Global Pulse

分类： entertainment

  • Drone shows, desert camping, motorsports: UAE’s Liwa Festival lights up 300-metre sand dune

    Drone shows, desert camping, motorsports: UAE’s Liwa Festival lights up 300-metre sand dune

    The Liwa International Festival has spectacularly inaugurated the UAE’s winter desert season, transforming the Al Dhafra region into an immersive cultural and entertainment destination. The festival’s opening ceremony featured breathtaking technological displays against the backdrop of Tal Moreeb, one of the nation’s tallest sand dunes standing at 300 meters.

    Visitors embarking on the nearly three-hour journey from Al Ain experience a gradual transition from urban landscapes to the serene expanse of the Al Dhafra desert, setting the stage for an extraordinary desert experience. The festival’s opening events included precision aerial demonstrations by military aircraft during daylight hours, building anticipation among gathered crowds.

    As night descended, the desert underwent a magical transformation through advanced projection mapping technology that animated the natural contours of Tal Moreeb’s slopes. This innovative light display turned the massive dune into a dynamic canvas, seamlessly merging technology with natural topography to create an unparalleled open-air theater.

    The narrative presentation traced Liwa’s evolution from traditional desert heritage to contemporary winter destination, emphasizing the enduring connection between the landscape and its visitors. The technological climax featured hundreds of synchronized drones creating intricate light formations against the night sky during a 16-minute aerial ballet, followed by a spectacular fireworks display that illuminated the entire desert panorama.

    Beyond the central shows, Liwa Village emerged as a vibrant hub offering diverse attractions including entertainment zones, creative workshops, live performances, and a classic automobile exhibition. Culinary experiences ranged from traditional Emirati specialties to international cuisine, enhancing the festival’s communal atmosphere.

    The event concluded with motorsports demonstrations at a dedicated drifting arena, where enthusiasts gathered late into the night, celebrating Liwa’s longstanding association with automotive culture and desert adventure.

  • Chinese rapper’s Lingnan-rooted hip-hop a big draw in US

    Chinese rapper’s Lingnan-rooted hip-hop a big draw in US

    A new wave of cultural exchange is resonating across North American venues as Chinese rapper Lan Lao, professionally known as Skai Isyourgod, completes a massively successful tour through over ten cities in the United States and Canada. The 27-year-old artist, renowned for his unique fusion of American hip-hop rhythms with the rich cultural tapestry of China’s Lingnan region, has consistently drawn packed audiences, with many shows selling out entirely.

    Lingnan culture, originating from South China and encompassing Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Hong Kong, and Macao, provides the foundational narrative and sonic landscape for Lan Lao’s music. His distinct style combines elements of Memphis rap with accented Mandarin delivery and culturally specific references, creating a sound that is both authentically Chinese and globally accessible. His 2024 album ‘Ba Fang Lai Cai’ (Stacks from All Sides) has been particularly instrumental in this cross-cultural appeal, generating billions of monthly streams on international platforms and establishing him as one of the most-streamed Mandarin-language artists overseas.

    In exclusive commentary, Lan Lao reflects on his unexpected global reach: ‘I’m just an ordinary guy telling stories about where I’m from. The internet has created this amazing opportunity for work to be shared with much larger audiences.’ He emphasizes that his artistic mission transcends mere musicality, viewing his work as a vehicle for genuine cultural confidence. ‘Using my own language already shows our cultural confidence. Some cultural elements show up in my music, and I think that’s part of what makes the world diverse.’

    The reception among North American audiences has been notably enthusiastic. B Dowling, a Chinese hip-hop enthusiast and linguistics researcher from Wisconsin, notes: ‘Lan Lao’s style represents a sophisticated localization of global hip-hop traditions. He made it Chinese, and he did it really well. Chinese hip-hop is going strong and deserves worldwide attention.’ New York attendee Sierra Flournoy adds: ‘Everything connects back to where he’s from. He’s very specific about that, very grounded in reality.’

    This musical phenomenon signals a significant shift in global cultural dynamics, where regional Chinese art forms are finding receptive international audiences. As Lan Lao’s tour demonstrates, the universal language of music continues to bridge geographical and cultural divides, creating new pathways for cross-cultural appreciation and understanding in the contemporary entertainment landscape.

  • Trump condemned for saying Rob Reiner, wife Michele brought on own murder

    Trump condemned for saying Rob Reiner, wife Michele brought on own murder

    In a moment that blurred the lines between reality and illusion, actress Millie Bobby Brown executed a stunning vanishing act aboard the world’s fastest roller coaster during her Abu Dhabi visit. The Stranger Things star, accompanied by her husband Jake Bongiovi, experienced the record-breaking Formula Rossa ride at Ferrari World on Yas Island, where she apparently disappeared mid-ride, leaving Bongiovi completely bewildered.

