Entertainment
Red Sea Film Festival brings rare star lineup to its ‘In Conversation’ series… Amir El Masry, Kaouther Ben Hania, Lebleba & Yaqoub Alfarhan to share untold career stories
From a BAFTA-winning breakout to a Cannes-celebrated filmmaker, this year’s Red Sea International Film Festival promises its most powerful speaker lineup yet.
The 5th Red Sea International Film Festival, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is gearing up for one of its most anticipated editions — and its In Conversation talk series is already generating global buzz. This year, four major film figures from across the Middle East and North Africa will take the stage to reflect on their journeys, struggles, and defining creative moments.
Among them are Egyptian-British star Amir El Masry, Tunisian Oscar-nominated filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, Egyptian cinema icon Lebleba, and acclaimed Saudi actor Yaqoub Alfarhan — a lineup that highlights the festival’s commitment to elevating voices that have shaped regional and global cinema.
The festival describes the series as an opportunity for filmmakers and actors to “share their stories and reveal the successes and challenges that led them to the RSIFF stage.”
Amir El Masry: From Cairo roots to global spotlight
El Masry stars as “Prince” Naseem Hamed in the festival’s opening film Giant, a high-energy boxing biopic expected to draw significant attention. The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art graduate has built an impressive international résumé:
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- breakout role in BBC/AMC’s The Night Manager
- appearances in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
- a key role in A Haunting in Venice (2023)
- performances in Netflix’s The Crown, playing young Mohamed Al Fayed
- roles in BBC’s Vigil (2023) and BBC’s Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light (2024)
He won the BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Actor for his acclaimed performance in Limbo (2021).
Now, with Giant, El Masry is stepping into one of his most challenging roles yet — and stepping onto the Red Sea stage to reflect on a career defined by versatility and persistence.
Kaouther Ben Hania: A filmmaker who commands stages from Cannes to Venice
Tunisian writer-director Kaouther Ben Hania is one of Africa’s most influential filmmakers — and her presence at the festival is a major highlight.
Her career boasts:
- three Academy Award submissions from Tunisia
- Beauty and the Dogs (2017), selected in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard
- Four Daughters (2024), a Cannes Palme d’Or competitor and César Award winner
- her new docudrama The Voice of Hind Rajab, which premiered at Venice Film Festival, receiving a 21-minute standing ovation
The film — centered on the heartbreaking killing of 5-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab — has already earned the Grand Jury Silver Lion in Venice and the Best Film Prize at the San Sebastian Film Festival.
Ben Hania is expected to discuss not only her creative process but also the emotional weight of telling politically urgent stories.
Lebleba: An Egyptian icon with decades of cinematic memories
One of Egypt’s most recognizable and beloved screen figures, Lebleba brings decades of acting experience, comedic brilliance, and cultural impact to the Red Sea stage.
Her presence in the series bridges generations of Arab cinema, offering audiences a rare opportunity to hear firsthand stories from a woman who has shaped Egyptian film history.

Yaqoub Alfarhan: A rising Saudi force
Saudi actor Yaqoub Alfarhan, known for his ability to navigate drama, suspense, and culturally rich storytelling, rounds out the lineup. As Saudi Arabia’s film industry continues to experience transformation and growth, Alfarhan’s voice is especially resonant.
His appearance signals RSIFF’s commitment to nurturing and spotlighting homegrown talent alongside global icons.
Why this lineup matters
This year’s In Conversation series is more than a set of interviews — it’s a cultural bridge. The artists represent:
- multiple nations
- multiple storytelling traditions
- global achievements
- regional pride
- cinematic resilience
And with the festival’s rising prominence, these conversations could shape the next wave of Arab and global filmmaking.
Entertainment
The Publicists Have to Be Stopped!: Keke Palmer, Lisa Kudrow and Quinta Brunson Reveal the Wildest Truths About Hollywood Comedy
From awkward auditions to mistaken identities and viral internet chaos, six powerhouse comedy actresses pull back the curtain on fame, pressure and surviving Hollywood’s comedy machine.
In an entertainment industry where polished PR often overshadows authenticity, six of television and comedy’s biggest female stars came together for a brutally honest, hilarious and unexpectedly emotional conversation that fans are already calling one of the most relatable Hollywood roundtables in years.
