Under the moody lilac skies of the Northern hemisphere, comes an 80-minute life sampler of the hopeful and free-spirited youths of Iceland, directed by Rúnar Rúnarsson. There’s only really two plot points of the whole film, which would explain its length; the rest is filled in with the characters’ – particularly Una’s – emotional conflicts…
77th Cannes Film Festival: “Universal Language” Review
The latest absurdist gem sitting behind the oh-so-frightening curtain of non-English cinema is Cannes Directors’ Fortnight: Audience Award winner Universal Language, directed by and starring Matthew Rankin. In Persian and French, the film lands us in the snow-laid streets of Winnipeg, starting off in the French immersion school attended by Nazgol (Saba Vahedyousefi), Negin (Rojina…
77th Cannes Film Festival: “Locust” Review
Every generation has its angry young men, rebelling against the cultural conformity of the era. From James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause and Marlon Brando in The Wild One pushing back against the stifling conservatism of the Eisenhower age, to the various turn-of-the-century studies of disaffected adults stilted by middle-class life, these are snapshots…
77th Cannes Film Festival: “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” Review
Kowloon Walled City, a military fort turned ungovernable residential area in Hong Kong that was demolished in 1993, feels like the product of a screenwriter’s imagination run wild. As depicted in Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, the city’s self-sustaining ecosystem is almost entirely shut off from the real world, its 35,000+ residents living and…
James An Delivers Raw Honesty in New EP “I Have No Friends And I Must Party” – EP Review
Korean-Canadian artist James An will transport you back to the 1990s with his new EP, I Have No Friends And I Must Party. This eight-track release captures his genuine passion for hip-hop and skilfully pays homage to it. The artist mixed the quintessential elements of golden age hip-hop to create a beautiful and necessary listening…
RM Contemplates with His Latest Single “Come Back To Me” – MV/Single Review
In an industry where 3.5 minutes are considered too long for a song, RM takes a bold approach with his new single, Come Back to Me. The track runs for 6:29 and is complemented by a superb music video. True to his style, RM has collaborated with top talent from the film and television industry,…
Exploring New Horizons: The 1st Muslim International Film Festival Celebrates Muslim Experiences on Film
The first-ever MUSLIM INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL will take place from May 30th to June 2nd in London’s Leicester Square. This festival champions the narratives of international Muslim filmmakers and highlights their compelling stories, serving as a platform for productions inspired by Muslim culture and faith, and welcoming filmmakers from all backgrounds. At a time when…
82MAJOR Reveal the Magic Behind Their First Mini-Album, “BEAT by 82” – Exclusive Interview
The excitement surrounding the release of 82MAJOR’s first mini-album, BEAT by 82, was loud and clear, and it’s easy to see why. The album, which includes songs such as Choke, Birthday, Illegal, and 82, presents the group’s more mature side as well as their versatility and creative synergy. As we discussed the making of each…
Beyond Preservation: Curation and Programming of Korean Film Archive – In Conversation with Kim Hong-joon, Director of the KOFA
The theme of the Far East Film Festival’s retrospective program this year was “Saving the Past: 50/50: Celebrating 50 Years of Korean Film Preservation” and it was focused on a tumultuous yet pivotal decade for Korean cinema. The 1950s were a time of great upheaval and these films – restored under the direction of the…
BIGONE and BAEKHO Collaborate For New Project Single, “LOVE OR DIE”
A few days ago, the K-pop music scene welcomed BIGONE and BAEKHO their latest project single, LOVE OR DIE. In this collaboration, listeners are treated to a great mix of the artists’ musical skills, each offering their own perspectives on love. This exciting venture was orchestrated under the creative direction of music publisher PRISMFILTER, a…
SEVENTEEN Are Right Here: A Nine-Year Celebration of Their Greatest Hits – Album Review
Every excellent SEVENTEEN song begins with ‘Seventeen right here.’ But how does one describe Seventeen’s discography without veering into sentimentalism or turning it into a thesis? The 13 members are now reminding everyone of their immense talent with their latest release, 17 IS RIGH HERE. This box set of greatest hits is a proud display…
Melodies Beyond Sound: A Spotlight on Big Ocean, K-Pop’s Inspirational Trio – Exclusive Interview
Hard-of-hearing artists have always faced challenges in the music industry, but their contributions are invaluable and deserve support. While traditionally music has been primarily auditory, advancements in technology and shifts in attitudes are enabling greater inclusivity. Supporting deaf musicians is not only about providing equal opportunities but also recognising the diversity of talent and perspectives…
VERIVERY on Making Their Long-Awaited Return With “GO ON” Fanmeeting Tour
With the cosy fits and bright-eyed smiles of a young boyband, and the grace of stars who’ve been around long enough to earn their own recognised brand, VERIVERY, who debuted five years ago, have still got the blazing fervour of artists who’ve not reached the end of their journey just yet. After announcing their “GO…
26th Far East Film Festival: In Conversation with Zhang Yudi, Director of “The Midsummer’s Voice” – Exclusive Interview
Peking Opera, a revered Chinese art form blending centuries-old traditions, faces challenges in modern times, struggling to engage the younger generation. Despite government support and international interest, efforts to modernise it and attract younger viewers have shown mixed results. However, Zhang Yudi’s film The Midsummer’s Voice offers a fresh perspective, focusing on the struggles of…
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