Arts & Culture: Recent Episodes
Voice of America
Broadway will welcome back musical lovers and playgoers this fall as theaters in New York City reopen at 100% capacity despite an ongoing threat of the spread of COVID-19. Tina Trinh reports.Camera: Tina Trinh, Janine Phakdeetham Produced by: Tina Trinh
Turning collectibles into a museum is something few people get a chance to do. But for one 'Hot Wheels' collector near Washington, DC, he's turned a childhood passion into a grownup hobby he can share with others. VOA’s Ronan Zakaria has the details.Camera: Alam Burhanan, Irfan Ihsan, Ronan Zakaria
Beeple, NFT, Ethereum – words familiar mostly in the worlds of cryptocurrency and digital art. but they have revolutionized the art world and are now worth millions of dollars. Maxim Avloshenko looked into what exactly they are and why they are worth so much in this story, narrated by Anna Rice.
“Stillwater” is a drama involving an American father who travels to Marseilles, France, to help exonerate his daughter of murder. Amanda Knox, who faced the same fate in real life in Italy, has criticized filmmaker Tom McCarthy for tailoring the story of her wrongful murder conviction in Perugia, Italy, “too closely and inaccurately” to the film’s plot. The Academy Award-winning filmmaker told VOA his film is not about Knox, but about a father-daughter relationship. VOA’s Penelope Poulou has more.
For World Photography Day, VOA’s Jesusemen Oni speaks with American photojournalist Vanessa Charlot, who is being honored for her iconic images of what it means to be Black during the pandemic and protests over racial injustice in the U.S. Here is her report.Producer: Rob Raffaele
Hawaii had a thriving native-language press through the 19th and early 20th centuries. Now there is an effort underway to preserve and renew Hawaiian-language journalism, as VOA's Mike O'Sullivan reports from Honolulu. Camera: Mike O’Sullivan
Hawaii had a thriving native-language press through the 19th and early 20th centuries. Now there is an effort underway to preserve and renew Hawaiian-language journalism, as VOA’s Mike O'Sullivan reports from Honolulu Camera: Mike O’Sullivan
Known for his extraordinary, eye-catching colorful images, Vincent Van Gogh is one of the world’s most famous 19th-century painters. Now, large-scale copies of his artwork can be viewed through digital technology at two exhibits traveling around the world. VOA’s Deborah Block takes us to one of them in Washington. Camera: Mike Burke Producer: Deborah Block
Despite rising infections from COVID-19's delta variant, Americans are gathering together at sporting events in large stadiums and summer festivals. Saqib Ul Islam takes us to the Around the World Cultural Food Festival in Alexandria, Virginia, where thousands celebrated the summer and international culture. Camera: Saqib Ul Islam Produced by: Saqib Ul Islam
Marc Weiss, a farmer in Long Island, New York, was on the verge of bankruptcy because of the coronavirus pandemic. But instead of shutting his farm down, Weiss turned his land into something amazing. Maxim Avloshenko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Max Avloshenko
China’s “wolf warrior” diplomacy represents China as an aggressive, rising superpower. The name is inspired by the Chinese blockbuster Wolf Warrior film franchise, whose first film debuted in 2015. VOA’s Penelope Poulou spoke with experts on film and Chinese diplomacy about the franchise, its Hollywood influence and its phenomenal appeal with Chinese audiences.
This year's 1455 Summer Literary Festival — an annual free 3-day virtual program sponsored by a group of universities in Virginia — featured over 200 authors, poets, and creative artists sharing their insights into the art of storytelling. Maxim Moskalkov has the story. Camera: Mike Maisuradze
A Somali-American fashion designer is launching a line of headscarves with a major North American retailer to give Muslim women more options and to make hijabs more visible to U.S. shoppers. VOA Somali’s Maxamud Mascadde has our story from the Midwest state of Minnesota, narrated by Radhia Adam.
Pastry chef Shimi Aaron fell in love with babkas — a dessert that originated in Eastern Europe in the 19th century. Aaron started making his own, and today he is teaching others how to make this unusual pastry. Genia Dulot met with the chef to hear his story.Camera: Genia Dulot
Suzanne Firstenberg is a self-described social issues artist who finds inspiration in America — economic inequality, racism and climate change, among other issues. She doesn’t limit herself to any particular medium but instead uses whatever she thinks works best to draw attention to the most pressing issues of our time. Maxim Moskalkov talked to the artist about her works and inspiration. Camera: Sergey Sokolov
Briana Mariah, founder of We Speak model agency, believes models should reflect the world, and her agency finds and promotes a unique and diverse group of people. Karina Bafradzhian reports from Washington D.C.Camera: David Gogokhia
Guernsey's Auction House in New York is auctioning off pieces of music history this week. Evgeny Maslov has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Michael Eckels Producer: Barry Unger
A new and unique park opened in New York City in late May and since then it has become a city gem and tourist magnet. For VOA, Evgeny Maslov reports from “Little Island” in New York City. Anna Rice narrates. Camera: Vladimir Badikov, Vladimir Tolkachev
Olympic officials have barred spectators from the games amid spiking coronavirus cases in Japan. Organizers have long said they will push forward with the Olympics, but experts say the highly transmissible delta variant should give them pause. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.Produced by: Arash Arabasadi
At the age of 55, Alisa Leht fell in love with ballroom dancing. Today – at 71 – she is on the dance floor every other day, training for hours and taking part in dancing competitions. Liliya Anisimova met with Leht to talk about her passion. Anna Rice narrates her story. Camera: Liliya Anisimova
At a workshop in Kullu district in North India, dozens of artisans bend over hand-operated looms, deftly weaving a garment called the sari in vibrant shades of pink and orange.The sari is an unstitched, flowing garment worn by women in India and in South Asian countries like Bangladesh. It is a new addition to the hilly region’s handloom industry, which for decades focused on making shawls and stoles with traditional patterns from woolen yarn.The hope is that adding the handwoven sari to shop shelves will draw in new customers and boost incomes for hundreds of women in the region, who have very few employment avenues available in the primarily rural district.Looms have long been a part of many village homes nestled on hilly slopes, where women use yarn from sheep to make traditional woolen wraps known as “pattu” for the family.In recent decades, they made a living weaving shawls to sell to the tens of thousands of tourists who came to the Himalayan district. But it was becoming harder to attract a younger, more fashion-conscious generation that now prefers coats to the traditional shawl.“I just wanted that this art should not die, this handloom art. So, we thought let us give them some new ideas,” said Richa Verma, the Deputy Commissioner of Kullu. “We are very hopeful that the tourist who is coming to this district will take the sari as a souvenir and boost income opportunities for local people.”They will be among the country’s first woolen saris, which are usually made of cotton and silk. The artisans are optimistic because saris are an intrinsic part of most women’s wardrobes in the country.At the workshops, broader looms have replaced the old, narrower ones because the fabric for saris is woven in a wider width compared to shawls and stoles.“This work is very good for women. We educate our children, and we are managing to live well,” said Vimla Devi, a resident.Saris are hung out to dry in Lalitpur, Nepal, April 17, 2019.Sales of handwoven garments, often made from local yarn, have been growing in recent years as people begin to appreciate their qualities, said Paljor Bodh, the head of Bodh Shawl Weavers, one of the region’s well-known manufacturers of shawls who has lent his support to the sari project. His workshop employs about 60 artisans. Boutique stores in large cities like New Delhi and Mumbai, have helped market their product ...
