culture

December 12, 2025

A look inside the Nazi mind. Nuremberg review

While it is not the first film to revisit the Nuremberg trials that unfolded after the Second World War, Vanderbilt offer a distinctly new perspective and prompts fresh reflection on this well-documented chapter of history.

Antoni Popczyński and Tomasz Morek, both 16, review a new film about the historic Nuremberg trials

December 12, 2025

Holland values emotional truth over easy storytelling. Franz Kafka review

Agnieszka Holland’s new film, entitled simply Franz Kafka, takes on the challenging task of portraying the life of a famously complex writer. The film isn’t a standard biography – Holland captures a figure suffocating in trying to accomplish competing duties, torn between an obligation towards an authoritative father and the need to follow his loud inner voice.

Kaja Majewska, 16, and Mikołaj Tran, 17, analyse Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Holland’s latest film

December 12, 2025

A masterpiece about the fight against the patriarchal order. Vermiglio review

Muted tones, silent scenes and the beautiful scenery of a remote Italian village combined with the tragedy of the Second World War. Telling the story of a clash between rural traditions and the changes caused by the ending of the war, Vermiglio, written and directed by Maura Delpero, is a 2024 Italian movie that tells the story of a family living in the Italian mountains in 1944.

Michalina Korycka and Natalia Czeredys, both 16, review Maura Delpero’s innovative film

December 12, 2025

Best of 2025: Five must-read articles from the Culture section

Let’s be honest: 2025 has been a chaotic year for culture. Movies blew up overnight, a lot of new music dropped and somehow older books started feeling really relevant again. Being the Culture Editor this year meant getting to read all of that – the good, the weird, the controversial – and realising how much culture actually shapes how we think, even when we don’t notice it.

16-year-old Sofia Vorobei picks the key articles that shaped the Culture section in 2025

The Harbinger Prize 2025 is an essay competition for teenage journalists. Stay tuned for the 2026 edition

December 05, 2025

The noisy tradition of Suboo: An echo through time

In every Egyptian household, the result of a successful pregnancy brings more than just a child; it brings company. Since the days of the pharaohs, Egyptians have celebrated the birth of their children with great pride, holding a large festival on the seventh day after the child’s birth, sometimes attended by the whole neighbourhood.

17-year-old Mutaz Sameh explains how Egyptians celebrate the birth of a child

December 05, 2025

Del Toro’s creature-focused film makes its title sound almost ironic. Frankenstein review

The newest adaptation of Frankenstein, long awaited by millions of fans, was released on Netflix in November. The movie directed by Guillermo del Toro, who has been awarded three times with an Oscar and twice with a Golden Globe, aroused great expectations. Coupled with Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth and Oscar Isaac as the main actors, the film, even before the premiere, was described as a once-in-a-generation creation.

Zosia Dudzic and Barbara Karsznia, both 16, review Netflix’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel

December 05, 2025

‘Acting can be one of the most rewarding lives you can choose,’ says actor Maciej Nawrocki

Some actors are recognised for their face, others for a single, iconic shot or sentence. Voice actors live in that strange space where you might not know their name, but you absolutely know what they sound like.

Zosia Dudzic and Mikołaj Tran, both 16, inquire into the challenges of pursuing a career on screen

November 28, 2025

‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest did great damage,’ Institute of Psychiatry’s nurses say

Nurse Hanna Conder-Ołowska told us that she had the opportunity to work in an international corporation, but she turned it down.“When you ask why, I’d like to know that myself. Maybe then I’d be making loads of money. I don’t know. This is my place, I guess that’s why,” she said.

Pola Gudowicz, 17, and Sonia Rybus, 16, interview head nurses at one of Poland’s largest psychiatric hospital

November 28, 2025

A book that made me a reader: Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

I feel that I truly became a reader after finishing the first book that really made me think. It not only brought me entertainment, but also made me think about certain things: existence, bonds, the meaning of it all. For the first time, I truly took the time to reflect after reading a story.

16-year-old Aleksandra Tomaszewska opens the debate on how one moves from reading to being a reader

November 28, 2025

‘Best advice I got was: don’t study film production’, says film producer Zofia Kujawska

Zofia Kujawska works in an environment where every frame carries a story, every story carries a risk – and risk is something that has to be embraced, not avoided. In conversation with two Harbingers’ journalists, Karolina Orfinger and Alicja Melaniuk, she explains what being a film producer is actually about.

Alicja Melaniuk, 17, and Karolina Orfinger, 16, inquire on what it takes to work in the film industry

November 28, 2025

The death of the celebrity interview: What needs to change?

Celebrity interviews have lost their depth. When you think of iconic celebrity interviews, moments such as Michael Jackson’s 1993 conversation with Oprah Winfrey or Princess Diana’s 1995 interview with Martin Bashir immediately come to mind.

16-year-old Helena Bruździak argues that modern celebrity interviews need to reclaim genuine curiosity and professionalism

November 21, 2025

‘Casting is not about who’s the best,’ says casting director Klementyna Szymańska

Have you ever wondered exactly how Margot Robbie became Barbie, and Ryan Gosling was selected to be Ken? How many other amazing actors auditioned for those iconic roles? In the film industry there is a name for the people who make these decisions – a casting director.

Barbara and Zosia, both 16, interview a person whose job it is to match an actor and the character

November 21, 2025

Observations on the Muslim experience in Asia

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. During this period, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food and drink. The fast is broken each day with a meal called iftar, which is often shared with family and friends.

16-year-old Stephanie Kwok takes us to a Ramadan dinner with a Muslim family in Hong Kong to learn their views on integration and traditions

November 21, 2025

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at 50: Has this film aged too well?

At a psychiatric ward ruled by an all-powerful nurse, Mildred Ratched, only one dared to laugh – Randle McMurphy rebelled against the system and challenged the control and order. Other patients, who remained subordinate to Ratched’s rule, soon turned out to be eager to explore the freedom offered by McMurphy.

Pola Gudowicz, 17, and Sonia Rybus, 16, analyse the strengths and weaknesses of Miloš Forman’s iconic movie

November 21, 2025

Why The Life of a Showgirl left me with mixed emotions

Taylor Swift released her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, on 3 October. The album, which she described as “the record I’ve been wanting to make for a very long time”, was met with divided opinions. While some said it was fun and her best album to date, others felt the ‘showgirl’ concept didn’t work or criticised the production and songwriting.

16-year-old Lola reviews Taylor Swift’s new album from a fan perspective

November 21, 2025

Sean Penn steals the show while DiCaprio gets high. One Battle After Another review

Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another is a slow-burning process of exploration of what is left after the battle ends. The movie, set in the aftermath of a failed revolution, tells a story of the wounds that never heal.

Kaja, 16, and Alicja, 17, on why Paul Thomas Anderson’s venture into politics does not meet expectations

November 21, 2025

One Battle After Another will serve as Hollywood’s litmus test for Trump anxiety

This year’s film awards season will launch properly in December, with nominations for the Golden Globes, and culminate in March, when the Academy Awards gala – aka the Oscars – are held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.

16-year-old Karolina on how Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film might do in this year’s awards season

November 14, 2025

Meet the Indonesian father of laughter yoga

“Happiness is the medicine”: this is the philosophy by which Indonesian laughter yoga guru Kadek Siwa Ambara lives, builds his career and connects with others. One morning this summer, I had the privilege of sitting down with him in his yoga studio, Ambara Ashram, in Ubud, Bali, to learn about his thoughts, teachings and the journey that shaped him.

16-year-old Lola interviews the man bringing joy to Balinese people through laughter yoga

November 14, 2025

Does the new Chopin film match the composer’s international fame?

The winners of the 2025 International Chopin Piano Competition were announced last month, once again bringing global attention to Warsaw and the enduring brilliance of Polish composer Fréderic Chopin (1810–1849). The overall winner, Eric Lu, is the first American in 50 years to win this prestigious event.

Antoni, Tomasz and Mikołaj, all 16, review a new biopic of Poland’s most famous composer and key cultural icon

November 14, 2025

‘I get to live a thousand lives’: Young actors speak out

Harbingers’ Magazine spoke to five young actors, mostly teens, about what it takes to succeed in the field – their hopes, their dreams and their fears. While each had their own perspective, a common thread ran through all their answers: a deep passion for acting.

16-year-old Anastasia Kulikova interviews five actors about the highs and lows of the acting business

November 07, 2025

Filmmakers turn back time in Warsaw: Harbingers’ at the Lalka film set

One of major arteries in the centre of Warsaw was closed last month to serve as a filming location for Lalka, an adaptation of the much-loved 19th-century Polish novel and the largest film production currently being shot in Poland.

Zosia Dudzic and Barbara Karsznia, both 16, interview creatives who teleported Warsaw into the 19th century

October 17, 2025

If global warming was scary in 1997, how is it no one cares today?

On 21 January this year, the day after the presidential inauguration, American president Donald Trump did what everyone expected him to do. He signed an executive order for the US – the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases – to withdraw from the 2016 Paris Agreement, the legally binding international agreement on climate change that aims to limit the rise of temperatures to no more than 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

16-year-old Klara reviews Kyoto, a play that will get you uncomfortably warm

October 10, 2025

The Summer I Turned Pretty, season 3: Why do I have mixed feelings?

Few teen dramas have captured Gen Z’s attention quite like The Summer I Turned Pretty. The show follows American teenager Belly through her formative years, her relationship with two brothers and the evolving bonds between the mothers and their children. It’s based on the trilogy by Jenny Han, who is also heavily involved with the Amazon Prime series.

16-year-old Kexin examines the show’s popularity with Gen Z and the controversies around the final season

October 10, 2025

Why I only ever rewatch one movie

Every 3 January, without fail, I rewatch What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? I know exactly what’s going to happen – I even know more than half of the dialogue by heart – and still, I return. It’s the one exception I make as someone who otherwise dislikes rewatching. This way, I have something to look forward to in January: I’m excited to see this film every year, even if it’s for the millionth time.

16-year-old Sofia Vorobei explains why she refuses to rewatch films, with one very special exception

October 03, 2025

Why we must stop Gen Alpha’s obsession with beauty products

The first time I realised how powerful beauty marketing has become was when I walked into my sister’s room. Barely 11, she had shelves filled with serums and make-up products that I don’t even use at 16.

16-year-old Irma shares how Gen Z can help address Gen Alpha’s beauty enthusiasm

September 26, 2025

Bali’s complicated relationship with mental health: A look from inside

On the Indonesian island of Bali, mental health is rarely confined to psychology and medicine. Healing here is rooted in spirituality, rituals and community. Where much of the Western world frames mental health as a clinical matter, in Bali it is a matter of mind, body and soul.

16-year-old Lola travelled to Bali to explore the island’s unique approach to psychology and mental health

September 22, 2025

From Kenya to Japan: Eugene Wanyama on finding peace beyond ‘us’ and ‘them’

In times of war and conflict, legacies of the dehumanisation of entire communities remain the most harmful and detrimental. Once the mental division of ‘us’ and ‘them’ is created, societies tend to focus on differences such as language, ethnicity or religion – and these differences can be weaponised to fuel fear, hostility and discrimination.

