AGP Executive Report

Venice Film Awards: Danish-Egyptian director May el-Toukhy won the Venice Golden Lion for Woman Unknown, a postwar drama about a woman hiding her past; the film also earned Best Actress for Mathilde Arcel. Arts & Culture (Lebanon-linked): A new report highlights how Lebanon’s pediatric care is set to expand after Dartmouth Health renamed its Children’s Hospital and received a $30M gift to build an intensive care nursery and pediatric ICU. Sports Calendar: Coverage points to a busy mid-September sports slate (Sept. 14–19), with local matchups and school-season updates. Lebanon Spotlight (politics meets daily life): President Joseph Aoun made a rare visit to Nabatieh amid fears of renewed Israeli attacks, meeting residents and hospital staff as displacement concerns linger. Regional Arts/Identity: Commentary and coverage around art at major festivals continues to focus on identity, citizenship, and shared ground.

Venice Biennale & film awards: May el-Toukhy’s postwar drama Woman Unknown won the Golden Lion, with the director framing it as the “female body as a battleground,” while Edward Said: Between Worlds heads to a Toronto premiere after a tough funding-and-distribution road. Craft & heritage: In Aleppo, artisan Ayman Saeed is keeping the centuries-old “Ajami” decorative wood tradition alive by teaching his son, despite weak demand and little support. Lebanon under pressure: President Joseph Aoun made a rare visit to Nabatieh near the Ali al-Taher ridge after Israeli claims of Hezbollah tunnel destruction, as residents ask for security and the state promises follow-up. Regional politics meets global stages: BRICS leaders urged Israel to withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories and backed Syria’s sovereignty in a New Delhi summit statement. Music spotlight: Lebanese pop star Nancy Ajram returns to Tunisia’s Carthage amphitheatre after a year-long hiatus.

Southern Lebanon Under Strain: President Joseph Aoun made a rare, unannounced visit to Nabatieh as Israeli strikes and claims of Hezbollah tunnel destruction intensify, with residents asking for stronger army protection and the president promising follow-up support. Diplomatic Timing: The visit also comes after U.S.-brokered Israel-Lebanon talks were pushed back to October, adding uncertainty for a fragile ceasefire. Lebanese Pop Spotlight: Nancy Ajram returns to Tunisia’s Carthage Roman Amphitheatre after a year away, with more regional dates including a Dubai headline later in October. Music & Production: Lebanese producer DÜK drops a jazz-infused deep house EP on France’s Yoyaku Records, marking a long-awaited label return. Culture Beyond Borders: A new Lagos studio, Casa Mouda, is set to debut in fall 2026 with exhibitions and events promoting contemporary West African design. Local Arts Moment: A Roum village donkey race revived after years of disruption continues a 60+ year folkloric tradition tied to the Al-Karma Tourism Festival.

Lebanon’s war-hit labor rights: A new report says Lebanon’s domestic migrant workers are being pushed to the brink as shelters turn them away, wages are withheld, and bombing forces displacement—linked to Article Seven of Lebanon’s labor law and the Kafala sponsorship system. Southern Lebanon escalation: Israel carried out explosions and shelling in southern Lebanon, including demolishing part of a school in Mansouri and detonations near Baraachit, as fighting around Ali al-Taher continues. Cultural spotlight: The Roum donkey race—part of the Al-Karma Tourism Festival—revived a 60+ year tradition after gaps during COVID and war, with prizes like barley and trophies. Design & creativity beyond borders: Casa Mouda is launching in Lagos with “The Design Institute,” aiming to produce, promote, and exhibit contemporary West African collectible design internationally. Arts & literature: Salman Rushdie is set to receive a National Book Award medal for lifetime achievement, with sentencing dates also set for the case involving Hadi Matar. Film industry talk: Dubai’s Arab Media Summit will host a Films Forum on cinema, drama, music, streaming, and AI.

