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Saudi Film Commission to Showcase Saudi Cinema at SXSW London

Saudi Film Commission to Showcase Saudi Cinema at SXSW London

CairoScene03-06-2025
Spotlighting homegrown talent, the Saudi Film Commission heads to SXSW London with screenings, talks, and exhibitions
The Saudi Film Commission is set to participate in the first European edition of the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival, which will take place in London from June 2nd to the 7th. Traditionally held in Austin, Texas, SXSW is known for its cross-industry focus on film, music, and innovation, drawing global attention for its platforming of creative and emerging talent.
The Saudi Commission, joined by representatives from the Music, Culinary Arts, and Fashion Commissions, will spotlight a range of creative sectors through panels, screenings, and exhibitions. The film programme includes a selection of short films curated under the 'Saudi Film Nights' banner, showcasing local storytelling and emerging filmmakers.
A featured panel titled 'Empowering the Film Industry in Saudi Arabia: From Vision to Reality' will explore the development of the national film industry and its growing role in supporting cultural identity and economic diversification.
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Suez's New 1-of-1 Khayamiyya Drop is an Ode to Egyptian Craftsmanship
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  • CairoScene

Suez's New 1-of-1 Khayamiyya Drop is an Ode to Egyptian Craftsmanship

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Um Kolthoum at the heart of 33rd Arab Music Festival and Conference - Music - Arts & Culture
Um Kolthoum at the heart of 33rd Arab Music Festival and Conference - Music - Arts & Culture

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Jane Birkin's original Hermès bag sells at auction for whopping 8.6 million euros - Style - Life & Style
Jane Birkin's original Hermès bag sells at auction for whopping 8.6 million euros - Style - Life & Style

Al-Ahram Weekly

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  • Al-Ahram Weekly

Jane Birkin's original Hermès bag sells at auction for whopping 8.6 million euros - Style - Life & Style

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Birkin asked Dumas why Hermès didn't make a bigger handbag and sketched out on an airplane vomit bag the sort of hold-all that she would like. He then had an example made for her and, flattered, she agreed when Hermès asked whether it could commercialize the bag in her name. 'There is no doubt that the Original Birkin bag is a true one-of-a-kind — a singular piece of fashion history that has grown into a pop culture phenomenon that signals luxury in the most refined way possible. It is incredible to think that a bag initially designed by Hermès as a practical accessory for Jane Birkin has become the most desirable bag in history,' said Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's head of handbags and fashion. The bag became so famous that Birkin once mused before her death in 2023 at age 76 that her obituaries would likely 'say, 'Like the bag' or something.' 'Well, it could be worse,' she added. Sotheby's said that seven design elements on the handcrafted all-black leather prototype set it apart from Birkins that followed. It's the only Birkin with a nonremovable shoulder strap — fitting for the busy life and practicality of the singer, actor, social activist and mother who was also known for her romantic relationship with French singer Serge Gainsbourg and their duets that included the steamy 1969 song 'Je t'aime moi non plus' ('I Love You, Me Neither'). Her bag also had a nail clipper attached, because Birkin 'was never one for long painted nails,' Sotheby's said The bag that Hermès handmade for her, developed off its existing Haut A Courroies model, also has gilded brass hardware, bottom studs and other features that differ from commercial Birkins. Birkin's casual, breezy style in the 1960s and early 1970s — long hair with bangs, jeans paired with white tops, knit minidresses and basket bags — still epitomizes the height of French chic for many women around the world. 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'Its presence spans the worlds of music, film, television and the arts,' it added. 'It is a red-carpet staple, a fashion magazine mainstay, and a coveted piece in the wardrobes of celebrities, artists and stylists.' Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:

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