Director Albaqer Jafeer’s ‘Take Me to the Cinema’ is a heartfelt portrait of life in Iraq
Director Albaqer Jafeer’s ‘Take Me to the Cinema’ is a heartfelt portrait of life in Iraq/node/1982151/lifestyle
Director Albaqer Jafeer’s ‘Take Me to the Cinema’ is a heartfelt portrait of life in Iraq
Inspired by Falak’s novel, the 75-minute documentary tells the story of a 65-year-old Iraqi soldier who absconded from Iraq’s mandatory military service when he was younger and found a safe haven in a cinema. (Supplied)
Director Albaqer Jafeer’s ‘Take Me to the Cinema’ is a heartfelt portrait of life in Iraq
Updated 07 December 2021
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: Jeddah’s Red Sea International Film Festival is treating audiences to a diverse array of films from across the Arab world and beyond, and one 27-year-old Iraqi director is the latest to have his work shown to audiences in Saudi Arabia.
Albaqer Jafeer, from Baghdad, is participating in the Arab Spectacular category alongside eight other movies with “Take me to the Cinema,” his first documentary.
In an interview with Arab News, Jafeer spoke about the catastrophic wars that Iraqis have been through and how these affected entertainment for citizens and impacted him personally as a filmmaker.
For Jafeer, the film had its own set of challenges, taking four years to complete. (Supplied)
“This documentary is a combination of drama and fiction. The idea came to me while I was reading a novel by the famous Iraqi novelist Nassif Falak, the hero of my film,” Jafeer said.
For Jafeer, the film had its own set of challenges, taking four years to complete.
“Iraq lacks cinema producers and theaters, and the industry itself is practically non-existent. Creating the film was extremely challenging as I am the director, actor, producer, photographer and more.
“When my film received support from the Red Sea International Film Festival, it was a significant boost in terms of production, especially with the help of talented Egyptian producers,” he continued.
Albaqer Jafeer is participating in the Arab Spectacular category alongside eight other movies with “Take me to the Cinema,” his first documentary. (Supplied)
The post-production stage was sponsored by the film festival, which, according to Jafeer, helped speed up the production process.
“Having my film premiere in Saudi Arabia is a golden opportunity. I am so thrilled that Saudi audiences will get to explore more about Iraq. This, for myself and other Iraqis, will create a very significant dialogue,” he said.
Inspired by Falak’s novel, the 75-minute documentary tells the story of a 65-year-old Iraqi soldier who absconded from Iraq’s mandatory military service when he was younger and found a safe haven in a cinema.
The film is viewed from Jafeer’s eyes, as he questions the future of the film industry, that of the Iraqi generation born in the 1990s, and how the cycle of life is repeated, with many of the same issues faced by different generations.
“Take me to the Cinema” will be screened on Dec. 10 and 13 at Al-Balad Vox cinemas. (Supplied)
“What happened to the dreams of the previous generation? What happened to their journey? Is it over? Or can they still achieve their goals?” Jafeer asked, relaying some of the main thematic questions dealt with in the poignant cinematic work.
“The film is full of questions. Some might be answered within the context, others might remain unanswered, but I would like to leave them to the previous Iraqi generation to answer,” he added.
“Take me to the Cinema” also highlights how Iraq was home to over 100 movie theaters during the country’s glory days before the wars began.
“There is a street called ‘Cinema Street’ located in the city of Ramadi where all the movie theaters used to be. Sadly, these buildings have now been turned into military uniform shops. This shows how our lives are merged with war,” the director said.
“Take me to the Cinema” will be screened on Dec. 10 and 13 at Al-Balad Vox cinemas.
URX: The cultural movement amplifying underrated DJs in Saudi Arabia
Group is dedicated to promoting and supporting overlooked artists in Kingdom
URX works to develop its artists, offering mentorship, production support and publicity
Updated 14 August 2025
Rahaf Jambi
Underrated X Community — URX — is a cultural movement that was born in Saudi Arabia with a mission to redefine how the region sees electronic music and underground talent.
Founded in late 2023 in Riyadh, URX was established to spotlight the often-overlooked DJs, producers and visual artists in the Kingdom and wider region.
Founders DJ Frozen (Sohaib Al-Borno) and DJ Mazo (Mohannad Reziqat) envisioned a homegrown ecosystem that supports emerging artists through events, collaborations and mentorship.
