Latest news with #NCCAL
Kuwait Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
NCCAL hosts workshop on receiving cinematic image
KUWAIT: As part of its ongoing Summer Culture 17 festival, the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) organized a workshop on Wednesday at the National Library of Kuwait titled Receiving the Cinematic Image. The session was presented by renowned Egyptian screenwriter Wael Hamdy and attended by a group of cinema enthusiasts and professionals working in the visual content industry. The workshop centered around an in-depth analysis of a short film written by Hamdy and directed by Karim Shaaban. Participants explored the various stages of filmmaking — from concept development and dramatic treatment, to scriptwriting, set design, casting, cinematography, editing and sound design. Hamdy emphasized the importance of understanding every technical aspect that appears on screen, including lighting, color schemes, and camera angles, all of which, he noted, play a pivotal role in shaping the audience's perception. He explained that while cultures and environments may differ, the final artistic product delivered to the viewer retains a universal visual language. The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) organizes a workshop on Wednesday at the National Library of Kuwait as part of its ongoing Summer Culture 17 festival. – KUNA photos He also praised NCCAL and the National Library for organizing workshops that empower and educate young creatives, pointing out that hosting regional experts reflects the Council's commitment to delivering quality programming and nurturing local talent in the film industry. Participant Saleh Taqi, an amateur photographer, expressed his enthusiasm for the session, noting that the workshop enhanced his understanding of cinematic vision — a valuable tool for his photography. 'The presenter explained the types of lenses and shooting angles used to support the film's narrative, which introduced me to new techniques I can apply in my own work,' he said. Fellow participant Manahel Al-Tamimi, a cinema and drama enthusiast, shared that she joined the workshop out of admiration for Hamdy's work and her curiosity about the screenwriting process. 'I've followed Wael Hamdy's projects closely, and this was a great opportunity to gain insight into his storytelling methods and compare them with other writing styles,' she noted, adding that such workshops enrich the artistic community and provide aspiring creatives with valuable knowledge. The Summer Culture 17 festival, which launched last Wednesday, runs for seven weeks and features a diverse lineup of cultural and artistic events aimed at engaging the public and fostering creativity across multiple disciplines. — KUNA
Arab Times
12-07-2025
- General
- Arab Times
UAE's Al Faya site added to UNESCO World Heritage List
KUWAIT CITY, July 12: The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) warmly congratulated the leadership, government, and people of the United Arab Emirates and the Emirate of Sharjah on the inclusion of the Al Faya archaeological site in UNESCO's World Heritage List for 2025. In a statement to KUNA, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Minister of Information and Culture, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and NCCAL Chairman, expressed pride in this milestone and commended the UAE's continuous commitment to cultural and heritage preservation. NCCAL noted that the inscription highlights the UAE's ongoing dedication to safeguarding human heritage and preserving the rich cultural and historical identity of the region. This recognition also enhances Arab and Gulf contributions to the global heritage landscape. The Council wished the UAE further progress and success in promoting its cultural legacy internationally. Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the official ambassador for the nomination, accepted the recognition on behalf of the UAE and Sharjah. She emphasized that the Faya Palaeolandscape underlines Sharjah's important role in early human history, with findings that showcase the ingenuity of ancient human communities. This achievement crowns over 30 years of research and excavation by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, in partnership with international academic institutions like the University of Tübingen and Oxford Brookes University. Since 2014, this work has been a key part of UNESCO's Human Evolution, Adaptations, Dispersals and Social Developments (HEADS) program. Eisa Yousif, Director-General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, described the inscription as a result of scientific excellence, cultural responsibility, and global collaboration. He remarked that Faya now belongs to all humanity, just as it did more than 210,000 years ago. The UAE and Sharjah have outlined a long-term conservation and management plan (2024–2030) focused on sustainable tourism, continued research, and education, aligned with UNESCO's guidelines. Currently, there are 96 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 18 Arab countries. With this addition, the global list includes 1,226 sites of outstanding universal value across 168 nations.
