Fatima Clarke 
Unlikely Pair Tackle a William Wallace Musical Rob Drummond, a name not typically associated with musicals about Scottish historical figures, is one of the last people you’d expect to pen a musical about William Wallace. Known for steering clear of conventional Scottish themes like bagpipes and Highland cattle in his plays, his creative pursuits have … Read more
Emmanuel Sonubi: Unveiling the Man Behind the Persona Emmanuel Sonubi, once known for his imposing physical presence and tough demeanor, is now revealing a different side of himself. For the first time, he’s performing while donning spectacles, symbolizing a shift in his public facade. But is this a true pivot for Sonubi, or just another … Read more
Mike Bartlett’s latest theatrical work, a three-act play, evolves intriguingly throughout its duration. Initially presented as a satire involving a mixed family, the narrative incorporates environmental debates and generational tensions. As the play progresses, the setting—a realistically earthy stage—transforms, suggesting a shift towards a broader, almost state-of-the-nation theme, reminiscent of Bartlett’s acclaimed work, Albion. This … Read more
Exploring the Rich Tapestry of 19th-Century Okrika in Nollywood’s Latest Epic Located in the historic setting of the 19th-century Okrika kingdom in the Niger Delta, the Nollywood film “Amanyanabo: The Eagle King” presents a compelling narrative filled with political intrigue and cultural conflicts reminiscent of classic epics like Ben-Hur. The story centers on Ibanichuka (played … Read more
From an early age, while his peers were busy with their toys, Apichatpong Weerasethakul found delight in the simpler pleasure of a flashlight, casting shadows on walls and blankets. “It took me back to my childhood, that sense of freedom and wonder,” he recalls. This early experience sparked his eventual pursuit of a career in … Read more
A Sci-Fi Thriller Centered on Survival and Hope In this gripping science fiction thriller, we follow Abby, portrayed by Ella Balinska, as she embarks on a desperate quest to find a cure for her sister’s life-threatening cancer. Driven by a deep belief in the potential for a cure, Abby’s journey takes her through both literal … Read more
Billy Long Sr, a former undefeated professional boxer, had to end his boxing career after three years due to financial and mental health issues. However, he significantly impacted the lives of many young people through his mentoring efforts, which later became the inspiration for a successful British filmmaker. When Billy Long Jr, his son, was … Read more
A Glimpse into Paris’s Vietnamese-French Community through Cinema Paris boasts one of the world’s most established and populous Vietnamese diasporas, a detail largely overlooked by mainstream French film. In his delightful first film, Stéphane Ly-Cuong embraces the enchanting world of musical comedy to explore the aspirations and challenges faced by Vietnamese-French performers, presenting a rarely … Read more
An Exceptional Opening The film starts with a striking scene: a nun falls to the ground in a profound act of devotion, her black habit spreading out over the cold stone floor. This sets the tone for Alys Tomlinson and Cécile Embleton’s stunning black and white documentary. It’s a film characterized by its tranquility, extended … Read more
Laszlo Nemes Presents a New Historical Drama at Venice Following his deeply moving Holocaust film, “Son of Saul,” and the intricate story set in pre-war Budapest titled “Sunset,” Hungarian filmmaker László Nemes has returned to the Venice Film Festival with another compelling narrative. This time, his film delves into another dark chapter of Central European … Read more
