French Algerian animator aims to draw on experiences of peers in Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Art Futures program

French Algerian animator aims to draw on experiences of peers in Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Art Futures program
Samia Dzair is a French Algerian animator handpicked by Saudi creative hub Diriyah Art Futures for its inaugural Emerging New Media Artists Program. (Supplied)
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Updated 31 December 2024
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French Algerian animator aims to draw on experiences of peers in Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Art Futures program

French Algerian animator aims to draw on experiences of peers in Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Art Futures program

DUBAI: Samia Dzair, a French Algerian animator handpicked by Saudi creative hub Diriyah Art Futures for its inaugural Emerging New Media Artists Program, said she hopes to broaden her horizons as part of the initiative alongside an international cohort of artists.

The year-long program, based in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diriyah in Riyadh, will provide the chosen participants with access to professional equipment and facilities, a production budget, the opportunity to learn from guest lecturers from around the world specializing in new media art, and mentorships.

Dzair told Arab News she intends to use the opportunity to “fully question the various themes I address in my artistic work, such as myths, immigration and uprooting, while at the same time having the chance to produce quality work, with a real budget.”

She will join fellow artists from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, China, Wales and other countries who were selected for the initiative, and said this varied, international collection of up-and-coming talents was a particularly appealing aspect of the program.

“Being in a group with other artists from different backgrounds is going to be very inspiring,” Dzair said. “We’ll be able to exchange our experiences, our respective world outlooks and inspire one another.”

She will be aiming develop her skills in the field of animation, specifically the 2D and stop-motion varieties, which is something she says she was drawn to as a child.

“My first encounter with art was with animated films,” she said. “I come from a social environment where institutional culture was not very accessible (and) my father used to buy me a lot of cartoons that were sold in tobacconists’ shops, except that they weren’t always animated films for children.

“That’s how I started watching a lot of animated films like ‘Ghost in the Shell,’ which weren’t for my age but which forged my aspirations and my aesthetic,” she added, referring to the 1995 anime film directed by Mamoru Oshii.

She was also attracted to the medium as a creator in part because of the relatively limited resources required for an animation project. While sculptors might require blocks of marble and a set of chisels and other tools, and painters need a studio stocked with shelves of paint and brushes, Dzair said she is able to “make a film all by myself in my room with a camera or a computer, a head full of ideas and a few scraps of paper. I love it.”

She added: “The fact that you can find a-thousand-and-one ways to give an impression of movement, to bring to life an environment, a character, an interaction or an idea is simply fascinating.”

The director graduated from the KASK School of Arts in Belgium before directing two short films — “Soufre” in 2021 and “Le Poids De La Terre En Grammes” in 2022 — and also developed a TV series titled “Blue Weddings” that explores North African lore through its depiction of the ogress Teryel, a fearsome mythological character.

“(The) project … began as an emotional outlet. My quest to understand my family's neuroses and traumas led me to write this project, which originally took the form of a tale. The tale of a subversive woman, an ogress, hated by all, but who symbolizes the anger of an entire land dispossessed of its culture,” Dzair explained.

“Like my protagonist, I grew up in the north of France, and was separated from the land of my elders, and also separated from my mother at a very early age, a mother who grew up during the Algerian civil war, who faced violence and lack of education. Nonetheless she was politicized by her elders and this knowledge made her rebellious and violent because she couldn’t do anything as a ‘third world’ villager and a woman.”

Dzair’s series seeks to use the story of the ogress to explore issues relating to uprooting, war, colonization and capitalism — “what particularly interests me in the tales I refer to is the figure of the angry murdered rebel ogress, which I believe perfectly sums up the resistance shown by Algeria and all formerly colonized African countries,” she said.


Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes
Updated 25 May 2025
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Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

DUBAI: Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi made a triumphant return to the global stage, winning the prestigious Palme d’Or for his latest film “It Was Just an Accident” at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival.

Panahi, long a symbol of artistic defiance in Iran, had previously faced imprisonment and a 20-year ban on filmmaking and international travel. His emotional appearance at the festival, where he received the award from jury president Juliette Binoche — a vocal supporter of his work — marked a significant moment for both the director and Cannes.

The political thriller centers on a former prisoner who kidnaps the man he believes tortured him and grapples with fellow dissidents over whether to exact revenge or offer forgiveness.

The ceremony also recognized other global talents. Chinese director Bi Gan received a special jury prize for “Resurrection,” while Iraqi filmmaker Hasan Hadi made history as the first from his country to win the Camera d’Or for debut feature “The President’s Cake.”

Brazil’s Wagner Moura took home best actor honors for “The Secret Agent,” a 1970s-set political drama by Kleber Mendonça Filho, who also won best director.

