Saudi libraries chiefs launch e-book borrowing scheme in Riyadh mall
Menawel (meaning, the handler) self-library device will be made available in Panorama Mall
Project aims to encourage reading in the Kingdom while improving access to information resources
Updated 20 July 2023
Hebshi Alshammari
RIYADH: Saudi libraries chiefs have opened a new chapter in their mission to promote reading with the launch of an e-book borrowing initiative in a Riyadh shopping center.
As part of an agreement signed between the Saudi Libraries Commission and specialist company Aswaq Almustaqbal, the Menawel (meaning, the handler) self-library device will be made available to the Panorama Mall.
The project aims to encourage reading in the Kingdom while improving access to information resources in public places, such as shopping centers.
The book borrowing and return scheme was launched by the commission in early June and named after the handler, a position held in Baghdad’s House of Wisdom during the Islamic Golden Age. Also known as the Grand Library, the Abbasid public academy and intellectual center played a major role in spreading science and knowledge.
Mohammed Al-Ruwaili, a member of the Abdulrahman Al-Sudairy Cultural Center, said: “The project aims to promote reading and knowledge as a basis for sustainable development.
“It plays a new role that adds to the learning values and roles of public libraries and improves them by adapting digital technology, e-networks. This will make access to reading educational materials easy.
“Those in charge of the project have hit a modern goal and will pursue it in the airport lounges and major malls in different regions of the Kingdom,” he added.
He noted that the service would probably be most used by young people.
Ibraheem Al-Sinan, head of the editorial team at Raff Publishing house, said: “We, as publishers, believe that libraries are the most important potential for literature and culture, which build the largest readership base in any society.
“If the libraries’ role ceased to reach people, an important chain of knowledge, literary, and cultural communication would be interrupted between the institutions that make content, and the reader.
“Many of the initiatives launched by the organizations under the Ministry of Culture follow a clear strategy intended to support and cooperate with all other bodies and aim to form a network of effective infrastructure that fully serves the cultural sectors,” he added.
Saudi producer explores pearl diving in new digital art show in Dubai
Updated 28 October 2024
Dalal Awienat
DUBAI: Saudi producer Farah Al-Ibrahim’s new digital art show “Pearls of emotions” is set to premiere at the Theater of Digital Art in Dubai on Dec. 2.
Presented by her production company Artellosa, Al-Ibrahim told Arab News she hopes this show, which explores the rich history of pearl diving in the Gulf, resonates with viewers and offers them a new perspective on the region and its culture.
“I feel it's in my DNA to talk about pearls and our relationship to the sea. But knowing this culture and keeping it in our hearts is not enough. We need to preserve it and reflect it to international audiences,” she said.
Al-Ibrahim relied on AI to generate the imagery for this art exhibition. She described the process as a challenge as AI databases are not fully versed with data from the Arab world. (Supplied)
The desire to engage a diverse audience is a key driving force behind the experience, as “Pearls of Emotion” features a unique musical score that fuses traditional Gulf melodies with contemporary sounds in order to appeal to visitors from around the globe, as well as younger generations seeking a fresh take on the exploration of Gulf heritage.
“A lot of people think our civilization started when oil money entered the region. This is not correct, we have the need and duty to change that perspective and reflect the beauty and richness of our culture,” Al-Ibrahim explained.
“Pearls of emotions” tells the story of a bride who says goodbye to her husband days after their marriage as he embarks on a pearl diving journey, explained Al-Ibrahim.
“Pearls of emotions” tells the story of a bride who says goodbye to her husband days after their marriage as he embarks on a pearl diving journey, explained Al-Ibrahim. (Supplied)
“The show has seven parts, each one talks about a certain emotion such as love, resilience, strength, pride and so on,” she added.
The show offers a 360° immersive journey back in time at TODA, a 1,800-square-metre immersive art space located in Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
Al-Ibrahim relied on AI to generate the imagery for this art exhibition. She described the process as a challenge as AI databases are not fully versed with data from the Arab world.
By talking to her family, who have a long history in the trade, Al-Ibrahim was able to collect information on what ships, sailors and diving experiences looked and felt like so she could feed it to AI programs and generate a depiction of these stories.
“It's very important to have these stories documented, even if it's AI,” she said.
Red Sea Film Festival unveils ‘Global Selections’ lineup for fourth edition
Focus on underrepresented voices from Europe, Africa, Arab world
12 films ‘transcend’ world borders,’ says the festival’s Kaleem Aftab
Updated 28 October 2024
Arab News
LONDON: The fourth Red Sea International Film Festival has revealed its “Global Selections” lineup, set to run from Dec. 5 to 14, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
This year features 12 films from around the world, selected by the festival team to showcase diverse storytelling and perspectives.
The “Global Selections” program aims to foster cultural diversity, inspire dialogue and deepen understanding of world cinema.
Designed to celebrate emerging filmmakers, the lineup emphasizes innovative narratives and highlights often-underrepresented voices and themes, the SPA added.
