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The National
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
'It's how we speak': Gad Elmaleh on the language of Moroccan humour
A formative moment in Gad Elmaleh 's comedy career arrived as a child in the family home in Casablanca. After watching a romantic film, he turned to his parents and told them he loved them. Elmaleh recalls how his mother's reaction didn't go according to script: 'she just looked at me and said, 'what do you think this is, a French movie?''. Speaking to The National ahead of Friday's show at Etihad Arena – part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Season – the Moroccan-born French comedian, 54, describes the exchange as the essence of Moroccan humour – zippy and often used to deflect unexpected emotion or introspection. 'We come from a culture where real communication rarely exists. Sitting down and talking about everything just doesn't happen. So to say real things, we go through humour. It's how speak," he says. 'Sometimes when I was a kid, if someone was angry, it would come out as a joke. If you wanted to say something to a girl, or talk about feelings, you'd tease or make a funny comment. Humour is our filter. It's how we manage awkwardness.' The instinctive approach served him well. After moving to France in his late teens, Elmaleh hit the open mic circuit in Paris, where his quirky, autobiographical style gained traction and made him one of France's biggest international comedy exports. With television specials in both French and English, Elmaleh built a career on both sides of the Atlantic, supporting the likes of Jerry Seinfeld in the US and lending his voice to animated films including the French dub of Despicable Me, where he voiced Gru, and A Monster in Paris, voicing the character Raoul. That progression was aided by the indirect mentorship of Seinfeld. 'For me, as a beginner in English, it was such a great opportunity to go on stage in front of an American audience every single night, do my 15 minutes as an opener, and then stay backstage watching him do stand-up. It was a masterclass for me,' he says. 'He didn't always give me specific advice, but I learnt something every day just by being around him. We still talk all the time. We laugh. He's obsessed with comedy, and so am I.' That road to Paris and Hollywood, is also rooted in childhood experiences from his homeland. Elmaleh continues to make regular visits to Morocco, where he draws inspiration from everyday interactions. 'This is where my comedy DNA is,' he says. 'I'll give you an example: I was back in Morocco not long ago, spending time in Casablanca with a comedian friend. We were just walking the streets, watching people interact, and I told her, 'Is everyone here a comedian? What's going on?'' 'Every person we met had a way of saying something important without making it uncomfortable. They would tease, laugh at themselves. It wasn't a performance – it was just daily communication.' It's a form also absorbed from his father, an amateur mime, whose movements inspired some of the nervy mannerisms in Elmaleh's performance. He recounts the memory, naturally, with a touch of Moroccan wit. 'I don't really remember my dad teaching me anything. But I saw him perform. I copied him. It just became natural,' he says. 'Today when I'm on stage, it's physical, it's facial, it's slapstick and that's all from him. Now, of course, my father says the only reason he didn't become an international star was because he didn't want to take all the light away from me. He's lying.' His Abu Dhabi set, performed in French, will draw on some of his personal experiences shaped by navigating cultures, traditions and languages. All of this makes Abu Dhabi a fitting setting for a show that speaks to its diverse Francophone communities. 'The fact that I'm coming to Abu Dhabi is already material,' Elmaleh says. 'A French-language show in the Emirates, with people from everywhere, is funny before I even start talking. They speak the same language, but not the same culture. That's what makes it interesting. You've got French speakers from Morocco, Lebanon, Switzerland and Belgium, each with their own references and sense of humour. It's a mix of people who understand the words but not always in the same way. I like that complexity. It keeps me on my toes." It's also the kind of laughter people need in a time of growing social polarisation, Elmaleh says, noting how stand-up's resurgence is fuelled by its perception as a rare space for unfiltered truths. 'Everything right now feels tense,' he says. 'But comedy is a place where we can breathe. It's a place where you can say things, explore contradictions, and still connect.'