    The incident occurred as the couple reached the attraction’s maximum velocity of 240 km/h (149 mph), with Brown seemingly evaporating from her seat during the high-speed journey. Eyewitness accounts and subsequent video evidence confirm Bongiovi’s genuine astonishment as he turned to find his wife’s seat unexpectedly empty.

    Theme park officials and special effects experts suggest the disappearance may be connected to Yas Island’s ongoing ‘Summer Beyond Belief’ promotion, which features augmented reality experiences and technological marvels throughout the entertainment destination. The Formula Rossa coaster, known for its acceleration that rivals Formula One race cars, appears to have been the stage for an elaborate mixed-reality prank orchestrated by the actress and park management.

    Brown, who has previously demonstrated her passion for elaborate practical jokes on social media, collaborated with park technicians to create the illusion using precisely timed projection mapping and augmented reality elements that synchronize with the coaster’s movement. The technological marvel demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a hub for entertainment innovation, blending cutting-edge technology with world-class attractions.

    The viral moment has generated significant attention on social media platforms, with fans praising both the technical execution and Bongiovi’s authentic reaction. Park representatives have confirmed the existence of several hidden augmented reality experiences throughout Yas Island, encouraging visitors to discover other magical moments during their summer visits.

  • Millie Bobby Brown vanishes on the world’s fastest roller coaster, leaving husband Jake Bongiovi stunned on Yas Island Abu Dhabi

    Millie Bobby Brown vanishes on the world’s fastest roller coaster, leaving husband Jake Bongiovi stunned on Yas Island Abu Dhabi

    Yas Island Abu Dhabi has released a surreal new promotional video featuring Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown that blurs the lines between reality and supernatural fiction. The footage documents Brown’s experience on the island’s record-breaking attractions alongside husband Jake Bongiovi, with bizarre occurrences echoing her Netflix series’ supernatural themes.

    The adventure begins at Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster capable of reaching 240 km/h. As the ride launches, Brown mysteriously vanishes from her seat, replaced by an unidentified young girl, leaving Bongiovi visibly astonished. The supernatural phenomena continue throughout the day—lights flicker erratically, service staff momentarily transform into characters from the show’s Scoops Ahoy ice cream parlor, and the iconic Stranger Things theme music emerges unexpectedly throughout the park.

    Even Brown’s brave facade proves vulnerable. Despite joking about her experience battling Demogorgons and Vecna, she unleashes unprecedented screams during the Turbo Track launch. The carefully orchestrated campaign cleverly integrates elements from the popular series, creating an immersive narrative that suggests the Upside Down might have infiltrated Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

    The production serves as both entertainment content and promotional material for Yas Island’s newly launched Stranger Things experience packages. The complete episode is available on the destination’s official social media channels, offering fans an extended look at the supernatural-themed attractions.

  • Anupam Kher’s IndiGo flight cancelled on trip to Khajuraho International Film Festival

    Anupam Kher’s IndiGo flight cancelled on trip to Khajuraho International Film Festival

    Prominent Indian actor Anupam Kher found himself among the thousands of travelers affected by IndiGo’s massive flight cancellation crisis in early December 2025. The veteran Bollywood star’s journey to the Khajuraho International Film Festival was abruptly interrupted when his connecting flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho was unexpectedly canceled.

    Kher took to Instagram to voice his frustration with the travel disruption, revealing that he might now need to resort to train travel to reach the festival venue. The actor is scheduled to present his film ‘Tanvi The Great’ at the prestigious week-long event running from December 16-22, 2025.

    The incident occurred amidst India’s largest airline’s operational meltdown that saw hundreds of flights canceled nationwide, creating chaos at airports and leaving passengers stranded. IndiGo subsequently issued multiple apologies, provided refunds, and offered travel vouchers to affected customers.

    The airline described December 5 as a “reboot” day with the highest number of cancellations, after which operations gradually stabilized. By December 13, the carrier had restored its network with over 2,000 scheduled flights and resumed its standard on-time performance levels according to official statements.

  • Leonardo DiCaprio, awed by Martin Scorsese, would never turn director

    Leonardo DiCaprio, awed by Martin Scorsese, would never turn director

    At the prestigious A Year in TIME event in New York City, Hollywood icon Leonardo DiCaprio revealed he has permanently dismissed any aspirations to become a film director, attributing his decision to profound admiration for Martin Scorsese’s directorial mastery. The 51-year-old Oscar winner, currently collaborating with Scorsese on their seventh joint project, expressed unwavering reverence for the legendary filmmaker’s craft during their candid conversation.

