MUMBAI: Indian cinema is best known for Bollywood extravaganzas, but an art-house film about three women navigating loneliness and love in a metropolis is gaining viewers and earning international recognition, including nominations to the Golden Globe awards.
“All We Imagine as Light,” a multi-language film set in Mumbai, the country’s financial capital, has won several international awards this year, including the Grand Prix at Cannes, and is the first Indian film to be nominated in the Best Director category at the Golden Globes, which will be presented on Jan. 5.
It has also been nominated in the Best Picture category for non-English movies.
For director Payal Kapadia, the response to her debut film in her home country is an added bonus to the accolades it has earned abroad.
“It’s very difficult for independent films to get screens in India. I am very happy with the response. Now, I want to show the film in places in the country where it has not been shown so far, the smaller cities,” Kapadia told Reuters in an interview.
Independent, art-house films don’t find too many takers in India, where audiences are raised on a staple diet of Bollywood and other mainstream films, complete with song-and-dance routines, violence and melodrama, although more serious content on streaming platforms is slowly changing tastes.
With more than $2 million in box office sales globally, “All We Imagine as Light” also has entries to the Academy Awards for best picture, best director and best original screenplay, said a representative from Sideshow and Janus Films, which own the distribution rights in the US
But it was not India’s official submission to the Best Foreign Film category at the Oscars.
Kapadia, 38, said she thought of the idea of the film in a hospital waiting room. Initially conceived as a short film, it took eight years to make.
Former US President Barack Obama picked it as one of his favorite films of the year, in a list he shared on social media.
The story revolves around the friendship and love lives of three immigrant women who live and work in Mumbai, the congested metropolis of more than 12 million people, an important leitmotif in her film.
“Mumbai is a city of many contradictions. While life can be tough here, it gives people a sense of freedom as well. We tried capturing that in the film too,” Kapadia said.
In Bollywood-obsessed India, art-house film wins accolades, audiences
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In Bollywood-obsessed India, art-house film wins accolades, audiences
- Audiences in India are raised on a staple diet of Bollywood and other mainstream films, complete with song-and-dance routines, violence and melodrama
- With more than $2 million in box office sales globally, ‘All We Imagine as Light’ also has entries to the Academy Awards for best picture and best director
KML: Creating a new identity for Saudi menswear
- Siblings Razan and Ahmed Hassan’s brand is only just over a year old, but has already gained global attention
DUBAI: Siblings Razan and Ahmed Hassan are on a roll. Since the launch of their menswear label KML in 2022, the Saudi brand has rapidly gained recognition, most recently as a semi-finalist for the prestigious LVMH Prize — an annual award for young fashion designers run by the eponymous fashion conglomerate — placing them among global fashion’s most promising new voices. And, in November, celebrity stylist Law Roach opted for a KML creation to wear to the “1001 Seasons of Elie Saab” event in Riyadh.
Through creative director Ahmed’s minimalist designs and sharp tailoring, KML, of which Razan is the owner, is reshaping Saudi menswear by reimagining traditional garments from the Kingdom’s history through a contemporary lens: jackets with shawls, large leather belts of the type seen on Bedouin men, and skirts reminiscent of the ones historically worn by men in the Eastern Province, Jazan and Hijaz.
Ahmed says that their grandmother was a huge influence when he and his sister were growing up in Riyadh. He fondly recalls both her progressive nature and inimitable style. As a young boy, Ahmed would often accompany her to fabric shops so she could get her designs stitched by a local tailor. That exposure to craftsmanship left an impression, though fashion was not initially an obvious career path.
“The family would oppose my trips to the fabric stores,” he tells Arab News. “My uncles would tell her she was ruining me, and her reply would be: ‘Ahmed has taste, so why not?’”
When he decided to venture into fashion, his grandmother wholeheartedly supported him when other family members expressed their concerns — concerns they had despite the fact that the family were progressive, with writers and poets among them, he says. With time, he realized their hesitation stemmed not from disapproval but from societal perceptions of men in the industry. “They wanted to protect me from the stigma associated with men in fashion,” he explains.
