大象传媒

Your daily journey into global arts, culture and entertainment, with Harriett Gilbert and Mark Coles.

Tim Winton

Tim Winton, one of Australia's best known writers has won the continent's leading literary award for the fourth time with his latest novel Breath. We hear how Winton himself thought Australia's "culture warriors" would never accept a book about surfing and what it was about the story that won the judges over.

Youssou N'Dour

We hear from Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour at a recent screening of a new documentary about the making of his landmark album Egypt in 2004. At the height of his career, Youssou became frustrated by the negative perception of his Muslim faith and composed Egypt, a deeply spiritual album dedicated to a more tolerant view of Islam. The album's brave musical message was wholeheartedly embraced by Western audiences but ignited serious religious controversy in his homeland of Senegal. The documentary film chronicles the difficult journey Youssou undertook to change people's perception of his religion.

Pathaan

DJ and Broadcaster Pathaan selects some fresh new music from around the world. With tracks from the German group Ancient Astronauts, OMFO from the Ukraine and Delhis' MIDIval Punditz.

Track details:
MIDIval PunditZ - Tonic (six Degrees Records)
OMFO - Tipsy Djinn (Essay Recordings)
Ancient Astronauts - Lost In Marrakesh (With Entropik) (ESL MUSIC)

To hear more music chosen by DJ Pathaan listen to Pathaan's Musical Rickshaw on the 大象传媒 Asian Network.

Mosfilms

The massive Russian film industry is struggling in the current economic climate and production of Russia films has stalled. 70 out of 250 films in production have been frozen and very few new projects have been launched. Vladimir Putin has recently agreed to increase government funding but with the caveat that the government would mainly support films that help shape public values. With this in mind, is the Russian film industry going to undergo a Soviet-style re-invention where films were used as a tool for ideological propaganda? Anya Dorodeyko reports for The Strand.

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