Stories about Arts & Culture from February, 2015
Imported Bollywood Films Have Become Quite a Drama in Bangladesh
Popular Bangladeshi actor Shakib Khan joined protests against Indian movies being screened, arguing it would hurt the country's struggling film industry. Film distributors and cinema owners then banned his films.
French Teenagers Speak a Language All Their Own. Confused? Here's a Guide
Did you know "2m1" means "tomorrow"? Or that "C'est de la balle" means "That's great"? For anyone lost, we've collected some tips to help you understand the lingo.
Bolivia Might Have the World's Most Devoted ‘Simpsons’ Fans
Across Bolivia, people took to the streets in protest after a local TV network shuffled the 'The Simpsons' out of its normal time slot for a reality TV show.
Why John Legend Should Perform In Bahrain
On the eve of John Legend's concert in Bahrain, a former Bahraini torture victim now living in exile asks the US singer to spare a thought for the country's persecuted.
Whoever Said Japanese Students’ Indoor Shoes Had to Be Boring?
Parents and children alike are personalizing students' "uwabaki", or indoor shoes. Students, teachers, and visitors are all required to remove their street shoes before entering the school.
Banksy Visits Gaza, Calls on World to Act
Famous British street artist Banksy went undercover in Gaza and released a series of thought-provoking graffiti as well as a mini documentary, calling on the world to act.
ISIS Burns Mosul Library in Iraq, Destroys Thousands of Valuable Manuscripts and Books
While reports on the attack on Mosul Library have just made the headlines, UNESCO says attacks on libraries, museums and universities have been going on for several months.
Peru’s Mosques: Pearls of Latin America’s Muslim Immigrants
Global Voices takes a look to two mosques in Peru, in Southern Tacna and the capital, Lima.
Trinidad & Tobago Has ‘Carnival Mentality’. Is That Necessarily a Bad Thing?
Carnival mentality refers to the carefree attitude on display at Trinidad and Tobago's biggest party. Some argue the term should represent industriousness -- Carnival takes a lot of work.
Rio's Carnival Cozied Up to Equatorial Guinea's Brutal Dictator. But Why is Everyone Surprised?
Outrage followed revelations that the winning samba school, whose parade theme was Equatorial Guinea, reportedly received 3.5 million euros from the country's President Obiang.
‘Birdman’ Director Puts Mexico Front and Center at Oscars
The "Birdman" director electrified Twitter with his acceptance speech at the Oscars, discussing the Mexican government and the situation of Mexican immigrants in the United States.
The Translation Detail Everyone Missed in the China Internet’s Incredibly Surreal Anthem
Below is an edited version of “The Translation Detail Everyone Missed in the China Internet's Incredibly Surreal Anthem“ by Jason Li, originally published on the blog 88 Bar and republished here as part of a...
High Hopes and Mixed Feelings About Russia's Oscar Nominee
Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev’s film "Leviathan" has been a critical darling abroad and a key Oscars contender, but in Russia, it has generated a polarizing national discussion.
Happy Chinese New Year… From Peru!
Tasty food and a significant population of tusán, or 'local-born' Chinese are just two reasons for Peruvians to celebrate Chinese New Year with gusto.
One Woman Challenges Perceptions of Somalia One Instagram Post at a Time
Ugaaso Boocow wanted to correct perceptions of Somalia. But instead of taking to the streets or the airwaves, she took to Instagram and is primed to be a star.
Can #Panzagar ‘Flower Speech’ Facebook Stickers End Hate Speech in Myanmar?
Facebook has added new stickers called 'Speak Panzagar' in support of the 'Flower Speech' movement to combat hate speech in Myanmar.
The Politics of ‘Wining’ in Trinidad & Tobago
Did a candidate for prime-minister just 'wine' on a female reveller at the carnival? This political scandal is a potent cocktail of sex, race and patriarchy.
Banned From Filmmaking, This Iranian Director Ignored His Government—and It's Paying Off
In 2010, the Iranian government slapped filmmaker barred Jafar Panahi from filmmaking for 20 years. Panahi has defied the ban, going on to win Berlin International Film Festival's Golden Bear.
Cologne's Carnival Parade Tones Down Its Charlie Hebdo Satire
Germany's Carnival is famed for no-holds-barred satire poking fun at politicians or social events. Festival organizers in Cologne mocked themselves for making the decision to tame its Charlie Hebdo float.
The Colourful Sights and Sounds of Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival
In this photo post, take a look at all the amazing aspects of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2015 - from traditional characters to the ever-popular "pretty mas'".
Video Project Documents the Life and Struggles of West Papuans
"They are the stories behind the conflict: the struggles for education, the environment, equality, and dignity."