15/10/2011

Available for over a year

The best of the world's arts, film, music and literature brought to you every day. Presented by Simon Pitts. Mohammed Hanif Pakistani novelist Mohammed Hanif talks about his new book, Our Lady of Alice Bhatti, about satirising religion and about why he wanted a strong, brave, independent woman at the centre of his novel. Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 1945-1980 A pan-Southern California intiative to celebrate a generation of local artists who influenced the development of modern art around the world Sleeping Beauty An erotic new retelling of the Sleeping Beauty story is presented by the Australian director Julia Leigh. We talk to her. Katori Hall Award-winning playwright Katori Hall discusses her play The Mountaintop which re-imagines the night before Martin King's assassination in 1968. Gerhard Richter We review a major touring exhibition spanning the career of the German artist Gerhard Richter - widely regarded as one of the most important painters working today. The Beijing International Movie Festival This has just opened and includes a documentary film celebrating uprising and rebellion. Linda Kennedy reports on how Indie film festivals are starting to play a provocative role in political openness in China. Fatoumata Diawara She talks to us about her beautiful debut album, the role of women in Malian music, the politics behind her songs and funk