German director Mascha Schilinski and Spain’s Oliver Laxe shared the Jury Prize for their respective films “Sound of Falling” and “Sirat.” The former is a sweeping multigenerational family saga, while the latter explores an apocalyptic vision of the Moroccan desert through techno-infused storytelling.

Actor John C. Reilly surprised audiences with a rendition of “La Vie en Rose” before presenting best screenplay to Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne for “Young Mothers,” the Belgian brothers' latest social drama.


Maison Safqa’s private-sale model brings insider access, curated drops to Saudi Arabia’s luxury e-commerce scene

Maison Safqa’s private-sale model brings insider access, curated drops to Saudi Arabia’s luxury e-commerce scene
Updated 25 May 2025
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Maison Safqa’s private-sale model brings insider access, curated drops to Saudi Arabia’s luxury e-commerce scene

Maison Safqa’s private-sale model brings insider access, curated drops to Saudi Arabia’s luxury e-commerce scene

DUBAI: The e-commerce space in Saudi is thriving — every so often, the market sees a new entrant, whether in fashion, beauty or lifestyle.

Its newest player is Maison Safqa, a private-sale platform offering premium-to-luxury brands at special prices — but only for a limited time. Co-founded by Lea Mehweg, who serves as CEO, her sister Georgia, and former colleague Estelle Nasr, the concept draws inspiration from France, where private sales have long offered brands a discreet way to offload past-season inventory without diluting their image.

“It’s a private-sale platform where we offer premium to luxury brands at discounted prices,” said Mehweg. “The whole concept is to support the brand, take their collections — even from previous seasons — and put them in a very elevated and premium shopping environment.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maison Safqa (@maisonsafqa)

Maison Safqa’s approach differs from traditional outlet platforms. Rather than overwhelming users with thousands of items, the site hosts limited-time “drops” that spotlight specific categories or designers — from accessories and ready-to-wear, to upcoming plans in homeware, beauty, and lifestyle services like staycations and wellness. “It’s not like a year-round outlet with hundreds of items spread across endless pages where you eventually get lost,” Mehweg said. “On Maison Safqa, we drop new brands every week — or even every few days — and each one stays on the platform for a limited time.”

Access to these exclusive drops is available to registered members only, reinforcing the platform’s sense of community and curated exclusivity. While membership is currently free, a premium tier with added benefits, such as early access and free shipping, is in the works.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maison Safqa (@maisonsafqa)

Saudi Arabia was a natural choice for the full launch of the new platform. “The fashion and luxury industry is booming here. More brands are entering the market, which naturally leads to excess stock, and that’s where we come in. We want to be the first to offer a structured private-sale platform that supports brands while delivering real value to customers,” Mehweg said. Unlike the saturated off-price market in Dubai, Mehweg sees untapped potential in Saudi Arabia, especially in the premium and luxury segment.

Having grown up in France, Mehweg recalls rarely buying items at full price, knowing they would soon appear on curated private-sale platforms. That same smart, style-savvy mindset is what Maison Safqa aims to tap into.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maison Safqa (@maisonsafqa)

Another key USP is local relevance. It is rare to see regional designers featured on off-price platforms, but Maison Safqa is committed to championing homegrown talent. Alongside global names like Coach and Victoria Beckham, the platform also features Saudi and regional designers. “Most off-price players are based outside the GCC and rarely include local talent,” said Mehweg. “For us, cultural resonance matters.”

Though first tested in Dubai, Maison Safqa is now fully operational in Saudi Arabia, with plans to expand across the GCC in the coming months. As the platform grows, its goal is clear: To redefine the off-price experience in the region by blending premium access, local relevance and a curated lens for the modern Middle Eastern shopper.
 


Guns N’ Roses wow Riyadh as part of 2025 global tour

Guns N’ Roses wow Riyadh as part of 2025 global tour
Updated 24 May 2025
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Guns N’ Roses wow Riyadh as part of 2025 global tour

Guns N’ Roses wow Riyadh as part of 2025 global tour
  • Iconic band make major stop on Middle East leg of schedule 

RIYADH: Iconic American rock band Guns N’ Roses performed in Riyadh on Friday as part of their 2025 global tour, marking a major stop on the band’s Middle East schedule.

The group, which was formed in Los Angeles in 1985, took the stage to a packed crowd, kicking off the night with “Welcome to the Jungle.”

The concert was organized by MDLBEAST. (Supplied)

The high-energy set featured classic hits including “November Rain,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” with fans singing along throughout. 

The concert was organized by MDLBEAST and, ahead of the event, Rayan Al-Rasheed, its director of operations and artist booking, highlighted the significance of hosting such acts in the Kingdom.

