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By Gabriela Conrad Veidt, born in Berlin in 1893, was a groundbreaking figure in both German and Hollywood cinema. Known for his haunting performances in films such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Casablanca, Veidt’s legacy spans continents and decades. He not only shaped the aesthetic of early horror and expressionist cinema but also used his platform to resist authoritarianism, making him both an artistic and moral icon.
Veidt gained international fame through his portrayal of Cesare, the sleepwalking somnambulist in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), a cornerstone of German Expressionist cinema. With his eerie presence and hypnotic stare, Veidt brought emotional depth to a genre that was still defining itself. His later roles in Orlac's Hands (1924), The Man Who Laughs (1928), and Casablanca (1942) solidified his status as a master of dark, complex characters. A vocal opponent of the Nazi regime, Veidt chose exile over silence, eventually working in both the UK and the USA to support anti-fascist narratives. Despite his significant impact, Veidt has yet to be honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—a surprising omission considering his lasting influence on the portrayal of villains and outcasts in global cinema. I first discovered Conrad Veidt during my first year of film school, at age 18, when I watched The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari for the very first time. From the moment he appeared on screen as Cesare, I was mesmerized. His performance not only drew me into the world of silent cinema, but it also made me fall in love with the entire genre of early horror and Expressionist film. Although I had previously seen him in Casablanca, I hadn’t realized he was the same actor; his transformation was that complete. Veidt quickly became one of my favorite actors and an important influence to my creative journey. His ability to convey deep emotion through body language alone sparked my interest in studying German Expressionism more seriously, and even inspired me to add learning the German language to my long-term goals. At 19, I recreated scenes from Caligari — dressed and made up as Cesare — for a physical theatre performance in my acting class. I vividly remember the moment I saw Cesare’s expression of terror during his “awakening” scene for the first time: I was genuinely scared and avoided watching it again for days. That’s the power of Veidt’s craft. I now dream of one day writing or directing a biopic about Conrad Veidt. Until then, I hope that major studios will recognize his story as one worth telling. His life, marked by courage, transformation, and a deep commitment to art, is not just a chapter in film history but a powerful reminder of how cinema can both reflect and resist the times we live in.
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By Gabriela Since its creation over sixty years ago, the Eurovision Song Contest has stood as a powerful symbol of unity through music. Originally launched to foster peace and cooperation in post-war Europe, the contest has grown into a beloved cultural phenomenon with global reach. In recent years, however, Eurovision has become more than just a music competition: it has evolved into a stage where cultural, political, and identity-based narratives often share the spotlight with artistic performance. This transformation invites reflection not only on Eurovision's purpose but on how we evaluate art today.
I first heard about Eurovision through Family: my uncle, who’s a diplomat and an art lover like me, always mentioned it. But I only started following it in 2022, when I was 17, after watching the Netflix movie about the festival. That year’s songs truly captivated me. Since then, Eurovision has become part of my life. Even though it’s not broadcast in Brazil, I used my platform at the online radio where I interned to write articles and produce soundcasts about it. I was proud to see those pieces gain significant traction and views. As a cinema student, I admire Eurovision’s founding mission: to unite people through music. My dream is to work in international cinema, and I hope one day to recommend Eurovision songs for film soundtracks. But lately, I’ve noticed a shift: like in the film world, decisions sometimes seem driven more by context or messaging than by the art itself. I don’t say this to criticize representation or deny the value of social causes, far from it. What I hope is that we can develop our critical thinking and reflect on how we assess creative work. I was particularly disappointed with the 2023 outcome. ABBA’s 1974 victory with Waterloo was iconic and truly deserved, a cornerstone of Swedish musical history. But perhaps it’s time to give more room to new voices, regardless of their background or commercial success. We need to make and recognize art for art’s sake again, both in music and in film. That’s the message I hope this reflection sends: that we can celebrate diversity and inclusion without losing sight of the craft, emotion, and merit at the heart of artistic expression. The Eurovision Song Contest has attracted a massive audience since its inception more than six decades ago. Originally created to unite European countries through music and support the reconstruction of the continent after World War II, the event organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has become one of the most anticipated, acclaimed, and beloved annual music competitions worldwide. Artists from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to achieve global fame and take home the crystal microphone, the symbol of victory, while also earning their country the right to host the following year's edition. Among the many names that gained recognition thanks to Eurovision are icons like Celine Dion, ABBA, Alexander Rybak, Emma Muscat, Wild Youth, Loreen, and many others. Although traditionally European, the contest has also opened its doors to countries outside the continent, such as Australia, Israel, and the Caucasus nations, becoming a cultural event that transcends geographic borders. In recent years, however, Eurovision has come to reflect more than just artistic talent and musical diversity. Since 2018, some outcomes have sparked discussions about the role of the contest: is it still a stage for pure artistic expression, or has it increasingly become a space where political and cultural factors carry greater weight in the decisions of both the jury and the public? In 2018, the victory of Israeli singer Netta Barzilai with the song Toy, inspired by the MeToo movement, sparked debates about the contest’s role amid regional conflict. At the