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Saudi Film Commission Announces Opening of Virtual Production Platform in Collaboration with Sony and Pixomondo 

JAX Film Studios is a fully integrated, high-end production center, housing two 1,500-square-meter soundstages, a VIP lounge, a modern cinema screening room, and fully equipped production offices and prep spaces. (SPA)
JAX Film Studios is a fully integrated, high-end production center, housing two 1,500-square-meter soundstages, a VIP lounge, a modern cinema screening room, and fully equipped production offices and prep spaces. (SPA)
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Saudi Film Commission Announces Opening of Virtual Production Platform in Collaboration with Sony and Pixomondo 

JAX Film Studios is a fully integrated, high-end production center, housing two 1,500-square-meter soundstages, a VIP lounge, a modern cinema screening room, and fully equipped production offices and prep spaces. (SPA)
JAX Film Studios is a fully integrated, high-end production center, housing two 1,500-square-meter soundstages, a VIP lounge, a modern cinema screening room, and fully equipped production offices and prep spaces. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Film Commission announced on Tuesday the opening of an advanced virtual production platform at JAX Film Studios, the latest cinematic production facility in the capital, Riyadh, marking a pivotal step in developing the Kingdom’s film industry infrastructure.

The platform was designed in collaboration with Pixomondo, a specialist in visual effects and virtual production, and built with Sony’s latest VERONA Crystal LED technology, making the virtual studio ready to host the most ambitious film productions.

The platform comprises 2,720 Sony VERONA Crystal LED panels with a 2.3 mm pixel pitch and stage dimensions of 23 meters wide, 27.5 meters deep and 10 meters high. It features advanced integration of camera tracking, real-time processing, and in-camera VFX, enabling high-fidelity, photoreal simulation that meets the demands of major Hollywood productions.

JAX Film Studios is a fully integrated, high-end production center, housing two 1,500-square-meter soundstages, a VIP lounge, a modern cinema screening room, and fully equipped production offices and prep spaces, providing filmmakers with an end-to-end work environment under one roof.

CEO of the Film Commission Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Qahtani said: “JAX Film Studios is a milestone in the trajectory of Saudi filmmaking. Investing in world-class virtual production infrastructure is a strategic step toward building a globally competitive film industry and reflects the commission’s commitment to empowering filmmakers with the technologies, facilities and partnerships that support their creativity and output at the highest levels.”

General Manager of Sector Development and Investment Attraction at the commission Abduljalil Alnasser emphasized that the project represents a qualitative leap in the regional production landscape, noting that the integration of Sony and Pixomondo expertise and the technologies used at JAX Film Studios provide a production environment to global standards, from pixel precision to the highest levels of technical integration.

With its strategic location in Riyadh, JAX Film Studios offers filmmakers direct access to luxury hotels, the international airport, and a growing ecosystem of production services and talent in the Kingdom, making it a preferred destination for local and international productions.

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Entertainment

Concert Pays Tribute to Swiss Fire Disaster Victims

Italian and French singer and songwriter Riccardo Cocciante (C), also known as Richard Cocciante performs during a tribute concert entitled “Au cœur de Crans” for the victims of the New Year’s Eve bar fire in Crans-Montana, at the Salle Métropole in Lausanne on April 22, 2026. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)
Italian and French singer and songwriter Riccardo Cocciante (C), also known as Richard Cocciante performs during a tribute concert entitled “Au cœur de Crans” for the victims of the New Year’s Eve bar fire in Crans-Montana, at the Salle Métropole in Lausanne on April 22, 2026. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)
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Concert Pays Tribute to Swiss Fire Disaster Victims

Italian and French singer and songwriter Riccardo Cocciante (C), also known as Richard Cocciante performs during a tribute concert entitled “Au cœur de Crans” for the victims of the New Year’s Eve bar fire in Crans-Montana, at the Salle Métropole in Lausanne on April 22, 2026. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)
Italian and French singer and songwriter Riccardo Cocciante (C), also known as Richard Cocciante performs during a tribute concert entitled “Au cœur de Crans” for the victims of the New Year’s Eve bar fire in Crans-Montana, at the Salle Métropole in Lausanne on April 22, 2026. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)

A benefit concert was held Wednesday in tribute to the victims of a New Year's fire that killed 41 people at an upscale Swiss ski resort, nearly four months on from the tragedy.