A Russian-Estonian film ‘Minsk’ looks at the Belarus government’s crackdown on protesters in August 2020. The movie – all 90 minutes of it – was filmed in one shot and will be released in time for the one-year anniversary of the brutal events. Iryna Solomko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.Camera: Iryna Solomko
More than 50 walls, over 27,000 square meters of wall space, dozens of artists and tons of paint. It’s all part of the Jersey City Mural Festival in the US state of New Jersey. Maxim Avloshenko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Maxim Avloshenko
Parts of the United States are being invaded by a mass brood of cicadas that emerges from the ground once every 17 years. For most people the noisy insects are a nuisance, but for others, they’re a meal. VOA's Alam Burnahan has details in this story narrated by Irfan Ihsan. Camera: Alam Burhanan, Irfan Ihsan, Ronan Zakaria
Sexual and gender minorities continue to suffer discrimination and harassment around the world. But in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, some transgender women are finding solace in religious teachings, as reported by VOA's Rendy Wicaksana.Camera: Rendy Wicaksana
For 14 years, a Khmer classical dance troupe in northern Cambodia has distinguished itself with its embrace of spirituality. But the impact of the coronavirus pandemic may end the troupe’s livelihood and spiritual identity, as VOA’s Chetra Chap reports.
Across the Eastern United States, billions of Brood X cicadas are emerging after 17 years underground. The noisy insects with the bright red eyes overwhelm predators by emerging in densities of 1 million per acre, scientists say. And the hum of mating males has been likened to the buzz of a chain saw. Cicadas have long fascinated one Washington, D.C.-based newspaper columnist, who has invited readers to muse poetic about cicadas. VOA's Laurel Bowman has that story. Camera: Laurel Bowman
As New York COVID restrictions ease, Broadway is hoping to draw people back to the theater while the movie industry is expanding its footprint in the Big Apple. Evgeny Maslov has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.Camera: Michael Eckels, VOA & News agencies
Turkey has had the highest number of COVID infections in Europe and has been in and out of lockdown for more than a year. Among those hardest hit have been the country's musicians, who have received little or no government support. Dorian Jones reports from Turkey’s entertainment capital, Istanbul.Video editor: Marcus Harton
Decades before YouTube, there was Nam June Paik, a Korean American artist who believed all people should have their own TV channel. Matt Dibble explores a retrospective of this visionary video artist. Producer: Matt Dibble
In the Heights, a film about the dreams and struggles of the Latino community in a New York neighborhood, is Lin Manuel Miranda’s love letter to the place where he grew up. It also represents Miranda’s high-stakes bet that people will flock to the theater after months of COVID restrictions. VOA’s Penelope Poulou has more from the cast and the filmmaker. Camera: Penelope Poulou Producer: Penelope Poulou
Some veteran Hollywood actors say a law intended to help gig economy workers has the unintended consequence of threatening nonprofit theaters. Mike O’Sullivan has the story from Los Angeles. Camera: Roy Kim, Rodmy Dorcil and Arturo Martinez
Profile, a film by Timur Bekmambetov about an investigative journalist infiltrating recruitment practices online by the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, is the latest of a series of ‘screenlife’ films, where everything the viewer sees happens on a computer or smartphone screen. VOA’s Penelope Poulou spoke with the filmmaker and the cast. Camera: Penelope Poulou Produced by: Penelope Poulou
May 17 marks the 25th anniversary of the death of Willis Conover, the Voice of America broadcaster who helped popularize American jazz worldwide. Mike O'Sullivan looks back on his career and global impact on music and diplomacy.Producer (opening segment): Jimi Cook.
Two documentaries offer insight into traditional Native American land management as they adapt to climate change. VOA’s Penelope Poulou spoke with the filmmakers and has this story. Camera, Producer: Penelope Poulou
A Pakistani immigrant who is now an American citizen is working hard to bring glory to U.S. professional squash in upcoming tournaments. Training was especially hard for Shahjahan Khan during Ramadan, as Saba Shah Khan reports.Producer: Saba Shah Khan. Camera: Matt Dibble, Qazafi Babar.
After more than a year in shutdown brought on by the pandemic, eight Smithsonian Museum facilities in and around Washington are reopening this month. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more. Camera: Mike Burke Produced by: Julie Taboh / Mike Burke
As graduation approaches for university and college students in the United States, students are preparing for one of the most important milestones of their lives. But this year, COVID-19 has taken the pomp out of this year’s celebrations. Yanet Chernet explains, narrated by Kathleen Struck.