16-year-old Jamie interviewed Ashinaga Foundation’s educator on his time in Japan

September 19, 2025

Why is Sony Pictures Animation beating Disney?

K-Pop Demon Hunters, the newest animated film from Sony Pictures Animation, was released by Netflix in June – and was an instant success. The film topped Netflix’s global charts with more than 33 million views in just two weeks, hitting the top ten in 93 countries. Not only that, but the music from the film has also dominated the global music charts, and the song ‘Golden’ will likely be nominated for the 2026 Oscars.

17-year-old Sofiia Didenko explains why Sony’s films are outperforming Disney at the box office

September 12, 2025

Mahashivaratri: A festival where tradition meets modern thinking

Mahashivaratri, one of the biggest festivals within Hinduism, is celebrated all over Nepal during the month of Falgun according to the Nepali calendar (in February or early March in the Western calendar).

16-year-old Binita Nepali from the Nepali Newsroom explains how people celebrate one of Hinduism’s most important festivals

September 12, 2025

Five of the most bizarre football retirements you’ve never heard of

Football is a pretty unpredictable game, but some stories do tend to follow a certain script. A young, talented player emerges, and everyone immediately starts calling them ‘the next big thing’. The media attention, the massive contracts, the pressure to perform week in and week out – it’s a lot to ask. And for some, it proves too much. They reach the pinnacle of their careers and decide to walk away for reasons that have nothing to do with injuries or a loss of form.

16-year-old Sofia Vorobei explores the many and varied reasons that footballers give up the game

September 05, 2025

No, I don’t ride a kangaroo to school: The real Australia

I’ve lived in Australia since I was nine, and I have never ridden a kangaroo to school. I know, I’m disappointed too.

17-year-old Noa Gomberg dives into what it’s really like to live in Australia

September 05, 2025

Are lonely males targeted victims of the ‘red pill’ algorithm?

I have recently noticed how the internet is becoming flooded with content aimed at young men. Much of it puts pressure on men who are already struggling socially, insisting that good genetics, looks, and success with women define their worth.

17-year-old Varvara Tkachenko reflects on the part social media plays in the rise in male loneliness

August 29, 2025

Teens can’t afford gaming as a hobby anymore

Have you noticed that the price of video games and related equipment continues to rise? Recently, I was browsing Steam, an online gaming platform, and the brand-new Monster Hunter Wilds caught my eye, but, oh no – it costs a whopping $70. I guess I’ll have to settle for something older and cheaper.

17-year-old Sofiia Didenko discusses the unaffordability of gaming for Gen Z

August 22, 2025

Can football survive the AI takeover?

16-year-old Sofia Vorobei asks if the use of AI will destroy what makes football so special

August 10, 2025

Art should be kept away from AI. Period

It is no secret that AI doesn’t have a heart or brain, making it impossible to replicate human emotional depth. There is no story or emotion behind the tiny pixels glaring through our screens, leaving viewers emotionally empty.

16-year-old Jennifer Yung-Coak explores the negative effects of AI on art

August 08, 2025

Europe faces talent drain as young basketball stars flee to the US

European basketball is at a crossroads. Top Spanish clubs such as Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are reportedly considering closing their youth academies, thanks to the drain of talent from Europe to the United States.

16-year-old Sofia Vorobei explains why European basketball is suffering from competition with the NCAA

August 01, 2025

Seeing and hearing the Sámi through Juhán’s eyes and voice

I entered the lavvu, the traditional Sámi tent, and was greeted by Juhán Niila Stålka. He was sitting on the left side of the kitchen – traditionally the place where the husband would sit, while the wife would sit opposite. I sat further down, in the area reserved for guests.

18-year-old Elias Malmqvist interviewed a Sámi activist who preserves his culture through joiking

August 01, 2025

‘Stolen land’: What Sweden’s ‘green transition’ is costing the Sámi people

For over a century, their land has been exploited by mining companies extracting iron ore and other minerals from the mountains. I am referring to the Sámi people, the Indigenous population living in the north of Sweden.

18-year-old Elias Malmqvist travelled to the Arctic Circle to see how the Sámi are holding their ground

July 24, 2025

Ginny & Georgia, season 3: Is it as good as the hype?

From truly shocking plot twists to the pains of growing up, this series has it all. It’s no wonder I got through all ten episodes (which are about one hour each) in a single sitting. And I know this season will be added to my rewatch list.

16-year-old Noa Gomberg reviews the third season and explores its complex characters and relationship dynamics

July 24, 2025

Two sisters using art to reveal the lives of Afghan women

In a private studio in Mannheim, Germany, two Afghan sisters channel their trauma and resilience into art that defies oppression and reclaims joy. Manizha and Zahra Abbasi, both in their twenties, fled Afghanistan after the Taliban’s return in 2021. They arrived in Germany as refugees, but their journey was not just one of displacement – it was a transformation into artists and activists.

18-year-old Zala from the Afghanistan Newsroom profiles two Afghan women in Germany and their ground-breaking art

July 17, 2025

A ‘perfect storm’ before adulthood: My Open’er experience

Earlier this month, more than 140,000 people made their way to Gdynia, a vibrant port city on Poland’s Baltic coast, for the 22nd edition of Open’er – a festival where music, youth and summer collide. For many Gen Zers, especially high schoolers, it felt like the final rendezvous before adulthood.

16-year-old Nell Dethloff shares her highs, lows and everything in between from the Polish festival

July 04, 2025

Is English silencing Kiswahili in the Tanzanian education system?

I grew up speaking Kiswahili (also known as Swahili) in Tanzania, where it is the national language and a powerful symbol of unity. I spoke it at home, school, everywhere. To me, it is more than a language, it is a part of who I am.

16-year-old Lidya Gasper says the government must do more to promote Tanzania’s national language, Kiswahili

July 04, 2025

Hikikomori explained: Social withdrawal among young Japanese

While social isolation may be present worldwide, there is a specific phenomenon in Japan called hikikomori, which means, according to the dictionary, “the extreme avoidance of social contact, especially by adolescent males”.

16-year-old Lola Kadas explores the phenomenon of hikikomori by unpacking its roots and recent rise

June 27, 2025

Why is Hollywood so drawn to Stephen King?

It’s been nearly 50 years since Stephen King published The Long Walk (under the pseudonym Richard Bachman) a dystopian novel about a gruelling annual walking contest. The film version, directed by Francis Lawrence of Hunger Games fame, is being released on 12 September.

17-year-old Sofia Vorobei ponders the lasting appeal of the US novelist, with news of a film adaptation of his book The Long Walk

June 27, 2025

LGBTQ+ community face enormous challenges in Nepal, despite reforms

The LGBTQ+ community in Nepal has become more visible in recent years, particularly among young people, after the country’s Supreme Court validated marriage equality for same-sex and transgender couples in 2023. People have have begun to proudly come out in public, often using social media to express their true identities.

16-year-old Binita Nepali interviews prominent activists about LGBTQ+ rights in Nepal during Pride Month

June 27, 2025

Reading develops our brains. But prioritising page count over quality is a poor strategy

The recent electoral campaign in Poland deepened the shift from traditional media to social media. Far-right candidates, in particular, have successfully utilised TikTok and Instagram to communicate directly with voters, essentially circumventing established media channels. This prompted questions about citizens’ ability to filter out disinformation in a country where readership levels are low.

Harbingers’ reporters from the 2 SLO report from the Literacy for Democracy conference in Warsaw, Poland

June 20, 2025

How a music project is inspiring disadvantaged children in Tanzania

Music has always echoed in the Usambara mountains of Tanzania – from the rhythm of footsteps on hiking trails, to village songs passed from generation to generation. Now, that tradition is taking on a new form. In the remote villages of Mambo and Mtae, school children are using their holiday breaks not just for rest, but for rhythm and self expression.

16-year-old Lidya Gasper reports on the village children singing, dancing and making music videos with the Uvi Foundation

May 23, 2025

Walking the line between art and crime with graffiti in Australia

I recently visited Hosier Lane and Rutledge Lane in Melbourne – two of the city’s most famous open-air art galleries. Every inch of the walls are covered in street art in different materials and different styles. It’s a ‘free-to-paint’ area, where both local and international artists can express their say without having to ask for permission

15-year-old Anastasia Kulikova visits Melbourne’s famous street art lanes, where artists let their imaginations paint the walls

May 23, 2025

From Beavis and Butt-Head to skibidi toilet: A breakdown of generational humour

But why did I still find it funny? Why did I still chuckle at every single reel that contained the words “gyatt” and “rizzler”? Was my brain degrading from mindless internet consumption or was it indicative of a larger, more fundamental shift in humour itself?

18-year-old Justin Sau charts the evolution of humour, explaining what makes each generation laugh and why

May 23, 2025

Egypt’s NAC: The new Dubai or a far-fetched desert dream?

In 2015, under then new president Åbdal Fattah el-Sisi, Egypt unveiled its plans for a New Administrative Capital (NAC), aiming to alleviate Cairo’s chronic congestion, which has made it one of the most overcrowded places in the world, with more than 23 million residents in the Greater Cairo area

16-year-old Arnav Maheshwari explores the promises and controversies of Egypt’s new capital project

May 16, 2025

Forget horror movies, psychological thrillers are what linger after the credits

There’s a difference between horror films and thrillers. The latter don’t rely on the aforementioned factors and tend to focus on keeping the viewer in a constant state of anxiety, as suspense and anticipation build. If done correctly, this can feel genuinely disturbing

16-year-old Sofia Vorobei explains why suspense and mind games are far more frightening than jump scares

May 16, 2025

To boldly go: Has the latest Star Trek movie gone too far?

“To explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before”. So goes the professed mission of the American TV series Star Trek; or so it went at its 1966 inception. The controversial 2025 movie release, Star Trek: Section 31, signals a break in tradition

17-year-old Olivia Campbell explains why Star Trek: Section 31 is worth your time, despite the naysayers

May 09, 2025

Young filmmaker’s animation about the war in Ukraine to premiere at Cannes

Born and raised in Kharkiv and now based in Berlin, Piddubna is a filmmaker, artist and activist of Ukrainian and Central Asian Tatar and Bashqort heritage. She has a BA in animation and is currently enrolled in the MA programme as an animation director at the Film University Babelsberg Konrad Wolf in Potsdam. Her work often explores themes of identity, memory and resilience

17-year-old Klaudia Bacza interviews Polina Piddubna on her debut film and the personal story behind it

May 09, 2025

Cate Blanchett excels in Chekhov’s timeless tribute to theatre

Anton Chekhov’s 1896 play The Seagull takes place at a country estate by the lake – which is precisely what one sees when sitting at the Barbican Theatre in London. The audience is where the body of water would be, turning the stage edge into the shore, with the centre of the set (designed by Magda Willi) occupied by reeds from which actors emerge. Folding chairs add a relaxed atmosphere of a country retreat

16-year-old Klara Hammudeh reviews Chekhov’s play The Seagull, on a limited run in London

April 25, 2025

Mufasa: Disney returns to the Pride Lands to complete the story

Marking the 30th birthday of the world-famous Lion King, a prequel to the original movie was released by Disney in December 2024. Mufasa: The Lion King tells the story of the childhood of brothers Mufasa and Taka, who would become known as the villain Scar in the future

18-year-old Ashley Solace reviews the prequel to the Lion King, which shows the tragic relationship between Mufasa and Scar

April 11, 2025

Maghe Sankranti, a festival to welcome a new beginning

The festival of Maghe Sankranti is observed throughout Nepal on the first day of the Nepali month of Magh, which is in mid January. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of longer, warmer days

14-year-old Rakshya B.K. from the Nepali Newsroom explains one of Nepal’s most important festivals

April 11, 2025

Is 1984 happening again? Why we should heed dystopian warnings

The relevance of dystopian novels in the world today is frightening and devastatingly upsetting. Current political and social landscapes bear an unbelievable resemblance to some of the greatest pieces of literature. Are we living out dystopian predictions?

