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Otago Daily Times
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Came for a brisk visit, but found home
It was the infamous All Blacks defeat at the 1999 Rugby World Cup against the French that inspired American artist Robin Brisker to move to New Zealand at the start of the new millennium. Not exactly, but it was while watching the game from an Amsterdam pub that reminded Mr Brisker that of all the countries he had explored, and there were many, New Zealand was untouched. "I had never seen rugby before and that was entertaining. I was watching and I was like; 'what's that? What's a knock-on?' I got addicted to it." Until he moved to Wanaka in 2000, the 71-year-old had not lived in a place for any longer than five years, it was his general rule of thumb. Born in Chicago and raised all over the United States, Brisker learned at a young age to adapt to any environment and with very little. "I was in 12 schools in 12 years ... The first move was devastating then you realise it teaches you to adapt, and you can be more independent than you think." "I have had 70 addresses [across] 10 countries." While he has worked in about every job you can think of; a meat packer in Detroit, busker in Munich, juggler in Adelaide, chauffeur in Mexico — his one constant has been art, he has been doing it all along. "I illustrated my high school yearbook in 1972, so that's when I first got published." Since then, he has been selling art throughout the world. He owned his own gallery in Chicago, again in Florida and sold a painting of a watermelon to Madonna while working in a health spa in Mexico. His work has been collected by Miles Davis, Madonna, Jamie Wyeth, Amy Irving and artist's Dan Rizzie and Tony Fitzpatrick. Never in his transient life did he think he would settle, but it was Wānaka that had him sit at a final destination and it was not for its lucrative art scene. "I said this town's got everything, I am going to spend the summer here." That summer turned into 25 more, but it has not been a walk in the park for the artist who would sell paintings in Chicago on the daily for four times the amount he would sell one here. "The prices I was getting in Chicago 25 years ago is still more than what I get today here in New Zealand." "In Wānaka people would rather spend money on a new bike, a pair of boots and ski gear. Art is not a priority, there are tonnes of artists in this town but not nearly enough art appreciators." "I have attempted landscapes, but I don't particularly care for them. Nothing sells good here, everyone I know here has one of my pieces, it is a small town, and they come here not because it's artistic, but it is because it is the beautiful adventure capital." While art success came easy in Chicago, known for its popular art culture, he "never wanted to be anywhere more than five years", so he up and left. Mr Brisker chose Wānaka for safety and the stunning outlook. "I haven't locked my car in 25 years here." "In Chicago I was constantly aware of crime and lived on a street where the sirens were going every second." His story began in Wānaka when he bought three acres of land on Golf Course Rd, and turned a house into a backpackers. The Tree House as he named it, and sold it later for four times the price. He took the opportunity to try sell his art out of Queenstown, but did not like the lifestyle and moved back to buy his Mount Iron property. "This property is the best art I have done, I think. You don't see a neighbour or hear a neighbour, I get to see what I created, I built or planted or designed." Ideally Mr Brisker would run a gallery here, but instead he has planted pieces of art throughout Wānaka venues such as Kai Whakapai, Patagonia and Cork. After spending a third of his life here, Brisker still has a fascination with rugby, but his observations are more artistic than sporting knowledge. "What I love is that they tape around people's ears, to stop themselves having cauliflower ears. I have never seen a sport like that, that's the only protection they have, everything else is a T-shirt and shorts. "Nothing like the American footballers, they are covered head to toe in armour."
