Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 128
July 2, 2024
Triumph at the Toronto Arab Film Festival: Two Films from MAD Solutions Bag Top Honors
In a significant acknowledgment of their filmic narrative and cultural representation, two cinematic masterpieces from MAD Solutions’ portfolio have been feted at the recently held Toronto Arab Film Festival (June 20-30). Karim Bensalah’s poignant drama, SIX FEET OVER, captured the covetous Nakheel Award for Best Feature Film, while Hend Bakr’s absorbing documentary, THE TEDIOUS TOUR OF M, was honored with an Honorable Mention for Best Feature Film.
Bensalah’s Algerian-French drama, SIX FEET OVER, has already made waves across various film festivals, kicking off at the Montpellier Mediterranean Film Festival with its world premiere. It earned the Best Screenplay Award at the Red Sea International Film Festival, where it also had its Arab World premiere. The compelling narrative follows Sofiane, a peripatetic son of a former Algerian embassy clerk, who embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery when his visa is revoked, and he works for a Muslim funeral home.
The film was directed and co-written by Karim Bensalah and Jamal Belmahi, and features an emerging Moroccan actor, Hamza Meziani, and veteran Algerian actor, Kader Affak. With MAD Distribution handling the film’s Arab-speaking world distribution, and The Party Film Sales managing its global distribution, the film is set to touch hearts worldwide.
Meanwhile, Hend Bakr’s Egyptian documentary, THE TEDIOUS TOUR OF M, delves into the self-imposed solitude of Mohamed Hafez Ragab, a celebrated writer in the annals of modern Egyptian literature. Bakr explores the reasons behind Ragab’s choice to self-isolate for over 30 years, abandoning his writing career at its zenith. The film has already garnered a Special Jury Mention for Humanity and Continuity at the Independent International Documentary Film Festival in Moscow.
MAD World is overseeing the documentary’s worldwide sales, while MAD Distribution assumes responsibility for distribution in the MENA region, ensuring a global audience for this fascinating piece of cinematic exploration. With such notable recognitions, these two films continue to assert the potency of Arab cinema on the international stage.
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“SPRINT”: A Buzzing Netflix Documentary on the 2023 Athletics World Championship
“SPRINT” is a Netflix documentary directed by Phil Turner.
In 2023, Budapest was the stage for the Athletics World Championship, attracting the world’s finest athletes for one pivotal race – the 100 meters sprint. All their training, hopes, and glory descend into a 10-second showdown. These athletes battle a riveting paradox: a mere 10 seconds to etch their names into the annals of history, at least for a few years.
Enter “SPRINT”, an intriguing Netflix documentary series that takes you on an exclusive journey with these athletes, delving deep into their lives and the preparations that have led them to this pivotal world meet. It provides an intimate look at interviews with coaches, family, and others. However, the real stars of the documentary are the athletes, who come across as thrilled to appear on a Netflix show.
The documentary shines the spotlight on various athletes, including standouts such as Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, Shericka Jackson, Marcel Jackobs, and Shally-Ann Fraser-Price. Each athlete has their unique style, but the eccentric ones like Noah Lyles, an American runner who envisages himself as a rock star, garner special attention.
On the female front, we have the vivacious Sha’Carri Richardson, a sprinter who competes in the 100 and 200 meters, known for her glamour, eccentricity, and flamboyant on-camera persona.
The documentary doesn’t just focus on the competing athletes but also features interviews with Olympic medallists such as Michael Johnson.
“SPRINT” is not just a documentary about the 2023 championship but a spectacular prequel to the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, which commence in a few days.
As one athlete puts it, it’s an opportunity to prepare for this year’s main event, providing an unmatched opportunity for the athletes to gear up for the upcoming Olympics, which is set to determine their success or failure.
About the DocumentarySix episodes take you close to the competition, narrated by the best storytellers possible – the athletes themselves, who once again invite us into their private lives and open up to the Netflix cameras.
