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Arab News

21 minutes ago

• Arab News

Annemarie Jacir's ‘Palestine 36' to premiere at TIFF 2025

DUBAI: Director Annemarie Jacir's 'Palestine 36' will premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival as a gala screening. Set on the outskirts of Jerusalem, 'Palestine 36' tells the story of the Arab uprising against the British mandate. '1936. As villages across Mandatory Palestine rise against British colonial rule, Yusuf drifts between his rural home and the restless energy of Jerusalem, longing for a future beyond the growing unrest,' the official logline reads. 'But history is relentless. With rising numbers of Jewish immigrants escaping antisemitism in Europe, and the Palestinian population uniting in the largest and longest uprising against Britain's 30-year dominion, all sides spiral towards inevitable collision in a decisive moment for the British Empire and the future of the entire region.' The film features an ensemble cast including Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons, 'Game of Thrones' star Liam Cunningham, and Tunisian actor Dhafer L'Abidine, alongside Palestinian talents Hiam Abbass, Yasmine Al-Massri, Kamel El Basha, and Saleh Bakri. Jacir, whose previous credits include 'Salt of the Sea,' 'When I Saw You,' 'Wajib' and episodes of 'Ramy,' has been working on the project since before the pandemic. 'For years I've dreamed to make a film about the 1936 revolt, one of the most critical moments in our history, but in a way that is intimate, personal and raw. The story follows a group of people that each find themselves in a position they never asked for, and with something so much bigger than they know hanging over them. The film is about the moments in our lives where we are confronted with a choice, a decision that changes us forever,' Jacir previously said, according to Variety. The film was partially funded by Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Film Fund and the Qatar-based Katara Studios, among other entities.

Arab News

2 hours ago

• Arab News

Lebanon mourns iconic composer Ziad Rahbani as mother Fayrouz makes rare appearance

BEIRUT: Hundreds of people in Lebanon paid tribute Monday to iconic composer, pianist and playwright Ziad Rahbani, who died over the weekend. His mother, Fayrouz, one of the Arab world's most esteemed singers, made a rare public appearance. Rahbani, also known as a political provocateur, died Saturday at age 69. The cause of death was not immediately known. His passing shocked much of the Arab world, which appreciated his satire, unapologetic political critique and avante-garde, jazz-inspired compositions that mirrored the chaos and contradictions of Lebanon throughout its civil war from 1975 until 1990. He also composed some of his mother's most famous songs. The Rahbani family was a cornerstone in Lebanon's golden era of music theater that today is steeped in idealism and nostalgia in a troubled country. Top Lebanese political officials and artists paid tribute after the death was announced. Rahbani, a leftist Greek Orthodox, often mocked Lebanon's sectarian divisions in his work. Hundreds of people holding roses and photos gathered by Khoury Hospital near Beirut's busy Hamra district, solemnly singing some of his most famous songs and applauding as a vehicle carrying his body left its garage. Reem Haidar, who grew up during the civil war, said Rahbani's songs and their messages were what she and others associated with at a time when there was 'no nation to belong to.' The vehicle made its way to a church in the mountainous town of Bikfaya before burial in the family cemetery. Fayrouz, 90, had spent many years away from the public eye. Wearing black sunglasses and a black veil, she greeted visitors who came to pay respects. She had not been seen publicly since photos surfaced of her meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited her residence in 2020 to award her France's highest medal of honor. In recent years, Rahbani also appeared less in the public eye, yet his influence never waned. Younger generations rediscovered his plays online and sampled his music in protest movements. He continued to compose and write, speaking often of his frustration with Lebanon's political stagnation and decaying public life. Rahbani is survived by his mother and his sister Reema and brother Hali.

Arab News

2 hours ago

• Arab News

The vision architect: Princess Nouf Al-Saud's blueprint for Saudi sport

When Princess Nouf Al-Saud started her role as general manager of marketing at Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Sport in 2018, she confronted a world unfamiliar with the Kingdom's pulse. 'When I first began this journey,' she said, 'I realized that many people around the world had never truly experienced our culture, our energy or our vision.' Six years and more than 135 global events later — from the electrifying debut of Formula 1 to the pioneering E1 Electric Boat Race — Al-Saud now orchestrates a marketing portfolio that has drawn more than 3 million attendees and broadcast Saudi Arabia's evolution to more than 160 countries. Her greatest triumph? Rewriting the narrative. Al-Saud told Arab News: 'We've evolved from being seen simply as a destination that hosts events, to being recognized as a forward‑thinking leader in sports.' Where skepticism once lingered, Al-Saud now projects certainty: 'Today, the most important message is that Saudi Arabia is not only open to the world, but actively shaping the global sports narrative.' This conviction permeates every campaign — whether amplifying community participation at Extreme E or embedding cultural storytelling into the WTA Finals. The most profound transformations, however, unfold in Saudi stands. 'A decade ago, it was rare to see parents, daughters and sons attending events side by side,' Al-Saud said. Now, stadiums brim with multi-generational energy. Al-Saud said: 'Girls are proudly wearing team jerseys, parents are cheering with their children and young fans are recognizing themselves in the athletes they watch.' She calls this phenomenon 'a ripple effect where sport becomes a shared cultural language' — a testament to Vision 2030's societal impact. Challenging global perceptions remains intrinsic to her work. 'We viewed every global event as a fresh opportunity to open a new window,' she said, countering stereotypes with experiential proof — be it through world-class venues or volunteers' warmth. Her creative arsenal relies on authentic storytelling: 'We flip the script by designing campaigns that don't just market a match or a race, they tell stories.' These narratives, showcasing international fans' pilgrimages or homegrown talent, serve a higher purpose: 'Our role goes far beyond ticket sales; it is about inspiring the next generation of athletes.' As chair of the Women's Sports Committee, Al-Saud wields platforms like the WTA Finals as catalysts. 'It's never been enough to simply host a women's tournament,' she added. Her strategy is inclusion at every level: 'We use these platforms to show that Saudi women are athletes, leaders, strategists and innovators.' From mentorship programs to leadership panels, the objective is unequivocal: 'Redefining roles not just on the court, but in boardrooms, production teams and strategy tables.' Amid the scale of progress, human moments anchor her. She vividly recounts the Italian Super Cup: 'Watching them, dressed in their club colors, walking through our fan zones with their children, laughing, taking photos, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride.' In that instant, the mission crystallized: 'It wasn't just about the game. It was about Saudi Arabia becoming a magnet for people who love sport, wherever they come from.' For Al-Saud, those smiles are more than rewards — they are proof that sport can build bridges no statistic can measure.