KARACHI: After missing the nomination in the International Feature Film category for the 95th Academy Awards, the makers of Joyland promised to follow the “unprecedented” success of the film on Wednesday by coming up with more creative productions to dominate the global entertainment industry.
Joyland won the Cannes “Queer Palm” prize for best feminist-themed movie last year as well as the Jury Prize in the “Un Certain Regard” competition, a segment focusing on young, innovative cinema talent. It also made it to the ongoing Sundance Film Festival 2023 in the United States.
Last month, the Pakistani film also featured in the list of 15 outstanding international productions that advanced to the final nomination stage ahead of the award ceremony scheduled to take place in March. However, it could not make the cut in the list of final five.
“What Joyland has been able to achieve so far is unprecedented and gives us hope for many more films to come out of Pakistan and take the global stage,” the film’s co-producer and casting director Sana Jafri told Arab News. “Being selected in the top 15 films out of over a hundred films at the Academy Awards is a testimony of the talent and hard work that went into creating the film and shows the potential of the creatives in Pakistan, especially keeping in mind the limited resources and support we have.”
Despite receiving critical acclaim abroad, Joyland has had a tough run in Pakistan that banned its screening at movie theaters last November by reversing a previous all-clear for release order. The film, which celebrates “transgender culture” in Pakistan, was later allowed to be released in some parts of the country, though it remains banned in the most populous Punjab province.
“While we are still fighting a legal battle to get the film released in Punjab for over two months, every day our inbox is filled with messages of people asking us about the release and it is heartbreaking to know that our own people have been deprived of what is theirs,” Jafri continued.
She added Pakistan had seldom celebrated its own creatives and hoped to witness a change soon.
The Joyland producer maintained there were many important voices and stories in the country that needed to be heard while pointing out that everyone should have the freedom to talk about what is important to them.
“We, as a nation, need to stop policing artists,” Jafri said. “This isn’t something new for us. We did this to [the 18th century Punjabi poet] Bulleh Shah and [Urdu short story writer] Saadat Hassan Manto. I hope we learn our lesson before it is too late.”
Joyland stars an ensemble cast including Ali Junejo, Rasti Farooq, Alina Khan, Sarwat Gilani, Sania Saeed, Sohail Sameer and Salman Peer.
Reacting to the film missing the final nomination for the Oscars, veteran Pakistani actress Sania Saeed said: “It didn’t make it, it didn’t make it. It has come this far and is still going strong despite everything. Also, a first to have been shown and won so many awards around the world at the most prestigious festivals, made some money too. We all worked so hard. We had so much fun working on it and with each other. I am so grateful.”
What Joyland achieved ‘unprecedented,’ producer says as film misses Oscar nominations
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What Joyland achieved ‘unprecedented,’ producer says as film misses Oscar nominations
- Joyland continues to fight legal battles for its release in Punjab province where it has been banned
- The film celebrates ‘transgender culture’ in Pakistan, won the Cannes ‘Queer Palm’ prize last year
Bruna Biancardi, Yara Al-Namlah spotted at Hia Hub closing day in Riyadh
RIYADH: Brazilian model Bruna Biancardi and Saudi influencer Yara Al-Namlah brought the fourth edition of lifestyle conference Hia Hub to a close late on Sunday night in Riyadh.
Biancardi, who is the partner of footballer icon Neymar, made a guest appearance at the event in JAX district and posed for photos with attendees in a fitted dark blue dress.
attendees in a fitted dark blue dress. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Diving into the world of wellness, Al-Namlah, an influencer and the founder of Saudi skincare brand Treat, engaged in a discussion titled “Generational Beauty: Inheriting Skincare Wisdom.”
The entrepreneur took to the stage with her mother, Amani Al-Ayed, and during the talk the mother-daughter duo engaged in a heartfelt discussion about the importance of self-love and self-care.
"You must love yourself in all the ways. Perfection is being with your own flaws. If you get a pimple, don't feel that it is the worst thing in the world, It is completely okay. Just take care of how you treat your skin by removing your makeup, sleeping with clean well-prepped skin, and waking up using your routine,” Al-Namlah said.