The documentary employs a tried-and-tested formula, similar to most sports documentaries on the streaming platform, chronicling a year of competition and the athletes’ preparations. Netflix’s influence is immense, and all athletes happily partake in the documentary, knowing that there’s no better publicity than a Netflix feature.
An unmissable documentary leading up to the 2024 games, which commence in just a few days, “SPRINT” offers an unparalleled opportunity to get up close and personal with the majority of these athletes. If athletics piques your interest, this documentary is a top-notch choice.
Enjoy the ride!
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July 1, 2024
Bonhams Presents Summer Series Of American Fine Art Auctions
Los Angeles – Bonhams will host a trio of auctions dedicated to American Art, California Art, Western Art, and the Art of Hawaiʻi from July 28 to August 9. The California & Western Art sale will present important works by Franz Arthur Bischoff and Guy Rose while The Art of Hawaiʻi features the work of historic and modernist artists such as David Howard Hitchcock, Hon-Chew Hee, and Betty Ecke. The American Art Online sale is highlighted by an intimately sized watercolor by Charles Demuth titled Beach.
California & Western ArtAugust 6

The Sea, Laguna, a dynamic scene of waves crashing into the California coastline by Guy Rose (1867-1925), estimated at $200,000 – 300,000, is a highlight of the California & Western Art on August 6 in Los Angeles. One of California’s few native-born plein-air painters, Rose, who spent time in the French art colony of Giverny with Claude Monet, applied the tenants of French Impressionism to the familiar setting of his home state. An additional highlight of the sale is a vibrant still life by Franz Arthur Bischoff (1864-1929) titled Roses and estimated at $300,000 – 500,000. Bischoff’s elegant renderings of florals would ultimately earn him the moniker – King of the Rose Painters. This particular work has been extensively exhibited and will be well known to collectors.
The department is also presenting an online auction from July 30 – August 9 from artists such as James Everett Stuart (1852-1941), John Frederick Holtzmann (1834-1906), Mary Bradish Titcomb (1858-1927), and Francis John McComas (1874-1938). Highlights of the sale include John Frederick Holtzmann’s Big Tree Valley, Calaveras County, California, estimated at $5,000 – 7,000, and Yosemite Valley by James Everett Stuart, estimated at $5,000 – 7,000.
The Art of HawaiʻiJuly 28 – August 7

Two Modernist paintings by Chinese-American artist Hon-Chew Hee (1906-1993) highlight The Art of Hawaiʻi sale from July 28 – August 7. The works include Three Artists (John Young, Pablo Picasso and Self-Portrait), 1976, estimated at $30,000 – 50,000, and Good Table, circa the 1950s, estimated at $25,000 – 35,000. Both works reflect Hee’s unique vision and training, assimilating Chinese, Hawaiian and French Cubist cultural influences and ideologies. The sale will also present Before Darkness, 1962, estimated at $20,000 – 30,000, and Infinite Threshold, 1991, estimated at $12,000 – 18,000, by Betty Ecke (Tseng Yu-Ho) (1925-2017). Ecke is best-known for her innovative dsui hua (assembled paintings) technique which incorporates handmade paper and metal leaf, as shown in the present works. Also of note in the sale is Kainalu, Kailua Bay, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, 1930 by the Volcano School painter David Howard Hitchcock (1861-1943), estimated at $20,000 – 30,000.
American Art OnlineJuly 29 – August 8

From July 29 – August 8, Bonhams’ American Art Online sale will feature works from notable American artists such as Wolf Kahn (1927-2020), Ernie Barnes (1938-2009), Charles Demuth (1883-1935), Herbert Haseltine (1877-1962), and Jervis McEntee (1828-1891). American Precisionist painter Charles Demuth’s Beach executed in 1916 is a highlight of the sale. Estimated at $10,000 – $15,000, this intimately sized watercolor is a charming example of Demuth’s unique stylistic approach depicting the shores of Provincetown. Additionally, the sale will present Bad Weather Brewing, Cedar Springs TX, 1985 by Wolf Kahn, an American painter known for his combination of Realism and Color Field, estimated at $12,000 – 18,000, and Study for Jockey on Horse by Ernie Barnes, known for his depictions of elongated characters in movement,estimated at $12,000 – $18,000.
