Culture Check: May 2018
82 protesting women and 2 missing filmmakers at Cannes, the 100th anniversary of the First Republic and the one and only Serj Tankian in May’s Culture Check.
May 30, 2018 | by Creative Armenia
1. The International Film Festival in Tehran put on a new face this year, inviting a brigade of international guests, perhaps to suggest that the era of censorship in Iran is coming to a close.
2. Still, Iran's coveted filmmaker Jafar Panahi was banned from attending the premiere of his newest film at Cannes. Like Russia's recently arrested director Kirill Serebrennikov, the filmmaker was represented by his cast on the red carpet. Meanwhile, 82 women led by Cate Blanchett and Agnes Varda were demonstrating for women’s rights.
3. Jean Boghossian's exhibition Unquenchable Flame opened at National Gallery of Armenia. The artist harnesses the art of fire in creating stunning visions for a contemporary audience.
4. Weeks after a velvet revolution swept Armenia, the country's new leaders, including Minister of Culture Lilit Makunts, joined tens of thousands at Republic Square to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the First Republic.
5. Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain premiered his Armenia episode of Parts Unknown, where Serj Tankian made an appearance in a Volga.
6. And Serj was in the spotlight again, this time on Saturday Night Live, as Tina Fey performed System of a Down's beloved Chop Suey.