Opus is the debut film from Mark Anthony Green, a movie that yet again taps into our toxic obsession with celebrity culture and the rich while exploring what happens when admiration curdles into something far more unsettling.

Thirty years after disappearing, a legendary pop star, delightfully played by John Malkovich, invites a young writer, portrayed by Ayo Edebiri, into his isolated world. What begins as an exclusive story quickly spirals into something darker, as she becomes entangled in his eerie cult of followers and a twisted plan she can’t escape.

Opus marks the feature film debut of writer Mark Anthony Green. Before turning to filmmaking, he worked as a journalist for the U.S. magazine GQ. While the film has faced its share of scrutiny from the press, many deeming it an overly ambitious undertaking for a first-time director like Green, it stands as a bold entry into the cinema.

The opening scenes draw you in as Ariel struggles with her career, criticized by a friend for being “middle as fuck.” Green adds pop culture cameos (Wolf Blitzer, Bill Burr, Lenny Kravitz), but their presence tends to feel a bit lost in a world that quickly becomes fake and disconnected, having an overly quirky visual style and logic-free escalation. Something that could make you both like – and dislike – the movie

And perhaps this highlights the absurdity of the world of the rich. Opus deserves credit for its bold exploration of celebrity obsession and the eerie, unpredictable atmosphere Green is able to create throughout the whole film.

The story of finding hope in even the bleakest circumstances has been told countless times, but Sing Sing approaches it with a rare authenticity and depth, steering clear of clichés to deliver a profoundly moving and genuinely transformative experience.

The movie starts on stage with a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by John “Divine G” Whitfield, played by Colman Domingo, and quickly jumps into the introduction of the characters. They all take part in the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program.

Domingos character, a man imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, is already a renowned personality in the RTA program: He helps to cast and recruit new members for the theater group. The film goes on to follow the group as they rehearse and eventually stage an original production.

Along the way, Sing Sing captures moments of vulnerability, humor, and solidarity, revealing how the creative process offers a path to healing, self-expression, and connection. Rather than centering on guilt or innocence, it highlights the humanity of its characters. By blending professional performances with real lived experience, the film becomes more than a story of redemption. It’s a powerful testament to transformation, second chances, and the enduring power of art in the unknown world behind bars.

Berlin was buzzing on February 20th as we kicked off an incredible night at the arabsoda x

OOR Studio Store Event, powered by Numéro Berlin. Held at the OOR Studio Apparel

Store on Torstraße 76, the evening was all about celebrating fashion, culture, and

creativity. Guests got to explore arabsoda’s SS25 tailored collection, get first glimpses of

their upcoming bakhoor incense launch, and experience an unforgettable fusion of style,

culture and sound.

Starting at 7 PM, the event welcomed guests into an immersive experience where the

worlds of Middle Eastern heritage and Western contemporary fashion seamlessly

intertwined. The Berlin based streetwear Brand arabsoda, known for its Ready to Wear

garments, unveiled its SS25 tailoring collection, offering an exquisite preview of finely

crafted pieces that blend tradition with modern trends.

The atmosphere was set against the backdrop of the beautifully curated OOR Studio

space. Usman’s ongoing cultural work explores the intersection of heritage, community, 

and contemporary narratives, seamlessly weaving authentic storytelling into fashion, film, 

and photography—a vision that he shares with Converse. As part of Converse’s global 

creative community, the All Stars, Usman created and showcased an exclusive one-of-one 

arabsoda Chuck Taylor.

Elevating the night’s energy, Varholla delivered an unforgettable soundtrack, setting

the tone for an evening of style and cultural exchange. The event was further enriched by 

the short film screening of JAMEEL – A Light Unveiled directed by Ahmed Mesbah, offering 

a cinematic reflection on heritage and identity through a contemporary lens. Guests enjoyed 

drinks kindly madepossible by our friends at Elephant Bay, as well as an elegant pairing of coffee 

and dates by Bateel.

As the evening unfolded, conversations sparked, and the creative spirit of Berlin came out

strong. The arabsoda x OOR Studio Store Event was more than a showcase—it was a

statement. A testament to the power of collaboration, craftsmanship, and cultural dialogue.

As Berlin annually transformed into the center of German cinema for the Berlinale, Cartier equipped some of the most celebrated stars with its iconic creations. From red carpet appearances to exclusive industry events, the jewelry house played a defining role in elevating the elegance of the Berlinales most notable attendees.

Hannah Herzsprung captivated in timeless earrings rings, their bold design perfectly complementing her sophisticated ensemble. Actress, and now also director, Lisa Vicari embraced classic luxury with a stunning bracelet and an exquisite Cartier necklace that added a striking touch to her look. Jerry Hoffmann embodied effortless refinement, accessorizing with a sleek watch, a signature of understated luxury. Meanwhile, Jannik Schümann completed his red carpet presence with some earrings, adding a modern yet elegant accent to his ensemble.

Beyond the jewelry itself, Cartier’s presence at the Berlinale underscored its deep connection to the world of film, with stars and industry figures alike embracing the brand’s heritage of craftsmanship and sophistication. As filmmakers and actors gathered to celebrate storytelling and artistry, Cartier’s shimmering designs remained a constant, highlighting the festival’s enduring romance with luxury and cinema.

Just like the other girls in her group, Maria’s dream to escape is exploited, funneled into something darker than she had thought to have signed up for. The girls are prepared for one of the biggest casting events in the region. We are shown how brutal the competitive spirit of the industry can become. Maria and Kristina relentlessly push themselves to abuse their bodies in increasingly extreme ways.

Saulė Bliuvaitė strips the modeling industry of all its glamour and shows its rawest form. The exploitative nature of these schools and casting events is presented through the director’s personal experience. The female body is manipulated and objectified to a point where it acts as a currency. In this way, Maria and every girl going through these trajectories are stripped of their personhood. Here, Bliuvaitė highlights the importance of human connection and a sisterhood among women.

We are thrown back to 2021, when the UK had just entered its third lockdown in January. It was the time when many of us indulged in online realities to escape the isolation they were facing the real world. Somewhere in the midst of this, actors Sam and Mark similarly find their escape in the online world of Grand Theft Auto V. They rummage through the crowded city, blow up some vehicles, and maybe run over a few civilian NPCs… The digital city of ‘Los Santos’ is powered by total chaos and anarchy. But in the midst of all the explosions, heists, and hit-and-runs, the actors come up with an idea: to bring Shakespeare’s classic ‘Hamlet’ to life while using GTA as their stage.

Similar to the unruly 16th-century theater, the actors face the challenge of orchestrating a play on a stage dominated by chaos and a constantly changing dynamic. Except here, the classic theater structure is replaced by a detailed cityscape, and the crowd that is typically separated from the actors now runs wild with rocket launchers in their back pockets. Bringing a serious play to life in a world where every player is a trigger-happy maniac proves to be no easy task.