With no formal fashion education programs for men in Saudi, Ahmed instead studied architecture, later interning at Zaha Hadid Architects, where he developed an appreciation for structure and form. Razan, meanwhile, pursued law at Prince Sultan University and she went on to practice it full-time.
“One summer, we both realized we weren’t doing what we truly wanted to do, so I decided to go to the UK to study creative writing, and Ahmed went to Central Saint Martins (in London) for a few courses,” Razan explains.
The pair often discussed starting a brand together, and they frequently talked about fashion, delving into historical research, while Ahmed continuously sketched — though he kept his drawings private.
“It struck us that we have so much that we can bring to the realm of reality from our imagination. We wanted to do something meaningful. Tradition and intention were very important to us,” Ahmed says. “Razan looked at me sketching, and was, like, ‘You better do something with these. You better make them a reality.’”
That was the catalyst for the launch of KML. In August 2023, they launched their debut capsule collection. “We just did three shirts and two pairs of pants, and filled the studio walls with references, research and development sketches,” explains Ahmed.
Towards the end of that year, they applied to the Saudi 100 Brands program. “When we presented our sample pieces to (Saudi Fashion Commission CEO) Burak Cakmak, we didn’t even talk about the brand. Instead, we discussed what fashion can and should be, and how people are going back to their roots and want to (express) their culture more.”
The Fashion Commission recognized their potential, providing support that led to KML showcasing its collections at fashion weeks in Paris, Riyadh and Milan.
“Paris was a wonderful experience. People found our clothes rebellious—especially the skirts for men,” says Ahmed. “But it was rebellious to wear pants in Saudi Arabia 200 years ago! Men everywhere here wore skirts — there were different names for them.”
However, the historical relevance of the clothes was not immediately apparent to many online commentators.
“We’re on a high right now, so we tend to forget the lows,” Ahmed says. “We were slaughtered on social media — people told us we were ruining the culture and how men look. It became toxic, so we quit social media temporarily to focus on our work.”
Neither KLM’s skirts nor its wrap shirts with circular cut-outs at the back were intended to be controversial. Ahmed stresses that throughout the Kingdom’s history, men’s garments have been layered and draped, creating freedom of movement. KLM was simply offering a fresh perspective on them. “People forget: 70 years ago, wearing jeans and a T-shirt in Saudi would have been considered controversial,” he says. “The intention is not for it to be provocative. If anything, we are bringing back dying traditions.”
Despite the social-media furor, the skirts sold out.
Much of Ahmed’s design philosophy is rooted in cultural reinterpretation. The idea for cinched waists — or highlighting the waist in some way — was inspired by how Bedouin men would wrap a leather belt or fabric round their waists. He has also designed a long coat with hidden zippers that can be turned into a cropped jacket, highlighting that, traditionally, there have been multiple ways of styling a single garment.
Another key piece is the one-shoulder tunic. During their research, the siblings discovered that the one-shoulder silhouette was shared across ancient civilizations, from Greece to India — highlighting a universal connection.
Last year, celebrity stylist Roach discovered their designs. What started as a casual Instagram message turned into a studio visit, during which Roach spent hours trying on their pieces.
“We thought he would just send someone to pick up a few items,” Ahmed says. “Instead, he showed up himself, spent time with us, and repeatedly told us how this is a cultural product.”
Then came recognition from the LVMH Prize — one of the most prestigious awards in the industry. “Thousands of designers apply, and only 20 make the cut. We were one of them. It still feels surreal,” says Ahmed.
Despite their success, one of the siblings’ biggest challenges is production. Currently, KML’s garments are manufactured in Europe, but the ultimate goal is to bring everything back to Saudi Arabia.
“The fashion ecosystem here is still developing, but we want everything — design, development and runway presentations — to be fully Saudi,” Ahmed says. “Being a Saudi designer is great, but contributing to the bigger ecosystem? That’s even more meaningful.”
