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Nod to South Africa at this year's Television Festival

by: Cassandra Tanti
25/05/2021

South African drama Reyka will open the 60th Monte-Carlo Television Festival this June, while organisers have also revealed who will be judging this year’s top international series.
As the Monte-Carlo Television Festival approaches, the organisers are gradually revealing the details of this anniversary edition, including the World Premiere Opening Screening and the jury members who will meet in Monaco to decide the winners of the Golden Nymph Awards 2021.
The glamorous red carpet opening ceremony for the festival takes place on 18th June at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco. A glittering array of acting and creative talent from around the world and this year’s eminent jury members will join H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Honorary President of the Festival, who will officially declare the commencement of the five-day event.
The two juries, made up of leading exponents from the worlds of television drama and news, will be officially presented during the opening ceremony, before starting to screen together all of the nominated fiction and news content from across the globe.
Fiction Jury President is Swedish writer, director and producer Måns Mårlind (The Bridge, Midnight Sun, Shadowplay) who will preside over fellow award-winning jury members, French actor Arnaud Ducret (Parents mode d’emploi, Mensonges), German producer Moritz Polter (Das Boot, Freud), iconic French actor and singer, Joey Starr (Polisse, Mafiosa, Le Remplaçant), British screenwriter and Direcror Kay Mellor (The Syndicate, Band of Gold) and Norwegian producer Anders Tangen (Lilyhammer, Home for Christmas).
Meanwhile, President of the News Jury, independent filmmaker Evgeny Afineevsky (Winter On Fire: Ukraine’s Fight For Freedom, Cries From Syria) will be joined by the following jury members: Monegasque journalist Leila Ghandi, Italian producer Gisella Marengo, Editor of France Télévisions Hugo Plagnard and Spanish RTVE international & investigative TV reporter Pilar Requena.
The 60th Opening Ceremony of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival will conclude with the worldwide premiere of South African drama Reyka, a crime thriller starring Kim Engelbrecht (Dominion, The Flash), Iain Glen (Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey) and Thando Thabethe (How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding). The series’ director is Zwelesizwe Ntuli (Hard to Get) and the producer Serena Cullen (Lady Chatterley’s Lover).

The story: haunted by her past, a flawed but brilliant criminal profiler returns to her hometown to solve a string of brutal murders committed by a serial killer amongst the sugarcane fields of Kwa-Zulu-Natal. Having been abducted as a child, Reyka is traumatised by the experience but this also helps her enter the minds of Africa’s most notorious criminals and turn them inside out. Being mixed race in a country where one is expected to choose, her refusal to pick a side gives her the ability to see what others cannot, but her gift has consequences for her and those she loves.
“We are very pleased to welcome such an eminent line-up of jury members who will screen all competing programmes in Monaco during the festival, with the very difficult task to select the ultimate winners, to be awarded on 22nd June during the Golden Nymph Awards Ceremony,” said Festival CEO Laurent Puons. “It is also my greatest pleasure to open this 60th anniversary with the series Reyka. Beginning the festival with a South African production has a very special touch, especially in light of the close ties that exist between South Africa and the Principality of Monaco. This dynamic drama looks set to be a global hit and we’re thrilled to be able to kick off our festival with this worldwide launch.”
Previous opening screenings and premieres at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival include, among others, Crossing Lines, Empire, Absentia, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan and L.A’s Finest.
 
 
 