When Hollywood needs an authentic Victorian dress or Edwardian hat for a new movie, costume designers are likely to head to New York City and go straight to vintage collector Helen Uffner. The 72-year-old fashionista has provided clothing for over 1000 movies, theater productions and fashion shows in the past 45 years. Nina Vishneva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Natalia Latukhina, Alexander Barash
With an estimated one-third of the U.S. population hesitant to get a vaccine for COVID-19, a new study indicates that approaches by faith community leaders can help convince people to get the shot. VOA’s Laurel Bowman reported from a church in Washington which was the site of the city’s first reported COVID-19 case.Camera: Sabiq Ul Islam, agencies
While the pandemic has been a source of grief, it has not stopped joyful events from happening – including thousands of babies being born in this difficult time. Photographer Annе Geddes, creator of the Joy project, is encouraging women from around the world to send her pictures of their newborns for publication – and a pick-me-up. Anna Nelson has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.Camera: Natalia Latukhina, Max Avloshenko, Dmitrii Vershinin
The ornate National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., has reopened its doors after being shuttered for more than a year. Maxim Moskalkov reports the museum launched two new exhibitions to mark the occasion. Camera: Andrey Degtyarev
Diplomacy can be fraught at the best of times. Serious, high-level events are regularly punctuated with physical gaffes, miscues, awkward handshakes, strained laughter and cultural misunderstandings of varying scope and severity. Like the time President Donald Trump appeared to shove the prime minister of Montenegro at a NATO summit. Or when President Barack Obama got caught on a hot mic complaining to then-French President Nicolas Sarkozy about the prime minister of Israel, a key U.S. ally. Or when Russia’s foreign minister awkwardly explained to Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, on live TV, that the “reset” button she handed him actually read, in Russian, “overcharge.” Or, perhaps most spectacularly — even more so than his performance later that year when he vomited on Japan’s prime minister — the time President George H.W. Bush visited U.S. ally Australia and flashed the crowd what he may have thought was a sign for victory, or peace. That two-fingered salute does not mean either of those things in Australia. At the worst of times — like in the middle of a pandemic, when leaders can’t meet in person to hash out important issues — diplomacy can be excruciating. Like the agonizingly long pause during a recent virtual U.S.-led climate summit, when the French president was cut off mid-speech and the screen cut to a silent Russian president as leaders shifted in their chairs and waited for someone to speak. By now, millions of people around the world have suffered through the awkwardness of virtual meetings and their many technical hazards. Like video glitches, missed cues, hot mics, and — oops — when you accidentally use that one Zoom filter that turns your face into a cat. But in meetings of global importance, going virtual raises serious concerns. Before the coronavirus pandemic began, major summits were a hub of human activity, commonly drawing civil society groups and protesters into the same space as major decision-makers. Now, with everything online, more people can watch the proceedings. And whereas activists may not have been able to travel to major summits because of cost and visa restrictions, now anyone can log on and tune in. But, says Mandeep Tiwana of CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance, the closed nature of virtual summits — in which moderators limit who can speak — means fewer ordinary people and outsiders can actually participate and enjoy freedom of assembly and expression. “Online, these rights should be as equally available as they are offline,” ...
Different races and religions sharing space is part of America's melting pot ethos. Indonesian-American Christians and Muslims in Philadelphia are doing just that. VOA's Alam Burhanan has more in this report narrated by Nova Poerwadi.Camera: Alam Burhanan, Irfan Ihsan, Ronan Zakaria
While some mosques have opened to prayer during this second Ramadan during the COVID-19 pandemic, religious studies continue online. And in at least one mosque near Washington, D.C., a local teen is trying to keep the lessons entertaining and engaging, as VOA's Dhania Iman reports.Camera: Dhania Iman Produced by: Bronwyn Benito
With diversity at center stage, minority Oscar nominees took home many coveted golden statuettes, but the three major awards for best actor, best actress and best cinematography went to white nominees. VOA’s Penelope Poulou has more. Camera: Penelope Poulou Producer: Penelope Poulou
Six of this year’s Oscar contenders are Asian or Asian-American, reflecting a greater diversity at this year’s Academy Awards. VOA’s Penelope Poulou spoke with industry insiders on what any wins among them would mean for the film industry and beyond.
This year’s Oscar nominations by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences are the most diverse ever. As the April 25th Oscar ceremony approaches, VOA’s Penelope Poulou spoke with experts about this development and has this report.
The Oscar-nominated documentary “Hunger Ward,” by award-winning filmmaker Skye Fitzgerald, chronicles doctors’ struggle to save lives of starving children in conflict-ridden Yemen. VOA’s Penelope Poulou spoke with the Oscar nominee and filed this report. Camera, Producer: Penelope Poulou
A handmade pictorial Cambodian silk ikat that uses all-natural silk and dyes takes nearly a year to produce and can sell for thousands of dollars. But this traditional handicraft, which is being preserved by fewer than a dozen small nonprofits in the country, is at risk of disappearing. VOA’s Bopha Phorn tells the story in this report narrated by Chetra Chap.
“Cambodia Burning,” a documentary by filmmaker Sean Gallagher, throws light on the effect Cambodia’s unfettered logging has had on the country’s forest ecosystem. VOA’s Penelope Poulou spoke to the award-winning filmmaker
A famed chess café in New York City called Chess Forum has survived the pandemic. Elena Wolf reports in this story narrated by Anna Rice.Camera: Max Avloshenko
Ever since the pandemic lockdown began in the U.S. in March 2020, the pet adoption business has been booming. But trend hasn’t just been good for the animals. Lesia Bakalets has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.Camera: Andrey Degtyarev
Green-Wood Cemetery in New York - one of the oldest and largest American cemeteries - now has its own artist-in-resident. Anna Nelson tells us more in this report narrated by Anna Rice.Camera: Vladimir Badikov
Nine-year-old Nadja Pivoff from Boston, Massachusetts, has been drawing since she could hold a pencil. It’s been especially important to her during the COVID lockdown, as Genia Dulot reports from Boston. Camera: Genia Dulot
“Boogie,” a recent film by Chinese American filmmaker Eddie Huang, addresses stereotypes Asian people face in the United States. Lead actor Taylor Takahashi spoke with VOA’s Penelope Poulou about his film character and Asian representation in the film. Camera: Penelope Poulou Producer: Penelope Poulou
Easter is one of the busier holidays for local florists in the United States, with families ordering spring blooms for their gatherings with loved ones. Esha Sarai speaks with a flower farmer and florist in Marshall, North Carolina about their best-selling products this time of year.Camera: Esha Sarai Produced by: Esha Sarai
The record-breaking sale of a digital artwork in March is part of a rush to invest in previously unmarketable things like basketball highlights, video game art, and even tweets. Making it possible are NFTs or Non-Fungible Tokens. Matt Dibble explains.
