The Mriya International Film Festival showcases Ukrainian culture and raises funds for humanitarian aid, continuing its mission to support those affected by war. Now in its third year, the festival remains a platform for cultural exchange and solidarity, driven by …
“Wow, I did that. It’s now forever on me”: Belgian-Filipino shares her journey to becoming a full-time tattoo artist
Behind the artist of the illustrations permanently inked on the human skin, a deep story lies. This is Joan Dumez, a 27-year-old full-time tattoo artist in Belgium. Moving here when she was still young, having majored in game graphics, she …
Palestinian Human Rights Academic Noura Erakat Gets Awarded The Amnesty International Chair 2025
On March 27, Professor and attorney Noura Erakat was awarded the Amnesty International Chair in recognition of her critical insights into international law and human rights. During the event, Erakat highlighted the limitations and potential of international law in addressing …
Did you ever hear about The Cryalot?
For centuries, humans have been afraid of vampires, yet many forget that this bloodsucker is not the only creature that preys on the unsuspecting. The cryalot, an often-forgotten spirit from ancient folklore, thrives by sucking up the emotions from people …
Actress Nicole Rushing: “Throw yourself into it and love it.”

Nicole Rushing's extensive theater career has taken her to the Netherlands, England, and Japan among other countries (Credit: Anna Bures)
I couldn’t tell you when I knew I wanted to be a performer. My parents were both ballet dancers, so I grew up in the theater world. It has always been a part of my life – I’m a complete …
Jazz bassist Piotr Górka: “All I ever do is music – it’s a blessing and a curse”
“It’s like riding the bike, you’re free to do whatever you want and choose the paths you desire – the lack of stability pins you down to Earth.” Polish double bass player and jazz musician Piotr Górka (39) has played …
History and Crime in Bright Colors
“I see my paintings as a letter to people”, says Turkish artist Sevim Ünal (57). In her gallery, ‘ArtWorld’ in Antwerp, Belgium, there is a painting showing women’s faces split in two, one half left blank and the other detailed …
“Being a girl in a band is not a statement”
“It was never my dream to become a musician,” is the first thing Hanne Smets says. She plays the keys for The Haunted Youth, an indie rock band created by Joachim Liebens in their college years. Now, she calls music …
Jay the Author, a forever stranger with a mission: The Dear Stranger Project

Jay's 'Dear stranger' project consists out of hanging up letters in public places all over the world, like the Grand Place in Brussels. photo taken by De Laurier Nikki.
From the COVID lockdown streets in Melbourne to cities all over the world. Jay Ventress, better known as Jay the Author on Instagram, shows how even strangers can make you feel seen with his handwritten letters. Jay, a 27-year-old street …
The Forgotten Artisan: A Textile Creator’s Life in the Shadow of Fashion
When talking about fashion, models and designers often steal the spotlight, but they are not the only ones shaping the industry. It is time to look deeper. Daniel Henry, a Professional of the Year Award winner, shows us how the life as an artisan in the fashion …