DUBAI: Acclaimed Lebanese filmmaker and actress Nadine Labaki will premiere her latest film, “Capernaum,” at the 71st Cannes Film Festival next month, according to the festival organizers, who announced details of this year’s lineup on Thursday.
Labaki’s socially conscious, humorous-but-dramatic work has made her one of Lebanon’s — and the Arab world’s — most prominent filmmakers. “Capernaum” will be the second of her three feature films to premiere at Cannes after 2011’s “Where Do We Go Now?”
Few details of “Capernaum” have so far been released, but the film reportedly focuses on a rebellious teen who decides to sue his parents for having him. Like Labaki’s previous features, “Capernaum” apparently uses mainly non-professional actors.
The Middle East will have a strong presence at Cannes this year, with Egyptian-Austrian filmmaker Abu Bakr Shawky’s “Yomeddine” also on the program.
Both films will compete in the festival’s official competition, while its “Un Certain Regard” section will include two more Arab features — “Sofia,” Moroccan filmmaker Meryem Benm’barek’s debut movie, and Syrian director Gaya Jiji’s “My Favorite Fabric” — also a debut film.
Later this week, Saudi Arabia will announce its official selection of contributing films for Cannes 2018.
Following the Kingdom’s decision to allow cinemas in the country, the Saudi Film Council announced that Saudi Arabia will have its own pavilion at the festival this year.
Cannes chief Thierry Frémaux told “Deadline,” “(This) is a great way of opening up global opportunities for (Saudi’s) creative talent. The many young filmmakers among the Saudi delegation will have access to the world’s most prestigious film festival, including meaningful interactions with leading, international film industry professionals.”
Nadine Labaki’s ‘Capernaum’ to debut at Cannes in May
Nadine Labaki’s ‘Capernaum’ to debut at Cannes in May
- "Capernaum” will be the second of Labaki's three feature films to premiere at Cannes
- KSA soon to announce its official selection of contributing films for Cannes 2018
Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza
- Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual Sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 2,287 miles
LONDON: A man in England has launched a demanding charity challenge to raise funds for children affected by the war in Gaza.
Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 3,680 km running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing.
He is raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based humanitarian organization that provides healthcare to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.
“I have felt helpless day after day seeing images of countless children in Gaza with broken bodies and missing limbs and witnessing their unbearable suffering,” Watson said on his JustGiving page.
“I have been inspired by the courage of those who took part in the global sumud flotilla and all of the activists who have put their lives and freedom at risk supporting the Palestinian people and so I am raising funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
“My challenge is to complete a virtual sumud from Harlow, where I live, to Gaza. Running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing I will cover the 2,287 miles as quickly as I can.
“I am an unfit, overweight 63-year-old, so I’m not going to break any records, but the Arabic word Sumud means steadfastness and perseverance, and I will give it my all.
Watson added: “I hope to be joined by people I love and admire along the way, so please support my fundraiser. Every donation, however small, will help save the lives of Palestinians.”
As of Jan. 3, his fundraising effort had reached 12 per cent of its £5,000 ($6,733) target.
The war in Gaza began after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which local health authorities say has resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and a severe humanitarian crisis.
International aid agencies have repeatedly said that children are among the most affected, facing injury, displacement, malnutrition and limited access to medical care.
Watson said he was inspired by activists and humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians and hopes his challenge can make a small contribution to saving lives.
