Hollywood’s Will Smith and Martin Lawrence hit ‘Bad Boys’ red carpet in Riyadh

“Bad Boys” is exclusively in cinemas on June 6. (AN Photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhuob)
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Updated 25 May 2024
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Hollywood’s Will Smith and Martin Lawrence hit ‘Bad Boys’ red carpet in Riyadh

RIYADH: Cameras flashed and crowds cheered as Will Smith and Martin Lawrence hit the red carpet at Roshn Front’s VOX Cinema in Riyadh on Friday night to mark the fourth installment of the “Bad Boys” film franchise.

“Bad Boys: Ride or Die” arrives 30 years after Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, played by Smith and Lawrence, respectively, teamed up as the infamous buddy cops.

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The latest film, exclusively in cinemas on June 6, shows how the characters have changed over the years.

“Their backs have gotten weaker, and their knees hurt more,” Smith said jokingly.

“Part of what we wanted to do with the franchise is to have the characters grow in an age-appropriate way,” he told Arab News.

“We are trusting that the audience wants to grow with us, wants to go with us, and wants to follow the natural progression of life and what these characters would be going through.”

The film continues to mix action, drama and comedy, but also allows the characters to grow and develop spiritually.

“The core of the movie is about friendship, love, and family,” Smith said.

“And would you ride or die for your partner?” Lawrence added.

The film builds on the success of the third installment, “Bad Boys For Life,” released in 2020, with the directorial duo for the latest production, Bilall Fallah and Adil El-Arbi,  reportedly inspired by video games.

Lawrence said the “top notch” directors were great to work with, and inspired the actors to “come up with magic.”

Smith added: “It’s interesting working with non-American directors; there’s such a different perspective… You know, they were (young) when the first movie came out, so there’s such a reverence for the original films. They’re bringing that energy, but they also want to put their signature on it. Energetically, it was fun to work with them, and also their openness to the spirituality of the film was also refreshing.”

Action films, whether “Mission Impossible” or the more recent “Monkey Man,” have enjoyed a revival in recent years, and both actors believe the genre will always have a place in the industry.

“The physical wars of humanity represent the inner wars that we go through. So, I think human beings are always going to like watching a good visualized external battle that they can relate to,” Smith said.

“We all know internally that life is kind of a series of ordeals. How do you manage these ordeals and put things back together? And I think that this movie is a comedic look at two people trying to be friends, surviving ordeals together, which changes them without life breaking their relationship. It’s like a standard bromance.”

With the film premiere taking place in Saudi Arabia’s capital, both stars expressed their excitement over initiatives underway in the Kingdom.

Smith said: “I performed at Soundstorm and everything is brand new. The energy of 40 and 50-year-old people in Saudi is like the energy of 20 and 30-year-old people in America.

“It’s like there is this powerful sense of being on the cusp of the future. It’s showing up in music, it’s showing up in art, it’s showing up in architecture, and hopefully shows up at the cinema tonight.”


Mona Kattan’s Kayali fragrance brand parts ways with cosmetics giant Huda Beauty

Updated 18 February 2025
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Mona Kattan’s Kayali fragrance brand parts ways with cosmetics giant Huda Beauty

DUBAI: Huda Beauty — founded by US Iraqi sisters Huda, Mona and Alya Kattan — is divesting its ownership in fragrance brand Kayali, co-founded by Huda and Mona Kattan in 2018, the pair announced on Monday.

Mona is partnering with global growth equity firm General Atlantic to jointly own the fragrance brand.

Kayali will operate as an independent company, with Mona continuing as the brand’s CEO.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by HUDA BEAUTY (@hudabeauty)

Since its launch in 2018, Kayali’s product offerings have grown to 24 fragrances, which are sold by retailers like Sephora, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and ASOS.

The move allows Huda Beauty’s owners to buy back a stake held by TSG Consumer Partners since 2017, according to a joint statement by the three companies on Monday.

Beauty sells everything from luxury eyelashes to makeup and skincare products. The company has more than 54.2 million followers on Instagram, well ahead of rivals Rare Beauty and Kylie Cosmetics which have 8 million and 24.7 million followers respectively.

"Huda Beauty is making history as one of the few established beauty brands to return to full founder ownership," the statement said, according to Reuters.

A value for the deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, was not disclosed.

