Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 132

Isabella Hammad Triumphs as the 2024 Encore Award Winner for ‘Enter Ghost’

Isabella Hammad, celebrated author of ‘The Parisian’, has just been crowned the 2024 Encore Award Winner by the Royal Society of Literature (RSL). Her second novel, ‘Enter Ghost’, has been embraced by the literary world as “profound as it is powerful”. This thrilling announcement marks a noteworthy milestone in Hammad’s career, validating her position among the great literary figures of our time.

Evolving beautifully against the backdrop of global strife, the novel impresses the audience with its rich exploration of art’s essential, humanising role. Awarded a substantial prize pot of £15,000 (an increase from the previous £10,000), Hammad’s triumph not only reflects her literary genius but also the timely relevance of her work.

Faced with a shortlist of equally compelling authors like Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, A. K. Blakemore, Úna Mannion, and Megan Nolan, Hammad’s victory signals the enduring allure of a masterfully penned second novel. The Encore Award, celebrating the ‘difficult second novel, applauds authors who successfully venture beyond their debut, and this year, Hammad has emerged as the radiant torchbearer.

Hammad’s path to glory is paved with multiple accolades, including the Plimpton Prize for Fiction, the Sue Kaufman Prize, the Palestine Book Award, and a Betty Trask Award. She joins the esteemed ranks of previous Encore Award winners such as Sally Rooney, Ali Smith, and Caoilinn Hughes, making this current recognition a testament to her enduring potential.

Described by this year’s judges – Fergal Keane, Malika Booker, and Maura Dooley – as a tale braided with “compassion and wisdom,” ‘Enter Ghost’ explores the complexities of the intractable Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the eyes of Sonia, a British Palestinian actress. Tackling family tensions, heartbreak, and political impositions, Hammad’s narrative culminates in a thrilling climax during a production of Hamlet, staged amidst Israeli troops.

Capping off her victorious journey, Hammad received her award at a grand event in central London, hosted by former Encore Award winner, Caoilinn Hughes. Echoing the sentiments of writers and literature enthusiasts worldwide, Hammad expressed her exhilaration at this honour, acknowledging the unique challenges and rewards of navigating the path from the first book to the second.

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“Geoff McFetridge: Drawing a Life” – A Portrait of Life Through Art

Dive into the world of art, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of passion as the highly anticipated documentary “Geoff McFetridge: Drawing a Life” graces the silver screens across the United States this Friday. This 80-minute film invites you to look beyond the superficial, to explore the depths of personal identity and the choices we make to lead meaningful lives.

Directed by the visionary Dan Covert, the film takes you through the iconic work of prolific artist Geoff McFetridge. However, it offers more than just a glimpse into his career. It challenges viewers to rethink how they use their most invaluable asset – time.

Coupling insightful screenplay by Erik Auli, Dan Covert, Amy Dempsey, Tara Rose Stromberg, and atmospheric music scores by Derek Muro and David Perlick-Molinari, the film creates an immersive environment that will keep audiences enthralled from beginning to end.

Brought to life by the amazing cinematographic talents of Claudio Rietti and Daniel Vecchione, “Geoff McFetridge: Drawing a Life” promises to be a visual feast and an intellectual treat for all art enthusiasts and philosophically inclined minds.

Presented by Dress Code and distributed by Gravitas Ventures, this documentary bridges the gap between biography and philosophy, painting a vivid picture of the trials, triumphs, and timeless wisdom garnered by Geoff McFetridge throughout his artistic journey.

Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into a cinematic experience that celebrates the intricate interplay of art, life, and time.

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“Black Barbie”: A Social Evolution through the Iconic Representation of Barbie

“Black Barbie” is a documentary written and directed by Lagueria Davis.

Netflix brings us a captivating documentary on how Mattel, the famed toy manufacturing company, shook up their market with a different skin color variant of Barbie- their popular toy icon made especially for little girls. “Black Barbie” unravels the societal transformation embodied in the creation of a black Barbie.

