A Harry Potter TV series reboot is officially confirmed to be in the works after rumours have been widely circulating over the last few weeks.
Harry Potter is arguably one of the most successful and best-loved literary franchises of all time, with seven books published between 1997 and 2007, selling more than 500 million copies worldwide, and eight film adaptations of the books released between 2001 and 2011 - which is the fourth highest-grossing film series of all time, with $7.7 billion in worldwide receipts.
The success of the books and film franchise changed the life of author JK Rowling, and made household names out of the films' young cast of actors led by Daniel Radcliffe as the titular character, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley.
The franchise also has one of the most dedicated fanbases there is, and defined life for many growing up in the late nineties and throughout the 2000s.
The Harry Potter TV series is actually happening and JK Rowling is producing it / Credit: JK Rowling (via Facebook)
Harry Potter has continued to prove enduringly popular around the world, even more than a decade after the last book and film was released - but in the past several years, the series has been somewhat tainted with controversy after author JK Rowling has been strongly criticised for her views on gender identity, and has continued to be publicly vocal in her condemnation of transgender people and the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite this growing controversy, despite the millions of gamers choosing to boycott the new 'Hogwarts Legacy' game released only a few months ago, and despite the concerns of fans about turning Harry Potter into a new TV series at such a contentious time, it's been confirmed by this week that it's actually happening.
A Harry Potter TV series is officially in the works - and, not only that, but JK Rowling is set to serve as the series' executive producer.
Set to be available on HBO Max - which is a streaming service by Warner Bros. - the Harry Potter series could be on air for up to a decade, will be a "faithful adaptation" of the books about the wizarding world, and will feature a different cast to the films - with producers saying each season promises to be "authentic to the original books" and bring Harry Potter to new audiences.
HBO Max has assured fans that the original Harry Potter films will remain "at the core" of the franchise.
It's been revealed that film producer David Heyman, who famously produced all eight films in the movie franchise, is also in talks to work on the TV series.
https://youtu.be/o07u0uKkV_g
Speaking on the news that the Harry Potter TV series is actually happening, Casey Bloys - Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content - said: "We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way.
"Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the wizarding world.
"In partnership with Warner Bros. Television and JK Rowling, this new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years."
JK Rowling says she is "looking forward" to the new TV series, adding that the "new adaptation will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series".
Featured Image - Warner Bros.
Art & Culture
Inside the historic Leeds mill transformed into a thriving hub for creatives
Nestled in Armley, Assembly House is an independent creative hub bringing artists together.
Assembly House, based on Canal Road in Armley inside a historic Victorian mill, has become a home for creatives across Leeds since launching in 2013.
The artist-led organisation combines working studios with an independent gallery and project space, hosting everything from exhibitions and workshops to community events and live music.
The space is currently home to 80 creatives who make up their community, comprising of professional practitioners including educators, performers, painters, sculptors, illustrators, video artists and designers.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their aim is simple - to offer affordable studios to emerging artists alongside technical support, producing support along with access to workshops, internal film screenings and events.
Assembly House offer a yearly program of exhibitions designed to showcase the studio holders and get their work out there. It's all aimed at helping the artists, whether it's their first show or tenth.
It has also helped bring art into the wider neighbourhood through community murals, public sculptures and activities for local people.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They believe art has the power to bring people together and to evoke emotion and thought, and we've got to say that we absolutely agree.
The space can also be hired by students and independent creatives looking to put on their own exhibitions or bring a project to life.
The fabulous venue is generally open to visitors during exhibitions, workshops and events, with visits by appointment at other times, so it's worth checking its website before heading over.
To have a look at their current programme and to find out more about what Assembly House are doing for Leeds and the community, you can take a look at their website here.
Leeds Palestinian Film Festival announces dates for 12th annual edition
Clementine Hall
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival has announced the dates for this year's festival.
This year's festival will explore the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour: "To make art is to say we are here."
These words will reflect the content of this year's festival, which aim to keep Palestinian stories alive; defy the erasure of history; and bring voices from the depths of destruction.
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival will open Friday 13 November at the iconic Hyde Park Picture House with Life Support, a documentary about doctors in Gaza directed by Daniele Rugo.
Image: Supplied
The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with the director and doctors from the film, chaired by Healthworkers4Palestine.
Early programme highlights include the UK premiere of Conversation with the Sea, Muayad Alayan's family drama in which a 60-year-old Palestinian man in Jerusalem, ordered by an Israeli court to pay a debt allegedly owed by his son who drowned decades ago, sets out to discover what happened.
Also showing will be Maggie Lemere's documentary, Land of Canaan, follows Palestinian farmers and their olive trees, some more than 1,000 years old, and the fair-trade movement led by Dr Nasser Abufarha to protect them.
Image: Supplied
Frances Bernstein, Festival Director, said: “To make art is to say we are here. We chose the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour as this year's theme because they reflect what the programme is for: keeping Palestinian stories alive, defying the erasure of Palestinian history, culture and identity, and bringing voices from the depth of destruction to audiences in Leeds."
The full programme, guests and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks. You can find out more here.
Emily Sergeant -
14th April 2023 
