分类： entertainment

A groundbreaking Japan-China co-produced documentary, *The Nameless Child*, directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Ryo Takeuchi, premiered in Japan on November 7, 2025, as part of the 2025 China Documentary Festival. The film, which runs until November 20, delves into the poignant stories of Japanese ‘war orphans’ left in China after World War II and their profound gratitude toward their Chinese adoptive parents. During the tumultuous final years of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), thousands of Japanese children were abandoned as their families fled. These children were taken in and raised by compassionate locals in northeastern China. After diplomatic relations were established between China and Japan in the 1970s, many of these orphans returned to Japan, only to face significant challenges in reintegrating into society. Struggling with language barriers and cultural differences, many relied on government subsidies for survival. Takeuchi, inspired by childhood memories of news reports about these orphans, embarked on a two-year journey to document their lives. The film features interviews with over 100 surviving orphans and their families, though most of the Chinese adoptive parents have since passed away. ‘Raising enemy children under such extreme circumstances is truly remarkable,’ Takeuchi remarked, expressing his hope to convey the kindness and spirit of the Chinese people to Japanese audiences. The documentary’s main subject, Mariko Kamijo, whose mother was one of the orphans, now runs a nursing institution for elderly orphans. She emphasized the generational impact of war and the importance of peace. Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao highlighted the documentary’s role in fostering mutual understanding and shaping a positive future for China-Japan relations. Zhao Jie, president of the China Federation of Radio and Television Associations, praised the film as a testament to the ‘community of shared human destiny.’ The festival, held in Tokyo, showcases 10 documentaries on themes ranging from urban governance to cultural exchange, aiming to present contemporary China from diverse perspectives. Takeuchi, who has lived in Nanjing since 2013, has produced several acclaimed documentaries on China, including *The Yangtze River*, which won the Best Documentary Award at the 21st China Movie Channel Media Focus Unit. He hopes his work will dispel outdated stereotypes about China and foster greater appreciation for its modern reality.

The 10th annual Emirates Tamil Theatre Festival, titled ‘Ameeraga Kurunadaga Vizha,’ took place on November 2, 2025, in Dubai, showcasing the power of storytelling through 12-minute Tamil plays. Inspired by the globally renowned Short+Sweet Theatre Sydney, the festival brought together non-professional talents from across the UAE to present poignant narratives that reflect real-life social issues. Among the standout performances was the prize-winning play ‘Magallir Kaaval Nilayam’ (Women’s Police Station), which tackled the sensitive topic of child abuse and emotional neglect, leaving the audience in deep contemplation. The festival, founded by banker Anand Subramanian and event organiser Lion Rama Malar, has grown into a significant cultural event, celebrating themes ranging from domestic struggles to technological challenges. Despite its non-commercial nature and funding challenges, the festival thrives on the passion and dedication of its participants, including working professionals and students. The 2025 edition saw siblings Mukundhan, 12, and Mirudhala, 10, win the second prize for best script with their humorous portrayal of adult world anomalies in ‘Kannadi Kuzhandhaigal’ (Mirror Children). The event’s authenticity stems from its real-life-inspired narratives, performed by individuals who have experienced or closely observed the issues depicted. The festival’s success lies in its ability to personify life’s complexities on stage, offering a platform for artistic expression and community engagement in a world often dominated by commercial interests.

Renowned filmmaker Gurinder Chadha, celebrated for her 2002 hit ‘Bend It Like Beckham,’ has ventured into the festive genre with her latest creation, ‘Christmas Karma.’ This musical film, which premieres on November 14, offers a Bollywood-inspired adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Featuring a star-studded cast including Kunal Nayyar, Hugh Bonneville, Pixie Lott, Boy George, Danny Dyer, Charithra Chandran, and Eva Longoria, the film blends British and Indian cultural elements to deliver a heartwarming holiday narrative. Chadha, who also penned the script, aims to capture the essence of joy and celebration inherent in Bollywood cinema, making it a fitting tribute to the festive season. The story follows Mr. Sood, a modern-day Scrooge portrayed by Nayyar, who embarks on a transformative journey guided by three spirits. The film not only revisits Dickens’ themes of redemption and empathy but also delves into contemporary issues such as migration and racial dynamics in modern Britain. Chadha’s inspiration for the character of Mr. Sood stems from her own family experiences and observations of political rhetoric during the pandemic. The film also features a Bhangra Christmas song and a tribute to George Michael, performed by Bollywood icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas. With its blend of humor, emotion, and cultural richness, ‘Christmas Karma’ promises to be a festive treat for audiences worldwide.

For generations of Indians, Amar Chitra Katha has been a cherished portal into the realms of religion, mythology, and history through its iconic comic books. Launched in 1967 by Anant Pai, the series, whose name translates to ‘immortal illustrated stories,’ has captivated readers with its engaging visuals and accessible language. However, a tragic fire on October 1 at its Bhiwandi warehouse near Mumbai has left a significant portion of this legacy in ashes. The blaze, reportedly caused by a short circuit, took four days to control and destroyed nearly 600,000 books, including special editions, merchandise, and over 200 original hand-drawn illustrations from the 1960s and 1970s. Archival materials, such as original positives on transparent film, were also lost. While most published titles have been digitized and remain accessible through apps, the irreplaceable original artworks are gone forever. The emotional toll on comic book enthusiasts is profound, as Amar Chitra Katha has long been a cornerstone of Indian cultural education. The 1970 issue on the Hindu deity Krishna, illustrated by Ram Waeerkar, marked a turning point for the series, paving the way for stories on Indian mythological and historical figures. Despite the loss, the publication remains resilient, with plans to innovate digitally and rebuild its legacy. Yet, for art lovers, the absence of these originals is a heartbreaking reminder of what has been lost.

As November unfolds, Big Ticket is set to make this month unforgettable with its exclusive Race and Luxury Yacht Experience. This unique promotion offers 30 lucky winners and their guests an all-expenses-paid weekend in Abu Dhabi, featuring a stay at a 5-star hotel, access to the Yas Marina race weekend, and a luxury yacht experience. The winners, selected through an E-draw for tickets purchased between November 1 and 21, will also receive Dh10,000 in cash. Additionally, during the yacht event, participants have the chance to win a special Dh250,000 cash prize. The winners’ names will be announced on December 1, and they will also be entered into the December 3 live draw for the Dh25 million grand prize. For those purchasing tickets between November 1 and 30, the excitement continues with the chance to win Dh100,000 each in consolation prizes. Big Ticket’s Dream Car Series also returns, offering a Maserati Grecale in December and a BMW 430i in January. Special ticket bundle promotions, including buy 2 and get 2 free offers, add even more opportunities to win. Whether it’s the thrill of the race, the luxury of a yacht, or the dream of winning millions, Big Ticket ensures November is a month to remember. Tickets are available online at www.bigticket.ae or at counters in Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.