Culture
The Essentials: Top Cultural Highlights In January
Whether you’re looking to find inspiration, learn something new or just spruce up your wardrobe, our cultural picks this month will having you starting off the year your way
THE WORD: Meraki
Sometimes we need an invitation, an impetus, to infuse our actions with soul, creativity and love. Consider this yours. Literally meaning “the essence of ourselves”, the Greek word meraki (μεράκι) is used to describe the act of pouring your entire being into a pursuit or a creation. It beckons you to infuse real passion and soul into whatever you are doing, whether it’s creating an artistic masterpiece or simply cooking a meal for your loved ones. Any endeavour approached with meraki will be a better reflection of you, your talents and your warmth, because only when we truly invest ourselves in our work and our undertakings can we be fully present in the act, weaving our essence into the tapestry of everything we do.
Perfect If: You need a little creative boost this time of the year, and a reminder that anything worth doing is worth doing well – with meraki.
THE FILM: Good Grief
Keep the tissues handy: After Dan Levy’s hilarious turn in Schitt’s Creek, he’s taking his debut as a feature film director down a more emotionally charged path. Levy directs but also writes, produces and stars in Good Grief, a heartfelt movie about a widower navigating the difficult, messy journey of love and loss. After the sudden death of his husband, Oliver (Luke Evans), Marc (Levy) flies off to Paris to deal with his grief, alongside his two best friends played by Himesh Patel and Oscar nominee Ruth Negga – only to discover even deeper connections, uncover new truths and find the good that radiates out of the hardest moments in life. Good Grief debuts on 5 January on Netflix and, from the looks of it, is determined to make you feel all the feelings at once. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Perfect If: You may not love the sad, but you love the deeply moving, beautiful and brilliant.
THE SHOW: Boy Swallows Universe
Adapted from the partially autobiographical and eponymous novel by Trent Dalton, Netflix series Boy Swallows Universe follows Eli Bell (Felix Cameron), a 12-year-old growing up in the rough suburbs of Brisbane in the early 1980s. Precocious and intelligent, Eli nonetheless has it hard, living in a turbulent household with his heroin-dealing stepfather (Travis Fimmel), his formerly drug-addicted mum (Phoebe Tonkin) and his elder brother of exceptional intelligence with elective mutism (Lee Tiger Halley) – and with a notorious criminal named Slim (Bryan Brown) as the most present adult in his life to look up to. Despite the chaos and neglect, Eli strives to protect his dysfunctional family, all while dreaming of becoming a crime journalist. In short order, however, he finds himself plunged into a world intertwined with criminality and fantasy as he unravels truths about his own identity. Look for the series on Netflix from 11 January.
Perfect If: You could use a bit of imagination and whimsy in the new year – mixed with a healthy dose of grit and realism.
THE PODCAST: Talking Pictures: A Movie Memories Podcast
If you’re been known to binge-watch classic films and can quote entire scenes from some of Hollywood’s greatest hits, we have a podcast for you: starting on 16 January, Turner Classic Movies presenter and film critic Ben Mankiewicz will sit down with renowned filmmakers and writers to hear their most fascinating stories, insights and anecdotes from the world of the silver screen. From Nancy Meyers to Mel Brooks and Patty Jenkins, listen in as movie movers and shakers reveal their artistic inspirations, guilty pleasures, favourite films and more. Available wherever you get your podcasts.
Perfect If: You are a certified cinephile or a would-be film buff ready to peek behind the scenes.
THE SOUND: Kali Uchis’ ‘Orquídeas’
It’s cold, it’s dark, and we’re in dire need of some upbeat tunes, aren’t you? Kali Uchis’ upcoming fourth studio album, Orquídeas (Spanish for “orchids”) is poised to inject some much-needed fun into our playlists. Scheduled for release on 12 January, the Colombian-American singer’s musical creation promises energetic vibes featuring collaborations with Latin music heavyweights like Peso Pluma, Karol G and Rauw Alejandro. With such an impressive line-up, we’re already predicting this album to be on constant repeat. Time to dust off those dancing shoes!
Perfect If: You know your reggaeton (besides “Gasolina”), but are also curious about other Latin genres.
THE DISH: Mercimek Çorbası (Turkish Lentil Soup)
In the midst of this chilly weather, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, nutritious meal. Even if your culinary skills aren’t top-notch – or you’re feeling down from a lack of Vitamin D – you can be sure to find solace in Mercimek Çorbası, a delightfully simple Turkish lentil soup that’s here to rescue us from resorting to takeout. Its beauty lies in its simplicity: basic ingredients like spices, veggies, broth and protein-packed lentils come together seamlessly, delivering a dish that’s not only easy to make but also bursting with flavour. You’re welcome.
Perfect If: You’ve got SAD, but you’ve also already got all the ingredients in your pantry and have a free half an hour to whip up a comforting pick-me-up meal.
THE DOCUMENTARY: Feeding Tomorrow
On 23 January, join food advocates, environmentalists and filmmaking duo Oliver and Simon English in watching their 2022 Los Angeles Documentary Film Festival-winning documentary. As they explore the power of food and the challenges of our current broken food system, they turn to the innovative farmers, nutritionists, scientists and educators who are facing those challenges and building equitable, sustainable solutions for the wellbeing of our planet and all of us living in it. The film not only walks us through the impact of food in our everyday life and future, but also offers specific actions we can all take to become part of the positive change – and to enjoy our time at the table with more joy and less negative impact.
Perfect If: You want to be part of the solution, not the problem.
THE SPLURGE: Chloé x Atelier Jolie Capsule Collection
Angelina Jolie’s creative collective fashion project has revealed its first collection: a luxe collaboration with French label Chloé. The actress worked with former Chloé creative director Gabriela Hearst to co-design their first ready-to-wear capsule collection, which will hit stores this month. It’s a meeting of like minds: Atelier Jolie celebrates the maker through environmental sustainability efforts and support for refugee and migrant artisans, and Chloé celebrates the wearer with their free-spirited femininity and lightweight sophistication. The result is a collection of sleek, consciously made dresses, tailored pieces, outerwear and timeless accessories that embody the ‘quiet luxury’ that the maison is known for. It’s fashion, social commitment and star power all in one.
Perfect If: You still have some post-holiday budget to treat yourself in the new year.
THE EVENT: Light Festivals
Taking down the holiday lights and facing the rest of the long, dark winter is a daunting prospect every year, but you need not resign yourself to such a drab fate. Instead, head to one of the many cities around the world where the lights keep twinkling well into January or even February – and with artistic flair. Amsterdam hosts one of the best-known and most culturally relevant light festivals in the world, with luminescent artworks reflecting on the canals and waterways across the city from November until 21 January; this year’s theme has light artists examining the effects of technology and AI on society and our everyday lives. In Switzerland, Lucerne will also be lighting up its streets, squares and parks with artistic light installations from 11-21 January. To truly appreciate all that gleams, glitters and glows, however, Japan is your place: a number of cities and regions, from Kobe to Kanagawa and Tokyo’s Marunouchi district, keep the lights on in their millions to chase away the winter shadows.
Perfect If: The post-holiday blues leave you yearning for a festive feeling – and cabin fever is fuelling your wanderlust.
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