“We aim to support local talents and bring underrated DJs and electronic musicians into the spotlight,” Al-Borno told Arab News. “There’s a wealth of creativity in Saudi Arabia, but what’s missing is visibility and access. That’s where URX comes in.
“URX stands for Underrated X. The ‘X’ symbolizes the unknown, the future and the collaboration between disciplines,” Reziqat said.
The two founders have spent years embedded in the Kingdom’s evolving creative scene.
Their collaborative mindset is reflected in the spaces they use; from Riyadh’s The Warehouse and Merwas Studios to regional hotspots in Bahrain and Jordan, URX prefers to use what they see as authentic, immersive venues.
“We believe in opening doors,” Reziqat said. URX’s events are “about the story, the energy, and the people who show up. It’s about creating a space where talent meets opportunity.
“Every URX edition is a platform to experiment,” he said. “We work closely with filmmakers, designers and visual artists to elevate every event beyond music.
“We started with URX. The video they made for us, the attention to detail, the quality, the filming … that’s what helped us rise in the scene. I truly want to thank them,” said a Riyadh-based DJ who goes by the name Immortal.
Since its debut event in 2024, URX’s influence has grown steadily, supported by a loyal following of artists and music lovers.
They recently collaborated with PUBLIC restaurant in Riyadh, on July 27.
“The PUBLIC x URX night was electric,” Al-Borno said. “It was one of those rare moments where everything clicked — the crowd, the music, the space. It confirmed that there’s a real hunger for this kind of experience.”
URX also works to develop its artists, offering mentorship, production support and publicity.
“It’s about who has something to say and giving them the tools to say it,” Al-Borno said.
“We’re laying the foundation for the next decade of Saudi creativity,” Reziqat said. “And that means investing in artists early, guiding them, and celebrating their uniqueness.”
URX is part of a larger cultural awakening in the Kingdom, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which promotes creative industries and youth empowerment.
But while policy is top-down, URX is proudly grassroots, born from a genuine passion for local culture and artistic freedom.
“We’re building what we want to see,” Al-Borno said.
“There’s power in being underestimated,” Reziqat said. “That’s the spirit of URX. We take what’s overlooked and make it unforgettable.”
As they prepare for future events, regional tours and international collaborations, URX remains committed to its mission — uplifting the underrated, creating unforgettable experiences and connecting Saudi Arabia’s artistic energy with the world.
REVIEW: ‘Wednesday’ season 2 is too crowded for its own good
Updated 14 August 2025
Shyama Krishna Kumar
DUBAI: Jenna Ortega once again knocks it out of the mausoleum in “Wednesday” season two, but the first four episodes suggest her scene-stealing brilliance will have to fight harder for attention this time around. The macabre Netflix hit returns with Ortega once again in razor-sharp form as the morbidly deadpan Wednesday Addams, but a crowded ensemble keeps her from shining the way she did in season one.
After saving Nevermore Academy last time out, Wednesday returns to the school as an unlikely hero. The spotlight is, understandably, a curse in her book, and Ortega leans into that discomfort with precision, delivering barbed quips and withering looks a mile a minute. But this time, she’s not the only one taking up valuable screen space.
Her younger brother Pugsley (now a Nevermore student too) arrives with his own chaotic subplots, including grisly pranks, dubious alliances, and a knack for attracting trouble. To make matters worse, Wednesday’s mother Morticia (Catherine Zeta-Jones, chewing every gothic inch of the scenery) takes up residence at the school, resulting in some frosty mother-daughter showdowns.
As if familial entanglements weren’t enough, a fresh murder-mystery unravels, this time involving a spate of killings carried out by murderous crows. It’s a case tailor-made for Wednesday, but some trouble with her powers means she’s not at 100 percent.
Wait, it doesn’t end there. Wednesday also has a new stalker on campus. And whoever they might be, they also control the murderous crows.
If all this weren’t enough, Wednesday also has a vision about her best friend Enid’s (Emma Myers) impending death, a vision she’s now fighting to prove wrong with everything she has.
All in all, the narrative feels more scattered than in the first season. The introduction of new side characters and expanded arcs for returning ones make the Nevermore halls feel crowded, occasionally slowing the pace. Ortega is still magnetic, but in episodes with multiple competing storylines, the show loses some of its bite.
However, if the latter half of the season narrows its focus, season two could yet match season one’s haunting charm.
