Is cinema dying? For film fanatics, this question serves as a constant undercurrent through every new screening, box office data release, and movie review. Lately, with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic followed by the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023, global cinema appeared to be cast somewhat into disarray. As large cinema chains declare losses and straight-to-streaming releases become increasingly popular, the future of filmmaking appears more abstract by the day. However, emerging directors continue to bring fresh ...

Russian literature has long held a place of prestige in the global literary canon, renowned for its universal themes and profound human insights. From the sprawling epics of Leo Tolstoy to the contemporary narratives of Lyudmila Ulitskaya, Russian authors have consistently explored the depths of the human soul, societal structures, and existential questions. This essay explores the journey of Russian literature, examining its evolution from the works of Tolstoy to contemporary writers, and highlights how historical and cultural contexts have ...

Abstract art, a groundbreaking departure from traditional representational forms, has radically transformed in the 21st century. As technology advances, so does the scope and depth of abstract art, allowing artists to explore new realms of creativity and expression. This essay delves into the historical roots of abstract art, the impact of modern technologies, and the innovative artists pushing the genre’s boundaries today.

Recently, a provoking list of movies circulated under the heading “Shoegaze Cinema”. Letterboxd user Drew Edelstein created said list, arguing that “From the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, there was a batch of films (generally focused in Asian cinema) that shared key characteristics of a new kind of genre.”

Farha (dir Darin J Sallam) 2021. This film shows the 1948 Nakba, a forced displacement, an exodus forced onto the lives of Palestinians by the Zionist state of Israel. They sanctioned military invasion of the civilians with the funding of imperial powers. This further caused the murder of several people including newborn babies, children, women, and men. The illegal settler colonies encroached into the Palestinian land robbed them and built massive walls of separation to create an open-air jail.

In an era where the visual landscape is dominated by vibrant colour, black-and-white photography remains a compelling and evocative art form. It offers a unique perspective that distils the essence of a subject by removing the distractions of colour. Black and white photography reveals the subtle interplay of light and shadow, texture and form, inviting a profound emotional engagement with the image. To fully appreciate the art of black and white photography in a colourful world, one must bridge the ...

The long-awaited reunion of Oasis has finally arrived, sending waves of excitement through the music world. This moment feels almost surreal for fans who have held onto hope since the band split in 2009. Oasis, the band that defined a generation with their anthemic rock sound and rebellious spirit, is back. But what does this reunion mean for the legacy of one of Britain’s most iconic bands, especially in a post-Brexit era and after the defeat of the Tories?

Imagine a sea of vibrant faces, each one illuminated by the pulsating lights of a stage where their favourite artists perform. The air is thick with anticipation, excitement, and a sense of belonging. This is the magic of music festivals, a phenomenon that has become a cornerstone of youth culture in the United Kingdom. But beneath the surface of this vibrant experience lies a complex web of privatisation, accessibility issues, and government policies that shape who gets to participate in ...

In a world where the noise of modern life often overshadows the quiet beauty of art, poetry offers a timeless refuge, providing solace and deep reflection. The Poetry Corner invites you to embark on a journey through the lyrical landscapes crafted by some of the most influential poets in history. From the evocative verses of William Shakespeare to the poignant lines of Maya Angelou, poetry has the power to transcend time, culture, and gender, resonating with the deepest parts of our human experience. As we ...

From its conception, Kate Atkinson’s Behind the Scenes at the Museum (1995) begins as an unabashed rewrite of Lawrence Sterne’s Tristram Shandy (1759-67), with notes from the eighteenth-century novel ringing throughout. Ruby Lennox, Kate Atkinson’s protagonist, is ‘conceived to the chimes of midnight on the clock,’ (11) while Tristram is conceived just as his mother asks his father: ‘have you not forgot to wind up the clock?’ (5). Both novels then immediately lurch backwards in time to weave together the ...