CANNES: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who is at the Cannes Film Festival this week for the documentary “The Six Billion Dollar Man,” is thinking about how to become politically active again once he has fully recovered from prison, said his wife, Stella.
Assange, 53, returned to his native Australia after pleading guilty last June under an agreement with US officials to one count of illegally obtaining and disclosing national security materials.
The plea ended Assange’s five-year stay in a British prison, which followed seven years at the Ecuadorian embassy as he sought to avoid extradition to Sweden on sexual assault allegations.
Assange denied those allegations and called them a pretext to extradite him to the United States over WikiLeaks.
WikiLeaks in 2010 released hundreds of thousands of classified US military documents on Washington’s wars in Afghanistan and Iraq — the largest security breaches of their kind in US military history — along with swaths of diplomatic cables.
“He was in a very grave situation in the prison. He’s recovering from that,” Stella Assange told Reuters in Cannes.
“But now he’s coming to understand how grave the situation outside (prison) is and thinking, making plans to find the means of what to do about it,” she added.
“He’s very, very concerned about the state of the world and the state that we’re all in right now,” said Stella, who met Assange in London in 2011 while working as part of his legal team.
Julian and Stella Assange, wearing a brooch with a picture of British designer Vivienne Westwood holding a sign saying “Stop Killing,” walked the red carpet on Wednesday evening.
Julian has so far not spoken at any of his appearances.
Assange’s extradition fight
The documentary from Emmy-winning director Eugene Jarecki takes on the tone of a high-tech international thriller to recount Assange’s fight against extradition, using WikiLeaks footage and archives, and previously unpublished evidence.
Jarecki, who began filming before Assange was released, said he never expected to see him walk around Cannes as a free man.
By inviting Assange, the festival was sending a message about the need for freedom of information and a free press, Jarecki told Reuters, as those values are in decline in many parts of the world according to an index from Reporters without Borders.
The director called Assange “a canary in the coal mine” in foretelling the US government’s current moves to exert more control over media access to US President Donald Trump.
“If we had taken that bit more seriously, we might have seen a bunch of this coming,” said the US director.
Assange’s lawyer, Jennifer Robinson, told Reuters that the film portrayed the WikiLeaks founder as he should be shown.
“This film is absolutely necessary in terms of telling the story of free speech and what Julian Assange, his case means for the world, not just for him, but for the world,” she said.
Julian Assange open to political action as Cannes hosts documentary
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Julian Assange open to political action as Cannes hosts documentary
- WikiLeaks founder makes surprise showing at festival
- The Six Billion Dollar Man documentary premiered at Cannes and it highlights Assange's extradition fight
Red Sea-backed films set to shine at 2025 Locarno Film Festival
DUBAI: Three films supported by the Red Sea Film Foundation will feature at this year’s Locarno Film Festival, which takes place in Switzerland from Aug. 6-16.
Among the 2025 lineup are “Irkalla – Gilgamesh’s Dream” by Iraqi filmmaker Mohamed Al-Daradji, “Becoming” by Kazakh director Zhannat Alshanova, and “Exile” from Tunisian filmmaker Mehdi Hmili.
Each was backed by the foundation through either the Red Sea Fund or the Red Sea Souk, two initiatives designed to champion bold new voices from the Arab world and beyond.
“Irkalla – Gilgamesh’s Dream” offers a reimagining of the Epic of Gilgamesh set against a haunting contemporary backdrop. The film follows a street kid with diabetes as he tries to persuade his tough best friend, the legendary Gilgamesh, to take him to the underworld Arkala.
“Becoming” by Alshanova, a London-based writer/director from Kazakhstan, follows a young woman grappling with identity and independence in modern-day Kazakhstan.
“Exile,” from Hmili, is a powerful portrait of displacement and belonging. In the biggest steel factory of Tunisia, four workers suffering from psychological and physical disorders are haunted by the loss of their colleague. In an atmosphere of social and political tension, their struggle will help them overcome their pain.
The Red Sea Film Foundation said it was “proud to have supported these exceptional projects” and celebrated their selection as a milestone moment for regional cinema.
Ashi Studio unveils sculptural silhouettes in Paris
DUBAI: Ashi Studio, founded by Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi, presented its Fall/Winter 2026 haute couture collection during Paris Haute Couture Week, featuring a series of architectural gowns and tailored creations.
The collection focused on structured silhouettes and exaggerated proportions, with many looks emphasizing sharp tailoring, corsetry and sculpted waistlines.
Several pieces featured dark satin corsets with lace trim, dramatic fishtails, high slits and cascading fringe panels. Throughout the collection, waists was cinched and hips were accentuated.
A palette of black, ivory and champagne was punctuated by shimmering metallics and embroidery. Satin, tulle, lace and jacquard were prominent, with select garments incorporating feathers, beaded applique and textured embellishments.
Several looks integrated embroidery that resembled botanical and animal motifs, while others featured sculptural three-dimensional elements like floral bustiers or carved wooden corsets. One standout piece was a cream ensemble embroidered with monkeys and leaves, while another featured a corset carved in a wood-like finish, wrapped by sculptural monkeys.
Other designs included sheer tulle gowns with visible corsetry, jackets with dramatic shoulders and floral applique and fully sequined dresses embroidered with birds and foliage.
Some models carried small clutches made from matching textiles.
