Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 136

A Royal Visit: The Duke of Edinburgh Engages with The National Youth Theatre

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, the esteemed Royal Patron of the National Youth Theatre (NYT), recently graced the Creative Production House in North London with his presence. Engaging directly with young aspiring artists and industry professionals at the outset of their careers, the Duke gained firsthand insight into the impact of the essential support provided by the NYT.

In an exciting turn of events, His Royal Highness was treated to a captivating performance by the 2024 NYT REP Company. Simultaneously, the professional cast of the celebrated musical, “& Juliet”, rehearsing in-house, also showcased a hit number from their upcoming production.

The NYT REP Company offers a unique path to becoming a performer and is completely cost-free. This year, an exceptional group of 18 youngsters from across the UK will have the opportunity to perform “The War of the Worlds” at Wilton’s Music Hall and “Twelfth Night” at the NYT Workshop Theatre. More about the program can be found at www.nyt.org.uk/rep2024.

Engaging further with the talented ensemble, the Duke learned that the professional cast of & Juliet is currently using the NYT’s premises to rehearse their musical. This Olivier and WhatsOnStage award-winning production, that boasts Swedish pop songwriter Max Martin’s music and David West Read’s narrative, will initiate a UK and Ireland tour from Manchester Opera House on 8th July 2024. Get more details at https://www.andjulietthemusical.co.uk/.

The NYT’s remarkable rehearsal spaces, reborn in a 2021 redevelopment and recognised by a RIBA London Award in 2023, have become a haven for leading productions. The site is regularly rented out by world-renowned West End productions and national touring companies.

The Duke’s visit was a joint venture, with representatives from various arts charities also present. Among those in attendance were ADC Theatre Cambridge, Creative Youth & FUSE International, Edinburgh International Festival, Hall for Cornwall, National Youth Music Theatre, Northern Ballet Leeds, The Orpheus Centre, Production Guild of Great Britain, Reading Rep Theatre, Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester, Royal Theatrical Support Trust, and Windsor Festival. A lively discussion ensued, and the group shared valuable insights into their unique experiences and innovative ideas.

Instagram / TikTok / Facebook / Twitch: @NationalYouthTheatre, X (Formerly Twitter) @NYTofGB

Website: www.nyt.org.uk 

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Sotheby’s and ARTNOIR Amplify Commitment to Diversity in Art with Expanded Grant Program

Sotheby’s and ARTNOIR are thrilled to declare the return and enhancement of the Jar of Love Fund, a microgrant initiative centered on support, mentorship, and career development for artists, designers, curators, and cultural producers of color. To broaden its impact, the 2024 cycle of the Jar of Love Fund will extend its reach internationally, delving into London, in partnership with Dr. Samuel Ross’ MBE’s Black British Artist Grants Programme by SR_A, while maintaining its commitment to artists of color in New York.

The Jar of Love Fund is set to disburse unrestricted funds of $5,000 to selected artists in New York and London. We are opening our applications to New York artists from June 6, 2024, and London applications will commence in July 2024. A prestigious committee of art industry peers will select the grantees, with the announcement of the 2024 cohort slated for this summer and fall.

Co-Founder of ARTNOIR, Larry Ossei-Mensah, articulates, “ARTNOIR takes immense pride to partner again with Sotheby’s in our continuing Jar of Love Fund. Aligned with our mission at ARTNOIR, we chart a course of support and advancement for artists, curators and cultural producers of color in New York City and London with this initiative, enabling them to etch lasting legacies.”

Established by ARTNOIR in 2020, the Jar of Love Fund has shown continued expansion. Since its inception, we have already distributed over $100,000 USD. This year, the program extends its reach to London, in partnership with Dr. Samuel Ross MBE and the Black British Artist Grants Programme by SR_A, aimed at bolstering Black British contributions to the global creative economy.

