Stories about Arts & Culture from November, 2017
#DemocracyDefeated: How Indian Right-Wing Groups Stalled A Bollywood Period Drama
Scandal surrounding "Padmavati" film causes Indian BJP leader to call for the lead actor's beheading and draws attention to larger issues of freedom of expression in film.
Fashion, Faith and Culture Come Together Through the Global Art of Head Wrapping
“We have to...as a whole say we care about each other's well-being, we love each other, and we are going to have to work through our differences."
What's in a Scarf? A Robot Restaurant in Bangladesh Serves up Controversy
"I was not surprised to see that the robot had to wear a scarf. Isn't that normal here?
Musicians Think There's #NoGreaterTime to Advocate for Change in Trinidad & Tobago
A new musical project delivers an inspirational message of unity to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, challenging them to collectively create "a more peaceful society".
Jordanian Cartoonist Goes to Trial For Drawing Jesus
The cartoon commented on the Orthodox Church in Jerusalem, which sold church property to Israeli settler groups to pay off church debt.
Argentine Documentary ‘Education in Motion’ Spotlights Grassroots Learning in Latin America
"The people know very well that the school is here, conquered by the struggle, it is in struggle and lives in struggle."
A Look Inside China's Propaganda Bureaucracy
How powerful is the Publicity Department of China's Communist Party? This article explores the history, functions, and expanding role of China's propaganda bureaucracy.
Female-Run Restaurant Bends Back Social Barriers in Pakistan's Quetta
"Years ago, women’s lives were limited to the four walls of the house in Hazara Town, but it is no longer the case now."
Amid the Vast Universe of the ‘Valerian’ Movie, Ukraine Gets a Special Shout-Out
The opening scenes of the film include a Ukrainian cosmonaut crew lead by a woman with the country's flag on her sleeve.
Traveling Japan by Bus… on YouTube
One YouTube user has traveled from one end of Japan to the other by local bus, uploading video of the entire trip.
Maung Maung Has Spent a Lifetime Collecting Gramophone Records in Myanmar
The retired police officer, teacher, and lawyer has amassed a collection of more than 100,000 gramophone records over six decades.
Freedom of Expression or ‘Obscene Representation'? The Case Against Indian Cartoonist Bala G
"The incident made me think that my children were burning. I have no words to express my sorrow, so I drew the cartoon out of rage."
To Divinity and Back: Nepal’s Living Goddess Returns to Normal Life After Nine-Year Stint as ‘Kumari’
The sudden transformation of a little girl into a revered goddess comes at a price. She must remain in isolation and is expected to stay calm at all times.
Watch a Short History of Japan's Frighteningly Good Horror Films
A YouTube channel offers an excellent introduction to Japanese horror cinema.
Bangladeshi Auto-Rickshaw Driver Sues Actor Shakib Khan for Using His Phone Number in Movie
The driver received more than 400 calls in five days from fans hoping to talk with the film actor. The calls affected his livelihood and nearly ruined his marriage.
Award-Winning Malian Blogger Boukary Konaté Was a Teacher, a Trailblazer and a Friend
Boukary Konaté traveled to regions of Mali far away from the capital to train the younger generations in the basics of blogging and safeguarding their culture.
Fire Balloon Competition in Myanmar's Taunggyi Celebrates ‘Festival of Lights’
Take a look at photos of the spectacular -- and sometimes dangerous -- tradition.
Despite Victories, the Fight for Afro-Mexican Recognition Has a Way to Go
"There are those who say...we are all Mexican and to think differently is to be discriminatory or racist. Those who assert this surely have not had their rights violated."