RIYADH: Following a successful preview tour at Cannes, Art Dubai, Tribeca Film Festival and others, Reframe Saudi will be shown in its entirety for the first time at the World VR Forum (WVRF).
Presented by the MiSK Art Institute, the virtual reality (VR) documentary Reframe Saudi has been chosen as an official selection of the WVRF, which is currently in its third year.
The experience is set to illustrate the continuing story of change in Saudi Arabia and will take place in a dedicated booth where it will be one of 13 films selected to take part in the competition.
MiSK Art Institute, a new artist-centered cultural organization operating under the auspices of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s MiSK Foundation, will launch the world premiere of the Reframe Saudi VR film, produced by CULTURUNNERS, together with a panel discussion on June 8th.
Directed by Italian filmmaker Matteo Lonardi, Reframe Saudi explores Saudi Arabia from the perspective of a new generation of contemporary artists. As the country enters a new phase socially and economically, the film transports viewers to the studios of artists between Jeddah, Abha and Riyadh. Each of them, through their work, reflects on a different aspect of this transformative historical time.
The panel conversation on June 8 will examine how VR can explore an artist’s practice in unprecedented ways, as seen in the film. Director Matteo Lonardi discusses with journalist Marisa Mazria Katz how he has used documentary VR to tell the story of artists around the world, and why the medium is set to unlock a whole new way to experience art.
Ahmed Mater, Director of the Misk Art Institute, said: “We are thrilled to present the film Reframe Saudi, in the World VR Forum. Collectively, the documentary and discussions around new communications technologies illustrate how art and the creative industries are an integral part of the change that is transforming Saudi Arabia.”
Mater added: “The Misk Art Institute, like the Misk Foundation more generally, works to empower the young Saudi population to unleash its talent. We do this at home, but vitally, by encouraging international cultural exchange and diplomacy, also abroad. It is essential at this time that Saudi artists engage with audiences around the world to help to tell the continuing story of change in Saudi Arabia.”
Reframe Saudi documentary chosen as official selection at 2018 World VR Forum
Reframe Saudi documentary chosen as official selection at 2018 World VR Forum
- Presented by the MiSK Art Institute, the virtual reality (VR) documentary Reframe Saudi has been chosen as an official selection of the WVRF
- Directed by Italian filmmaker Matteo Lonardi, Reframe Saudi explores Saudi Arabia from the perspective of a new generation of contemporary artists
Lolo Zouai takes to Berlin’s Colors platform
DUBAI: French Algerian singer Lolo Zouai took to the Berlin-based music platform Colors this week, delivering a live performance of her latest single “Desert Rose PT.II.”
The appearance comes as the track climbed to No. 1 on Algeria’s R&B chart within 24 hours of its release. A sequel to “Desert Rose” from her 2019 debut album “High Highs to Low Lows,” the new single features lyrics in Arabic, French and English, reflecting the cross-cultural influences that shape her sound.
Zouai marked the achievement on Instagram, sharing a series of posts including a photo of herself wearing an Algeria football jersey, alongside the single’s cover art and a screenshot showing its chart ranking.
“Grateful for the love on this one. Can’t wait for you to hear the studio version and the rest of ‘Reverie’,” she wrote.
She also reposted a collage of fan reactions, including a TikTok video that read: “It’s 2026 and we still haven’t had another song like ‘Desert Rose’ out.” Others said: “Can’t wait for Desert Rose pt. 2” and “wdym desert rose pt. 2?!?!?!”
The single forms part of her upcoming third studio album, “Reveries,” due for release on April 24. She announced the date last month alongside the music video for “Holding On,” another track from the project.
Blending R&B with dance-pop elements, “Holding On” delves into themes of grief and memory. The video is dedicated to Zouai’s close friend, Hanna Rosa Hotchkiss, who died in 2021.
In a statement on Instagram, Zouai described the album as the product of a transformative period in her life: “This record was made through three years of grief, growth, and reflection. I had to lose myself to find myself again. I couldn’t have done it without my angel, Hanna. Thank you to my collaborators, my friends, and my Lo-riders who held me down through it all. I hope it heals you the way it healed me.”
Known for her blend of R&B, club-pop and hip-hop, Zouai has gained an international fan base for her dynamic stage presence and genre-blending music.
Zouai’s last release was in November, when she dropped a new single titled “3AM in San Francisco.”
