A new documentary titled "Village of Ballet Dancers" tells the story of 13 ballet dancers from Başpınar village in Çorum, Turkey, who pursued their passion despite being from an agricultural community. The film follows their journey to the State Opera and Ballet, where they achieved great success on stage. Director Fatih Diren was inspired by the story of Alaattin Acar, the first ballet dancer from the village in 1973, and features appearances by Serbülent Biçer, Erdoğan Şanal, Ertan Şanal, and Alperen Dağ, who also stars in the documentary.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/film-on-villages-ballet-dancers-wins-intl-awards-208591The Bolshoi Ballet will perform in Shenzhen on May 14 and 15, as part of a China tour that excludes Hong Kong. The company, founded in 1776, is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet companies in the world. Its international activities have been limited since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts/article/3308372/bolshoi-ballets-china-tour-visit-shenzhen-and-beijing-not-hong-kong?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionThe Donwahi Foundation and Cécile Fakhoury Gallery collaborated to honor Togolese artist Sadikou Oukpedjo, a renowned figure in the art scene. Born in northern Togo, Oukpedjo trained with master Paul Ahyi in Lomé in the 1990s. He initially focused on wood sculpture before transitioning to painting, resulting in a distinctive body of work showcased in prominent galleries and collections globally.
https://africanews.com/2025/04/29/the-second-edition-of-abidjan-art-week-comes-to-a-close/The upcoming graphic novel "Megalopolis" by Ryall is set in a utopian city built with a unique material called Megalon, designed by Adam Driver's character Caesar Catalina. However, the city's construction is opposed by Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), the mayor of New Rome, and his daughter Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel). The story explores themes of art and its expression, as Ryall aims to honor and expand the world of the original film.
https://gizmodo.com/francis-ford-coppolas-megalopolis-is-becoming-a-graphic-novel-2000595204The Ajoka Theatre in Lahore commemorated the 7th death anniversary of its founder Madeeha Gauhar with a tribute event at Alhamra Hall. The evening featured a new video song, "Jeevay Ajoka," and a violin performance by Nirvaan Nadeem, Muhammad Aslam, and Hasan, Madeeha's grandson. Family members, including Sarang Nadeem, Neha Ali Gauhar, Arzoo Gauhar, Faryal Gauhar, and Shahid Nadeem, shared moving reflections on Madeeha's legacy as a fearless artiste, loving mother, and advocate for justice.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1305870-madeeha-gauhar-paid-tributeThe TV series "Étoile" by Amy Sherman Palladino is a gut-wrenching and addictive package that tackles pressing issues facing artists and humanity, including the emotional toll of creative work. The show's creator, Amy Sherman Palladino, has been preparing for this project since her childhood ballet training, which may have influenced its intense and impactful storytelling.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/etoile-the-brutality-of-ballet-spawns-tvs-biggest-boldest-new-show/The European Film Market (EFM) will take place from February 11 to 18 in Berlin, Germany. The market includes several events such as the Berlinale Co-Production Market, which runs from February 14 to 17, and Berlinale Talents, a program for young filmmakers that spans from February 13 to 18. Additionally, World Cinema Fund Day will be held on February 17.
https://deadline.com/2025/04/berlin-film-festival-2026-dates-1236378671/Francis Ford Coppola is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to artistic vision over financial gain. He famously gave his wife Eleanor Coppola a camera, allowing her to direct without interference, and spent $120 million on a piece of art that didn't dictate the content of his film "Megalopolis". This principled approach has inspired filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, who have praised Coppola's courage in pushing the boundaries of cinema.
https://deadline.com/2025/04/50th-afi-life-achievement-award-francis-ford-coppola-1236378252/David Kratz, president of the New York Academy of Art, was honored at this year's Tribeca Ball, a multi-floor event featuring roving magicians, live figure drawing, and performances by Sterling Strings and Erica Mancini. The evening also showcased artworks presented by students, with notable attendees including Liev Schreiber, Joseph Altuzarra, Will Cotton, Gina Gershon, Eileen Guggenheim, and Polina Proshkina.
https://www.surfacemag.com/articles/new-york-academy-of-art-2025-tribeca-ball/