Goldman Sachs International acted as Huda Beauty’s financial advisor, and Gibson Dunn served as its legal advisor. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom served as Mona Kattan’s legal advisor.

Raymond James served as General Atlantic’s financial advisor, and Latham & Watkins served as its legal advisor.


Lyna Khoudri shares teaser trailer for Afghanistan evacuation drama ‘13 Days, 13 Nights’

Updated 18 February 2025
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Lyna Khoudri shares teaser trailer for Afghanistan evacuation drama ‘13 Days, 13 Nights’

DUBAI: French Algerian actress Lyna Khoudri took to social media to share the teaser clip and poster for upcoming film “13 Days, 13 Nights” by director Martin Bourboulon this week.

The Afghanistan evacuation drama, the full title of which is “In The Hell Of Kabul: 13 Days, 13 Nights,” stars Khoudri alongside Danish BAFTA-winning “Borgen” star Sidse Babett Knudsen, Roschdy Zem (“Chocolat,” “Oh Mercy!”), and theater actor Christophe Montenez.

Set against US troops’ withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, as the Taliban marches on Kabul, the film recounts the true story of French Commander Mohamed Bida who oversaw security at the French embassy, which was the last Western mission to remain open.

Commander Bida negotiated with the Taliban to organize an evacuation convoy with the help of Eva, a young French Afghan translator played by Khoudri.

The teaser trailer features aerial shots of hundreds of people attempting to leave Afghanistan, as well as close up shots of Zem who plays Commander Bida.

“This movie happens to be one of the most exciting challenges that has been offered to me. Firstly, there is this character based on a real-life person, whose fate intersects with history itself. Secondly, the context of fleeing your own country has left no one indifferent thus bringing us to a story within history, the one that we are interested in,” Zem said, according to a previous article by Deadline.

“It tells us how, in the heart of a recent drama, a few individuals only listened to their courage to save what many would consider dear, with the feeling that they were only doing what seemed right to them. Heroes, as many would call them, because they retain the most essential quality: humanity,” he added.

The film marks a change for Bourboulon after period dramas “The Three Musketeers – Part II: Milady,” “The Three Musketeers – Part I: D’Artagnan” and “Eiffel.”

Khoudri, 32, first rose to prominence in her role as Nedjma in Mounia Meddour’s critically acclaimed drama “Papicha.” For her work in the film, she won the Orizzonti Award for best actress at the 74th Venice Film Festival, and she was nominated in the Cesar Awards’ most promising actress category.

Khoudri also starred in the 2019 mini-series “Les Sauvages” and in 2016’s “Blood on the Docks.”

Notably, she was cast in Wes Anderson’s 2021 comedy “The French Dispatch” alongside Timothee Chalamet, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, and Owen Wilson.


Layali Diriyah brings art, culture, global flavors to its 4th edition

Updated 18 February 2025
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Layali Diriyah brings art, culture, global flavors to its 4th edition

  • Host of winter entertainment options celebrate ancient Saudi city’s history, identity 
  • Food, luxury retail, hands-on heritage activities among visitor attractions

RIYADH: Layali Diriyah, the immersive winter entertainment experience, is offering a range of cultural and culinary experiences that celebrate the identity and history of the ancient city of Diriyah.

Now in its fourth edition, the event offers live music, light displays, and a number of restaurants.

Asma Al-Shehri, one of the visitors, told Arab News: “The place is absolutely stunning, and it’s even more well-prepared than I expected. What impressed me the most was the incredible hospitality — the organizers are everywhere, ready to assist and welcome you.”

Layali Diriyah opened on Feb. 12, 2025 as part of Diriyah Season 24/25.

Food lovers can indulge in a selection of flavors at six cafes and nine restaurants, featuring both local and international cuisines. The event also includes 13 luxury retail stores, giving visitors access to renowned brands, unique handcrafted items, and winter-inspired food and beverage stalls.

A highlight of this year’s event is the “Chef’s Table Experience,” where visitors can enjoy exclusive dishes prepared for the occasion. This fine-dining experience, with its elegant winter atmosphere, adds a luxurious touch to the vibrant energy of Layali Diriyah.

Standout features of this year’s event include interactive art installations such as the palm frond bridge. Other attractions include traditional swings and live folk performances.

Visitors can also engage in hands-on heritage activities that celebrate Diriyah’s historical significance, allowing them to experience the traditions and customs that define the region.

