Amal Clooney stuns in black at Cannes Film Festival

Amal Clooney stuns in black at Cannes Film Festival
Amal Clooney attended the premiere of ‘Bono: Stories of Surrender' in a sleek, off-the-shoulder dress. (Getty Images)
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Amal Clooney stuns in black at Cannes Film Festival

Amal Clooney stuns in black at Cannes Film Festival

DUBAI: Lebanese British human rights lawyer Amal Clooney made a head-turning appearance at the 78th Cannes Film Festival this week, wearing a black gown by British designer John Galliano.

Clooney attended the premiere of “Bono: Stories of Surrender” in a sleek, off-the-shoulder dress featuring a fitted bodice with subtle draping and a floor-length skirt with a gentle train. She completed the look with a black clutch and Cartier statement earrings, styling her hair in soft, voluminous waves.

On the red carpet, Clooney was joined by U2 guitarist the Edge and frontman Bono, the subject of “Bono: Stories of Surrender.”




Amal Clooney made a head-turning appearance at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. (Getty Images)

The black-and-white film, directed by Andrew Dominik, adapts Bono’s 2022 memoir “Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story” and his one-man stage show of the same name.

Set to some of U2’s most iconic tracks, Bono opens up about the tragedy that marked his childhood, with his mother Iris collapsing and dying at her own father’s funeral when the singer was 14.

His father, Brendan “Bob” Hewson, already a man of few words, retreated into shock, anger and depression.




Clooney was joined by U2 guitarist the Edge (L) and frontman Bono (R) on the red carpet. (Getty Images)

The film is also a love letter to the singer’s wife, Ali Hewson, who he met when they were both 15, the same fateful day U2 was formed in a Dublin school. The film streams on Apple TV+ from May 30.

Bono, who has spent decades fighting for more aid to Africa and to lift the debt burden from poor countries, told the audience at the premiere that the world is again being threatened by fascism as it was when the festival was set up in 1939.

“Mussolini and the little man with a moustache, and his mate Goebbels had taken over the Venice Film Festival, so this festival was set up to fight fascism,” the singer said.

“It took it until 1946 (for the festival to get going) but it stands for that freedom now.”

He said that Hollywood star Sean Penn — a vocal advocate for Ukraine — had “brought us some friends from the actual trenches, from the front line in Ukraine, and they’re here tonight.

“I just want to thank you because you’re keeping us free,” Bono added to loud cheers.


Guerlain names Mohammed Hindash first Middle East makeup ambassador

Guerlain names Mohammed Hindash first Middle East makeup ambassador
Updated 2 min 26 sec ago
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Guerlain names Mohammed Hindash first Middle East makeup ambassador

Guerlain names Mohammed Hindash first Middle East makeup ambassador

DUBAI: French beauty house Guerlain this week appointed Dubai-based celebrity makeup artist and entrepreneur Mohammed Hindash as its first-ever regional makeup ambassador for the Middle East.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by hindash (@hindash)

Hindash, founder of the makeup brand Hindash Cosmetics, has worked with a roster of international and regional celebrities. His clientele includes Naomi Campbell, Lindsay Lohan, Chanel Iman, Natalia Vodianova, Rahma Riadh, Yusra Mardini, Nancy Ajram, Mona Zaki, Dana Hourani and Mona Kattan. He also did Queen Rania of Jordan’s makeup for the royal wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa in 2023.

He took to Instagram to write: “My chapter with @guerlain represents more than just beauty, it embodies timeless innovation rooted in heritage.

“I’m beyond thrilled to be announced as their first makeup ambassador in the Middle East as I showcase Guerlain through my lens and artistry,” he added. “I have immersed myself in the rich history of the Maison, and I can’t wait to narrate the story on my models’ faces.”


