Even as world headlines from the Middle East focus on upheaval and violence, the region's culture continues to thrive. Here's our look at some groups and individuals making their mark on arts and culture in the region, in no particular order.
Tarzan and Arab, Palestine/Gaza
Budding filmmakers and identical twin brothers Tarzan and Arab — their real names are Ahmed and Mohamed Abu Nasser — hail from Gaza. The brothers had never been to a movie theater until they travelled to the United States recently, so they produced a line of 20 posters for imaginary movies, named after real Israeli military operations, they would have made of they could. The posters as well as their acclaimed short film, Colorful Journey, have been featured in exhibits abroad.
(Photo: The Gaza Project)
By Nafeesa Syeed. Did we leave someone out? Let us know at @AlMonitor and look out for more lists.