I caught the new MJ biopic in cinemas

and it perfectly addresses artists.

As I took it in,

nostalgia and childhood memories flooded back,

yet I saw the film from a new angle.

A mini-review of 'Michael' (2026):

The film chronicles the first few decades of Jackson's life and career,

from his child prodigy days to his monumental stardom in the eighties.

Along the way,

we see his unwavering dedication to his craft,

despite the hectic world he lives in.

He doesn't just prioritise a vision,

he actively tries to surpass what's been done before,

and strives to be great--specifically the greatest of all time.

It's here where I find limitless amounts of inspiration

from within this film and its icon,

from an artistic and ambition based lens.

One quote from the movie that stuck with me,

which is simple, and even cliché if we're being honest

was this:

And in seeing MJ (played uncannily by his nephew Jaafar Jackson),

say this on the big screen through booming IMAX speakers,

I was reassured that the crazy, creative ambitions

which we as artists imagine achieving,

are as real as we are.

It proved to me that I am not alone (pun intended)

in having such grand imaginings embedded in the psyche,

and that all artists who have achieved their artistic pinnacles

have the same mindset and experience.

I can dissect this film for a while on its merits as creative fuel for artists,

but I'll let you decide by recommending you check the film 'Michael' on the big screen.

End of review.

A finer point here is the power of art to inspire artists,

and the fact that the movie, and MJ himself,

sit at the intersection of several art forms.

This shows the all-encompassing nature of creativity,

and how it informs all forms of artistic endeavour.

It charts the neccesity, or natural progression,

from mastery of one genre

to mastery of the rest.

I've said it in the past,

and I'll say it once more,

cinema is arguably the most complete art form,

as it also merges multiple forms at the same time,

and it's the medium that moves me the most.

'Michael' exudes this multi-craft blend,

and also represents all art forms in a real sense

as a biopic of a man who explored so many of them.

We find nuggets of gold when we let art sit with us,

and I recommend you do just that, Reader,

through whatever medium speaks deepest to you,

because an epiphany may be around the corner,

and you may just need that extra push

to take the step that will get you there.

Creative Update

I've been busy editing work for In Da Crime Life this past week,

as well as working on getting events organised for TWP.

It's safe to say that consistent, repetitive acts are valuable,

and within this is the concept of boring fundamentals

which I will discuss in more detail in next week's email.

Upcoming Opportunties

Room to Write Award 2026

The award recognises that time, space, and a change of environment are essential to fuel creativity and are often inaccessible to writers due to financial or personal constraints.

The 8 selected writers will be awarded an Airbnb coupon worth £1,500, enabling them to stay in a UK location of their choosing that best supports focused, uninterrupted writing. Whether that’s a quiet rural retreat, a coastal escape, or a city with literary resonance, the chosen space becomes the writer’s “room” – both literal and imaginative.

(Applicants must have published at least one book)

DEADLINE: SUNDAY 31ST MAY

The Whispering Wisdom Poetry Prize 2026

Open for submissions on any theme for poems of up to 40 lines.

Prizes include £250 (1st), £50 (2nd), £50 (3rd).

DEADLINE: SUNDAY 31ST MAY

Catch Me Next

There are some things in the works that I cannot yet confirm,

but will soon be announced, God willing.

Until then, thank you for reading this week's issue.

As I write on a grey, rainy evening,

I hope you have a brighter week,

Bilal Psyche Akram