The actresses — Keke Palmer, Lisa Kudrow, Quinta Brunson, Rachel Sennott, Hannah Einbinder and Ashley Padilla — didn’t hold back while discussing the realities of comedy, internet culture, identity confusion and the exhausting world of celebrity publicity.
And yes, somehow the infamous “2 Girls 1 Cup” conversation even made its way into the discussion.
The comedy actresses roundtable quickly turned into much more than a promotional interview. It became a candid reflection on what it actually means to be funny in Hollywood in 2026 — especially as a woman trying to balance authenticity with an industry obsessed with image.
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One of the most talked-about moments came when Keke Palmer jokingly shouted, “The publicists have to be stopped!” after the group discussed how carefully celebrities are often coached during interviews. The line instantly exploded across social media because of how relatable it felt to audiences tired of overly scripted celebrity appearances.
Palmer, known for her fearless personality and unmatched charisma, explained how difficult it can be to remain genuine while navigating media expectations. Fans of the actress have long admired her ability to say exactly what she thinks, whether on television, podcasts or live interviews.
Meanwhile, legendary “Friends” star Lisa Kudrow brought a completely different energy to the table — calm, experienced and sharply observant. Kudrow reflected on how comedy has evolved over the decades and admitted that actors today face an entirely different level of scrutiny because of social media and internet culture.
The Emmy-winning actress spoke openly about awkward auditions from earlier in her career and how rejection once felt deeply personal. Her honesty struck a chord with younger performers at the table, especially Quinta Brunson, who discussed the pressure of creating comedy in an era where every joke can instantly become a viral debate online.
Brunson, the creator and star of Abbott Elementary, revealed that modern comedians constantly walk a tightrope between being authentic and being “internet safe.” She admitted that social media reactions sometimes shape creative decisions more than people realize.
The conversation also touched on the strange reality of mistaken identity in Hollywood. Several actresses shared stories about fans confusing them with other celebrities, sometimes in wildly inappropriate situations. Rachel Sennott joked about internet users confidently misidentifying actors online despite having access to unlimited information.
That naturally led into a broader conversation about fame in the digital age — where memes, viral clips and out-of-context moments often become more powerful than an actor’s actual work.
One of the funniest sections of the roundtable came when the group unexpectedly referenced “2 Girls 1 Cup,” the infamous viral shock video that dominated internet culture in the late 2000s. While the actresses approached the topic humorously, the moment highlighted how shared internet experiences shape modern comedy and generational humor.

For younger stars like Hannah Einbinder, best known for her breakout role in Hacks, the internet isn’t separate from fame — it is fame. Einbinder explained how comedians today often gain attention through short clips, social media reactions and viral moments before traditional Hollywood even notices them.
Ashley Padilla also opened up about navigating the entertainment world as a Latina comedian, explaining that representation in comedy still has a long way to go despite recent progress. Her perspective added another important layer to the discussion, especially as Hollywood continues to face criticism over diversity and inclusion.
What made the entire roundtable feel refreshing was the lack of artificiality. Instead of polished industry answers, viewers got nervous laughter, awkward confessions, embarrassing stories and real conversations about fear, insecurity and ambition.
In many ways, that authenticity is exactly why audiences connected so strongly with the interview.
For years, celebrity press tours have often felt heavily rehearsed, with stars carefully avoiding controversy or vulnerability. But this conversation felt unpredictable in the best possible way. The actresses interrupted each other, laughed uncontrollably and occasionally admitted they had no perfect answer to complicated industry questions.
Fans online especially praised the chemistry between Keke Palmer and Lisa Kudrow, with many calling it an “unexpected duo Hollywood desperately needs more of.” Others pointed out how Quinta Brunson continues to emerge as one of television’s smartest comedic voices, balancing humor with genuine cultural insight.
The roundtable also highlighted a bigger truth about comedy itself: being funny is rarely effortless.
Behind every viral joke or sitcom punchline are years of rejection, failed auditions, awkward performances and personal insecurity. The actresses repeatedly returned to that idea throughout the conversation, reminding viewers that comedy often comes from discomfort rather than confidence.
At a time when entertainment interviews can feel robotic and overproduced, this roundtable succeeded because it felt messy, spontaneous and human.
And perhaps that’s exactly why Keke Palmer’s now-viral line — “The publicists have to be stopped!” — resonated so strongly online.
For one rare hour, Hollywood actually sounded honest.
