world premiere at Dubai Opera with show honoring Johann Strauss, Hans Zimmer
Updated 11 January 2025
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Limitless Orchestra marks world premiere at Dubai Opera with show honoring Johann Strauss, Hans Zimmer

Limitless Orchestra marks world premiere at Dubai Opera with show honoring Johann Strauss, Hans Zimmer

DUBAI: Dubai Opera played host to a world premiere this week that reimagines orchestral music for a new generation of music lovers.

“Global Waltzing — from Johann Strauss to Hans Zimmer,” presented by The Limitless Orchestra, took place at the intimate venue at the heart of Dubai on Jan. 10 and 11.

The brainchild of Russian-German violinist and composer Aleksey Igudesman, the orchestra enjoys the distinguished patronage of legendary film composer Hans Zimmer, who also made a special guest appearance on stage on both nights.

The orchestra enjoys the distinguished patronage of legendary film composer Hans Zimmer, who also made a special guest appearance on stage on both nights. (Supplied)

Under Igudesman’s innovative “fail forward” approach, “The Limitless Orchestra” breathes new life into the traditional boundaries of symphonic artistry, blending timeless musical techniques with contemporary creativity to deliver an experience that is as daring as it is transformative.

“The world definitely does not need another orchestra, for sure, but I think the world needs this orchestra and other orchestras like it,” Igudesman said ahead of the show.

“The orchestra essentially has not changed, or an orchestra has not changed its format more or less for 150 years. It has become an institution, a very vital cultural institution. But everything that stays the same becomes stagnant and becomes a museum, and then dies eventually, and we do not want an orchestra to die. So, for me, I think launching the ‘Limitless’ orchestra with the help of my great friends is something that I just had to do, because I did not want to have the things that I love so much die, and I wanted to show a possible new way of doing things.”

The show sees the orchestra revitalize the timeless works of Johann Strauss. (Supplied)

The show sees the orchestra revitalize the timeless works of Johann Strauss, skillfully blending the cherished compositions of the Austrian king of the waltz with the epic film music of Hollywood legend Zimmer.

Zimmer, displaying his trademark humility, said: “I don’t think there are limitations to classical music. I would hate to go about ruining Bach or Mozart. That’s their music and we can have new music.

“I’m just a peasant of music. I write film music. But the weird thing is that every day I get to go out and hire an orchestra. I get to go out and play in arenas for 20,000 people. So, something is working with what I’m doing. I’m adding instruments to the orchestra, I’m adding playfulness.”

“Global Waltzing — from Johann Strauss to Hans Zimmer” took place at the intimate venue at the heart of Dubai on Jan. 10 and 11. (Supplied)

The program will showcase a dazzling fusion of classical and cinematic music through an innovative selection of compositions, including the opening piece, “Emperor Waltz, Sultan Style,” by Igudesman and Tristan Schulze, inspired by Johann Strauss.

Other pieces include “Sherlock Holmes Fantasy,” “From Time to Time — Inception Waltz,” and “The Banker’s Waltz.”

Igudesman, celebrated for his electrifying performances and whimsical approach to classical music, will perform original works and innovative compositions, accompanied by the mesmerizing voice of soprano Ekaterina Shelehova.


Saudi-backed film to screen at International Film Festival Rotterdam

Saudi-backed film to screen at International Film Festival Rotterdam
Updated 11 January 2025
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Saudi-backed film to screen at International Film Festival Rotterdam

Saudi-backed film to screen at International Film Festival Rotterdam

DUBAI: The International Film Festival Rotterdam this week revealed its line-up for the 2025 edition, featuring the Red Sea Film Foundation-supported “Dead Dog” by Lebanese director Sarah Francis.

The film follows Walid and Aida, a husband and wife reunited after his long absence abroad. As they confront the emotional distance between them, secrets come to light, including Aida’s silence about their beloved dog Punto. Set against a backdrop of shifting dynamics and unspoken truths, “Dead Dog” explores themes of estrangement, trust, and the complexities of marriage.

The festival is set to take place from Jan. 30 to Feb. 9.


Netflix unveils season 2 trailer for ‘Mo’

Netflix unveils season 2 trailer for ‘Mo’
Updated 11 January 2025
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Netflix unveils season 2 trailer for ‘Mo’

Netflix unveils season 2 trailer for ‘Mo’

DUBAI: Netflix this week released the trailer for the highly anticipated second season of Palestinian-American comedian Mohammed Amer’s award-winning series “Mo,” announcing its debut on Jan. 30.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The new trailer showcases the show’s signature humor and heartfelt moments as Mo Najjar, played by Amer, continues to navigate life as a Palestinian refugee in the US.

In season 2, he finds himself stuck on the other side of the border, desperately trying to make it back to Houston in time for his family’s important asylum hearing. With no passport and few options, he faces a series of unexpected challenges, including a new rival who jeopardizes his relationship with Maria and his signature falafel taco recipe.

 


Film Review: ‘Confess, Fletch’

Film Review: ‘Confess, Fletch’
Updated 10 January 2025
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Film Review: ‘Confess, Fletch’

Film Review: ‘Confess, Fletch’
  • In this story, Fletch, a former investigative journalist and current freelancer, is hired by a billionaire Italian count to investigate the whereabouts of his valuable art collection, which suddenly goes missing

Jon Hamm, renowned for his role in “Mad Men, steps into the elegant shoes of Irwin Maurice “Fletch” Fletcher in “Confess, Fletch,” a 2022 film that modernizes the classic 1980s character — which is based on a novel from the 1970s — originally portrayed twice by the beloved Chevy Chase.

In this story, Fletch, a former investigative journalist and current freelancer, is hired by a billionaire Italian count to investigate the whereabouts of his valuable art collection, which suddenly goes missing.

In true Italian fashion, Fletch falls in love with his boss’ daughter, Angela, while in Rome, and things get even more complicated when her father, the count who hired Fletch, goes missing.

The plot thickens further when Fletch finds the dead body of a mysterious woman at the luxury townhouse he is renting in Boston — a place Angela found for him. Fletch becomes the prime suspect in that murder investigation while simultaneously trying to recover the stolen paintings and salvage his now-strained relationship with the secretive and passionate Angela.

Jon Hamm as Irwin Maurice “Fletch” Fletcher.

The film offers several laugh-out-loud moments, particularly thanks to Fletch’s dry wit and the quirky characters he encounters. Some of the dialogue is cringey and goofy but presented in such an endearing way that you don’t even mind it.

Directed by Greg Mottola, this version of “Fletch” dials down the slapstick humor of the Chase versions in favor of dry wit and sharp dialogue. Hamm brings a suave, albeit slightly arrogant energy to the role, skillfully balancing irreverence with understated charisma.

Respected actress Marcia Gay Harden plays the count’s wife, Angela’s stepmother. Sadly, her stellar performance is overshadowed by her misstep in terrible accent work, which distracts from an otherwise competent portrayal of a key character in the film. Despite this, the other supporting performances in general remain strong, including the sergeant inspector — who often has his baby on his hip — and the junior detective who is trying, and sometimes failing, to prove herself.

Fletch also encounters a strange neighbor, a woman with an eccentric dog, whose odd behavior and mysterious presence add another layer of intrigue to the film. Meanwhile, Fletch’s rental house — where the dead body was found — showcases its own oddities, with the owner sneaking into the property unannounced and beating up Fletch — further fueling Fletch’s suspicion, and ours, about the situation.

Ultimately, “Confess, Fletch” offers a fresh and charming take on a beloved character. While its tone and pacing are more relaxed than its predecessors, it offers an enjoyable viewing experience for those who appreciate subtle humor and character-driven comedy.