Encore!

Her protagonist is a cinematic Sheherazade, captivating viewers with tales of courageous feats and astonishing achievements. Yet Heiny Srour's "Leila" is not dealing in fiction but in fact: re-telling the story of the Palestinian and Lebanese people with women back in their rightful roles, as active participants in their country's stories. As the film returns to cinemas 40 years after it was made, the Lebanese director tells us why its themes are still extremely topical today. We also discuss her pioneering documentary, "The Hour of Liberation Has Arrived", which made Srour the first Arab women to present a feature at the Cannes Film Festival in 1974.

Our TV critic Dheepthika Laurent brings us the latest international and local productions screening at Monte Carlo's 64th festival, with American star Robin Wright presenting her latest project, a psychological thriller called "The Girlfriend". We discuss the major prizes at this year's event and hear from multi-talented former tennis player Yannick Noah on his first television appearance in "Mort sur terre battue". We also look ahead to the third and final season of South Korean mega-hit "Squid Game" and consider a new Marvel spin-off from the world of Wakanda, starring promising young actress Dominique Thorne.

Brad Pitt is in the driving seat for the latest action spectacle from US director Joseph Kosinski, with a performance that even got the thumbs up from F1 champion Lewis Hamilton. Film critic Emma Jones tells us why the big-budget movie won her over despite some flaws in the storyline and frequent sightings of F1 sponsors. We also discuss the Nasser brothers' latest surreal comedy Western, "Once Upon a Time in Gaza", as the award-winning Palestinian directors return to a quieter time in their home region, via a tale of sandwich-making and illicit substances. Plus we check out British filmmaker Danny Boyle's long-awaited horror "28 Years Later" and reflect upon the film's socio-political relevance in a post-Covid, post-Brexit landscape.

In this episode of Arts 24, Eve Jackson speaks with Arab Nasser, co-director of "Once Upon a Time in Gaza" – a striking, Cannes‑awarded film that reframes Gaza not through destruction, but through resilience, surrealism and cinematic boldness. Blending genre and personal memory, the film offers a hauntingly beautiful portrait of life under siege.

In this edition of our arts24 music show, Jennifer Ben Brahim chats with Franco-Togolese singer Laura Prince. She's just released her second album "Adjoko", a voyage between memory, identity and authenticity. "Adjoko" is Laura's Togolese name, and symbolises her quest to reconnect with her African roots. She produced the record between France, Togo and Ouidah in Benin, a port town famous for its dark role in the slave trade. She also references her West African links to slavery through her name Laura Prince. It's an homage to author Mary Prince, the first Black woman to publish a book about her experiences as a slave.

It's France's biggest music festival, drawing up to 300,000 people to the little town of Clisson every year. We check in with music critic Marjorie Hache who brings us the latest from Hellfest, with headliners Judas Priest, Korn, Linkin Park and British rockers Muse debuting their new single at this year's festival. We also get a glimpse of a new exhibition at La Défense showcasing the huge diversity of street art from around the world, and learn how the V&A museum in London has taken a radical new approach to their collections. 

Her images reveal the impossible, the invisible, and the many, many layers behind a photograph. Taryn Simon's singular and meticulous approach to fine art photography produces pictures that interrogate our political structures, our social conventions and our governing principles. Her latest exhibition “The Game”, on show at the Almine Rech gallery in Paris, zooms in on symbolic and significant moments during the presidential election last year in the United States, questioning the random nature of democratic processes. We talk about the power of photography in a world of smartphones and artificial intelligence and reflect upon the universal moment of mourning during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Film critic Perrine Quennesson joins Eve Jackson to talk about the latest French films of the moment, including a gripping real-life Kabul evacuation thriller that premiered at Cannes this May. "13 Days, 13 Nights" is the latest feature from Martin Bourboulon, the director behind "The Three Musketeers" saga.