18-year-old Maria Mitko on how dystopian fiction mirrors our world today and why that’s terrifying

April 11, 2025

Why Scarlett O’Hara from Gone With the Wind is my role model

Scarlett O’Hara is not only one of the most famous fictional female protagonists of all time, but one of the most controversial too. The main character of Margaret Mitchell's epic novel Gone With the Wind has been a subject of debate since the book was first published in 1936

17-year-old Ashley Solace argues that we should admire and applaud Scarlett, despite her many flaws

April 04, 2025

Germans are never late and can’t party? Gen Z doesn’t quite agree

Growing up in Germany, stereotypes have always surrounded me – from punctuality to humourlessness. These perceptions stem from history, politics and global impressions. While they might contain a grain of truth, they rarely capture the full picture.

19-year-old Flora Lodd examines her generation’s take on five common stereotypes about Germans

March 28, 2025

‘New Speakers’: Trying to save an indigenous South American language from extinction

The indigenous South American language Guarani is on the brink of extinction, but the New Speakers project run by the Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE) in Argentina aims to revitalise it. Giustina Gallardi, 18, from Corrientes, has joined the project to learn Guarani, with the hope of deepening her connection to her culture, her environment and herself

17-year-old Anita Stepanyan explains how a project in Argentina is teaching the language and culture of the Guarani

March 20, 2025

Long-awaited wins, surprising snubs and fantastic music: The Grammys 2025 were pure entertainment

A night of spectacular performances, sparkling fashion and fundraising for the LA fires, the 2025 Grammys were full of excitement and celebration for a shining year of music. The biggest date in the US music industry’s calendar, this year’s event – held on 2 February in Los Angeles, California – included more than 20 performances and awards in 94 categories and was exhilarating for music lovers across the globe

18-year-old Alia Saphier reviews the US music industry’s biggest night after an unforgettable year

March 20, 2025

An introduction to an unusual traveller and our friend

Lloyd Martin was born in 1960 in England, but as a child he lived in Malta, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. His parents allowed him to travel alone when he was just 15 – and this was the start of his wanderlust

15-year-old Samuna B.K. from the Nepali Newsroom interviews Lloyd Martin, a frequent visitor to the Mountain Children’s Home

March 20, 2025

The death of movie etiquette: Why I dislike going to the cinema

It’s a known fact that, for many, going to the cinema represents the pinnacle of entertainment. For me, however, it feels more like an exercise in endurance than an enjoyable experience

15-year-old Sofia Vorobei explains why going to the cinema nowadays isn’t the pleasure it should be

March 13, 2025

Is this real life?

While this article does not intend to approach that question or give you an existential crisis, as with such mind-bending movies as Inception (2010) or The Matrix (1999), I do intend to explore the question of how film can affect our reality. The big question for film fanatics like myself is: do movies mimic life or does life mimic movies?

17-year-old Reva Sobti asks if films and the media reflect society or magnify its darkest issues

March 13, 2025

My very Jewish Christmas

In my household, the 25th of December is dedicated to every holiday movie Netflix has to offer, especially the cheesy, guy-gets-the-girl romcoms. It’s our tradition and I’m a sucker for a running-through-the-airport scene. But there’s always something missing

16-year-old Noa Gomberg dives into the history of antisemitic tropes in culture and entertainment

March 07, 2025

Spectacular acrobatics, but without the story or magic of The Greatest Showman film

As a fan of the 2017 movie musical The Greatest Showman, I was an obvious candidate to see the new Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular at the Empress Museum in London. I have to say that I was greatly disappointed, as many elements of it failed to reach my expectations

16-year-old Klara Hammudeh reviews a new show that fuses songs from the hit movie with circus acts

February 28, 2025

My journey to self-appreciation and what I learned along the way

I’ve learned that growth often comes from discomfort. While I’ll always appreciate my introverted roots, I now embrace opportunities to connect with others, knowing that the most meaningful moments often happen when we step out of our comfort zones

19-year-old Flora Lodd shares how learning to be an extrovert changed her view on self-worth

February 28, 2025

Conflict between humans and elephants at all-time high in Sri Lanka

The Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) is a growing problem in Sri Lanka, with 176 people and 470 elephants killed in 2023 – an all-time high. Habitat loss, large-scale development projects and increased interactions between humans and elephants are the main reasons

15-year-old Hesandi Ravisinghe explores the lived realities of human-elephant conflict in Sri Lanka

February 28, 2025

Three dots aren’t always bearers of bad news…

Has your heart ever skipped a beat upon receiving a text from your parents ending with those dreaded three little dots? Mine certainly has – more times than I can count. Whether it’s a curt “We need to talk…” or the ominous “It’s time to get home…,” an ellipsis always carries an undertone of passive-aggressive unease

16-year-old Charlotte Wejchert on generational differences in the use and meaning of the ellipsis

February 14, 2025

For your listening pleasure: A guide to the best and safest headphones

Types of headphones differ on the basis of connectivity (wired or wireless); fit (over-ear, on-ear, open-ear, earbuds, in-ear); design (closed-back, open-back, headset); and whether or not they are noise-cancelling. All of these elements come together to decide how enjoyable – and healthy – your listening habits are

15-year-old Anastasia Kulikova explores the dos and don’ts of headphone and earphone use

February 07, 2025

The Devil Wears Prada still works, but today’s Miranda Priestly would not be able to bully Gen Z

As a young journalist who some day wants to dive into the world of fashion industry, The Devil Wears Prada, the new West End musical, was a must for me. The show, described by Vogue’s legendary editor-in-chief Anna Wintour as “entertaining and fun”, was a thought-provoking experience.

16-year-old Klara Hammudeh reviews the West End musical version of the Meryl Streep smash-hit movie

January 31, 2025

Taylor Swift deserved the top spot at Billboard. Period

In early December, Billboard released its editorial ranking of the greatest pop stars of the 21st century, crowning Beyoncé at number one, followed by Taylor Swift. While the list celebrates two extraordinary women, it upset many fans, including myself

16-year-old Lola Kadas argues that Taylor Swift’s cultural influence makes her the top pop star

January 24, 2025

I am entertained, but I am not impressed

With Gladiator II, the sequel to the hugely successful Gladiator (2000), the coin rattles and spins on the table, teetering dangerously back and forth before landing disappointingly within the latter class of Ridley Scott films

17-year-old Justin Sau reviews Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, sequel to his 2000 mega-hit Gladiator

January 17, 2025

Classics vs. clichés: The lost art of love in literature

In a recent class, our teacher told us to read a simple, crude juvenile book about love. When asked why we weren’t being given a more challenging novel, their response was simple: “These books are supposed to appeal to teenagers. If we gave you a classic, you’d get bored and just not read it.”

15-year-old Sofia Vorobei argues for why it’s still important to read Jane Austen and other classics

January 16, 2025

Meet some of the ‘national heroes’ of Nepal

Nepal may be a small landlocked country between two growing economic giants, China and India, but It is also an unusually diverse country, with contributions from a long line of “national heroes, personalities and luminaries”. Here are a few of these important personages, presented in chronological order

14-year-old Rakshya B.K. explores some of the most significant men and women in Nepal’s history

January 10, 2025

Exploring Nepal through its tradition of multiple genders and matriarchal values

The 88-minute film explores Nepal’s matriarchal heritage through the figure of Ajima, a grandmother goddess in the Tantra tradition who embodies wisdom, protection and fertility

17-year-old Jefferson He reviews the 2024 documentary Ajima and 6 Gender Identities

January 10, 2025

Five overlooked female composers from the 11th century to now

‘Where words fail, music speaks’ – a tribute to the power of music, from the famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Yet, as is the case for many professions, music has been historically dominated by males, with female composers’ incredible contributions often overlooked and forgotten

18-year-old Ananya Prasanna shares the stories of five female musicians who deserve to be famous

January 03, 2025

Is The Wild Robot the best animated movie of 2024?

As much as I’m looking forward to becoming an adult, I’m obviously completely terrified. After almost 18 years of constant familial care, I feel like an astronaut soon to be jettisoned from the shuttle, left to float in the vast expanse of space. When I sat down to watch a children’s animated movie, I wasn’t expecting it to capture these feelings so perfectly

17-year-old Justin Sau sheds a tear at Dreamworks’ latest offering, a heartfelt coming-of-age story

January 03, 2025

‘Sing with me, sing for the year, sing for the laughter, sing for the tear’

Singing isn’t just a way to enjoy music—it’s a powerful tool for mental and emotional well-being. Scientific studies and personal experiences suggest that singing can bring numerous benefits, from reducing stress to boosting self-confidence

17-year-old Mady Cheng explains the benefits of singing and music on mental and physical health

January 03, 2025

Wicked: a visually stunning musical that lives up to the hype

Personally, I was really excited to see the film adaptation, because Wicked was the first stage musical I ever saw. I went with my mom when I was six, and was completely awed. I wanted to find out how the film compared with the Broadway show: better or worse? Or was the all marketing and the Wicked-themed candles just a way of getting into the heads of ‘theatre kids’?

