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Lou Gala stuns in Elie Saab at ‘The Decameron’ premiere

Lou Gala stuns in Elie Saab at ‘The Decameron’ premiere
French actress Lou Gala glittered in an ensemble from Lebanese couturier Elie Saab when she appeared on the red carpet for the New York premiere of her new Netflix show, “The Decameron.” (AFP)
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Updated 29 July 2024
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Lou Gala stuns in Elie Saab at ‘The Decameron’ premiere

Lou Gala stuns in Elie Saab at ‘The Decameron’ premiere
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DUBAI: French actress Lou Gala glittered in an ensemble from Lebanese couturier Elie Saab when she appeared on the red carpet for the New York premiere of her new Netflix show, “The Decameron.”

The “Clips & Conversations” debut event saw the 29-year-old wear pieces from the label’s Spring-Summer 2024 ready-to-wear collection. The gold and pastel outfit included a sequined crop top and matching midi skirt, decked in shimmering beads and macrame trims.

Last month, the actress was spotted wearing Elie Saab at the label’s show during Paris Fashion Week, when she opted for all black.

“The Decameron,” which is loosely inspired by the eponymous short story collection, is streaming now on Netflix.

The series, from creator and showrunner Kathleen Jordan (of “Teenage Bounty Hunters” and “American Princess” fame,) examines the familiar theme of class struggles in the midst of a pandemic, as a cast of misfits tries to survive an outbreak of bubonic plague in Florence in 1348.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lou Gala (@lou_gala)

Alongside Gala, the series stars Amar Chadha-Patel, Karan Gill, Tony Hale, Zosia Mamet, Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Tanya Reynolds.

First published in Italy in the mid-14th century, Giovanni Boccaccio’s “The Decameron” tells the story of a group of nobles and their servants who shelter in the grand Villa Santa outside Florence as the Black Death rages. To pass the time, they take turns telling each other stories that range from witty to debauched.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lou Gala (@lou_gala)

In the show, as time goes on and social rules wear thin, the group quickly sinks into a struggle for survival.

Gala plays the timid and pious Neifile. As inspiration for the role, Jordan suggested that Gala watch Goldie Hawn’s performance in “Private Benjamin.”

“She has an otherworldly quality in the way that Goldie Hawn does, where it’s almost like she’s not aware of the kind of power she holds,” Jordan wrote in show notes on Tudum. “The doe eyes, that sort of naivete, but also the really high-minded physical comedy.”

Hale — who plays Sirisco — said particularly appreciated how “The Decameron” explored the existence of light and dark in all of us.

“Life is about that tension,” he told Tudum. “When things get really dark, we can see the light even more.”

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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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by lynakhoudri(@lynakhoudri)

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.” 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by lynakhoudri (@lynakhoudri)

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.


The Harrods Hive networking hub returns to Saudi Arabia 

The Harrods Hive networking hub returns to Saudi Arabia 
Updated 12 January 2025
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The Harrods Hive networking hub returns to Saudi Arabia 

The Harrods Hive networking hub returns to Saudi Arabia 

RIYADH: The Harrods Hive Riyadh returned for its second edition on Saturday, this time hosted at the Diriyah Sales Center in Al-Diriyah. In partnership with the Saudi Youth Society, this edition focused on the evolution of luxury experiences and the engagement of audiences with culture and creativity. 

The event featured afternoon tea and three insightful panels. The first panel, titled “Growing a Creative Community in the Spotlight,” discussed the importance of connection amid rapid evolution and growth in the Kingdom. The second panel, “Stories That Matter,” centered on owning one’s passion and pioneering change. The final panel, “Sparking Innovation Locally through Global Influencers,” explored the intersection of local and global creativity. Attendees had the opportunity to network with panelists and members of the Harrods senior leadership team. 
  
The first panel included Saudi artist Lulwah Al-Homoud, bespoke tailor Yousef Tammar, chef Mona Mosly, and cultural advisor Yasmine Rasool. An artist known for blending traditional Islamic art with modern abstraction — Al-Homoud emphasized the significance of connection in art.
 “Art is a bridge that connects us all … when someone resonates with my work, it feels like a validation of my journey.” 
  
Tammar, an emerging Saudi tailor studying in Rome, described his transformative journey as “like a fairy tale.” He reflected on the cultural shifts he experienced and expressed a desire to integrate his skills into Saudi culture, focusing on elevating the quality of traditional clothing. “I want to bring a new perspective to traditional designs,” he shared. “It’s about honoring our heritage while embracing innovation.” 
  
Mosly shared her culinary inspirations rooted in her family's love for food, noting that “behind every chef is their mother.” She highlighted the importance of family in nurturing culinary passion, adding, “Food is not just about sustenance; it’s about connection and love. When I cook, I’m sharing a piece of my heart.” She also spoke on the challenges of her career, stating, “Every chef faces moments of doubt, but those are the moments that shape us. It’s crucial to remember why we began this journey.” 
  
For her part, Rasool discussed the myriad opportunities available in Saudi Arabia for creatives. She expressed excitement about the potential for collaboration among diverse talents, stating, “This is the best time to be in Saudi … we're on the brink of a cultural renaissance, with so many voices ready to be heard. Together, we can create something truly magical.” 
  
This year's theme of the networking hub aiming to connect industry experts with emerging talent was “The Connector,” The theme serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing meaningful bonds, both locally and globally — as Al-Humoud concluded, “In a world that often feels divided, art and creativity are what unite us.”


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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Netflix MENA (@netflixmena)

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.

 

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