time, some critics noted that the artist’s success was accompanied by ongoing political tensions involving Israel and Palestine, and questioned the decision to host the following year’s event in Israel. In 2022, Ukraine’s victory during the war caused controversy amid the Russian invasion. Despite Russia being banned from the contest, many viewed Ukraine’s win as going beyond the musical sphere, reflecting more a political gesture of support than a purely artistic judgment. In 2023, the contest was hosted by the U.K., since Ukraine was unable to host due to the ongoing war, but it remained officially recognized as the winner. The 2023 edition generated some debate with the victory of Swedish singer Loreen, which awarded Sweden the right to host the festival in 2024. This result divided opinions, particularly given Finland’s strong performance as runner-up, as well as the symbolic significance of celebrating the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s first win in 1974 with the song Waterloo. In 2024, singer Nemo Mettler, who identifies as non-binary, represented Switzerland and won the competition with a powerful performance. Their victory was celebrated by many as a symbol of inclusion, diversity, and gender representation in the European artistic scene. However, this growing emphasis on identity-related themes also raises legitimate questions about balancing cultural impact with strictly musical merit. While it is undeniable that art reflects the time in which it is created, it is important to consider whether, at certain moments, symbols and social causes have come to carry a weight comparable to or even greater than the compositions themselves. This observation does not seek to devalue the artists or their messages, but rather to invite reflection on the contest’s role: does it still prioritize music as a universal language, or is it gradually becoming a platform for social and political affirmation? This debate gains even more momentum in the 2025 edition, amid the controversy surrounding Israel’s second-place finish against the backdrop of escalating conflict in the Gaza Strip. The country’s participation in the competition has sparked tensions among delegations and public protests calling for its exclusion from the event as a form of protest against the ongoing humanitarian crisis. However, the Eurovision organizers chose to keep Israel in the contest, justifying the decision by emphasizing the festival’s commitment to political neutrality and its role as a space for unity through music. This decision elicited mixed reactions: for some, art should transcend geopolitical issues; for others, maintaining neutrality in sensitive contexts raises questions about the consistency of the values the festival aims to represent. In this scenario, it is worth asking: when does art serve as resistance or dialogue, and when does it risk being instrumentalized? Throughout history, art has consistently engaged with the context in which it is created — sometimes as critique, sometimes as a mirror of society. However, in an international competition like Eurovision, a delicate question arises: what should carry more weight in the evaluation: the aesthetic and creative strength of the performance, or the political and social meaning it conveys? This question has no easy answer, especially in a world facing intense and painful challenges. The aim is not to separate art from reality, but to reflect on whether allowing external factors to influence the selection of winners risks undermining artistic judgment itself. When an artist is recognized more for the context they represent than for their musical merit, it can shape the way the audience understands the true purpose of the competition. It is important to highlight that Eurovision remains a powerful showcase of talent, cultures, and diverse voices, something that should be recognized and celebrated. However, observing the decisions in recent years, one can notice an increasing complexity in the line that separates the artistic from the symbolic. The true challenge lies in finding balance: allowing art to express urgent realities without letting those realities become the sole criteria for decision-making. After all, if Eurovision was created to unite nations through music, perhaps the greatest responsibility now is to ensure that art continues to be at the heart of that union, and not merely a reflection of external struggles. By Gabriela Aardman Animations, founded in 1972, is renowned for creating iconic characters like Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run. However, its journey began with short films and commercials, one of the most notable being Creature Comforts, a 1989 stop-motion animation short film that marked a key milestone in Aardman’s rise to international fame.
Creature Comforts, created and directed by Nick Park, features animals from a zoo discussing their living conditions. Through the use of stop-motion animation, the film portrays a variety of animals, from polar bears to a Brazilian jaguar, expressing their thoughts on food, space, and freedom. The success of this short film helped Aardman secure recognition and expand its reach, winning an Oscar and leading to the creation of the Wallace & Gromit series. I first discovered Creature Comforts when I borrowed a book from my university library about the history of animation. While reading the section on modern animation and stop-motion, I came across a reference to it. Since I wasn’t familiar with the film, I decided to research it online and watch it for the first time. From the very beginning, I was captivated by Aardman’s unique style, as well as the voices and performances of the animals. This experience has taught me how powerful animation can convey human emotions through non-human characters. It also reminded me of the importance of storytelling and the way certain creative projects, like Creature Comforts, can transcend cultural and language barriers, making a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. This project's success has influenced my approach to creative work, encouraging me to think about how I can incorporate personal emotions and experiences into my projects, creating a deeper connection with the audience. Since its founding in 1972, Aardman has become one of the most renowned animation studios worldwide, especially after introducing iconic productions that left their mark on the animation world, such as Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run (2000), and many other titles. However, the studio's journey began with short films and commercials, with one particular project playing a key role in propelling Aardman even before the creation of Wallace & Gromit. In 