This bold move was suggested by a woman named Beulah Mae Mitchell, who was an employee at Mattel from 1955 to 1999. The documentary explores the creation of this doll and its significance, carrying out a detailed analysis of the childhood experience of African-Americans in North America and the societal change that occurred in the 1960s.

“Black Barbie” is more than just a documentary about the creation of a new toy – it is an examination of segregation throughout the 20th century. The overwhelmingly white representation in Barbie and Ken dolls and their friends reflected the subtle culture of segregation that denied African-Americans their rights, including the right to vote.

While the creation of a black doll did not revolutionize the world, it played a significant role in the movement against segregation and greatly helped to integrate African-Americans into society, overcoming the deeply-rooted segregational cultural heritage that persisted in the United States even in the mid-20th century.

Featuring guest appearances from the creators behind the idea and industry veterans like Shonda Rhimes, this documentary gives us insight into the evolution of African-American women in the entertainment industry and the importance of introducing successful role models from an early age, in terms of education, culture, and society.

“Black Barbie” delves beyond the creation of a child’s plaything and examines the importance of introducing successful role models for all. The creation of this doll, a cultural icon, served to shift societal norms. As this documentary brilliantly portrays, change is often necessary and positive, even if sometimes challenging.

Enjoy your viewing of “Black Barbie” on Netflix!

Where to Watch “Black Barbie”

Netflix

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Rubens’s Masterpiece Revealed: The Judgement of Paris Returns to the Public

After a meticulous conservation process spanning 14 months, Peter Paul Rubens’s iconic painting – The Judgement of Paris (probably 1632‒5) – is returning to public display. The masterly restoration was conducted in the National Gallery’s Conservation Department, with generous support from the Bank of America Art Conservation Project.

Earlier this year, the National Gallery commenced its Bicentenary celebrations, a year-long tribute to two centuries of art, creativity, and fostering connections between people and paintings. Coinciding with this festival, the Gallery launched an ambitious conservation project, focusing particularly on its most esteemed masterpieces.

The Judgement of Paris, painted during Rubens’s last decade, is celebrated as one of his top-tier works. It masterfully captures the pivotal moment when Paris had to choose between three goddesses – Venus, Minerva, and Juno. This composition, repeatedly painted by Rubens, stands out as a significant and indisputable autograph work, making it a gem within the National Gallery Collection.

The conservation of this monumental work of art exemplifies the collaborative approach and collective expertise the National Gallery utilizes to restore its invaluable collections through integrated scientific and art-historical research methods.

Investigation techniques such as infrared reflectance imaging spectroscopy (RIS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) revealed that the painting underwent several restorations after Rubens’s death in 1640. In addition, costly pigments like ultramarine were discovered in Venus’s blue cloak, revealing the extent of Rubens’s investment in his work.

Additionally, modifications made by Rubens to the physical structure of his painting came to light. He extended the size of the panel for more space around the figures and made alterations to key aspects of the composition.

These discoveries help the viewer understand Rubens’s original intention and expose the evolution of the painting through centuries. They also presented the conservator, Britta New, with tough decisions regarding the extent of restoration – should the work remain as it had evolved over centuries, or should it return closer to Rubens’s original concept? After careful discussion with curator Bart Cornelis, an approach that respectfully retains the painting’s layered history was chosen.

The panel on which Rubens worked was also carefully analysed. Jean-Louis Hacquin, known for his ‘adjustable’ cradle work, was identified as the likely creator of the painting’s cradle. Given the good condition of the panel, adjustments were made to the cradle support rather than replacing the entire structure.

Adding the final touch, The Judgement of Paris has been fitted with a late 17th-century French Louis XIV frame, giving a nod to the painting’s historical French ties and creating harmony within the collection of Rubens’s works.

All in all, as Rubens’s masterpiece is revealed anew, we are confronted with a centuries-old narrative of artistic evolution and dedication that continues to resonate in our modern world.

