lifestyle MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016 FEATURES Lock-up to library: France reinvents its decrepit prisons

he ad on the French finance ministry web- site is deadpan and succinct: “For sale: late T19th century prison in the centre of Grasse, 1,277.42 square metres (13,750 square feet). No garage or parking space. Needs renovating.” Prospective buyers of the site in southeast France are required to lodge a deposit of 50,000 euros ($56,000). There are around 10 such notices for defunct prisons on the website, testament to a growing trend that has seen many urban jails turned into social housing or concert halls. Since many are protected buildings they can- not be demolished. But this means those that find no buyer are left to rot. Reprimanded at the European level for its overpopulated and dilapi- dated jails, over the past 15 years France has been busy modernizing its prison stock. This process has been given added urgency by grow- ing fears about the spread of radical Islam among the prison population after a string of People visit Guingamp’s 19th Century former prison, that is to be turned into a visual arts center after undergoing renovation work, on Aug 24, 2016. — AFP attacks in the last two years. for property on their land. In such cases sales Slovenia has been turned into a youth hostel; protected buildings, noting that buyers of old One in the southeastern city of Avignon, cov- In early September, Prime Minister Manuel take place by mutual consent,” according to the another in Oxford is now a luxury hotel. prisons have to promise to respect rules about ering 11,000 sq m next to the medieval Palais des Valls said France needed room for 10,000 more finance ministry’s website. A prison in the And not all French towns can afford to devel- national heritage sites. Papes and valued at €2.5 million ($2.8 million) for prisoners over the next 10 years. “Generally, it’s Parisian suburb of Coulommiers, a stone building op old sites. In such cases, the private sector example, has been on the market since 2015. The cheaper to build a new prison” than to renovate built in 1851, was bought by the municipal gov- sometimes steps in. This happened in From Nick to Nightclub Marriott group once thought about building a one, explained Laurent Vilbert, who is in charge ernment for €2.3 million ($2.6 million) and Fontainebleau, another Paris suburb, where a Although two 19th century prisons in the luxury hotel there but abandoned the project of urban planning in the western city of Nantes. turned into a library. Its cells are now lined with prison was sold at auction for €480,000 central city of Lyons have been converted and when it realised how much work would be The city recently bought the local downtown jail books. Guingamp, a commune in Brittany, ($538,000) to a buyer who plans to turn it into modernized into a vast university campus and involved. Avignon town hall, which owns the - which fell short of European standards-for 4.9 bought its prison back in 1992 and this month housing. “We are really watching the developer. housing, key features such as facades and a building, has put out a call for proposals with the million euros ($5.5 million). By 2018, the complex began turning the building into a visual arts cen- A whole section of the building is protected,” said watchtower rotunda have been preserved. Some idea of turning it into a space for artists, housing will become social housing, complete with a tre with its central courtyard transformed into a Pierre Tsiakkaros, chief of staff to the prisons find no buyers at all, for reasons includ- and shops. Another Avignon prison, which dates creche and underground parking. 160-seat performance space. France is not the Fontainebleau mayor. The ministry was quick to ing contamination, low real estate prices and the back to the Middle Ages, is now a nightclub that “Local authorities have the right of first refusal only country to sell off its disused prisons: One in point out that the law is strict when it comes to sheer complexity renovation would entail. is popular with students. — AFP Cahill’s film to premiere at Raindance

Syfy celebrates regional debut only on OSN exus and The Weinstein Company will be heading to Raindance Film BCUniversal International Networks and channels and companion websites outside the U.S., From the producers of Orphan Black and Michelle LFestival opening night to premiere OSN officially celebrated the arrival of Syfy along with VR platforms the Oculus Rift and Lovretta, the creator of Lost Girl, Killjoys follows a an exciting new film The Nation Holds Its Nto the region at an exclusive launch event in Samsung VR Gear, powered by Oculus. Created fun-loving, hard-living trio of interplanetary bounty Breath, created and directed by Kev Dubai. The home of provocative and inspiring sci- and produced by Secret Location, the multi- hunters sworn to remain impartial as they chase Cahill, an award-winning writer and ence fiction entertainment, Syfy is the only sci-fi Emmy(r) and Cannes Lion Award-winning content deadly warrants throughout the Quad - a distant director. Cahill comes from a VFX back- focused TV channel in the Middle East. The event studio who specialise in emerging platforms, system on the brink of a bloody, multi-planetary ground and is a frontrunner in this space also showcased Halcyon, a ground-breaking short- Halcyon is a 15-episode short form scripted series, class war. The series stars British actress Hannah - known for his dedicated work on popu- form linear virtual reality hybrid series available directed by