Lebanon-Israel diplomacy: Lebanese and Israeli negotiators are set for an eight-round push in Rome (Sept. 15–16), aiming to expand “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon under the Lebanese army, after earlier talks stalled amid a Hezbollah-linked provocation; Lebanon’s PM Nawaf Salam reiterated the goal of full Israeli troop withdrawal and safe returns for residents. Arts & culture (Lebanon-linked): Flamenco guitarist Paul Bosauder—Lebanese-New Zealander—released his second album Arco y Olvide, blending Andalusian roots with a personal, memory-driven sound, with live shows and international collaborators. Media & Lebanon: A drone strike near an Al-Manar TV crew in Nabatieh injured a reporter and cameraman as they prepared to go live, highlighting the risks journalists face while covering strikes. Literature: Salman Rushdie will receive the National Book Award medal for lifetime achievement, presented Nov. 18 in Manhattan. Music/viral culture: An AI-fueled ’80s nostalgia trend is spreading across the Arab world, with some users questioning why people who never lived the decade are chasing its look.

Venice Film Festival: Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor’s Gaza documentary “NAZA” drew a rare 25-minute standing ovation, with Palestinian flags unfurled in Sala Grande as the film alleges civilians were knowingly targeted; Israel’s military disputes the claims. UNESCO & Education: UNESCO used its “The Crossing” installation to warn that attacks on schools are rising, urging protection of education and highlighting Lebanon support via art-based mental health programs. Lebanon/Region Security: Israel says it completed demolition of Hezbollah underground infrastructure on the Ali al-Taher ridge; meanwhile the U.S. reports its Strait of Hormuz blockade has redirected 96 vessels and allowed humanitarian ships through. J&K Film Spotlight: The International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) wrapped in Srinagar, with Iranian “Whisper My Name” winning top honors and CM Omar Abdullah pushing for local stories beyond landscapes. Local Lebanon Arts/Community: Lebanon City Council in Ohio paused all 20 Flock Safety cameras over privacy and security concerns, a reminder that civic tech choices shape public life.

Literary Honors: Salman Rushdie is set to receive the National Book Award medal for lifetime achievement, with the ceremony in Manhattan on Nov. 18. TV & Drama: Lebanese actress Nour will join Egyptian star Ghada Abdel Razek in the Ramadan 2027 TV series “Roh wi Gasad,” a 15-episode drama now in pre-production. Film & Red Carpet: Lebanese-born human rights lawyer Amal Clooney is in Athens for UNESCO culture talks, while Venice Film Festival coverage spotlights Arab talent and Lebanese presenter Raya Abirached. Arts & Culture in the Region: Dubai Opera turns 10, unveiling a 2026–27 season featuring Trevor Noah, Bolshoi Theatre, and major music and dance events. Local Arts & Community: Lakeville Art Festival shares its music, artist demos, youth art activities, and silent auction details. Arts in Motion (Sports): Lebanon-area sports coverage includes high school football and volleyball highlights, plus a preview-heavy week of games. Media Safety: A viral clip shows an Al-Manar reporter in southern Lebanon ducking as an Israeli strike hits nearby, injuring staff.

Lebanon Arts & Culture: FrancoFilm Festival returns with 12 films across genres, running Sept. 10–13 at Epix Cinemas in Dana Mall, with free admission and English subtitles; the lineup spans the French-speaking world and includes a Lebanon partner mission. Music & Film: Beyond Fest 2026 in Los Angeles announced a massive lineup of 81 features (Sept. 23–Oct. 6), with major premieres and a special Michael Mann “secretly cut” director’s edition of Miami Vice. Local Arts Spotlight: Beirut is set for its first North American tour in eight years, with shows in Brooklyn (two), Boston, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Toronto. Fashion & Design: Lebanese singer Fred Debs is embracing reggae with his debut single “Seasons,” adding to the week’s Lebanon-linked pop culture buzz. Arts in the Region: Final Cut in Venice wrapped its 14th edition, with Lebanon among the supported Arab countries in post-production programs. Sports (Lebanon name-check): Lebanon boys soccer and field hockey results kept local headlines moving, but the arts items above are the strongest fit for Lebanon Arts Today.