Al-Ayed highlighted the benefits of a simple skincare routine, saying: “I used to apply many products, that consisted of a lot of steps. What I learned from Yara, especially after Treat, is that she reduced the routine to three products.”
The birth of Treat in June 2023 came years after Al-Namlah’s rise to stardom — she was a makeup artist before becoming an influencer and business owner.
Al-Namlah’s skincare line includes a brightening rice powder cleanser, a product whose development was inspired by her and her mother’s ritual of using rice powder to create a mask.
“The cleanser has natural rice powder, which exfoliates and cleans the skin, and it’s one of the products that was inspired by our routine,” she explained on stage.
The session came after five days of beauty and skincare-related panels, workshops and masterclasses at Hia Hub, with industry leaders discussing the evolving skincare market in the Middle East.
Panellists and speakers at the event included the likes of Patrick Chalhoub, group president of the Chalhoub Group; Franck Marilly, chairman of Shiseido EMEA; Hasmik Panossian, regional general manager of Sephora Middle East; Laurent Duffier, managing director of L’Oreal Middle East; and Henk van der Mark, vice president of retail, commercial and business development at Estee Lauder Companies EMEA.
At Riyadh Season, Pakistan Week draws over 300,000 visitors to art, music and cultural activities
- The event was held from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 during the annual Riyadh Season as part of the Saudi Global Harmony Initiative
- It showcased vibrant performances by Pakistani singers, delicious food, clothing stalls, truck art and other activities
ISLAMABAD: Art, music, delicious cuisine and clothing fascinated more than 300,000 visitors during Pakistan Week at Riyadh Season, the Pakistani embassy in Saudi Arabia said on Sunday, adding the event was “well received” by local and expatriate communities in the Saudi capital.
Pakistan Week activities were held at Al-Suwaidi Park, located in the heart of the Saudi capital, from October 30 till November 2 as part of the Global Harmony Initiative under Riyadh Season.
The event featured vibrant performances by Pakistani artistes, delicious food, clothing stalls, and the iconic truck art from the South Asian country, attracting diplomats, top entrepreneurs and community members from both nations.
“Pakistan Week was well received by local and expatriate community in Riyadh as over 300,000 people visited colorful activities and arenas,” the Pakistani embassy told Arab News, adding that performances by leading Pakistani singers, drum maestros and schoolchildren as well as puppet shows and handicrafts captivated audiences with the diversity of Pakistani culture.
“The [Al-Suwaidi] Park was filled with food stalls, truck art, a play zone for kids and a cultural parade, which was a highlight of the event.”
The participants described the event as a “unique and unforgettable experience” as it offered a delightful blend of music, sports and culture.
“For the overseas Pakistanis in Riyadh, Pakistan Cultural Week in Riyadh was not just an event, it was a homecoming as it was a chance to reconnect with their roots, to share their culture with their Saudi friends and other global communities and to create lasting memories with their families,” Waqar Naseem Wamiq, a Pakistani expatriate working as a trade manager in Riyadh, told Arab News.
He said the vibrant atmosphere and the “sea of people” transformed the venue into a buzzing hub of entertainment and cultural exchange, setting a new benchmark for future events.
“Over 130,000 enthusiastic fans gathered to enjoy the performances by [singers] Ali Zafar and Asim Azhar on days two and three of Pakistan Cultural Week,” he said, adding that the overwhelming response not only highlighted the immense popularity of the singers, but also underscored the significance of cultural events in bringing together communities and fostering a sense of unity and celebration.
He said the meticulous planning and execution of the event by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and the Ministry of Media left a lasting impression on everyone.
“Attendees lauded the Saudi hosts for their warm hospitality and dedication to creating an inclusive and engaging atmosphere,” Wamiq added.
Ali Swati, who manages Traditional Taste Restaurant in Riyadh, said his stall at Pakistan Week featured ‘matka tea,’ ‘samosas,’ ‘biryani’ and other Pakistani dishes.
“Visitors loved these items so much that they placed numerous large orders for home delivery to be fulfilled after the festival,” he told Arab News.
