Prince Harry sues major British newspaper group

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle speak during the 2021 Global Citizen Live festival at the Great Lawn, Central Park in New York City on Sept. 25, 2021. (AFP file photo)
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Updated 24 February 2022
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Prince Harry sues major British newspaper group

  • UK media say Harry was suing for libel over a Mail on Sunday article alleging he had sought to keep a request for British police protection under wraps

LOS ANGELES: Britain’s Prince Harry has launched new legal action against one of the country’s biggest newspaper groups, a spokesperson said Wednesday.
The complaint against Associated Newspapers — which publishes the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and MailOnline — follows his wife Meghan Markle’s recent victory in a separate, long-running case against the same group.
A spokesperson for the pair told AFP that a complaint had been filed by Harry, without specifying its nature or the publication being sued.
Multiple UK media reports said Harry — Queen Elizabeth II’s grandson — was suing for libel over a Mail on Sunday article alleging he had sought to keep a request for British police protection under wraps.
Markle, 40, and Harry, 37, live in California after stepping down from royal duties in 2019, which caused them to lose their UK taxpayer-paid protection.
Last month, Harry appealed to the UK courts after the government refused to allow him to pay for police protection out of his own pocket, arguing the decision means he cannot return home.
A lawyer for Harry told a London court last week that the UK “will always be his home,” but that his own private security team in the US does not have adequate jurisdiction or access to UK intelligence necessary to keep his family safe.
The government lawyer dismissed Harry’s offer to pay for police protection as “irrelevant,” writing to the court that personal “security by the police is not available on a privately financed basis.”
The couple have recently taken legal action against a number of publications, alleging invasion of privacy.
Following her second court victory against Associated Newspapers in December for breach of privacy — over the publication of a letter she wrote to her estranged father — Markle called for a reform of tabloid culture.
The industry, she said, “conditions people to be cruel and profits from the lies and pain that they create.”

 

 


Michael Buble to perform in Abu Dhabi

Updated 08 November 2024
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Michael Buble to perform in Abu Dhabi

DUBAI: Globally acclaimed artist Michael Buble will perform in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 16, 2025, during the second edition of Saadiyat Nights.

The Canadian singer-songwriter joins an impressive lineup for the three-month outdoor concert series.

The performers include pop icon Robbie Williams on Dec. 28, Iranian music legend Ebi on Jan. 4, American vocal harmony group Boyz II Men on Jan. 25, Egypt’s renowned composer Omar Khairat on Feb. 1, and US pop sensation Christina Aguilera on Feb. 15.

Buble, celebrated for his signature blend of swing and jazz, has delighted fans around the world with hits including “Home,” “Sway,” and his rendition of “Feeling Good.”

The Grammy Award-winning artist has sold over 75 million albums globally, making his upcoming performance a highly anticipated event.

 

 


Best and Worst: Saudi gamer Xzit Thamer talks gaming, favorite shows

Updated 08 November 2024
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Best and Worst: Saudi gamer Xzit Thamer talks gaming, favorite shows

DUBAI: The Saudi gamer, streamer and social media personality talks gaming, favorite shows and how to have a productive day. 

Best TV show you’ve seen? 

“The Walking Dead.” They knew how to make a story about zombies and survival horror in a very good way. I've watched a lot of things related to zombies, but the story for “The Walking Dead” was perfect. 

Worst TV show you’ve seen? 

“Friends.” It felt very fake. I hate it so much. 

Best advice for an up-and-coming gamer/streamer? 

Don’t give up. Consistency is the key. I've been creating content for more than 11 years now. It took me six years to get to a million followers — it took me so many years to succeed. But I didn't give up. And I was consistent. So keep trying. Keep pushing. 

Worst advice for an up-and-coming gamer/streamer? 

To change what you’re doing. Like, I'm a gamer; if I change my content to something else that I don't love, I wouldn’t succeed. 

Best advice you've ever been given?  

Don’t overthink. You know what you know. Just get started. 

Worst advice you've ever been given? 

I was told I was wasting my time. 

Best game you’ve ever played? 

“Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.” It has the best storyline. It’s about someone who left home to start a new life and then his mom dies and he has to come back to try and fix things. It also has cool gameplay and it’s the game that made me famous on streaming. 

Worst game you’ve ever played? 

I hate all horror games. I played “Resident Evil” when I was very young and it was so scary that I threw the disc off the top of my building. I was so traumatized. 