Fashion & Luxury: Lebanese designer Elie Saab is teaming up with H&M for a new designer collaboration, bringing his signature glamour—embellishment, lace, sequins, and dramatic silhouettes—to a wider high-street audience (collection lands Oct. 22 in South Africa). Film & Festivals: TIFF’s Wavelengths program leans into bold, personal filmmaking, from Borges-focused work by Mariano Llinás to Masao Adachi’s passport-photo persistence, with the section expanded this year. Music & Community: Beirut’s selector Mikita drops “Kavaal” in SceneNoise’s Shuffle playlist, alongside Elyanna, Nadine El Roubi, and Thoom’s “I’m Going Back to Lebanon.” Regional Arts Events: Tunis’ Balaclava marks its 4th anniversary Sept. 19 with a cross-MENA lineup that includes Lebanese DJs Willillah and Umma plus artists from Tunisia and the wider Arab diaspora. Arts & Culture in Lebanon-linked Coverage: A Praxis exhibition in the U.S. (with a note on Beirut) explores birth, place, migration, memory, and Black maternal health through digital weaving, photography, assemblage, and printmaking. Sports (Lebanon name, not Lebanon country): Lebanon County, Pa. reports on a romance scam tied to country-music claims, while local sports results keep rolling in.

Local Arts & Culture: A new Praxis show in Cleveland, “Topsy Turvy or Your Story Began Before You Were Born (and a note on Beirut),” opens Sept. 9 and links birth, migration and memory through digital weaving, photography, assemblage and letterpress—prints benefit scholarships for emerging birthworkers of color. Film & Dialogue: Years of Culture (YoC) brought an award-focused film festival to Santiago, pairing cinema with youth discussions on migration and identity, including Lebanese titles like “The Lebanese Rocket Society.” Heritage Spotlight: Qatar’s Katara kicks off S’hail 2026, a decade-marking international hunting and falconry exhibition running to Sept. 12 with participation from Lebanon and 14 countries. Fashion & Design: Venice Film Festival red carpets keep spotlighting Arab designers, with Lebanese label Elie Saab featuring prominently, including looks worn by Amal Clooney and Geena Davis. Community Arts: A plant sale in Lebanon supports Willimantic Public Art, funding murals and community projects. Sports (Lebanon name, not Lebanon country): Lebanon Valley Speedway and local school sports roundups keep the week’s community buzz going.

UNIFIL Future in Focus: The UN Security Council will decide how UNIFIL continues after its mandate ends at the end of 2026, with options ranging from monitoring and observation to assistance for the Lebanese army, and a gradual, safe withdrawal planned for 2027. Lebanon Under Strikes: Lebanon’s Health Ministry says Israeli attacks over the past 24 hours killed 19 people and injured 24, with the wider toll since Oct. 8, 2023 rising to thousands. On-Air Violence: A Hezbollah-controlled TV crew in Nabatiyeh was hit again by an Israeli strike while reporting live, injuring a reporter and cameraman who were later released. Basketball Schedule: FIBA confirmed the WASL Final 8 2026 dates (Sept. 26–Oct. 4) at Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex in Zouk Mikael. Fashion & Boycotts: Adidas Arabia apologized after backlash over a “Single Shoe” campaign featuring an amputee former Israeli soldier, reigniting boycott and inclusion debates. Cinema in the Region: A Lebanese film, “Dead Dog,” opened Jammu and Kashmir’s first International Film Festival, signaling a renewed push for cinema links across borders.

Lebanon–Israel Frontline: Lebanon’s Health Ministry says Israeli attacks killed at least 19 people and injured 24 in the past 24 hours, bringing deaths since March 2 to 4,381, with strikes continuing despite a US-brokered deal. Press Under Fire: The Committee to Protect Journalists reports journalists were injured in Gaza and southern Lebanon even during fragile ceasefires, including Al-Manar’s Ali Chbib and cameraman Mohammed Barjawi in Nabatieh. Cinema & Culture: Jammu and Kashmir launched its first International Film Festival (IFFJK) in Srinagar, with a Lebanese film (“Dead Dog”) screening at INOX—an example of how Lebanese stories keep crossing borders. Music Backlash: Pink criticized Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” remarks during Ed Sheeran’s tour, while Macklemore defended his message as pro-peace and not anti-Jewish. Fashion Controversy: Adidas apologized after boycott calls over an Israel in-store campaign featuring amputee former soldier Shalev Biton.