Artist Aseel Al-Yaagoub: ‘My goal is to preserve Saudi culture’
- The Saudi artist on spreading joy with her distinctive painting style
JEDDAH: “My work reflects moments from daily life, Saudi and Gulf heritage, and cultural elements in a distinctive and creative way, where I recreate and reimagine traditional symbols and motifs with a contemporary vision, creating a fusion of past and present in an innovative manner,” Saudi artist Aseel Al-Yaagoub tells Arab News. “I see my environment as a rich visual narrative, and I love translating these stories into artworks.”
Drawing and painting have been an important part of Al-Yaagoub’s life for as long as she can remember. Over time, she has shifted from focusing on realism to taking a more abstract, expressionistic approach.
She admires Saudi artists including Taghreed Al-Baghshi, Zainab Al-Mahouzi, Marwa Al-Najjar, and Bayan Yassin, who depict heritage in their work. Internationally, she says she has been influenced by Claude Monet’s technique and the way he captures light and movement, as well as Vincent van Gogh’s vibrant colors and bold, expressive strokes.
“I constantly seek inspiration by exploring the works of other artists, whether through social media or by visiting art exhibitions,” she says. “I create initial sketches for my ideas and experiment with colors and materials. I don’t like to plan everything in detail, I leave room for spontaneity, allowing unexpected elements to emerge, which gives each artwork a unique, distinctive character.
“My goal is to preserve and document Saudi culture,” she continues. “I often use mixed-media techniques, layering different materials and colors to create depth and unique textures. Constant experimentation and practice have helped me refine my approach.”
Her fascination with facial features, particularly noses, plays a significant role in her artistic expression, she says. “The most distinctive feature of my characters is their noses, as that is the first thing that catches my attention in any face I see. I believe noses, in their various shapes, are unique and beautiful, which is why I enjoy highlighting them in my portraits.”
Al-Yaagoub’s work is deeply personal, often incorporating elements that hold sentimental value. One of her most cherished pieces, “The Family,” portrays her parents and symbolizes warmth and care. “I wanted them to have a personal touch in this piece, my mother stitched part of it, and I incorporated a scrap of fabric from my father’s shemagh. This made the artwork deeply sentimental and emotionally significant.”
Another of her major projects is “A Night of Joy,” a series of six paintings capturing celebrations in the Eastern Region. “This project is very dear to me as it reflects my childhood memories, which continues to resonate with me to this day,” she says.
Al-Yaagoub is excited about the transformation happening in Saudi Arabia’s art scene. “There is now more space for experimentation and showcasing new ideas, enhancing artistic diversity and attracting wider audiences to the field,” she says. “Art has become a bridge between the past and the future, ensuring that our cultural identity remains vibrant and ever-evolving.”
Looking ahead, Al-Yaagoub hopes to expand her reach and participate in international exhibitions. “One of my biggest goals is to host my first solo exhibition soon, where I can showcase my artistic journey and how my style has evolved over time.
“I want the audience to feel an emotional connection to my work, whether by recalling personal memories or appreciating the beauty of heritage and culture,” she continues. “I aim for my art to have a narrative depth that tells stories about culture and identity. And I strive to spread joy through the vibrant colors I incorporate into all my pieces.”
Saudi Arabia highlights Arabic initiatives at London Book Fair
- Academy’s secretary-general, Abdullah Al-Washmi, said that the London Book Fair was a crucial global cultural platform for fostering academic and cultural cooperation
- Al-Washmi added that the academy’s strategy was to expand the reach of Arabic, provide valuable content for specialists, and solidify the language’s international presence
RIYADH: Initiatives by the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language are being highlighted at this year’s London Book Fair, being held from March 11-13, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Under the umbrella of the Saudi pavilion, overseen by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the academy aims to strengthen the global presence of the Arabic language.
The academy’s secretary-general, Abdullah Al-Washmi, said the London Book Fair was a crucial global cultural platform for fostering academic and cultural cooperation.
He added the academy’s strategy was to expand the reach of Arabic, provide valuable content for specialists, and solidify the language’s international presence.