For many parents one good thing about grown kids moving out is the opportunity to focus on personal hobbies. VOA's Maria Iman-Santoso tells of one woman whose hobby benefits others. Dhania Iman narrates the story.Camera: Maria Iman-Santoso Producer: Jon Spier
The United States is becoming an increasingly diverse country. With whites expected to account for less than 50-percent of the population by 2045, there’s a push to make books for children as diverse as the nation itself. As VOA’s Dora Mekouar reports, experts say the success level of future American adults could be at stake.Camera: Griffin Harrington Producer: Marcus Harton
Zimbabwe's musicians have been struggling to make a living since the coronavirus pandemic prompted the government to ban concerts and other entertainment to prevent the spread of the virus. Some have even left their music behind and turned to farming. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Mazowe, Zimbabwe.Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe
A virtual music competition with real prizes — this is the concept of a new music platform called Djooky. Both amateur and professional songwriters and musicians from around the world are invited to participate for free. Mariia Prus has the story. Camera: Kostiantyn Golubchyk
Dame Zaturoski from Struga, North Macedonia, is a lawyer by training, but his true passion is making models of boats and ships. Reporter Miki Trajkovski went to North Macedonia to see his latest creation and filed this story narrated by Anna Rice.
After the pandemic began, COVID medical workers became modern-day heroes. Vladimir Lenski has the story of a New York City artist who created a portrait series to honor them. Anna Rice narrates. Camera: Max Avloshenko
New controversy is brewing for Britain’s royal family after an interview on U.S. television with Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle raised questions of possible racism in the royal family. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.Camera: Henry Ridgwell
International Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements and highlights issues of women’s rights. To mark the occasion Monday, the U.S. State Department presented the International Women of Courage Award, and VOA spoke with a recipient. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has this report.Camera: AP/REUTERS/SKYPE Produced by: Arash Arabasadi
With this past year’s city-shaking protests and quarantine closures, shops in cities across the country have been boarded up. In Seattle and other American cities, the plywood, - along with walls, sidewalks and even roads - have become a canvas for artists. As life gradually returns to normal, one question lingers: what will happen to the protest art many see as part of history in the making? Natasha Mozgovaya has more.
Golfer Tiger Woods suffered injuries in a single-car crash early Tuesday in California. Esha Sarai has more.Produced by: Esha Sarai
The line between politics and entertainment is increasingly blurred in America, where a former reality TV star recently served as president and entertainment has become more political. The content people choose to watch and listen to reflects a politically divided country, and as VOA’s Elizabeth Lee shows, the division often cuts across families.Produced by: Elizabeth Lee
Diamond cloning is said to be a vocation, an artform and a rare skill. New York artist John Hatleberg creates precise reproductions of famous diamonds, but one copy became his life's work – the Blue Diamond of the French Crown. Vladimir Lenski has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Aleksandr Barash and Natalia Latukhina
After Navy veteran Maxwell Moore returned home to Los Angeles following numerous tours to war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, the local Veterans Affairs office urged him to find a hobby to help him deal with his post-traumatic stress disorder. His therapy eventually turned into a business, as reporter Angelina Bagdasaryan found in this story narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Vazgen Varzhabetian .
"Ailey," a documentary about the life and creative spirit of iconic African American dancer, director and choreographer Alvin Ailey, weaves an immersive portrait of Ailey as a creative genius and a complex individual, who emoted his life experience through movement. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. VOA's Penelope Poulou spoke with the filmmaker about how Ailey's modern dance reflected the Black cultural experience. Camera: Penelope Poulou Produced by: Penelope Poulou
Super Bowl 2021 in now history – and it also made history for a number of reasons. Maxim Moskalkov has the story.Camera: Yuriy Zakrevskiy
At twice the size of other kids his age, a young champion sumo wrestler in Japan can shove around his older counterparts. Training with his dad, he already set his sights on one day dominating the national sport. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has more.
In the realm of film, the year 2021 seems to be the year of woman. Dozens of acclaimed films and TV series by female directors pondering a woman’s complex world are being released every week. Many are already Oscar contenders. VOA’s Penelope Poulou looks at few examples. Camera, Producer: Penelope Poulou
New York City-based fashion illustrator and writer Rebecca Moses decided to turn a quarantine art project into a gift to all New York City nurses. Nina Vishneva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Natalia Latukhina, Alexander Barash
A family of four in Brooklyn, New York, has tried to make the most of their time together – and for some 300 days in a row they have been posting funny videos of their music rehearsals. Anna Nelson has the story of the Hochman family, narrated by Anna Rice. Natalia Latukhina contributed.
In Japan, an annual Shinto ritual of soul purification this year included prayers for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing guidelines forced a much smaller gathering than in previous years, but as VOA’s Arash Arabasadi reports, believers still turned out – and stripped down – for the annual observance.Produced by: Arash Arabasadi
Andrew Savoia, a 24-year-old Arlington, Virginia, cello player has taken social media by storm, posting TikTok videos of himself performing instrumental covers of modern pop and hip- hop songs. One of his first viral videos, cover of “Come Get Her” by the hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd, had over 3 million views. Maxim Moskalkov has the story. Camera: David Gogokhia, Artyom Kokhan
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way people work, dress and relax. Fashion was one of the first to adapt to the new house-bound reality, making sweatpants the new American go-to attire. Nina Vishneva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.Camera: Vladimir Badikov, Max Avloshenko, Natalia Latukhina, Alexander Barash
COVID-19 was the main protagonist of the film industry during 2020. This nefarious character dominated the saga of Hollywood’s struggles at the box office with moviegoers staying home and theater chains going bust. On the plus side, films focused on stories about minorities and gender equality, reflecting the diversity of moviegoing audiences. VOA’s Penelope Poulou has more.