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Annoying Movie Cliches We All Dislike

Movies should have some logical scenarios and give us some hints at what might, or might not happen next. It is normal to create suspense, and it is normal to use some classic methods that actually really work. So, cliches in movies are not necessarily a bad thing. Yet, when they are thrown in your face raw, without any adaptation or creative approach, sometimes even being completely unjustified, it instantly decreases the value of the whole movie-watching experience.

You might already have created your own list of movie cliches that you hate so this post will give you several more options.

The Abandoned Breakfast

In the movies, people cook huge meals and no one ever eats them. There is a particularly annoying cliche of a wife or girlfriend preparing a totally delicious breakfast for her man and he just comes quickly to the kitchen, grabs a toast, says he’s late for work, and storms away. She just sighs and throws all this untouched food in the trash bin. Who actually does that?? If you know he’s late, don’t cook for him, or at least keep the food! This is really annoying and the point of this cliche is completely not clear.

Villain Monologue

Number two in our annoying hit parade of movie cliches is the villain monologue where the main villain explains their plans to the protagonist (or some other person, whatever). The extra cringe level of this cliche is the villain does so before finishing their interlocutor, and the pro max extra cringe is the villain presenting their plans to their future victim to only get finished by the victim themselves, or another character, three minutes later. This cliche is so old and unjustified that it is not clear why and how it survived till our days.

The Last-Minute Rescue

This method is obviously used to create suspense and make the viewers nervous but at the same time, most people are so used to it that they don’t get nervous anymore. They actually expect the character to be somehow (illogically) saved, and get pleasantly surprised (!) when the dangerous situation actually ends with logical consequences. On the other hand, if the last-minute save is logical, relevant, and realistic, it is an awesome instrument to make people really care about what is happening on the screen.

Unrealistic Mismatch

Somehow it mostly works in the framework of an average guy getting a hot girl. The reverse scheme is almost never shown, probably because even filmmakers understand the totally unreal probability of the situation in real life. So, the choice of an average-looking, or a good-looking but nerdy guy somehow charming the hottest girl in college/at work/whatever is a scheme used shamelessly in any kind of movie, not only romantic comedies. And even though most people would rather win a grand spinning 150 free spins for $1 at an online casino than find themselves in this situation, we keep seeing this again and again. The extra level of cringe is a hot girl abandoning her boyfriend for the nerdy guy. Annoying.

The Final Battle

Annoying as hell. Of course everything leads to it and of course everything is solved by this one grand final battle. While there is generally nothing wrong with an epic final battle and many people love it, it is the epicness of it that is taken to the levels of absurdity. Many movies really use too many special effects and green screen to make the battle visually epic but they somehow often fail to convey the emotional value of it. The emotion and the tension is lost in the bells and whistles.

Hacking Anything in Under Five Minutes

Any website, platform, strongbox, strongroom, code, or robot can be hacked in under five minutes and this happens in the movies again and again. Obviously, showing the tedious process of trying to really hack an important website is probably not the most interesting part of the movie, unless this is a thematic documentary. However, adding a bit of effort wouldn’t hurt the scenario. The purpose of this cliche is not very clear. If the purpose is to show the talent of the hacker, what’s the value of this talent if something can be broken into in five minutes? Few movies do a good job on that one.

Girlfriend Photo Chiche

This is a witty observation some movie fans made. If a character shows their girlfriend’s or baby’s photo they most probably die later in the movie. This is not a rock-solid cliche but it can be spotted every now and then to make the viewer care about the character who has a wife/girlfriend/baby/dog/whatever. Yet, most movie fans are pretty pampered today and just throwing some character’s background at their face doesn’t make them care anymore. We need more context to be emotionally involved at this point in history.

No Time to Explain

We have a guess that “no time to explain” is a cliche used when the director’s cut turns out too long with people explaining everything and having proper realistic human conversations. If the movie is cut further, we get those “You get what I mean”, “See you later”, and “No time to explain” scraps of conversation. Because when you are watching a thriller or an action movie or a horror movie, no person in their right mind would go after someone without an explanation. Annoying.