Entertainment
‘Summer House’ Season 10 Reunion Goes Explosive: When and Where to Watch All Three Parts Online
Bravo’s hit reality series returns with a highly charged reunion special, featuring betrayals, relationship drama, and emotional confrontations airing across three weeks.
The wait is finally over for fans of Bravo’s hit reality series Summer House, as the highly anticipated Season 10 reunion is officially underway—promising some of the most intense confrontations the show has ever seen.
The reunion special, hosted by Andy Cohen, began airing on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo. It marks the start of a three-part televised event that will unfold across consecutive weeks, with Part 2 scheduled for June 2 and Part 3 airing on June 9.
For viewers wondering where to catch the drama beyond live TV, each episode becomes available for streaming on Peacock the day after its Bravo premiere. This means fans can watch Part 1 from May 27 onward, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly in sync with the broadcast schedule.
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This season’s reunion is already being described as one of the most emotionally charged in the show’s history. At the center of the tension is the controversial relationship between cast members Amanda Batula and West Wilson, which has created a complicated web of betrayal involving fellow castmate Ciara Miller.
According to early reports from the taping, emotional confrontations dominated the stage, with accusations of dishonesty and fractured friendships taking center focus. Some moments reportedly became so heated that host Andy Cohen had to intervene to regain control of the discussion.
The reunion also revisits other key storylines from Season 10, including shifting friendships, romantic fallout, and unresolved tensions among longtime cast members such as Kyle Cooke and Lindsay Hubbard. The series continues to highlight how personal relationships within the Hamptons-based group evolve under public scrutiny and pressure.

For cord-cutters, multiple streaming options are available. Along with Peacock, viewers in the U.S. can access Bravo through live TV services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV, ensuring wide accessibility for audiences who want to watch the drama unfold in real time.
With leaked audio, emotional breakdowns, and accusations of betrayal already fueling online conversation, the Season 10 reunion is shaping up to be more than just a recap—it’s a reckoning.
As the remaining parts air over the next two weeks, fans can expect even deeper revelations, unresolved tensions, and possibly shifting alliances that could redefine the future of the Summer House cast dynamic.
Entertainment
‘Summer House’ Season 10 Reunion: When and Where to Watch the Explosive Three-Part Drama Online…
Bravo’s hit reality series returns with a highly charged reunion special, featuring betrayals, relationship drama, and emotional confrontations airing across three weeks.
The wait is finally over for fans of Bravo’s hit reality series Summer House, as the highly anticipated Season 10 reunion is officially underway—promising some of the most intense confrontations the show has ever seen.
The reunion special, hosted by Andy Cohen, began airing on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo. It marks the start of a three-part televised event that will unfold across consecutive weeks, with Part 2 scheduled for June 2 and Part 3 airing on June 9.
For viewers wondering where to catch the drama beyond live TV, each episode becomes available for streaming on Peacock the day after its Bravo premiere. This means fans can watch Part 1 from May 27 onward, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly in sync with the broadcast schedule.
ALSO READ : Sen. Elizabeth Warren Calls It a ‘Cesspool of Corruption’ — Here’s Why Senators Are Now Fighting Back Against the DOJ’s Live Nation Deal That Left Every Fan Betrayed…
This season’s reunion is already being described as one of the most emotionally charged in the show’s history. At the center of the tension is the controversial relationship between cast members Amanda Batula and West Wilson, which has created a complicated web of betrayal involving fellow castmate Ciara Miller.
According to early reports from the taping, emotional confrontations dominated the stage, with accusations of dishonesty and fractured friendships taking center focus. Some moments reportedly became so heated that host Andy Cohen had to intervene to regain control of the discussion.
The reunion also revisits other key storylines from Season 10, including shifting friendships, romantic fallout, and unresolved tensions among longtime cast members such as Kyle Cooke and Lindsay Hubbard. The series continues to highlight how personal relationships within the Hamptons-based group evolve under public scrutiny and pressure.

For cord-cutters, multiple streaming options are available. Along with Peacock, viewers in the U.S. can access Bravo through live TV services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV, ensuring wide accessibility for audiences who want to watch the drama unfold in real time.
With leaked audio, emotional breakdowns, and accusations of betrayal already fueling online conversation, the Season 10 reunion is shaping up to be more than just a recap—it’s a reckoning.
As the remaining parts air over the next two weeks, fans can expect even deeper revelations, unresolved tensions, and possibly shifting alliances that could redefine the future of the Summer House cast dynamic.
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