Ayana Ahuja - The Brown Daily Herald

Photo from the film in which two people are looking at one another on a rolling hill landscape with a sunrise in the background

Review

‘No Other Land’ resists sensationalism to present devastating reality

By Ayana Ahuja | April 20

The documentary depicts the aftermath of the forced displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank.

People in a blackbox theater with a rug in the middle of the room with someone kneeling on it.

Review

Residual Noise uses sonic and spatial art to create unique, immersive experience

By Ayana Ahuja | April 7

The latest in the IGNITE Series, the concert was part of a weekend-long festival.

A photo of a lecture hall with a large zoom screen displaying Charlie Covell's face.

Arts & Culture

Television writer Charlie Covell on redefining worlds, breaking boundaries in ‘Kaos’

By Ayana Ahuja | April 4

Covell spoke to The Herald about their experience writing the 2024 Netflix series “Kaos.”

Visiting lecturers Jennifer Levin and John Eisendrath, wearing matching black-rimmed glasses and black and gray sweaters, smile against a white background.

Arts & Culture

Students get a taste of the writers’ room in LITR 1010E: ‘Advanced Screenwriting’

By Ayana Ahuja | April 2

Every Tuesday morning, a dozen students walk into a classroom in the Granoff Center for the Creative Arts and are treated to pastries courtesy of their professors. But beyond baked goods, students in LITR1010E: “Advanced Screenwriting” have the opportunity to hear from a slate of Hollywood professionals, ...

Still from the film "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors" of a man's face.

Events

‘Cinema Ritrovato on Tour’ returns to Brown, showcases restored film classics

By Ayana Ahuja | March 14

The 12th edition of “Cinema Ritrovato on Tour,” a European film festival focused on film restoration and preservation, is back at Brown.

A photo taken from the top of the stage looking down on the Oscars audience.

Review

In 2025 show, Oscars face identity crisis

By Ayana Ahuja | March 4

The Academy Awards are frequently lauded as the biggest night in Hollywood and in film. Yet, Sunday night’s ceremony raised the question: What are the Oscars really about anymore?

An illustration of an old-fashioned movie camera on a purple background. Coming from the camera's lens is a red triangle, mimicking a light beam. Within the red space there is a golden Oscars statue, old film and an audience.

Arts & Culture

Who needs the academy when you have The Herald? Our picks for Oscars 2025

By Ayana Ahuja | February 19

With the Oscars set to air soon, The Herald picked its winners from this year’s nominees.

A woman in an LA apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows vacuums a pink carpet. In the background is a billboard with a woman on it.

Arts & Culture

‘The Substance’ contrasts grotesque visuals with the temporal nature of beauty

By Ayana Ahuja | February 12

“The Substance” is grotesque, jarring and honestly quite gross. What it lacks in dialogue it makes up for in creeping noises and visuals. The film’s gory nature glaringly contrasts with the idea of youth and beauty standards, becoming almost unbearable to watch — but that’s precisely the point. ...

Susan Chardy, playing the role of Shula, sits behind the steering wheel with black sunglasses and a silver, bejeweled hat.

Arts & Culture

‘On Becoming a Guinea Fowl’ evokes anger against a culture of silence

By Ayana Ahuja | February 3

The film is a portrayal of family guilt, cultural expectations and generational trauma.

From left to right, Lisa Biggs holds a microphone while Suleika Jaouad and Jon Batiste raise their hands in appreciation.

Arts & Culture

Jon Batiste advises aspiring artists during masterclass, conversation at Brown

By Cavan Agatone and Ayana Ahuja | January 27

The musician gave advice to students and faculty in a masterclass and moderated conversation Sunday.