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“I Saw the TV Glow”: A Journey into a Fascinating Dreamlike World

“I Saw the TV Glow” stands as a stunning film that travels between the realm of reality and television fiction, written and directed by Jane Schoenbrun, featuring talents such as Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine. This is a film that constantly bewilders the audience, plunging them into an aesthetic dream deeply drenched in neon tones.

If you are inclined towards cinema that conceals meanings and constantly questions the audience, “I Saw the TV Glow” is an ideal film for you. Conversely, if you prefer comfortable and clear films, you may find it incomprehensible and overly diffuse.

Plotline

The film’s plot revolves around Owne and Maddy, who become friends. Both get immersed in an eccentric television show that seems like an uncanny blend of childishness and horror, very much like their own lives, which gradually start to blur with the TV series.

The Fascination for the Unknown: Introducing “I Saw the TV Glow”

“I Saw the TV Glow” is an excellent film that continually challenges the audience, aiming to disrupt their patterns and introducing something novel that makes them simultaneously comfortable and uncomfortable. It initiates a journey towards maturity and the terrifying ghosts emerging from childhood.

Each scene from this film embodies a continuous homage and is an aesthetically and poetically laden discourse. It is undoubtedly a pretentious film at heart—an audacious, modern yet classic film with a pronounced retro vibe. While it may seem intellectual, it is filled with feelings and ideas with excellent performances that stand out, especially by young Brigette Lundy-Paine, who portrays Maddy.

The film also features a dramatic monologue that undeniably holds the centerpiece of the movie. It is one of those moments that every actor prepares for but rarely gets to perform, and Lundy-Paine does it brilliantly, with feeling.

Director Jane Schoenbrun shines throughout “I Saw the TV Glow”, creating an auteur film with her distinctive signature, instilling a torrent of personality into the story and aesthetics.

Our Opinion

“I Saw the TV Glow” is distinctive in every sense. It is one of those films that you might love or hate, but it will definitely not leave you indifferent.

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YY Dance Company: A Leap into the Unknown with ‘SOMEWHERE’

Immerse yourself in the world of dance as the prestigious YY Dance Company presents the World Premiere of its latest production, SOMEWHERE. From June 20 to June 22, 2024, experience a dance performance like no other at New York Live Arts, with evening showings at 7:30pm and an additional matinee on June 22 at 2pm.

SOMEWHERE is the brainchild of acclaimed choreographer Yue Yin, marking the second chapter of an ambitious trilogy that took flight with the performance of NOWHERE at the Chelsea Factory in 2023. This exciting new production stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication, heart, and extraordinary vision of Yue Yin and her team of skilled dancers.

The pulsating energy of SOMEWHERE delves into the existential questions defining the purpose and meaning of our lives. The dynamic quality and nuanced performances, hallmarks of YYDC, are enhanced with original music by Michel Banabila and an award-winning stage set designed by The Stripe Canary.

With a line-up of internationally recognized artists including Sarah Allen, Sydney Chow, D’Angelo Castro, Joan Dwiartanto, Corinne Lohner, Kristalyn Gill, Alexsander Swader, Nat Wilson, and more, this is an event not to be missed. The performances are not just about watching dance- they are about experiencing a journey, a story, a feeling that resonates deep within the soul.

Providing support for the development and production of SOMEWHERE are reputable organizations such as the New York State Council on the Arts and the Chautauqua Institution among others. This production promises to be a mesmerizing blend of movement and emotion, exemplifying the philosophy and innovative vision of YYDC.

About YYDC

YYDC is a not-for-profit contemporary dance company stationed in NYC, dedicated to the teaching, production, and performance of original choreographic works. Founded by Yue Yin, it serves as a platform for the FOCO Technique, a fusion of Chinese dance, folk, ballet, and contemporary dance movement. YYDC has earned a reputation for producing dynamic, emotionally charged performances at revered dance festivals and venues worldwide.

