Corsican acapella group captivates audience in Jeddah

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Updated 10 October 2022
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Corsican acapella group captivates audience in Jeddah

  • The idea behind their performance was to share a moment around a rare and typical style of music and songs without instruments

JEDDAH: Several dignitaries, consuls general and high-profile Saudi individuals attended the French Consulate’s Corsican acapella music event to promote peace and serenity.

Performers Tavagna, consisting of seven singers, sang about their childhood, surrounded by nature in Corsica, and their roots, families and friends. The concert also boasted a theatrical dimension.

The idea behind their performance was to share a moment around a rare and typical style of music and songs without instruments.

Founded in 1966, Tavagna’s goal is to promote their culture across the world. The concert aimed at letting the world discover their artistic universe. 

Consul General of France Catherine Corm-Kammoun received the guests and said that the consulate is committed to highlighting French culture to promote cultural diversity.

Speaking to Arab News, she added: “We love to share our music from the French culture with a Saudi audience to promote mutual understanding and culture of peace and cohesion.

“In the future we would like to contribute more to cultural events and cooperate with institutions for cultural exchange in Jeddah.”

Cultural Attache Charles-Henri Gros said: “Music is an easy way to bridge cultural divides and learn more about cultural diversity.

“We introduced very typical French songs, particularly in one of our local languages, Corsican, for which we invited the main Corsican group of singers, mostly due to their historical background and the evolution of the members throughout the different generations.”

He added that the singers had created their own deep and melodious sound, and were now recognized for their distinctive energy and exceptional live performances.

Chairman of the board adviser and Jeddah branch manager at the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts Mohammed Al-Subaih said: “It was an amazing and unique experience. The concert felt very much alive, and the lyrics of the songs captivated the audience.

“The common factor in this acapella event is that we have similar music in our Saudi culture. Under Vision 2030, we are looking forward to strengthening the role of art and culture and understanding between countries.”

Tavagna also performed in front of a massive crowd at the University of Business and Technology of Jeddah on Monday night.


‘Palestine 36’ set for Saudi cinemas in January

Updated 04 January 2026
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‘Palestine 36’ set for Saudi cinemas in January

DUBAI: Filmmaker Annemarie Jacir’s “Palestine 36,” which screened at Jeddah’s Red Sea International Film Festival, is scheduled for release in Saudi cinemas on Thursday.

The sweeping historical epic — Palestine’s official entry to the Oscars this year, which made it to the official longlist — is a deep exploration of resistance, resilience and the struggle of the Palestinian people. 

“Palestine 36” is set during the 1936 Arab Revolt and follows five interconnected narratives as villages across Palestine confront British colonial rule.

With rising numbers of Jewish immigrants escaping antisemitism in Europe, and the Palestinian population uniting against Britain’s 30-year dominion, all sides spiral toward inevitable collision in a decisive moment for the British Empire and the future of the entire region. 

The film won the Best Film award at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Jacir — whose three previous feature films “Salt of this Sea,” “When I Saw You,” and “Wajib” were also official Palestinian Oscar entries — hopes “Palestine 36” will provide a mirror for audiences, particularly those from colonized or war-affected countries.  

“I hope people see themselves in the film,” she told Arab News in December. “I don’t want to teach anyone anything. There’s a lot of history in the film and there’s a lot of history that’s been erased. I hope that’s something that comes through.” 

The film features an ensemble cast, including Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons, “Game of Thrones” star Liam Cunningham, and Tunisian actor Dhafer L’Abidine, alongside Palestinian talents Hiam Abbass, Yasmine Al-Massri, Kamel El Basha, and Saleh Bakri.

At the Red Sea International Film Festival premiere of the film in December, Jacir walked the red carpet with Palestinian Jordanian designer Reema Dahbour, who dressed the director for the event.

Dahbour created a custom piece titled “From the River to the Sea,” which she described on social media as “a dress born from our narrative, our symbols, and our enduring connection to the land. A garment that mirrors the spirit showcased so powerfully in the film.”