Latest news with #ArabianNights'
Broadcast Pro
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Saudi Film Commission showcases local talent at Malmö Arab Film Festival
This tour features screenings of select Saudi films, followed by engaging dialogue sessions with Saudi filmmakers and talent. The Saudi Film Commission has participated in the Malmö Arab Film Festival, taking place in Sweden from April 29 to May 5, as part of its efforts to elevate the international presence of Saudi cinema. Demonstrating its strategic push to spotlight local filmmaking on the global stage, the commission has partnered with the festival to present an 'Arabian Nights' event. This initiative includes a multi-city film tour across seven locations in three Scandinavian countries from April 27 to May 8. The tour features screenings of select Saudi films, complemented by interactive dialogue sessions with Saudi filmmakers and creatives. These events aim to introduce diverse cinematic voices from the Kingdom to broader international audiences while emphasising the dynamic growth and creative potential of Saudi Arabia's film industry. Norah, Lail Nahar, Fakhr Alsuwaidi, II Signore and Holes are part of the screening.
Leaders
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Takes Part in Malmö Arab Film Festival
Saudi Film Commission is currently participating in the Malmö Arab Film Festival in Sweden from April 29 to May 5, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The participation seeks to boost the Kingdom's presence of Saudi cinema on the international stage. As part of the 'Arabian Nights' event, the commission has organized a tour in (7) cities belonging to (3) Scandinavian countries to display numerous Saudi films. Malmö Arab Film Festival Launched in 2011, the festival showcases approximately (80) feature, short and documentary films from all over the world. Moreover, it features sections for competitions and special screenings along with workshops and seminars. During the festival, the commission seeks to highlight the Saudi cinematic identity, support local creators, and forge effective partnerships with international cinema institutions. Related Topics: Japanese Yamamura Holds Masterclass at Saudi Film Festival Celebrating Identity: Ithra to Host 11th Saudi Film Festival in April Saudi Arabia Joins Berlin International Film Festival 2025 Short link : Post Views: 1 Related Stories
Los Angeles Times
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
An inspired filmmaker takes us on a ‘Grand Tour' of a colonialist past and a vibrant present
'Grand Tour,' the latest film from Portugal's Miguel Gomes, is stuck in the past, beautifully so, and yet, the present keeps creeping in, insisting on making itself heard. But where other directors might look backward to luxuriate into nostalgia — whether out of fondness for a bygone era or an antiquated style of filmmaking — the director of 'Tabu' and 'Arabian Nights' questions the very notion of what we call 'the past,' crafting a story in which time periods overlap hypnotically. In this seductive travelogue, we are not always sure where (or when) we are, but Gomes' pointedly anti-love story transfixes because of its playful audacity. 'Grand Tour' is an enveloping drama that's far more than the sum of its parts — except the parts are pretty wonderful on their own, too. It is January 1918, and Edward (Gonçalo Waddington), an unremarkable civil servant for the British Empire, is on the run. On the eve of marrying Molly (Crista Alfaiate), his fiancée whom he hasn't seen in seven years, Edward gets cold feet, fleeing Rangoon to escape his beloved. The film's first hour focuses on his restless getaway — on train and by boat, from Singapore to Saigon to Shanghai — while the second hour pivots to Molly's far more lighthearted tracking of Edward, her screwball-comedy cackle just one element of Gomes' movie that feels consciously antiquated. Filmed in silvery black-and-white, shot on sound stages and acted with a knowing theatricality, 'Grand Tour' plays like a lost early talkie that's been rescued from some dusty vault. But from the movie's first frames, Gomes keeps interrupting his tale, allowing the messy vitality of modern life to flood the narrative. Contemporary documentary footage of different puppet shows across Asia are interspersed with vivid street scenes that offer a present-day glimpse of the locations where Edward and Molly's romantic misadventures unspool. The film's mix of offscreen speakers often provides context for what's happening in the 1918 story when we see modern images that correspond to the action described. (For instance, during a moment in which Edward wanders into a Japanese noodle restaurant, Gomes shows documentary footage of a current one.) The initially jarring juxtaposition of then and now — fiction and documentary — quickly becomes intoxicating, inviting the viewer to both contemplate the ceaseless passage of time and ponder the seamless temporal transitions. Slyly, the device repeatedly undercuts the supposed importance of Edward and Molly's parallel odysseys. From our contemporary vantage point, their minuscule existences have been erased, replaced by the modern-day footage's bustle of traffic and clatter of the everyday. Similarly, the British's colonial control of the region is now a thing of the past. Even those in Edward's orbit sense the winds of change. 