Chloé Zhao's Hamnet enters the awards season adorned with prestige, affirming its place among this year's most anointed films. Yet beneath the acclaim lies a curious emotional hollowness.
For those who look closely, there were recurring cultural themes over the past 12 months, whether in cinema, music, art, or literature. There were also common threats and shared opportunities.
The trailblazing Egyptian producer and actress with a tumultuous private life had become an icon when she died in 2020, not least for having stood against the nationalisation of cinema
Set to the stunning backdrop of AlUla, Norah by Tawfiq Al-Zaidi has broken new ground for Saudi cinema with a story about two people who inspire one another.
Shot in Toyko, Wim Wenders' film pays homage to Ozu and other Japanese filmmaking giants. Critics say this could be the German filmmaker's best work yet.
From military spending to energy markets, the US-Israeli war on Iran is driving rising costs, with the Strait of Hormuz emerging as a central pressure point
Until fairly recently, most Americans sided with Israel. These days, most side with the Palestinians. That will eventually influence US foreign policy.
Any disruption in the Hormuz has cascading knock-on effects that extend far beyond energy markets, impacting international trade. Al Majalla explores all this and more.
Al Majalla - London
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