Some of the biggest movies coming your way over the next few months
Updated 14 August 2025
Arab News
‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’
Starring: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer
Director: Rob Reiner
In cinemas: Sept. 12
The long-awaited sequel to one of the greatest comedy films of all time, and the original — if you will — mockumentary, sees Guest, McKean and Shearer reunited as the hapless heavy rockers who have decided to reunite after 15 years for one final show. There’s a hitch, naturally: they need a drummer — a tricky sell when so many who previously sat the stool for Tap have met untimely ends. Along for the ride, of course, is documentary maker Martin Di Bergi (Reiner) to ensure that the historic occasion is recorded for posterity.
‘The Roses’
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Coleman, Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon
Director: Jay Roach
In cinemas: Aug. 29
This star-studded remake of the 1989 black-comedy movie “The War of the Roses” (itself based on Warren Adler’s 1981 novel) sees Coleman and Cumberbatch play Ivy and Theo Rose, an apparently idyllically married couple — he an architect, she a chef. But when Theo’s career trajectory starts to plummet just as Ivy’s starts to soar, the underlying tensions and competitiveness in their relationships begin to surface, with devastating and hilarious results. With some A-list comedy talent on the cast list, and Roach (the “Austin Powers” movies, “Meet the Parents”) at the helm, this might be that rare thing — a comedy movie that actually gets audiences into the cinema.
‘One Battle After Another’
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
In cinemas: Sept. 25
The latest feature from one of the most acclaimed writer-directors of his generation (although not hugely successful at the box office) is an action-thriller with a touch of satirical black humor thrown in. DiCaprio plays Bob Ferguson, who was once a member of a revolutionary group called the French 75. Well over a decade since the group disbanded, their nemesis — white supremacist Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw (Penn) — resurfaces, and Ferguson must call on his former fellow activists to help him rescue his daughter Willa (Chase Infiniti), herself a budding revolutionary. Radiohead’s Johnny Greenwood is the film’s composer — his sixth collaboration with Anderson.
‘After The Hunt’
Starring: Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri
Director: Luca Guadagnino
In cinemas: Oct. 10
Italian director Guadagnino’s films — which included “Call Me By Your Name,” “Suspiria,” and “Challengers” — are rarely a disappointment, and this one brings some serious cross-generational star power to the big screen. Roberts plays Alma Olsson, an Ivy League professor whose close friend and colleague Hank Gibson (Garfield) is accused of assault by Olsson’s protégée Maggie Price (Edebiri — winner of an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her role as Syd in “The Bear”). In trying to deal with that situation, Olsson must face up to some long-buried secrets from her past. Even if none of the cast manage to bag an Oscar, then composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross probably have a good shout.
‘Good Fortune’
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Aziz Ansari
Director: Aziz Ansari
In cinemas: Oct. 17
Ansari’s feature debut as director is a comedy about a low-ranking angel called Gabriel (Reeves) who comes down to Earth to try and show Arj (Ansari) that money can’t solve your problems by allowing him to swap places with his rich tech-bro employer Jeff (Rogen). It doesn’t quite go the way Gabriel expected, and he ends up having his wings taken off him and being banished to live among humans. Gabriel and the now-homeless Jeff move in together as all the work Gabriel did as an angel is undone. Keke Palmer and Sandra Oh also star.
‘A House of Dynamite’
Starring: Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
On Netflix: Oct. 24
Little has been revealed about Netflix’s upcoming thriller, but the stars and director alone are enough to build hype. Bigelow made history in 2009 when she became the first woman to win the Best Director Oscar (for “The Hurt Locker”) and “A House of Dynamite” will be her first feature since 2017’s “Detroit.” And with Elba and Ferguson heading the cast list, it’s a safe bet there’ll be some seriously strong performances in this tale told in real time about a group of White House officials frantically dealing with a missile attack on America.
‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Stephen Graham, Jeremy Strong
Director: Scott Cooper
In cinemas: Oct. 24
Timothée Chalamet has already wowed critics with his portrayal of Bob Dylan this year in “A Complete Unknown,” and now “The Bear” star Jeremy Allen White takes on Dylan’s closest contender for the title of greatest living US songwriter: Bruce Springsteen. Cooper’s biopic isn’t the tale of how Springsteen became a star — at the time the film begins he’s already a hit. Instead, it’s the story of the making of his stripped-back 1982 masterpiece “Nebraska,” recorded on a four-track in his bedroom at a time when he was struggling with his fame and the demons of his past. White has already received praise from The Boss himself, as has Graham as Springsteen’s domineering father.