BAFTA-nominated Benjamin Arfmann John-Kamen, (West End musical Viva Forever), lar films such as The Huntsman: Winter’s In the Heart of the Sea as well as Irish exclusively on OSN’s Syfy channel in the region, as (Random Stop). The police procedural alternates Aaron Ashmore (Warehouse 13, Smallville) and War, Thor: The Dark World and Alice actress Barbara Brennan, who is known well as compelling content including cult classics between 10 episodes (fully localised in Arabic), as Luke Macfarlane (Brothers and Sisters). Through the Looking Glass. Cahill has for her roles in the films Veronica Guerin and genre-defining programming. well as five VR episodes exclusively available on VR also contributed to the hit HBO televi- and A Date For Mad Mary. Cahill’s cast A global brand with a presence in over 100 platforms. For viewers who are only watching lin- FACE OFF S4 - Prosthetic sion series Game of Thrones. This experi- embodies and highlights the momen- countries, Syfy brings extraordinary into the ordi- ear episodes, short recaps of each of the five VR makeup reality series ence coupled with his directorial expert- tous occasion that is featured in this film. nary, where viewers go to reinterpret and reimag- episodes will ensure that all fans are able to follow ise, has launched his career not only Viewers will be captivated by their per- ine the world as they know it. Syfy’s great story- the complete storyline. Set in the year 2040, the Premieres 23 October at 21:00 KSA within the digital industry but also the formance in more ways than one. telling delivers unique, high-calibre drama and series is centred on Blake Creighton (Michael This fascinating reality series returns giving anoth- film and television industries overall. The Weinstein Company co-chairman adventure enabling viewers to escape and Therriault) the CEO of the world’s leading Virtual er bunch of budding prosthetic makeup artists the Harvey Weinstein said, “There’s a tremen- “Imagine Greater”. Reality company; Halcyon. Having cornered the opportunity to compete against each other, put dous amount of untapped talent among Underlining OSN’s focus on delivering ‘nowhere market on VR, Halcyon has discarded the VR head- their wizardry to the test and dazzle the judges in a aspiring filmmakers. Kev Cahill’s drive to else’ content, Syfy brings a year-round roster of set and allowed users to access the virtual space series of tough challenges. This time round, the tal- make a name for himself within the acclaimed original series, popular movies, Japanese using neurological implants that manipulate the ented hopefuls are tasked with creating unforget- industry was clear from the moment he animation, classic science fiction and fantasy pro- senses to create a virtual world. When Creighton is table fantasy goblin kings, conjuring up original was selected to participate in this series. gramming only for OSN subscribers in the region, found dead, presumed murdered, Detective Jules superhero characters, dreaming up sinister We are thrilled that The Nation Holds Its with Arabic subtitles available for most content. Dover (Lisa Marcos) and her partner, Asha (Harveen demons, and more. Whose wizardry will win the Breath will be opening Raindance and Viewers can expect to see the following content Sandhu), must consider if this could be the world’s day? Guest judges include veteran character actor look forward to many more incredibly from Syfy: first virtual crime. John Rhys-Davies and Hollywood director Bryan directed films from Cahill.” Singer. David Nordstrom, global branding HUNTERS - From the Executive DARK MATTER - From the department General Manager of Lexus Producer of The Walking Dead Writer-Producers of Stargate MOVIES - Genre defining International, added, “Each year, the work movies and cult classics of our directors never ceases to amaze Premieres October 12 at 21:00 KSA Premieres October 5 at 21:00 KSA Movie highlights include cult classic Serenity, writ- us. We are honored to be in partnership From Executive Producers Gale Anne Hurd (The Dark Matter is a space opera based on the graphic ten and directed by Joss Whedon (Buffy The The Nation Holds Its Breath is one of with The Weinstein Company to bring Walking Dead, Terminator, Aliens) and Natalie novel Dark Matter from Dark Horse Comics and Vampire Slayer, The Avengers: Age of Ultron, four films being produced by Joey these filmmakers aspirations to life.” Chaidez (12 Monkeys, Heroes) comes Hunters - a adapted for TV by Prodigy Pictures and Stargate Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D.) and Street Fighter: Assassin’s Horvitz of The Weinstein Company as According to Takayuki Yoshitsugu, mind-bending thriller starring Julian McMahon writers Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie. The series Fist, based on the popular video game series by part of this third season of Lexus Short Chief Representative, Middle East and (Fantastic Four, Nip/Tuck) and Nathan Phillips (Wolf features Anthony Lemke (Lost Girl), Alex Mallari Jr. Capcom and staring martial artist Joey Ansah (The Films which is a partnership between North Africa Representative Office, Creek, Chernobyl Diaries). After a decorated FBI (RoboCop, True Justice) and Melissa O’Neil (This Borne Ultimatum). Also coming this autumn are: Lexus International and The Weinstein Toyota Motor Corporation, “We look for- agent’s wife goes missing, he goes on a desperate Life). The six-person crew of a derelict spaceship genre defining sci-fi comedy Flight of the Company to support up-and-coming ward to entertaining festival goers search to rescue her. His