Musician charged with Chris Brown in alleged London nightclub assault

Musician charged with Chris Brown in alleged London nightclub assault
Updated 19 min 19 sec ago
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Musician charged with Chris Brown in alleged London nightclub assault

Musician charged with Chris Brown in alleged London nightclub assault

LONDON: A fellow musician and friend of Chris Brown has been charged alongside the Grammy-winning singer on allegations they beat and seriously injured a music producer at a London nightclub in 2023, police said Saturday.
Omolulu Akinlolu, 38, who performs under the name “Hoody Baby,” was due to appear in Manchester Magistrates’ Court on a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Brown, 36, was jailed without bail on the same charge Friday, throwing his upcoming tour into question. He is scheduled to appear at Southwark Crown Court in London on June 13, which is the third day of his world tour.
Akinlolu is a rapper from Dallas, Texas, who has collaborated with Brown and Lil Wayne. He also goes by the names “Fat Leopard” and “Super Hood.”
Police gave no details on what role Akinlolu played in the alleged assault but said he was charged in connection with the same incident as Brown.
Brown was on tour in the UK in February 2023 when he launched an unprovoked attack on producer Abe Diaw, striking him several times with a bottle at the Tape nightclub in the swanky Mayfair neighborhood in London, prosecutor Hannah Nicholls said in court Friday.
Brown then chased Diaw and punched and kicked him in an attack caught on surveillance camera in front of a club full of people, she said.
Brown did not enter a plea and only spoke to confirm his name, birth date and gave his address as the Lowry Hotel, where he was arrested in Manchester early Thursday and taken into custody.
Brown’s representative has not responded to multiple requests for comment from The Associated Press.
Brown, often called by his nickname Breezy, burst onto the music scene as a teen in 2005 and has become a major hitmaker over the years with notable songs such as “Run It,” “Kiss Kiss” and “Without You.”
He won his first Grammy for best R&B album in 2011 for “F.A.M.E.” and then earned his second gold trophy in the same category for “11:11 (Deluxe)” earlier this year.
He is scheduled to launch an international tour next month with artists Jhene Aiko, Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller, opening with a European leg on June 8 in Amsterdam before starting North America shows in July.


Pakistani animated film ‘The Glassworker’ heads to US theaters with Watermelon Pictures

Pakistani animated film ‘The Glassworker’ heads to US theaters with Watermelon Pictures
Updated 29 min 8 sec ago
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Pakistani animated film ‘The Glassworker’ heads to US theaters with Watermelon Pictures

Pakistani animated film ‘The Glassworker’ heads to US theaters with Watermelon Pictures
  • The Pakistani animated film revolves around two people from disparate backgrounds, a glassblower and a violinist
  • The movie, selected as Pakistan’s submission to the 2025 Academy Awards, took the animation world by storm in 2024

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film “The Glassworker” is set to screen in the United States (US) after Watermelon Pictures acquired its distribution rights, the US-based film production and distribution company said this week.

The Glassworker, released in Pakistan in July last year, was storyboarded by young Pakistani animator, Usman Riaz, who also directed the movie that comprised 1,477 cuts and 2,500 individual drawings, bringing to life the coming-of-age tale of two people from disparate backgrounds: young Vincent who is an apprentice at his father’s glass workshop, and the talented violinist Alliz, the daughter of a military colonel.

Around them, a war threatens to upend their lives and the relationships between the children and parents are tested. A total of 250 people worked on the film including national and international cast and crew.

In a post on Instagram, Watermelon Pictures said they were proud to announce that their very first animated feature, The Glassworker, would soon be coming to US theaters.

“After being selected as Pakistan’s submission to the 2025 Academy Awards, #TheGlassworker took the animation world by storm as Pakistan’s first ever hand-drawn animated feature,” the distribution company said.

“An ode to Hayo Miyazaki’s dedication to telling beautiful stories frame by frame, The Glassworker is truly a work of art.”

The deal was closed during Cannes and negotiated by Hamza Ali for Watermelon Pictures and Hélène Espeisse on behalf of Charades, which is representing the film at this year’s Marché Du Film, US entertainment website DEADLINE reported.

“The Glassworker is a breathtaking, emotional story that will resonate deeply with audiences of all ages. We are honored to bring this cinematic gem to US theaters,” Watermelon Pictures co-founder Hamza Ali was quoted as saying.