16-year-old Klara Hammudeh reviews Wicked, the film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical

December 12, 2024

Best of 2024: Five must-read articles from the Culture section

Every article published in the Culture section this year has had its own spark, but a few stand out for their exceptional writing, unorthodox subject, worldwide relevance – or all three. As editor of the section, I’ve compiled a list of five articles that I think everyone should read, presented in chronological order

17-year-old Justin Sau shines a spotlight on his favourite Culture articles from the past year

December 12, 2024

‘I have an obligation, to speak for them’: My conversation with a Holocaust survivor

Growing up in the US as the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, it was hard to reconcile my Jewish identity with the lack of emphasis I felt was placed on the Holocaust. I didn’t see any remnants of the Holocaust, nor did I learn the history as thoroughly as countries that experienced the atrocities first-hand. As a kid, I didn’t really recognise the presence of antisemitism in my day-to-day life either

17-year-old Alia Saphier interviews a Holocaust survivor about her past, and antisemitism today

December 12, 2024

Why reading books is so important in an age of digital distractions

In an age dominated by digital distractions, the act of reading becomes even more crucial. For Gen Z, embracing the habit of reading can serve as a bridge between the digital and the intellectual worlds, allowing them to harness the best of both realms

15-year-old Zirong Xu is the winner of The Harbinger Prize 2024: Society

November 29, 2024

Why Speak No Evil 2024 fails to outshine the original

Conversely, while watching Speak No Evil from 2024, I was glued to the screen due to the amount of chaos and improbability. Now, while I still believe the remake doesn’t hold a candle to the original, it allowed me to reevaluate my appreciation for the Danish film

17-year-old Maria Mitko reviews a recent American remake of a Danish psychological thriller

November 22, 2024

How I dived into the heart of American capitalism from a theatre seat

In three hours and fifteen minutes (including two intervals), we witness a sweeping epic of 150 years of American history. It starts with the arrival from Bavaria of Henry Lehman to Ellis Island in New York in 1844, soon followed by his two brothers

16-year-old Klara Hammudeh reviews a rerun of Sam Mendes’ award-winning play The Lehman Trilogy

November 22, 2024

Why love, hate and fear play a crucial role in evolution

The Ancient Greek poet Sappho wrote this lyric, a description of the cardiocentric view of emotions, where emotion is linked to the heart. Centuries later, the Greek physician Galen moved our focus beyond the limits of the ribcage, with his theory that the brain is our emotional cortex

17-year-old Ananya Prasanna explains how our emotions are key to our survival as a species

November 15, 2024

Social media’s redefinition of ‘girlhood’ is Gen Z’s way of perpetuating the patriarchy

While feminism asserts that all genders have equal intellectual capacity, the ‘girlhood’ trend that has been proliferating on social media since 2023, especially TikTok, advocates that women are incompetent in all facets of life, from financial decisions to nutrition, and endorses detrimental habits

16-year-old Noa Gomberg is the winner of The Harbinger Prize 2024: Women's Desk

November 14, 2024

‘Dream big, never give up’: What famous Nepali climber Purnima Shrestha told us

We met a famous Nepali female mountaineer this summer, when she came to our classroom and shared her experiences. Her name is Purnima Shrestha. This year, aged 33, she created a new world record by climbing Everest three times in thirteen days. She is the first female climber to set such a record

Students from Harbingers' Nepali Newsroom interview renowned woman climber about Mount Everest

November 14, 2024

Teaching English to fellow Tanzanians has given me fulfilment

It was not until I started English classes in 2021 that I began to develop in confidence and speak more fluently

15 year-old Lidya Gasper shares her experience teaching and the importance of passing on knowledge

November 14, 2024

Online vs reality: Bali without the lens of social media

Bali, “The Island of The Gods,” as it is often referred to, is a place many call a paradise, as we can see all over social media. But how much of it is really true and how much is a shiny facade drawing vacationers in or a dark cloud pushing them away?

17 year-old Elias Malmqvist’s take on social media’s rose-colored glasses on Bali

November 07, 2024

The return of Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: rebrand or ruse?

The aesthetic of the lingerie brand – deemed sexy and appealing, but also toxic and narrow-minded by some – was meant to be transformed into a supposedly body-positive and more inclusive version

15-year-old Sofia Vorobei argues that the lingerie company rebrand is another marketing opportunity

October 31, 2024

What I found retracing Steinbeck’s steps in The Grapes of Wrath

Back in June, fascinated by the sensory richness and moving power of Steinbeck’s writing, and finding parallels between the socioeconomic and climate-related conditions of immigrants today and the migrants of the 1930s, I embarked on my own quest across the “Mother Road” of Route 66

17 year-old Justin Sau finds links between the migrant workers of the 1930s and today

October 31, 2024

Beyoncé and Taylor Swift have endorsed Kamala Harris. So who’s backing Trump?

You may have noticed that the 2024 US presidential campaigns have embraced various modern trends to connect to young voters. From playful TikTok edits to sharp Twitter roasts, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have leveraged distinct strategies to align with pop culture. Yet, one classic strategy that both parties continue to rely on is endorsements and collaborations with public figures

17 year-old Emily Dorman explains the impact of celebrity endorsements on the US election

October 24, 2024

Why is the month of Shrawan so important for Nepalis?

Shrawan is the fourth month in the Nepali calendar, and one of the most holy months for Hindus because it is dedicated to one of their most important gods, Lord Shiva.

Students from Harbingers’ Nepali Newsroom explain the significance of the month of Shrawan

October 17, 2024

Does Harry Potter have a passport?

Boycotting might seem like a good answer to the current Russian regime, but it doesn’t really prove a point and it also helps brainwash kids, giving an unlimited power to propaganda. If the goal is to lead Russia’s population towards democracy, then cutting ties to international culture is not what should be done

17-year-old Ashley Solace is the winner of The Harbinger Prize 2024: Culture

October 17, 2024

What is the debate surrounding marijuana use?

Legislation around marijuana differs from country to country. Some allow its use for recreational and medical purposes, while many still ban it as an illegal drug. With its increasing medical uses, its overall impact and risk are becoming more overlooked

18 year-old Emilia Wilkin discusses marijuana use around the world

October 03, 2024

Our nation’s backbone is caught in the crossfire of racism

Not going to lie, getting subjected to crossfire racism sucks. Not only do you realize that “this person is racist”, but being a victim of crossfire racism can make a person feel like their only identity is their presumed race, which has severe implications on both the mind and the body

16 year-old Reva Sobti is the winner of The Harbinger Prize 2024

September 26, 2024

How media stereotypes of the medical profession damage perceptions and patient care

Whether through TV, film or literature, the motives of creatives are not to portray our healthcare professionals positively or even accurately, but rather to entertain

17 year-old Ananya Prasanna explores stereotypes of surgeons as arrogant, aggressive and uncaring

September 05, 2024

These Kamala Harris memes are so confusing, girl

By now, there are two types of people in the world: those who embrace the rise of Kamala Harris memes, and those who struggle to understand the online flurry of coconut tree emojis and pop remixes using clips of Harris’s philosophical thoughts on life. This article is for people in either group

14 year-old Helena Bruździak explains the Gen Z memes about US presidential candidate Kamala Harris

September 05, 2024

How ‘nosy’ Armenians made my trip unforgettable

Armenians take pride in being ‘nosy’ – and that’s a good thing. Let me explain why. This eagerness to engage created a welcoming atmosphere making an unknown place less daunting

15 year-old Charlotte Wejchert on her contrasting experiences in Yerevan and New York City

August 28, 2024

From jail to fame: Who is the ‘infamous’ Gypsy Rose Blanchard?

Gypsy Rose Blanchard is known for the killing of her mother Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard due to alleged abuse over 19 years. Now after serving eight and a half years in prison, she has become ‘infamous’ during her time behind bars following high public interest in her story

15 year-old Eliza Tomaszewska reports on the life of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who has gained an internet following after being released from prison

August 22, 2024

A must-read: White Torture shares the agony of women prisoners in Iran

I urge you to pick up this book, to stand with Narges Mohammadi, who has risked so much to publish these testimonies, and the courageous women who have shared memories of their darkest days

16 year-old Camilla Savelieva reviews Narges Mohammadi’s book on women prisoners in Iran

August 15, 2024

Traditional Kyrgyz weddings are unnecessary and expensive

Weddings are a huge deal in Kyrgyzstan – a celebration of rich cultural traditions and rituals. And while it is an event that is worthy of being proclaimed, the costs of holding one are unjustifiable

18 year-old Kasiet Dzholdoshbekova shares how people can still honour traditions without the high price tag

August 15, 2024

Chili, half-smokes, and history: Interviews in DC’s greatest landmark

Before even stepping into Ben’s Chili Bowl, there is the sense of walking into history. More than just a culinary landmark, though, Ben’s is a testament to the perseverance and community of the District of Columbia

17 year-old Justin Sau visits Ben’s Chili Bowl, a cultural staple in US civil rights history

August 15, 2024

Armenia’s annual wine festival features producers from Artsakh

The festival acts as an important space to represent Artsakhian culture and significance. Among the wine-making producers were companies originating from the disputed region of Artsakh

17 year-old Laura Danielyan reports on Yerevan’s annual Wine Days festival

August 02, 2024

Microtrends are the death of individuality – we should be wary of overconsumption

Microtrends are not subcultures. Rather than building a timeless closet, consisting of a foundation customisable to fit your style, people often opt for trending items. While this is great for businesses, microtrend consumerism is having a profound impact on our environment and individuality

17 year-old Maria Mitko hits out at the overconsumption of microtrends that ‘kills individuality’ across the world

August 01, 2024

Revisiting Amy Winehouse: Unpacking the biopic Back to Black

Back to Black’s vivid portrayal of Amy Winehouse has reignited the debate over the ethics of biographical filmmaking, while challenging audiences to confront the complexities of fame, addiction, and artistic brilliance. In death as in life, Amy defies easy categorization, leaving an untouchable mark on music and memory alike

15 year-old Sofia Vorobei asks if the recent movie does justice to the iconic singer Amy Winehouse

August 01, 2024

An interview with Kevin Tien: How a chef is countering hate with food-focused love

From his humble beginnings of cooking and experimenting with grilled cheese sandwiches and cooking out of necessity for his siblings, Tien has now inspired others to cook for a greater purpose and to support an important cause

17 year-old Christian Yeung in conversation with renowned chef Kevin Tien

July 16, 2024

Reasons to visit the Narayanhiti Palace Museum in Nepal

Narayanhiti Palace was turned into a museum after the monarchy was overthrown in Nepal and the country was declared a federal democratic republic. It was designed for kings, but now it is open to everyone. We found six interesting things about the palace that everyone must know

Students aged 11–18 from the OXSFJ Nepal Project share their experiences after a recent visit to this royal museum

July 11, 2024

A Japanese volleyball film that’s too fast for its own good

Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle is an exhilarating romp for well-versed fans, but for those who are going in blind, or have forgotten much of the anime, it can be confusing. With a limited runtime, the audience is left to fill in the gaps of many individual rivalries and character relationships

17 year-old Justin Sau reviews the animated volleyball movie Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle

July 11, 2024

The Labour Vs Conservative TikTok battle felt like an uncle trying new slang

The parties took to TikTok and other apps soon after the election announcement, a move to be expected in order to appeal to younger voters. It is understandable that the parties are appealing to the youth vote, but you have to wonder why both sides decided to adopt the mentality of children in the process

17 year-old Cressida Anness Lorenz gives her take on the Labour Vs Conservative social media battle following the UK general election

July 04, 2024

Seeking closure: why open-ended movies are frustrating

Unlike traditional movies, which typically tie up loose ends, these films often leave many questions unanswered. While some argue that this ambiguity allows characters to leap off the screen and into our imaginations, I find it puzzling rather than enlightening

16 year-old Klaudia Bacza expresses her dissatisfaction with open-ended films

July 04, 2024

My experiences – good and bad – as a third culture kid

In today’s increasingly globalised world, more children are growing up with influences from multiple ethnic backgrounds and cultures. These children, often referred to as ‘third culture kids’ navigate the complexities of two, three or sometimes even four different cultures in their everyday life

16 year-old Camille Hasbani on the experience of being French-Syrian and living in Denmark

July 04, 2024

Can traditional Chinese opera survive in pragmatic Singapore?

