The Culture - The Christian Science Monitor

In China, US films struggle against homegrown movies

With audiences in North America steadily shrinking, Chinese moviegoers have never been more important to Hollywood. But China has also poured billions of dollars into its own film industry.

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What are you watching? Readers recommend 'Deutschland 83,' 'Heartland'

Monitor TV and movie fans share what they've been watching lately.

First Look Social issues take center stage at Tony Awards

Though attacks against President Trump made headlines, many award winners used their podium time to talk about the ways people can find common humanity and self-acceptance.
What our critic thinks the Tony Awards noms got right – and what they missed

I've been following the Tony Awards for many years now. I always have strong opinions and this year is no exception.
Top Picks: Ray LaMontagne’s 'Part of the Light,' the podcast 'Giants of History,' and more top picks

Podcast fans will find it easier to indulge in their favorite pastime with the Downcast app, one of the most acclaimed movie musicals of all time, West Side Story, is returning to theaters on June 24 and 27, and more top picks.
First Look Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain's death sheds light on US suicide rates

The death of two major American cultural figures – Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain – within one week has raised awareness and concerns about heightening suicide rates in the United States.
'Ocean's 8' has some spark and dazzle

Sandra Bullock plays Debbie, the sister of master con man Danny Ocean (who was played by George Clooney). Debbie’s assemblage of her crack team for a jewel heist has its sly amusements.

'Saving Brinton' chronicles discovery of film rarities

In 1981, Mike Zahs bought the boxed artifacts of Frank and Indiana Brinton, two barnstorming Iowa show people who, in the late 19th and early 20th century, projected early movies and staged magic acts all across the heartland.
While watching 'En el Séptimo Día,' viewers rejoice in the hopes of immigrants

The film – the title means 'On the Seventh Day' in Spanish – is an unassuming charmer about a hot-button subject.
Top Picks: Parquet Courts' 'Wide Awake,' the Smithsonian Channel's 'The Pacific War in Color,' and more

You can use the Ramblr app to share information about your outdoor sojourn, hear from those who are responsible for some of today’s most famous companies in NPR’s podcast How I Built This with Guy Raz, and more top picks.
First Look Brie Larson pushes for film criticism diversity at awards show

Winners at the Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Awards took the opportunity to advocate for diversity both in front of and behind the camera.
In a Word So many words to talk about elections

There are so many wonderful campaign words, I feel as if I could go on forever – just like campaign season.
Take me outside the ball game

How newlyweds with dueling team loyalties were united by a ballpark.
By The People festival seeks to bring people together

Nonprofit Halcyon is partnering with dozens of Washington-based arts organizations, local businesses, and government agencies for the arts takeover of the city, which will include everything from visual arts installations, an augmented reality art hunt, and high-profile speakers to a range of musical performances, with most events being free.