Best gaming console? 

The PlayStation 5. I don’t see the PS5 as a console, I see it as a family member or, like, a teacher. I learned to speak English back in the day because of the PlayStation. I kept a small dictionary with me — this was before I had the internet — so I could understand the games I was playing. Now, after all these years, I’m part of the PlayStation Playmakers team. 

Worst gaming console? 

It’s not a console but I don’t enjoy PC gaming. It’s got great graphics and everything but it’s not very comfortable for playing games. It’s not as fun. 

Best subject at school? 

Sports. I loved playing football. And, to be honest, I loved sports because then I didn’t have to be studying. 

Worst subject at school? 

I sucked at maths. Never got it. 

Best holiday destination? 

My favorite city is Dubai. I love going there. I’ve been there more than 30 times. I just can’t get enough. It’s the perfect city. 

Worst holiday destination? 

I went to Italy and I found it so boring. Plus, the food wasn’t great and, if you’re travelling, good food is a must. 

Best way to have a productive day? 

Wake up early. If I wake up late, I’m in a bad mood. I’m usually up between 5 or 6 a.m. 

Worst way to have a productive day? 

Overthinking. If you get stuck thinking about a bad interaction or incident, you know you’re going to kill your time. 


REVIEW: ‘Time Cut’ — modern twist on classic slashers ends up disappointing 

(L-R) Antonia Gentry as Summer and Madison Bailey as Lucy in 'Time Cut'
Updated 07 November 2024
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REVIEW: ‘Time Cut’ — modern twist on classic slashers ends up disappointing 

  • Netflix time-travel caper is a little light on substance 

LONDON: In case you missed it, slasher films are back! Sure, it’s not quite that late Nineties/early Noughties heyday of “Scream” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” but they’re back, nonetheless. Because it’s 2024, though, the humble slasher now rarely exists in its original form. Rather, an increasing number of writers and directors are fusing the tropes of classic slasher films with other genres. “Freaky” added body-swap magic to the mix, “Happy Death Day” was part-slasher, part-“Groundhog Day,” and “It’s A Wonderful Knife” blended Christmas classic with horror comedy. 

So it’s no real surprise to learn that Netflix’s uninspiringly named “Time Cut” is a time-travel-meets-slasher-meets-nostalgia-romp which sees “Outer Banks” star Madison Bailey play Lucy, a high-school student inadvertently transported back in time to 2003, just days before her sister Summer (“Ginny & Georgia” star Antonia Gentry) was murdered by an unknown serial killer. 

Director and co-writer Hannah MacPherson (working with “Freaky” and “It’s A Wonderful Knife” writer Michael Kennedy) leans heavily into the nostalgia, draping the smalltown-America setting with velour tracksuits, Sony Discmans and a soundtrack that includes Vanessa Carlton, Wheatus, Hilary Duff, Avril Lavigne. And dial-up modems, much to Lucy’s disgust. There’s a joke or two to be had at the foibles of the time period, but, to be honest, the world was pretty good back then, so some of the more pointed sneers feel a little unnecessary. 

And it’s not MacPherson’s last odd decision. Despite the best efforts of the two fairly likable leads, “Time Cut” feels largely populated by cookie-cutter characters who represent the worst of some pretty dated stereotypes — sending up boorish jocks, disconnected parents and cliquey high schoolers feels a little mean-spirited.  

And, for a film with a surprising amount of attention on the mechanics of time travel, there seems scant regard for how it actually works. Rather, there’s a series of unimaginative (and relatively tame) kills, a predictable villain, and no real big idea — unless you count ‘Wouldn’t it be funny to send a teenager from 2024 back to a time when her iPhone doesn’t work?’ 


Saudi films in the spotlight as RSIFF announces Arab Spectacular selection

Updated 06 November 2024
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Saudi films in the spotlight as RSIFF announces Arab Spectacular selection

DUBAI: The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) unveiled a five-film collection for its Arab Spectacular section, which features world premieres of three Saudi titles exploring societal changes in the Kingdom.

Antoine Khalife, director of Arab Programs & Film Classics for the RSIFF, said in a statement: “We know that our stories and the quality of the way we tell them deserve a place alongside other international films, which is why we are working hard to support and nurture our region’s filmmakers, providing them with a prestigious platform to present their work to international audiences, and facilitating networking opportunities with industry leaders.”