Nojoud Al-Rumaihi attended the show. (Getty Images)
US rapper Cardi B was among the high-profile guests at the Paris-based brand’s presentation. She arrived wearing an ivory lace gown with a high-neck and long-sleeves. The dress featured sheer panels, tiered ruffles and a voluminous asymmetrical skirt. She completed the look with pointed heels and a side braid.
The rapper posed for photos alongside Ashi ahead of the show.
Ashi’s creations have been worn by the likes of Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Penélope Cruz, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, Queen Rania of Jordan and more.
Ashi became the first couturier from the Gulf region to join the Fédération de la Haute Couture in Paris as a guest member in 2023. He also became the first designer from the Gulf to be included in the BoF 500 list, the Business of Fashion’s index of the people shaping the fashion industry in 2023.
Ashi designed the inaugural fashion line for the cabin crew of the Kingdom’s new airline, Riyadh Air, which is on track to make its maiden flight this year.
Riyadh Fashion Week issues final call for designer applications ahead of 3rd edition
DUBAI: Riyadh Fashion Week (RFW) is gearing up for its third edition, with organizers issuing a final call for designer applications. Fashion houses from across Saudi Arabia and around the world have until July 15 to submit their proposals for inclusion in the official calendar.
One of the Middle East’s most anticipated fashion events, RFW offers a platform for both emerging and established designers to showcase their collections to international buyers and industry leaders.
The official calendar will feature a broad spectrum of brand activations beyond traditional runway shows. Designers can also take part in curated presentations, showroom exhibitions, trunk shows, retail pop-ups, creative takeovers, private dinners and immersive experiences.
Saudi Arabia-based and international fashion brands across ready-to-wear, couture, menswear, and streetwear categories are eligible.
“This is more than a runway,” said Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission. “It is a statement of creative identity, innovation, and ambition. Riyadh Fashion Week provides a high-impact opportunity for designers to tell their story on a global stage.”
Zayed National Museum to explore UAE’s storied history
- Located on Saadiyat Island, the Zayed National Museum has a bevy of illustrious neighbors including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum and teamLab Phenomena
DUBAI: As Zayed National Museum gets ready to open its doors in the UAE capital, Arab News spoke to director Peter Magee about the museum’s aims and what visitors can expect.
An opening date is yet to be announced, but the center will focus on the history of the UAE with special emphasis on Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It will explore early human settlements that go back 300,000 years as well as the area’s language, traditions, and flora and fauna.
“The narrative within the museum is guided by the enduring values of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan,” explained Magee. “We look at those values and then we look at the way in which they guided him, but also the way in which they reflect social values which exist within the UAE both in the past and the present — and in the future.
“It's a national museum focused on the UAE, but of course it looks at the regional links which existed to other countries in the Arabian Gulf, the Indian Ocean and even further afield.”
One particular highlight is a full-size reconstruction of a Magan boat from the Bronze Age, constructed with reeds and palm-fiber rope. Magee and his team sailed in it for two days on the waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Located on Saadiyat Island, the Zayed National Museum has a bevy of illustrious neighbors including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum and teamLab Phenomena.
“The way I like to think about it is that each of these museums and institutions … is its own star … and in combination they appear like a constellation or something that can be read coherently together as well as individually,” Magee said.
Georges Hobeika showcases Fall/Winter 2026 collection at Paris Haute Couture Week
DUBAI: Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika presented his Fall/Winter 2025/2026 couture collection as part of Paris Haute Couture Week.
Known for his craftsmanship and red-carpet-ready designs, Hobeika’s latest offering featured a wide array of detailed gowns and structured silhouettes.
The runway collection showcased a soft color palette, with shades of beige, blush pink, maroon, black, blue, and brown making up the core color story.
Fabrics included heavily embroidered textiles, delicate lace, satin and tulle. Many looks incorporated tonal embellishments and shimmering surface details.
Beaded bodices, crystal fringe, and metallic appliqués were prominent throughout the collection, adding texture and dimension.
Silhouettes ranged from structured floor-length gowns and A-line dresses to voluminous skirts and sleek, form-fitting eveningwear. There were also several mid-length and tea-length designs with sculptural detailing, along with a few two-piece sets featuring cropped tops and high-waisted skirts.
One standout bridal look appeared during the show — a long-sleeved gown with sheer detailing and silver embroidery. The dress was paired with a beaded headpiece and a trailing veil.
Accessories were kept minimal, with statement earrings and clean, slicked-back hair showed off by the models.
Toward the end of the show, Hobeika and his son Jad Hobeika walked the runway together to thank their supporters.
Paris Haute Couture Week kicked off on Monday with Schiaparelli’s Fall 2025 show, marking the start of a series of high-fashion presentations that will run through July 10.
The opening show did not begin with sequins or traditional red carpet glamor, but with the surreal sight of Cardi B and a live crow.
Wrapped in a custom Schiaparelli gown of graphic fringe, the US rapper stood beneath the gilded columns of the Petit Palais, holding the black bird on her arm. Her avian plus one squawked, glared and nearly lunged — setting the tone for a monochrome show that itself soared straight into the surreal.
On the first day, Iris Van Herpen, Imane Ayissi, Rahul Mishra, Julie de Libran and Giambattista Valli also showcased their collections.
In addition to Georges Hobeika, several other Arab designers are on the calendar, including Ashi Studio, Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad and Rami Al-Ali.