Broadcast Pro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
MAD Solutions brings six short films to Rotterdam Arab Film Festival
Each of these six films is represented internationally by MAD World, with MAD Distribution handling sales across the Arab World. MAD Solutions is showcasing a lineup of six short films at this year's Rotterdam Arab Film Festival, which runs through June 1. The selected works—Last Nights of Summer, Love Bites, Madonna, Upshot, Nya and Born a Celebrity—hail from across the Arab region and delve into themes of family, identity, freedom and memory. Opening the slate is Last Nights of Summer, a story following three cousins—Farah, Rana and Leila—who reunite at their childhood home in Jordan two years after their grandfather's death. Written and directed by Yasser, the film examines the subtle transformations in relationships over time and distance. It stars Tara Emad, who also serves as executive producer, alongside Shahd El Shater and Farah Aboughattas, with cinematography by Mohamed Ashraf Koushi and music by Donia Wael. Following is Love Bites, a tense family drama centered on two brothers who struggle to agree on how to prepare their deceased sister's body after discovering unexpected marks that could spark scandal among waiting mourners. The cast includes Sedky Sakhr, Mahmoud Zain, Sohila Alanwar, Nadia Hassan, Mahmoud Yehia, Sara Alaaeldin and Rowan Alaa Eldin. The film features cinematography by Moamen Alameldin and editing by Mohamed Mamdouh. In Madonna, the action shifts to a monastery in Egypt, where the theft of an archaeological artifact puts the abbots under pressure. Tensions rise between Father Maurice and Francis, and suspicion falls on Suad, the chef, who is struggling to secure surgery for her daughter. A dramatic turn shifts the stakes entirely. Directed by John Fareed Zaki and co-written with Abanoub Nabil, the film stars Karim Kassem, Abd El-Aziz Makhyoun and George Sassine, with visuals by cinematographer Filopater Morad and editing by Sara Abdullah. The psychological drama Upshot unfolds on a secluded farm in Gaza, where Suleiman and Lubna have isolated themselves in the aftermath of personal tragedy. Their fragile peace is disrupted by the arrival of a stranger, triggering a descent into unresolved grief and memory. Directed by Maha Haj, the film is a co-production between Palestine, Italy and France, and features performances by Mohammed Bakri, Areen Omari and Amer Hlehel. Offering a child's-eye view of conflict, Nya tells the story of seven-year-old Anya, living in a 1994 Algerian suburb. As civil unrest creeps closer, her carefree world begins to fray. Directed by Imene Ayadi, the film features a standout performance by Melissa Benyahia and captures the quiet erosion of childhood innocence against a backdrop of war. Closing the selection is Born a Celebrity, a thoughtful character study of Kamel, a 25-year-old Palestinian man overwhelmed by the attention of his tightly-knit community. As he seeks space to define his own identity, his quiet rebellion becomes a moving meditation on freedom and social pressure. The film is written, directed, edited and co-produced by Luay Awwad with Nour Abukamal, and stars Munther Bannourah and Khaled Masso. All six films are represented internationally by MAD World, with MAD Distribution handling Arab world sales.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Maria Becerra, Paulo Londra & XRoss' ‘Ramen Para Dos' Adds Second Week at No. 1 on Billboard Argentina Hot 100
Maria Becerra, Paulo Londra and XRoss' 'Ramen Para Dos' leads the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart for a second week on the chart dated (May 31). Two weeks ago, when the song debuted at No. 1, it became producer XRoss' first champ and entry since the tally began in 2018. Cazzu's 'Con Otra' rebounds to No. 2 after the song topped the list for three consecutive weeks between April and May. Meanwhile, Mattei's 'Pa Las Girlas' climbs 9-4 for the Puerto Rican's new peak. More from Billboard The Amity Affliction Cover Turnstile's 'Holiday' for 'Like a Version' Mariah Carey Celebrates 20 Years of 'The Emancipation of Mimi': Stream It Now Miley Cyrus' New Album 'Something Beautiful' This Way Comes: Stream It Now The Hot Shot Debut of the week goes to La T y La M whose new single 'amor de veraNO,' opens at No. 25. It marks the Argentine cumbia duo's 19th career entry. The song joins 'Amor De Vago,' featuring Malandro, who holds at No. 7 for a third week, after its 12-week coronation. Uruguayan rock band No Te Va Gustar gets the Greatest Gainer award with 'Ese Maldito Momento,' which climbs 14 spots, from No. 69 to No. 55. The song sits just above its own 'Tan Lejos (En Vivo En Bogotá)' at No. 56. Plus, the group charts a third simultaneous song this week, 'A Las Nueve' at No. 30. Lastly, rappers Slayter and NTG, also known as NeemTheGreat, score their first entry as 'Secuestro,' with Yan Block, enters at No. 80. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Four Decades of 'Madonna': A Look Back at the Queen of Pop's Debut Album on the Charts Chart Rewind: In 1990, Madonna Was in 'Vogue' Atop the Hot 100
