Throughout the decades, the prominence of Native American men and women has declined. Undoubtedly, this is because of the horrific suffering they have endured due to colonization, as well as the widespread struggles on reservations nowadays. While foreign colonizers tried hard to strip away the culture of Native Americans, the people fought hard to preserve…
Fragments Festival: “Pure Grit” Review
Horses have been a part of Native American culture for a very long time, and most of their cultural iconography is filled with equestrian imagery, making a clear distinction in Indigenous art. Pure Grit, a documentary directed by Kim Bartley, depicts the story of Sharmaine, a young Native American woman who lives in the Wind…
Fragments Festival: “Framing Agnes” – Trans Lives Through the Lens – Film Review
Chas Joynt’s award-winning, solo documentary debut, based upon his 2018 critically acclaimed short of the same name, casts a critical eye over trans histories as marked out by the singular, exceptional, trans person in the popular domain. This follows the documentary No Ordinary Man based on the life of Billy Tipton that he co-directed with…
Fragments Festival: “To Kill The Beast” Review
To Kill The Beast is the first feature film of Agustina San Martin, whose short films have garnered prestigious awards at film festivals including Cannes with Monster God (2019). The Argentinian director has also worked as a screenwriter, colourist, and cinematographer. Between 2020 and 2022, she was mentored by Lin-Manuel Miranda, actor, singer, songwriter and…
“I Hope That We Can All Do What We Love, But Also in a Way That Can Best Shape a More Equal World.” – In Conversation with James An
While being an independent artist carries some risks, independence is indeed an important aspect for many, especially musicians. Not only does it allow them to communicate directly with their audience, it also enables them to promote their music whenever and however they wish. Frankly speaking, you don’t need to have a label to be a…
When is a Zombie not a Zombie: “The Retaliators” Review
A word to the wise, never show characters watching a seminal film that is far better than the one they are in (here the film is Romero’s classic The Night of the Living Dead). A pastor, Bishop (Michael Lombardi), loses his eldest daughter as a result of a drug exchange that goes wrong and must decide…
79th Venice International Film Festival – “Burning Hearts” Review
Deep in the Apulian countryside, resides two powerful families with a venomous hatred of each other – the Malatestas and the Camporeales. It’s been around 40 years since their last bloodshed and ever since both families have been stuck in a tense stalemate with each other. All until the young Malatesta heir Andrea (Francesco Patanè)…
79th Venice International Film Festival – “World War III” Review
“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” Houman Seyedi’s World War III starts with this quote oft-attributed to Mark Twain. One of the four Iranian titles premiering at Venice this year and the director’s sixth feature, the Orizzonti section finalist proves a bracing slow-burner that leaves you gaping by the time the credits start…
Where Words Fail, Music Speaks – Wonho Takes Over Indigo at the O2 in London
What makes K-pop such a global phenomenon? There are many reasons: ingenious approach to music videos, sophisticated choreography, the charming personalities of idols, and catchy songs. Although lyrics might not always be relatable, the melody itself can be enough to hook listeners. But what about vocal abilities? While I am strict in my judgement when…
A Night to Remember – JUNNY Shows off His Vocal Talent at The Garage in London
The Garage is one of the most iconic music venues in London. Although average in its capacity, the artists who have passed through its doors over the years include Green Day, Muse, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, My Chemical Romance, and Oasis. On August 28th, JUNNY, a Korean-Canadian R&B singer came to The Garage to perform…
VIEW OF THE ARTS 