Even before the Netflix hit “The Queens Gambit” aired on television COVID had sparked more interest in the game of Chess. In this piece narrated by Anna Rice, Elena Wolf talks about the game with Russian grandmaster Garry Kasparov. Camera: Natalia Latukhina, Max Avloshenko
To many people classical music evokes images of European musical masters like Mozart slaving over their symphonies. But the world of classical music is much wider, as Warangkana Chomchuen reports.
The Antidote, a documentary by filmmakers Kahane Cooperman and John Hoffman, offers stories about acts of kindness in communities across America. The filmmakers tell VOA’s Penelope Poulou that their film reflects Americans’ collective humanity and empathy. Camera: Penelope Poulou Produced by: Penelope Poulou
A beloved meeting spot for generations of New Yorkers, the Waldorf Astoria clock has recently undergone a meticulous restoration and is on view at the New York Historical Society. Vladimir Lenski has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.Camera: Max Avloshenko
As a way to wrap up 2020, Washington's Artechouse – the first US museum of digital and experiential art – transformed its space into a unique exhibition designed to help people combat COVID-19 anxiety. Maxim Moskalkov has the story.Camera: Artyom Kokhan, Sergey Sokolov
"Driving While Black: Race, Space and Mobility in America,” a documentary by filmmaker Ric Burns and historian Gretchen Sorin, traces the racial profiling African Americans have encountered on the road since slavery. VOA’s Penelope Poulou spoke with the film’s creators. Camera, Producer: Penelope Poulou
COVID cases are exploding across the US and it’s unclear how long the pandemic will last. But in Washington, the Kennedy Center is cautiously working on a comeback, as Karina Bafradzhian reports. Camera: Andrey Degtyarev
This holiday season, the traditional visit with Santa Claus is going digital. Virtual visits with Santa Claus are being offered as a safer way for children to interact with Santa during the pandemic, as Tina Trinh reports.
Football fans around the world are mourning the sudden death Wednesday of Diego Maradona, one of the sport’s greatest players. In his home country of Argentina, fans gathered to pay tribute to Maradona, who died at age 60 of a heart attack. Edgar Maciel filed this report.Camera: Edgar Maciel.
Ellen Wong is a Cambodian-Canadian actress well known in Hollywood. But as VOA’s Chetra Chap reports, her latest role hits very close to home. Camera: Chetra Chap
“Blackfeet Boxing: Not Invisible” is a documentary that shows how Native American women at the Blackfeet reservation in Browning, Montana, take up boxing to defend themselves from abduction, rape and domestic abuse – an epidemic in Native American communities. VOA’s Penelope Poulou has more.Camera and Produced by: Penelope Poulou
Anyone can now own a small share of a great masterpiece. Vladimir Lenski has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Max Avloshenko
From a child of immigrants drawing on the walls of the family’s house to an Emmy-winning visual effects artist drawing for Hollywood, a Cambodian American talent represents a classic success story of the American dream. Now, she hopes to bring the dream to her motherland. VOA’s Chetra Chap reports.Camera: Sisovann Pin
The Plastic Bag Store isn’t really a store but an art installation. Nina Vishneva, in this story narrated by Anna Rice reports on this unique piece of art that’s all about plastic. Camera: Alexander Barash, Natalia Latukhina
Black films and TV series are receiving critical acclaim and have become box office sensations. VOA’s Penelope Poulou spoke with film critics who say this “New Black Renaissance” shows audiences’ appetite for thought-provoking, entertaining and diverse stories is growing.
AFI FEST, one of Hollywood’s most prestigious film festivals and part of the American Film Institute, was held virtually this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. VOA’s Penelope Poulou spoke to the festival’s organizers and filmmakers about the challenges and advantages of the online platform. Camera: Penelope Poulou Producer: Penelope Poulou
Live music is slowly coming back to the streets of New York City – in a new, pandemic-inspired way. With the city concert venues still closed, New York Philharmonic decided to put its world-class musicians on a truck to perform on city roads and intersections. Anna Nelson has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Natalia Latukhina, Vladimir Badikov
The new horror film "Antebellum," by Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz, is the latest of several Black horror films addressing race relations in the United States. Filmmakers and critics weigh in on the film and on what defines the Black horror genre. VOA's Penelope Poulou has more.
Many Americans are mourning the death of Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Makeshift memorials to the popular liberal justice have sprung up all over the country. One of them at the site of a large mural dedicated to the justice in September 2019. Anush Avetisyan has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.VIDEOGRAPHER: Andrey Degtyarev
From dark, crowded venues, to social-distanced back yards, stand-up comedians are adapting to life in the nation with the world's highest death toll from COVID-19. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias found comics in the Washington, DC area who, despite their own struggles, are still succeeding to make people laugh. Camera, producer: Veronica Balderas Iglesias
For years, U.S. businesses have been trying to get a piece of the Chinese market, and that’s also true for Hollywood. However, as Disney is currently experiencing, doing business with China's authoritarian government can be tricky, especially in light of current political tensions between the U.S. and China. VOA’s Elizabeth Lee has the details.