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major sports car brand ‘could revive weirdest model' 40 years being discontinued – and it would leave drivers ‘tripping'
A MAJOR sports car could be set to revive its "weirdest model" some 40 years after it was discontinued. This iconic 1980s model could be a massive hit with car enthusiasts who would be "tripping over themselves" to get their hands on one. Advertisement 3 Porsche 930 Targa Turbo Flachbau is known for its flat nose Credit: Alamy 3 Porsche could be reviving the iconic car Credit: Alamy 3 Vintage models like these are gold dust for collectors Credit: Alamy The incredible Porsche Flachbau was sold Translated to "slant nose" in English, the 911 model is recognised for its flat nose instead of the car's trademark raised fenders and frog-eyed lights. Although having only produced a few of the vehicles, the car company did revive the option for the 964 Turbo S, with exposed 928-style pop-up lights. This isn't the first vintage vehicle to have a reboot. Advertisement Read more on Motors The 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition was inspired by the 1950s, while the 911 Sport Classic referenced models from the 60s. Last year, the Porsche 959 made a reappearance some 37 years after it was first released. The supercar is an icon of the 1980s and, at the time of its debut, was the world's fastest street-legal car with a top speed of 197 mph. The incredible Porsche 959 was sold between 1986 and 1993, and just 292 units were built - according to Porsche themselves. Advertisement Most read in Motors Among the car's famous owners included Bill Gates, the billionaire owner of Microsoft, comedian and Porsche aficionado Jerry Seinfeld, and even former Ferrari F1 driver Eddie Irvine. However, 959-ownership might be about to get a tiny bit easier for Porsche fans... if you're happy to sit behind the wheel of a high-class knock off. Porsche Cayenne fitted with brainy 'matrix headlights' that change nighttime driving forever That's because engineering firm Set to be available in standard, Sport and 'Leichtbau' forms, just nine examples of this extra special motor will be created as a tribute to one of history's most famous fast cars. Advertisement The top-spec of these features a bonkers 3.8-litre twin-turbo engine capable of delivering an eye-watering 930 bhp to all four of its wheels. If that isn't enough, the experts at Kalmar have tweaked the car's bodywork to generate a claimed 1,450kg of downforce. Possibly to keep things retro, the 9X9's interior combines digital displays with analogue dials, with both the navigation system and radio removed - although Bluetooth remains to allow for phone calls and media playback. The company says each one will be coach-built to be totally unique, and that buyers can expect to take delivery of their one-of-a-kind 9X9 in July 2025. Advertisement Jan Kalmar, the founder of Kalmar Automotive, said: 'The 9X9 is Kalmar Automotive's tribute to one of the greatest road-going sports cars of the millennia, enhanced to the highest possible degree that technology today allows. 'The result is our creation of a brand-new class of vehicle, retro-hyper-car.'
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Major sports car brand ‘could revive weirdest model' 40 years being discontinued – and it would leave drivers ‘tripping'
This follows a string of other reboots CAR COMEBACK Major sports car brand 'could revive weirdest model' 40 years being discontinued – and it would leave drivers 'tripping' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR sports car could be set to revive its "weirdest model" some 40 years after it was discontinued. This iconic 1980s model could be a massive hit with car enthusiasts who would be "tripping over themselves" to get their hands on one. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Porsche 930 Targa Turbo Flachbau is known for its flat nose Credit: Alamy 3 Porsche could be reviving the iconic car Credit: Alamy 3 Vintage models like these are gold dust for collectors Credit: Alamy The incredible Porsche Flachbau was sold throughout the 80s with just 58 first generation cars constructed, reports Motor 1. Translated to "slant nose" in English, the 911 model is recognised for its flat nose instead of the car's trademark raised fenders and frog-eyed lights. Although having only produced a few of the vehicles, the car company did revive the option for the 964 Turbo S, with exposed 928-style pop-up lights. This isn't the first vintage vehicle to have a reboot. The 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition was inspired by the 1950s, while the 911 Sport Classic referenced models from the 60s. Last year, the Porsche 959 made a reappearance some 37 years after it was first released. The supercar is an icon of the 1980s and, at the time of its debut, was the world's fastest street-legal car with a top speed of 197 mph. The incredible Porsche 959 was sold between 1986 and 1993, and just 292 units were built - according to Porsche themselves. Among the car's famous owners included Bill Gates, the billionaire owner of Microsoft, comedian and Porsche aficionado Jerry Seinfeld, and even former Ferrari F1 driver Eddie Irvine. However, 959-ownership might be about to get a tiny bit easier for Porsche fans... if you're happy to sit behind the wheel of a high-class knock off. Porsche Cayenne fitted with brainy 'matrix headlights' that change nighttime driving forever That's because engineering firm Kalmar Automotive from Estonia have revealed their own take on the iconic 959 - called the 9X9. Set to be available in standard, Sport and 'Leichtbau' forms, just nine examples of this extra special motor will be created as a tribute to one of history's most famous fast cars. The top-spec of these features a bonkers 3.8-litre twin-turbo engine capable of delivering an eye-watering 930 bhp to all four of its wheels. If that isn't enough, the experts at Kalmar have tweaked the car's bodywork to generate a claimed 1,450kg of downforce. Possibly to keep things retro, the 9X9's interior combines digital displays with analogue dials, with both the navigation system and radio removed - although Bluetooth remains to allow for phone calls and media playback. The company says each one will be coach-built to be totally unique, and that buyers can expect to take delivery of their one-of-a-kind 9X9 in July 2025. Jan Kalmar, the founder of Kalmar Automotive, said: 'The 9X9 is Kalmar Automotive's tribute to one of the greatest road-going sports cars of the millennia, enhanced to the highest possible degree that technology today allows. 'The result is our creation of a brand-new class of vehicle, retro-hyper-car.'