The academy's exhibit features recent publications and introduces initiatives in language planning, linguistic computing, education and cultural programs, the SPA reported.
It seeks to build partnerships that support the development of the Arabic language and enhance its presence on global academic and cultural platforms.
The Kingdom’s pavilion seeks to strengthen the international presence of Saudi publishers and empower local publishing houses.
Its participation aims to enhance cultural relations and facilitate knowledge exchange between Saudi Arabia and the UK.
Ramadan recipes: Braised lamb shoulder for a decadent treat
DUBAI: Executive chef Joey Brereton of Dubai’s Dish Catering & Events shares his flavorful braised lamb shoulder recipe.
Slow cooked to perfection, this dish balances rich, tender lamb with vibrant herbs, pomegranate, and pine nuts, making it an ideal centerpiece for a hearty meal.
Lamb marination
Ingredients:
20g garlic
75ml lemon juice
200 g shallot
Extra virgin olive oil
20g salt
10g pepper
80g coriander powder
40g turmeric powder
20g garlic powder
20g all spice powder
80g paprika powder
15g ginger
Blitz garlic, ginger, and shallot with some olive oil to get a paste.
Add to the rest of the ingredients.
Pulled lamb shoulder
Ingredients:
3000 g lamb shoulder
900 g marination
500g carrot
300g celery
600g onion
100g garlic
20g rosemary
20g thyme
5g bay leaves
5g pepper corn
500g tomato paste
1200g broth
3000g water
Method:
1. Marinate the lamb overnight then place into 1/1 deep food pan tray and add all ingredients.
3. Place parchment paper on top and cover the tray with aluminum foil.
4. Bake the lamb at 160°C for around 5 hours.
5. Once the lamb is cooked, remove it from the stock and strain the stock.
6. Reduce the stock and save.
7. Pull the meat apart.
Verde
Ingredients:
300g coriander leaves
100g mint leaves
200g parsley
30g lemon juice
30g olive oil
30g shallot
30g tomato
10g pomegranate molasses
5g salt
Method:
1. Wash and chop the vegetables before mixing all ingredients with a silicone spatula.
Final plating:
1. Place hummus in a serving bowl, using the backside of a spoon to create a well.
2. Reheat the lamb jus, and once hot, add cold butter and emulsify the jus.
3. Place the reheated lamb in the center of the hummus and pour the jus over it.
4. Place the verde on top.
5. Sprinkle pomegranate, pine nuts, shallots, and lemon over the dish.
Disney plans pared-down premiere for ‘Snow White’ amid controversies surrounding Gal Gadot, Rachel Zegler
DUBAI: In what may be a death knell for the film, Disney has decided to not allow media outlets onto the red carpet for the premiere of its live-action adaptation of “Snow White,” instead inviting just photographers and house interviewers, according to Variety.
The premiere is set to take place on March 15 at the El Capitan Theater, with both Rachel Zegler (Snow White) and Gal Gadot (the Evil Queen) expected to attend. Controversy has plagued the film ever since it was first announced. Many activists called for a boycott of the film due to Gadot’s pro-Israeli stance over Israel’s war in Gaza.
Gadot, who is Israeli and a former member of the Israel Defense Forces, has been an outspoken supporter of Israel on social media as well as in a passionate speech she delivered on March 4 when she was honored at the Anti-Defamation League’s annual summit in New York City. “Never did I imagine that on the streets of the United States, and different cities around the world, we would see people not condemning Hamas, but celebrating, justifying and cheering on a massacre of Jews,” she said.
Zegler has repeatedly given interviews and used social media posts to advocate for a “Free Palestine,” indicating a rift between the two lead stars.
Meanwhile, some Disney fans questioned casting Zegler as Snow White as she is a Latina actor. The “West Side Story” star also faced backlash when she called the 1937 original “dated” because the prince “literally stalks Snow White.”
In an interview with Variety at D23 two years ago, Zegler said, “She’s not going to be saved by the prince. She’s not going to be dreaming about true love. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be.”
