· September, 2012

Stories about Arts & Culture from September, 2012

Sri Lanka: The Rights Of The Homosexuals

  29 September 2012

Sri Lanka and India, despite our pre-colonial religious and social accommodation of differing sexuality, have remained Victorian in attitude long after the colonial powers have changed. In terms of gay rights, we really need to catch up, and be more honest to ourselves and each other.

The Gloomy Years of Colombian Television

  28 September 2012

Since last May [es], ‘pink sauce’ from popular gossip website La Fiscalía has been posting a series on “the gloomy years of Colombian television” [es], where he reviews, tongue-in-cheek and year by year between 1992 and 2012, the most popular mainstream medium in the country. Readers share their memories of...

Jamaica: Storm Saulter on Film & New Media in the Caribbean

  27 September 2012

The 2012 Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival continues this week and one of the most high-profile regional attendees is Storm Saulter, the Jamaican director whose first feature film, Better Mus’ Come, received critical acclaim upon its release in late 2010. In this post, he talks about his new offering, filmmaking in the Caribbean and how new media is helping to change the landscape.

Kenya: Safari 7s Rugby Tournament Excites Fans

  27 September 2012

One of the biggest sporting events in East Africa came alive between 21-23 September, 2012, in Kenya's capital city, Nairobi - the Safari Sevens, a rugby seven-a-side tournament which started in 1995 but has grown into a fixture in the Kenyan sporting calendar.

Jamaica: In Whose Image?

  27 September 2012

Whose conception of Jamaican identity resulted in the decision to market our country in this colour-coded way?  Why are we still rubbing out black people from the big picture?  Or, at best, downplaying blackness?  Which Jamaica are we selling?  And who to? Professor Carolyn Cooper writes about class, colorism, branding...

Russia: Writers Put Down Pens to Stand Atop Soap Boxes

RuNet Echo  25 September 2012

Now, nine people who self-identify as writers are running in the elections for the so-called "Coordinating Council of the Russian Opposition," and a tenth strongly considered registering as a candidate before ultimately dropping out. Bearing in mind that writing is not the most popular of professions, this is a hefty proportion of the total.

Japan: Petition to Release Violin from Frankfurt Customs

  25 September 2012

On August 16, 2012, German customs officials at Frankfurt Airport seized a Guarneri violin from Japanese professional musician Yuzuko Horigome when she failed to present correct documentation. They demanded that she pay nearly US$ 500,000 in order to get it back.

Global: The 2012 edition of ‘Wiki Loves Monuments’

  24 September 2012

Julien L. wrote the following on numerama.com: The Wiki Loves Monuments copyright-free landmarks photo contest is going particularly well. Nearly a week after its launch, more than 50 000 photographs have been sent in by contributors. And this is just the beginning, because there are still 22 days left to...

Brazil: A Celebration of Bolivian Culture

  22 September 2012

Global Voices author Yohana de Andrade celebrates the presence of Bolivian migrants in her hometown city, São Paulo, Brazil, in an article she wrote for Future Challenges. Yohana describes one of the cultural demonstrations that the Bolivian community brings to the city: the Feira de Kantuta.

North Korea's Parody of K-Pop Sensation ‘Gangnam Style’

  21 September 2012

North Korea uploaded a video entitled “I'm Yushin style!” in its government website Uriminzokkiri as a parody of South Korean pop sensation, ‘Gangnam Style‘. The parody lambasts Park Geun-hye, South Korean ruling conservative party's presidential candidate. Ms. Park is a daughter of former President Park Chung-hee, whose “Yushin” system brutally suppressed democracy...

Mozambique: Musician with a Cause

  21 September 2012

Ruben Mutekane invented Ndjerendje, a musical instrument that he uses to accompany social intervention songs while singing around Maputo, Mozambique. In the following video by Miguel Mangueze (@FotoMangueze)…

Video: Mini-Documentaries Showcase Venezuelan Artists

  20 September 2012

Through their YouTube account, the creative team Mostro Contenidos has released a documentary series called 'Memorabilia', where they present a collection of short interviews with Venezuelan personalities who have stood out -nationally and internationally- in film, entertainment, and the arts.

Kosovo: Venice Biennale “Newcomer”

  19 September 2012

Facebook page “Southeast Europe: People and Culture” notes that “Kosovo is one of this year's newcomers to the [Venice Biennale]”: The pavilion allows visitors to share their views on Kosovo's future design landscape. More on the Kosovo Pavilion – here.

What's the Verdict on Uganda@50 Independence Song?

  19 September 2012

'Yoga Yoga' is the official celebration song for Uganda's 50th year of independence, featuring Ugandan artists such as Esther Nabaasa, Ruyonga, Barbara Kayaga, Hum Kay and Richard Kaweesa. Some netizens are praising it whilst others argue it neither represents Ugandans nor Ugandan culture.

Mexico: A Photographic Glimpse into Midwifery Around the World

  19 September 2012

Intercultural Midwifery is the topic of this Offbeat Mama guest photo blog post by Brooklyn based photographer Alice Proujansky. While 5 months pregnant she traveled to photograph a cultural knowledge exchange in Quintana Roo where students from the only government- accredited program in midwifery went to study with Mayan traditional midwives from rural area.