Analysis Netflix teams up with MBC’s Shahid in Saudi Arabia: An end to streaming wars? A new agreement between MBC Group and the US industry giant appears to signal a shift in the Middle East's streaming market, with top players opting for collaboration over competition. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
In rare appearance, Fairuz mourns son Ziad Rahbani as Lebanon bids farewell Legendary Lebanese singer Fairuz attended the funeral of her son, renowned composer and playwright, Ziad Rahbani, at a church in a town north of Beirut, in her first public appearance in years. Lebanon
Turkey's Erdogan vows justice amid rage over alleged Prophet Muhammad cartoon A controversial cartoon has sparked mass protests, arrests and threats against a leading Turkish satire magazine. Turkey
Oscar-winning Palestinian director freed from Israeli detention after night in custody Hamdan Ballal, a co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land," was assaulted by Israeli settlers and later detained by Israeli forces in the West Bank as the Israeli army continues its raids in the Palestinian territory. Palestine
Analysis How Saudiwood’s power play is reshaping Middle East film industry By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Turkey's government wants refund for movie following LGBTQ controversy The move is widely seen as a fresh episode of the culture war the government has been waging against the country’s artistic scene over critical opinions and queer content. Turkey
Israelis outraged over Netflix film showing IDF murdering Palestinians Israeli actress Nataly Dadon canceled her Netflix subscription, protesting against the streaming giant adding the anti-Israeli/anti-IDF film "Farha" to the platform. Israel
Artists from Middle East stand out in women-dominated Venice Biennale This year’s edition of the world’s longest-running art show corrects a history of gender inequality by putting female artists at its center. Turkey
Over 100 Iranian artists reportedly detained, banned after siding with protests The Iranian Alliance of Motion Picture Guilds has expressed serious concern over the persecution of dissident artists in the wake of unprecedented nationwide protests in Iran. Iran
Iran film festival faces membership suspension and withdrawals amid unrest The Tehran International Short Film Festival’s credibility hangs in the balance after the international Short Film Conference found its board supportive of “disgraceful government actions” during the Iran uprisings and suspended its membership in response. Iran
International fashion shows land in Egypt Luxury fashion houses Stefano Ricci, Elie Saab and Dior have chosen different iconic places in Egypt to host major events, in line with the authorities’ new branding strategy aimed at attracting new visitors by leveraging the country’s cultural and artistic side. Egypt
NFT art, industry boom in Israel Israel might have gotten a late start on NFT art, but it's catching up quickly with active artists and groups on all social networks. Israel
Tunisia’s LGBTQ scene celebrates Mawjoudin Queer Film Festival A major LGBTQ community event has shown diversity and inclusion are still alive in spite of Tunisia’s authoritarian drift and regression of freedoms. North Africa
Gulf states warn Netflix over content that 'contradicts Islamic values' The controversy follows some Gulf states cracking down on rainbow colors due to their resemblance to the LGBTQ pride flag, though the Gulf Cooperation Council did not mention what exactly the issue is with Netflix. Legacy: Gulf
On lightning vacations, Ultra-Orthodox pour onto segregated Israeli beaches Israel's ultra-Orthodox have only three weeks of yeshiva break, and they take their brief summer vacation very seriously. Israel
Kurdish diva brokenhearted but resolute in face of language discrimination in Turkey The "brutal" quashing of Kurdishness in Turkey continues to be state policy — even in entertainment. Turkey