About Yue Yin

Yue Yin, the artistic director and founder of YYDC, is a celebrated performer and choreographer. A graduate of the Shanghai Dance Academy and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Yue Yin has received several accolades in her career, including the 2021 Harkness Promise Award for her innovative approach to choreography and education.

Join us as we explore the uncharted terrains of dance with SOMEWHERE at New York Live Arts from June 20-22, 2024. Experience the power of movement, the silent eloquence of dance, and the sheer magic of live performance, as we journey together into the heart of dance.

For more details, please visit the official site: https://newyorklivearts.org/event/ind....

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“Agents of Mystery”: An Intriguing Blend of Reality, Comedy, and Mystery on Netflix

“Agents of Mystery” is a Netflix series directed by Jung Jong-Yeon starring Lee Hye-ri, Kim Do-hoon, Karina, John Park, Yong-Jin Lee and Lee Eun-ji.

As you may or may not know, there’s a sub-genre within the realm of reality shows that masterfully blends reality with mystery and horror. What you might envision as “The Blair Witch Project” (1999) fused with comedy and a multitude of challenges, where the cast members are exposed to different realities that ostensibly put their lives at risk.

This cutting-edge sub-genre has already offered us compelling spectacles of zombie attacks, alien invasions, and more. Now, it’s time for a fresh twist with “Agents of Mystery”. A series where a resilient team, comprised of six members, will confront and decipher a range of supernatural mysteries.

The exciting concept of teleportation, malevolent cults, and other thrilling subjects will guide the “Agents of Mystery” team through a labyrinth of situations and challenges, providing the viewers an unprecedented front-row seat to all the actions.

To date, six riveting episodes shot with a blend of reality, comedy, and suspense have aired, spanning two distinct mysteries, with each mystery split into three intriguing parts. In their first challenge, the team must unravel the secrets of a ritual murder case. The second mystery takes them on an exhilarating descent into a submarine to probe its enigmas.

The members will encounter all kinds of dangers, from supernatural entities to unlikely threats, and based on how it appears, none of the six members have any doubts about their authenticity.

Enjoy the thrill, and immerse yourself in the enigma.

Where to Watch “Agents of Mystery”

Netflix

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RSL 2024 Encore Award shortlist revealed

The Royal Society of Literature (RSL) has today unveiled the shortlist for its 2024 Encore Award. The Encore Award celebrates the ‘difficult second novel’, marking the achievements of authors moving beyond their literary debuts. It was first presented in 1990 and has been administrated by the RSL since 2016. Previous winners include Sally Rooney, Ali Smith, Sunjeev Sahota, Neil Mukherjee, A. L. Kennedy, Colm Tóibín, and Caoilinn Hughes.

This year’s judges are Fergal Keane, Malika Booker and Maura Dooley, who selected the following five shortlisted books:

A Spell of Good Things – Ayọ̀ bámi Adébáyọ̀ (Canongate)

The Glutton – A. K. Blakemore (Granta)

Enter Ghost – Isabella Hammad (Vintage)

Tell Me What I Am – Úna Mannion (Faber and Faber)

Ordinary Human Failings – Megan Nolan (Penguin)

Describing all of the books as outstanding, they offered the following comments on the five selected titles:

A Spell of Good Things is a superb portrayal of two families living in modern Nigeria and the impact of wealth, power and political corruption on their circumstances. It is a modern African novel building on a strong Nigerian literary tradition. The two main protagonists Eniola and Wuraola enable stunning, compelling insights into the sacrifices and determination needed to survive – whether wealthy or destitute. We were captivated and gripped by this haunting yet brutal portrayal of a society on the brink of catastrophe.