The concert brought together the families of victims and some of those who survived the fire, which erupted at a bar in the Alpine town of Crans-Montana in the early hours of January 1.

Most of those killed in disaster at Le Constellation bar were teenagers, while 115 people were injured.

At the concert, staged at the Salle Metropole theatre in Lausanne, the performing artists came onto the stage to a song written about the tragedy called "Etoile de nos coeurs" ("Star of our Hearts"), and lined up holding white roses.

Beforehand, the families of the victims gathered in the foyer. There were hugs, smiles and some tears.

"It's about solidarity. To all the victims, up there or here on Earth, it means one thing: we haven't forgotten you," Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, whose 16-year-old son Arthur was among those killed, told AFP.

"We're in survival mode. Half of our hearts have been ripped away," she added.

"It keeps alive the memory of all those who were hurt, both physically and emotionally."

Tickets cost from 90 Swiss francs ($115), with the proceeds going towards Swisshearts -- an association founded by parents affected by the disaster.

The participating artists -- performing for free -- included Gjon's Tears, who finished third for Switzerland at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest.

"There were a lot of young people, and even today, four months later, they find it hard to talk about it," the singer told AFP.

"These were young people who just wanted to party and have fun.

"Being close in age to the majority of the victims... I think we can relate to it," the 27-year-old said.

Also on the bill was the veteran Italian singer Richard Cocciante.

"We need to think about the people who are no longer here," the 80-year-old told AFP, adding that music "certainly helps; I don't know if it can heal, but it helps".

A total of 13 people are under criminal investigation in connection with the disaster, including the bar's owners and several current and former local officials.

The fire hit the Lausanne region hard.

Several of those killed were from the suburb of Lutry. Its football team lost seven players in the fire, with more injured in the disaster.

For many survivors badly burned in the fire, the journey towards resuming a normal life, where possible, is far from over, with lengthy hospital treatment followed by spells in rehabilitation and readaptation clinics.

Switzerland's Federal Office for Civil Protection told AFP on Wednesday that 38 patients were still in hospitals and clinics, including 19 in neighboring countries.

Entertainment

Slash, Lennon and Mercury Memorabilia on Offer at Propstore Music Auction

John Lennon and Yoko Ono. (AFP)
John Lennon and Yoko Ono. (AFP)
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Slash, Lennon and Mercury Memorabilia on Offer at Propstore Music Auction

John Lennon and Yoko Ono. (AFP)
John Lennon and Yoko Ono. (AFP)

From Slash's guitar to ‌a poster John Lennon signed hours before he was killed, items from music history hit the auction block next week in a sale valued at 1.5 million pounds ($2 million).

More than 400 lots are being offered in Propstore's Music Memorabilia Live Auction on April 30, including costumes, instruments and photos among other items.

Leading the sale is Guns N' Roses lead guitarist Slash's stage-used and autographed Gibson Les Paul '59 Custom Shop guitar, which he played during the band's "Not In This Lifetime... Tour". It has ‌a price ‌estimate of 150,000 pounds to 300,000 pounds ($405,210).

A promotional ‌poster ⁠for John Lennon ⁠and Yoko Ono's final collaborative album "Double Fantasy", signed by the former Beatle on December 8, 1980 - the day he was shot dead - is priced at 60,000-120,000 pounds.

Sold with audio proof, Propstore said it was one of only four items Lennon signed that day, hours before being shot at the entrance of ⁠the Dakota, his apartment building in New ‌York.

"The poster itself is super ‌rare because it was only available with promotional copies of the ‌album... and he gave each of these to the crew ‌who were interviewing him, RKO Radio," Mark Hochman, head of the music department at Propstore, said at a press preview on Wednesday.

A Shure 565 SD award gold microphone presented to Queen and used ‌by frontman Freddie Mercury is also listed, with an estimate of 30,000-60,000 pounds.

It is being ⁠sold by ⁠former Queen roadie Peter Hince, who was gifted the microphone by Mercury. Hince is also selling other Queen items, including a tambourine used by Mercury and a limited-edition blue vinyl pressing of the band's hit song "Bohemian Rhapsody".

“These are things that I got during my time with the band. I don't collect but I know there are people who'll be over the moon to get these things," Hince said.

