Culture news
Algerian court upholds writer Boualem Sansal’s 5-year prison sentence
The novelist’s case has united European lawmakers, who have demanded Sansal's release. His case has raised alarm over freedom of expression in Algeria, and his supporters now hope military-backed President Abdelmadjid Tebboune will grant a pardon on Saturday, when Algeria marks Independence Day.
Art
What are the 20 most controversial album covers of all time?
Don’t judge an album by its cover... Easier said than done for some. Following the controversy surrounding the album image for Sabrina Carpenter’s new album, we look at the most controversial album artworks which landed the artists in hot water with the censors. And, in some cases, the taste police.
Culture news
Iran summons French diplomat over praise of Palme d'Or-winning film
Iran's Palme d'Or-winning director Jafar Panahi was cheered as he arrived home after his Cannes win. However, the national press and political reaction has been more muted. Iran has also summoned a French diplomat over praise of 'It Was Just An Accident'.
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Culture news
‘My Favourite Cake’ directors given suspended prison sentence in Iran
‘My Favourite Cake’ directors Behtash Sanaeeha and Maryam Moghaddam receive 14-month suspended prison sentences in Iran. The film’s heroine is seen without a headscarf, and the filmmakers were accused of ‘disturbing public opinion’.
Culture news
Filmmakers support 'My Favourite Cake' directors before trial in Iran
Mohammad Rasoulof, Pedro Almodóvar, Juliette Binoche and other members of the filmmaking community sign a petition supporting ‘My Favourite Cake’ directors Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha as ‘propaganda’ trial starts in Iran.
Europeans' Stories
Child protection or censorship? The legal battle between the Court of Justice of the EU and Hungary
Necessary for some, discriminatory for others, Hungary's so-called “child protection law” has been the subject of a hearing at the Court of Justice of the European Union. Whatever its nature, the ruling could further determine the already tense relationship between Hungary and its EU partners.
Culture news
UK's Royal Society of Literature tackles controversy and leadership
The UK's Royal Society of Literature is trying to turn over a controversial in its history following departures and disputes over free speech, censorship, leadership changes and the results of a significant governance review.
Culture news
Algeria blasts EU for condemning arrest of author Boualem Sansal
Algerian lawmakers accused the European Parliament of political inference. They have also cast doubt on whether their motivations had to do with French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal's well-being or “harming the image of Algeria.”
Cinema
Festival cancelled in Turkey over ban of LGBTQ+ themed film 'Queer'
Mubi, the global streaming platform, production company and film distributor, has cancelled its Turkey film festival over local censorship of the film ‘Queer’. The company said it is taking a stand for “protecting freedom of expression.”
Culture news
Fears of censorship at Algiers International Book Fair
French-Algerian author Kamel Daoud, who won the Prix Goncourt last week, was not invited to this year's 27th edition of Algiers International Book Fair. And he's not the only one - which has led some to fear a "complete ban from publishing."
Culture news
Iranian resistance on film two years after Mahsa Amini's death
Two years after the death of Mahsa Amini, two Iranian films which defy state censorship and expose the crimes of the Islamic State begin their European rollouts in cinemas. They remind us how fortunate we are to have filmmakers who dare to challenge oppression, misogyny and tyranny.