Characterised by its lyricism and elegant gestures, Chinese opera is a dying art form in Singapore. The number of Chinese street opera troupes has dwindled drastically from hundreds to about ten

18 year-old Chenxi Zhang considers the future of this historical but neglected art form

July 04, 2024

How gaming helped me to cope with anxiety and homesickness

Many people consider gaming a waste of time or a bad addiction. However, video games have been my sanctuary, a place to let off steam and find a moment of calm amid life’s storms

16 year-old Sofiia Didenko talks about the positive impact of video games

June 27, 2024

The creation and evolution of Superman

‘It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… Superman!’ Perhaps the most iconic superhero ever created, spawning millions of comic books, films, television shows and merchandise, the Last Son of Krypton has captured hearts and imaginations all over the world for decades

17 year-old Justin Sau explains how the ‘Man of Steel’ created the superhero genre, 90 years ago

June 27, 2024

How Gen Z adopted LGBTQ+ slang

You might have heard of ‘slay’, ‘tea’, ‘shade’ and ‘queen’... but do you know where they originate from? Gen Z and millennials use these terms, in a variety of situations, from complimenting and hyping up their peers to expressing disrespect or disgust. But few seem to actually know where this slang came from

17 year-old Cressida Anness Lorenz explains the origins of modern-day slang in queer subculture

June 27, 2024

Passion. Tension. Match point.

The film is not really about tennis, but about the tense, to-and-fro relationship that tennis represents. That sense of tension only adds to the desire-ridden love triangle that Italian director Luca Guadagnino paints in his sexy sports drama Challengers

18 year-old Anatolii Mishustin reviews Challengers, a romantic tennis drama filled with desire

June 13, 2024

‘Say it loud, gay is proud’: A brief history of Pride Month

It’s June, which means that it’s Pride Month! Although it is still an ongoing battle to ensure equal rights and opportunities for the LGBTQIA+ community, we have come a long way since the early days of the Pride movement. So let us take some time to discuss the origins of this incredible celebration of queerness

17 year-old Christian Yeung outlines the history of Pride Month

June 13, 2024

See you later, space cowboy…

Set in the not-so-distant future, where humans have finally reached the stars and developed a dysfunctional multi-planetary society, Cowboy Bebop is part Western, part space opera, part neo-noir, and all fun

17 year-old Christian Yeung explains the appeal of the 1998 cult classic anime Cowboy Bebop

June 06, 2024

Gen Z has mixed reactions to the 2024 Met Gala

The 2024 Met Gala, being a celebration that brings together the worlds of fashion, entertainment, and art, has received its feedback from Gen Z audiences and there is a lot to say

16 year-old Klaudia Bacza dissects Gen Z’s reactions to this year’s Met Gala in New York

June 06, 2024

Attending a Catholic school opens a new perspective inside you

I’m an atheist who has spent four years studying at a Catholic school in the UK. That may sound like a nightmare, but believe me it has been a valuable experience

17 year-old Jefferson He reflects on his experience as an atheist in a Catholic school

June 06, 2024

Nineteen Eighty-Four: past, present and future

Nineteen Eighty-Four drew inspiration from the rise of totalitarian regimes by frightening readers with the threat of surveillance and loss of privacy. But what does that say about society today, where almost everyone has phones, tablets, computers, and smartwatches

17 year-old Justin Sau discusses the enduring relevance of Orwell’s masterpiece on its 75th birthday

May 30, 2024

Why everyone waited for Taylor Swift’s new album – including me

On the day that Taylor Swift released her new album, The Tortured Poets Department, the first thing I did upon waking up was to open my Apple Music app and listen to the first song on the album

15 year-old Klara Hammudeh gives her verdict on the American superstar’s latest release

May 30, 2024

Meet five Harbingers’ students displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia

To “highlight the wealth that has been lost,” five teenage girls who fled Artsakh in the autumn of 2023 have joined the Armenian Newsroom of Harbingers’ Magazine

17 year-old Maria Mitko explains the background to Harbingers’ new Armenian newsroom

May 23, 2024

Video games are the new way to experience stories

Video games are an untapped source of entertainment and stories. In a sense, it is a playable movie; something that you are both watching and controlling at the same time. Today, video games deliver a spectacle in both visuals and world-building

17 year-old Christian Yeung on the untapped potential of video games

May 23, 2024

To be or not to be… an international student

Being an international student, attending different schools, seeing other countries and experiencing new environments gives you a lot of opportunities. You are able to find what you like and what you are good at, improve yourself and be prepared for the future

14 year-old Anastasia Kulikova explains the advantages of studying abroad

May 23, 2024

Is the price of having an aesthetic too high?

With the rise of social media subcultures, aesthetics have become the new trend. This viral internet trend is becoming an obsession with reducing ourselves to a defined box and capitalising on our purchasing addiction to stay current, but at the expense of the environment and our authenticity

14 year-old Helena Bruździak delves into the social media phenomenon of Gen Z aesthetics

May 23, 2024

Teen hero returns for a second helping of heavy-hitting action and powerful emotions

Though not as powerful as the first season, season 2 of Invincible manages to stay fairly steady in terms of quality, with even the weaker episodes being resonant and exciting. I just hope we won’t have to wait another two years for the next season

17 year-old Justin Sau reviews the second season of Amazon Prime’s animated superhero series Invincible

May 16, 2024

Dev Patel’s directorial debut goes bananas

In the world where John Wick and its imitators dominate the action movie genre, Dev Patel picks up a camera, directs and stars to deliver a unique piece full of passion and flare. Monkey Man might not push the boundaries of the genre, but it has everything to become an action cult classic

18 year-old Anatolii Mishustin reviews Monkey Man, a gritty action movie with a rush of adrenaline

May 09, 2024

Are NBA referees killing the game of basketball?

From players making ‘money’ gestures to the referees, coaches angrily discussing film on laptops during press conferences, and even the league’s own Officiating Last Two-Minute Reports commonly displaying multiple incorrect calls, the state of basketball refereeing is incredibly dire. There needs to be more accountability for consistently inaccurate officiating

17 year-old Inika Singh explains the controversies surrounding NBA officiating

May 02, 2024

Women-only spaces are necessary, not sexist. Here’s why

While opponents can claim that the exclusion of men amounts to sex discrimination, many argue that women-only spaces are a solution to gender inequality. These places prioritise women’s well-being and ultimately, have no negative effect on anyone

17 year-old Maria Mitko explains the importance of women-only spaces and announces the launch of the Women’s Desk at Harbingers’

May 02, 2024

Hollywood, please stop making movie musicals!

While stage-to-screen adaptations attempt to capture the essence of the original stories, there is a lingering sense that something is lost in translation – the raw and real energy of live theatre. Hollywood’s attempt to please everyone continually leaves no one satisfied

17 year-old Abigail Gonzalez Zavala bemoans the adaptations of stage musicals to film

April 25, 2024

Bugs for dinner? Why eating insects is good for you…

Insects are one of the most sustainable food sources we have. Across the world, eating insects remains an important tradition. But not in the West – instead, there are fierce stigmas that surround entomophagy

17 year-old Anna Louise Lovat explains entomophagy and why it could be the next big thing

April 25, 2024

An adventurous meditation on love soaked with Italian magic –La Chimera review

Every frame of Italian director Alice Rorhwacher’s La Chimera (a chimera is an illusion or invention of the mind) is permeated with the mythical magic and dizziness of the scorching Italian sun. It manages to be fantastical, amusing, and romantic all at once

18 year-old Anatolii Mishustin on the captivating and dreamy Italian film

April 25, 2024

We are bored: Gifted students need challenge to thrive

Gifted and Talented programs have helped students worldwide to enrich their learning. MACC, the Vancouver school program which accelerated the pace of the standard curriculum, has now been redesigned to shorten the support provided to students

18 year-old Erin Walshaw talks about her experience as a gifted student in Vancouver – and the problems she faces

April 18, 2024

‘Misinformation is now produced on an industrial scale’ – Concerns over propaganda on social media

Three in ten children aged 12–15 used TikTok as a news source in 2022. With the rapid growth of social media, misinformation is both accessible and actively promoted to vulnerable young people on an unprecedented scale

17 year-old Cressida Anness Lorenz interviews history student, Gabrielle Segal, on misinformation and propaganda

April 18, 2024

A guide to Holi – The Hindu festival of colour

Celebrated during the months of Chaitra and Falgun in the Nepali calendar, Holi is a major event. In the capital, Kathmandu, it is full of noisy laughing crowds of people splattered in different colours

Students aged 11-18 from the OXSFJ Nepal Project shared their celebration of Holi Festival

April 18, 2024

Esports is a sport. Period

Despite its rapid growth, competitive online gaming isn't given the same respect as basketball or football, with many still believing it is just an activity for lazy nerds sitting in their mom's basement. So why should esports be considered a sport?

17 year-old Christian Yeung on the acknowledgment that esports deserves

April 18, 2024

Womansplaining mansplaining

Mansplaining. If you’re a woman, I can almost guarantee that you sighed at that word. Societal history has allowed for sexism to take route but there are steps we can take today to reevaluate and correct these behaviours

17 year-old Alia Saphier explains mansplaining and how to break the cycle

April 11, 2024

Teens don’t owe you opinions

As a generation we are more motivated than most before us. In spite of adults attempting to skew the opinions of teens on a vast array of unsolvable problems we should craft our own opinions and choose which to fight for

16 year-old Sanjana Senthil on the overloaded choices young people face on social media

April 11, 2024

Keep or ditch the monarchy? The perspectives of young Britons

As time passes, younger generations are moving further away from the monarchy. From outdated traditions and scandals to the financial burden on taxpayers, young people outline their opinions on the topic

16 year-old Jefferson He interviews young people on their views of the UK monarchy

March 29, 2024

Why Ukrainians speak Russian

When I’m asked why so many other Ukrainian refugees speak Russian, I am not sure what to answer, as the answer lies beneath complex layers of oppression from our neighbouring country – it is not a preference.

17 year-old Sofiya Tkachenko outlines the history of linguicide in Ukraine

March 22, 2024

Camembert on the ‘verge of extinction’ – What does this mean for cheese production?

Camembert cheese, one of Normandy’s most precious exports, is ‘under threat’ with its dangerous lack of fungi reproductivity. With a strain to meet high demand, will we soon see this cheese disappear for good?