1989, Aardman produced the short film Creature Comforts, created and directed by Nick Park. The stop-motion animation features animals from a zoo — such as a family of polar bears and even a Brazilian jaguar — discussing their living conditions, including criticisms of their space, the weather, the loss of freedom, and their food. While some animals are satisfied with their conditions, others are bothered by the food and space, and they also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment they receive at the zoo. The characters' voices were provided by residents of a local housing complex and an elderly home. A Brazilian friend of Nick Park was responsible for voicing the jaguar, dissatisfied with its food and lack of space. The responses to the 'interviews' were framed in the context of zoo animals, and stop-motion animation was used to bring each character to life. The success of Creature Comforts opened new horizons for Aardman, which saw in the short film an opportunity to expand its work in the field of advertising. In 1990, the short film won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film. At the same time, the studio released one of its first successes: A Grand Day Out, the first film featuring the famous duo Wallace & Gromit. The duo's success soon resulted in more victories for Aardman, with the creation of other iconic characters, such as Shaun the Sheep (in A Close Shave, 1995) and Feathers McGraw (in The Wrong Trousers, 1993). At the beginning of the 2000s, particularly in 2003, Aardman produced an animated series based on Creature Comforts, with 13 episodes in the first season, aired by the BBC. Now, the series expanded beyond the zoo, introducing new settings like pet shops, gardens, oceans, the poles, and even human homes, with characters ranging from pets to a unicellular amoeba. The series was well received by critics, addressing behavioral issues, daily life, and the opinions of the animals, which led to the series getting a second season. Aired in many countries starting in 2005, Creature Comforts also had a 30-minute Christmas special, broadcast in 2005. In 2007, there was an attempt to adapt the series for the American audience, but the version was canceled after three episodes due to low ratings. Additionally, the series won an Emmy and an Annie Award between 2007 and 2008. In 2024, the BBC announced Things We Love, a special sequel to Creature Comforts, which returns to the interview format with 'non-actors', now portrayed as animals from various places discussing their living conditions. The production continues to be released by Aardman, and the series is available on the official Creature Comforts YouTube channel. Creature Comforts is, without a doubt, one of the most important milestones in Aardman's history. Its impact, alongside the success of Wallace & Gromit, was crucial in shaping the Aardman we know today. The series, which includes both the original short film and the subsequent series, is charming and deeply engaging, allowing the audience to identify with and connect to the expressions and stories of the animals, all through a unique and personality-filled animation. A visual and creative legacy that is certainly worth appreciating. By Gabriela Animation has been a beloved art form for generations, and few series have left as significant a mark as the Looney Tunes. Since their creation during the Golden Age of Animation, these characters have become icons of humour, creativity, and cultural impact. For me, the Looney Tunes represent more than just cartoons: they are a lasting source of inspiration and comfort.
Growing up, I watched countless cartoons, from early Disney classics to Hanna-Barbera shows and modern animations of the 2000s. Yet, it was the timeless charm of Looney Tunes, along with characters like Woody Woodpecker and Betty Boop, that truly captured my heart. These cartoons stood out for their clever humour, memorable characters, and ability to entertain both children and adults alike. Despite the changing times and trends in animation, Looney Tunes have remained a vibrant and relevant presence. I grew up watching many cartoons, from the early Disney animations to Hanna-Barbera shows, and even the modern cartoons of the 2000s, but my favourites have always been the classics like Looney Tunes, Woody Woodpecker, and Betty Boop. I remember watching Looney Tunes every day during my childhood, before and after school. I even had DVDs of the characters, and I always remembered how funny they were. It didn’t take long for me, like any child, to fall in love with animation, but I kept watching these cartoons even after I turned 12. It took some time for my parents to understand how much I liked cartoons - especially after I said I wanted to study at the film school, and my dad jokingly said I could be “the cartoon filmmaker.” I kept it a secret during school because I didn’t want to be seen as a kid. Later, I realized that there’s nothing wrong with loving animation as an adult, since adults are the ones creating these cartoons with great humour and dedication, making them enjoyable for both kids and adults. When I met my college friends, I never expected to find people who shared my passion for Looney Tunes and animation even today. For one of my friends’ birthdays, we went to watch the new Looney Tunes movie (The Day the Earth Blew Up), and we laughed a lot in the theatre. It was a wonderful feeling, like going back to childhood - kids inside the bodies of young adults aged 20 and 21. Since that day, I wanted to show how much Looney Tunes have marked my life, how much I love their cartoons and characters, and how I dream that this passion for cinema will be recognized by the big studios that shaped my life, especially Warner Bros. It’s a beautiful legacy that should never be forgotten or destroyed, even with the current trend of political correctness. That's All, Folks? Not Yet: 100 Years of Looney Tunes Madness Undoubtedly, animation has shaped the childhoods of many people, with certain characters standing out as some of the most iconic in the genre. Since the so-called Golden Age of Animation, which spanned from the early 1920s to the 1960s, these figures have left a lasting mark on pop culture. During this period, Warner Bros. Studios rose to prominence by creating a collection of characters and animated shorts that would go on to become timeless classics in the history of animation and cinema, alongside the works of Disney and Fleischer Studios: the Looney Tunes. It all began in the 1920s, when Walt Disney and his team moved to California to work on new projects following the closure of Laugh-O-Gram Studios. Among their early creations were the Alice Comedies