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Major sports car brand ‘could revive weirdest model' 40 years being discontinued – and it would leave drivers ‘tripping'
A MAJOR sports car could be set to revive its "weirdest model" some 40 years after it was discontinued. This iconic 1980s model could be a massive hit with car enthusiasts who would be "tripping over themselves" to get their hands on one. 3 3 3 The incredible Porsche Flachbau was sold throughout the 80s with just 58 first generation cars constructed, reports Motor 1. Translated to "slant nose" in English, the 911 model is recognised for its flat nose instead of the car's trademark raised fenders and frog-eyed lights. Although having only produced a few of the vehicles, the car company did revive the option for the 964 Turbo S, with exposed 928-style pop-up lights. This isn't the first vintage vehicle to have a reboot. The 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition was inspired by the 1950s, while the 911 Sport Classic referenced models from the 60s. Last year, the Porsche 959 made a reappearance some 37 years after it was first released. The supercar is an icon of the 1980s and, at the time of its debut, was the world's fastest street-legal car with a top speed of 197 mph. The incredible Porsche 959 was sold between 1986 and 1993, and just 292 units were built - according to Porsche themselves. Among the car's famous owners included Bill Gates, the billionaire owner of Microsoft, comedian and Porsche aficionado Jerry Seinfeld, and even former Ferrari F1 driver Eddie Irvine. However, 959-ownership might be about to get a tiny bit easier for Porsche fans... if you're happy to sit behind the wheel of a high-class knock off. Porsche Cayenne fitted with brainy 'matrix headlights' that change nighttime driving forever That's because engineering firm Kalmar Automotive from Estonia have revealed their own take on the iconic 959 - called the 9X9. Set to be available in standard, Sport and 'Leichtbau' forms, just nine examples of this extra special motor will be created as a tribute to one of history's most famous fast cars. The top-spec of these features a bonkers 3.8-litre twin-turbo engine capable of delivering an eye-watering 930 bhp to all four of its wheels. If that isn't enough, the experts at Kalmar have tweaked the car's bodywork to generate a claimed 1,450kg of downforce. Possibly to keep things retro, the 9X9's interior combines digital displays with analogue dials, with both the navigation system and radio removed - although Bluetooth remains to allow for phone calls and media playback. The company says each one will be coach-built to be totally unique, and that buyers can expect to take delivery of their one-of-a-kind 9X9 in July 2025. Jan Kalmar, the founder of Kalmar Automotive, said: 'The 9X9 is Kalmar Automotive's tribute to one of the greatest road-going sports cars of the millennia, enhanced to the highest possible degree that technology today allows. 'The result is our creation of a brand-new class of vehicle, retro-hyper-car.'
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cannes promotional stunts, once a feature of the festival, go missing
CANNES, France (AP) — You can get nostalgic about almost anything at the Cannes Film Festival, even Jerry Seinfeld on a zip line in a bumblebee costume. For many years, Cannes has played host not just to an endless stream of artistically ambitious movies, but also to some of Hollywood's most extreme promotional gambits. With so many films packed into the 12-day festival, and with much of the world watching, there are high stakes to standing out in Cannes. But in recent years, the Cannes marketing stunt has turned into an endangered species. Hopes that Tom Cruise might revive a dormant tradition passed with the relatively sedate premiere Wednesday of 'Mission: Impossible — Final Reckoning.' Would Cruise parachute into the Palais? Could he ride an airplane wing to the premiere? Nothing so elaborate came to pass. Cruise and company walked the red carpet while serenaded by an orchestra playing the 'Mission: Impossible' theme. Along the Croisette this year, there's a noticeable lack of the kind of grand advertisements Hollywood has often trotted out for the festival. Paramount Pictures has a 'Mission: Impossible' installation outside the Carlton Hotel, but — as has been true for several years — Hollywood rarely still seeks to make big marketing splashes in Cannes. Even though Universal Pictures' upcoming Formula One action drama 'F1' might seem like a natural fit, with the Monaco Grand Prix just days away, 'F1' — at least so far — has made no pit stop in Cannes. Things could change. Cannes runs until May 24. Someone might yet arrive by parasail over the Mediterranean, as T.J. Miller did in 2017 for 'The Emoji Movie,' or do ninja kicks with a troupe of giant pandas, as Jack Black did in 2008 for 'Kung Fu Panda.' But for years, the circus-like quality of Cannes has been in decline. That's owed partly to budgetary constraints and shifting marketing priorities for major studios. For Cruise and 'Final Reckoning,' Cannes was just one stop on a worldwide tour. Plus, some of those who were most devoted to bringing Hollywood entertainment to Cannes are no longer regulars here. While head of DreamWorks Animation, Jeffrey Katzenberg made sure his films left a mark in Cannes, whether with models wearing 'Trolls' wigs or Seinfeld's 'Bee Movie' zip line. Is the absence of such things anything to lament? Probably not, but they did add to the crazy-things-will-happen nature of Cannes, giving the festival the feel of big tent extravaganza. It could be counted as one small, superficial way that movies aren't quite the carnivalesque show they once were. For now, though, we can say we'll always have when Sacha Baron Cohen, for 'The Dictator,' rode a camel down the Croisette. Ah, the memories. ___ Jake Coyle has covered the Cannes Film Festival since 2012. To prepare for this year, he practiced eating crepes on the run and interviewed filmmakers on three continents who are in competition for Cannes' top honor, the Palme d'Or. ___ For more coverage of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, visit
