Latest news with #CulturalEvents
Arab News
6 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia makes bold debut at SXSW film festival in London
DUBAI: The SXSW Film Festival has begun in London, with the Saudi Film Commission hosting a series of exciting cultural events. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Originating in Austin, Texas, this is the South by Southwest festival's first edition in London — and notably, the Kingdom's debut at the renowned indie film showcase, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently. The Saudi Film Commission, in collaboration with SXSW, will present a curated selection of short films as a part of the 'Saudi Film Nights' initiative. Under the umbrella of Vision 2030, this program supports the Kingdom's broader effort to diversify its economy, with particular emphasis on growing its entertainment sector. The Kingdom's pavilion, known as The Sadu House, will also spotlight contributions from the Music Commission, Culinary Arts Commission, and Fashion Commission, showcasing Saudi Arabia's rich and diverse cultural landscape to a global audience. In addition, the commission will host a panel discussion titled 'Empowering the Film Industry in Saudi Arabia: From Vision to Reality.' The session will delve into cinema's role in shaping national identity, preserving heritage, and advancing Saudi content as a powerful cultural tool. Each day of the festival will feature a showcase of emerging Saudi talent. On June 3, for example, SXSW attendees will experience a taste of Saudi hip-hop with performances by SHANCOTY, and JEED — artists known for their unique blend of hip-hop flair, Afrobeat influences, and slow R&B tones. On June 4, the Kingdom will shift gears and present its underground heavy music scene with performances by death metal bands Wasted Land, Sijeel, and Gimmix, marking a bold introduction of Saudi rock to the SXSW stage. In addition to performances, festivalgoers can attend cultural panels featuring industry professionals from across the Arab world. Topics include female leadership, entrepreneurial ambition, and the evolution of Saudi Arabia's film industry. The opening panel on June 3 is titled 'Vision 2030: Cultural Opportunities for Social and Economic Transformation,' which will explore the potential of Saudi Arabia's cultural power. Day two will feature a session 'Fashion Future Platform: How Data Informs Investment Decisions,' offering a deep dive into the intersection of fashion and data-driven innovation. Another session on day two, 'WWD Female Empowerment – Challenges Facing Women Creatives in a Male-Dominated World,' will spotlight the obstacles and breakthroughs for women in the creative sector. Finally, day three will have a panel 'Sustainability – Challenges of Creating Green Fashion and Beauty in a Throwaway World,' which will underscore the need for sustainability in the industry.
SBS Australia
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
This Butuan-native is empowering Filipino-Australian youth in Darwin — one dance step at a time
Iselle migrated to Australia from the Philippines in 2015 at age 15, facing a difficult adjustment period. She found belonging in the Filipino community and began volunteering in cultural events. Joining Philthebeat in 2020 allowed her to reconnect with her roots and empower other Filipino-Australian youth. SBS Filipino 27/05/2025 10:55 Despite the initial struggle, Iselle Chua was supported by her family, especially her mother and Australian stepfather, who helped her gradually adapt. It wasn't until four years later that she connected with local Filipino community, reigniting her passion for community involvement and volunteering at cultural events. When the group was created, I felt closer to home — and to other Filipino youth who share the same experiences. Iselle Chua, Youth Leader in Darwin Emcille Wills, President of the Filipino-Australian Association of the Northern Territory (FAANT), highlighted the importance of such community programmes. 'We aim to give young people like Iselle the opportunity to grow, connect, and lead,' she said. 📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino
BBC News
12-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Bradford's Little Germany to get new promotion push
An area of Bradford filled with Victorian buildings which once formed the thriving hub of the city's wool industry is to be promoted in a new campaign. Little Germany is home to 55 listed sites, but several businesses have moved out of the area, leaving many of the 19th Century buildings to be converted into flats. A spokesperson for Impact Hub Bradford said a team had been set up to encourage more businesses, visitors and investment into the Mason, chair of the Little Germany Steering Group, said: "If this was anywhere else in the world, it would be revered, promoted and celebrated." Heritage trails, film tours, regular cultural events and the roll-out of a series of blue plaques would all be used to promote the area, Impact Hub Bradford said.A new website had also been launched to highlight the area, its history and buildings, and new Little Germany branding had been produced to be used on signs and promotional two empty buildings on Chapel Street would be brought back into public use in the coming years, according to a spokesperson for the campaign would have the motto "This is the story of Bradford in stone." At a launch event on Thursday, Mr Mason said the area "might have lost a bit of its soul over the years"."Depending on which time of year you come, you will see the area in a different light – quite literally."People in Bradford don't often shout about the city's successes. It is not that they hide their light under a bushel, it is that they hide that bushel under another bushel."It is time we celebrate Little Germany as an important part of Bradford's regeneration."Mr Mason, who is also chief executive of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said the new campaign coincided with "palpable momentum" to improve Bradford, spurred on by the City of Culture 2025 celebrations and the promotion of Bradford City's promotion to League Rashid, who founded Impact Hub Bradford, said the success of the venture showed Little Germany was a good base for business and creative groups. 'Great city' Impact Hub had plans to expand into 30 Chapel Street – a long derelict building that would offer much more space, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). Last year, a planning application to convert the building into office and co-working spaces, complete with cafe, workshops and a conference space, was approved by Bradford Rashid pointed out that Little Germany was built by European immigrants, adding: "Bradford is seen as a city of immigrants, and many say that in a negative way. "But if you look at history, German migrants came and built this area and helped Bradford become the great city it became."Si Cunningham, chair of Bradford Civic Society, said there was "a lot of optimism" around Bradford, but he added that promoting the city could be "exhausting and character building"."A lot of people don't want to give up on Bradford because there are so many opportunities," he Cunningham explained that there were plans to refurbish existing blue plaques in the area, as well as rolling out new ones marking the area's history, such as the foundation of the Independent Labour Party there in 1893. There would also be a number of heritage days, he West, former director of Little Germany Action, said: "It is a stunning place, but it could be so much better." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