My Melbourne: Saudi student Leen Asiri on life in Australia
The Saudi student gives us the lowdown on life in the state capital of Victoria, Australia
Updated 14 August 2025
Nada Alturki
RIYADH: Leen Asiri is a 20-year-old student, currently reading politics at the University of Melbourne as a beneficiary of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program.
What’s the best thing about Melbourne?
The lifestyle. You’re busy 24/7, literally. You don’t have time to be bored. It’s a great city to improve yourself and look for a better future, in my opinion. Also, it’s a really walkable city, which I love.
And the worst thing?
As much as it’s a safe city, it’s sometimes not. When I first came here, I was out with my friends — Arab girls — and we were at a stoplight, and this homeless guy just started screaming at us. “Go back to your country!’ It was a very traumatizing experience. So that proved to me that, no matter how safe a country is, it doesn’t compare to how safe Saudi is, in my opinion. I wouldn’t advise being out on the streets here — as a young female — after 10 p.m.
St.Kilda Pier on St. Kilda Beach. (Getty Images)
What’s the general vibe there?
It’s hectic — everyone’s busy with something: their career, uni, whatever… no one’s free for anything. But it’s also laid back during the weekends — everything just calms down. Weekends are really sacred here. Like, you cannot ask someone to email you on a weekend. That’s taboo.
Like all of Australia, really, Melbourne has so many people bringing their culture here. Like, you can see Chinese food places all over the place, Arabic food places, French food. It’s just a lot of different cultures mixed in a blender — that’s basically Melbourne.
Would you say it’s a good place to travel to with kids?
I’d say it’s family-friendly, but I don’t think there’s a lot of entertainment. I don’t think kids would have that much fun here. Melbourne is really just a university area. I think Sydney would be more suitable for family fun.
Would you describe Melbourne as ethnically diverse?
Yes, very. The locals are very welcoming of every ethnicity, every culture. As soon as they hear you’re Saudi, they’re like, “Oh my god, we hear about it all over the news, but we never actually see people from there.” It’s very welcoming. There are a lot of Islamic societies, Saudi societies, and also the Saudi Cultural Bureau really helps out. They often have events, which is really helpful with homesickness and loneliness.
The La Trobe Reading Room at State Library Victoria. (Getty Images)
Are the residents as friendly in general?
They’re friendly if you approach them, but they don’t usually approach international students. I do feel like there’s some kind of discrimination, but I don’t want to be judge-y. It’s like, “We hang out with each other. You’re international students. You’re chill, but we wouldn’t vibe with you.” It’s kind of an unwritten rule. But not all of them are like that.
Is it an easy place for Muslims to practice their religion?
I wouldn’t really say it’s “easy.” I have to go a long way to find halal food. Otherwise, I’m just stuck with Indomie (instant noodles), basically. Or cheese sandwiches. There are mosques, but they’re not widely publicized — just word of mouth. But they have a mosque in the university, which is really great. And in some of the buildings, they have small areas they call quiet rooms, where you can go and pray.
What’s the best time of year to visit, in terms of the weather?
Winters are super-cold, summers are super-hot. I wouldn’t say as hot as Saudi, but it’s close. So, I’d say the best time of year would be the end of May into June. That’s basically autumn. The vibes are amazing. It’s so enjoyable. It starts to get cold at the end of June. Then it’s basically winter from August until just before December.
What would you do on your ideal weekend in your city?
I’d go to the local farmers’ market — the Queen Victoria Market. The vibes there are amazing. It’s so nice. You find food, fresh veggies, fresh fruits and some clothing stands and accessories and gifts… stuff like that. It’s not a tourist area; you go there for calm vibes, eating, drinking coffee, and sightseeing. That’s basically what I might do during my weekend.
Queen Victoria Market. (Getty Images)
Where would you go sightseeing?
I’d go to the parks: the local parks are so beautiful. Other than that, I’d go 30 minutes away from the city to the nearest beach, St. Kilda. It’s absolutely gorgeous. The beaches here are the best. When I want to get away from all the chaos and noise, I just run away to whatever beach, and it calms me down.
Which famous tourist attraction would you recommend people visit?