Entry to Layali Diriyah is SR185 ($49) per person. Alternatively, visitors can book a table at one of the participating restaurants and pay the entrance fee through The Chefz app. The event also provides a shuttle service from designated parking areas.


Saudi designers transform traditional handcrafts into high fashion

Updated 18 February 2025
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Saudi designers transform traditional handcrafts into high fashion

  • Competition winners to display their work at Saudi Cup exhibition
  • Techniques include hand embroidery, natural dyeing, leatherwork

RIYADH: A fusion of tradition and innovation stole the spotlight at the Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion competition on Sunday, where local designers used age-old techniques to craft high-fashion pieces.

Held at Mansard Hotel – The Gallery in Riyadh, the event celebrated 10 winners whose designs honored the Kingdom’s rich cultural identity through embroidery, natural dyeing, leatherwork, and even 3D printing.

First-place winner Rand Al-Saif’s design, ‘Saudiya,’ is inspired by the desert landscapes of Hijaz and Tihama. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

The winning designs will be showcased at the Fashion Commission’s exhibition during the Saudi Cup 2025 this weekend.

Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, highlighted the initiative’s role in promoting Saudi Arabia’s culture.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The winning designs will be showcased at the Fashion Commission’s exhibition during the Saudi Cup 2025 this weekend.

• ‘Sidrat Najd’ by Maha Al-Qahtani is an ethereal gown that integrates sidr fruit kernels, covered with silver leaves and Swarovski crystals.

“The ‘Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion’ initiative is a program designed to promote traditional Saudi attire within the contemporary fashion industry.

“It emphasizes Saudi cultural heritage, enhances and preserves Saudi cultural identity, and fosters local talent in creative design,” he told Arab News.

Second-place winner Maha Al-Qahtani stands next to her design, “Sidrat Najd,” a gown inspired by the sidr tree. The piece incorporates sustainability by using sidr fruit kernels wrapped in silver and adorned with Swarovski crystals. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Cakmak added: “By emphasizing Saudi culture at the forefront of the competition, we were able to foster creative talent to create new designs showcasing the vast heritage of Saudi in alignment with the Ministry of Culture’s ‘Year of Handicrafts.’”

Rand Al-Saif’s winning design, “Saudiya,” is a five-piece ensemble showcasing intricate hand embroidery, natural dyeing, and traditional leatherwork — techniques deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia history.

“My design, ‘Saudiya,’ is inspired by the desert of Hijaz and Tihama,” Al-Saif said.

In second place was “Sidrat Najd” by Maha Al-Qahtani. Her ethereal gown integrates sidr fruit kernels, covered with silver leaves and Swarovski crystals.

“The name of my design is ‘Sidrat Najd,’ inspired by the sidr tree, which holds deep cultural significance in Saudi heritage,” she explained.

Third was “Bride of the Arabian Peninsula” by Ghaida Majdali, who took a bold and innovative approach.

“The fabric was worked on for 350 hours of hand embroidery, without any machine. The skirt is made of metal with 3D printing, covered in natural camel leather,” she said.

 


Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival announces 2025 dates

Updated 17 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival announces 2025 dates

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival has announced the dates for its fifth edition, with international celebrities set to touch down in Jeddah for the festival that will run from Dec. 4-13.

The event will take place at the film festival’s headquarters in Al-Balad, Jeddah.

Last year’s theme, “The New Home of Film,” celebrated the festival’s new headquarters Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 2024 festival played host to more than 40,000 attendees and nearly 7,000 accredited guests, showcasing 122 films from 85 countries, including 61 premieres. A total of 302 screenings took place, with half of the films being world or international premieres, including 46 world premieres, 15 international premieres, and 53 MENA premieres.

The Al-Balad headquarters features five purpose-built cinemas and a large auditorium that hosted back-to-back screenings as well as In Conversation panels with celebrities.

Presided over by Spike Lee, the 2024 edition's two juries deliberated across 14 competition categories, with 16 feature films vying for top honors, alongside short films from the Arab world, Asia, and Africa featured in the New Saudi, New Cinema, and Arab Shorts programs.

Last year’s red carpet featured the likes of Emily Blunt, Aamir Khan, Mona Zaki, Viola Davis, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Other notable attendees included Michelle Yeoh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Johnny Depp, Yousra, Vin Diesel, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Cynthia Erivo, Brendan Fraser, Mohamed Sami, and more.