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Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Monty Python star Eric Idle says Nigel Farage being ‘taken seriously is appalling'
Actor and comic Eric Idle has hit out at Nigel Farage as he said the Reform UK leader being taken seriously is 'appalling' as he shared the impact of Brexit on his life Actor Eric Idle has said Reform UK leader Nigel Farage being "taken seriously is appalling" as he fears voters being swayed. The Monty Python comic, 82, shared how post-Brexit issues left him unable to get to Paris to see his Spamalot musical opening. Due to the struggles since Brexit, Eric has now applied for a talent visa in France, where he also has a home. He hopes it will allow him to avoid a similar issue in the future. 'Eight years ago, we could go and live in any country in Europe we wanted to and work, and I wasn't even allowed to vote (in the EU referendum) because I lived here (in the US)," Eric said. The iconic star turned his attention to Farage as he added: 'I mean, (Brexit) was just a terrible con, it was a real con, and (the fact) that Nigel Farago (Farage) still exists anywhere and is taken seriously is appalling to me. 'I was with somebody… she said, 'I hope I never see him in a room, because I want to punch him'.' Eric explained to PA news agency that he is now only able to spend three months a year at the home he built in Provence due to Brexit. Sharing the extent of his issues, Eric added: 'I've applied for a talent visa in France, they have a little talent visa, and I feel I'm due one, because last year Spamalot won the Moliere, which is the equivalent of their Tony from Paris. 'And they love their Monty Python here (in France), we won that, we won the Jury Prize for The Meaning Of Life at the Cannes Film Festival, so they do know Python. 'So I'm hopeful that I'll get a little bit of an extension so I don't have to get kicked out, because I was kicked out two years ago, I had to leave, and I couldn't go and see the opening in Paris because I didn't have another day. 'I wrote to Monsieur Macron, and offered him a ticket if he'd let me in, and I said, 'only one ticket, because I don't want to be accused of bribery', but I never heard back.' Eric currently lives in the US, but has been frank about his future there as well due to President Donald Trump. 'I think it's quite likely – I'm only a green card holder – that I will be given the boot," he confessed. Despite his living situation being up in the air, Eric recently shared how he's had a "reprieve" following his cancer diagnosis. He was given an early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2019 and was successfully treated for the illness. In a heartfelt 'Letter To My Younger Self' for the Big Issue, he wrote: "I miss a lot of people. Great people like Mike Nichols [director of The Graduate]. I will find myself thinking of a funny line and thinking, you must tell Mike that. "Or Jonathan Miller [a British public thinker and former comedian]. So many of my heroes have gone, like Robin Williams. I still kind of occasionally speak to Billy Connolly, but I really miss him. "You've got to find other people, you know, because there are still other funny people you can have dinner with or play guitar with. I got lucky, because I had to, I survived pancreatic cancer. So I feel that since 2019 I've had a reprieve. So I don't know or care what people say about me, I'm lucky every single day."
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Monty Python's Eric Idle says Nigel Farage being ‘taken seriously is appalling'
The 82-year-old comedian told the PA news agency he had now applied for a talent visa in France, where he has a home, in the hope it will help him avoid a similar issue happening again. Claiming Brexit rules limited his options, he told PA: 'Eight years ago, we could go and live in any country in Europe we wanted to and work, and I wasn't even allowed to vote (in the EU referendum) because I lived here (in the US). 'I mean, (Brexit) was just a terrible con, it was a real con, and (the fact) that Nigel Farago (Farage) still exists anywhere and is taken seriously is appalling to me. 'I was with somebody… she said, 'I hope I never see him in a room, because I want to punch him'.' Idle said he was only able to spend three months a year at the home he built in Provence as a result of Brexit, in a recent interview with The Guardian. He told PA: 'I've applied for a talent visa in France, they have a little talent visa, and I feel I'm due one, because last year Spamalot won the Moliere, which is the equivalent of their Tony from Paris. 'And they love their Monty Python here (in France), we won that, we won the Jury Prize for The Meaning Of Life at the Cannes Film Festival, so they do know Python. Eric Idle will head out on a UK tour in September (Eric Idle/Note by Note Media) 'So I'm hopeful that I'll get a little bit of an extension so I don't have to get kicked out, because I was kicked out two years ago, I had to leave, and I couldn't go and see the opening in Paris because I didn't have another day. 'I wrote to Monsieur Macron, and offered him a ticket if he'd let me in, and I said, 'only one ticket, because I don't want to be accused of bribery', but I never heard back.' Spamalot is the stage adaptation of the Monty Python film Holy Grail (1975), which has previously seen acclaimed productions on Broadway and London's West End. Idle now lives in Los Angeles in the US and thinks he could also be made to leave that country if he jokes about US President Donald Trump. He said: 'I think it's quite likely – I'm only a green card holder – that I will be given the boot.' The comedian will return to the UK in September for a solo tour, which will see him perform at venues including London's Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall and Glasgow's Armadillo. He is best known for his appearances in the Monty Python's Flying Circus TV series alongside Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam, and its spin-off films Holy Grail, Life Of Brian (1979) and The Meaning Of Life (1983). Idle also created The Rutles with the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band's Neil Innes, a parody band of The Beatles, which featured in two mockumentaries in All You Need Is Cash (1978) and The Rutles 2: Can't Buy Me Lunch (2003). Mr Farage's Reform UK party have been contacted for comment.