The Glutton follows the bizarre adventures of a peasant boy set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. Blakemore’s luscious poetic fiction enacts the depravity, greed and hunger of the country’s brutal upheaval through the portrayal of a village boy Tarare. It is a harrowing, marvellous, historical psychological tale tracing Tarare’s transformation from a hapless rural child to a depraved glutton on the streets of Paris. Blakemore passionately captures the tender yet disturbing aspects of the eighteenth century tale.

Enter Ghost is as profound as it is powerful, exploring in beautiful prose the essential, humanising importance of art in a world overthrown by conflict. Hammad tells the story of Sonia, a British Palestinian actress who flees a failed marriage and love affair in London to stay with her sister in the West Bank. Family tensions, the haunting of lost love and the impositions of the Israeli occupation build, quite literally, towards a dramatic conclusion: the denouement takes place during a production of Hamlet, staged in the presence of Israeli troops. In a voice that is always original Hammad takes one of the most intractable and polarising conflicts of our time and creates a story braided through with compassion and wisdom. The political, she reminds us, is always human.

Tell Me What I Am centres around an absent mother and the tissues of lies that surround that absence. Moving back and forth in time, and between the protagonists’ perspectives, Mannion creates both a subtle mystery and a tender and moving portrayal of the complexities of domestic abuse, coercion and grief. Cleverly paced, the novel is as much a psychological thriller as it is a careful exploration of damage across generations. This is a book that explores disturbing cruelties with sensitivity and nuance, always subtly through character and landscape. Balanced, complex, lyrical, confident, we thought this an outstanding second novel.

Ordinary Human Failings, set in the 1990s, centres on an Irish family newly-arrived in London in the hope of a fresh start. Their world is turned upside down by the death of a young girl on the estate. Suspicion for the death falls on their own young child. Nolan turns this compelling narrative framework aside to unfold a picture of the twists and turns of family life that have led to this point; false starts, disappointments, resignation and quiet despair.

The characterisation is superb: precise, tender, unshowy. Full of insight, compassionate and clever, we found this a moving and haunting novel capturing the mood of the times.

Author biographies and quotes

Ayòbámi Adébáyò was born in Lagos, Nigeria. Her debut novel, Stay With Me, won the 9mobile Prize for Literature, was shortlisted for the Baileys Prize for Women’s Fiction, the Wellcome Book Prize and the Kwani? Manuscript Prize. It has been translated into twenty languages and the French translation was awarded the Prix Les Afriques. Longlisted for the International Dylan Thomas Prize and the International Dublin Literary Award, Stay With Me was a New York Times, Guardian, Chicago Tribune and NPR Best Book of the Year. Ayòbámi Adébàyò splits her time between Norwich and Lagos.

She says: “I am thrilled that A Spell of Good Things has been shortlisted for this brilliant award. I am grateful to the prize judges and RSL for the honour, and I congratulate my fellow shortlisted authors.”

A.K. Blakemore‘s debut novel, The Manningtree Witches, won the Desmond Elliott Prize 2021, was shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award, and was a Waterstones Book of the Month. She is the author of two full-length collections of poetry, Humbert Summer and Fondue, which was awarded the 2019 Ledbury Forte Prize for Best Second Collection, and has also translated the work of Sichuanese poet Yu Yoyo. Her poetry and prose has

appeared in the London Review of Books, Poetry, the Poetry Review and the White Review, among other publications.

She says: “I’m over the moon that The Glutton has been shortlisted for the Encore Award. The process of writing and publishing a second novel feels fraught with a whole new set of anxieties and challenges above those involved with a debut, and to be recognised by a prize specifically intended to acknowledge that difficult follow-up is especially pleasing. Thank you to the RSL and especially to the judges, and many congratulations to the other shortlisted authors.”

Isabella Hammad is the author of The Parisian. She was awarded the Plimpton Prize for Fiction, the Sue Kaufman Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the Palestine Book Award and a Betty Trask Award. She has received fellowships from MacDowell, the Rockefeller Foundation and the Lannan Foundation. In 2023, she was on Granta’s once-in-a-decade Best Young British Novelists list.