As one of a handful of Western photographers working in Afghanistan, Oriane Zerah has a unique perspective on daily life in the country. Her work is on show at the Fragonard museum in Grasse, in the south of France, in an exhibition entitled "Unveiled Women, Men with Flowers: A new face of Afghanistan", with images that upend stereotypes about masculinity and femininity under the Taliban. She tells us about the place of beauty in Afghan culture, about her own experience during the Taliban takeover of 2021 and why art is even being prescribed to young women in Afghanistan who are suffering under the oppressive regime there.

Franco-Swedish artist Herman Düne has made a name for himself since the late 1990s thanks to his delicate rock and indie tones. He's just released "Odysseús", which he began composing when he was stranded in Montreal during the global Covid lockdown. The record led him to feel a connection to Homer's hero. He tells Marjorie Hache more about how this long-term layover in Canada impacted his music.

His looping melodies and bewitching harmonies were the soundtrack to an endless, Californian summer. Brian Wilson's death has prompted an outpouring of affection and admiration, as the music industry pays tribute to a man considered a lyrical genius and a master of harmonies, and whose compositions now constitute the gold standard in pop. Music editor Jennifer Ben Brahim tells us more about Wilson's hits with the Beach Boys, his legacy and his personal struggles. We also check out the frenzied fandom surrounding Billie Eilish's recent concert dates in Paris.

After adapting three of Stephen King's horror stories, director Mike Flanagan opted for the author's sweet and life-affirming novella "The Life of Chuck" for his latest film. Film critic Emma Jones tells us why Tom Hiddleston brings a sweet levity to this uncynical life story, told in reverse. We also discuss the latest big budget live action remake as the "How to Train Your Dragon" series gets a 2025 version, and we find out more about the quirky arranged marriage at the centre of "Sister Midnight", an Anglo-Indian production that amused critics at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Plus we get a preview of some of the highlights at this year's animation festival in the French town of Annecy.

She is Brazil's most compelling defender of Black feminism. Philosopher, writer and professor Djamila Ribeiro has been instrumental in calling out structural racism and pushing for societal change, be it in publishing or in politics. Ribeiro joins us to talk about her deeply personal book "Letters to my grandmother", which recounts her own experience as a young woman and reflects upon the socio-political context that her mother and grandmother were navigating in 20th-century Brazil. Ribeiro has used her public platform to boost feminist and anti-racist campaigns, discussing the "speaking place" that each person inhabits, a key concept in her best-selling text "Where We stand", in which she explains why multiple identities inform individual perspectives.

In this edition of our arts24 music show, Jennifer Ben Brahim chats with UK-based Nigerian musician Obongjayar. He's just released his second album called "Paradise Now", a danceable record inspired by partying. He even hosted a series of parties of the same name in London as he was producing the record. The Ivor Novello-nominated musician moved from Nigeria to London as a teenager and his music is infused with West African rhythms, pop, punk and dance. Aside from nightlife, "Paradise Now" also talks about love, religion, belonging and calling out political inaction – like on the diss track "Jellyfish".

In this special edition for World Oceans Day, we spotlight the urgent, haunting work of Mandy Barker, the award-winning British photographic artist using sea-salvaged fashion waste to expose the truth about plastic pollution. Her cyanotype series "Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Imperfections" reimagines the work of 19th-century botanist Anna Atkins, replacing seaweed with clothing scraps collected from 121 beaches around the UK. The result is both poetic and jarring, earning praise from none other than Sir David Attenborough, who supports Barker's work for its power to inspire real change.

In this edition of arts24, Eve Jackson brings you a thrilling lineup of films and exhibitions shaking up the art and entertainment world. First up: a surprising box office showdown in France. Tom Cruise's latest "Mission: Impossible" instalment faces off against a small blue alien – and "Stitch" wins, selling 1.3 million tickets in just one week. It's the biggest box office opener of 2025 so far! How did this beloved Disney classic from 2002 out-muscle Hollywood's biggest action star? Eve investigates.

Ana de Armas takes on the high-octane stunts as a dancer-turned-assassin in the big-budget action thriller "Ballerina". Film critic Emma Jones tells us why de Armas's charisma and talent for physical feats make her a compelling lead for this detour within the John Wick universe.

Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent – the names that define Parisian chic are French. But did you know that the entire French Haute Couture empire was built by … an Englishman? Join Eve Jackson at the Petit Palais in Paris for a dazzling deep dive into a new exhibition on Charles Frederick Worth, the revolutionary British designer who transformed fashion from mere clothing into high art and big business.

With music festival season in full swing, we chat to Last Train frontman Jean-Noël Scherrer. His band have just had a sold-out tour here in France and played extensively in Germany, the UK and other European countries. We also speak to Tallulah Sim-Savage of up-and-coming English trio HotWax, whose debut album is a punchy blend of grunge and rock 'n' roll.

We bring you a report that crunches the numbers about how much Oasis fans will spend on food, drinks and tickets for a chance to see the 1990s British rockers when their tour begins in July. (Hint: hundreds of euros!).

Fresh from the Cannes film festival, our critic Ben Croll and Dheepthika Laurent look at the latest film releases, starting with Wes Anderson's star-studded whimsical film, "The Phoenician Scheme".

A second season of a French special ops war drama, a new series from “Succession” creator Jesse Armstrong, a star-studded mafia drama called “MobLand”, and the Judy Blume classic teen novel “Forever” updated for our modern times. FRANCE 24's Charli James and Dheepthika Laurent discuss the hottest TV series of the moment.

In this edition of our arts24 music show, Jennifer Ben Brahim chats with Adrien Rozé and Clément Savoye from French pop rock band Kids Return. Despite being born and raised in Paris, they could be mistaken for being from the UK or the US, their musical references being the likes of Oasis and The Strokes. They've just dropped their second album “1997”, a nod to their year of birth but also two musical movements that started that year – French Touch and Britpop. Kids Return have just finished a North American tour, performing in locations such as the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. This month, they performed at the legendary Olympia venue in Paris, following in the footsteps of some of their musical idols such as The Beatles.

The Cannes Film Festival might be over but we've got one last treat in store for you. Viola Davis is not only an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning actress, but also an author, advocate, and now, a L'Oréal Paris ambassador.

Arts Editor Eve Jackson and film critic Emma Jones take us through the winners of this year's Cannes Film Festival, including the Palme d'Or-winning "It Was Just an Accident" by Iranian dissident Jafar Panahi. It was a powerful and symbolic moment for Panahi, who returned to Cannes after a 22-year absence caused by repeated prison terms and travel bans. His film about prisoners confronting their jailer echoes his own fight for artistic freedom.

In this episode, we talk about a powerful moment at the Cannes Film festival as acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi presents "A Simple Accident" – a film impossible to separate from his own harrowing story. Long targeted by Iran's regime with censorship, house arrest, and imprisonment, Panahi has defied the odds to attend the festival in person. His latest work offers a stark, unflinching portrait of Iranian society and a bold critique of the ruling powers. As buzz builds around his chances for the Palme d'Or, Panahi sits down for an interview with Louise Dupont from the French channel of FRANCE 24.

Arts Editor Eve Jackson reports from the Cannes Film Festival, highlighting the return of Belgian filmmakers Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne with their new film "Young Mothers". The film offers a raw, intimate look at five young women navigating early motherhood in a communal home. Through their struggles, the Dardennes explore themes of resilience, solidarity, and liberation from generational hardship. Eve also contrasts this with Iranian director Saeed Roustaee's harrowing portrait of isolated single motherhood. She's joined by social media journalist Stella Elgersma to share some festival highlights and behind-the-scenes moments. 

Culture editor Eve Jackson brings us another special programme from the Cannes Film Festival. Today, we talk to actor Paul Mescal about his new film "The History of Sound", the moving gay love story starring Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor, premiering at the festival. Paul, fresh off his Oscar nomination for "Aftersun" and his role in "Gladiator 2", shares how he and Josh created undeniable on-screen chemistry in this intimate drama. Eve also speaks to the film's director Oliver Hermanus about bringing this touching story of love and memory to life.