Al-Ahram Weekly
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egyptian debuts in Amman - Culture - Al-Ahram Weekly
Themed 'A World Unscripted', this round celebrates films that break out of traditional storytelling structures, showcasing stories that feel more lived than written. Egyptian films stand out for their number, their diverse and compelling narratives and the way they highlight the ongoing evolution of Egyptian cinema, with emerging filmmakers making a substantial contribution to the scene. Beyond the films themselves, Egypt's involvement is marked by the active participation of filmmakers in key festival initiatives, fostering new industry connections and collaborations within the Arab cinematic landscape. The Egyptian presence at AIFF is underscored by two celebrated figures serving on the Black Iris Award Jury for Non-Arab Film: the renowned director and screenwriter Yousry Nasrallah; and the award-winning director and producer Jihan El-Tahri. Both filmmakers are also members of the festival's Advisory Board. The Amman Film Industry Days (AFID) also selected four Egyptian projects, showcasing emerging and established talents at various stages of production. These films bring fresh and diverse voices to the global film landscape, highlighting the dynamic nature of contemporary Egyptian cinema. The Cow Thief, directed by Mohamed Zidan and produced by Mark Lotfy, blends docu-fiction with investigative cinema to explore the 1980s murder of Egyptian director Niazi Mustafa. Zidan's debut feature documentary, I HAVE A PICTURE (2017), won several prestigious awards, including the Golden Star at El Gouna Film Festival, the Jury Prize at the Tripoli Film Festival, and the Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the Cairo National Festival for Egyptian Cinema. Like a Bird in the Sky, directed by Amal Ramsis and produced by Amal Ramsis and Jana Wehbe, is Ramsis' debut feature-length fiction film. The film explores personal and societal struggles in contemporary Egypt and follows the success of her previous documentary You Come From Far Away (2018), which won multiple awards, including the Silver Tanit at the Carthage Film Festival and the African Federation of Film Critics (FACC) Award and the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Award at the Ismailia International Film Festival for Documentaries and Shorts. Ramsis' short films, including Only Dreams (2005), Forbidden (2011), and The Trace of the Butterfly (2015), have gained international recognition, screening at art venues and festivals worldwide. The Masters of Magic and Beauty, directed by Jad Chahine and produced by Baho Bakhsh and Safei Eldin Mahmoud, offers a mythical narrative. Set in the desert, the film follows a couple seeking blessings for their unborn child, but a miscarriage and magic complicate their lives. Chahine's short film The Call of the Brook (2023) was the first Egyptian film selected for the La Cinef competition at Cannes in 2014. All That the Wind Can Carry, directed by Maged Nader and produced by Tamer Al-Said, explores the complexities of memory and family history within Egypt's Coptic community. The film combines home videos, narrative scenes and dreams to unravel the story of a family dealing with memory loss. Nader, a cinematographer and director, has worked on films like Souad (2020), which was selected for the Cannes Film Festival, directing short films showcased at international festivals, including the Forum Expanded at the Berlinale. He is currently the co-executive director of the Cimatheque Alternative Film Centre. Egyptian films have earned prominent positions in the competitive sections of the Amman International Film Festival, with Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo, directed by Khaled Mansour, taking centre stage in the Arab Feature-Length Narrative Films category. The film, which had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, follows the emotional journey of a man who embarks on a quest to protect his dog from a vengeful landlord. After its Venice debut, the film went on to screen at the CinemaMed Festival in Belgium, where it won both the Grand Prize and the Jury Award. It continued to earn widespread recognition, securing the Jury Award at the Red Sea Film Festival and receiving a Special Mention at the 35th Carthage Film Days. The film has also garnered multiple awards at various prestigious regional and international festivals. Its screening in Egyptian and Arab cinemas enjoyed exceptional success, with longer-than-usual runs for an independent film, a testament to its growing popularity. Written by Mohamed Al-Husseini and Khaled Mansour, Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo stars Essam Omar, Rakeen Saad, Sama Ibrahim, and Ahmed Bahaa. Spring Came on Laughing, directed by Noha Adel, also stands out in the same category for its poignant exploration of interwoven human narratives set against the backdrop of spring. The film presents four interconnected stories, each unfolding within the seasonal transition of spring. The film firmly established Adel as a powerful new voice in Egyptian cinema, garnering four prestigious awards at the 45th Cairo International Film Festival, including the Henry Barakat Award for Best Artistic