Swati said Arab and other expatriate communities showed “great interest” in Pakistani food, appreciating its taste and diversity.
“It was a great opportunity for our business as it introduced our restaurant to many people and will help attract more customers to our outlet in Riyadh,” he said.
Another Pakistani expatriate, Muhammad Naveed, who works as an engineer in Riyadh, said the seamless blend of diverse cultural performances and activities not only entertained attendees, but also fostered a sense of unity and appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures present.
“This exceptional effort by the Saudi hosts and organizers has set a new standard for cultural events, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to bringing joy and fostering community spirit,” Naveed told Arab News.
“The presence of celebrated cricketers, Shoaib Malik, Shadab Khan and Sarfraz Ahmed, added a touch of sporting excellence to the event as their participation not only boosted the spirits of the fans, but also highlighted the importance of sports in cultural celebrations.”
Besides the performances, he said, the week was full of a variety of cultural activities that showcased the rich heritage of Pakistan.
“From traditional dance performances to art exhibitions, every aspect of Pakistani culture was on display, providing a holistic cultural experience,” Naveed added.
The Kingdom recently launched the Global Harmony Initiative to celebrate the diverse nationalities and cultures of its residents by exploring their lives, contributions and cultural integration.
The initiative, a collaboration of the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, Ministry of Media and the Quality of Life Program, has been featuring events that showcase cultures, cuisine and heritage of countries such as Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and others.
REVIEW: ‘Astro Bot’ sets new standards for platformer games
LONDON: “Astro Bot,” one of Sony’s flagship titles for the PlayStation 5, raises the bar for 3D platform games.
Positioned as a competitor to well-known characters such as Mario and Sonic, this game delivers a delightful, imaginative experience, brimming with vibrant levels, innovative mechanics, and a healthy dose of nostalgia that will appeal to younger players and longtime PlayStation fans.
The storyline is simple but leaves plenty of room for the player’s imagination. You play as Astro, a charming robot hero on a mission to rescue his fellow bots scattered across various galaxies after an attack on their spaceship. While the narrative is not groundbreaking, it serves its purpose well, keeping the focus on the gameplay.
“Astro Bot” is designed to engage players of all ages. With a 7-plus age rating, it’s accessible to a wide audience — my 4-year-old, for example, finds it captivating. The game offers about nine hours of playtime for those focused on the main story, with closer to 17 hours for completionists seeking out bonus areas and treasure.
Visually, “Astro Bot” shines. Across six distinct galaxies and more than 80 creatively designed levels, players will explore tropical paradises, icy landscapes and futuristic environments, each packed with charm and variety. The level design ensures the game stays fresh throughout, keeping players engaged.
One of the game’s standout features is its exceptional use of the PS5’s Dual Sense controller. Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers make Astro’s movements feel more immersive than ever. New gadgets and abilities, like animal-themed power-ups, are seamlessly integrated into the gameplay, adding depth and variety. The way the game maximizes the controller’s features makes every jump, glide and gadget interaction feel responsive and exciting.
“Astro Bot” is also a treasure trove for PlayStation history enthusiasts. With more than 150 iconic characters to collect — like PaRappa the Rapper, Kratos from “God of War” and Nathan Drake from “Uncharted” — the game taps into nostalgia that will bring a smile to long-time fans.
Accompanied by a playful soundtrack composed by Kenny C.M. Young, which is available on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, the overall experience is joyful and engaging.
In short, “Astro Bot” is a must-play for PS5 owners. It provides fun for all ages and sets a new benchmark for platforming games.
‘I always compete with myself’: Yasmine Sabri shares insights at Hia Hub in Riyadh
RIYADH: In a session at lifestyle conference Hia Hub, Egyptian actress Yasmine Sabri opened up about her life beyond the glitz and glamour of her career. Known for her on screen talent, Sabri took the opportunity to share lesser-known insights about her personal journey, her inspirations, and her views on self-improvement.
Hia Hub is taking place in Riyadh’s JAX district and featured discussions, masterclasses, workshops, interactive exhibitions and live performances. The event wraps up on Nov. 3.