Sotheby’s AVP, Equity & Impact, Walden Huntley-Fenner, states, “In partnership with ARTNOIR and SR_A, we’re proud to support and expand the Jar of Love Fund this year. Our aim is to foster a more inclusive cultural landscape and empower the upcoming wave of artistic leaders. The Jar of Love Fund stands out for its flexibility and comprehensive support system, facilitating artists to allocate funds where they are most needed.”

Since its initiation, ARTNOIR has proven to be an influential agent of social change, instigating equity across arts and culture industries. The organization operates on the principle of community-first, providing relief, love, and care for artists, designers, curators, and cultural producers when they need it most. The unrestricted Jar of Love grants enable recipients to free mental and spiritual capacity for creating, collaborating, and continuing their journey in strength.

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Basma: A Bitter Homecoming on Netflix

“Basma” is a Saudi movie starring Fatima AlBanawi. With Yasir AlSasi and Mai Hakeem.

Actor Fatima AlBanawi is the lifeblood of the Netflix movie “Basma”, infusing each scene with her committed performance and the profound complexity of her character – a character which, on surface, seems straightforward but is layered with depth.

“Basma” serves as an intimate exploration of familial relationships, while simultaneously capturing a snapshot of an evolving society and time. The protagonist, a medical student freshly returned from Los Angeles, is our lens into this changing landscape. She navigates through the alterations in her life; Divorced parents, her brother, an old flame – everything has changed.

This film is steeped in nostalgia, saturated with sensitivity, and oscillates between joy and the bitter awareness of time’s relentless march. It offers viewers a peek at Saudi Arabian culture and its people, as well as the shifting times the nation is experiencing.

A father-daughter story is at the core of this film, presenting their strained and complex relationship within a world that struggles to understand why the parents are divorced. As the story unfolds, our protagonist discovers her father is battling an illness everyone remains silent about, drawing her closer to her family, friends, and past.

“Basma” is a movie about understanding the passage of time, transitioning into adulthood, and coming to terms with our mortality – reminding us that, unfortunately, time catches up with all.

Watch this deeply intimate and nostalgic film, tinged with heartfelt emotion, now on Netflix.

Where to Watch “Basma”

Netflix

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Kübra: The Return of the Controversial Prophet Comes Back to Netflix for a Second Season

“Kübra” is a Netflix series created by Durul Taylan and Yağmur Taylan starring Çağatay Ulusoy. With Aslıhan Malbora, Ahsen Eroğlu, Nazan Kesal and Cihan Talay.

The tech vigilante and prophet known for stirring up controversy makes a grand return to Netflix. The series hinges on a clever premise: an artificial intelligence program controls an individual who, albeit manipulated, ends up becoming a prophet amongst his own people. He gives back money and sows chaos in the Turkish financial sector.

So, is he a modern-day Robin Hood or a prophet for the people? It’s this brilliant concept that surprised viewers last year on Netflix, and it’s being refreshed for a second season. The series stars Çagatay Ulusoy, who brings all his talent and charisma to this half-crazed, half-enlightened character, turning the Turkish series into a significant hit on Netflix.

The series skillfully weaves religion and popular beliefs into its narrative, simultaneously blending them with modern technology. It’s a combination that has been widely appreciated. Jam-packed with brilliant ideas and backed by stellar cinematographic development, the show features a myriad of interesting characters who revolve around the character of Gökhan Şahinoğlu. The series touches on themes of justice, technology, and also religion and faith.

It’s controversial, relevant, and a massive success on Netflix. Enjoy the ride.

Where to Watch “Kübra”

Netflix

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“Baki Hanma vs Kengan Ashura”: An Exhilarating and Wacky Anime Film on Netflix

“Baki Hanma vs Kengan Ashura” is an animation movie directed by Toshihiro Hirano.

