Showcase

J.R.R. Tolkien has become a household name across the globe thanks to his novels as well as their wildly successful film adaptations. The creator of 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Hobbit' died on September 2 in 1973. His imaginary world has not only shaped today's fantasy fiction but also how those world's were realized on the silver screen.

To speak about the evolution of J. R. R. Tolkien's literature and more, Showcase is joined from Cardiff, Wales by Dimitra Fimi. She is an expert on Tolkien and fantasy literature, who also has penned three award-winning books, two of them being based on the whimsical author himself.

Licensing artworks:

Robert Hutchins, editor:

The Innocents:

Global art news:

William Shakespeare's Star Wars:

Ian Doescher, author of William Shakespeare's Star Wars:

Giacometti at the Guggenheim:

Love it or hate it, we are all influenced by fashion. Many brands have already collaborated in music, art and film. And now, some of the bigger names of the fashion world are following suit to create exclusive fusions for their customers. Sharaz Ali now looks into these partnerships - and how some of them, haven't always worked.

To talk more about how brands license artworks, Robert Hutchins joins Showcase from London. He has been in the licensing industry for the past five years and has delved into the growing trend of bringing artwork and design into the consumer space through interesting partnerships.

Netflix has found a winning formula and it seems it's not willing to give it up. The company's previous production, Stranger Things, which placed hip and smart kids in a supernatural setting laden with pop-culture has been a sensational smash hit. And its latest series follows a similar blueprint.

American singer Aretha Franklin died on the 16th of August only a few days after she was hospitalised. While her fans and family are devastated by the loss, the industry is getting ready to honour her legacy at the funeral on Friday.

To talk about the legendary singer, Lynnee Denise joins Showcase from Los Angeles. She is a DJ and professor of ethnic studies whose work is inspired by underground cultural movements and the 1980s.

Along with Cannes and Berlin, the Venice Film Festival is considered one of the most prestigious of the movie events around the globe... And last year's Golden Lion Award winner, director Guillermo del Toro is back in Venice to head the festival's jury. But with this year's lineup consisting of movies made by filmmakers at the top of their game, it looks like he will have his hands full.

To talk more about the festival, Nancy Tartaglione, the International Editor for Deadline Hollywood, joins Showcase from where the film festival is taking place in Venice.

In this episode of Showcase:

Colourising old photos:

Jordan J. Lloyd, colourist:

John Travolta:

Finger painting by Aida Murad:

Global art news:

Yardie:

Ara Guler Museum:

If it's true that a picture is worth a thousand words, and the following photographer, or visual historian, has probably given us too many words to count. Over the past seventy years, he's captured not only famous faces from Winston Churchill to Sophia Loren but also scenes from everyday life in urban Istanbul, opening up a window for the world into Turkey. We head over to Istanbul's Bomontiada to take a closer look.

In this episode of Showcase:

Venice Film Festival:

Nancy Tartaglione, International Editor for Deadline Hollywood:

Monet and Boudin exhibition:

Global art news:

Aretha Franklin:

Lynnee Denise, DJ and professor of ethnic studies:

Collecting Rolling Stones memorabilia:

From haunted loners to hitmen waxing lyrical, John Travolta has done it all and has breathed life into each of the characters he's played. But it perhaps wouldn't have been the same if it wasn't for a lead role in what, according to many, is the best musical of all time. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Grease and what better way to celebrate than by looking back on Travolta.