VOX Cinemas reveals series of homegrown Arabic films

Toni El Massih, Managing Director, Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas and Abdulaziz Almuzaini, Chief Executive Officer, Sirb Production and Myrkott Animation Studio. (SUPPLIED)
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Updated 02 December 2022
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VOX Cinemas reveals series of homegrown Arabic films

  • Announcement “reaffirms committment to produce 25 films in 5 years”

DUBAI: Plans are afoot to create a series of Arabic films, VOX Cinemas, the movie arm of Majid Al Futtaim announced on Friday at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah. Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment & Cinemas CEO, Ignace Lahoud said the announcement reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the production of 25 Arabic films in five years.

In a line-up that features titles from new and established filmmakers in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE and Lebanon, VOX Cinemas is “reaffirming its commitment to become a major player in Arabic film production” Lahoud said.

 

 

“It is an exciting time for Arabic film, which has been gaining plaudits and audiences in the region and beyond, and tends to outperform foreign films,” he added.

“Distinctly local productions, particularly in a nascent market like Saudi Arabia, offer an untapped and real opportunity.”

 

 

Lahoud said VOX Cinemas would be working with a number of production companies In the ongoing push to growing a “sustainable film industry”.

“Storytelling is deeply rooted in Arabic culture,” he added, saying “VOX Cinemas is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of regional filmmakers and empowering them to use the language of film to tell their stories.”

The movies will be produced through collaborations with the likes of Image Nation Abu Dhabi and MBC Studios, as well as Film Clinic and Sirb Productions.

Currently under production are a number of titles including ‘HWJN (Hawjen)’, directed by Yasir Al Yasiri and due for release next year; other titles include “King of the Ring,” a Saudi remake of the South Korean comedy drama hit “The Foul King,” and “Voy! Voy! Voy!,” which is also slated for 2023.


Mona Tougaard takes to Dior runway in Paris

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Mona Tougaard takes to Dior runway in Paris

  • Jonathan Anderson’s fall-winter 2026 clothes displayed
  • Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlize Theron among the attendees

PARIS/ DUBAI: Model Mona Tougaard stepped onto the Dior runway at the Tuileries Garden during Paris Fashion Week recently.

The sun was out over the glass-walled runway at the famed Tuileries Garden in the French capital on Tuesday, flooding Jonathan Anderson’s fall-winter 2026 collection for Dior with a golden light that invoked Impressionist paintings.

Among the celebrities at Paris Fashion Week packed into the glass walkways around the park’s octagonal basin — dotted with artificial water lilies in a nod to Monet — were Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlize Theron, Jisoo, Priyanka Chopra, Willow Smith, Emily Ratajkowski and Macaulay Culkin.

Mona Tougaard wore a structured, high-neck jacket in a pale ivory tone. (Getty Images)

It was a fitting mood for a collection steeped in flowers, water and the art of being seen.

For the show Tougaard, who has Danish, Turkish, Somali and Ethiopian ancestry, wore a structured, high-neck jacket in a pale ivory tone with soft pastel feather-like patterns in shades of blue and blush.

The jacket was tailored and fitted through the waist, fastened with small buttons down the front, and finished with delicate feather detailing along the hem.

The show took place at the Tuileries Garden in the French capital. (Getty Images)

It was paired with a dramatic, layered black tulle skirt featuring polka-dot mesh and scalloped lace edges. The skirt was short and voluminous at the front with multiple ruffled tiers, while a sheer asymmetrical train extended from the back, adding movement as she walked.

She completed the look with black-and-white pointed heels, creating a sharp contrast against the airy textures of the outfit.

Besides Tougaard’s look, the runway also featured deconstructed frock coats, peplum jackets and bustle skirts in candied almond shades, Chantilly lace and metallic jacquards. Shrunken blazers sat above lampshade skirts in baby-soft shearling.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Sculptural knits held their shape like origami.

The floral theme was everywhere — but it was developed through silhouette and fabric rather than slapped on literally.

Crinkled cardigans recalled the corolla of a bloom. Asymmetrically fastened skirts and dresses evoked petals. Even the crystal detailing on embroidered jeans carried a botanical echo.

Anderson reprised his Donegal tweed take on the house’s legendary Bar jacket, but made it longer and looser.

The spiral cage dresses that wowed at his recent couture show returned as clouds of soft pleated fabric.

There were ivory hammered silk track pants with covered bridal buttons, jeans with ribbon embroidery and plain robe coats worn as dresses — garments rarely given the spotlight on a runway.