Kaleem Aftab, director of International Programming for the festival, emphasized the program’s focus on varied perspectives and authentic storytelling.
“This year’s selections represent a diverse range of countries and regions, with strong representation from Europe and Africa and a notable presence of films from the Arab world,” he said.
“These films highlight the beauty of cinematic diversity while evoking a sense of familiarity through shared human experiences that transcend geographical boundaries,” he added.
Aftab said the films explore contemporary issues, relationships, and the search for meaning in today’s world.
“The ‘Global Selections’ program showcases distinct directorial visions, including films that have achieved remarkable success at international film festivals,” he added.
Antoine Khalife, director of Arab Programs & Film Classics, said: “This year’s list celebrates profound dialogue between cultures, enriched narratives, and diverse perspectives.”
The films explore themes of resilience, identity and truth, which reflect the festival’s dedication to presenting powerful, thought-provoking stories from across the globe, he added.
Arab Film Festival ‘challenges stereotypes, promotes dialogue’ in the US
Updated 27 October 2024
Rebecca Anne Proctor
DUBAI: The Arab Film Festival, now in its 28th year, is taking place in San Francisco — and managing director Maya Labban says it aims to “challenge stereotypes and promote dialogue.”
Set to run until Nov. 3, it opened with a poignant documentary by Palestinian filmmaker Mohamed Jabaly called “Life is Beautiful: A Letter to Gaza.”
The film tells the heart wrenching tale of Jabaly’s unexpected exile in Norway after Gaza’s borders were closed abruptly in 2014. Finding himself far from home, stranded and stateless, it charts Jabaly’s journey of emotional and physical separation from his family. It portrays both the warmth and hope found in new friendships in Norway and the despair, sadness and grief he feels toward his displacement and the violence in his homeland.
It was the first time the festival opened with a documentary. Labban told Arab News: “The Arab Film Festival is not only a celebration of cinema but also an essential cultural event that fosters understanding, challenges stereotypes, and promotes dialogue.
“In the current political climate, where representation matters more than ever, AFF provides a platform to amplify the voices of Arab American filmmakers and creatives. Because of the shared rage of inhumanity, we are actually starting to have great conversations with people in the movie industry.”
Established in 1996, the festival celebrates the best in contemporary Arab cinema and is the largest and oldest independent festival of Arab films outside the Arab world. Its mission is to provide authentic narratives that illuminate the complexity and richness of Arab culture. With screenings in the Bay area of California and online, AFF seeks to establish an important platform for filmmakers from the Arab world and beyond within the US.
This year, the program features more than 40 films from 26 countries, 16 of which are directed by women. It also includes filmmaker mixers, classic films, industry and community panels, talks and workshops. Select events will be streamed online.
Other highlights include “From Ground Zero,” Palestine’s submission to the 97th Academy Awards which is a collection of 22 short films made in Gaza. Initiated by Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi, the project was born to give a voice to Gazan filmmakers and tell the untold stories of the current war.
Also in the program is “Arze,” directed by Mira Shaib from Lebanon. It tells of a struggling single mother in Beirut who supports her agoraphobic sister and teenage son, Kinan, by selling homemade pies. Meanwhile, “We Never Left,” directed by Loulwa Khoury, is a heart-wrenching depiction of life between Beirut and New York, capturing the tortured story of displaced Lebanese and a fervent ongoing love for their country.
“We are not just about entertainment, when we tell authentic Arab stories, we are reshaping perceptions and potentially the policies that are built on these perceptions,” said Labban.
“The more we diversify the narratives around Arabs, the more we can influence the broader cultural and political landscape to be more inclusive and just.”
Dubai jewelry label taps supermodel Caroline Trentini for new campaign
Updated 27 October 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: Dubai-based brand Juliana Xerez Fine Jewelry has tapped Brazilian supermodel Caroline Trentini to star in its latest campaign.
The model, who has been on the cover of international Vogue editions 40 times and most recently hit the runway for Schiaparelli at Paris Fashion Week, starred in a campaign for the label’s Miracle Garden campaign.
“I have always admired Caroline and to see how many wonderful things she has achieved with such an impressive international career is truly remarkable. Working with her has been a dream of mine for a long time,” Sao Paolo-born founder Xerez told Arab News.
The nature-inspired collection features precious gemstones, including sapphires and rubies, and boasts design elements that echo monarch butterflies and dainty flowers.
“The Miracle Garden collection goes beyond mere aesthetics, it represents transformation, resilience, and the beauty that arises from perseverance. Every piece is designed to connect with the wearer on a personal level,” Xerez said.
The designer began her career in the modeling industry in Milan before she enrolled in the Gemology Institute of America and went on to study at the International Gemology Institute and Dubai Design Academy, where she honed her craft.
For Xerez, living in the multi-cultural melting pot of Dubai informs her work.