18 year-old Sofia Radysh explains the challenges facing the popular delicacy

March 22, 2024

Netflix’s release strategies are dangerous to auteur cinema

As the 2023 award season comes to an end, Netflix has once again gained global recognition for its original content. But could the streaming giant in its pursuit of acclaim pose a danger to the future of cinema?

18 year-old Anatolii Mishustin explores the dangers of a never-ending stream of content

March 22, 2024

Why are we resistant to traditional offices, and how can we repurpose vacant spaces?

I think my generation is so accustomed to online schooling that we can’t imagine ourselves working from an office. With both a climate and global housing crisis, we could repurpose these spaces to provide a much needed solution

18 year-old Nadia Diakowska on a work-from-home culture and reusing empty offices

March 15, 2024

We’re not ‘lazy’, technology has simply made jobs easier and more profitable

“Lazy,” “entitled,” “careless” and “lacklustre” are just some of the words used to describe my generation. But is Gen Z deserving of such names or are these just amplified misconceptions?

18 year-old Timur Boranbayev on corporate rejection amid the changing workplace

March 15, 2024

A medium for kids? Why we should award more Oscars to animated films

Many anime films have received universal praise for their unique storytelling, emotional depth, and thought-provoking themes, yet are largely ignored in other categories at the Oscars. As one of the leading authorities on film, the Academy must spearhead the effort to challenge preconceived notions that animation can’t be taken seriously

17 year-old Justin Sau on the greater recognition animated films deserve

March 08, 2024

Singaporean LGBTQ+ community still faces a ‘long road ahead’ despite constitutional changes

Despite a shift in governmental policies towards the LGBTQ+ community, discrimination still exists. The government continues to advocate for family units being strictly heterosexual to ‘protect’ the marriage constitution

18 year-old Chenxi Zhang explores progressive steps towards equality

March 08, 2024

Unique Nepali foods everyone must taste once in their life

Young people in Kathmandu shared with Harbingers’ the traditional dishes they would like every reader to try once landing themselves at the feet of the Himalayas

11 students from Nepal recommend outstanding Nepali cuisine

March 08, 2024

How many water bottles is too many? The state of overconsumption in America

Stanley Cups recently saw an astronomical increase in sales coupled with a social media craze. Companies continue to capitalize on the fear of missing out and influencer-led marketing campaigns

17 year-old Christian Yeung speaks with economy expert Brianne Foley

March 08, 2024

Dune: Part Two achieves the impossible, delivering the grandest space opera to date

Dune: Part Two is a testament to what the medium of cinema stands for. Breaking the boundaries of the sci-fi genre, the film results in one of the best sequels in history

18 year-old Anatolii Mishustin reviews the second installment a sci-fi great

March 01, 2024

Miyazaki’s perfect blend of magic and existentialism –The Boy And The Heron Review

Beautiful both visually and story-wise, The Boy And The Heron is a must-watch. It is suitable for every age as almost everyone will find something in the film to relate to

18 year-old Anatolii Mishustin on tantalising cinematography in an emotive animated film

March 01, 2024

10 things you should know about Nepal

From festivals and culture to world heritage sites and areas of natural beauty, teenage journalists in Kathmandu each share one fact about their home country Nepal

Teenagers aged 11-18 from the Mountain Children Home share the beauty of Nepal

March 01, 2024

Why growing up as a young woman is scary: A teen’s perspective from Poland

Despite the global progress made in women’s rights in the past few decades, Poland still has a long way to go. The country’s strict abortion laws, gender pay gap and prescribed lifestyle for a woman’s future fills me with fear

17 year-old Maria Mitko on the daunting reality of womanhood

February 23, 2024

Simple, sexy film that brings new life to the rom-com genre. Anyone But You Review

Charming leads, an intriguing set-up and a “parent trap” meets enemies-to-lovers trope, what more is there to wish for?

17 year-old Anatolii Mishustin on the explosive chemistry of the newest grand rom-com

February 16, 2024

Students and teachers fight back against the ‘library selection rubric’ in a Texas public school

Teachers and students in the school district have spoken out against the school board’s decision to filter the literature kept in classroom libraries after complaints from parents

16 year-old Sanjana Senthil explores book banning in the United States

February 16, 2024

Lights out: Broadway shows close prematurely

Since its post-pandemic return, Broadway has struggled to reach its previous levels of success. Closely tied to tourism numbers, theatres are still unable to fill seats and shows are suffering from early closures

17 year-old Alia Saphier reports on the decline of new acclaimed theatre

February 09, 2024

‘Never-ending search for the snooze button’. Can AI replace humans in writing poetry?

Long considered one of the purest forms of human emotion and expression, will AI be able to produce works that resonate on a profoundly human level like poetry should? Finnish author Jukka Aalho may hold the answer

17 year-old Justin Sau analyses computer-generated poems

February 09, 2024

Media depicting women holds one main aim: Giving a space for women to be judged

Defining a woman starts with using words like ‘trailblazer’ and ‘independent’ and ‘controversial’. A set of words is quite a small frame to describe everything that a person could be

16 year-old Sanjana Senthil’s award-winning essay on Women’s Rights

February 02, 2024

Project helping to revive Ukrainian libraries in de-occupied and front-line territories

Russian soldiers have already destroyed more than 120 Ukrainian’s libraries since the full-scale invasion in 2022. A project called "Riznytsia Yе" asks people to buy and donate books to the affected libraries in hopes these efforts will prevent Russian influence

17 year-old Mariia Sydorenko on the ambitions of the project founder, Ukrainian journalist Emma Antoniuk

February 02, 2024

What’s the whole buzz about? The Grammy Awards explained

As we approach the 66th edition of the Grammy Awards, held annually by the Recording Academy, here are the things you need to know to fully appreciate the upcoming ceremony

15 year-old Klara Hammudeh looks under the red carpet of Recording Academy awards

January 26, 2024

The rise of careless consumerism among young people

Rapid consumerism fueled by short trend cycles are promoting an unsustainable mindset among the young that clothes are temporary and easily replaceable, ignoring the environmental crisis

17 year-old Shriya Kalluri explores the link between social media and fast-fashion

January 26, 2024

Unattainable ‘angel status’. Patriarchy still skews the narratives of women in power

From fashion breakdowns to dating habits, selective media reporting has long attempted to reduce women in the spotlight to harmful gender stereotypes’

17 year-old Alia Saphier critiques the media’s continual repression of women

January 26, 2024

Let’s take music seriously. It’s not a soundtrack for picking vegetables at a supermarket

Have we lost the ability to appreciate music? The greatest talent which humanity ever had to offer is now persistently used to assist everyday activities

15 year-old Klara Hammudeh shares ways to better immerse yourself in music

January 26, 2024

Why I hated Poor Things but will watch it again and again

The star-studded cast movingly invokes the sense of the uncanny, something that lies at the heart of this modern ‘Frankenstein’ tale

17 year-old Sofiya Tkachenko on female depictions in Yorgos Lanthimos’s film

January 19, 2024

Doja Cat’s ‘devilish’ controversy. A marketing move or reason for concern?

Doja Cat finds herself amidst whispers of a supposed ‘deal with the devil’. Should her actions be perceived as a deliberate marketing strategy to keep the spotlight burning or as signs of troubling mental health concerns?

14 year-old Sofia Vorobei explores the corrupt nature of fame

January 12, 2024

Has the movie industry transformed into a risk-averse machine?

As the tsunami of reboots and remakes continues to threaten to overwhelm us, it's crucial to recognize the consequences of this trend. While nostalgia can provide moments of joy and familiarity, it should not be a substitute for genuine creativity

16 year-old Justin Sau criticises the culture of remakes

January 12, 2024

Messy biopic where only battlefields shine: Napoleon review

Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby put on grand performances that are still not enough to save the film from coming across as bloated

17 year-old Anatolii Mishustin reviews the latest box office disappointment

January 05, 2024

She is your mirror, and both of you will mirror our reality: May December review

Netflix dropped its Oscar contender, an eerie drama by Todd Haynes which delivers a slow-burner that hits you in the guts

17 year-old Anatolii Mishustin on the masterfully crafted new film

December 22, 2023

Why is Spotify Wrapped such a buzz?

Generation Z has a strong affinity for Spotify Wrapped – a tailored compilation of user statistics for the year, including top artists and total listening minutes – as it reflects their “musical journey” throughout the year

16 year-old Maria Mitko interviews young people about the viral marketing campaign

December 22, 2023

A film equivalent to a long hug encapsulates the Christmas spirit. The Holdovers review

The story of three unlikely individuals finding a family bond in uncertain circumstances is medicine for a broken heart. And with its emotional warmth and sentimentally cheerful ending, ‘The Holdovers’ still touches on severe topics of grief and depression - and does that quite well

17 year-old Anatolii Mishustin on a future Christmas classic

December 15, 2023

“We aren’t faking it.” Tic sufferer warns over condition’s representation on social media

From mediaeval peasants plagued by an uncontrollable urge to dance, to nuns experiencing mass possessions in convents - mass sociogenic illnesses (MSIs) have played a role in history and can also be seen in the present day

16 year-old Ananya Prasanna reports on mass social media-induced illnesses (MSMIs)

December 15, 2023

Rap music on trial. Debate resurfaces over evidence ruling in Young Thug case

The issue of using rap lyrics as evidence in court has recently been reignited by such a high-profile case. Young Thug and his legal team assert that the use of lyrics in court is prejudicial and could affect his right to freedom of speech

17 year-old Cressida Anness Lorenz reports on using art as confession

December 08, 2023

Don't just diversify the curriculum, decolonise it

The diversified curriculum does not challenge societal power structures which narrow the dominant perspective through which we view the world. It is imperative that we do not stop here

Sanaa Pasha on the diluted version of colonial history in education

December 08, 2023

Fast fashion’s ugly secret. Numerous brands in legal trouble over intellectual property theft

The fast fashion industry has long been infamous for its exploitation of vulnerable labourers, waste production, and environmental degradation. More recently, however, intellectual property scandals have also mounted against some notable fashion corporations

16 year-old Tanya Chi reports on independent designers’ accusations

December 01, 2023

Perhaps it is time to cancel ‘cancel culture’

To many, ‘cancel culture’ and the act of boycotting a public figure, has become an important tool of social justice. However, ‘cancel culture’ prioritises public condemnation without fostering constructive dialogue or providing opportunities for redemption

17 year-old Megan Lee on the social justice of "cancelling"

November 24, 2023

An unexpected ally: how social media could revitalize reading culture

It's high time we put down the pitchforks and extinguish the torches we've been brandishing at TikTok and Instagram. As it turns out, amidst the sea of hashtags and memes, a world of literary innovation awaits

16 year-old Justin Sau explores the boom in reading culture

November 17, 2023

Destruction in devotion: how do cults weaponise human vulnerability?

The ambiguity of an ‘end to all’ has been used as a form of exploitation to keep people fearful and submissive – and Charles Manson’s “Helter Skelter” prophecy, a vision heralding an apocalyptic race war, might serve as an example

16 year-old Camilla Savelieva explores how cult leaders use fear to exert power

November 10, 2023

Is Hollywood saved now the writers’ strike has ended?