Film critic Emma Jones gives us a clearer idea of potential prize contenders. She tells us all about “Sentimental Value” by Joachim Trier, a lovely story set around a family – and an exploration of grief and art. 

Arts24's Eve Jackson brings you the latest from the Cannes Film Festival, starting with "The History of Sound" – a powerful period love story starring Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor. 

Scarlett Johansson joins the growing wave of actresses stepping behind the camera with her Cannes directorial debut "Eleanor the Great", a touching tale of grief and reinvention. Jodie Foster also impresses in "A Private Life", playing a wine-sipping, chain-smoking psychiatrist in her first lead French-speaking role. 

Oscar-winner Jodie Foster shines in 'A Private Life', her first French-language role in two decades. French-speaking stars Golshifteh Farahani and Tahar Rahim team up in Julia Ducournau's mysterious thriller 'Alpha'. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at the whirlwind world of Cannes press junkets.

A night of unexpected magic at the Cannes Film Festival as Denzel Washington receives a surprise honorary Palme d'Or before the premiere of Spike Lee's “Highest 2 Lowest”. Rihanna lit up the red carpet, arriving post-screening with A$AP Rocky, revealing her growing baby bump. The film marks Lee and Denzel's fifth collaboration, with Washington playing a powerful music mogul.

On today's Arts24 from Cannes with Eve Jackson, we're front row for the red carpet return of Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, back together for "Highest 2 Lowest" – a bold reimagining of Kurosawa's "High and Low". It's Lee's fifth collaboration with Washington, who stars as a troubled New York music mogul opposite A$AP Rocky in his first major film role. Denzel Washington was even surprised with an honorary Palme d'Or ahead of the premiere. 

Japanese director Genki Kawamura brings the cult video game "Exit 8" to the big screen in a chilling psychological thriller. Premiering in Cannes' Midnight Screenings section, the film follows a man trapped in a looping subway corridor, desperately searching for a way out. Adapted from a 2023 indie hit, it's a tense, mind-bending ride already thrilling both gamers and film fans. 

The latest from Arts24's Eve Jackson in Cannes: Kristen Stewart makes her directorial debut with "The Chronology of Water", a bold adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch's memoir, premiering a buzzed-about Chanel look. We sit down with Diane Kruger to talk about Amrum, a haunting post-war drama directed by Fatih Akin.

Culture editor Eve Jackson brings us the latest from Day 4 of the Cannes Film Festival, where U2 frontman Bono is premiering Stories of Surrender. The documentary, directed by Andrew Dominik, is based on Bono's emotional one-man stage show – mixing his biggest hits with personal reflections on grief, fame, and activism. Speaking at Cannes, the rock legend warned that “the world has never been closer to a world war” in his lifetime. 

Culture editor Eve Jackson brings you the latest from the Cannes Film Festival, where Ari Aster's "Eddington" is one of the hottest premieres. Starring Joaquin Phoenix as a sheriff and Pedro Pascal as the town's mayor — with Emma Stone and Austin Butler also in the cast — this darkly comic Western takes on post-pandemic politics and unrest.

From star-studded glamour to hard-hitting drama, Day 3 of the Cannes Film Festival delivers it all. On today's show with Eve Jackson, we dive into the spectacle of the red carpet – a global symbol of fame, fashion and prestige. But how did it become such a powerful icon? Stella Elgersma takes a closer look.

Cannes has rolled out a new dress code banning full nudity and oversized gowns, shaking up red carpet fashion and sparking debate. Culture editor Eve Jackson has the latest, as stars like Halle Berry reveal they've had to rethink their looks. The move comes after years of sheer, nipple-baring outfits. FRANCE 24's Stella Elgersma hit the Croisette to see how festival-goers are reacting.

Arts24 editor Eve Jackson brings you the latest from the Croisette – where Hollywood spectacle meets searing real-world stories. One of the most anticipated films of the festival – 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' – premieres with Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell and the returning cast.