Al Majalla speaks to Saudi film director Samaher Mously on her debut short film that uses dark humour to explore the tyranny of beauty as perpetuated by the global cosmetics industry

The author and journalist's latest well-researched book, 'The Guardian of Names', explores the power and impact of naming. He speaks to Al Majalla about the creative process and his influences.

In our monthly film round-up, we showcase the latest silver screen offerings, including some classics reimagined for today's generation

The Egyptian diva's collaboration with Mohamed el-Qasabgi was a game-changer. Between them, they gently rewrote the rules around structure and performance, paving the way for the next generation.

From 1936-47, the legendary singer acted in half a dozen Egyptian movies, which were big box-office successes, but retired just as the film industry was at its peak

The Arab musical icon is still heard across genres as today's artists weave her into their own creations, with 'Enta Omri' being one of her most sampled songs

From her tough times living in Tamay az-Zahayrah to a life of stardom, Al Majalla revisits Umm Kulthum's memoirs, as narrated to the late Egyptian writer Ali Amin

Children Not Numbers provides medical, educational, and psychological help to Gaza's children. It is a staggering undertaking, given the scale of death and destruction that Israel inflicted.

New novels and debutant publishing houses have defied the terrible toll of conflict, making a significant contribution to Sudan's rich literary scene

The award-winning writer explains how she always tries to whittle down a story to a core narrative with a knack for knowing which details to keep and which can be tossed