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PODCAST REVIEWS
Sustainable(ish): The Podcast
A brilliant podcast that explores every angle of sustainability and how to achieve it, covering topics such as how to get the younger generation into slow fashion, donating to climate charities to posing questions like is it possible to travel ‘flight-free’? to reduce your carbon footprint, it gets you thinking about what you can do as an individual to make a huge impact, every little helps and this podcast will guide you, whilst addressing the big questions which are so easy to ignore.
The Antidote
This podcast aims to find the joy and silver lining in an increasingly dark world. Covering eclectic fun topics from what is the grown-up way to drink tequila anyway, to finding mindfulness and meditative peace of mind in trying your hand at flower arranging or going for a hike in jubilant, beautiful nature, listening to hosts Amy Aniobi and Grace Edwards, two of the writers of HBO’s Insecure, will bring a smile to your face.
FILMS worth staying in to watch
Boiling Point - Directed by Philip Barantini (2021)
Starring Stephen Graham, this is a brilliant take on just what goes on in a kitchen and the hellish stress a head chef undergoes in a buzzy London restaurant. Compulsive viewing, a hint of humour, the characters are believable, it has an almost docu-film feel. An advert to go in to hospitality, it is not, however it shines a real light on the industry, giving the viewer genuine insight. Elvis - Directed by Baz Luhrmann’s (2022)
Whether you are a fan of Elvis or not, this musically led film tells the story of a small town country boy and how he ended up donned as ‘The King’. You feel warm towards the singer and see how those around him often manipulated him to gain money and fame for themselves. A lovely story that celebrates true talent and one that has longevity. The Woman King - Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (2022)
This historic action film is about black women, being entertaining whilst also culturally significant. Following Amazonian style fighting during 1800s Africa, it’s a new take on classics such as Gladiator and a look at the power of female solidarity and strength. All Quiet on The Western Front
- Directed by Edward Berger (2022)
A German-language version of Erich Maria Remarque’s classic ‘antiwar’ novel that happens in the shadow of the Great War. A somewhat violent and yet visually engaging insight into what the war atmosphere would have been like, the trials and tribulations and a focus on the individual and what they have to let go in order to fight as a whole.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE WORLD:
Here is a roundup of the events to look out for around the world
MEVLANA FESTIVAL DECEMBER 7TH-17TH
DECEMBER 2022
The poet and Islamic scholar Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi passed away in 1273 in the Turkish city of Konya. He has been celebrated since then by the Melvlevi Order, also known as the Whirling Dervishes at an festival. For 10 full days in December, the whirling dance called Sema, is performed in traditional costume in homage to Rumi’s spirit. Regardless of religion, the dance is a sight to behold.
JANUARY 2023
NOZAWA ONSEN FIRE FESTIVAL - NOZAWA ONSEN, JAPAN January 15th
The Nozawa Fire Festival is one of the three greatest fire festivals in Japan and
NOZAWA ONSEN FIRE FESTIVAL JANUARY 15TH
a must-see event which takes place at Baba-no-hara, Nozawa Onsen Village on the 15th of January every year. The event begins with lanterns then fireworks and more spectacular fires until the end of the evening.
FEBRUARY 2023
From the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema to Rio Carnival and the steamy Rio de Janeiro nightlife, the energy emanated by the marvellous City of Rio de Janeiro is nothing short of electrifying. Even more exhilarating are the deliciously bronzed and toned samba dancers, the pulsating samba music, the frantic applause of the spectators, and of course, partying at Rio Carnival.
MARCH 2023
Soak up the joyous atmosphere at music gigs, walking tours, food fairs, art exhibitions and the massive
RIO DE JANEIRO CARNIVAL FEBRUARY 19TH-20TH
SAINT PATRICK’S FESTIVAL MARCH 17TH
MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL JUNE 30THJULY 15TH
dance party known as the Céilí Mór. The undoubted highlight is the parade - an explosion of colour, creativity and thrilling street performances.
APRIL 2023
SONGKRAN - THAILAND April 13th-15th
Songkran (Thai name ：เทศกาล สงกรานต์)), the Thai New Year, is the most important festival in Thailand. With celebrations lasting up to a week, Thai New Year marks the end of the dry season with religious ceremonies and water fights, which are a trademark of the festival. As a symbol of renewal in Buddhism, water is splashed on statues of Buddha for good luck, and younger generations bathe the hands of the elderly to receive their blessing in return.
SONGKRAN APRIL 13TH-15TH
MAY 2023
First held in 1946 for the recognition of artistic achievement, the festival came to provide a rendezvous for those interested in the art and influence of the movies. Like other film festivals, it became an international marketplace where producers and distributors could exchange ideas, view films, and sign contracts. The festival previews new films of all genres, including documentaries, from all around the world.
CANNES FILM FESTIVAL MAY 16TH-27TH
JUNE 2023
The Swiss city Montreux, located hundred km from Geneva on Geneva’s Lake beach, holds every year in start July, one of the greatest Jazz festivals of Europe. The festival started in 1967. On its first years it last for three days, but nowadays as it got greater and better, it last for 16 days. Unlike other Jazz festivals, the repertory of Montreux festival includes in addition to Jazz, other kinds of music as Reggae, Pop, Sol, Rock, Rap and much more.