'The end of the empire is inevitable,' he's warned. 'It's a matter of years, maybe months. We will leave without having understood a thing.' The film's genesis was accidental, Gomes inspired by a brief passage in W. Somerset Maugham's 1935 collection of travel writing, 'The Gentleman in the Parlour,' in which the author recounts a story he heard about an Englishman trying to back out of his imminent wedding, traveling across Asia to stay a step ahead of his bride-to-be. (Amusingly, Gomes himself was about to marry when he read the book.) But rather than first write Edward and Molly's plot line, Gomes and his creative team retraced the steps of this Englishman — even if the tale was probably apocryphal — filming what they encountered along the way with the help of Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, a frequent cinematographer for Luca Guadagnino and Apichatpong Weerasethakul. After studying the documentary footage, all of it transporting without exoticizing the locales, Gomes and his cowriters penned the period tale based around that visual material. The result is a movie in which the 20th century and the 21st century continually talk to each other. Sometimes, the two eras bleed into one, making it nearly impossible to know whether we're witnessing past or present. (After three viewings, I am not entirely convinced that a ringing cellphone in one scene is contemporary or, rather, a coy anachronistic joke incorporated into a 1918 segment.) This temporal blending, far from being a coldly experimental exercise, immerses us in the pure pleasure of storytelling, as light and free as those magical puppet shows Gomes occasionally returns to. As performers, Waddington and Alfaiate are less timeless than than they are out of time, bringing soul and shading to silent-movie archetypes of the timid man and his brassy gal. Impressively, 'Grand Tour' illuminates the artificiality of its trappings while honoring them, tapping into our collective acceptance of the 'reality' of cinema's unreality. The characters' dilemma may, ultimately, be meaningless set against the ebbs and flows of history, but Gomes, who won the directing prize at last year's Cannes Film Festival, invests it with such elegance that it becomes nearly mythic: a touching fable of cowardice and devotion with tragic undertones. The scenes may be dreamlike, but they're our shared dream of being swept away by the movies. Sporadically, Gomes goes even further to remind us that everything we're watching is a construction. (A brief breaking of the fourth wall near the end of the film is stunning.) But as intellectually stimulating as 'Grand Tour' is, the film registers fully as an emotional, ecstatic experience. It's also a gas. Few filmmakers would be ballsy enough to swipe one of cinema's most famous — and parodied — pieces of music, Strauss' 'Blue Danube' waltz, forever synonymous with '2001: A Space Odyssey,' and find a fresh, poetic use for it. Here, the music scores an extraordinary montage that includes a lavish ball in 1918, the exploits of a fishing boat and a fleet of mopeds cruising in slow motion. Throughout 'Grand Tour,' then and now are joined in a glorious dance, creating something vibrantly new out of remnants of the past — gone but not forgotten.
What's On
09-03-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Why Atlantis, The Palm's Asateer Tent is one of Dubai's most iconic iftars
Sponsored: A true Dubai institution… As the sun dips below the Dubai skyline during Ramadan, a special seasonal ritual begins – a moment of reflection, connection, and, at Atlantis, The Palm's iconic Asateer Tent, iftar takes the form of a regal fast-breaking feast. The quintessential iftar experience is back, bigger and more poetically-nuanced than ever before, welcoming an astonishing 1,730 guests each night. That's not just a crowd; it's a true gastronomical gathering. Inside the tent, the Arabian Nights' tale unfolds… Ornate, yet effortlessly contemporary. Elegant chandeliers cast a golden glow over plush seating, the shoreline locale offers privileged blue Arabian Gulf views, and the stunning design aesthetic embraces worlds old and new, never anything less than tasteful and uncontrived. But it's not just about art for the eyes. The real magic happens on the plates. The iftar buffet is a culinary odyssey, with themed nights that span the gastronomic map. Their rotating buffet menu ensure that one evening, you could be diving into rich Persian delicacies; the next, you're traversing the spice-laden trails of Turkey or uncovering the bold, fragrant flavours of real Khaleeji cuisine. And for those who prefer a more global approach? The international night ensures no culinary quartier craving is left unfulfilled. For suhoor, a refined à la carte experience awaits, with a connoisseur's blend of modern and traditional dishes, and premium shisha options, all set in Asateer's laid-back luxurious style. Of course, the experience wouldn't be complete without the perfect seating arrangement. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the convivial buzz of the main dining area, retreat to the refined comfort of a VIP Majlis, or experience true exclusivity in the Royal Majlis (because, why not?), Asateer finds a home for every diner. Booth seating offers a touch of privacy, while 120 elegantly set dining tables ensure there's always room at the feast. Opulent, atmospheric, and endlessly delicious—this isn't just iftar, it's an event, a spectacle, a moment to savour. At Asateer, the breaking of fast is nothing short of legendary. Atlantis, The Palm, sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs285 (Sun to Thur), Dhs310 (Fri to Sat). Tel: (0)4 426 0800. @atlantisthepalm > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Yahoo
10 best hotels in Dubai, from opulent suites to laid-back beach resorts
Whether laid-back beach resorts, exhilarating high-rises or boutiques brimming with 'Arabian Nights' charm, Dubai's range of hotels is extraordinary. Every hospitality brand worth its salt is found here, and every conceivable hotel amenity – whether your wishlist includes infinity pools, butler service, kids' clubs, rooftop bars or a crystal chandelier in your en suite. If you can't choose between two hotels, consider a 'twin-centre' break: splitting your nights across them both. This can be especially useful if you have plans at either end of the city (say, Old Dubai and the Palm), as traffic can be sticky and each neighbourhood has its own distinct vibe and perks. Happily, 'best' hotels doesn't necessarily translate as 'most expensive': Dubai's affordable hospitality scene puts the rest of the world to shame, with sky-high standards of cleanliness, service and amenities. Read on to discover the finest hotels in Dubai, no matter your holiday style or budget. Every Address hotel has its own signature scent, and Downtown's is heady and uplifting – just like the view from your balcony. Rising 63 storeys, this is one of the tallest hotels in Dubai, but that's titchy compared to the Burj Khalifa, which glitters just next door. For sightseeing with ease, this hotel is superb: you can gaze out at Downtown's fountains and towers over breakfast, in the gym, or from the spa – with the likes of Dubai Opera and Sky Views Dubai right on your doorstep. Rooms are positively palatial in size, and on the hotel's top floor Birds Dubai's serves 'MediterrAsian' fine dining: think local oysters, seared lamb and black cod with miso and caviar. Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Read more: 'I went on holiday to Dubai on a budget – here's how I did it' This vast resort is full of holiday must-haves: from its long golden shoreline and infinity-edge pool, to a feast of dining experiences in its ten restaurants. Pierchic is the top spot for sea-breezy suppers, with its dining area perched on a private pier overlooking the Burj Al Arab. 'Qasr' means palace in Arabic, and it lives up to its name with lavish Middle Eastern design – all scallop-edged archways, intricate tilework and antique-style furniture in the huge bedrooms. Every accommodation features a private balcony, plus little luxuries like deep-soak tubs, fluffy robes and Nespresso machines. The kids will also love the activity-packed club, with its jungle gym and exclusive splash pools: good times, guaranteed. Address: Madinat Jumeirah, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Read more: The best time of year to visit Dubai – and top things to do in winter A little slice of NYC on the trunk of the Palm, this sea-view resort pays homage to the original St. Regis New York – from butler service in every room, to signature 'Glitzy Mary' cocktails (a local twist on the classic Bloody Mary recipe). It occupies the first 18 floors of The Palm Tower, with direct access to Nakheel Mall for retail therapy, plus a private adults-only beach club and the endlessly Instagrammable AURA Skypool on the 50th floor (extra charge). The hotel is an oasis amid the city's hustle, with epic views in every direction and quietly sumptuous décor. Elegant, decadent – it would make the OG St. Regis proud. Address: The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Read more: Rixos Premium Dubai JBR hotel review With its immaculately clean rooms and huge range of thoughtful extras (from laundrettes to free beach brollies), the Rove brand raises the bar for budget hotels. It has several hotels throughout Dubai, all with a playful and colourful style – and for holiday vibes, Rove Marina is best. As well as having an outdoor pool, it runs a free shuttle to JBR Beach, Marina Mall and the Metro station (all 10 minutes away), plus Dubai Mall (25 minutes). There's also an outdoor pool, and a free games room with a PlayStation and foosball table – while the all-day bistro serves Arabic, Indian and Italian specialities, at prices that beat many Dubai restaurants hands-down. Address: Al Seba St, Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Read more: Defending Dubai's last patch of pristine desert and its animals – how to see