Masks, sanitizers, and the most shocking of all – no crowds. After almost six months of closure and strict lockdown, New York City museums are finally reopening. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA and Whitney Museum – among others – are welcoming visitors again, but with a few COVID-related restrictions in place. Nina Vishneva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
With the coronavirus outbreak, people worldwide have become preoccupied with a threat so physically small that it can’t be seen. The invisible world of viruses has long fascinated multi-media artist Laura Splan, who is artist in residence at a biotech lab researching Covid-19. Matt Dibble takes a closer look. Camera, Producer: Matt Dibble
As New York City slowly and carefully returns to a relative normal after weeks of strict lockdown measures to stop the spread of coronavirus, movie theaters in the Big Apple are hoping to open their doors again. In the meantime, NYC outdoor movies have become popularity again during the pandemic. Nina Vishneva has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Max Avloshenko, Alex Barash, Vladimir Badikov, Natalia Latukhina
Two films explore the cycle of violence, trauma and incarceration in the Black community of post Hurricane Katrina New Orleans. VOA’s Penelope Poulou spoke with filmmakers and community organizers of the documentary “Freedia Got a Gun” and of the drama feature “RZA’s Cutthroat City.” They chronicle causes of systemic violence in the Big Easy which was devastated 15 years ago by a Category 5 hurricane.
Have you ever wondered where Washington, D.C., gets its singular good looks? A commission made up of experts in the arts has a say about almost every public building, monument and space in America’s capital city. VOA’s Dora Mekouar explains. Camera: Saqib Ul Islam; Mike Burke; Adam Greenbaum Producer: Dora Mekouar, Adam Greenbaum
NYC’s famous Broadway shows were put on hold when the coronavirus pandemic hit the US. And though the bright signs with pictures of “Aladdin” and “The Lion King” are still there, the actors and audiences won’t come back into the beautiful halls to enjoy the performances until at least the winter of 2021. Evgeny Maslov has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Michael Eckels
One of the most famous American broadcasters of the 20th century was largely unknown at home, but Willis Conover, host of the VOA Jazz Hour, was a celebrity from Warsaw to Moscow during the Cold War. Mike O’Sullivan recalls Conover’s influence on the 100th anniversary of his birth.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on professional musicians. With concerts, festivals, tours and award shows all around the world canceled or put on indefinite hold, many professional musicians and composers who had relied on performances for their income found themselves in a difficult situation. But some say that these challenges present the opportunities to grow. Mariia Prus has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. Camera: Kostiantyn Golubchik
For over half a century, the civil rights icon John Lewis – who died July 17th - made history fighting for desegregation and for the right to vote in the U.S. Dawn Porter’s documentary John Lewis: Good Trouble chronicles his life of activism. VOA’s Penelope Poulou has more. Camera: Mike Burke Producer: Penelope Poulou
Global tourism revenues are expected to fall by up to $3.3 trillion due to COVID-19 restrictions, according to a U.N. study published on July 1st. When the coronavirus outbreak hit Japan, a tourism start-up built by an Indonesian man in Tokyo, was also hit hard. David John lost his main income in the blink of an eye. But as VOA's Vina Mubtadi reports, he was able to get up... with a little bit of magic
There’s an old saying in theater that the show must go on. But when a global pandemic hits and the playbook on large gatherings is re-written, shows like the circus cannot go on. As VOA’s Arash Arabasadi reports, performers in Brazil took a page from drive-in movie theaters to save their circus.Produced by: Arash Arabasadi
The South African International Ballet Competition was forced online this year due to COVID-19. But becoming the first international ballet competition to go entirely virtual didn’t detract supporters. The competition earlier this month attracted competitors from 30 countries around the world, the largest participation ever for the biennial event. Marize de Klerk reports from Johannesburg. Camera: Marize de Klerk Producer: Jason Godman
In the digital age, you can take acting lessons from Samuel L. Jackson or enjoy basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar personally wishing you a happy birthday. Online firms like Cameo and MasterClass are democratizing access to celebrities by turning the famous into gig economy workers. Tina Trinh reports
New York Philharmonic’s first and only African-American principal player took a stand of his own for the Black Lives Matter movement. In a black-and-white video posted on social media platforms, clarinetist Anthony McGill called on musicians to #taketwoknees for Black lives. Elena Wolf has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.VIDEOGRAPHER: Dmitrii Vershinin, Elena Matusovsky
As the number of COVID cases continue to rise in the United States, theater producers seek out ways to stay connected to their art and audience and keep actors employed. Deana Mitchell explores what happens when the show that must go on struggles during a pandemic. Camera, Producer: Deana Mitchell
In Washington, D.C., several weeks of heated demonstrations for racial justice and equality, left behind signs, posters, and other artwork of value to historians. The National Museum of African American History and Culture and several other Smithsonian institutions are trying to collect and preserve these materials. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more.Produced by: Julie Taboh/Adam Greenbaum
Keedron Bryant, the 12-year-old who grabbed attention on social media with his passionate performance about being a young black man in today's world, has signed a deal with Warner Records. The song’s official release on Friday coincides with Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of slaves in the U.S. VOA Correspondent Mariama Diallo reports.
The death of George Floyd while in police custody has sparked protests across the country and abroad about police brutality against African Americans. Acclaimed films have shone a light on racial injustice against African Americans since the 1960s. VOA’s Penelope Poulou looks at some of these works.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on South Korea’s film industry - one of the world’s most vibrant. And with growing concern over continuing outbreaks, it’s uncertain when audiences will feel safe enough to return to movie theaters. Most South Korean cinemas never shut their doors during the pandemic even though box office sales have plummeted. In May, over 1.5 million movie tickets were sold nationwide, down from nearly 17 million in January, according to the Korea Film Council. It was an improvement over April’s numbers, which dropped to a record low of 970,000 tickets. Jason Bechervaise, who lectures on Korean cinema at Soongsil Cyber University in Seoul says the country’s film industry is “facing its biggest crisis” because of the coronavirus. It’s a setback for an industry that gained global recognition when the dark comedy “Parasite” prevailed at the Academy Awards ceremony in February, becoming the first non-English language movie to take home the Oscar for Best Picture. But, compared to film industries in Hollywood, China or Europe, South Korea’s is in a better position to bounce back, Bechervaise says. “The industry has slowed down but hasn’t ground to a halt like it has in other countries,” Bechervaise says. “It’s resilient and cinemas are still open and as (COVID-19) cases decline, hopefully people will feel more confident about going to see films again.” South Korea was one of the first nations to flatten the curve of the disease, which health officials attribute to rapid testing and technology-based contact tracing. But, in recent weeks the country has experienced an uptick in new infections, bringing the total number of cases to at least 12,121, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Monday. Faced with these rising numbers and what health experts warn could be a second wave of infections later this year, there’s scant expectation that box office revenue will return to pre-pandemic levels soon. 'Un-tact cinema'Now, one of South Korea’s largest cinema chains is trying to make movie-fans feel more comfortable about coming back to the theater by limiting contact between guests and staff as much as possible. CJ-CGV has launched what it calls an “un-tact cinema” at one of its branches in Seoul where the popcorn, hot dogs and soft drinks have been relocated into vending machines and other snack bar orders are placed on kiosks and are delivered through a hands-free box. Ticket takers have been replaced by two roving robots that provide showtime and other theatre information on their touch-screen torsos. “It's more hygienic than being face to face, so guests can feel safer and it's just a more cool and interesting place,” says Lee Seung-soo, a CJ ...