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Fly High with Max Original Series: KITE MAN: HELL YEAH! Premiering July 18
Get ready to descend into the exciting world of comic book villains as Max Original debuts its latest adult animated series KITE MAN: HELL YEAH! on Thursday, July 18. The show will commence with two adrenaline-packed episodes, followed by a new episode every week until September 12, only on Max.
The show, KITE MAN: HELL YEAH!, proudly showcases characters from the hit Max Original animated series “Harley Quinn,” which is currently in its fifth season and is available for streaming on Max.
Synopsis: The stakes are high as Kite Man and Golden Glider take their love to a new height, trading heroics for hospitality, opening a bar in the shadow of Lex Luthor’s Legion of Doom. This venture isn’t for the faint-hearted as they’ll be serving frosty beverages to the most dangerous rogues outside of Arkham Asylum. However, sometimes the lure of an environment where everyone knows your name, as well as how to cover up a crime, is just too tempting to resist.
Our star-studded cast includes: Matt Oberg voicing the indomitable Kite Man, Stephanie Hsu as the agile Golden Glider, James Adomian as the fearsome Bane, Natasia Demetriou as the malevolent Malice, Janelle James as the enchanting Queen of Fables, Jonathan Banks as the cunning Noonan, Keith David as the powerful Darkseid, Michael Imperioli as the dual character Joe/Moe Dubelz, Rory Scovel as the quirky Gus The Goon, Lance Reddick as the infamous Lex Luthor, and Judith Light as the enigmatic Helen Villigan.
Behind the scenes, the creative genius is driven by the executive producers Dean Lorey, Justin Halpern, Patrick Shumacker, Kaley Cuoco, and Sam Register. The series is a collaborative effort of production companies Delicious Non-Sequitur, Lorey Stories, and Yes, Norman Productions, in association with Warner Bros. Animation, and is based on the thrilling characters of DC Comics.
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Title: “Fly High with Max Original Series: KITE MAN: HELL YEAH! Premiering July 18”
Subtitle: “The latest adult animated series from Max Original takes you on a thrilling comic book adventure.”
Get ready to descend into the exciting world of comic book villains as Max Original debuts its latest adult animated series KITE MAN: HELL YEAH! on Thursday, July 18. The show will commence with two adrenaline-packed episodes, followed by a new episode every week until September 12, only on Max.
The show, KITE MAN: HELL YEAH!, proudly showcases characters from the hit Max Original animated series “Harley Quinn,” which is currently in its fifth season and is available for streaming on Max.
Synopsis: The stakes are high as Kite Man and Golden Glider take their love to a new height, trading heroics for hospitality, opening a bar in the shadow of Lex Luthor’s Legion of Doom. This venture isn’t for the faint-hearted as they’ll be serving frosty beverages to the most dangerous rogues outside of Arkham Asylum. However, sometimes the lure of an environment where everyone knows your name, as well as how to cover up a crime, is just too tempting to resist.
Our star-studded cast includes: Matt Oberg voicing the indomitable Kite Man, Stephanie Hsu as the agile Golden Glider, James Adomian as the fearsome Bane, Natasia Demetriou as the malevolent Malice, Janelle James as the enchanting Queen of Fables, Jonathan Banks as the cunning Noonan, Keith David as the powerful Darkseid, Michael Imperioli as the dual character Joe/Moe Dubelz, Rory Scovel as the quirky Gus The Goon, Lance Reddick as the infamous Lex Luthor, and Judith Light as the enigmatic Helen Villigan.