the 'other side' of the emirate Calling all golfers: Park Hyatt Dubai's neighbour is Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club – whose par 71 Championship course hosted the 2024 DP World Tour's Dubai Invitational, just one of its high-profile tournaments. Add in a glamorous beach club, huge rooms and lush tropical gardens, and you have the kind of resort you won't want to leave – so it's ideal if you've explored Dubai's sights on a previous trip. It's family friendly too, with an extensive kids' club and splash pool beside the main lagoon, which is dotted with palm tree-topped islands. The beach looks out over Dubai Creek, whose calm shallows are ideal for tots, while you'll appreciate the cocktails served straight to your sunlounger. Address: Dubai Creek Club St, Port Saeed, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Read more: Delicious Dubai - the best dishes to devour when you next visit the UAE It's the granddaddy of Dubai hotels, the epitome of decadence in a city that has made excess an artform – where royals have partied, presidents have snoozed, and celebs are often spotted cruising the breakfast buffet. The Burj Al Arab opened in 1999, and its interior décor has been preserved ever since like a lavish time-warp: from the 24-carat gold leaf that covers almost 2,000-square-metres of its walls, ceilings and columns, to the soaring 180-metre atrium – one of the most photographed in the world. There are no rooms, only suites, each of which grants access to two beach clubs and Wild Wadi waterpark. Its two-storey spa includes a Roman bathhouse-style swimming pool, too. A splurge, yes, but how often do you get to stay in a legend? Address: Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Read more: Best family-friendly Dubai holidays that kids will love Slap-bang in the centre of Downtown, home of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountains, this five-star hotel is within easy reach of Dubai's top draws. It has a panoramic view of it all, so you can gaze at the world's tallest building from your poolside cabana, and watch its eye-popping light show over champagne cocktails and dinner. The spa is designed to host just a few guests at a time, so never feels crowded or rushed, while the interiors look like they've been plucked from a magazine: all velvet armchairs, gold-trimmed coffee tables and polished white marble at every turn. With direct access to Dubai Mall, this is a haven for design mavens and shopaholics. Address: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Boulevard Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Read more: Best things to do in Dubai Marina and where to stay Dotted throughout the traditional-style houses of Al Seef, this boutique hotel is a glimpse of Old Dubai – albeit with a pool and plenty of modern comforts. The entire neighbourhood is designed in the style of early 1900s Dubai, when wealthy pearl merchants built huge villas from coral and stone, topped with elaborate wind towers – while traders sold spices, coffee and perfumes in the narrow sikkas (alleyways) below. Today, the scene is spookily similar: like stepping back in time, and all of the hotel's rooms are perched above shops, museums and restaurants. The design is suitably old-school too, with brass lanterns and vintage photographs aplenty – and some rooms overlook Dubai Creek. Address: Dubai Creek, Al Seef St, Umm Hurair 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirate Read more: The best things to do in Dubai Solitude seekers, this one's for you. Though it's right in the heart of the city – with an epic backdrop of Dubai Marina skyscrapers – One&Only Royal Mirage rises above the bustle, cocooned with its private beach, huge pool and award-winning restaurants. It's divided into three sections: The Residence (adults only), Arabian Court (ideal for families) and The Palace (the resort's epicentre) – each with a covetable Middle Eastern aesthetic and blossoming gardens. Honeymooners, you'll love The Residence for its secluded villas, traditional-style couples' hammam and moonlit suppers à deux on the beach. Address: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Read more: The best time to visit Dubai for a holiday – and how to avoid sweltering temperatures Whether you're a gym bunny or want to kick-start healthy habits, this fitness-inspired hotel is all about movement, nutrition and wellness. Out with excessive buffets and lazy days poolside, and in with personalised workouts and all-inclusive cardio classes. The in-house nutritionist can design your ideal holiday menu, while selected room bookings include body composition analysis and access to the hotel's salt room, meditation space and hot and cold plunge pools. It's little wonder that elite athletes and football teams are often spotted here. For the ultimate sporty getaway, book a Fitness Suite: each one features a private gym, personal training session and 60-minute recovery massage. Address: Zaa'beel Street, Za'abeel, Za'abeel 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Read more: Dubai city guide - where to stay, eat, drink and shop in the UAE's pleasure capital