and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. After these productions came to an end, two animators who had worked with Disney, Rudolph Ising and Hugh Harman, were let go. In 1928, they went on to create their own animated character: Bosko. Bosko’s pilot, released in 1929, was innovative for incorporating spoken dialogue, something still uncommon in animation at the time. While Disney’s cartoons focused primarily on musical soundtracks, Bosko emphasized character speech and verbal humor, which caught the attention of animator Leon Schlesinger. He hired Ising and Harman to develop two new animated series for Warner Bros., aiming to compete with Mickey Mouse and the Silly Symphonies. In 1930, they released Sinkin’ in the Bathtub and the cartoon series Merrie Melodies. After a falling-out with Schlesinger, Ising and Harman left Warner Bros., taking the rights to Bosko with them. As a result, Warner was left with the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series, but without their original main character. Schlesinger then hired new animators, including Bob McKimson and Chuck Jones. During this period, the character Buddy was created as a replacement for Bosko, but he failed to achieve much success. The turning point came in 1935 with the release of the cartoon I Haven’t Got a Hat, which introduced the stuttering pig, Porky Pig. That same year, Tex Avery was hired as a director, bringing a new energy and style of humor to the shorts. Under Avery’s direction, Warner Bros. quickly rose to prominence, becoming a serious rival to Disney and Fleischer Studios, the creators of Betty Boop and Popeye. Following Porky Pig’s success, new characters began to emerge. Daffy Duck made his debut in 1937 with Porky’s Duck Hunt, and Petunia Pig appeared in Porky’s Romance the same year. However, Petunia was soon phased out in favor of Daffy, who took over as Porky’s main comedic sidekick. In the 1940s, two of the franchise’s most iconic characters emerged: Elmer Fudd and the irreverent Bugs Bunny. At the same time, Mel Blanc, whose voice acting began in 1937, started to define the vocal personalities of nearly all the main characters. Despite the studio’s growing success, Tex Avery left after creative disagreements with Schlesinger. His final work at Warner Bros. was All This and Rabbit Stew (1941), which would later be included in the list known as the Censored Eleven. During World War II, the Looney Tunes played an active role in Allied propaganda. In 1944, the rights to the series were officially transferred to Warner Bros., now under the leadership of producer Edward Selzer. The post-war era introduced a wave of new characters that would soon become classics: Yosemite Sam, Sylvester, Tweety, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, the Tasmanian Devil, and many others. The franchise continued to grow, solidifying its presence on both cinema and television screens. The animated shorts began receiving accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. Over time, the differences between Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies faded away. In 1960, Chuck Jones was dismissed after violating his contract. However, the cartoons from the 1940s continued to be broadcast, now on television, in shows like The Bugs Bunny Show, which kept the characters alive for new generations even after the end of the Golden Age of Animation. Over the years, the franchise produced numerous movies, compilations, and spin-offs such as Tiny Toons (1990), Taz-Mania (1991), Baby Looney Tunes (2002), Duck Dodgers (2003), and The Looney Tunes Show (2011), all aimed at younger audiences and adapted to contemporary styles and sensibilities. More recently, the franchise has launched new series like New Looney Tunes (2015) and Looney Tunes Cartoons (2020), along with new films such as Looney Tunes: The Day the Earth Blew Up (2024) and the long-awaited Coyote vs. Acme (scheduled for release in 2025). All of this shows that, even after a full century, Looney Tunes continues to reinvent itself, captivating new generations and proving that it’s still not time to say, “That’s all, folks!” By Sophie Are you a fan of musicals? Do you want to be taken on a beautiful journey in Hollywood? Then this film is for you.
This is a story about an aspiring actress and a pianist who want to make it big in the sunny state of California. By day, Mia (Emma Stone) works in a coffee shop in the Hollywood studios; and as soon as her shift ends, she auditions for various roles in tv shows and movies but doesn’t have any success. Sebastian Wilder (Ryan Gosling) has little jobs here and there - he plays in restaurants and at parties but isn’t satisfied because he’s passionate about jazz and doesn’t want it to die. The film was beautifully filmed, the songs were catchy and made me want to buy a 60s summer dress and dance. I was a bit reluctant to watch that movie as I’m not a big fan of ‘Hollywood movies’ with notorious actors – I prefer independent movies. However, I’m so glad that I gave this movie a shot because I don’t regret it and have watched it a couple of times already. The most interesting thing in the movie is the somewhat realism of the plot. Usually, in Hollywood movies, you would be able to predict the ending and everything always seems so bright and colorful – this was not the case here. This movie showed the struggles of aspiring actors and musicians, the ugly side of wanting to follow our dreams. The message was very empowering: even though the journey to your desired career will be long, you’ll fall many times, you’ll want to give up because it’s draining your energy and you might even doubt whether this is actually for you; please get up, continue to work hard because it will all be worth it. It’s important that your environment supports you, like Sebastian had Mia and vice-versa. If you don’t have people in your surroundings that are willing to encourage you, then I’ll encourage you because I know how nice and strong you can feel when people are behind you and are pushing you to do your best. Overall, I would give La La Land an 8.5/10. The only negative point would be that I would have liked to hear Emma Stone sing more. By Aiza Not everybody enjoys reading. One of the major reasons is the amount of books there are and never seeming to find the right genre. I was an avid reader when I was younger and then suddenly, with evolving interests, I started to hate all the books I owned. For the next year and a half, I read absolutely no books until I stumbled upon Stephen Chbosky’s ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’. Yes, it is true, it is one of the most mainstream books of the decade, yet it still spoke to me. I began reading books consistently once again.
