MP March April 2010

are an acoustic trio based in Quebec City, Canada, who shot to fame in 2008. They play gypsy-jazz interpretations of popular 80’s tunes.

They acknowledge the original artist, but the product is very much their own. It was interesting to see how they dealt with intellectual property as well.

MP: There were two Canadian films and one Canadian band who participated in this season’s event. You lived in Canada for 7 years, before returning to Dubai in 2005. Why did you pick these films to be screened and this band to come and perform in the Middle East and do you still feel a strong connection to Canada and the cultural scene there?

MK: Arcade Fire is an Indie band that has acquired rock star status, and the film by Vincent Morisset, Miroir Noir follows the band before, during and after the release of their critically acclaimed 2007 album, Neon Bible.

This is only one of the selections in which I am paying tribute to Montreal, a city I feel has its fingers on the pulse of the world with the jazz festival and various film festivals that take place there.

I continue to have a great connection with the cultural scene in Montreal and by presenting these bands to the audience in Dubai, we’re providing a platform for them.

MP: In the UAE, there seems to be a huge divide between cultures and