Stories about Arts & Culture from April, 2012
China: Reactions to TV Ban on Japanese Porn Star, Sola Aoi
Chinese netizens are frustrated by the government's ban stopping Japanese porn star Sola Aoi from appearing in television shows. To show their support, they displayed a slogan at a Guangzhou football match, which has captured imaginations.
Cuba: Omni Zona Franca in New Orleans
El Yuma writes about the visit of Cuban experimental art group Omni Zona Franca to New Orleans. Omni is on tour in the US this spring, performing various works, and showing a documentary about their work. They describe the documentary as follows: “Their lives are marked by the actual performance...
Jordan: New Website for Short Stories
Project Pen is an initiative to promote short story writing by Arabs and “encourage a new generation of writers, creating new kinds of stories, for a new kind of readership”. By sharing stories across social media, and by connecting writers with each other, Project Pen intends to bypass traditional publishing...
Armenia: Human Rights Organizations Concerned by Film Festival Obstruction
After threats, intimidation and incitement to violence led to the cancellation of a film festival to be held in Armenia's second largest city of Gyumri, nationalists have attacked a human rights organization for the same, prompting concerns about freedom of expression.
Costa Rica: Climbing up Chirripó, the Country's Tallest Peak
The tallest peak in Costa Rica is the Chirripó, at 3820 meters (12,533 feet) above sea level. Throughout the years, it has drawn many locals and foreigners to climb up to the summit: these next few videos bring us two very different experiences. One of the first expeditions back in 1960, and a modern day hike to the top.
Angola/Mozambique: Emerging Platforms for Artistic Production
Blog of African contemporary culture Dá Fala shared a call for proposals on Emerging Platforms for Artistic Production in Angola and Mozambique, to be published on an issue of Critical Interventions that will explore “recent scenarios of art platforms as extensions and articulations of state, private, and individual power”, and...
This Week in the Caribbean Blogosphere
In last week's summary of the regional blogosphere, a young comtemporary artist from Barbados made the observation that the region is “more than the beach and coconuts.” Here's a round-up of what Caribbean netizens were talking about this week, with not one mention of beaches or coconuts...
Discussion on the Draft of China's Film Industry Promotion Law
China law blog has an article looking into the draft of the China's Film Industry Promotion Law which has been in process for years. The writers explain the potential controversy on the draft law.
Spain: Call for worldwide entries for the Barcelona International Audiovisual Festival
In topics centered around children and youth, the Barcelona International Audiovisual Festival is calling for entries with a 31 May, 2012 registration deadline for audiovisuals that not only entertain but also educate and teach. More information on Young People's Media Network.
Mexico: A Toy Collection Could Change the Future of Mexico
A 65 year old man had a personal collection with more than a million old toys, mostly made in Mexico. Mexican Architect Robert Shimizu, along with his son, decided to open their house as a toy museum. Their subtitled video documentary A Mexican Toy Story tells the story of how it came to be and how they believe that through toys, Mexico can recover its path.
Palestine: Launch of “100 Palestinian Blog Posts” Competition
On April 15, youth organization Diwan Ghazza announced a competition that is open to Palestinian bloggers everywhere. The idea is to collect the best 100 Palestinian blog posts, and then to publish them in a book later this year.
Egypt: “Blog About Nubia” Day
In an attempt to highlight the situation of the Nubian community in Egypt and to challenge stereotypes about them, a day of blogging and tweeting about their cause took place on April 18.
Cuba: Youth Film Festival Marked by Controversy
The 11th "Muestra Joven del audiovisual cubano" [Youth Festival of Cuban Audiovisuals] took place this year from the 3rd to the 8th of April. The festival was marked by poor media coverage and the resignation of its coordinator, director Fernando Pérez.
North Korean TV Announcer Appears with Double “Kim Pins”
North Korea Tech wrote a post on a new lapel pin made for the country's young dictator, Kim Jung-un. The “Kim pins” with the face of North Korean former leaders, are worn almost all the time by North Koreans and the new version debuted on its state TV.
Botswana: Love in the Shadows
Love in the Shadows is a new book by Lauri, a writer and blogger living in Botswana: “For the first time I'm trying my hand at a thriller/romance. Here's the blurb: Songbird Kedi Taukobong is living her dream. Enormously successful as an Afro-pop musician, she travels the continent performing to...
Sweden: Culture Minister in ‘Racist Cake’ Art Controversy
The Swedish Culture Minister's tasting of the controversial 'Painful Cake', representing the body of an African woman, at an art exhibition preview in Stockholm has provoked online reactions over alleged racism. Julie Owono reports.
Iran: Mad Graffiti Week for Political Prisoners
From April 1-7, 2012 the Facebook group Mad Graffiti Week Iran called on everyone, to stencil in honor of hundreds of Iranian political prisoners. People left their marks on shirts, fences, their homes and clothing. The effort was inspired and supported by the Egyptian “Mad Graffiti Week” which drew thousands...
Morocco: Opposition to Mawazine Festival Grows
As the the world struggles with the global economic crisis, Morocco's Mawazine festival may be affected by growing resentment at its cost. Mawazine is an international music festival that will take place this year between 18 and 26 May.
Tunisia: Book Readers to the Streets!
Following weeks of demonstrations in Tunis, a new event has been announced, called “L'avenue ta9ra”, or “The avenue reads”. The plan is for Tunisians to bring their books to Habib Bourguiba Avenue, the most symbolic thoroughfare of the capital, and take part in a collective reading session.
Mali: Timbuktu, a Cultural Treasure in Peril
The name Timbuktu conjures up a majestic, stately image. However, the war in northern Mali and the presence of small terrorist groups constitute a serious threat to the fate of Timbuktu. This treasure of humankind is in danger and numerous groups have raised the alarm.
Colombia: Painter and Sculptor Fernando Botero Celebrates 80
On April 19, 2012 the Colombian sculptor and painter Fernando Botero will turn 80 years old. The celebrations for his birthday have already started in Colombia and other parts of the world. On the internet citizens share their opinions and analysis of Botero and his works.