In the dynamic sphere of anime, there are numerous genres, yet without a doubt, the battle genre stands atop as one of the most acclaimed. The cinematic rules are straightforward: the more death-defying and over-the-top the fights, the better. Interspersed with these are moments of poignant flashbacks from training sessions, compelling stories of the fighters, and the intriguing commentary from the onlookers and narrators. The synonymy of battles and death only amplifies the drama, the more exaggerated they are, the better.

Netflix proudly presents “Baki Hanma vs Kengan Ashura” to you today, a new addition to the fight-themed anime genre. A remarkable crossover of two renowned manga series, combining two legends of combat in a deadly confrontation, at least in animation terms.

“Baki Hanma vs Kengan Ashura” is not only intense but also hilariously entertaining, replete with an array of secondary characters that amuse with their cheeky antics amidst the high-octane battles.

Netflix invites you to enjoy a fun-filled proposal from Japanese animation with “Baki Hanma vs Kengan Ashura”.

Where to Watch “Baki Hanma vs Kengan Ashura”

Netflix

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Rafa Márquez: El Capitán – A Netflix Documentary: A Stirring Tribute to an Icon of Mexican Football

“Rafa Márquez: El Capitán” is a Netflix documentary about Rafael Marquez. It is directed by Carlos Armella.

If you’re not a football fan, you might not understand how this sport moves millions of people every day, who react and get excited about their idols, with everything depending on whether the ball enters the goal or not. It’s that simple.

Rafael Márquez was a Mexican footballer who conquered everything, most notably at club level, thriving in Europe with F.C. Barcelona, Ronaldinho, Xavi, and Puyol. He won the Champions League becoming a legend in the process. On the field, he was highly focused, serious in his position as a central defender – technical, swift, and effective.

“Rafa Márquez: El Capitán” is a documentary that takes us through the best moments in Rafael Márquez’s life and tells us about his professional journey. It also touches upon his personal highs and lows, such as the death of his father and accusations of being linked to drug trafficking. In 2022, he signed once again with F.C. Barcelona, becoming the coach of the B team.

“Rafa Márquez: El Capitán”: A Tribute to a Football Legend

“Rafa Márquez: El Capitán” primarily features the protagonist himself, Rafael Márquez, in all his authenticity. It also includes his mother, who narrates about his childhood, his journey to becoming who he is, and his early days. The documentary introduces us to Rafael Márquez’s two children, his wife, and his F.C. Barcelona teammates, along with Javier Aguirre, the coach of Mexico in the 1999 Korea and Japan World Cup.

While the documentary doesn’t reveal any unknown facts, it provides a splendid account of who Márquez was on the field, how he behaved, his talent with the ball, and, above all, his intelligence and positioning. Without revealing anything new, it entertains and serves as a fitting tribute to a man who, through his consistency, hard work, and talent, became one of the best players in the history of Mexican football.

Enjoy the watch.

Where to Watch “Rafa Márquez: El Capitán”

Netflix

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Nelma Kodama: The Queen of Dirty Money – The intriguing tale of a financial criminal drenched in elegance, now on Netflix

“Nelma Kodama: The Queen of Dirty Money” is a Netflix documentary directed by João Wainer.

In the world of finance, where numbers hold power and currency stands king, there reigned a woman with a business of her own making. This is the captivating narrative of Nelma Kodama, the woman who danced with dollars, orchestrating her trade between countries. Now, her exhilarating tale is brought to life in the captivating Netflix documentary, “Nelma Kodama: The Queen of Dirty Money”.

Dressed in style and full of character, Kodama radiated an air of elegance. This documentary lets us delve into her life, revealing her exquisite taste, from her love for opera to her penchant for expensive dresses.

In Brazil, as experts map out, exists a thriving financial ecosystem thriving on bribes and illicit activities. Kodama found her role in this world, serving as a ‘cleaner’, laundering money for politicians and making her first million dollars even before she could come of age.

This is the story of a woman who seemingly had it all, yet found herself behind bars sharing her riveting story that you wouldn’t want to miss. From her prison cell, she narrates a tale that involves judicial sentence selling, extortion, and trafficking of influences, among other crimes.

