Middle Eastern writers ask Hollywood to ‘take more chances’ on them
Updated 31 August 2021
Arab News
DUBAI: The Middle Eastern Writers Committee, a new group that is part of Writers Guild of America West, has asked the US film industry to acknowledge their talent and to “take more chances” on them in an open letter published this week.
“Reach out to us. Get to know our work. And most of all, take more chances on us to both tell our own stories and contribute to the ones being crafted in writers rooms all over town,” read the letter.
According to a 2020 report published by the group, writers from the region "are dead last, making up only 0.3% of employed writers. That’s pretty close to 0%.”
“Because of this, we find ourselves at a cultural inflection point, and we’re asking for your allyship to improve this number,” the letter reads. “Identifying the problem is the first step – taking action is what should follow.”
The letter was signed by over 50 members of the committee including writer and director of “The White Tiger” – Ramin Bahrani – and actor and writer of “Three Busy Debras” – Mitra Jouhari.
Chilean Palestinian singer also fronted firm last year
Star has made a donation to World Food Programme
Updated 18 February 2026
Arab News
DUBAI: Chilean Palestinian singer Elyanna is fronting yet another campaign for Coach, this time an “Express Your Many Sides” Spring 2026 initiative unfolding exclusively in the Middle East.
Across the campaign images, the focus is placed on the US fashion house’s leather bags, shown in a range of shapes and sizes.
Elyanna is pictured carrying the Tabby 26, distinguished by its structured flap silhouette and signature metal “C” hardware, presented in a warm maple tone.
Across the campaign images, the focus is placed on the US fashion house’s leather bags, shown in a range of shapes and sizes. (Instagram)
Other styles include a compact shoulder bag with a curved profile and a larger, softer leather bag designed to sit under the arm. The bags appear in smooth and lightly grained leather finishes, styled in both light and darker colorways.
In the images, Elyanna’s wardrobe is kept understated to complement the accessories. She wears lightweight layers, including fitted long-sleeve tops paired with sleeveless vests and fluid trousers in neutral shades.
She also appears in a sheer, pale green dress layered over a long-sleeve base, patterned with small heart motifs.
In the images, Elyanna’s wardrobe is kept understated to complement the accessories. (Instagram)
Last year, Elyanna was the face of Coach’s Ramadan 2025 campaign. She was seen against a desert-inspired backdrop, styled in pieces that blended contemporary fashion with cultural influences.
The music sensation also carried Coach’s signature handbags, each featuring the gold chain accents.
Elyanna said in a statement: “Working with Coach again felt natural because it’s a brand I love and connect with in terms of lifestyle and expression.
“We’re aligned in our values, and it was great to be a part of it again for another year because it continues to reflect that alignment. I was also able to donate to the World Food Programme through our partnership once more, which means so much to me.”
Elyanna has been normalizing Arabic lyrics in the Western world throughout her career, taking inspiration from artists including Lana Del Ray and Beyonce, as well as Middle Eastern legend Fayrouz.
The Los Angeles-based singer’s music is a mix of Arabic and Western beats, which she attributes to her multicultural upbringing.
Her debut album “Woledto,” released in 2024, featured nine songs: “Woledto,” “Ganeni,” “Calling U,” “Al Sham,” “Mama Eh,” “Kon Nafsak,” “Lel Ya Lel,” “Yabn El Eh” and “Sad in Pali.”