Ali launched the film production and distribution company in April, 2024 along with his brother, Badie Ali, with Alana Hadid as creative director. The firm aims to amplify the voices of underrepresented filmmakers across the globe.

“We are thrilled that The Glassworker will be released theatrically in the United States by Watermelon Pictures. Their rapid growth and recent string of successful, meaningful films make them the perfect partner to bring our work to American audiences,” Khizer Riaz, the film’s producer, was quoted as saying.

“We couldn’t be more excited.”


Where We Are Going Today: FreshHouse

Where We Are Going Today: FreshHouse
Updated 17 May 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: FreshHouse

Where We Are Going Today: FreshHouse

FreshHouse in Riyadh has all kinds of different meal options and is a great choice for those health nuts who value flavor, substance and speed.

The eatery offers an extensive menu to meet your needs at pretty much any time of the day, including bowls, on-the-go meals, salads, sandwiches, oats, yogurts for some light breakfast options, and even desserts.

You will love their Mediterranean Chicken Bowl menu.

This is packed with kabsa rice, Persian-style chicken, mixed greens, dill pickles, tomatoes, roasted corn, and surprisingly, dates — topped with a tahini sumac and basic lemon dressing.

The blend of flavors in the Mediterranean Bowl works perfectly, offering a tangy yet slightly creamy balance that does not feel too heavy but will fill you up just fine. The chicken is nice and tender and comes in the perfect amount.

Another showstopper on the menu is FreshHouse’s Pesto Pasta Chicken Bowl.

This comes with pomegranate, ricotta cheese, mixed greens, sundried tomatoes, black olives, zaatar, pecan, and is topped with cilantro and basic lemon dressing. There is a fine balance of tangy, creamy and sweet.

The pasta is seasoned perfectly, and what is especially great is that it is neither too heavy nor too bland, unlike many available healthy options.

For a lighter, more refreshing selection, FreshHouse also sells cups of mango parfait, honey muesli oats, berries and yogurt granola, and more.

A pretty good option is their mango overnight oats which tastes really good. However, the oats could be a little less soft and the mango flavor even more prominent.

Their acai bowl is quite underwhelming. Nothing special and lacking flavor in the acai itself.

Try FreshHouse the next time you are looking for a quick protein fix or snack. Their build-your-own option is also handy if you are that kind of person.


 


Red-carpet launch in Riyadh: Gerard Butler kicks off ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ premiere

Red-carpet launch in Riyadh: Gerard Butler kicks off ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ premiere
Updated 16 May 2025
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Red-carpet launch in Riyadh: Gerard Butler kicks off ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ premiere

Red-carpet launch in Riyadh: Gerard Butler kicks off ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ premiere
  • Reprising his role as Stoick the Vast, Butler’s visit marked a major moment for Saudi Arabia’s growing entertainment scene

RIYADH: Gerard Butler kicked off his international press tour for “How to Train Your Dragon” with a special red-carpet premiere at Vox Cinemas, Roshn Front in Riyadh. 

Reprising his role as Stoick the Vast, Butler’s visit marked a major moment for Saudi Arabia’s growing entertainment scene.

Fans filled the venue, eager to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood star. Butler took his time meeting attendees, posing for photos, and signing autographs, a gesture that was met with huge enthusiasm, especially from young fans.

In a press chat, Butler spoke about the significance of launching the film in Saudi Arabia, praising the Kingdom’s rising profile in the global entertainment industry. 

“It’s an honor to be here,” he said. “The energy of the crowd has been incredible, and I’m excited to share this story with everyone.”

He also recorded an exclusive interview with Arab News, set to be published soon.

“How to Train Your Dragon,” directed by three-time Oscar nominee Dean DeBlois, is a live-action remake of the beloved DreamWorks franchise. The film, releasing on June 12, follows the bond between Hiccup and Toothless, with Butler’s character playing a key role. The cast includes Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, and Bronwyn James.

The evening not only celebrated the film but also reflected Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a key player in the global film industry.