Amber Lounge highlights local designers at trademark fashion show

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/05/2021

Despite all the limitations of the health crisis, Amber Lounge has managed to pull off a successful fashion show during this year’s Grand Prix, raising over half a million euros for the Caudwell Children charity.
It was under the iconic glass atrium of the Grimaldi Forum where the Amber Lounge Fashion Show was staged on Friday night, welcoming celebrities, drivers, models and guests for a night of sustainable fashion, fun, food and spectacular lots up for auction.
“What a fantastic evening, I am really proud of how the Amber Lounge Fashion Show was delivered,” said Amber Lounge Founder and CEO Sonia Irvine. “It’s hard to explain the amount of work that has gone into making this event happen, so I just want to thank everyone who has made it possible and to have raised over €500,000 for our charity partner Caudwell Children makes the event a great success.”
The prestigious event, sponsored by the Antropov Foundation, welcomed the likes of Pauline Ducruet, Greg Maffei, Laurent Rossi Jost Capito, John Caudwell, Gareth Wittstock, Adrian Newey and Victoria Silvstedt, to name a few.
Meanwhile, race car drivers George Russell, Antonio Giovanizzi, Nicolas Latifi, Jack Aitken, Stoffel Vandoorne, Nyck De Vries, Mitch Evans, Norman Nato, Nick Cassidy and Andre Lotterer all took to the catwalk in support of Caudwell Children.
This year’s event showcased a number of designers including Beach and Cashmere Monaco by Federica Nardoni Spinetta, Inessa Creations Monaco by Inès Bensalah, Laura Spreti, Ymaginaria by Sofia Alemani, Pasquini Roma, and JFC Style Authority Menswear. Pauline Ducruet closed the Amber Lounge Fashion Show with her bespoke Alter collection.
The incredible selection of auction items included a Hayo Sol painting titled ‘Princess Grace Eternal’, a one kilogram Michael Schumacher gold coin, a trip on the Orient Express from Venice to London, ‘Ayrton Senna’ artwork by Marcos Marin, a Whistler ski chalet package for 12 guests, and 250 personal vintage bottles of Hatt et Söner bespoke champagne.
 
 
Photo gallery of Amber Lounge Fashion Show 2021 by Monaco Life…


 
Top photo by Sam Bagnall
 
 

“Unfortunately, it was not meant to be”

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/05/2021

It was a heart-wrenching Monaco Grand Prix for Charles Leclerc, who says his last-minute withdrawal from competition was “difficult to take, especially at home”.
The Monegasque driver has never seen a chequered flag in either an F1 or F2 race around the streets of Monaco, but after taking pole position in qualifying on Saturday, the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix looked to be his most hopeful chance yet.
While pole position in the Principality does not always lead to victory, it is almost impossible to overtake on the narrow street circuit and everyone was looking forward to a nail-biting finale.
And Charles fought hard for his pole position at the weekend, so hard that he crashed out on a barrier before setting the quickest time.
“Mixed feelings today,” said Leclerc after the race. “On the one hand, being on pole here is amazing. I was quite happy with my fastest lap in Q3. The first sector wasn’t ideal, but in the second and third, I put it together. I knew I could do better but I pushed too hard on my final lap trying to improve. Unfortunately, I hit the wall and now all we can do is keep our fingers crossed and hope that the damage won’t result in a penalty. Whatever the outcome, I will give my all tomorrow. It feels great to be at home and to see all the fans around the track.”
With strict Monaco entry rules and travel restrictions still in place, there was notably a smaller number of racing fans at this year’s event. But the support for Leclerc was palpable, with a sea of red and white flags waved from windows, and even young Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella enthusiastically showing their support for the first Monegasque to take pole position in Monaco.
But it wasn’t meant to be. About 20 minutes before the race was scheduled to start at 3pm on Sunday, Ferrari issued the bad news home fans were dreading.
“Charles will not start the race due to an issue with the left driveshaft which is impossible to fix in time,” Ferrari said in a statement.

Charles Leclerc receives a hug from Prince Albert. Photo by Eric Mathon, Prince’s Palace