The high-energy set featured classic hits including “November Rain,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” with fans singing along throughout. (Supplied)

He said: “Saudi Arabia has become a key destination for global music acts. By hosting legendary artists like Guns N’ Roses we aim to elevate the Kingdom’s presence in the global music scene.”

The introduction of rock music to the Saudi musical landscape acknowledged a genre that had long had a strong presence in the country, he said, adding: “The popularity of bands like Metallica and Linkin Park shows that rock has deep roots here.”


Kim Kardashian robbers found guilty in Paris

Kim Kardashian robbers found guilty in Paris
Updated 25 May 2025
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Kim Kardashian robbers found guilty in Paris

Kim Kardashian robbers found guilty in Paris
  • Algerian-born Aomar Aït Khedache, 69, the ringleader, got the stiffest sentence, eight years imprisonment but five of those were suspended

PARIS: A Paris court this week found the ringleader and seven other people guilty in the 2016 armed robbery of Kim Kardashian, but did not impose any additional time behind bars for their roles in what the US celebrity described as “the most terrifying experience of my life."

The chief judge, David De Pas, said that the defendants' ages — six are in their 60s and 70s — and their health issues weighed on the court’s decision to impose sentences that he said “aren’t very severe.”

He said that the nine years between the robbery and the trial — long even by the standards of France’s famously deliberate legal system — were also taken into account in not imposing harsher sentences. The court acquitted two of the 10 defendants.

Algerian-born Aomar Aït Khedache, 69, the ringleader, got the stiffest sentence, eight years imprisonment but five of those were suspended.

Three others got seven years, five of them suspended. Three more got prison sentences ranging from five to three years, mostly or completely suspended, and an eighth person was found guilty on a weapons charge and fined.

With time already served in pretrial detention, none of those found guilty will go to prison and all walked out free. The trial was heard by a three-judge panel and six jurors.

Still, the chief judge said that Kardashian had been traumatized by the Oct. 2, 2016, jewel heist in her hotel during Fashion Week.

“You caused harm,” the judge said. “You caused fear.”

Kardashian, who wasn't present for the verdict, said in a statement issued afterward that she was “deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice in this case.”

“The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family. While I’ll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all. I remain committed to advocating for justice, and promoting a fair legal system," said the celebrity who is working to become a lawyer.


Cara Delevingne wears Saudi label Ashi Studio

Cara Delevingne wears Saudi label Ashi Studio
Updated 24 May 2025
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Cara Delevingne wears Saudi label Ashi Studio

Cara Delevingne wears Saudi label Ashi Studio

DUBAI: British actress and model Cara Delevingne wore a black gown by Saudi label Ashi Studio to the premiere of “La Venue de L’avenir” (“Colours of Time”) at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.

The strapless gown featured a sleek, satin-like finish with a sculpted bodice that flowed into a straight, floor-length skirt, subtly draped at the hips. She paired the look with sheer black opera gloves for added drama.

Delevingne, her hair styled in soft waves, completed the ensemble with an emerald and diamond necklace and a matching ring from Hassanzadeh Jewellery.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ashi Studio (@ashistudio)

Delevingne’s gown was originally presented during Paris Haute Couture Week as part of the brand’s Spring/Summer 2025 couture collection. The version shown on the runway was in blue.

Delevingne was not the only star dressed in designs by Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi, founder of Ashi Studio.

Hong Kong-Taiwanese actress and model Shu Qi also championed the designer at the premiere of “Resurrection,” wearing a deep burgundy velvet gown from his Spring/Summer 2025 collection.

The strapless dress featured a sleek, form-fitting silhouette. Its standout element was the train at the back, adorned with intricate gold-thread embroidery depicting trees, birds, houses, rivers and other landscape details.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ashi Studio (@ashistudio)

Ashi and his atelier have been based in Paris since 2018. In 2023, he became the first designer from the Gulf region to be invited as a guest member of the Federation de la Haute Couture in Paris, which allowed him to present on the official couture calendar.

In 2024, Ashi was commissioned to design the official cabin crew uniforms for Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national airline.

His designs have also been worn by a number of international public figures and performers, including Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Penelope Cruz, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, and Queen Rania of Jordan.

He most recently dressed US actress Ali Ahn, star of Netflix’s “The Diplomat,” in a cream sculptural ensemble for the Screen Actors Guild Awards held in Los Angeles in February.

That same month, “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo also wore one of his creations to the 2025 Grammy Awards. Her look was from Ashi Studio’s Fall/Winter 2024-25 collection, titled “Sculpted Clouds.”