    DiCaprio articulated his position with unmistakable clarity: ‘When people inquire about potential directing ambitions, my response remains unequivocal – I would never pursue that path. The cinematic excellence Martin Scorsese achieves is simply incomparable. Why would I attempt something I could never approximate?’

    The actor reflected on his professional evolution with notable introspection, acknowledging occasional regrets about not sufficiently observing the directorial process during earlier career stages. ‘As performers, we immerse ourselves in character psychology with intense dedication,’ DiCaprio noted. ‘In retrospect, I wish I had embraced more opportunities to simply observe Marty’s directorial techniques behind the camera.’

    Their distinctive collaborative methodology involves extensive preparatory work months before filming commences. DiCaprio emphasized their creative dynamic thrives on rigorous pre-production debates: ‘Our process involves continuous questioning and playing devil’s advocate to explore unconventional narrative approaches. This thorough preparation has constituted one of the most valuable educational experiences of my career.’

    DiCaprio traced his reverence for Scorsese to childhood exposure facilitated by his father, who identified the director and Robert De Niro as artistic benchmarks. Their professional partnership commenced with 2002’s Gangs of New York and has since produced critically acclaimed works including The Aviator, The Departed, and Killers of the Flower Moon.

    The duo is currently developing What Happens at Night, an adaptation of Peter Cameron’s novel co-starring Jennifer Lawrence, marking their seventh collaborative endeavor.

  • Ranveer Singh shares cryptic note amid ‘Dhurandhar’ success

    Ranveer Singh shares cryptic note amid ‘Dhurandhar’ success

    Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh has captivated both audiences and social media followers by sharing a philosophical reflection on destiny and perseverance during the phenomenal box office performance of his latest cinematic venture, ‘Dhurandhar.’

    Through his Instagram platform, Singh posted a contemplative message in Hindi that translates to: ‘Fate possesses a remarkably beautiful habit of transforming when the appropriate moment arrives. However, for the present time, I am embracing faith and patience.’ This cryptic communication arrives as his recently released spy thriller continues to shatter financial records across Indian theaters.

    The film’s commercial achievement has been particularly noteworthy during its second Saturday screening, a crucial indicator of cinematic success within the industry. ‘Dhurandhar’ has demonstrated exceptional performance by surpassing the comparable earnings of several other major productions including ‘Chhaava,’ ‘Stree 2,’ ‘Animal,’ ‘Gadar 2,’ ‘Jawan,’ and ‘Saiyaara.’

    Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Aditya Dhar, ‘Dhurandhar’ presents an intense narrative centered on an undercover intelligence operative who infiltrates a dangerous criminal syndicate. The project draws inspiration from actual historical events and features an ensemble cast including established performers Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and emerging talent Sara Arjun in significant roles.

    The production company has officially confirmed that the story will continue with ‘Dhurandhar Part Two,’ scheduled for theatrical release on March 19, 2026, indicating strong confidence in the franchise’s ongoing commercial potential and audience appeal.

  • Dubai: Global Village to welcome New Year 7 times with 7 fireworks, drone shows

    Dubai: Global Village to welcome New Year 7 times with 7 fireworks, drone shows

    Dubai’s renowned cultural and entertainment destination, Global Village, is preparing to host an unprecedented New Year’s Eve celebration by welcoming 2026 not once, but seven distinct times throughout a single night. This innovative approach is designed to create a truly global festivity, allowing visitors to experience the transition into the new year alongside multiple nations.

    The meticulously planned schedule will feature countdowns synchronized with the new year’s arrival in seven different countries, each marked by its own breathtaking pyrotechnic and technological display. The celebrations will commence with China at 8:00 PM local time, followed by Thailand (9:00 PM), Bangladesh (10:00 PM), India (10:30 PM), Pakistan (11:00 PM), a grand midnight celebration for Dubai itself, and culminate with Turkey at 1:00 AM on January 1st. Each event will be highlighted by a unique, custom-designed fireworks show and a coordinated drone light performance.

    To accommodate this extraordinary marathon of festivities, Global Village will extend its operating hours on December 31st, opening its three main gates from 4:00 PM until 2:00 AM. The venue will be exclusively accessible to women and families for the occasion, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive atmosphere.

    Beyond the sequential countdowns, the destination promises a full evening of immersive cultural and entertainment experiences. Guests can explore over 30 international pavilions representing more than 90 global cultures, shop from 3,500 retail outlets, and choose from a diverse array of over 250 dining options. Live entertainment will include a DJ performance on the Main Stage.

    Additional attractions such as the Floating Market, Happiness Street, and the Dessert District will be open for exploration. For thrill-seekers, the Carnaval area offers more than 200 rides and games. New installations for the season, including the Dragon Kingdom, Gardens of the World, and the child-focused Little Wonderers, will provide fresh experiences, ensuring the event offers a memorable night for visitors of all ages.