Among the Saudi films is “My Driver and I,” the directorial debut of Saudi creative Ahd Kamel. Set in 1980s and 90s Jeddah, the film follows a rebellious Saudi girl and her Sudanese driver as they form a friendship which is tested when she starts to take the wheel.

“Hobal,” by Saudi director Abdulaziz Alshlahei, follows a Bedouin family whose members are forced by its patriarch to live in isolation in the desert due to fear of an infectious disease during the 1990s.

The third Saudi film to screen in the section is the much-anticipated “Lail Nahar,” directed by filmmaker Abdulaziz Almuzaini, who is behind popular Saudi TV series and movie “Masameer.” When a renowned opera singer faces backlash after a viral accusation of racism, he stuns the public by announcing plans to marry a black woman — only to scramble for a bride and find an unexpected connection with Layl, a wedding singer.

Rounding off RSIFF‘s Arab Spectacular selection is renowned Algerian filmmaker Merzak Allouache’s dramedy “Front Row,” about a feud that breaks out between matriarchs who are vying for the best spot at the beach; and Egyptian director Omar Bakry’s “Abdo & Saneya,” a silent, black-and-white film about an Egyptian couple who immigrates to New York City in search of a cure for infertility without having any notion of modern American life.


Saudi Arabia unveils major film production hub in Riyadh

Updated 05 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia unveils major film production hub in Riyadh

  • Al-Hisn Big Time Studios to boost local, regional content creation with advanced production resources
  • Project area covers 300,000 sq. meters and includes a production village with metalworking and carpentry workshops, as well as costume design facilities

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia unveiled Al-Hisn Big Time Studios in Riyadh, a groundbreaking facility aimed at boosting the television and film production industry across the Middle East.

Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Al-Sheikh inaugurated the facility west of the Saudi capital.

Al-Hisn Big Time Studios, built in a remarkably short period of 120 days, features seven studio buildings covering an area of 10,500 sq. meters.

The total project area covers 300,000 sq. meters and includes a production village with metalworking and carpentry workshops, as well as costume design facilities.

Additional amenities include luxurious suites for VIPs, offices for film production, and fully equipped editing rooms, all creating an ideal work environment that enhances production efficiency.

Al-Sheikh said: “Al-Hisn Big Time Studios will become a stronghold for producing Arab and international content, particularly Saudi productions.”

He further emphasized the importance of local content consumption, saying: “Approximately 65 percent of the content consumed in the region is from Saudi Arabia.”

Al-Sheikh also highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, mentioning that productions will take place at various locations, including Diriyah Jax, Sony Studios, AlUla, and MBC Studios in Al-Nargis.

He added: “We constructed these state-of-the-art facilities in just four months, showcasing our commitment to rapid development.”

Minister of Information Salman Al-Dossary remarked on the opportunities presented by Al-Hisn Big Time Studios, saying: “You will not find a better place than this in the Arab world.”

He praised the integration of government agencies, stating: “Our collective efforts ensure the success of the project, positioning it as a beacon for the film industry.”

The studios aim to provide a comprehensive platform for film and television production, offering creative resources in one location.

“This integration will not only reduce costs and save time but also provide access to cutting-edge global technologies,” Al-Sheikh said, highlighting the studio’s potential to enhance competitiveness in the international market.

In the studios, visitors can explore a museum featuring vintage cameras alongside films shot with them. There are also costume rooms where fashion designers craft outfits for various productions.

Additionally, a dedicated building is set aside for pre-production work. The facility has several production studios, with many Saudi companies collaborating on site, from camera manufacturers to actors, all working together to bring creative visions to life.

Nawaf Almutairi, a founding partner of One Shot drone company, is one of the industry professionals using the studios. He expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities presented by Al-Hisn, saying: “This facility allows us to push the boundaries of aerial photography and filmmaking.”

His company has completed various projects in Saudi Arabia, notably contributing to the third installment of the film “Welad Rizk” with their custom-built drones.

Almutairi said: “We are excited to create innovative content that showcases the beauty of our country."

Abdulrahman Alnafisah, general manager and co-founder of Nebras Films, said: “Saudi Arabia has seen significant advancements in the media and film production sector, fostering growth both locally and regionally. In this transformative landscape, Nebras Films played a key role in the launch of Al-Hisn Big Time Studios, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of Saudi cinema.

“This initiative underscores Nebras Films’ commitment to bolstering the Saudi film industry and nurturing local talent by creating a professional environment that aligns with international standards.”