JERUSALEM: Lorde has canceled a performance in Israel scheduled for next summer after appeals by pro-Palestinian activists.
The New Zealand musician said in a statement Sunday that “the right decision at this time” was to cancel her June 2018 concert in Tel Aviv, which was announced earlier this month.
Her announcement followed calls by proponents of the Boycott, Divest, Sanction movement to cancel her performance over Israel’s human rights record. Lorde joins artists including Roger Waters and Elvis Costello in boycotting Israel over its treatment of the Palestinians.
Lorde said that after having “lots of discussions” about the matter, “I’m not too proud to admit I didn’t make the right call on this one.”
The Israeli concert promoter responded to the cancelation: “We forgive her.”
Lorde scraps Israel concert amid boycott calls
Lorde scraps Israel concert amid boycott calls
Iraqi director nominated at Directors Guild of America Awards for ‘The President’s Cake’
DUBAI: Iraqi director Hasan Hadi this week received a Directors Guild of America Awards nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in First-Time Theatrical Feature Film for his debut, “The President’s Cake.”
Set in 1990s Iraq, the film follows Lamia, a young girl tasked with preparing a birthday cake for the country’s leader — a mandatory assignment that places her under intense pressure. As she races to gather the ingredients, the stakes grow higher, with the threat of serious consequences if she fails.
Hadi’s film is shortlisted in the category alongside Eva Victor for “Sorry, Baby,” Alex Russell for “Lurker,” Charlie Polinger for “The Plague,” and Harry Lighton for “Pillion.”
Also in the running for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in a Theatrical Feature Film are Guillermo del Toro for “Frankenstein,” Chloe Zhao for “Hamnet,” Ryan Coogler for “Sinners,”Josh Safdie for “Marty Supreme,” and Paul Thomas Anderson for “One Battle After Another.”
“The President’s Cake” has also been shortlisted for the Academy Award for International Feature Film.
