Al Ain’s historic oases, Al Jimi and Al Qattara, have been transformed into mesmerizing night-time art destinations as Manar Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s public light art exhibition, made its debut in the city on November 1, 2025. This marks the first time the initiative has illuminated sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, offering a unique blend of art, heritage, and technology. Curated under the theme ‘The Light Compass,’ the exhibition features light-based installations by six Emirati and international artists: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Khalid Shafar, Maitha Hamdan, Abdalla Almulla, Ammar Al Attar, and Christian Brinkmann. Their works guide visitors through an immersive experience of sound, light, and space beneath the ancient palm trees. The opening weekend coincided with Al Ain’s Traditional Handicrafts Festival, adding to the cultural richness of the event. Visitors can also enjoy food and beverage pop-ups, guided tours, and photography workshops, making it a holistic cultural experience. Manar Abu Dhabi runs daily from 5:30 PM to 12 AM until January 4, 2026, with free entry and optional guided tours available for Dh50 per person.
分类： entertainment
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Streamers will be made to produce Australian content
The Australian government has announced new legislation requiring major streaming platforms to allocate a minimum portion of their revenue or expenditure to locally produced content. Platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and others with over one million subscribers will need to invest at least 10% of their local expenditure or 7.5% of their revenue in Australian drama, documentaries, arts, and educational programs. The legislation, set to be introduced to Parliament this week, aims to safeguard jobs in the acting and creative industries while ensuring Australian stories continue to thrive on global streaming services. Arts Minister Tony Burke emphasized the importance of this move, noting that while free-to-air and pay television already have local content requirements, streaming services have operated without such guarantees. The decision follows delays caused by concerns over potential conflicts with a free trade agreement with the U.S. during the Trump administration. With those concerns now resolved, the legislation has regained momentum. Industry groups like the Australian Writers Guild and Screen Producers Australia have welcomed the initiative, though streaming platforms have yet to comment. This development comes as Australia’s creative sector faces challenges, including a 30% decline in investment in feature films and television dramas during the 2023-24 financial year, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent Australian productions on Netflix, such as ‘Heartbreak High,’ ‘Territory,’ and ‘Apple Cider Vinegar,’ highlight the potential of local storytelling on global platforms.
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Zubeen Garg death being probed as murder, says Assam CM
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the state government is treating the death of legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg as a murder case, with plans to file a chargesheet by December 8. Speaking on Monday, November 3, Sarma emphasized that the investigation is progressing with the aim of submitting the chargesheet before December 17. The case has garnered significant public attention, with protests demanding justice for the late singer, who passed away on September 19 in Singapore at the age of 52. Garg’s death, initially attributed to breathing issues during scuba diving, remains shrouded in mystery, prompting a thorough probe. Sarma also revealed that the investigation involves aspects linked to a foreign country, requiring approval from the Union Home Ministry. He confirmed discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the matter. Additionally, Sarma addressed controversies surrounding the proposed ‘Zubeen Khetra’ memorial, clarifying that the government has allocated land for the project. He dismissed concerns about private land ownership adjacent to the memorial, stating that his focus is solely on the government-allotted land. The remarks come amid political debates and social media discussions about alleged links between Minister Ashok Singhal and land near the project, raising questions about ownership in a protected tribal belt.