Contribution to Noha Adel, the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Prize, the Salah Abu Seif Award for Best Director, and a Special Mention for actress Rehab Anan for her role in the film. In the Arab Feature Documentary Films competition, Abo Zaabal 89, directed by Bassam Mortada, delves into the personal impact of Egypt's political landscape on his family's history, offering an intimate reflection on memory and trauma. The film premiered at the Cairo International Film Festival and was screened at major festivals such as IDFA and Carthage Film Festival, among others. This documentary marks Mortada's debut in feature filmmaking and has made a strong impression with its emotionally powerful storytelling. Meanwhile, in the Arab Short Films competition, several Egyptian films are making their mark with unique and powerful storytelling. Are You a Rabbit? directed by Hatem Emam, is a deeply symbolic exploration of an artist's struggle with his restrictive life, blending reality with dark fantasy. The film follows an art teacher who is fired from his job and embarks on a deep journey of reflection with his son about the essence of simple living and its inherent cruelty. As the father confronts the grim realisation of his bleak existence, symbolised by the rabbits, he is plunged into a dark, reflective space where the line between his reality and his dark imagination becomes increasingly blurred. Hatem Emam, an Egyptian writer and director, is currently studying at the Faculty of Filmmaking and Theater Arts at Badr University. His short film has been featured in numerous international festivals, including the Ismailia International Film Festival, Accessible Film Festival, and Xposure International Film and Photography Festival. In the same competition, Mango, directed by Randa Ali and produced by Mohamed Taymour, offers a moving exploration of loss and grief through the relationship between a daughter and her estranged father. The film had its world premiere in the official competition at the 46th Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in 2024 and has since been showcased at multiple prestigious festivals, including CinemAmbiente – Environmental Film Festival in Italy, Uppsala Short Film Festival in Sweden, and Bilbao International Film Festival – ZINEBI in Spain. Mango won the WWF MedFilm Award and has garnered acclaim at various festivals, including the Cairo International Film Festival. Randa Ali, a filmmaker working between Egypt and the USA, has been recognised for her exploration of alienation and connection in her work. Loop, directed by Eslam Qotb, presents a visually expressive narrative about a young woman who, stressed by life's pressures, escapes reality through drugs and faces the consequences. The film has been screened at several film festivals and was awarded Best Arabian Student Film at Animatex 2025. Eslam Qotb, an animator, transitioned from digital illustration to filmmaking after graduating from the High Cinema Institute. A Passing Day, directed by Rasha Shahin, explores the emotional aftermath of war. The film premiered at the Cairo International Film Festival and marks Shahin's debut short fiction film. Rasha Shahin, a Syrian director, moved to Egypt in 2013 to pursue filmmaking at the High Cinema Institute in Cairo. The film is produced by Baho Bakhsh and Safei Eldin Mahmoud, founders and directors of Red Star Production House. It stars Reem Hegab, an Egyptian director, writer, actress, performer, and choreographer, alongside actor Khaled Kamal. In the Out of Competition section, Egyptian filmmakers are making their mark with Stephanie Amin's I Found My Love in Masarra, a short film that blends family archives, immigration, and personal reflection. The film offers a poignant look at identity and the spaces between two cultures. Stephanie Amin is an independent researcher and filmmaker with a master's degree in political sociology from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. The Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film continues to be an important platform for showcasing emerging talent in Arab and international cinema. By focusing on showcasing emerging talent in Arab and international cinema, featuring debut films across various formats, including feature fiction, feature documentaries, and short films, the festival provides a valuable opportunity for alternative narrative and fresh voices to be heard. * A version of this article appears in print in the 26 June, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Two Egyptian films awarded at Casablanca Arab Film Festival