Strikes of actors and writers have cost the industry over $6 billion. After all the developments, many teenagers who dream of putting their stories on the big screens began to wonder: is entering the writing industry a good choice?

17 year-old Anatolii Mishustin explores the aftermath of the writer’s strike

November 10, 2023

Learning from Indigenous communities can drive sustainability amid the climate crisis

Indigenous communities make up only 6% of the global population but they conserve 80% of biodiversity. Sustainable practices and respect for the environment are built into their social doctrine which has been passed on for generations

Sanaa Pasha interviews climate activist Yusuf Baluch and Growing up Green founder Amy Campbell

November 03, 2023

"We can drive systemic change" - Filmmaker urges youth to take action in climate crisis

A feature documentary in production, ‘1.5 Degrees of Peace’, aims to start conversations in the fields of climate justice, peace and disarmament through the power of storytelling

17 year-old Sofiya Suleimenova interviews Kasha Slavner

November 03, 2023

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour breaks all records. The phenomenon of the star explained

In the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, where stars are rising and falling in the blink of an eye, one name has consistently defied the odds: Taylor Swift. What is the secret behind a country girl who not only stays afloat but continues to be on top of one of the most competitive industries in the world?

14 year-old Sofia Vorobei on the origins of America’s superstar

October 27, 2023

It’s Haunting. Killers Of The Flower Moon review

Released last week, ‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’ delivers an ultimate epic of love, betrayal, and the nature of evil - unveiling this dark, twisted chapter in American history

17 year-old Anatolii Mishustin praises new film from Martin Scorsese

October 20, 2023

Visiting Himalayan vineyards. ‘In a century, Bhutan may be the only winemaking country in the world’

Bhutan may change all we know about wine. Planted in 2022 in Southern Bhutan, Mike’s Gelephu vineyard is an experiment in ‘reverse cycle harvest’. It is an example of how sustainability can become the driving force for innovation and economic growth

18 year-old Diar Boranbayev interviews Bhutan’s first-ever winemaker

October 20, 2023

Why the hell is Holden Caulfield the most relatable character I’ve ever read about?

It is extremely hard to know exactly how we wish our lives to turn out at sixteen. Holden is a byword for this identity crisis, reflecting my experience having contradictory feelings running through at such a pace that I feel trapped and unable to process it all

16 year-old Maria Mitko watches her reflection in Salinger’s famous novel

October 13, 2023

‘When I am an old woman I shall wear purple, with a red hat that doesn’t go and doesn’t suit me’

The poem represents the freedom of being old and the message of seeing ageing as a positive experience - something to cherish - which has resonated with me since I first heard it at barely five years-old

17 year-old Cressida Anness Lorenz wins the Harbinger Prize in Photography

October 06, 2023

‘It’s like an addiction’ — American teenagers fall victim to online sports gambling apps

Whether through indirect or direct means, teenagers are being influenced to pursue online sports gambling. The rapidly growing industry is preying on those with underdeveloped minds, increasing profits to the detriment of future generations

17 year-old Arham Shah wins the Harbinger Prize in Economics

September 29, 2023

From nature trips to shop opening: how Afghan girls spent summer holidays

Afghanistan does not only mean crises and restrictions. It is a country filled with mesmerising landmarks, historical monuments, nature and a vibrant culture

Five students of the Afghanistan Newsroom share their summer experiences

September 08, 2023

Dying languages: Cultures are being eradicated in silence

Language is often reduced to a tool for basic communication, neglecting its human and cultural significance. Global warming and urbanisation are forcing linguistically diverse communities to migrate, assimilate, and abandon their ancestral tongues

Sophie Yu on the fight to save forgotten languages

August 25, 2023

Why was 'Secret Invasion' such a flop?

The biggest disappointment is that for a show with shape-shifting aliens it has absolutely no mystery, which is so needed here. 'Secret Invasion' does a lot of telling and not a lot of showing, which essentially comes back to its cheapness

17 year-old Sofia Radysh on the wasted potential of the Marvel star-studded series

August 14, 2023

How samurai traditions live on through Kendo - a sport rooted in ancient Japanese culture

“The cultural and ceremonial aspects of Kendo hold great importance. Kendo represents not only a sport or technique but also embodies a martial art rooted in rich history and tradition. It reflects the enduring spirit passed down through generations”

15 year-old Noah Saphier shares valuable lessons from Kato Sensei

August 13, 2023

Contested artefacts from the British Museum: 7 things you need to know

In recent years, many countries where these artefacts originated have become more vocal in calling for their return, arguing that the objects were taken unethically and without consent

16 year-old Justin Sau outlines the appeals for repatriation

August 09, 2023

Oppenheimer review: Three-hour long biopic nothing short of mind-blowing

In unity with cinematography, sound design, and the soundtrack Nolan creates a horrifically immersive experience which controls every atom in the viewer's body

17 year-old Anatolii Mishustin reviews Nolan’s newest blockbuster

August 08, 2023

The literary, linguistic, and acoustic metamorphosis of translation

The process of translating poetry, as I have learned, is not merely using a dictionary to transcribe word-for-word from one language to another

17 year-old Sophie Elliot translates Mihály Babits’s ‘Magyar szonett az őszről’

July 28, 2023

Barbie review: A must-watch, the allegedly ‘anti-men’ pink extravaganza will make you cry

Barbie is a must-watch for everyone, for young and for old, for women and men. It’s a beautiful story with a powerful message which will leave you thinking about your own experiences and understanding of the patriarchy and how it in fact isn’t about horses

17 year-old Sofia Radysh reviews the record-breaking box office film

July 21, 2023

Days that marked Afghan girls’ lives

There are days in everyone’s lives that they mark the most regardless of being good or bad. Five students of the journalism learning project at Harbingers’ Magazine – Shanhaza (17), Swita (16), Zainab (13), Naziya (13) and Zohra (17) – interviewed each other to find out about the days that impacted them the most

13-17 year-old Afghanistan Newsroom students share their life experiences

July 21, 2023

Actors joined striking writers to save Hollywood as we know it

With actors’ walk-outs – including at the notable premiere of Oppenheimer in London, where Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, and Florence Pugh all left the theatre – and arrested productions, the entertainment industry is suffering colossal stock price losses

17 year-old Sofiya Tkachenko reports on the ongoing strike

July 14, 2023

'Barbenheimer': is this the most important box office battle in a decade

Barbie is winning, and it is hardly surprising. After all, one film is about dealing with mortality, the sense of self purpose, and challenging American elites, and the other one is a historical thriller titled Oppenheimer

17 year-old Anatolii Mishustin on ‘counterprogramming’ movie marketing

July 14, 2023

Rooney’s debut is a must-read for young people. Conversations with Friends review

Sally Rooney did a fantastic job levelling with the reader on many personal, almost gentle levels. This makes this book a must-read for young people – teenagers, those in their 20s or even 30s – who want a light read that also touches you and makes you ask questions you never thought would occur

17 year-old Sofiya Tkachenko reminds of Rooney’s 2017 masterpiece

July 14, 2023

Lewis Capaldi talks mental health after Glastonbury stage Tourette’s

The Someone You Loved artist faced a moment of crisis when performing at Glastonbury Festival in the United Kingdom

14 year-old Sofia Vorobei on the lesson learnt at Glastonbury

June 30, 2023

A story that will keep you webbed to the seat. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse review

The sequel takes everything the audience loved about the first Spider-Verse movie and turns it up a notch – if not more

17 year-old Anatolii Mishustin reviews the latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

June 30, 2023

Auto-tune overload. Aren’t we sacrificing musicality for so-called perfection?

Excessive use of auto-tune technology, especially when employed to distort the voice during a live performance, sparks debates about authenticity and emotional connection with the audience

14 year-old Sofia Vorobei takes the side of human imperfection

June 30, 2023

Rare glimpse into 21st century politics of sex and desire. The Right to Sex review

Amia Srinivasan’s collection of six nonfiction essays is an impressive debut. Writing about rape culture, student-professor relationships, prostitution, and pornography, Srinivasan is unafraid to linger near the precipice of taboo

17 year-old Sophie Elliott reviews the 2022 Orwell Prize shortlisted book

June 23, 2023

Animal testing made its way onto the big screen. It may be a sign of change

Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3 is more than a great movie - it also offers insight into cruelty disguised as animal testing

17 year-old Sofia Radysh on animal testing

June 23, 2023

The art of ‘bad’ art: on Tracey Emin’s My Bed

In Tracey Emin’s My Bed, we realize that art is about expression, meaning, and the authenticity of human emotion. In using such an evocative installation, Emin not only illustrates the active and almost rebellious voice she takes on as an artist but emphasizes the beauty in chaos

17 year-old Megan Lee explores the art of confession

June 09, 2023

Should English Literature be replaced by Global Literature in schools?

In our increasingly diverse and globalized society, the Western canon seems not only restrictive but also exclusionary, calling into question whether the subject of English Literature should be replaced by Global Literature to best reflect the status quo at hand

Megan Lee considers the value behind teaching literature

June 02, 2023

Maintain or abolish the Monarchy? The impact of the Royal Family on the economy

Debates over the continuation of the Royal Family have reawakened as taxpayers covered the £100 million being spent on the Coronation amid a cost of living crisis. Questions over the value of the Monarchy are once again at the forefront of people’s minds

17 year-old Timur Boranbayev speaks with an expert and reviews the figures of spending

May 19, 2023

‘Quantity of good Ukrainian music has risen on an aspirational scale’

“We need to win the war and start rebuilding. Not only buildings and infrastructure but also our culture. Because there will come a moment of exhaustion after such a long fight, but we still need not forget that there is a future”

16 year-old Sofiya Tkachenko interviews 19-year-old musician and producer Bogdan “SadSvit” Rozvadovskyi

April 14, 2023

Ukrainian music is much more than ‘sharovarshcyna’. Meet four ‘hidden gems’ bands and artists

The world is now starting to realise how unique and vast the Ukrainian culture is. With music being a major part of it, we, the Ukrainians hope that soon we will no longer be prisoners of the ‘traditional folk’ paradigm - that Ukrainian music ceases to be.

16 year-old Sofiya Tkachenko shares four up-and-coming Ukrainian artists

April 07, 2023

Navalny should not have been a winner of an Oscar award

This movie being recognised and celebrated is unacceptable, no matter how good the quality of it might be. Such distinguished organisations with influential platforms like the Academy should consider the context of the movie before representing it

16 year-old Sofiya Tkachenko on the political messages of award-winning films

March 24, 2023

Babylon’s storytelling of early Hollywood failed to hit the mark - it instead made me gag

While I am not a particular fan of graphic and aggressive movies, I was excited for Babylon. So obviously, my expectations were high, and I decided to throw away my initial biases against Babylon and its gruesomeness. So what did this three-hour long extravaganza provide me with? Nothing but disappointment.