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‘A House of Dynamite’ explodes US power myths
Kathryn Bigelow’s latest film, ‘A House of Dynamite,’ arrives at a critical juncture when the specter of nuclear conflict has faded into the background of global consciousness, often dismissed as a relic of the Cold War era. Yet, with her signature precision, Bigelow compels audiences to confront the unsettling reality of America’s nuclear doctrine and the illusion of control that underpins it. The film’s premise is stark: an unidentified intercontinental ballistic missile is detected mid-flight over the Pacific, with 18 minutes until potential impact on the American mainland. The narrative unfolds as a triptych, presenting the same 18 minutes from three escalating perspectives—the Watch Floor operators, the cabinet-level decision-makers, and finally, the President. This structure serves as a Rashomon-style critique of bureaucratic paralysis, revealing the fragility of systems designed to prevent catastrophe. The ensemble cast, including Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, and Jared Harris, delivers restrained performances, embodying the tension between professional duty and human terror. Ferguson’s portrayal of Captain Olivia Walker, who ultimately cracks under pressure, underscores the vulnerability of American invincibility. Bigelow and screenwriter Noah Oppenheim delve into the inherent instability of deterrence theory, exposing the dangerous illusion that catastrophic power can be rationally managed. The film’s technical realism, captured through Barry Ackroyd’s documentary-style cinematography, immerses viewers in the machinery of response, highlighting the hubris of protocols meant to prevent disaster. Critics have noted the film’s repetitive structure and ambiguous ending, but these elements are central to Bigelow’s message: there is no cathartic resolution in the face of nuclear annihilation. ‘A House of Dynamite’ is the third installment in Bigelow’s informal trilogy on American power, following ‘The Hurt Locker’ and ‘Zero Dark Thirty.’ It zooms out to reveal the architecture of American strategic thinking, exposing its terrifying instability. The film’s chilling metaphor of a ‘house of dynamite’ raises uncomfortable questions about who built this precarious structure and who continues to add to its stockpile. Bigelow dismantles the myth of American exceptionalism, challenging the assumption that the U.S. can be trusted with apocalyptic power. The film’s relevance lies in its critique of deterrence theory, which unravels as the crisis unfolds, leaving only the possibility of mutual extinction. ‘A House of Dynamite’ is a rare political thriller that trusts its audience to grapple with complexity, offering no easy answers or reassuring endings. Its 112-minute runtime is lean and relentless, building to an inevitable catastrophe while continually surprising with new revelations. While the film is unlikely to change policy, it shatters the illusion that someone, somewhere, has nuclear control under control. Ultimately, ‘A House of Dynamite’ is less about nuclear war than about the mythology of American competence—a myth Bigelow exposes with unflinching clarity. The film is now streaming on Netflix.
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Oscar-nominated actress Diane Ladd dies at 89
Renowned actress Diane Ladd, celebrated for her remarkable contributions to film and television, has passed away at the age of 89. Her daughter, acclaimed actress Laura Dern, confirmed the news on Monday, sharing that Ladd spent her final moments at home in California, surrounded by loved ones. Ladd, a three-time Academy Award nominee, leaves behind a legacy of artistic brilliance and profound empathy. Her career spanned decades, with standout performances in films such as Martin Scorsese’s ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’ (1974), which earned her an Oscar nomination, and the 1991 drama ‘Rambling Rose,’ where she starred alongside her daughter. Ladd’s versatility shone through her roles in both film and television, with her most recent appearance in the 2022 coming-of-age movie ‘Gigi & Nate.’ Beyond her professional achievements, Ladd was cherished as a devoted mother, grandmother, and artist. Laura Dern paid tribute to her mother, describing her as ‘the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist, and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created.’ Ladd’s passing marks the end of an era for Hollywood, but her enduring impact on the arts and her family will continue to inspire generations.
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Nayla Al Khaja’s latest feature to premiere at Cairo International Film Festival
Visionary filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja, the UAE’s first female director and producer, is set to make history with her latest feature film, ‘BAAB.’ This haunting psychological drama, set against the remote mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, will premiere at the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), marking the first time an Emirati feature by a female director has been showcased at the festival. Supported by the UAE Ministry of Culture’s National Grant for Culture and Creativity and produced by Sultan Saeed Al Darmaki, ‘BAAB’ represents a cultural milestone for Emirati cinema. The film, which explores themes of grief and the human mind through sound, silence, and shadow, is a testament to the growing influence of Emirati storytellers on the global stage. ‘BAAB’ features a world-class creative team, including two-time Academy Award winner AR Rahman, who composed his first-ever score for an Arabic film, and acclaimed cinematographer Rogier Stoffers. The film, produced under Dark Dunes Productions, unites over 140 artists and technicians, including 20 Emiratis in key creative roles. Following its world premiere in Cairo, ‘BAAB’ will embark on a wide MENA theatrical release in early 2026 through VOX Distribution, marking one of the most extensive regional releases for an independently financed Emirati feature.