Capitalizing on a country steeped in inflation and the constant devaluation of a currency where every citizen clamored to buy dollars, Kodama saw an opportunity. She maneuvered through this economic turmoil, emerging as the queen of the dollar market.

Featuring the protagonist revealing all, “The Queen of Dirty Money” stands out among documentaries. Kodama is unflinchingly transparent, providing names, dates, and paperwork that enrich her story. She unabashedly confesses to her involvement in an international currency trafficking network, a venture familiar to all in Brazil despite its illegal nature.

Kodama vividly explains how international business dealings were conducted between Paraguay, the United States, Brazil, and China, and how illegal commodities were trafficked. She also provides a valuable insight into Brazil’s economic shift and the real reasons behind her incarceration.

Are you interested in economics? Learn from a woman who understood how to conduct business and capitalize on the financial shifts, all while maintaining her elegance and leading a prosperous life.

In our opinion, this documentary offers a unique economics lesson, far beyond what you’d glean from financial news. Listening to the story of this woman, you are bound to learn more about economics than from almost any Minister of Economy around the globe.

Immerse yourself in the intriguing world of Nelma Kodama on Netflix; “Nelma Kodama: The Queen of Dirty Money” awaits you.

Where to Watch “Nelma Kodama: The Queen of Dirty Money”

Netflix

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Nocturne in Blue Minor: A Solo Exhibition by Kukula – Dorothy Circus Gallery, London

Are you ready to step into a world of exquisite artistry? This summer, DCG is delighted to host “Nocturne in Blue Minor,” a solo exhibition by Kukula, an eminent figure in the realm of new surrealism and Pop-Rococo art. This captivating event, scheduled from the 14th of June to the 13th of July, 2024, at 35 Connaught Street, London, provides an unforgettable glimpse into the artist’s mesmerizingly complex world.

“Nocturne in Blue Minor” comprises a selection of Kukula’s latest and most grand-scale creations. It does not only exhibit the culmination of her artistic prowess over two decades but also the intriguing story of her artistic evolution.

Kukula’s art, a fine blend of contemporary romanticism and Rococo aesthetics, paints a vivid, yet dreamy picture of the past, interwoven with promising visions of the future. Her new collection, a refreshing non-binary reimagining of classic tales, elegantly portrays the freedom and fluidity of femininity and gender identity.

Kukula’s artwork, complete with intricate details and imaginative elements, creates a universe of its own. The remarkable harmony of different shades and colors in each painting effectively narrates a fairy tale, making every viewer yearn to inhabit her dreamlike worlds.

“Nocturne in Blue Minor” is more than just an art exhibition – it is an enchanting world waiting for your exploration. The exhibit is part of our Annual Program, “Pursuing Harmony: the Artistic Odyssey of 2024”, where we aim to communicate a complex mosaic of values embodied by the number 24.

Join us at DCG this summer, step into Kukula’s lush and luminous world of art, and allow each painting to guide you through a dreamlike landscape filled with historical whispers and contemporary emotions.

LONDON | 14th June 2024 – 13th July 2024 35 Connaught Street, W2 2AZ, London, UK

Oil on PanelCourtesy of DCG and the Artist

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How to Rob a Bank: Anatomy of a Hollywood-Inspired Heist

“How to Rob a Bank” is a Netflix documentary directed by Seth Porges and Stephen Robert Morse.

In the bustling city of Seattle during the early 90s, a man with an affinity for Hollywood heist movies embarked on a daring spree of bank heists, earning him the nickname “Hollywood” among FBI agents. This gentleman astonishingly managed to rob four banks in a single afternoon. This same setting gave rise to tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, coffee powerhouse Starbucks, and the legendary grunge band Nirvana.