Sofia Radysh's take on the all-star Hollywood film Babylon

March 17, 2023

How political art is used to influence people

Art, as a reflection of an artist’s view of the world, is influenced by the events happening around, including politics and wars. And just like art, propaganda is also influenced by them. Propaganda, as it is known, is the dissemination of information to influence public opinion

16 year-old Kateryna Kalyniuk outlines the history of propaganda

March 09, 2023

Are the Peranakans a part of Singapore’s past or a heritage shaping my life choices?

As I deepened my research into Peranakans, I began to realise that my ancestors far exceed their reputation as creators of imaginative cuisine and eclectic architecture. In fact, the culture not only shapes the Singapore we see today but has largely influenced the choices I have made in life

16 year-old Jinn Ong inquires whether and how it is possible to be Peranakan in the 21st century

December 29, 2022

During a pandemic-haunted summer, I discovered a million-word long story and joined the fanfiction faction

Has finishing a good story ever left you feeling empty? As if nothing could ever come close to the experience of living, however briefly, inside the tale? You sit there, thinking of all the lost possibilities, the plotlines that were not explored, the what-ifs. What if this character survived? What if that character were born into an entirely different world?

18 year-old Zachary Górka explains the phenomenon of fanfiction literature

December 26, 2022

Regardless of the production, beauty overrules iniquity. On religion and ethics in Tosca

“The arch of the whole opera questions what religion, spirituality and Catholic hypocrisy are,” said Michael Gieleta when on the opening night, I spoke to him about his production’s interpretation of Tosca’s religious themes. “This concerns Tosca herself, who drew moral superiority from murdering Scarpia and took her own life - two cardinal sins according to the Catholic Church teachings.”

Sophie Elliott investigates the famous opera

December 07, 2022

(Un)Open art. Why is modern art so intimidating?

The feeling of misunderstanding art usually evolves from a lack of curated education. But if art is supposed to be free, should education truly play a crucial role in enjoying it?

Maria Chernova shares her opinion on the openness of art and closedness of art recipients.

November 17, 2022

Art of forgetting and remembering. On Lithuania's path to the commemoration of Holocaust victims

Memory is by no means neutral, and the pain of it demands decision. To what extent should we remember at all? What does it mean to remember rightly? Is the idea of memory even possible?

17 year-old Sophie Abromaviciute on relations between art and history

October 07, 2022

The Witcher - a feminist manifesto or a misogynistic tale?

Sapkowski’s saga is not only a fantasy tale - it is also a social commentary. That’s why the TV adaptation has brought into the limelight various types of discrimination, prejudice, and hate-rooted violence

Aleksandra Lasek inquires into the success of Yennefer of Vengerberg as a feminist role model

October 03, 2022

How jokes on TikTok help Ukrainians

Even during the war, people of different ages can still have a sense of humour and make jokes - which is an essential part of Ukrainian culture

Maria Chernova discusses how jokes on TikTok are helping her and other Ukrainians during the war

September 30, 2022

Herbal Insurgency: Wielding Knowledge to Heal and Harm Under Southern Enslavement

Through their knowledge of healing and harming, enslaved people were able to create small but vital spaces of healing and alternative power within the totalizing structures of Southern enslavement laws

William Derek Pacini examines the history of herbal expertise as a form of resistance and a means to freedom

September 18, 2022

Art of humanity. Why Lithuanian Jews took part in the fight against apartheid in South Africa

Once kindness becomes prevalent, it appears to be spreading. Human relations develop as we experience the inevitability of life - whether it is peace or war, core human values remain the same. A formation of a crystal – I think of an artwork I saw in Kaunas, depicting the bonding of ions and atoms which make the crystal grow - is parallel to how human relations develop.

17 year-old Sophie Abromaviciute on the lesson from an art festival in Kaunas, Lithuania

September 14, 2022

The Cupping Room

With the beans right in front of me, I could almost taste the coffee. The sweet and the tangy, the heavy notes and light texture barraging my nose. Tamie described to us the small yet complicated process of coffee roasting

16 year-old Christian Yeung takes a first step into the world of coffee culture, attending a roasting session at The Cupping Room

September 12, 2022

INO’s Tosca: the aesthetics of agency

Tosca offers a compelling evaluation of the complexities of female agency. She is an immensely complicated character—both pious and charitable, but also jealous, impetuous, passionate, and artistic

16 year-old Sophie Elliott analyses the Irish National Opera’s performance of Tosca with the backdrop of its political roots

August 23, 2022

The voice of fashion stands in solidarity with Ukraine

As we say in Ukraine: “everything will be Ukraine!”. And if so, everything and everyone – including the fashion industry – must admit its political side

Maria Rybak describes how the fashion industry responded to the war in Ukraine

August 16, 2022

Norman Davies: In 1919, Soviet invasion bolstered Polish national identity. Now it happens in Ukraine

“In 1920, nobody, no experts, no generals gave Poland a chance. In February, no experts gave Ukrainians much of a chance. The Ukrainians captured Russian tanks where the men were dressed in parade uniforms”

An interview by 18 year-old Jeremi Kulczyk-Lubomirski and 16 year-old Maciej Cebula

August 15, 2022

Bat girls for life? — Nothing about Batgirl said ‘cancel worthy’

Movies are not viewed as a piece of art anymore, they are investment assets. If something doesn't work out they can simply be dumped

16 year-old Sofia Radysh reports on what Batgirl’s cancellation could mean for the film industry

August 11, 2022

United shock, Jesus to flourish under Arteta

Anticipation for the Premier League has now kicked off, with devoted fans eager to find out how their team will do this season

16 year-old Timur Boranbayev gives his predictions for the upcoming Premiership season

August 10, 2022

Ersatz Austen of cheap laughs and romance. Persuasion review

The greatest failing of Netflix's film is that it neither commits to being a faithful adaptation of Austen’s regency, nor a modern rendering loosely based on original content

16 year-old Sophie Elliott reviews streaming giant's take on Austen’s classic novel

August 08, 2022

Women’s Euro 2022, a success and an inspiration to the female youth

It is very refreshing to see how female sport is gaining more recognition and the respect it deserves. Women's football is the fastest growing sport in the UK, and it will be interesting to see how female athletes and sport will develop over the next decade

Timur and Sofiya report on public opinions towards Lionesses’ win in the final

August 04, 2022

Cost of a trendy pup; the flat-faced issue explained

Humanity has been playing god and creating new breeds for a long time now, and the moment to take responsibility has arrived

16 year-old Sofia Radysh investigates the problems of Brachycephalic dogs

July 18, 2022

A mirror to Britain’s homophobia. Joe Lycett: More, More, More! review

While this show’s comedy is structured to identify and poke fun at British conservative society, it is done so in a cheerful and carefree way which prevents the jokes from being destructive in any way

17 year-old Grace Whitehouse reviews Joe Lycett’s touring show

July 17, 2022

Your first lesson in Swahili

My first language is Swahili - and today I will share with you some basic words of this language.

14 year-old Lydia Gaspar introduces her native language

June 23, 2022

Invest in good mathematicians. Weapons of Math Destruction review

Ill-conceived algorithms are strengthening injustice, inequality and prejudice across law enforcement, education, labour, banking and housing.

Natasha Banga reviews Cathy O’Neil’s book

June 22, 2022

A thought-provoking experience. For better or worse. How to Blow Up a Pipeline review

In his 2020 book a leading Swedish climate activist since the 1990s condemns the nonviolent methods mobilised in the climate movement by claiming they only promote passivity—instead, offering us a historical argument, Malm persuasively argues for a more aggressive and confrontational approach.

Sophie Elliott reviews Andreas Malm’s How to Blow Up a Pipeline

March 05, 2022

Entertaining and engaging, yet with a moral dilemma. The Cheese and the Worms review

You may rightfully be thinking, "Cheese? Worms? Millers? Sixteenth-century? Really?” I also have little interest in the Fruili region of Italy, especially in the 1500s - yet this book had me hooked from the very first page.

Marsi Hadijeva revisits Carlo Ginzburg’s 1976 classic

March 04, 2022

Exceptional writing, but stories are hit or miss. On A Registry of My Passage Upon the Earth

Two years since the publication of his last book, The Winter Soldier, psychiatrist Daniel Mason returns with his latest collection of human survival stories.

Noemi Elliott reviews a collection of short stories

February 09, 2022

Spot-on image of how Gen Z tends to cope by taking everything as a joke. Don’t look up review

The planet-killing comet is quite obviously today’s global warming climate crisis. The scientific reasoning is there, the facts are there, the evidence is there - and yet, many still refuse to believe in this pressing issue.

Sofiya Suleimenova reviews Adam McKay’s political satire

February 08, 2022

A delightful read for any Austen fan. Jane Austen, Early and Late review

The degree of insight makes a joy solely reserved for Austen fans. Others would likely find the parallels between Northanger Abbey and Persuasion tiresome - although I must confess I never knew that Northanger Abbey contains 24 instances of “persuasion,” only eight fewer than the 32 in Persuasion!

Noemi Elliott reviews Freya Johnston’s book

February 02, 2022

‘Pay me the respect due’. Sidney Poitier as a symbol of perseverance

Barack Obama, who awarded Poiter the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, wrote: “Through his groundbreaking roles and singular talent, Sidney Poitier epitomised dignity and grace, revealing the power of movies to bring us closer together. He also opened doors for a generation of actors.”

Sofiya Suleimenova reflects on ethics lessons from the late American movie giant

January 26, 2022

Darkness, a poem Wisława Szymborska did not write

A pastiche is a work of art that aims to imitate the style of another work or artist. It is a device regularly used in many different mediums, including literature, music, and visual art. For example, Shakespeare’s famous balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet has been a theme for endless pastiches - it was also arguably the inspiration for the happy ending scene in Pretty Woman.

Daria Badger interviews Polish pastiche poetry writer Grzegorz Uzdański - and translates one of his works to English

January 24, 2022

Every bit as real that the reader hopes the story were pure fiction. The Fortune Men review

Nearing the 70th anniversary of the court murder commited in Wales, we realize that not much has changed these past decades.

Noemi Elliott reviews Nadifa Mohamed’s novel

September 19, 2021

Nature and Privation in Three Romani Poets

The generation born after the war was raised amidst the turmoil of social transformation, evolving governmental edicts, and the challenges of dwelling among often unwelcoming ethnic Hungarians. The poetry of these postwar Roma poets reflects these challenges.

Noemi Elliot on Roma poets and their artistic sensibilities

August 16, 2021

Tornado of history. How Koreans became the fourth Zhuz of Kazakhstan

Only much later would they find out that Stalin, afraid of potential Japanese spies living in the USSR, wanted to cleanse Russia of any threats. His fear somehow ended up encompassing Koreans as well, so 124 train wagons were arranged to transport over 170,000 people to Central Asia. Based on today’s estimates, around 50,000 never made it off the trains.

Ilya Kan on the history of his family - and all Kazakhstan's Koreans - in the 20th century

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