“Dubai’s cultural richness and its dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity provide endless inspiration for my designs. The city’s vibrant colors, intricate architectural details, and the diversity of craftsmanship found here greatly shape my creative vision,” she said.
“Being in such a cosmopolitan hub allows me to blend various cultural elements into my work,” she added, before commenting on the “fast-growing” Saudi market.
When it comes to expanding her brand into the Kingdom, Xerez is keen, saying “all eyes are on Saudi Arabia right now, as it’s an incredibly fast-growing market. The women there are so chic, fashion-forward, and have a keen eye for luxury, which makes it a dream market for my brand.”
KARACHI: Ahmed Tobasi, a Palestinian theater actor who opened his eyes for the first time at the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank, was just 17 years old when he was taken as a political prisoner by Israeli forces for four years.
Growing up at the camp in the northern West Bank, Tobasi witnessed first-hand the repercussions of the Israeli occupation of Palestine and chose to make the world aware of these atrocities through theater.
This Friday, the 40-year-old, who still lives in Jenin and calls theater a more “powerful” weapon than a gun, presented a play at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi, depicting his life at the camp and the horrors of Israel’s occupation of Palestine.
“The idea is to take the Palestinian narrative [to the world] with a real actor from Palestine to make people see that Palestinians [are] also artists. We do theater and we speak the same language that this world is speaking,” Tobasi told Arab News after his performance.
“It is very important to show the human beings of Palestine [to the world].”
Ahmed Tobasi, a Palestinian theater actor, performs a play titled ‘And Here I am’ during the World Culture Festival at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi on October 25, 2024. (Photo courtesy: ACP)
Titled as ‘And Here I am,’ Tobasi performed his play during the World Culture Festival in Karachi, which is running from Sept. 26 till Oct. 30 and featuring music, theater, dance and fine arts from various countries of the world.
The 40-year-old says it has been seven years since his play came to life and he has presented it in more than a dozen countries, including Palestine, UK, Norway, France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In Pakistan, the most recent addition to the list, Tobasi performed the play in Arabic before a packed audience in Karachi, with subtitles in English playing in the background.
Ahmed Tobasi, a Palestinian theater actor, performs a play titled ‘And Here I am’ during the World Culture Festival at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi on October 25, 2024. (Photo courtesy: ACP)
“It was an honor to be a part of the World Culture Festival [in] Karachi,” he said. “We believe there is a very unique, special relation between Pakistan and Palestine.”
Pakistan has always stood by Palestine and calls for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters.”
Tobasi started performing at the age of 21 after he joined The Freedom Theatre, a theater and cultural center in the Jenin refugee camp, following his release from Israeli custody. He later went to Norway where he trained and worked with Nordic Black Theatre in Oslo.
He returned to Jenin a few years later following the assassination of Juliano Mer-Khamis, his drama coach at The Freedom Theatre, in 2013. He is currently the artistic director at the theater.
Ahmed Tobasi, a Palestinian theater actor, received a standing ovation from the audience for his play titled ‘And Here I am’ during the World Culture Festival at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi on October 25, 2024. (Photo courtesy: ACP)
“I hope to tell all people, all young people that theater and culture is a very powerful weapon,” he told Arab News. “If we want to express ourselves and talk and argue, art is the way.”
Tobasi’s life story ‘And Here I am,’ penned by award-winning Iraqi playwright Hassan Abdulrazzak, has also won the award for best production at the Sharm El-Sheikh International Theatre Festival in 2019. The production combines fact and fantasy, and tragedy and comedy.
The drama captures 35 years of Tobasi’s life, according to its British director, Zoe Lafferty.
“Tobasi presents things which are very difficult, such as the murder of his friends [and] his teacher Juliano, but he also brings humor [and] he dances,” Lafferty told Arab News.
“So, it also brings the lighter and joyful moments.”
Lafferty has been working with Tobasi and his theater production team outside of Palestine for the last 15 years as the “Israelis won’t let her enter” the Palestinian territory. She directed all shows for Tobasi’s play that have been performed in various parts of the world.
Ahmed Tobasi (2R), a Palestinian theater actor, speaks after his performance during the World Culture Festival at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi on October 25, 2024. (Photo courtesy: ACP)
“We have had some really good success in other countries but also, we have been canceled in many countries,” she said, pointing to “big challenges” in terms of censorship.
“We were meant to go to Germany next week and the production was canceled. One show got canceled in France but the tour continued. We got canceled in Singapore.”
For Tobasi, it’s “extremely important” to tell personal stories that bring people closer. He says he doesn’t want anyone to agree or disagree with what he presents, and all he hopes to achieve is for the world to see that the Palestinians do not have a lot of choices because of what is being done to them.
“When they see a real story in front of their faces, all their thinking [has] been, in a way, questioned and changed,” the 40-year-old told Arab News.
“People get more close, more sensitive to the Palestinians’ story [after watching the performance] because the West, America [and] Europe, has dehumanized us while covering our story and always showed us as terrorists, Muslims, Arabs [and] Palestinians.”