Behind the scenes, the creative genius is driven by the executive producers Dean Lorey, Justin Halpern, Patrick Shumacker, Kaley Cuoco, and Sam Register. The series is a collaborative effort of production companies Delicious Non-Sequitur, Lorey Stories, and Yes, Norman Productions, in association with Warner Bros. Animation, and is based on the thrilling characters of DC Comics.
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CAKE: The Marie Antoinette Playlist Is Back And Coming To The Other Palace This Autumn
Following electrifying try-out performances at The Lyric Theatre last year, Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul-Taylor Mills present the brand-new musical, come gig, come ballet, now back for a full reign. This time, one of the most prolific monarchs in history has found her (rightful) home at a palace…The Other Palace, to be exact from 13 September 2024 for a strictly limited season.
From some of the most exciting figures in modern British theatre, Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist continues its journey, following a successful UK tour at the start of 2023 and five performances in the West End last September, it now returns for a limited season in London this autumn.
Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist has an award-winning creative team, including Morgan Lloyd Malcolm (Emilia – The Globe), Tasha Taylor Johnson (The Cat In The Hat), singer-song writer and Jack McManus with Bronagh Lagan (Cruise) and Christopher Tendai (Closer To Heaven) joining as director and choreographer respectively, as they build on Olivier winner Drew McOnie (In the Heights; Jesus Christ Superstar) original show.
Reprising their roles will be West End star Zizi Strallen (Mary Poppins; Strictly Ballroom) as Marie Antoinette, and the original Catherine of Aragon in the award-winning musical SIX, Renée Lamb (Be More Chill; SIX) as Jeanne with further casting to be announced.
Combining a multi-genre pop score with 18th century France, Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist, retells a story that sparked a revolution.
Marie Antoinette’s reign was blighted by gossip and scandal. But when she is implicated in a crime to defraud the crown jewellers of a diamond necklace, it is not just her reputation at stake, but the monarchy and France itself.
Cake was originally commissioned by Paul Taylor-Mills (Heathers; In the Heights) and promises to re-define our expectations of what a musical can be.
Paul Taylor-Mills (Artistic Director of The Other Palace):
“I’m delighted we are bringing CAKE to The Other Palace for a full run, as this brand-new genre busting musical continues to evolve following on from its try-out last year. Completing our 2024 programme of new musicals and developing work, from Cruel Intentions the Musical at the start of the year to Babies currently receiving rave reviews, and Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World over the summer, the London Premiere of The Lightning Thief, this will literally be the icing on the CAKE!
Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist has book by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm and Tasha Taylor Johnson, music and lyrics by Jack McManus and Tasha Taylor-Johnson, directed by Bronagh Lagan based on the original staging by Drew McOnie with additional choreography by Christopher Tendai. Set and costume design by Sami Fendall, lighting design by Joshie Harriette and casting by Will Burton.
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June 30, 2024
“The Watchers”: A Unique Spectacle by Ishana Shyamalan
The movie world has a new Shyamalan on the block – Ishana Shyamalan, daughter of renowned filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan. Her latest imaginative horror film, “The Watchers”, serves up a display of compelling cinematography and a creative screenplay.
An extension of her father’s successful legacy in the world of mystery and fantasy, Ishana offers a captivating performance in this film, starring Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Oliver Finnegan, and Olwen Fouere.
Plot Overview: “The Watchers”In an enigmatic Irish forest, people mysteriously vanish. A girl finds herself lost in it and thereby discovers three mysterious inhabitants in a refuge. Each night, enigmatic creatures visit them.

Ishana Shyamalan’s “The Watchers” is a stylish, imaginative film that takes risks in its storyline. Much like her well-known father, Ishana manages to present a wonderfully different horror-fantasy movie, fascinating when it needs to be, and deceptively predictable when, in reality, it is the exact opposite.
“The Watchers” stands out for its image treatment and imaginative screenplay. It’s not a film that will enchant horror fanatics, as it leans more towards the fantasy than horror genre, although containing elements of both.