Other items offered in Propstore's auction include a leather jacket worn by late singer George Michael in the "Faith" music video and a jacket worn by late rapper The Notorious B.I.G.

Entertainment

Michael Jackson Fans Pack Hollywood for Biopic Premiere

Genevieve Jackson Huguely, from left, TJ Jackson, Jermajesty Jackson, Frances Jackson, Randall Jackson Jr, Tarianno "Taj" Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Jaafar Jackson, Molly Schirmang, Jermaine Jackson, Maddie Simpson, Prince Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Jaimy Jackson, Austin Brown, Marlon Jackson, Asa Soltan and Autumn Jackson arrive at the premiere of "Michael" on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP)
Genevieve Jackson Huguely, from left, TJ Jackson, Jermajesty Jackson, Frances Jackson, Randall Jackson Jr, Tarianno "Taj" Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Jaafar Jackson, Molly Schirmang, Jermaine Jackson, Maddie Simpson, Prince Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Jaimy Jackson, Austin Brown, Marlon Jackson, Asa Soltan and Autumn Jackson arrive at the premiere of "Michael" on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP)
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Michael Jackson Fans Pack Hollywood for Biopic Premiere

Genevieve Jackson Huguely, from left, TJ Jackson, Jermajesty Jackson, Frances Jackson, Randall Jackson Jr, Tarianno "Taj" Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Jaafar Jackson, Molly Schirmang, Jermaine Jackson, Maddie Simpson, Prince Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Jaimy Jackson, Austin Brown, Marlon Jackson, Asa Soltan and Autumn Jackson arrive at the premiere of "Michael" on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP)
Genevieve Jackson Huguely, from left, TJ Jackson, Jermajesty Jackson, Frances Jackson, Randall Jackson Jr, Tarianno "Taj" Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Jaafar Jackson, Molly Schirmang, Jermaine Jackson, Maddie Simpson, Prince Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Jaimy Jackson, Austin Brown, Marlon Jackson, Asa Soltan and Autumn Jackson arrive at the premiere of "Michael" on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP)

Hollywood was clad in black and glittering sequins on Monday to host the Los Angeles premiere of Michael Jackson's biopic, drawing fans of the King of Pop to the iconic California boulevard.

The film "Michael" chronicles the legendary artist's rise from a child star to one of the world's most famous pop icons, and arrives 16 years after his death.

It was initially released in Europe and will hit US theaters on Friday.

"It's beautiful to see all these people here to support Michael Jackson and support the movie, and to show love for Michael," the film's director Antoine Fuqua told AFP.

Its premiere in Los Angeles -- the adopted home of the "Billie Jean" performer -- also became a family affair, led by the film's star and icon's nephew Jaafar Jackson.

"(This) being the first time that I've ever got into acting and to be able to portray my Uncle Michael, it's so surreal," Jaafar told AFP.

"I'm still taking it in and not really realizing how much it's going to hit me or when it's going to hit me. But, you know, it's incredible," he added.

Jaafar's performance won praise from his uncles, who highlighted the acting newcomer's "wonderful job" in portraying a figure they knew with an intimacy few others shared.

"When I watch the movie, I think I'm watching Michael on the stage... He did such a wonderful job. (It) brings tears to my eyes," Michael's brother, Jackie Jackson, said on the black carpet.

Marlon Jackson -- another member of the Jackson 5, the youth group where Michael got his start as an artist -- reflected on how the film might offer a window into the famous family's home life.

"I think people understand and realize that the Jackson family is no different than any family. We go through our trials and tribulations, ups and downs, but we learn to agree to disagree," he said.

- Family affair -

Marlon, Jackie, Jaafar and La Toya Jackson -- one of Michael's sisters -- shared embraces on the black carpet, where they met the actors who portrayed them and their parents in the film.

Nia Long, who stepped into the shoes of Katherine -- Michael's mother and close ally -- remarked that, in a male-dominated world, the women of the clan "set the baseline for how the family moved."

The actress hopes the film will allow audiences to view Michael Jackson as "an artist who was a master of his artistry" and someone who "cared deeply about humanity."

As for Colman Domingo, who portrays Michael's strict father Joe Jackson: "Everyone has a story, and everyone has something you can learn from -- just like a great album."

"Hopefully this film is a great album for someone, and if they could take something from it, then we did our job."