Indonesian multimedia artist and filmmaker Riar Rizaldi, known for his blend of documentary fiction and essay films, has recently completed his latest work, Monisme (2024). The film delves into themes of duality—human and non-human, nature and technology—while questioning their interconnectedness. Born from years of extensive research on Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most significant volcanoes,…
Category: In Conversation with
EVNNE on Exploring Their Cheeky Side in “HOT MESS”
There’s been a renaissance emerging. The bad boys of K-Pop have had their time and then some; now the leather garb and chanted choruses are being whittled out in favour of happier vibes. EVNNE are one of the few who have recently shed their “cool” image for a sunnier one. We find the anthemic fervour…
Nosun’s Honest Story: Music, Struggle, and Personal Growth – Exclusive Interview
For as long as I can remember, I have been a huge fan of hip-hop, particularly the golden age, where the music was raw, unfiltered, and revolutionary. Bars were razor-sharp, beats were built on soul, funk, and jazz samples, and the culture was shifting the world. Of course, every region had its own flavour; New…
The World of Shaina Magdayao: Acting, Advocacy, and International Acclaim – Exclusive Interview
Before cinema’s advent in the Philippines, theatrical traditions thrived through indigenous rituals and Spanish-imported zarzuelas and vaudeville. These laid the cultural groundwork for the cinematic evolution to follow. The country’s first public film screening occurred in 1897 under Spanish auspices, marking a watershed moment for Philippine entertainment. By the turn of the century, cinema rapidly…
Thomas Ng on Finding His Voice and Inspiring a New Era of R&B – Exclusive Interview
Thomas Ng is a star in the making; he brings a fresh approach to R&B, combining personal stories with diverse musical influences. His sound draws from a mix of jazz, Motown, and rock, creating something timeless and new. Thomas’ introduction to music was far from conventional. Growing up, his mother enrolled him in dance classes,…
XLOV: Breaking Norms, Building Dreams – Exclusive Interview
The four new pillars of avant-garde in K-Pop strutted out in pearls and elegance. Above them, the jumbotron in the figurative stadium of current K-Pop social media buzz illuminated their names in shimmering lights: Wumuti, Rui, Hyun, and Haru. One or two of those might sound familiar to you, and if Boys Planet sounds even…
KRIS MAIN – Behind the Music: The Vulnerable Truths of “Dead Inside” – Exclusive Interview
Kris, an artist whose sound has continuously evolved since his debut, has always stayed true to his artistic vision. Whether through his powerful rock-infused hip-hop or more experimental takes on traditional sounds, he never shies away from vulnerability or confronting the darker aspects of his journey. His latest release, Dead Inside, reflects the emotional depths…
James An on RAP:PUBLIC, Teamwork, Strategy, and the Art of Hip-Hop – Exclusive Interview
The Korean hip-hop scene has undergone a dramatic evolution in recent years, gaining widespread recognition. From the underground to mainstream success, the genre has attracted attention for its great mix of Korean culture and international influences. Artists in Korea are increasingly showing their individuality and creating distinct sounds that attract not only their local audiences…
Breathing New Life into Art: Exploring the 2024/2025 Asian Art Biennial – Exclusive Interview
The Asian Art Biennial, conceived by the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts in 2007, was envisioned as a space to explore the diverse perspectives shaping our shared contemporary reality. This Biennial examines how these varying viewpoints have come to influence our world, a world marked by complexity and uncertainty, yet rich with potential. In…
Lindsay McIntyre on Cultural Preservation and Storytelling Through “NIGIQTUQ (The South Wind)”
Native cinema, whether from the Americas, Australia, the Pacific Islands, or any other region, plays a vital role in today’s film industry by serving as a powerful medium for storytelling, cultural preservation, and social advocacy. For far too long, Indigenous communities have been underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media. Native filmmakers are now reclaiming their…
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