After receiving a consoling hug from Prince Albert, Leclerc could only watch on as his team mate Carlos Sainz finished second to claim his first podium finish in red, the team’s 774th and 54th in Monaco.
“It was a tough one today. I really felt for the whole team,” said Leclerc on Sunday. “After what happened in qualifying, the mechanics did an incredible job and gave absolutely everything to get me back on track for the race. I was really looking forward to finally fighting for the win for us here. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be.
“Not starting the race was difficult to take, especially at home. I was emotional in the car when I realised that there was something wrong. We still have to investigate what exactly was the issue. Overall, it was a good weekend for us though. Carlos was strong and consistent and I am happy for him and the whole team for scoring his first podium for Scuderia Ferrari. After a difficult year in 2020, this was a great reward for everyone, both at the track and back home in Maranello, and the team fully deserves it.”
Photo of Carlos Sainz by Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen led from start to finish as his closest challenger Valtteri Bottas was forced to retire after his right-front wheelnut was stripped in his pitstop, which promoted Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to second and McLaren’s Lando Norris to third.
“The first podium in a Ferrari is an incredible feeling that I will never forget, especially being in Monaco!” said Sainz after the race. “We knew we had a chance and the pace to make it to the podium this weekend and we executed a flawless race.
“The bittersweet feeling is still there though as I feel for Charles and for the team. All of us here at the track and back home in Maranello are working incredibly hard to be competitive and to make our way back to the top. So it was very unfortunate that today we could not fight with two cars.”
 
Top photo of Charles Leclerc by Scuderia Ferrari Press Office
 
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Verstappen claims Monaco victory after Leclerc fails to take start

 
 

Two chefs, 35 stars: Ducasse officially welcomes Alléno to Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
19/05/2021

Monaco Life was privileged to be invited to the official welcoming of Yannick Alléno by Alain Ducasse at Le Louis XV. This is what lunch prepared by the world’s greatest chefs looks like…

When SBM CEO Jean-Luc Biamonti announced that Yannick Alléno would be taking over the restaurant at the Hermitage Hotel in spring, the question on everyone’s lips was … “How does Alain Ducasse feel about this?”

As the world’s most starred chef heading Monaco’s most starred restaurant – Le Louis XV at the Hôtel de Paris – it seemed only natural that the arrival of a younger, more contemporary and equally revered chef might take some of the air out of Ducasse’s souffle.

Perhaps that is why, on Monday 17th May, Alain Ducasse was the one to officially welcome Yannick Alléno to Monaco, and he did it in the most symbolic way possible – by opening his three Michelin-starred kitchen to the 52-year-old chef and his team from Paris for an historic lunch to be swooned over, photographed and written about by an exclusive selection of media, many from as far as Paris.


And the message was clear at a pre-lunch press conference: “There is no competition between us, we are complementary,” said Alain Ducasse, adding: “Yannick Alléno and I are 1+1 = 3”.

It is their roots in French cuisine that gives these two chefs the same DNA, but it is also a sense of obligation to pass on their incredible knowledge to a new generation of chefs where these legends of the culinary world also find a mutual connection.

“We have a responsibility to French gastronomy, to the younger generation to pass on our knowledge to them,” Yannick Alléno told Monaco Life.

“And to publish our knowledge, this is important for the future of French cuisine,” added Alain Ducasse, who has authored many books including the Alain Ducasse Culinary Encyclopaedia.

Photo by Monaco Life

64-year-old Ducasse was born in France and naturalised as a citizen of Monaco in 2008. With 21 Michelin stars under his name, countless restaurants across the world including in Paris, London, New York and Tokyo, and two cooking schools – one of which works with the European Space Agency to develop astronaut meals to take into space – it is understandable why Alain Ducasse is dubbed “the godfather” of traditional French Cuisine.

Meanwhile, Yannick Alléno was born just outside of Paris and currently holds 14 stars, six of which have been attained at his three restaurants within the Pavillon Ledoyen in Paris, including the three Michelin-starred Alléno Paris. He has also authored many books, most recently one titled ‘Tout doit changer’ or ‘Everything must change’, a book that discusses the future of fine dining and gastronomy.

It is the evolution of a revolutionary approach to long-held traditions that began for Yannick Alléno in 2013 when he made it his life’s mission to modernise the pillars of French cuisine, to combine the perfect techniques of tradition with real creative ambition, to study and experiment, and to create a new culinary movement: Modern Cuisine.

The most obvious pillar – sauces – has been transformed by is his trademark process of extraction.

Photo of Alain Ducasse and Yannick Alleno by K. Tchobanian

It is this offering of classic and modern, Ducasse and Alléno, that makes Monaco the big winner in this equation. It is a play of contrasts and similarities that were put on show at Monday’s celebratory lunch at Louis XV.