During her talk, Sabri, who has a series of blockbuster Arabic films under her belt and is also a global brand ambassador for French label Cartier, expressed her admiration for Saudi women.
“They embody a spirit of determination that inspires me,” the 36-year-old remarked, before reflecting on her formative years.
Sabri recounted her dedication to swimming, a passion she pursued until the age of 18. “Swimming taught me discipline,” she said. “I used to swim before school and after at night, and we didn’t have the option to say, ‘I don’t want to.’” This commitment not only shaped her physical abilities but also instilled a strong work ethic that she carries into her acting career, she said.
Mental fortitude also emerged as a key topic during the discussion. Sabri emphasized the importance of competing with oneself, stating, “I’m grateful and I always compete with myself on a daily basis. One should always stay hungry and be competitive with oneself.”
The actress kicked off her career in 2013 and went on to star in such films as “Abo Nasab” and “El Diesel.”
Often spotted on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet, as well as at film festivals across the Middle East, the actress is known for her style and her makeup. The actress told the crowd at Hia Hub she is preparing to segway into entrepreneurship with the launch of her own beauty brand, Pose Beauty.
Although details about the brand are being kept under wraps, Sabri would join the likes of Lebanese actress Nadine Nassib Njeim who launched her eponymous beauty brand in May.
Hindus, Muslims gather in unity to celebrate Diwali at historic Karachi temple
- Diwali honors the victorious return of Lord Rama, one of Hinduism’s most revered figures, from exile
- Devotees light up homes and workplaces, distribute sweetmeats and wear colorful clothes to mark festival
KARACHI: Thousands of men, women and children, both Hindus and Muslims, gathered on Friday at the 234-year-old Shri Swaminarayan temple in the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi to celebrate one of the biggest Hindu festivals, Diwali.
Diwali honors the victorious return of Lord Rama, one of Hinduism’s most revered figures, from exile and was celebrated in various parts of the world either on Thursday or Friday.
It is also known as the festival of lights to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness, or good over evil, explaining why fireworks are so central to the Diwali celebrations.
The Swaminarayan temple, situated in the Serai Quarters area, is not only frequented by Hindus living in the neighborhood, but members of the community from elsewhere in the bustling megapolis too.
“Diwali is a festival of happiness, a festival of lights. Our lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. His wife Sita and his [younger] brother Laxman were also with him, who stood by him,” Hansa Rani, an academic, told Arab News, lighting up small oil lamps, called ‘diyas,’ to welcome their Lord.
“We celebrate their return with happiness [on Diwali], wear new clothes, distribute sweets and make rangoli [in which] we decorate our floor with colors.”
One of the most prominent Hindu festivals, Diwali is celebrated across the globe wherever the community resides. Devotees light up their homes and workplaces to signify light over darkness.
The festivities span over the course of five days, starting with ‘Dhanteras,’ that marks the first day of Diwali, followed by ‘Naraka Chaturdashi’ [Choti Diwali], Diwali, ‘Govardhan Puja’ and Bhai Dooj. Each day has different rituals and significance.
“We are here to celebrate Diwali. As you can see, how happy these people are. There is one festival in the entire year during which we have mithai (sweetmeats), worship, light diyas, and meet our relatives,” Gauri Dara, who was at the temple with her family, told Arab News, on the sidelines of the celebrations.
“On this day, our cousins from other cities come to meet us too. We celebrate Diwali together.”
Muslims, who attended the celebrations at the Swaminarayan temple, said they had come to stand in solidarity with their Hindu brothers and sisters and share their happiness on the joyous occasion.
“[Despite] being a Muslim, I come here every year since the past 10 years in fact. I love the fact that we get to celebrate Diwali with our Hindu community every year because I have a lot of Hindu friends in Pakistan,” Qasim Shafique, a senior television news producer, told Arab News.
“Our flag also represents [minorities]. The white part in the [Pakistani] flag is for minorities. So, I come to celebrate that every year. I’ll meet all my Hindu friends here and we will enjoy the festivities together.”
