[This is a monthly roundup of news articles and other materials related to artistically inclined topics challenging cultural hegemony in the region, and beyond. It does not reflect the views of the Vox Populi Page Editors or of Jadaliyya. You may send recommendations for inclusion in the Vox Populi Media Roundup to voxpopuli@jadaliyya.com, mentioning “Roundup” in the subject line. We also welcome your submissions to the Vox Populi Page.]
“#WeAreIsraa reminds the Arab world of the misogyny that kills women”
An in-depth article describing the alleged events leading up to the death of Israa Gharib, a twenty-one-year-old Palestinian woman. Includes an overview of conflicting opinions on the crime and a discussion of Palestine’s past legal approaches to honor killings.
“Israa Gharib’s murder has nothing to do with honour”
An opinion piece pointing out that Israa’s murder is part of a global phenomenon of violence against women, and asserting that labeling Gharib’s murder as an honor killing not only implies that the crime is separate from the more general crime of femicide, but also encourages people to treat the crime as a specifically Middle Eastern or Asian issue.
“This New Book Highlights Arab Women Reporting From the Arab World”
An interview with Zahra Hankir and a description of her new anthology Our Women on the Ground, which attempts to elevate the voices of women journalists in the Arab world.
“Arab Women Are Tired of Talking About Just ‘Women’s Issues’”
An article on notable Arab women amplifying the female perspective in literary, academic, and artistic spaces. With discussion on Zahra Hankir’s new book, Nada Abdelsamad’s weekly talk show Dunyana and Jokha al-Harthi’s International Booker Prize-winning novel, Celestial Bodies.
“Arab theatre faces increased challenges in reaching the public”
An article on Egyptian playwright Sherif Saleh’s experience as a creative artist, where theater has been at the forefront of the media that raised awareness and reintroduced freedom, justice, and human dignity. This is placed in contrast with the current state of affairs, where the theater is no longer in the field of influence.
“Arab Artist Dana collaborates with Malayali craftsmen for her work”
A look into the perspective and influences behind Palestinian-Saudi artist Dana Awartani’s upcoming exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, most notably her tapestry depicting monuments destroyed by wars in the Middle East.
“Meet Maysa Daw, the New Member of Palestine’s Biggest Rap Crew”
An interview with Maysa about joining DAM (Palestine’s first hip-hop group), being politicized as a Palestinian artist, and joining Jerusalem fashion bran tRASHY’s new campaign.
“Saudi filmmaker Haifaa Al-Mansour returns with 'The Perfect Candidate'"
A look into al-Mansour’s past projects, with a focus on her latest film and an interview with the filmmaker. The comedic drama is the first film to be supported by the Saudi Film Council.
“Artists paint the many faces of Yemen”
An exploration of the different themes and mediums of Yemeni artists creating in the midst of the devastation of war. The pieces are being exhibited in Giza, under the title “Yemeni Art Caravan.”
“Teen Egyptian girl’s case puts the legal system under spotlight”
The debate over the treatment of women in Egypt’s legal system has risen after the prosecution of a fifteen-year-old girl who killed a bus driver after he allegedly tried to rape her.
“Nawal El Saadawi: Unlocking the shackles of Arab women with a pen”
An overview of El Saadawi’s life, achievements and the ongoing fight against patriarchal oppression; “she’s the sun that can’t be extinguished”.
“New Book Showcases Contemporary Arab Artists as Survivors”
Arabicity: Contemporary Arab Art explores common cultural links in an anthological format. This article introduces readers to the author, Rose Issa, and her book’s themes.
“Forgotten female artists of Modern Arab art to get their due in Sharjah show”
A look into collector Sooud al-Qassemi’s journey as he collects artworks made by Arab women in an attempt to achieve gender parity.
“These Arab films are in the running for an Oscar nomination”
A description of each of the four Arab films vying for an Oscar nomination. Including films from Palestine, Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia.
“ISIS legacy in Iraq has an enduring effect on Yazidi survivors”
A discussion on the potential resurgence of ISIS in Iraq, with a focus on ISIS’s ongoing impact on Iraqi women.
الأمن المصري يطلق الغاز المسيل للدموع لتفريق متظاهرين وسط القاهرة
تظاهرات بأعداد صغيرة في القاهرة تطالب برحيل الرئيس السيسي مع انتشار واضح لقوات الشرطة و الجيش عقب انطلاق حملة #هننزل_بعد_الماتش، اي بعد مباراة الأهلي و الزمالك والتي فاز بها النادي الأهلي بكأس مصر. و قد سبقت تلك الدعوات للتظاهر سلسلة من الفيديوهات اطلقها الممثل المصري محمد علي و الذي عرف ايضاً بمقاولاته مع الجيش المصر. و قد اتهم علي في فيديوهاته الرئيس المصري عبد الفتاح السيسي و قيادات في الجيش المصري بالفساد.
لبنان يودع صانع النجوم سيمون أسمر
وفاة المخرج اللبناني سيمون أسمر عن عمر ناهز 76 عاماً بعد صراع طويل مع مرض السرطان "تاركا خلفه إرثا كبيرا لن ينساه عالم كبير من الفن والفنانين."
"بيروت آرت فير": الفن كسردية بديلة
٥٥ معرض فني ل ١٨ دولة من المشرق و المغرب العربي في المعرض الفني الدولي للفن الحديث والمعاصر "بيروت آرت فير" لعام ٢٠١٩.
“أردني” متهم في مصر.. وسؤال ساخر: إزاي وضع “لايك” ضد السيسي وهو داخل السجن؟
عبد الرحمن الرواجبة، شاب اردني قاده اهتمامه بالسينما بالسفر الى مصر ليعتقل من بيته و يتهم بالتحريض على التظاهر ضد الحكومة المصرية.