Twin sisters Fazaneh and Bahareh came from Iran to Boston in the northeastern United States to study fine arts and have made a splash in the arts scene with a new way of ‘painting.’ Nada Alturki has more.
Social distancing in the age of COVID-19 bars crowds from dense gatherings like movies or rock concerts. This ‘new normal’ changes the business model of venues relying on turnout for profit. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi cues up this story of a nightclub selling tickets and embracing the new normal.
Using their virtual paint brushes, two Chinese-American artists are honoring frontline fighters in the battle against COVID-19. And as VOA’s Jiu Dao reports, they are also documenting what New York City's Chinatown is going through during these challenging times. Lin Yang narrates.
Concerns over the coronavirus have changed the ways people socialize, shop, and work. The pandemic also robbed many students of big events during their graduating years in school, canceling dances, sporting events, and even commencement. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi brings us this good news story about a physician’s assistant in Vermont who is urging students to donate their graduation gowns to help health workers battling COVID-19.Videographer: Reuters Producer: Arash Arabasadi
New Orleans is a city known for its live music and vibrant street life. But since the arrival of COVID-19, there have been no more concerts or open bars, and the city has imposed strict limits on large social gatherings. But that hasn’t stopped a couple of area residents from spreading music — and joy — to their grateful neighbors. VOA's Julie Taboh has more.
The pandemic has kept many people quarantined at home with family and pets for weeks. A grassroots photography initiative called the Front Steps Project has inspired hundreds of photographers to document people in front of their homes during this extraordinary time. Matt Dibble follows one photographer connecting with neighbors in Oakland, California.
Movie theaters have shut their doors to the public due to Covid -19. To offset lost revenues, some have teamed with distribution companies and created online platforms where viewers can watch new releases virtually. VOA’s Penelope Poulou spoke with a distributor and a theater manager about the new viewing model
Photographers and models typically go from one photo shoot to another. COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are making their jobs challenging, but just like thousands of people around the world, they are finding a way to work. Iacopo Luzi reports in this piece adapted by Cristina Smit.
Amid the growing number of Zoom, Skype and other video interviews happening lately, a new form of entertainment has emerged: Judging the interior of other people's homes. Tina Trinh reports.
In Israel, all synagogues have been closed for more than a month because of the coronavirus. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA on her synagogue in Jerusalem.
The sudden scarcity of one of life’s most humble but necessary household supplies — toilet paper — has breathed life into a Finnish bakery that was facing closure due to the COVID-19 threat. The Helsinki shop is creating cakes made in the shape of toilet paper rolls, which were an instant hit, putting smiles on customers’ faces and keeping the staff employed. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more.
Many who shelter at home during the coronavirus pandemic feel isolated and distressed, especially those with mental health issues. According to a spokesman for the Disaster Distress Helpline, the federally funded hotline has seen 891% more calls this spring than last. Psychologists recommend a variety of coping mechanisms, such as exercising, drawing or gardening, for those who feel cooped up, fearful about the future and about the well-being of loved ones. VOA's Penelope Poulou follows one such person, who finds solace in baking.
Quarantine and lockdowns in many U.S. states has moved life online including the search for love and companionship. For now, that will ha to be virtual... using dating apps. Karina Bafradzhian investigated dating during a pandemic.
Esports, organized video gaming, is finding a new role in the COVID-19 pandemic, as people locked down at home try to keep up their competitive skills. Mike O’Sullivan reports that students at two California colleges meet online weekly in virtual competitions, staying in training while staying at home.
Amateur artists around the world are taking advantage of self-isolation from COVID-19 by recreating famous works of art and sharing them on social media for all to enjoy. Most are using common household items like socks, sausages and beans to make clever renditions of Edvard Munch's "The Scream," Leonardo Da Vinci’s "Mona Lisa," and many others. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more.
For people around the world who are living under a stay at home mandate during the pandemic, the internet has created a sense of normalcy during extraordinary times. The screens of mobile devices and computers have become a window to escape to places hundreds or thousands of miles away. On the web, anyone anywhere in the world can take in the sights and sounds of cultural sites for free in New York City such as opera from the Metropolitan Opera, virtual 360 tours inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art or a trip to the New York Botanical Garden.Other organizations and businesses in different cities are also offering online entertainment. Through social media, celebrities offered intimate chats and musical performances from inside their homes. American musician John Legend played the piano and sang for his followers on Instagram. Chris Martin, the lead singer of the British rock band Coldplay, also chatted and sang for his followers on Instagram. Los Angeles-area resident Jason Smith enjoys a virtual dinner with friends. (Photo courtesy Jason Smith)Some people have found creative ways to make the internet more interactive.With online video conferencing, Jason Smith has been able to play online board games with friends, host virtual watch parties of a favorite TV show and even have virtual dinners. He places a TV monitor on his dining table and chats with his friends during the meal. He and his friends even made the same dish during one virtual dinner. “It's nice to be social. And somehow seeing people's faces while you do this normal thing, even in a really not normal way, just seeing faces kind of makes it feel a little more normal and a little, a little easier to swallow, a little easier to digest,” Smith said. Smith also organized a virtual birthday party for his 8-year-old daughter, which became an inspiration for Nan Paik, whose daughter was also turning 8 and attended Smith’s party. Before the pandemic, Paik had planned to have a birthday where her daughter would spend it with friends and had even planned a family trip. “To tell her that I couldn't do any of these things for her was really hard,” Paik said. After attending Smith’s virtual party, Paik decided to organize one for her daughter Emma as well. It turned into two parties. “She (Emma) made an agenda. She had a guest list. You know, one party was school friends and the other party was Girl Scout friends,” Paik said. “It was fun because they sang happy birthday, we did a scavenger hunt and we did a dance ...
