Latest news with #EnasRefaei
The National
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
From Gaza to Cannes: Arab films in the spotlight
This week on Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss some of the most promising Arab entries at this year's Cannes Film Festival, which is running until May 24. They tease some of the titles they're most eager to watch, including Once Upon a Time in Gaza, a revenge thriller directed by Gaza-born twins Tarzan and Arab Nasser. Another film that's making waves at the event this year is Swedish-Egyptian filmmaker Tarik Saleh's Eagles of the Republic, which is competing for the Palme d'Or award. The hosts highlight the valuable role film festivals play to introduce audiences to new cultures. Last week, Disneyland Abu Dhabi was announced. With the hugely-popular theme park coming to Yas Island, Enas and Farah give the scoop of what to expect when the park eventually opens. They chat about which Disney characters and imagery from the region could inspire the attractions at Disneyland Abu Dhabi. They also discuss the economic boost it will bring to the emirate and the wider region, such as job creation and infrastructure development.
The National
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
What is a foreign film production anyway?
This week on Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss Palestinian poet and writer Mosab Abu Toha, who won a Pulitzer Prize this week. He was recognised for his essays on life in war-torn Gaza, which reflect the hardships faced by Palestinians under Israeli siege. The hosts also review the most notable looks from this week's Met Gala, where celebrities dressed to the theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. It has been an eventful week, starting off with an announcement by US President Donald Trump that he would authorise a 100 per cent tariff on movies produced outside America. Enas and Farah discuss how a move like this could impact big Hollywood productions coming to the region, where attractive cashback rebates have drawn in major projects in recent years. On the entertainment front, the UAE's music and comedy season promises an action packed summer. The hosts share some of the events they are most excited to see, including musical favourite Mamma Mia! and the return of star comedian Dave Chappelle.
The National
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
How political should a music festival be?
In this episode of Culture Bites, our hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews explore the unlikely connection between Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta and Sharjah, which he chronicled in his writing. Sharjah hosted a rich literary programme during its participation as guest of honour at the 30th Rabat International Book Fair, highlighting the historical connections between Morocco and the UAE. The famous 14th-century traveller's journeys to the region took the spotlight at the pavilion. Enas and Farah discuss the poetic and relatable language he used to describe towns he visited in Sharjah and the growing role of the emirate as a global cultural capital. Meanwhile, the Palestinian cause has taken centre stage at this year's Coachella music festival. The hosts discuss the acts that shared a message of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, including US band Green Day and Irish rappers Kneecap. They also talk about the privilege certain artists have over others and who can afford to make bold political statements.
The National
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Can art really cut through the turmoil?
Podcasts Culture Bites Enas and Farah explore themes of interconnectedness and cultural expression at Art Dubai Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify Youtube Podbean Enas Refaei Farah Andrews In a special episode of Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews host the show from Art Dubai, the city's annual art fair that is taking place this week. They share some of their recommendations for what not to miss at the event this year – including regional, international and digital art. The hosts speak to Mirjam Varadinis, the curator of the Bawwaba section at Art Dubai, about her vision for the exhibit to imagine new forms of coexistence amid an era of turmoil. Between political upheaval and the impact of climate change, artists from all around the world bring their artistic commentary to the section. Mirjam talks about their use of different materials and textures in their works and how they reflect the ability of cultures to transcend borders. Renowned Emirati artist Mohammed Kazem tells the hosts about the inspiration behind his installation, a new immersive work titled Directions (Merging). The piece features GPS co-ordinates from around the world, against a backdrop of digital waves in motion, with Dubai at the centre point of convergence. He speaks about his relationship to water and how its features in his work as a metaphor for fluidity and challenging fixed borders. The Arts Edit A guide to arts and culture, from a Middle Eastern perspective Sign up By signing up, I agree to The National's privacy policy. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
The National
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Taking the art out of artificial: Has AI gone too far?
Podcasts Culture Bites The hosts talk about the controversy around the viral Studio Ghibli trend and discuss the new season of Black Mirror Enas Refaei Farah Andrews This week on Culture Bites, Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews discuss the ethical consideration of using artificial intelligence to create art. Their conversation is inspired by the recent viral trend of promoting AI generators like ChatGPT to convert personal photos into Studio Ghibli -style images. The founder of the famous Japanese animation house, Hayao Miyazaki, is staunchly critical of integrating AI into artistic designs. This led to much debate over where to draw the line when it comes to intellectual property and whether it may constitute copyright violations. In keeping with the theme of digital innovation and moral ambiguity, Enas and Farah preview the new season of Black Mirror. After 14 years since it first launched, the show is back again for a seventh season, with a star-studded cast that includes Peter Capaldi, Chris O'Dowd and Rashida Jones. The hosts reflect on some of the most critically acclaimed episodes from seasons past and tease some of the upcoming ones. They discuss the cautionary tales from the show and how dangerously close some of them are to becoming a reality. More Episodes The Arts Edit A guide to arts and culture, from a Middle Eastern perspective Sign up By signing up, I agree to The National's privacy policy. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