She says: “I’m very happy to be shortlisted for the Encore Award. When debuts usually receive more attention than second novels, it’s really wonderful that there is a prize dedicated to a novelist’s second go. I’m grateful for the recognition, thank you.”

Úna Mannion was born in Philadelphia and lives in County Sligo Ireland. She has won numerous prizes for her poetry and short stories. Her work has been published in the Irish Times, Winter Papers and anthologised in story collections. Her debut novel was shortlisted for the An Post Irish Book Awards, the Dalkey Literary Awards, and won the 2022 Kate O’Brien Award.

She says: “For many writers, the second novel can feel lonely and difficult after the excitement and tumult of the debut. The Encore shortlist is a lifeline, a validation of the work and encouragement to keep going. I am so heartened and utterly grateful. Thank you.”

Megan Nolan was born in 1990 in Waterford, Ireland and is currently based in New York. Her essays and reviews have been published by the New York Times, White Review, Guardian and Frieze amongst others. For her debut novel, Acts of Desperation, Nolan was the recipient of a Betty Trask Award, shortlisted for the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award and longlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize.

She says: “It’s always a welcome surprise to have one’s work celebrated, but I am especially thrilled to be nominated for the Encore Award. It is so easy in this industry, as with many other creative fields, for focus to be drawn disproportionately toward first timers – an understandable impulse but one which can feel discouraging when contemplating the hopefully long career ahead post-debut. This award is unique in providing a much-needed boost in a sometimes precarious moment in an author’s career, and I couldn’t be more honoured to have received the nomination.”

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Unleashing the Adventure: KAKU: Ancient Seal

BINGOBELL announces with great enthusiasm the full release of its highly acclaimed open-world ARPG game, KAKU: Ancient Seal, due to launch on July 12th. Following a comprehensive year of polishing and thorough beta testing by the players, we are proud to present an opulent version overflowing with more than 30 hours of gripping gameplay.

Immerse yourself in an expansive world enriched with puzzles, adventures, and adrenaline-pumping fights. Acquaint yourself with our newly designed hero ready for a captivating journey enshrouded with cerebral puzzles, a potent runestone system, a versatile transformation system, and the mystifying Realm of Ruins.

[image error]Richness Beyond Imagination

KAKU: Ancient Seal invites you to embark on an extraordinary quest alongside Kaku and his wingman, Piggy. Together, you’ll traverse through the breathtaking landscapes of the Flame Mountains, Dragonbone Desert, Misty Swamps, and Howling Snowfield, each teeming with its distinctive wonders. Every step unveils a new spectacle, every turn paves the way to a captivating storyline.

Revamp and Revel

The Full Release breathes new life into the combat mechanics with the optimization of fluidity of actions, combat pacing, and other critical aspects. Simultaneously, the user interface makes navigation and command execution a seamless experience. The new version encourages players to explore the unique skill styles bound with divine powers and elemental abilities.

Divine Powers and Daunting Battles

KAKU: Ancient Seal urges you to step into the shoes of Saga the Creator and unlock divine powers that’ll leave your adversaries awestruck. The Realms of Ruin, designed by the Creator himself, await your arrival with various trials and treasures. Defeating bosses and exploring the world will allow you to collect numerous equipment and rune stones, forming the linchpin for more advanced skillsets.

Wilderness Beckons You

Discover a dynamic open world adorned with interactive elements and intriguing side quests. Unearth hidden treasures, hunt down elusive objects and confront the hostile natural elements in your thrilling journey across the Realm of Ruins.

KAKU: Ancient Seal is a testament to the unparalleled creativity of BINGOBELL. We have honed every detail – from sound effects, controls to UI – to provide an epic gaming experience. Undoubtedly, the Full Release version of KAKU: Ancient Seal promises to be an exciting addition to your ARPG collection. Mark your calendars for July 12th, and brace yourselves for a jaw-dropping adventure!

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