Featured Artist Ala Younis: Ambiguous Architectures in Abu Dhabi
When Ala Younis came to Abu Dhabi, she learned buildings were torn down and rebuilt in 20-year cycles due to weather conditions.
“Tahmina”—a story from Iran
In this dark tale, Tahmina, after running her whole life — from war, exile, and financial hardship — can’t stop yet.
White Collar Noir: How John Roberts Corrupted the U.S. Supreme Court
In this new book, Lisa Graves digs at the rot and corruption that presently defines a conservative U.S. Supreme Court.
10 Noir Novels to Kill For
These ten novels—all steeped in uncertainty, grit, shadowy streets, and moral ambiguity—encapsulate the best of Arab noir writing.
It Was Just an Accident: A Haunting Tale of Revenge
Jafar Panahi’s film reminds us that vengeance doesn’t stop at borders — it’s seeped into our feeds, our politics, our group chats.
A Bomb for Personal Use—an excerpt
This gritty thriller interweaves multiple perspectives to explore exile, identity, resistance, and the human cost of war.
The End of the Sahara—an excerpt
A novel that tells the story of the end of socialism in Algeria, almost one year before the fall of the Berlin Wall.
In Praise of Half-Light: Notes from a Gray City
Playwright Melis Aker makes a compelling argument in favor of shadows — the only cure for a brightly-colored, fast-moving, attention economy.
“Tuesday”—a story from Palestine
In this tautly written short story, Majd Aburrub charts the existential dread — and excruciating boredom — of navigating Israeli checkpoints.
The Price of Freedom: Prison Writings from Post-Revolutionary Egypt
Does prison lead to writing? “Even if you’re not a writer at first, you start to write in prison in order to survive.” —Ngugi wa Thiong’o
A Never-Ending Day—an excerpt
Small-time crook Magdy survives a street brawl, an angry relative, and an accidental murder — all in one day.
10 Noir Films from the Arab world, Iran, and Turkey
From classic noir to chilling psychological thriller, these ten films encapsulate the cinematographic experience of NOIR.