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Shanghai Disney Resort reaches 100 million visitors
Shanghai Disney Resort has marked a significant milestone by welcoming its 100 millionth visitor since its inauguration in 2016. This achievement underscores the resort’s enduring popularity and its pivotal role in the global theme park industry. In a strategic move to bolster its offerings, the resort announced plans for a fourth themed hotel, set to be situated near the main entrance of Shanghai Disneyland. This expansion is part of a broader initiative to enhance the visitor experience with new shopping and dining options. The resort currently boasts the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, the Toy Story Hotel, and a third hotel under construction. Additionally, the resort is advancing several major projects, including a new Spider-Man-themed land, an expansion of the ‘soaring over the horizon’ attraction, and a residential complex for front-line employees. According to the TEA Global Experience Index 2024, Shanghai Disneyland achieved a record-breaking annual attendance of 14.7 million visitors in 2024, securing its position as the fifth most visited theme park globally and the top in China. These developments highlight the resort’s commitment to innovation and its strategic vision for sustained growth.
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‘Coolie’ director Lokesh Kanagaraj, Wamiqa Gabbi to star in Tamil movie
Renowned Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj, best known for directing the blockbuster ‘Coolie,’ is set to take on a lead acting role in the upcoming film ‘DC.’ He will star alongside acclaimed actress Wamiqa Gabbi in this intense drama, directed by Arun Matheswaran. The film is produced by Sun Pictures, a prominent production house in the Tamil film industry. A teaser released by Sun Pictures offers a glimpse into the film, showcasing Kanagaraj and Gabbi in their respective roles as ‘Devadas’ and ‘Chandra.’ The teaser highlights Kanagaraj in a rugged, bloodied appearance, while Gabbi exudes a fierce and confident demeanor. The storyline and character details remain shrouded in mystery, adding to the anticipation. The film also features Sanjana Krishnamoorthy in a significant role, though the release date has yet to be announced. Kanagaraj’s previous directorial venture, ‘Coolie,’ starred Rajinikanth and was set against the gritty backdrop of the Visakhapatnam docks, exploring themes of rebellion and smuggling. ‘DC’ promises to be another compelling addition to Tamil cinema, with its intense narrative and stellar cast.
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Tianshan: A Story of Canals inspires youth to aid Xinjiang
The China National Opera House in Beijing recently premiered the modern dance drama ‘Tianshan: A Story of Canals’ on Saturday, aiming to foster patriotism and inspire young individuals to contribute to the growth of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This production, a collaborative effort between Jiangsu province and Xinjiang, highlights the cultural synergy between the two regions. The narrative follows a graduate student who, influenced by the historical legacy of Qing Dynasty national hero Lin Zexu, returns to his hometown in the Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture. Through a fantastical cross-temporal dialogue, the protagonist is moved to dedicate his life to the advancement of his homeland. The dance drama not only celebrates cultural achievements but also serves as a call to action for the younger generation to engage in regional development.
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Bollywood star Pankaj Tripathi’s mother dies at 89
Renowned Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi is grieving the loss of his mother, Hemwanti Devi, who passed away at the age of 89 on October 31. The actor, known for his acclaimed performances in ‘Criminal Justice,’ ‘Sacred Games,’ and ‘Mirzapur,’ was by his mother’s side during her final moments in their hometown of Belsand, Gopalganj district, Bihar. According to a family statement, Hemwanti Devi had been unwell for some time and died peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her loved ones. Her final rites were conducted on November 1 in the presence of close family members, relatives, and friends. The family has requested privacy during this period of mourning, urging the media and well-wishers to respect their need for solace. Pankaj Tripathi, who recently appeared in the fourth season of ‘Criminal Justice’ and ‘Metro…In Dino,’ has earned widespread recognition for his versatile roles in films like ‘Gangs of Wasseypur,’ ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi,’ and ‘OMG 2.’ The news of his mother’s passing has deeply saddened fans and colleagues, who have extended their condolences to the grieving family.