Arts, Events & Culture
Art & creativity, events, design, cultural shifts
A wave of cultural introspection is sweeping through the arts, spotlighting the need for authentic representation and the complexities of identity. From the long-overdue premiere of a Harlem Renaissance documentary to the transformative narratives in young love and drag performance, creators are challenging stereotypes and redefining personal and collective histories. Meanwhile, events like the evolving Eurovision contest and the launch of the UK’s Jewish culture month illustrate how cultural celebrations are increasingly intertwined with political narratives, prompting us to consider the deeper implications of art in a divided world.
Articles
The Beloved review – Javier Bardem turns in a career-scariest performanceJavier Bardem delivers a chilling performance in Rodrigo Sorogoyen's unsettling drama about emotional abuse set against the backdrop of a film shoot, marking a stark departure from the typical sentimentality associated with cinema. The film contributes to a broader exploration of father-daughter dysfunction showcased at this year's Cannes festival.
Harlem Renaissance documentary finally gets global premiere 50 years after cameras rolledThe documentary 'Once Upon a Time in Harlem,' completed posthumously by William Greaves' family, finally premiered globally at Cannes, highlighting the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance and addressing the need for authentic representation of Black narratives in media. Greaves' work, initiated in 1972, serves as a crucial counter to the racially degrading stereotypes prevalent in mainstream film.
La Gradiva review – stunning coming-of-age story of young love and sexual tensionMarine Atlan’s debut film, La Gradiva, beautifully captures the complexities of young love and the emotional turbulence of adolescence during a school trip to Pompeii and Naples, challenging the dismissive attitudes often directed at teenage dramas.
Photo London 2026 Student Award – in picturesAkanksya Dahal from Ravensbourne University London has won the Photo London 2026 Student Award, selected from a shortlist of four talented nominees by a distinguished panel of judges.
How the ‘Is God Is’ Playwright Aleshea Harris Became a DirectorAleshea Harris, acclaimed for her play 'Is God Is,' expands her creative vision by taking on the role of director for its film adaptation, exploring new cinematic possibilities.
‘It looked like Star Wars on Earth’: the making of Top Gun at 40The making of 'Top Gun' is recounted through the experiences of producer Jerry Bruckheimer and co-writer Jack Epps, highlighting pivotal moments such as Tom Cruise's initiation with Navy pilots and the film's significant impact on cinema.
How did Eurovision go from sequins and flares to geopolitical slugfest?Eurovision, originally a celebration of European unity, has transformed into a platform for geopolitical tensions and boycotts, as evidenced by the current refusal of five countries to participate due to Israel's involvement, reflecting a long history of political controversies surrounding the contest.
I saw Liza Minnelli’s performance on the Muppet Show – and was inspired to become a drag starLiza Minnelli's performance on the Muppet Show inspired the author to pursue a career in drag, reflecting on their formative years in Blackpool filled with hedonism, performing arts, and the vibrant drag culture. The piece captures the transformative power of performance and personal identity in the author's journey to becoming a drag star.
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed: Tatiana Maslany and Murray Bartlett make this pleasurable TV indeedApple's new thriller, featuring Tatiana Maslany and Murray Bartlett, intertwines themes of intimacy and blackmail, drawing comparisons to 'No Country for Old Men' while exploring the complexities of modern relationships through a unique lens.