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
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Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
Labubu's Viral Rise Is Getting the Fun Sucked Out by Resellers
The charm of Pop Mart's Labubu, those toothy, big-eyed, ugly-cute creatures, has swept the world with cuteness aggression for the must-have plush accessory. Artist Kasing Lung's enchanting eleven furry fiends inspired by Nordic folklore have captured the hearts of many, including celebrity fans like Lisa, Rihanna, and most recently Madonna. However, things are taking a turn with the rising threat of resellers looking to take the fun out of the Labubu shopping experience. As with any coveted collectible, there's always going to be a resell market. But recently, so many brawls have broken out at Pop Mart locations that the phenomenon has made international news. In the UK, the figures were temporarily pulled from shelves, a direct response to viral videos of fights between flippers and enthusiastic customers, not to mention employees just trying to doing their jobs. All 16 locations in the UK currently do not have the bag charms available as the company assesses how to navigate the situation, explaining to the BBC the pause is intended to 'prevent any potential safety issues.' Similarly in the U.S., the situation is also getting out of hand, and you don't even have to leave your house to feel the frustration. It's already been bad online with flippers setting their bots onto Pop Mart's webpage and app. I can attest to the horrible digital experience; when I attempt to nab some online for my collection, I get crash notifications as well as getting my access limited due to button mashing too much to try to beat the bots while trying the Pop Now! gamified option to buy. Truly, I am over getting this notification when I am a real human person fighting for my life on these Labubu streets: But in-person shopping is also a huge pain in the U.S., and one that's also getting dangerous as resellers prey on collection drop events, turning them into chaotic un-fun experiences. Tense encounters in line, with scuffles breaking out during the recent Big Into Energy release, made it clear that the hostile vibes radiating off the resellers were becoming a big issue. As one Pop Mart employee from the Century City location in Los Angeles told us, 'People were getting into fights in line,' highlighting the safety concerns employees have experienced. They also shared that for the moment, their Labubu inventory would only be available for purchase online for pickup. They didn't know when drops would become available in advance. We get it, but that approach still leaves customers to fight resellers in the digital realm. Pop Mart is currently working to make the shopping experience for collectors better—and it has other concerns, too. The Labubu scarcity has not only have spawned a shifty flipper market, but also a huge fakes industry. 'Lafufus' (faux Labubus) further confuse shoppers, sometimes tricking them into buying fakes for at least double the price of a real one. Pro-tip: if it has more or less than nine teeth, it's a fake! But Lafufu makers are steadily getting better at fooling unsuspecting consumers. In other words, Pop Mart may be enjoying its success, but it's also aware of the challenges that have accompanied the sudden fame of their products. Speaking to the BBC, the company explained that 'Labubu will return to physical stores in June, and we are currently working on a new release mechanism that is better structured and more equitable for everyone involved.' I'm surely not the only one ready for the experience to improve. Getting into and participating in the new collector community Pop Mart has cultivated needs to get back to having a fun and delightful atmosphere. When I was talking to the employee at the location I visited, I had so much fun learning about the lore of not just Labubu but other characters too. Granted, I didn't get to walk away with the Labubu plush I wanted ,as I was not one of the lucky ones to manage to be there during a random online drop—but I did nab one of the acrylic figures from the flocked Lazy Yoga series. That Pop Mart line, as well as the mecha armor Kow Yokoyama are two that I've had more luck finding in store or at the Robo Mart locations. As collectors and fans of the Labubu fantasy lore, I'm excited to be able to better take part in a more positive and enjoyable experience when getting online to buy the latest figure. Like most fans, I still don't have a Big Into Energy Labubu. I've tried all three ways available to try and get one: checking online inventory (always gone), Pop Now! unboxings (button-mash till you get kicked out, yet somehow resellers don't), or waiting and missing location's individual social media stories notifying fans they're online for pick-up in store. A shopping experience separated from the angry frustration of battling it out with resellers is how it should be. Hopefully Labubu fans fans and employees can eventually get back to enjoying the community safely—without the stress of competition or, you know, the risk of bodily harm.