Arab Times
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
NCCAL holds 17th Summer Cultural Festival with songs of Fadel Chaker
KUWAIT CITY, July 10: The National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL) launched the 17th edition of the 'Summer Cultural Festival' on Wednesday with a musical concert at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, featuring a selection of songs by artist Fadel Chaker. During the opening at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ali Hall, Secretary- General of NCCAL Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar said this edition reflects NCCAL's commitment to supporting endeavors that uplift the mind, enrich the soul, and enhance culture's role in everyday life. He affirmed that the festival has become a prominent milestone on Kuwait's cultural map, bringing together a distinguished group of artists, creators, and lovers of beauty and art. Dr. Al-Jassar stressed that NCCAL views culture as a shared responsibility and appreciates constructive cooperation with the private sector, which plays a vital role in enriching the intellectual scene and ensuring seamless implementation of the festival's programs. He said NCCAL's partnerships with institutions and individuals have expanded cultural engagement and brought artistic activities closer to the public, highlighting that this collaboration between the public and private sectors represents a strategic approach to building a dynamic, evolving cultural community rooted in its heritage and open to future horizons. Dr. Al-Jassar highlighted that this year's festival includes many activities that reflect Arab identity and celebrate Kuwait's artistic heritage through a variety of events involving children and families, as well as specialized literary and artistic workshops spanning seven weeks. He noted that all cultural sites, centers, and museums will be dedicated to supporting the festival's programs. Dr. Al-Jassar emphasized that the festival is more than just a seasonal cultural event; it is a living expression of the council's commitment to the belief that 'culture is a field for all, a bridge for intergenerational connection, and a window into the realms of human creativity.' He expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this edition and to the esteemed audience, who embody the festival's purpose and message. During the concert, hosted by media personality Hashem Asad, artists Mohammed Fadel Chaker and Raneen Al-Shaar performed under the direction of maestro Michael Ibrahim, presenting a selection of Fadel Chaker's songs. NCCAL honored the band and participating artists (KUNA)
Arab Times
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
Kuwait kicks off 17th Summer Cultural Festival at JACC
KUWAIT CITY, July 10: The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) officially launched the 17th Summer Cultural Festival on Wednesday with a concert at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center (JACC), featuring acclaimed Kuwaiti singer Fadel Shaker. In his opening speech, NCCAL Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar emphasized that the festival reflects the council's dedication to nurturing the mind, enriching the spirit, and embedding culture in everyday life. He described the annual event as a prominent fixture on Kuwait's cultural calendar, drawing large crowds and serving as a vibrant platform for artists, creators, and art enthusiasts. Dr. Al-Jassar highlighted the importance of culture as a shared responsibility, praising the fruitful collaboration with the private sector, which plays a vital role in enriching the intellectual and artistic scene. He noted that partnerships with various institutions and individuals have broadened the reach of cultural activities, bringing artistic experiences closer to the public and fostering a dynamic cultural community that honors Kuwait's heritage while embracing future possibilities. This year's festival spans seven weeks and features a diverse program celebrating Arab identity and Kuwait's artistic legacy. Activities include events tailored for children and families, as well as specialized workshops in literary and artistic disciplines. The festival utilizes all cultural venues, centers, and museums across the country to host its array of programs. Dr. Al-Jassar described the festival not merely as a seasonal cultural event but as a living testament to NCCAL's principle that 'culture is a field for all, a bridge between generations, and a window to human creativity.' He expressed gratitude to all contributors and the enthusiastic audience, who embody the festival's goals and message. The opening ceremony, hosted by media personality Hashem Asad, featured performances by Mohamed Fadel Shaker and Raneen Al-Shaar, accompanied by maestro Michael Ibrahim and his band. The National Council honored the participating artists in recognition of their contributions to the festival.
Arab Times
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
NCCAL dissolves Popular Theater Troupe Board of Directors in Kuwait over legal breaches
KUWAIT CITY, July 6: The Secretary- General of the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL) has issued a decision to dissolve the Board of Directors of the Popular Theater Troupe due to violations of Law No. 24/1962 concerning clubs and public benefit associations, along with its amendments, reports Al-Seyassah daily. According to the decision, which was published in the official gazette 'Kuwait Al-Youm', an interim board of directors has been appointed to manage the troupe for six months. The board will convene a regular general assembly to elect a new board of directors under the association's bylaws. The appointed interim board of directors includes: - Chairman: Manal Al-Baghdadi (from the Ministry of Information) - Secretary: Abdul Razzaq Al-Enezi (from the Kuwait Society of Lawyers) - Financial Director: Hanan Al- Rubaian (from the Ministry of Finance) - Administrative Director: Talal Al- Osaimi (Specialist) - Public Relations Director: Jassim Al-Nabhan (Founding artist) The decision also requires the dissolved board to hand over all papers, documents, funds, trusts, and seals in their possession, documented through official delivery records, within three days of the dissolution decision.
