In the film industry, where originality often takes a back seat to commercial formulas, Meryam Joobeur is a truly authentic storyteller. Her latest project, screened in the Competition at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, Who Do I Belong To, beautifully connects themes of family, its identity, and the ramifications of extremism with a deft…
74th Berlin International Film Festival: “Who Do I Belong To” Review
Who Do I Belong To by Meryam Joobeur, screened in Competition at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, is a poignant yet powerful exploration of family and its identity, inspired by a chance encounter during a road trip in Tunisia. Joobeur’s journey began with a desire to reconnect with her homeland and evolved into a…
74th Berlin International Film Festival: “Young Hearts” Review
Warning: Spoilers ahead. Set amongst the fairytale-like rural landscapes of Belgium, Anthony Schatteman’s Young Hearts takes us into the lives of Elias (Lou Goossens) and Alexander (Marius De Saeger) as they pry open their feelings for one another – and navigate first love. With musical magic from Ruben De Gheselle, the film suffocates you with…
74th Berlin International Film Festival: “Through Rocks and Clouds” (Raiz) Review
Premiering in the Generation Kplus section at this year’s Berlin Film Festival, Through Rocks and Clouds weaves a poignant if predictable tale of tradition and industrialization, set in the rural Peruvian community of Rumicancha. At the heart of this Peruvian-Chilean coproduction lies Feliciano (Alberth Merma), an innocent 8-year-old alpaca herder whose world revolves around football…
Daejeon’s Batman & Robin: “A Killer Paradox” Review
Warning: Spoilers ahead. Parasite star Choi Woo-shik is a righteous serial killer in Netflix’s latest whack at prompting viewers into questioning the meaning of true justice. A Killer Paradox, directed by Lee Chang-hee and based on the webcomic by Ggomabi, is grittier than the average Korean drama, gentler than American thrillers, and honest with its…
Len Adz: A New Chapter in Music – From “Shades at Night” to “Dizzy” – Exclusive Interview
Len Adz, formerly known as Jomalxne, sat in his dimly lit studio and was happy to answer all of my questions. His latest single, Dizzy, featuring Yonko, had just been released, marking a new chapter in his musical life. Dizzy was a celebration of weekends and parties and a reflection of Len’s own experiences. He…
2024 xikers WORLD TOUR TRICKY HOUSE FIRST ENCOUNTER IN EUROPE: Concert Review
xikers, a boy group under KQ Entertainment, is a new player on the market and a serious competitor to all the rookie groups out there. Debuting just over ten months ago with their EP, HOUSE OF TRICKY: DOORBELL RINGING, xikers have shaken up the K-pop market. The release itself, featuring lead singles Tricky House and…
“It Was Like Fire”: DXMON On Their Debut “HYPERSPACE”
With the energy of a hundred Border Collies on caffeine, six chirpy faces arrived on a call with the press on the 25th of January to talk about their recent debut with HYPERSPACE. The endearingly zestful attitudes of Minjae, Seita, Hee, TK, Rex and Jo will have been paramount in getting to this point, as…
Mek Jirakit Thawornwong’s Dual Pursuit: Balancing Acting and Musical Aspirations
Jirakit Thawornwong, also known as Mek, started his career a decade ago in his native country of Thailand. And at the age of twenty-nine, he has already made a name for himself as both an actor and a promising singer. While the latter is still in the making, one can be sure that he will…
The Human Rights Watch Film Festival to Open with “Mediha” by Hasan Oswald
The Human Rights Watch Film Festival, now in its 28th year in London, has revealed a line-up of 10 award-winning, international feature-length films in partnership with Barbican Cinema and Rich Mix and generously supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. The festival programme, presented at the Barbican and Rich Mix from 14-22 March, 2024, includes…
Kim Jonghyeon Discusses His Second Mini-album, “Brilliant Seasons”, and Independent Endeavours – Exclusive Interview
Kim Jonghyeon, a South Korean singer, songwriter, and actor who is well-known as the leader, main dancer, and main rapper of his former group, NU’EST, has recently ventured into a solo career. In November 2022, Jonghyeon debuted with the release of his first mini-album, Meridiem. In addition to his work with NU’EST, Jonghyeon participated in…
EVNNE on Embracing Their Mature Side in Second EP “Un: SEEN”
On a busy evening during breathless comeback promotions, Keita, Park Hanbin, Lee Jeonghyeon, Yoo Seungeon, Ji Yunseo, Mun Junghyun and Park Jihoo all settled down for an hour to chat to the press, eagerly unveiling the stories behind their latest work. EVNNE’s second EP, Un: SEEN, is the foothold they’ve comfortably found themselves in after…
DVI on Their New Single “Close(d) Friend”, Music and Experiences – Exclusive Interview
From Korean dramas to Japanese Pop, Asian Pop culture has served as the blueprint for attracting international fans, and Thailand too has enjoyed a recent resurgence. This is in part thanks to TV shows depicting ‘boys love’ as well as other T-dramas with emotionally charged narratives. Much like K-pop and the Hallyu wave, music in…
Amber Liu Takes Over O2 Academy Islington in London – Concert Review
Amber Liu, an American singer, rapper, and songwriter, took the stage at London’s O2 Academy Islington and showed that she is a force to be reckoned with. From her roots in the highly successful K-pop group f(x), where she debuted in 2009, to her solo journey, Amber has consistently displayed her unique style, and she…
VIEW OF THE ARTS 