It began with Alléno’s langoustine with curry and black lemon, enlivening the tastebuds for Ducasse’s picture-perfect plate of farm vegetables and crunchy wheat.

Photo of Alain Ducasse’s farm vegetable dish by Monaco Life

Then came Alléno’s perfectly unattractive, whole wood-fired turbot with explosive cacio e pepe sauce, and Ducasse’s refined pintadon with morel mushrooms and delicate jus.

Photo of Yannick Alléno’s wood-fired turbot
Photo of the finished turbot dish by Monaco Life

To finish, an incredibly light meringue soufflé with vanilla “caviar” ice-cream from the hands of Alléno, and a visually dramatic raspberry and matcha ice-cream by Ducasse.

Photo of Yannick Alléno’s meringue soufflé with vanilla “caviar” ice-cream by Monaco Life
Photo by Monaco Life

Each dish was carefully paired with Dom Pérignon vintages 2010 and 2002, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2000, and a Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Rosé 2012.

Overall, it showed a winning formula for Monaco. To have a Ducasse restaurant and an Alléno restaurant within metres of each other is clearly no competition, but a major drawcard for the Principality.

‘Yannick Alléno at the Hermitage Hotel’ opened to the public on Wednesday 19th May. Monaco Life was once again welcomed for an exclusive opening lunch. Stay tuned for the next story, when we take you inside Yannick Alléno’s new restaurant in Monaco.

Jamie Cullum to headline Summer Festival

by: Stephanie Horsman
19/05/2021

The Sporting Summer Festival is back this year with a series of unmissable shows by internationally acclaimed artists at oh-so glamorous locations around the Principality including the Salle des Etoiles, the Opera Garnier and Casino Square. 

The Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival has been a Monaco institution since its inception in 1974. Each year in July and August, the festival features talent from around the globe and has something for everyone.

This year from 16th July to 14th August, the summer nights will be electrified with the sounds of several top-notch performances put together by Artistic Director Jean-René Palacio. The line-up includes some unmissable nights with the stars.

It all kicks off with English jazz-pop singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum headlining the Croix Rouge Monegasque Gala on 16th July. For the first time ever, the gala will be held in the newly-refurbished Casino Square giving party-goers a night under the stars with a view onto the world’s most famous casino and tunes from the multi-talented Cullum.

Next up is The Show: A Tribute to ABBA on 24th July, which ABBA’s official fan club described as “undoubtedly the best ABBA since ABBA.” No one will be able to resist singing and dancing along to their old favourites, all whilst being part of a good cause. To make the night even more authentic, original band member Ulf Andersson is part of the ensemble cast. Proceeds benefit local organisation Fight AIDS Monaco.

Zucchero, the nom de plume for legendary Italian singer Adelmo Fornaciari, plays on 25h July when he will perform renditions of his most popular hits such as Senza Una Donna, Il Volo, and Baila Morena. He has sold more than 60 million records worldwide over his 39-year career and will be giving his fans and newcomers to his music a night to remember.

On 31st July, two Russian acts dominate the evening. The first is the country’s most popular singer, Stas Mikhailov, who at 51 is the reigning king of music in the Federation, followed by Artik and Asti, a duo formed in 2010 and who found massive YouTube success. Their tour is called Sad Dance, but with their uplifting music, it’ll be anything but.

The ‘Night of the Orient’ is the first concert of August, taking place on the 5th and featuring the Arab world’s celebrated artist and voice coach Assi Al Hallani. The Lebanese singer has spent the past three decades delighting fans with his music, but is also known for his humanitarian acts, which include putting on several charity concerts to fight poverty and hunger.

6th August, the Summer Festival welcomes back singer, pianist and composer Paolo Conte. This accomplished artist, who also plays trombone and vibraphone, began his adult life as a lawyer before starting a jazz band with his drum-playing brother. He has never looked back and has had a musical run spanning from the 1960s.