Today, I have made a list of 6 books (1 that I want to read myself in the near future) you might enjoy if you like books such as ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’. And do not worry, this article contains no specific spoilers. 1- The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky The reason I loved this book was because of the brutal honesty it portrayed. It talked about social stigmas and mental health problems ranging from abuse to suicide in ways that really make you understand what people go through in their lives. It is like a diary entry which is a way of writing I really enjoy reading. 2- In Five Years by Rebecca Serle This book is a romance of its own sort but with a touching story of how the couple ended up together. This book includes a tragic twist which made me love the book more than the actual plotline. 3- The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde I cannot sit through a classic for more than 10 minutes. This book was probably the first one I actually finished. The story keeps you longing for more. It makes you really think about some people’s obsession with their vanity as well as the power of art over certain individuals. 4- They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera Initially, the title threw me off a bit. I kept wondering why the writer would spoil the book in the title. I kept putting it off just for that reason, but when I did read it, I ended up completing it in one sitting. Yes, the title is 100% accurate, but while reading the book, knowing the end somehow gave me comfort. 5- The Places I’ve Cried in Public by Holly Bourne This book talks about a very deep and sensitive subject, one that might teach you lessons. It’s heartbreaking but it’s a good read, especially if you enjoy reading books with sad storylines. This book switches between reality and flashback while the main character connects the points from her past to her project. 6- My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga By now it is probably obvious that I really enjoy YA books and this is yet another one. I haven’t read this one yet. This too talks about a sensitive subject and is one of those girl meets boy books where they both share similar traumas. In case reading any of these books trigger you, here is a suicide hotline you can contacts. - Suicide hotline: https://giveusashout.org/ By Nicole Getting hooked in a fictional world is dangerous for me. It consumes my life; I don’t just zone out of reality whilst I’m reading, I lose my focus on the present between sessions until I’m finished, and even after that, I’m still thinking about the characters and their world. Reading is not only enthralling but has so many benefits too: strengthening the brain, enhancing imagination, improving memory and concentration and building your vocabulary. Reading can also alleviate depression and stress, helping you to lift the emotional pressure weighing down on your shoulders for a little while.
All of these benefits develop whilst I read, I just fail to pay attention to them. Here are five of my favourite books I’ve read this year that truly captivate you, making you forget why you have to read, and instead, have you questioning why you can't get enough. 1. A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder- Holly Jackson “I'm not sure I'm the good girl I once thought I was. I've lost her along the way” Summary: ‘The case is closed. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The police know he did it. Everyone in town knows he did it. But having grown up in the same small town that was consumed by the murder, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn't so sure. When she chooses the case as the topic for her final year project, she starts to uncover secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is still out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth?’ -Goodreads Why I loved it: With an intricately detailed plot, dark pasts and hidden secrets, this novel will blow your mind. You won’t be able to stop thinking about the real killer and Andie’s twisted life until you reach the end. Jackson creates such a vivid atmosphere that you feel you’re actually there in the moment with Pip- her descriptions and pacing are insane! She incorporates a multi-media format (articles, transcripts and Pip’s logs) to add to the realism of her investigation. Not to mention the original characterisation, with unique humour from Ravi Singh (my personal favourite) and realistic friendships that you can connect with. (And yes, there’s a sequel!) 2. One Of Us Is Lying- Karen McManus “Unless one of us is lying. Which is always a possibility.” Summary: Five students at Bayview High walk into detention. Only four walk out alive. Simon was the creator of a notorious gossip app, having planned four posts containing juicy scandals about them. His death wasn’t an accident and the Bayview four become murder suspects. Everyone has secrets to protect: Bronwyn, the brain; Cooper, the athlete; Nate, the criminal and Addy, the beauty. Why I loved it: The first thing I absolutely adored about this book was the way McManus managed to take four predictable cliches, challenge them and turn the characters into SO much more! She was able to create four heartwarming character arcs and make it impossible for you to not develop an emotional attachment to them. They become real teenagers in our contemporary world, allowing us to relate to them, their backstories and their intentions. This YA mystery novel will cunningly build up your expectations and crush them, having you question everyone and everything throughout. 3. The diary of a young girl- Anne Frank “It’s really a wonder that I haven’t dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.” Summary: ‘Anne Frank and her family fled the horrors of Nazi occupation by hiding in the back of a warehouse in Amsterdam for two years with another family and a German dentist. Aged thirteen when she went into the secret annexe, Anne kept a diary. She movingly revealed how the eight people living under these extraordinary conditions coped with hunger, the daily threat of discovery and death and being cut off from the outside world, as well as petty misunderstandings and the unbearable strain of living like prisoners.’