Dakota Fanning’s intense portrayal enhances the enigma of the main character and her intriguing past. However, it’s the visual magnificence of the film and the carefully constructed scenes that truly accentuate the movie’s charm.
Although it occasionally disappoints when it purposefully plays into predictability, it quickly regains pace, maintaining the audience’s interest.
Our OpinionCertainly, Ishana’s “The Watchers” is a worthy successor to the Shyamalan name. She retains her father’s founding principles but adds a rhythmic fantasy touch and a presentation that draws us closer to horror. It is a commendable film that skillfully positions itself between two genres without trying to appease horror or fantasy fans exclusively.
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June 29, 2024
Ahnnlee Lee: Puck, Nocturnal Paintings – ONE AND J. Gallery, Seoul
ONE AND J. Gallery is pleased to present the gallery’s first exhibition with Ahnnlee Lee. The exhibition “Puck, Nocturnal Paints” will be on view from 7th July through 18th August 2024. Puck is the vivacious fairy in William Shakespeare’s famous comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and is an important motif in the exhibition. Puck loves to play tricks on people and laugh at the chaos that he creates. Puck secretly drops magical juice of the flower Pangy on the eyelids of the man and woman sleeping in the forest at night, making them fall head-over-heels in love with each other. By puck’s trick, it becomes botched and chaos ensues with the love triangle in the play. In the exhibition “Puck and the Night’s Pictures,” Purk is metaphorized as Ahnnlee Lee. Lee closely observes plants in his garden and other large and small things around him, and also takes a deeper look at human relationships. Our daily lives seem to repeat themselves, but if we look closely, they are filled with the dynamic situations and complex emotions derived from numerous human relationships. Lee captures emotions and experiences from his daily relationships for this exhibition. Like as Purk sneaks into a relationship, Lee secretly intervenes in complex and subtle human relationships including love, and captures it in anticipation of a new situation. As if looking forward to a new relationship, he throws paint on the canvas randomly, improvises lines that go against what he intended, or sneaks something into the painting so that only the artist himself can know as a secret.
His new paintings, including Kiss (2024), Carnival Confetti (2024), and Olive Trip (2024), are mainly made of sand. Sand is a common material used in sculptures, and Lee uses it in paintings by utilizing his experience in making them and the characteristics of sand that he can slowly build up. The process of mixing sand, acrylic, and various pigments and taking them out when they dry and repainting them is repeated. In this process, the artist draws emotion and reason by moving them back and forth, and completes the painting when it is painted in tiny units like spots.
[image error]Ahnnlee LeeAbout the ArtistAhnnlee Lee (b. 1985, Korea) attentively observes the surrounding details and fleeting moments, including seeds, leaves, flowers, fruits, light, and birds. Drawing from his senses, he explores the inherent purity of his subjects, expressing it through a balanced and sculptural approach. Through gestures like scratching, weaving, and scraping, he infuses vitality into small and tranquil existences.
Ahnnlee Lee received his DNAP and DNSAP degrees from Beaux-Arts de Paris in France. He has held solo exhibitions at ONE AND J. Gallery, Seoul (2024); Drawing Space SAALGOO, Seoul (2018); Drawing Space SAALGOO, Seoul (2016) and a duo exhibition at ONE AND J. Gallery, Seoul (2023). Participated in group exhibitions including New Spring Project, Seoul (2024); Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art, Gyeonggi (2023); ONE AND J. Gallery, Seoul (2023); Frieze No.9 Cork Street, London (2023); Wumin Art Center, Cheongju (2022); Lee Kang Ha Art Museum, Gwangju (2022); ONE AND J. Gallery, Seoul (2022); Space So, Seoul (2021); HITE Collection, Seoul (2020); Jeju Museum of Contemporary Art, Jeju (2018); Seongbuk Creation Center, Seoul (2017) and others.
If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.
