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
Palestinian-Israeli documentary, Iranian film win at Oscars: What to know Two films from the Middle East won Oscars at Sunday's Academy Awards, highlighting the growing reputation of the region's film industry at a time of ongoing tensions and crises. Palestine
Lebanon's resistance through culture: Return of Beirut’s Metropolis Cinema As Beirut continues to navigate its path toward recovery, Metropolis Cinema stands as a symbol of the enduring power of art and culture to resist, unite and inspire. Lebanon
Analysis How Saudiwood’s power play is reshaping Middle East film industry While the country's first entry at Cannes didn’t win, its inclusion in the festival was another step toward Saudi ambitions to become a film industry powerhouse. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
First female Afro-Iraqi TV presenter says 'time to see all Iraqi colors' Iraqi public television has appointed an Afro-Iraqi presenter for the first time in the country's history. Iraq
Dubai gallery explores new frontier of NFTs as art objects Non-fungible tokens represent a new way to buy, sell and experience art, and many artists and collectors in the Gulf have become enthusiastic participants. Gulf
Egypt, Saudi Arabia compete over title of regional art pioneer Egypt’s United Media Services, a production company linked to Egyptian intelligence, decided to contract with veteran Egyptian actor Mohamed Sobhi after his recent clash with Turki al-Sheikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority. Egypt
Egyptian band on mission to protect dying Zar ritual The Zar ritual has seen better days, but an Egyptian band has taken upon itself the mission of keeping this ritual alive. Egypt
Egyptians outraged over movie depicting gay couple An Egyptian-German-Lebanese-produced movie recently screened at the 72nd Berlin Film Festival has sparked outcry in Egypt for depicting homosexuality. Egypt
Controversy in Egypt over film starring ex-IDF soldier Gal Gadot Controversy prevailed in Egypt and Arab countries over the film "Death on the Nile" starring Gal Gadot. Culture & Society
New Gaza fashion house offers courses in design Fashion designer Khalil Khudair and his partner Aya Eid have opened a new fashion house in Gaza to train aspiring young designers. Palestine
Hamas looks to push its own narrative with new series to rival 'Fauda' Hamas is producing a new series that will air during the month of Ramadan, with the aim to debunk the Israeli narrative of events in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Netflix's first Arabic-language film sparks uproar in Egypt The launch of Netflix's first original Arabic-language film "Perfect Strangers" led to an immediate backlash in Egypt among conservatives. Egypt
Saudi investment fund starts gaming group The fund, which is headed by the crown prince, will work on developing video game competitions with two European companies. News Brief
Photographer explores vibrant cultures of Libya A Libyan photographer has made it her mission to share the country's people and stories with the world. North Africa
Turkey’s pop queen draws sudden wrath over five-year-old lyrics Sezen Aksu, the reclusive diva of Turkish pop, has become the latest target of conservatives who accuse her of blasphemy. Turkey