- Goodreads Why I loved it: Anne Frank’s optimism and hope during such a horrifying time are both moving and powerful. Her diary has the ability to uplift you and completely change your perspective of human nature and the world. This book not only gives you incredible insight into what it was like for a Jewish family in hiding in WWII, but also conveys the depth of a young teenage girl’s mind- destroying the stigma that a teenager’s thoughts and emotions are naive therefore inferior. Anne Frank’s youth is what allowed her to cherish all of what was still good and hopeful, something only she was able to communicate in such a devastating period. The thing about Anne Frank’s diary that I connected with her the most was her views on identity, her self-awareness and the conflict between her inner and outer self. She wrote about growing up, love, sexuality, human nature and relationships, all of which really opened my mind to such complex topics; her perspective was refreshing. “I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.” If Anne Frank can write about such inspiring explorations of her world and the world that confined her, isolated in an annexe during the war, then I don’t know what else could motivate you more to write yourself! 4. The Darkest Minds- Alexandra Bracken ‘The darkest minds tend to hide behind the most unlikely faces.’ Summary: Over 98% of the children’s population in America died from a mysterious disease. The ones that survived were left with frightening uncontrollable mind abilities. Everyone is afraid of them; they are placed in camps to be cured, only it is the government’s secret that they never will return home. Ruby Daly, an Orange, is one of the most dangerous ones. When she is discovered for her ability to control minds, she finds herself escaping, with someone who she is unsure she can trust. She cannot control her ability, but when she discovers other kids who have escaped their camp too, she wishes she could. She is determined to learn how to trust herself, so she no longer has to be separated from the ones closest to her. Why I loved it: This dystopian series has changed my life. I can’t decide whether it’s the beautiful characterisation, the well-written plot or the perfection of the descriptive details that brought this story to life; you truly get hooked into the world. I love how Bracken slows down the action so you can get a feel of what it’s like to be actually there in the moment with Ruby (fall asleep straight after reading this and you may or may not have a vivid dream about it). She effortlessly brings together friendship, romance, conflict and humour, having created some of my most beloved and rounded characters. The heartbreak and plot twists will evoke so many powerful emotions as you read and will impact you even once you’ve finished; I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Each character is unique; from sarcastic and overprotective Chubs to intuitive and selfless Zu, I guarantee you will fall in love with them and the relationships they form with each other. 5. Clap when you land - Elizabeth Acevedo ‘I’m the child her father left her for in the summers. While she is the child my father left me for my entire life.’ Summary: Camino Rios and Yahaira Rios are both sisters, but they don’t know each other. Camino lives in the Dominican Republic and Yahaira lives in New York, both separated by their father’s lies and deceit. When Camino is at the airport waiting for her Papi to arrive, she discovers the plane has crashed. Yahaira finds out when she is called into the principal’s office. His death alters both of their lives forever, but it also brings them together, as they learn about each other and suddenly the distance and secrets that separated them no longer exist. Why I loved it: Firstly, Acevedo’s poetic writing in free verse is insanely beautiful. The rhythm of the emotions conveyed resonates with you and allows you to fully connect with them. Her choice of words and how they combine to make the feelings almost feel tangible is written to perfection. It was emotional to see the growth of the sisters’ love for each other as they both struggle with loss, anger, fear and growing up. Throughout the book, you learn how their two separate cultures threaten to destroy their attachment, but also how their experiences as teenage girls bring them together. Camino and Yahaira’s heart-rending stories will stay with me forever and the way that their contrasting lives and personalities didn’t prevent their sisterly love warmed my heart, even after not knowing each other until the person that connected them wasn’t alive anymore. By Kenzie A staple part of most people's lives is a TV. While we're eating, when we're ill or when we're just plain bored - the television is there for us to get us by. Plus, there are so many talented actors and actresses that deserve to be seen. Nowadays, with things such as Netflix, Sky, Hulu and Disney+ there is a never ending choice of incredible shows to investigate.
Recently I have discovered some really amazing TV shows that I want to share with you.These will be in no particular order as I would find it really difficult to rank them. Some of these TV shows are current, while some of them have been around for ages and I've only just found them. I hope this is useful for the next time you decide you want to find a new TV show that you can binge and please do share your opinions on the TV shows I have chosen if you've already seen them.
I hope that you found this little article review interesting and please let me know your thoughts if you did decide to give any of these TV shows a try at my recommendation. By Kenzie I love films. I'm a real bookworm and adore books but I'm a sucker for films. There's something so special about being able to see what is going on rather than imagining it in your head. Plus there are so many talented actors and actresses that deserve to be seen.
I decided that because of my love of films, I wanted to share my top 5 favourite films. These will be in no particular order as I would find it really difficult to rank them. Also, one of the films on this list is technically a trilogy but I'm including all three films as one entry because I can't choose an ultimate favourite. I hope this is useful for the next time you decide you want to watch a film and please do share your opinions on the films I have chosen.
I hope that you found this little article review interesting and please let me know your thoughts if you did decide to watch any of the films above. By Dalilah Reading Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince is like having a deep, heartfelt discussion with a wise friend who speaks simply yet successfully conveys all of the wisdom you seek. This small gem reminds us of the important things in life, even though it is frequently referred to as a children's book.