Title: Puck, Noctu rnal Paintings
Artist: Ahnnlee Lee
Exhibition Dates: 7 July – 18 August 2024
Venue: ONE AND J. Gallery (26, Apgujeong-ro 60-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06014, Korea)
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 6pm (Closed on Mondays and holiday)
Opening Reception: 7 July, Sunday, 6pm – 9pm
Summer Night Program(Extended hours for exhibition): 9 – 14 July, 11am – 10pm
Website: oneandj.com
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American Comedic Icon Martin Mull Passes Away at 80: A Legacy Remembered
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of a versatile and much-loved figure, Martin Mull, who passed away at the age of 80 following a long and courageous battle with illness. Mull, best known for his roles in ‘Roseanne’ and ‘Arrested Development’, left a significant mark on American television and art as a respected actor, comedian, painter, and producer.
Reminiscing Martin MullBorn Martin Eugene Mull on August 18, 1943, he developed a spectacular career that moved across various creative fields. Mull was not just a comic actor, he also found success as a musician and painter. He first gained prominence on television through his appearances on ‘Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman’ and its spin-off ‘Fernwood 2 Night.’
Numerous roles followed, garnering him further recognition. The list includes memorable characters such as Colonel Mustard in the 1985 film ‘Clue’, Leon Carp on ‘Roseanne’, Willard Kraft on ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’, Vlad Masters / Vlad Plasmius on ‘Danny Phantom’, and Gene Parmesan on ‘Arrested Development’. Mull also made recurring appearances on ‘Two and a Half Men’ playing Russell, the drug-using, humorous pharmacist.
In his personal life, Martin Mull was twice divorced and married singer Wendy Haas. Together they had a daughter, Maggie, who currently works as a co-executive producer for ‘Family Guy’.
In a 2010 interview on ‘The Green Room with Paul Provenza,’ Mull identified as an agnostic. He stated he didn’t begrudge others their belief systems but concluded that organized religion did not align with his perspective. He believed more harm had been brought to the planet through organized religion than any other single invention.
Mull breathed his last on June 27, 2024, at his Los Angeles residence. A representative commented that he “fought valiantly against a long illness”. His legacy will continue to inspire those in comedy, acting, and the arts for decades to come.
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June 28, 2024
Experience the Stone Scripts at Sam Moyer’s ‘Ferns Teeth’ Exhibition
The mesmerizing magic of stone takes center stage at the exhibition named “Ferns Teeth” by Sam Moyer. Hosted by the renowned Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, NY, this solo exhibition is open from June 30 to September 29, 2024. Sean Kelly proudly presents Moyer’s ten-year exploration of balance, weight, and scale through her groundbreaking work with stone.
Upon entering the first gallery bathed in bright daylight, you’ll find yourself confronted by a single large-scale stone painting; ‘Fern Friend Grief Growth’ invokes a sense of serenity, might and the abstract beauty of nature. Accompanied by a marble bench, it invites visitors to sit and immerse themselves in Moyer’s vision of a stone wall or pile of rocks with ferns breaking through.
The second gallery, an intimate antechamber, is home to a central stone sculpture from Moyer’s Dependents series. Encircled by black-and-white photographs of eroded sea walls, it highlights the delicate balance between man-made architecture and natural forces.
Moving into the final gallery, ten new paintings titled ‘Clippings’ await. Arranged around the horizon of the room, these works are designed to encourage viewers to wander and explore, further enhancing their connection to the central theme of the exhibition.
Adding a touch of whimsy to the space, Moyer offers hand-cast concrete backgammon boards in the main lobby, inviting visitors to interact with her materials playfully. Available for purchase, all proceeds go to Hamptons Community Outreach.
Through her abstract works, Moyer beautifully merges the handmade with the readymade while exploring themes of value, labor, and beauty. Her sensitivity to spatial and lighting conditions and her interest in the viewer’s sensory experience create a truly immersive and enriching exhibition. Experience Sam Moyer’s ‘Ferns Teeth’ at the Parrish Art Museum and plunge into a world crafted from stone.
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