Two Egyptian films, The Brink of Dreams and Love Bites, won awards at the sixth edition of the Casablanca Arab Film Festival (13-20 June). Nada Riyadh and Ayman El-Amir directed The Brink of Dreams, which received the Jury Prize in the Feature Film Competition. Love Bites, written and directed by Mahmoud Zain, received a Special Mention in the Short Film Competition. The Brink of Dreams follows the story of an all-female Coptic group that formed a theatre troupe to perform plays inspired by Upper Egyptian folklore in their small village. The troupe aims to raise awareness about important issues, like early marriage, domestic violence, and girls' education. The film stars Majda Masoud, Haidi Sameh, Monika Youssef, Marina Samir, Myriam Nassar, Lydia Haroun, and Youstina Samir. In 2024, The Brink of Dreams won the Golden Eye Documentary Prize at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. The film garnered numerous other awards from international festivals, the latest being Best Feature at the 15th edition of Malmö Arab Film Festival (29 April - 5 May). Love Bites is a 12-minute drama starring Sedky Sakhr, Sohila Alanwar, Nadia Hassan, and Mahmoud Yehia. The film tells the story of Hayam, an unmarried 20-year-old girl, who passes away. Her brothers, Zaher and Murad, discover love bites on her neck and chest just before the body washing. This fact hinders the completion of the body washing practice for fear of a scandal. Love Bites premiered at the Aswan International Women's Film Festival (2-7 May 2025), receiving a Special Mention in the Short Film Competition. The film was then screened at the Rotterdam Arab Film Festival (28 May–1 June). This is not the first time Egyptian films have garnered recognition at the Casablanca Arab Film Festival. In 2024, the film Maqsoom was awarded the Best Main Actress prize at the Feature Film Competition, and I Promise You Paradise won the Best Short Film Award at the festival's fifth edition. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
DW
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- DW
German filmmaker Mascha Schilinski wins Jury Prize at Cannes – DW – 05/26/2025
Nine years after Maren Ade's "Toni Erdmann," a German filmmaker is in the Cannes competition. Mascha Schilinski has won the Jury Prize with "Sound of Falling." "I was afraid I'd misheard," said the 41-year-old director and screenwriter Mascha Schilinski when her film was named Jury Prize winner at the Cannes International Film Festival. "It was kind of a surreal moment — simply wonderful." Ahead of the festival, the filmmaker said that she was "insanely happy" to have her film "Sound of Falling" selected in the main competition lineup at the Cannes Film Festival. " It's a filmmaker's dream!" German directors at Cannes have been, as the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung noted sardonically, "at times harder to find than a decent lunch for less than €20." This year, the country was also represented by Fatih Akin, whose historical film "Amrum" screened out of competition, and Christian Petzold, whose feature "Mirrors No. 3" was selected for the Directors' Fortnight, an independent sidebar at the Cannes festival. But Schilinski was the only German director with a film in the main competition, the first since Maren Ade caused a stir at the 2016 festival with "Toni Erdmann." Portrait of four generations "Sound of Falling" is set on a farm in a small village in northeastern Germany. It follows the lives of four generations of women living on the farm, interweaving their stories by jumping back and forth among the different timelines until the lines between them blur. What starts as a portrait of four generations becomes a sweeping depiction of a century. "As we went through the rooms of the farmhouse, we could sense the centuries," said Schilinski. "It brought up a question I've had since childhood." She explained that as a little girl growing up in a prewar apartment building in Berlin, she often wondered, "What happened between these walls in the past? Who has sat right in the spot where I'm now sitting? What fates played out here? What did the people who lived here experience and feel?" Her film is an attempt to imagine answers to those questions. 'Sound of Falling' focuses on four generations of women to depict a century of history Image: Neue Visionen Filmverleih 'Sound of Falling' focuses on female gaze As with Schilinski's 2017 debut film, "Dark Blue Girl," a psychodrama about a complicated family dynamic, this latest work focuses on a female perspective, relating events from the points of view of women. Schilinski said the female gaze was very important to her and co-writer Louise Peter because it's so rare in films. "The film is very much about gazes, the gazes that women have been exposed to over the course of a century, how it feels today and also how it's carried on and burned into the body," the director explained. The female gaze in 'Sound of Falling' Image: Neue Visionen Filmverleih Schilinski's career path seems to have almost been predestined: Her mother is a filmmaker who took her along on film shoots, and she started acting for film and television while still at school. Then she did film business internships, worked as a casting agent, traveled through Europe and worked as a magician and fire dancer for a small traveling circus. After studying screenwriting at the Hamburg Film School, she settled in Berlin and began working as a freelance screenwriter for film and television. Schilinski attracted some attention when "Dark Blue Girl" was screened at the 2017 Berlin International Film Festival, and her career is likely to get a further boost with the Jury Prize for her latest film in Cannes. "Sound of Falling" is due for release in German cinemas on September 11. This article was originally written in German. It was updated on May 26 to reflect Mascha Schilinski's win of the Jury Prize.