A pilot crashes his aircraft in the Sahara Desert at the beginning of the story. There, he encounters an unusual little boy named the Little Prince, who has arrived from a tiny asteroid called B-612. Over the next few days, the Little Prince recounts his adventure around the universe, meeting unusual grown-ups on distant planets. Every adult he encounters, from a king with no subjects to a businessman who counts stars, is a humorous (and occasionally depressing) illustration of how grown-ups frequently lose sight of what matters in life. However, the story's subtle wisdom is what truly sets it apart. The Little Prince's simple questions and observations cut through all the illusions of adulthood. He talks about how he loves a rose on his planet, a rose that is demanding and arrogant, but still holds special meaning for him. It serves as a heartfelt reminder that although love isn't always easy, it's always worthwhile. Additionally, he encounters a fox who teaches him the value of friendship and the fact that "what is essential is invisible to the eye." That single line has resonated with me longer than almost any other quote from a book. My favourite scene in the novel is when the Little Prince tames the fox. Their friendship is developing so gradually, carrying a warm and comforting value. He learns from the fox that to fully love and truly understand someone, we must be patient, take our time, and take ownership of our relationship. The notion that one is “responsible forever for what you have tamed” stirred something gentle inside me. It made me reflect on the quiet, consistent ways we care for those we love—through everyday presence, not dramatic declarations. The illustrations, sketched by the author himself, beautifully complement the book’s quiet charm. They’re simple and slightly quirky — just like the story. There’s no need for elaborate artwork — the soft watercolour images feel heartfelt, perfectly echoing the tone of the story. Ultimately, The Little Prince is more than just a story — it’s a gentle reminder. A reminder to look with our hearts, to treasure those we love, and to hold on to the childlike wonder we so often lose in adulthood. Whether it’s your first read or your fiftieth, it’s a book that quietly brings you back to what’s truly important in life. I would recommend The Little Prince because it speaks to the heart in a way few books do. It’s a short, poetic story that explores love, friendship, and the importance of seeing beyond appearances. It gently reminds us to stay curious, care for our loved ones, and not lose the sense of wonder we often leave behind as we grow up. By Priyanka I had just gotten a Netflix subscription. It was summer, and I thought that it would be the perfect time to try out 'anime' or Japanese cartoons that my friends were obsessed with.
I started with Dr. Stone (capitalized as Dr.STONE) as it kept popping up in my recommendations and it felt like the best choice to kickstart my anime journey. Synopsis: The world is suddenly hit by a strange green beam of light that petrifies the entire population to stone. 3,700 years later, a scientific genius named Senku wakes up. Senku discovers a way to de-petrify other people. (De-petrifying means becoming human again). He revives his best friend Taiju and they must work to strive in the primitive new world that is covered with forests. They will stop at nothing to recreate the modern world and discover the culprit behind the beam. The plot intensely thickens as they navigate the dynamics of the prehistoric lifestyle. They engage in trial and error methods of basic practices which were done by primitive man. This situation requires mental and physical strength as the duo have to struggle for daily needs like food, shelter and resources for experiments. They also face the perils of nature. It is amazing that they had to start from scratch as they were in a pre-historic environment. Mankind was beginning a new civilization with the mindset of the 21st century. Dr. Stone is a teen dystopia that delves deep into human nature, leadership, and communication. The experiments done by the protagonist Senku taught me more than my science teacher ever could. I got to learn something new with every episode, which showed the working structures of everyday objects that I took for granted. One part of an episode that I would skip while watching other shows would be the theme song. However, Dr. Stone has groovy and upbeat theme songs with inspirational lyrics ( if you translate them from Japanese). My brother and I dance a little to the theme intros before we begin watching. The show is currently airing its 3rd season and the manga (comics) which it is based on got over last year, which means we can anticipate plenty more to come! Anime is truly an amazing genre as it delves into fresh and intriguing plotlines and character backstories. The vibrant colors are mesmerizing and catch the eye. What I love the most is how poetic the narrative can be which reminds us of what the Japanese do best. I recommend Dr. Stone for and a must watch for teens and young adults. What you'll love the most is the weird face-pulling On May 29th 2020, Artemis Fowl arrived on Disney+. Although it was originally set to come out in theaters, the sudden arrival of the coronavirus pandemic forced Disney to release the movie on its platform instead.
Being a huge fan of the books after reading all of them in fifth grade, I was super excited to see all of the characters come to life, especially Artemis Fowl. I really wanted to see how the author imagined Haven City. However, I was extremely disappointed by the entire film, which was ruined, in my opinion, by the casting. Being Asian-American, I was extremely disappointed with the actor chosen to portray Domovoi Butler, the protagonist’s butler. In the books, the character was Russian-Japanese. However, he was portrayed by Nonso Anonzie, an actor of Nigerian Igbo descent. Removing the original cultural heritage of the character made me wonder if Disney cared about the equal representation of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and those of AAPI descent. Although Disney had a good and positive representation in Moana, why was Disney unable to do it here? Additionally, by racebending the role of Domovoi Butler, it seemed that Disney wanted to enforce harmful stereotypes of black servants and scary black men. Holly Short, an elven police officer, was whitewashed. Despite being described as a dark brown complexion, the actress of Short was white. The decision to cast Lara McDonnell seemed ignorant to whitewashing. There are many women of color who are able to portray Short; why did Disney whitewash this role? This isn’t the first time Disney has whitewashed a role; Johnny Depp was casted as a Native American in The Lone. Ranger and Tilda Swanton as the Ancient One (a Tibetan male) in Doctor Strange. These decisions seemed to make Disney appear ignorant of both stereotyping and the importance of representation. I was also disappointed with the casting of the protagonist, Artemis Fowl Jr. Fowl was portrayed by Ferdia Shaw. Shaw was a poor actor and lacked emotion when playing Fowl. It was rather displeasing to watch him and it ruined the film. For those unfamiliar with the Artemis Fowl series, such as my sister, were simply confused by the film. Josh Gad’s poor portrayal of Mulch Diggums made my sister think that he was an imitation of Hagrid from the Harry Potter franchise. The film didn’t explain many concepts to newcomers, expecting them to already understand these concepts. Additionally, the movie felt quite long and dragged on forever, making me want to switch to watch another movie instead. Overall, I definitely would not recommend watching Artemis Fowl. After watching the movie, I was extremely disappointed with Disney. The poor casting of characters and the poorly written script resulted in a film that dragged on for hours. The film definitely did leave me with a foul taste in my mouth. -Jade Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut, Booksmart, blends together beautiful cinematography and a perfect soundtrack, with an extremely talented cast and a heartwarming, hilarious plot to create an intricate coming of age film of which you could watch again and again and never grow bored of. Booksmart is truly a unique film as it utilises camerawork and music in its own artistic way but rather than taking away from the plot, it enhances moments and emotions making you feel as if you are in the room with the characters throughout the film. So, now you may be wondering, what is the plot?