pursuit leads him to a awakens from stasis in the farthest reaches of Navigator, directed by Randal Kleiser (Grease), filmmakers. around the globe with this latest film secret government unit assembled to hunt a ruth- space. Their memories wiped clean, they have no blockbuster The Incredible Hulk, starring Edward The Nation Holds Its Breath features from Kev Cahill as part of the third sea- less group of terrorists composed of shadowy fig- recollection of who they are or how they got on Norton and Liv Tyler and produced by Gale Anne an exciting story about a young father to son of Lexus Short Films. The Lexus Short ures... that are not of this world. Along the way, he board. The mysteries of their respective pasts will Hurd. More highlights include Doom starring Karl be who is torn between witnessing the Films Series has given talented filmmak- discovers a world he did not know existed and take them on a journey to the farthest reaches of Urban (Star Trek: Beyond, Dredd, The Lord Of The miracle of childbirth and witnessing the ers a wonderful opportunity to gain unearths a mind-blowing mystery at the helm of colonized space. Hounded by the galactic authori- Rings: The Two Towers) and Dwayne Johnson miracle of Ireland reaching the quarter exposure and turn their celluloid dreams his wife’s disappearance. ties, their former employers, ruthless corporations, (Hercules, Furious 7) and directed by Andrzej finals of the 1990 World Cup. This monu- into reality. We would also like to bounty hunters, and former enemies - they’ll have Bartkowiak (Speed, Species), Pitch Black starring mental event in Ireland was one of the acknowledge the support from our cus- THE MAGICIANS - Based on the New York Times only each other to rely upon. Vin Diesel (Furious 7, XXX) and Waterworld starring most important football matches in the tomers who have backed our efforts best-selling novels Kevin Costner (Robin Hood: Prince of thieves, Man country’s history and the film explores with the Lexus Short Films Series.” 12 MONKEYS - Based on Of Steel). this one man’s journey and the difficult Two of the other Lexus Short Films Premieres October 3 at 21:00 KSA the acclaimed film and highly anticipated challenges that Series films, Friday Night and MESSiAH, Based upon Lev Grossman’s best-selling books, The ICONIC TV SHOWS - fan favourite he faced along the way. were also selected to be shown at Magicians stars Jason Ralph (A Most Violent Year, Every Tuesday 21:00 KSA science fiction series The Nation Holds Its Breath stars Raindance Film Festival, Vancouver Aquarius) as Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant grad Adapted from the Golden Globe Award-winning Complementing the channel’s premiere line up are notable Irish actor Sam Keeley, who has International Film Festival and Calgary student who enrolls in Brakebills College, a secret 1995 film of the same name, the TV series stars great iconic series for the genre. These include recently appeared in the film Burnt International Film Festival and other upstate New York university specializing in magic. Aaron Stanford (Nikita) in the lead role of Cole, a Smallville starring Tom Welling as Clark Kent in his alongside Bradley Cooper and in the film world famous film festivals. He and his 20-something friends soon discover time traveller who arrives in the present day from a journey to becoming Superman, Eureka starring that the magical fantasy world they read about as post-apocalyptic future with a mission to save the Colin Ferguson and co-written by Andrew Crosby, children is all too real - and poses grave danger to human race from an imminent deadly plague. The co-founder of award winning comic book publish- humanity. Stella Maeve (Chicago P.D.), Hale series also stars Amanda Schull (Suits), Kirk Acevdo ing company of Boom! Studios, and Sanctuary star- Appleman (Teeth), Arjun Gupta (Nurse Jackie) and (The Walking Dead) and Noah Bean (Damages). ring Amanda Tapping (Stargate SG-1, Supernatural) Summer Bishil (Towelhead, Lucky 7) also star. Lev Producer of the original film, Charles Roven and created by Damian Kindler (writer and produc- Grossman’s Magicians trilogy is an international (American Hustle, The Dark Knight Trilogy) acts as er of Stargate SG-1). Also on the channel this sensation, published and widely praised in more Executive Producer alongside Richard Suckle autumn is Warehouse 13, created and written by than 20 countries. The epic conclusion to the series, (American Hustle, The International). Terry Matalas Jane Espenson (Battlestar Galactica, Caprica, Once The Magician’s Land, opened at #1 last summer on & Travis Fickett (Nikita), the show’s writers, will Upon A Time) and Stargate, directed by Roland the New York Times Hardcover Best Seller’s list, and serve as Co-Executive Producers with Natalie Emmerich (Independence Day, 2012, The Day After was widely acclaimed as one of the best books of Chaidez (In Plain Sight, V, Heroes) as Executive Tomorrow). the year. Producer. The addition of Syfy exclusively on OSN builds HALCYON - Ground-breaking hybrid VR scripted on its long-term partnership with NBCUniversal, series KILLJOYS - From the which already brings an unbeatable choice of Producers of Orphan Black exclusive entertainment on E! Entertainment. In Premieres October 5 @ 21:50 KSA September, a 15-minute Arabic language segment Halcyon is a ground-breaking hybrid virtual reality Season 1 Fridays @ 21:00 KSA on E! News was also launched highlighting OSN’s short-form scripted series available across Syfy Season 2 premieres April 2017 commitment to deliver more localized content.