You're about to meet the virtual Corona Community Chorus — a group based in New York City. Each Sunday, the chorus members gather online to unite voices forced into isolation in the global effort to curb the coronavirus outbreak. VOA correspondent Mariama Diallo reports on its founder — an author and Harvard Divinity School graduate.
American ballet dancer Julie Kent was a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre from 1993 to 2015. Her farewell role was as Juliet, and in 2016 Kent was named the artistic director of The Washington Ballet. Karina Bafradzhian spoke with Kent about what it takes to be a ballerina — on and beyond the stage.
Madison Keesler clears furniture and pets from the living room, while Benjamin Freemantle chomps on a banana topped with peanut butter. The two, who live together, are preparing to dance with dozens of other members of the San Francisco Ballet company currently sequestered throughout the city and around the world. Since shelter-in-place rules went into effect three weeks ago, the company has met virtually - by video chat - for its daily class. Once used mostly for corporate meetings, video conferences have suddenly become the lifeline connecting isolated friends, co-workers, and family members. “A ballet company in particular, the people you work with and especially the dancers, they become like family,” says Keesler who is a soloist with the company. The abrupt cancellation of performances and loss of the daily ritual and camaraderie has been challenging. “So at least this offers waking up, turning on your computer and you still get to chat with them and see them a little bit,” she says. The virtual classes, which the company has been sharing publicly, have also been a comfort to thousands of fans, deprived of a performance season but now given access to an intimate view of dancers at work in kitchens, bedrooms and hallways. “People really want to know who the dancers are, and you just don’t get to know that on stage,” says Freemantle, a principal dancer with the company. “So even just this little glimpse into your living room or something where, I think you get to see a little bit of who that person is.” “You also get to see who are the real ballet nerds, with the ballet barre bolted into the wall,” chuckles Freemantle, who is improvising with kitchen chairs for the moment. Dancers Madison Keesler and Benjamin Freemantle take a virtual class with other members of the San Francisco Ballet company. (Courtesy Madison Keesler and Benjamin Freemantle)Amateurs are also joining in the class. Writes one fan, “Dream come true to see this and do a class at home with the SF Ballet! Be still my heart.” Support of old comrades Old friends are also connecting in new ways. Lexine Alpert is in touch every week with a group of women activists she’s known since the early 80’s when they joined forces in San Francisco as the “Nuclear Beauty Parlor.” Now dispersed around the country, the group normally gathers every two years. But since physical distancing began, they’ve felt compelled to meet each week using Zoom. Ten women appeared for a recent call, many with cocktails in hand. “It was wonderful,” says Alpert. “Each of us spontaneously spoke about what we’re going through with this virus. It was a really nice to hear everybody's take on how they're handling the situation.” Alpert, a retired social worker, also meets virtually with her book club and refugee support organizations she is affiliated with. “It’s just a ...
Governments both local and national increasingly have been calling on their citizens to stay home as a way to help slow the spread of novel coronavirus. Musicians have joined the campaign. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi turns up the volume on just a few performances
As worldwide efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus continue, the virus has turned nations into isolated communities as lockdown restrictions become more widespread. In London, Amy Tan, a worship pastor at a local church in Ealing, is fighting this isolation with the gift of song.
A growing number of Americans are being ordered to stay home to help contain the spread of Covid-19. So musicians who can’t stop playing are finding creative ways to share their music, both online and in places close to home. VOA’s Julie Taboh found several Washington area musicians who are keeping the music flowing for audiences everywhere.
66-year-old Helen White doesn’t believe in stereotypes. She is sure anyone can do anything – regardless of age. That’s why she is a pickleball coach, and promotes this unusual sport based loosely on tennis as way for the elderly to have fun and exercise. Maxim Moskalkov caught up with this very active woman and filed this report
Museums across the U.S. have closed to the public to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. But that hasn’t stopped the guardians of some of the greatest art collections in the country from sharing their national treasures with people around the world. VOA’s Julie Taboh spoke with the director of one of the Smithsonian Institution’s most popular museums about the many ways they’re reaching their audience.
The coronavirus pandemic has shut down movie theaters and caused movie releases to be postponed in the U.S. and China, the two largest film markets in the world. VOA's Elizabeth Lee has details on how the pandemic is affecting moviegoers and movie producers in both countries.
The global coronavirus outbreak keeps many of us at home and away from the things we enjoy. Sporting leagues around the world have postponed or canceled live competitions, and on Tuesday, the biggest event of them all, the summer Olympics, announced the Tokyo Games will be postponed to 2021. VOA's Arash Arabasadi reports.
At 28, musician Fabi Reyna is the founder and editor-in-chief of She Shreds magazine, a publication dedicated to women guitarists and bassists. She also continues to perform in concerts around the world. Karina Bafradzhian met with the inspiring young woman and filed this report narrated by Anna Rice.
A retired African American educator is using his new career as an artist to educate younger generations about racial divisions that led to some of the darkest chapters in American history. The work of the sculptor is now on exhibit in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where VOA's Chris Simkins caught up with the artist.
In the almost 100 years The New Yorker magazine has existed, it's published thousands of cartoons. Yet never in its history had a black female cartoonist published for the magazine – that is, until Liz Montague came on board. For VOA, Karina Bafradzhian spoke with Montague and has more in this report.