Booksmart is a story of two high school seniors, Amy and Molly. With graduation nearing, the best friends look forward in excitement for what the future may bring, both have spent their whole time in high school working hard to get to prestigious colleges with flying colours. However, they reach a dilemma upon realising that their fellow students have also gotten into high-level colleges with good grades, but they spent all of their time in high school going to parties. For this reason, the pair make it their aim the night before graduation to go to the best party ever to make up for all of the lost ones and show that they are smart and fun. This results in a hilarious film packed with moments to make you laugh, cry and anything in between! One of my favourite aspects of Booksmart is the characters, all characters feel like real people complete with strengths and flaws. Despite the focus of the film's plot being the party, you can tell how long Amy and Molly have been best friends through their interactions, this, combined with the performance given by Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein conveys a realistic friendship to the audience. Side characters are also well written, and none are two dimensional, and many characters who could be in danger of falling prey to overdone character tropes avoid them. For example Gigi, who could be classed as the comedy relief character of the film at no point becomes annoying in any way, a common trap for comedic relief characters, but still achieves making you laugh in all of her scenes whilst still remaining relevant to the plot and having depth. Additionally, there is well-executed LGBT representation with the co-lead, Amy, shown as a lesbian with an unrequited crush on another senior, a sub-plot explored throughout the film. As mentioned previously, I also loved the use of music within the film, the soundtrack features songs by Lizzo, M.I.A and many other artists ranging from well known to fairly unknown. The use of music in the film is unique in the way that rather than creating the intended mood of a scene it enhances it and creates further immersion into the moment. In my opinion one of the most powerful scenes in the film is an argument between two characters, this scene is so powerful partially due to the use of music as the argument begins with no music, but the music slowly comes in until the words are being drowned out by the music, for me this was a powerful portrayal of the way people say meaningless things in arguments. This scene is just one of many amazing scenes throughout the film and the use of music is just one aspect of the genius behind this film. Overall, I would recommend Booksmart to anyone, it is a good feel-good comedy, but it can also be a heart wrenching coming of age. For such an amazing film with such thought put into it to create the beautifully intricate masterpiece that was brought to screen it is hard to believe that this is Wilde’s directorial debut and I can only anticipate with excitement what we will see from her soon. Jasmine The more that you read, the more you know. The more you know, the smarter you’ll grow. The smarter you grow, the stronger your voice, while speaking your mind or making a choice. - Dr.Seuss
I discovered that quote on the back of a bookmark that my librarian gave me when I was six, and even though it wasn’t as cool as the other peppermint scented bookmarks that she found for us, this bookmark was my favorite. This quote reached out to me when I first fell in love with reading, thanks to the help of numerous dedicated people and marvelous books. And to this day, almost nine years later I still love the way this quote sounds in my head. Reading is precious to me, more than anything else. There is magic to be discovered in books- quite literally in some- and the wonder that comes with occupying someone’s mind for a chapter or a few. So, without further ado I would like to introduce you to an inconclusive list of some amazing books that are much deserving of your love-
This list ends here for now, but I hope that after reading this article you’ll seek out some of these stories and find the wonder and joy that I found in these novels. This is by no means a conclusive list of books that deserve your love, and I’d love to make a list of more such books in the future. “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free”- Frederick Douglass Until next time!- Navya Looking for your next fantasy fiction? Search no further! I have a fantastic show for you: Shadow and Bone. Shadow and Bone is an American television series based on the Grisha novels by Leigh Bardugo. To summarize the plot, protagonist Alina Starkov’s life is turned upside down when she discovers that she is not just an average mapmaker, but a powerful Grisha. She is able to summon the Sun and reunite the world with the use of her powers. We also get to follow Kaz Brekker and his team during their attempt to kidnap Alina in exchange for money. But trust me, he is not a villain. Most readers are oftentimes underwhelmed with movie adaptations of the novels they enjoy. This series, however, does plenty of justice to the books. If you enjoyed shows like The Shadowhunters, The Magicians, and Legacies, I am certain you will not find yourself regretting watching this one. Though there are some noticeable differences, fans aren’t disappointed at all. This enthralling series meets the expectations of an adequate escape from reality. I personally loved the series. The main reason why I will be watching it again is The Crow Club. It also includes the characters from Six of Crows, another book written by the author, focusing on the same world, but different characters. With more than one storyline, Shadow and Bone definitely set the bar high. My favourite character from the series is Kaz Brekker. I only have one follow-up question: When is Season 2 dropping? If you have watched the show, let us know who your favourite character is! Until next time, No mourners, no funerals.
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