One of the region’s top entertainment companies is on the lookout for an original TV series, launching a mentorship programme aimed at developing the next big hit.
The Writers' Room, set up by OSN in collaboration with The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, is designed to help deliver compelling TV from the Arab region.
The mentorship programme is an opportunity for series creators in the region to showcase their talents and pitch their projects for potential development and distribution on OSN's platform.
It will support the development of a fully-fledged limited series, while providing support and input from specialists and experts, during and in between residencies.
Its ultimate aim is to promote a culture of series writing in the region that is anchored in the Writers' Room method, allowing for peer-to-peer learning and participation in the creative process.
“At OSN, we believe in the power of local storytelling and the incredible talent that exists within the Arab region and are excited to join hands with Afac to launch this initiative,” said Joe Kawkabani, chief executive of OSN.
“This programme represents our commitment to nurturing emerging writers and investing in compelling narratives that resonate with our diverse audience. Together, we aim to unlock the untapped potential of Arab storytellers and create a platform for their voices to be heard.”
In its first iteration, the Writers’ Room will incubate and invest in up to five series projects over the course of seven months. Successful applicants will benefit from three in-person residencies, with travel and accommodation covered by the initiative.
They will also have access to weekly online working sessions, one-on-one mentorship, and support from experts in relevant fields. The writers will receive final feedback on their fully written episodes from industry professionals and their projects will have a first look by the commissioning team at OSN.
“The initiative marks a significant step in supporting the development of Arab series creators. Through this programme, we aim to provide a nurturing environment for emerging talents, bridge gaps in series development, and foster a community of storytellers,” said Afac’s executive director Rima Mismar.
“By offering mentorship, residencies, and exposure to experts from diverse fields, we aspire to empower writers to create impactful and multi-dimensional narratives that reflect the richness, complexity and cultural diversity of the Arab region.”
Arab writers living in the region can apply through the Afac portal until July 7. Applicants should have prior writing experience, preferably in series writing, and submit a project as part of their application.
For more information, visit www.arabculturefund.org
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When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
What can victims do?
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Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Tips for job-seekers
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- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
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more from Janine di Giovanni
Anxiety and work stress major factors
Anxiety, work stress and social isolation are all factors in the recogised rise in mental health problems.
A study UAE Ministry of Health researchers published in the summer also cited struggles with weight and illnesses as major contributors.
Its authors analysed a dozen separate UAE studies between 2007 and 2017. Prevalence was often higher in university students, women and in people on low incomes.
One showed 28 per cent of female students at a Dubai university reported symptoms linked to depression. Another in Al Ain found 22.2 per cent of students had depressive symptoms - five times the global average.
It said the country has made strides to address mental health problems but said: “Our review highlights the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression, which may long have been overlooked."
Prof Samir Al Adawi, of the department of behavioural medicine at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, who was not involved in the study but is a recognised expert in the Gulf, said how mental health is discussed varies significantly between cultures and nationalities.
“The problem we have in the Gulf is the cross-cultural differences and how people articulate emotional distress," said Prof Al Adawi.
“Someone will say that I have physical complaints rather than emotional complaints. This is the major problem with any discussion around depression."
Daniel Bardsley
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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'THE WORST THING YOU CAN EAT'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5
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Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
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7.05pm: Meydan Trophy (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,900m
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Babumoshai Bandookbaaz
Director: Kushan Nandy
Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bidita Bag, Jatin Goswami
Three stars
The biog
Born November 11, 1948
Education: BA, English Language and Literature, Cairo University
Family: Four brothers, seven sisters, two daughters, 42 and 39, two sons, 43 and 35, and 15 grandchildren
Hobbies: Reading and traveling