Scott Scurlock, bright and educated in medicine, biology, and chemistry, had an insatiable love for money. He made a hefty fortune manufacturing methamphetamines and when that needed to stop, he turned his attention to robbing banks. Forming a group, they began with small-scale heists, with meager hauls of $2,000 or $3,000. But when Scott hit the main vault, their heists grew, attracting the attention of the FBI.

Netflix’s “How to Rob a Bank” is an engaging documentary that tells this absorbing story with a nostalgic twist. It spotlights Scott Scurlock as the charismatic leader of the band of robbers. His former crime partners vividly recount their heist planning and execution. However, the lack of direct testimonies from Scott, who passed away in 1996 when he was just 40, is a significant absence in this documentary that largely revolves around his personality.

The documentary imparts a sense of nostalgia for the 90s, peppered with an abundance of archival footage. It employs animations to recreate the heists, dramatizations, as well as interviews with surviving gang members and the FBI agents who handled the case. The filmmaking also comes with a touch of humor and plenty of cinematic references in music, editing, and overall styling. It’s light, entertaining, and, true to its Hollywood inspiration, steers clear of ringing any social alarm bells.

The documentary presents a cheerful, relaxed narration of Hollywood-style heists carried out by an eccentric, somewhat hippy gang of robbers. Despite being a depiction of events from years past, it’s still an enjoyable trip down memory lane to the 90s and offers an intriguing insight into this unique group of criminals.

Where to Watch “How to Rob a Bank”

Netflix

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Under Paris: Sharks and Sustainability in New Netflix Flick

“Under Paris” is a movie directed by Xavier Gens starring Bérénice Bejo. With Nassim Lyes and Iñaki Lartigue.

Once upon a time in Hollywood, Spielberg spat out a film about a gigantic, man-eating shark, and for four decades that cinematographic idea has been rehashed, reshaped and reimagined. Step forward a French variation of the idea, this time with less focus on spectacular imagery and more on a carefully crafted screenplay where a host of characters band together to confront the toothy menace.

The film, tentatively titled “Under Paris” on Netflix, is a shark movie with a difference. Expect less special effects and more character-driven plot lines that swim against the tide of typical shark flicks. And with a distinct French flavour, there are a myriad of ideas and messages lurking below the surface.

The Storyline

The plot unfolds as a gigantic shark intrudes into the waters of Paris, threatening an international triathlon event that the city’s mayor stubbornly refuses to cancel. From oceanographers and activists to the local police, they must unite to tackle this fearsome threat.

“Under Paris”: A Progressive Take on a Classic Formula

“Under Paris” is fully aware of the public’s fascination with shark movies, regardless of their quality. The concept of collective panic, the mystery of the sea, the persistent fear of these deadly creatures – the recipe continues to work. So why not upgrade the formula to resonate with a new generation?

Capitalising on societal conscience and environmental balance, “Under Paris” confronts critical issues such as the ecological imbalance caused by overfishing and the excessive use of plastics. The lurking tension of the menacing shark remains, but this time, the creature even explores freshwater surroundings, thanks to new plot-relevant traits.

The Collective Battle for a Common Cause

Central to “Under Paris” is the notion of collective action as a tool for change, evolution, and overcoming adversity – a distinctly French ideal. The film utilizes the allure of a shark movie to communicate this concept. The result is a hybrid of action and eco-conscious narratives that fluctuates between compelling and somewhat misplaced in an action-packed film.

Don’t expect Jason Statham-type heroics or gripping visuals that leave you on edge. Nor will you find the customary humour often injected into Hollywood productions. What you will find is well-defined characters and commendable ideals woven into a film that might leave some viewers underwhelmed.

Our Opinion

“Under Paris” takes the environmental protection theme quite seriously, perhaps too much so for audiences anticipating a high-octane shark action flick. However, for those seeking a movie that offers more than just popcorn entertainment, “Under Paris” certainly delivers.

Where to Watch “Under Paris”

Netflix

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