  • Rob Reiner dies: Paul Feig, Jon Cryer, Virginia Madsen offer condolences

    Rob Reiner dies: Paul Feig, Jon Cryer, Virginia Madsen offer condolences

    The entertainment industry is grappling with profound grief following the tragic discovery of acclaimed actor-director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, deceased at their Brentwood residence on Sunday afternoon. The 78-year-old filmmaker, celebrated for his transformative contributions to cinema and television, leaves behind an indelible legacy that has shaped multiple generations of artists.

    Reiner’s extraordinary career trajectory began with his breakout role as Michael ‘Meathead’ Stivic in the groundbreaking sitcom ‘All in the Family,’ which established him as a formidable acting talent. His subsequent evolution into a directorial powerhouse produced some of Hollywood’s most enduring films, including the coming-of-age classic ‘Stand by Me,’ the mockumentary pioneer ‘This Is Spinal Tap,’ the iconic romantic comedy ‘When Harry Met Sally…,’ and the courtroom drama masterpiece ‘A Few Good Men.’

    The Norman Lear family, in an emotionally charged statement, expressed their devastation, emphasizing the profound familial bond between Lear and Reiner. They highlighted the couple’s relentless dedication to social betterment through artistic expression, activism, and philanthropy, noting that Lyn Lear characterized the world as ‘unmistakably darker’ following their passing.

    Across social media platforms, an outpouring of tributes from distinguished industry figures underscores Reiner’s dual legacy as both a creative visionary and exceptionally compassionate individual. Director Paul Feig memorialized him as ‘a true visionary titan and a lovely lovely person,’ while actor Paul Walter Hauser credited Reiner’s filmography as the primary inspiration for his own directorial ambitions.

    Actor Jon Cryer simply stated ‘Horrible,’ capturing the collective shock, while Josh Gad remembered the Reiners as ‘two of the most kind and caring souls’ who advocated tirelessly for marginalized voices. Actress Virginia Madsen offered gratitude for ‘so much joy,’ and filmmaker Joe Russo poignantly referenced Reiner’s own film, writing ‘We lost one of the few good men.’

    The couple is survived by their children Jake, Nick, and Romy, alongside Tracy Reiner, Rob’s adoptive daughter from his previous marriage to the late director Penny Marshall. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding their deaths, the global creative community reflects on the immense void left by this unparalleled artistic force.

  • Gentle Revolution: The new mood of Japanese animation

    Gentle Revolution: The new mood of Japanese animation

    A significant transformation is underway within the global anime landscape as audiences increasingly gravitate toward slower, more contemplative storytelling that celebrates the nuances of everyday life. This shift represents a notable departure from the high-energy, action-packed narratives that long defined Japanese animation’s international appeal.

    While iconic series featuring epic battles and dramatic confrontations remain popular, a new genre of anime has captured viewer attention through its deliberate pacing and emphasis on ordinary moments. Films like Hayao Miyazaki’s “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Spirited Away” have gained renewed appreciation from adult viewers who discover deeper thematic layers upon revisiting these classics. Contemporary series including “Yuru Camp,” “Mushishi,” “Natsume’s Book of Friends,” and the recently popular “Frieren” have cultivated dedicated followings by focusing on reflection, memory, and subtle emotional discovery rather than explosive plot developments.

    This preference for tranquil narratives reflects broader societal trends. In an era characterized by constant digital stimulation and relentless productivity demands, viewers find therapeutic value in stories that permit mental space and sensory appreciation. The appeal lies not in escapism but in reconnection with life’s simpler pleasures—enjoying a meal, walking through nature, or sharing quiet companionship.

    The influence of this cinematic movement extends beyond screen time, manifesting in offline activities that emphasize mindfulness and craftsmanship. Establishments like Dubai’s Otaku ME have evolved into community hubs where enthusiasts engage in model building and other hands-on pursuits that mirror the deliberate pace of their preferred entertainment. These spaces foster focused concentration and shared learning rather than competitive achievement.

    What makes this trend particularly noteworthy is its demonstration of anime’s remarkable adaptability across generations and cultures. The medium continues to evolve alongside its audience, offering both nostalgic comfort and fresh perspectives. This quieter genre has existed alongside mainstream anime for decades but has only recently gained international recognition, suggesting that global audiences have developed new appetites for content that values presence over plot, and meaning over action.

    As entertainment consumption becomes increasingly fragmented, anime’s enduring relevance appears rooted in its ability to provide both stimulation and solace, meeting viewers wherever they are emotionally. This gentle revolution in animation demonstrates that sometimes the most powerful stories are those that speak softly, inviting us to rediscover beauty in life’s ordinary moments.