One of the Latin world’s hottest singers, Enrique Iglesias, plays the festival on 7th August. Son of singing legend Julio Iglesias, Enrique has made a career as solid as his dad’s with 10 studio albums to his credit, three greatest hits compilations and an incredible 180 million records sold. Fans can now see him in the intimate setting of the Salle des Etoile, making any hot summer night even hotter.

10th August welcomes three amazing acts. First up is Valery Meladze, one of Russia’s most known contemporary and pop artists who has delighted fans for two decades. Though he’s a tough act to follow, Via Gra is surely up to the task. The gorgeous Ukrainian pop trio have many hits to their credit and are sure to rope in new fans as well as entertain old ones at the festival. Last but not least is iconic singer, host, and actress Albina Dzhanabaeva, who started her career with Meladze, but took off in her own right becoming a beloved Russian favourite.

Two families, one who hails from Montpellier and the other from Arles, formed an extended family band 40 years ago who have captivated audiences the world over. It would be difficult to find someone who hasn’t heard of The Gipsy Kings, and now they will be performing live on 13th August for the festival singing hits such as the Spanish infused Bamboléo and Djoba, Djoba.

Last but not least is a get-up-and-dance night of 1970s American disco with Sister Sledge. The four sisters who make up the band will be on hand to perform memorable hits such as The Freak as well as their biggest song, the iconic We are Family, which is now thought to be the benchmark of the Uptown Funk era. The ladies will perform on 14th August.

To get tickets for cool music on hot summer nights, visit the SBM website at www.montecarlosbm.com

 

 

“The Charles Leclerc Grandstand means a lot to me”

by: Stephanie Horsman
18/05/2021

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has told Monaco Life that he is looking forward to finally seeing fans in the grandstand that the Principality has dedicated to him, and hopefully they’ll be able to witness him take out the win.

Team Ferrari pilot and native son Charles Leclerc spoke to local press in an exclusive virtual meeting on Monday ahead of this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, providing insights into his team, the future of Ferrari, and his thoughts on his new namesake grandstand.

Team Ferrari have had a far better start to this season than last year, when misfortune seemed to be everywhere. So far, 2021 has seen a much rosier picture for the Monegasque driver, who currently sits in fifth place in Formula 1 standings.

Leclerc says he strives for more but knows that both he and the team are building together and that building takes time.

“I am excited because I always hope to do better, but being realistic it is the best that can be hoped for this year after a very complicated 2020,” said Leclerc. “The only position in the championship that I want is the first one … but it’s a positive season and we are still maximising the potential of the car. 

“We are starting to work well and the way we work is very constructive. We immediately made little by little progress (this year). For sure it is a complicated year to create a miracle, especially in 2020-21 in view of the technical restrictions and what we want in the car. We work well today, we are showing them on the track once again, but it is clearly not where we want to stay. We want it to be provisional and there is still a lot of work, but we are moving in the right direction.”

It will be the first year that Leclerc fans will have a dedicated grandstand in Monaco after its inauguration was postponed with the cancellation of last year’s GP. He is only the second pilot to have such a personal touch with his fan base in what is already a unique year.  

“The Charles Leclerc Grandstand means a lot to me,” Charles Leclerc told Monaco Life. “Finally, I will get the grandstand in my name, and I am delighted. It is for the people who are supportive of me and it’s true that it’s nice to have, because it’s been a long time since there have been people in the stands.

“It is the first Grand Prix of the year that is more open to the public, and it’s a pleasure that it is here in Monaco. It will be great to finally see a few of the fans again, especially those in the tribune, and we hope that normal life will return soon.” 

The grandstand, formerly known as Grandstand K, offers his supporters some extra perks including an official signed ball cap and t-shirt, a race programme, and the chance to speak directly to him via virtual chats in the Ferrari hospitality area and in the garage.

“I realise I’m Monegasque and I grew up here,” Leclerc told Monaco Life about his home track. “I respect it as my favourite track because there is just an incredible feeling here.”

Spectators can tune in and watch Charles Leclerc in action this weekend at the Monaco Grand Prix, with the final race held on Sunday 23rd May at 2pm. 

 

Photo source: Scuderia Ferrari Press Office