Apart from St. Kilda, I’d say the Queen Victoria Library (State Library Victoria), which is a famous old library with so much about Australian history and literature. It’s so big. And Melbourne Central, which is the most famous mall in Melbourne. I’d also recommend some outlets for saving money, which are really nice, like Spencer Outlet and DFO.
What’s your city’s best hidden gem?
There are two streets. One is called Flinders Street. It’s near the biggest train station. It has a lot of good cafés and good food places. The other is Little Bourke Street. It’s the same idea. Again, a lot of good cafés, and some really beautiful street art.
What’s your favorite restaurant in the city?
Zambrero. I could eat there every day. It’s a healthy Mexican fast food place. It’s really difficult to find healthy food as a student, because you just want something fast and cheap. Zambrero is literally that — fast, healthy and cheap. I love it so much.
What’s your favorite store in the city?
I go to Kmart. It’s like Abu Khamsa (in Saudi. It’s cheap, in Australian terms. It has everything and anything. I love it.
Any other places you’d recommend to visitors?
Yo-Chi. It’s this really popular self-serve frozen-yogurt place. It’s so good. I love it so much. The vibe is amazing. They’re really welcoming.
What’s the best hotel in the city?
People are really big on Airbnbs. To be honest, I’m not built for Airbnbs, but I’ve been in the Hilton DoubleTree over here, and it’s really nice. I would recommend it.
Which neighborhood would you recommend people look for accommodation in?
Carlton. It’s a very Italian-oriented neighborhood with a lot of good food places. And it’s really safe compared to other areas. It’s on the outskirts of the city, but not far. And it’s really close to most of the universities.
Where do you go when you’re feeling homesick or nostalgic for Saudi Arabia?
To be honest, nothing gives off the vibe of home. Nothing is similar to Saudi in Australia. It’s like the polar opposite. So, this is kind of a weird answer, but I’d say this coffee shop called Brunetti. It’s basically an Arab hot spot, and I think you’d find Saudis there. So maybe, if you’re an extrovert, you can socialize with people from back home over there.
US actress Lana Parrilla shines in Jacquie Aiche jewelry
US actress at premiere of ‘The Rainmaker’ in which she stars
Egyptian US designer Jacquie Aiche has top celebrity clients
Updated 13 August 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: American actress Lana Parrilla attended the premiere of “The Rainmaker” this week in New York, turning heads in a black ensemble paired with jewelry by US-Egyptian brand Jacquie Aiche.
Parrilla accessorized her look with gold bracelets, rings and drop earrings from the Los Angeles-based label, known for its fusion of bohemian and Middle Eastern-inspired fine jewelry.
Her high-neck, sleeveless black gown featured a belted waist and sheer pleated skirt.
The actress, who is best known for her role as Regina Mills, also known as the Evil Queen, in the long-running ABC series “Once Upon a Time,” stars in the new legal drama series “The Rainmaker,” a television adaptation of John Grisham’s 1995 novel.
Parrilla plays Jocelyn “Bruiser” Stone, a seasoned and unconventional lawyer who guides a young attorney through the complexities of the legal world.
The series focuses on Rudy Baylor, played by Milo Callaghan, a newly graduated law student who teams up with Bruiser and her paralegal Deck Shifflet (P. J. Byrne) after being dismissed from his firm.
Together, they pursue a high-stakes case against a powerful insurance company, led by attorney Leo F. Drummond, played by “Mad Men” actor John Slattery.
The series also features performances by Madison Iseman, Dan Fogler, Robyn Cara, and Wade Briggs.
During the premiere Cara wore a black gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab. The British actress’ dress featured a sheer flowing train and a plunging neckline. The dress combined a delicate lace bodice with a fitted waist and a semi-sheer skirt.
The 10-episode drama will premiere on USA Network on Aug. 15 and will also be available to stream on Peacock starting Aug.16.
Aiche launched her eponymous label from her garage in 2008. She now has an impressive celebrity client list that includes Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry and Shanina Shaik.
The stylists of these celebrities flock to Aiche’s Beverly Hills showroom to adorn their clients in her signature delicate earrings, finger bracelets and chokers ahead of red-carpet events.
The jeweler is also the brainchild behind Chrissy Teigen’s bespoke engagement ring from John Legend.
Her pieces often feature Arab influences such as hammered gold, amulets and the evil eye talisman. And natural elements including turquoise, fossils and precious gemstones, which are a nod to her indigenous American ancestors.
