Why did the Met Opera lose its Saudi funding deal? The deal, announced as a nonbinding memorandum of understanding last September, would have seen the PIF inject up to $200 million into the opera institution over the next eight years. Saudi Arabia
Analysis 'Is it worth it?' Syria's Sharaa faces backlash over Missy Elliott performance Backlash erupts after dancers perform to Missy Elliott’s “Work It,” exposing the tightrope between Sharaa’s outreach to the West and pressure from his Islamist base. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Culture The weight of war: Erdal Duman’s sculptures probe politics of violence As missiles cross again Middle Eastern skies, Turkish artist Erdal Duman’s brightly colored weapons ask an uncomfortable question: When does war really begin? Turkey
Culture 'Gesture of resistance': Gaza war and Iran repression in Oscars spotlight This year’s Oscars nominations include Middle Eastern films whose themes of war, government violence and protest have shone a spotlight on politics at home. Iran
Women at heart of Dahuk film festival From Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad to the film "Girls of the Sun" at the Cannes Film Festival, 2018 has been a year of Kurdish women. Iraq
Egyptian film producers turn to war, spies Despite the prolific cinema sector in Egypt, the country’s military and espionage history has hardly featured in films — but this may change. Egypt
Egyptian documentary filmmakers eye international festivals Egypt's film industry enjoys high visibility, but the country's documentary filmmakers struggle with lack of funding and red tape. Egypt
Egypt's aspiring actors tout talent online Many of Egypt's wannabe stars are showcasing their work on social media, hoping to break into big-time show business. Egypt
Iran's metal bands inch toward acceptance Metal musicians in Iran have achieved several breakthroughs in the past three years, but they still have a long and uncertain way to go. Iran
'Diamond Dust,' a poisonous pleasure for Egyptian moviegoers The book "Diamond Dust" and its adaptation for the stage didn't ruffle any feathers when they appeared in Egypt, but the movie version has proved to be controversial for taking on a political subject no one previously dared touch. Egypt
How Syrian artists are livening up Turkey’s art scene Syrian artists who have come to Turkey found it difficult to find platforms to showcase their work, but this may be changing slowly. Syria
Renaissance fair brings Camelot to Lebanon The Middle East's first-ever Renaissance fair brings together several growing niche communities into one fantasy-filled event. Lebanon
Legendary Egyptian director's films restored for new generations A festival in Cairo featuring director Youssef Chahine's films is attracting a new generation, who are commemorating the 10th anniversary of his death. Egypt
Israeli culture scene target of domestic censorship, international boycotts Major Israeli film festivals are operating under an impossible Catch-22: on one front, Culture Minister Miri Regev threatens to slash funds of works that contradict her right-wing worldview, and on another front, Israeli cultural institutions are viewed as part and parcel of an occupying government uninterested in peace. Palestine
Week of art, design begins as twin fairs open in Beirut Beirut, a growing regional destination for artists, is showcasing its rich and diverse art scene with weeklong programs dedicated to contemporary art and design. Lebanon
Egyptian filmmaker seeks to reclaim Israel's 'Angel' An Egyptian director is eager to redeem Ashraf Marwan as Egypt's "agent" and not a legendary spy for Israel as the Israeli version of his story hits Netflix. Egypt