Arab Film Development at Venice: MAD Solutions and Erth announced a Venice-backed collaboration to develop Arab film/TV/entertainment projects from early script stage through pitching to Arab and international markets, with first results to be revealed progressively. J&K Cinema Spotlight: The inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) opened in Srinagar with 135 films from 40+ countries, including a Lebanese feature (“Dead Dog”) in the International Competition, plus floating Dal Lake screenings and masterclasses. Lebanon Arts & Fashion at Murex D’or: Lebanon’s 2026 Murex D’or celebrated music, drama and film under “Back to the Roots, Eye on the Future,” with standout red-carpet looks from designers like Tony Ward, Georges Hobeika, Rami Kadi and more. Fashion Backlash in Israel/Palestine Context: Adidas apologized after a campaign using an amputee former Israeli soldier drew boycott calls. Food & Culture on the Move: A Lebanese-rooted food hall concept (Juice Time + Papa Kanafa + charcoal-grilled chicken) opened in Temple Terrace, while a luxury restobar in Singapore/Asia-themed dining leaned into “travelling through cuisines” with cocktails and dishes.

Lebanon Arts & Culture: The 26th Murex d’Or Awards in Lebanon crowned singer Ahmed Saad as “Popular Arab Star,” also honoring his song “Muxarat,” with the ceremony spotlighting the “will to live” theme and a packed red carpet of major Arab artists. Music & Film: Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood and Israeli musician Dudu Tassa are set to open the 27th Jerusalem International Oud Festival (Nov. 5–12), with their “Jarak Qaribak” project reworking classic Arabic love songs across the region. Arts & Heritage: Lebanon’s traditional dance troupe Hayakel Baalbeck is touring Korea for the 45th anniversary of Lebanon–Korea diplomatic relations and the Arab Culture Festival, bringing “Laylet Farah” and Lebanese dabke to Seoul and beyond. Regional Arts/Events: Qatar’s S’hail 2026 hunting and falconry exhibition opens Tuesday at Katara Cultural Village with the widest lineup yet—14 countries and 155 exhibitors—blending heritage, culture, and tourism. Sports (Lebanon-linked): Palestinian football returned after nearly three years, with the “1,000 Martyrs Cup” including teams from the West Bank, Gaza, and refugee camps in Lebanon. Conflict Impact: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned renewed Israeli strikes on Nabatieh, citing damage to state institutions and health facilities.

Lebanese Arts & Culture: The 26th Murex d’Or ceremony is underway at Casino Lebanon, spotlighting the “will to live” theme and honoring stars across acting, music and TV; singer Ahmed Saad won “Popular Arab Star” and was recognized for “Muxarat,” while the red carpet drew major names from Lebanon, Egypt and Syria. Music & Ideas: Beirut-based author Dr. Ayoub Issa Abu Diyeh released a new book, How Do We Overcome the Fear of Death?, using philosophy and history to explore mortality and meaning. Fashion: Elie Saab announced his first major high-street collab with H&M, launching Oct. 22 with 54 pieces priced from $39.99 to $429. Performing Arts Abroad: A Lebanese traditional dance troupe from Hayakel Baalbeck is touring Korea for the 45th anniversary Arab Culture Festival, bringing “Laylet Farah” and Lebanese dabke to Seoul stages. Film: Kashmir’s maiden international film festival (Sept. 7–10) debuts a floating cinema on Dal Lake. Sports (Lebanon-linked): Palestinian football returned after nearly three years, with club competitions also running in Lebanon.

Lebanon Arts & Culture: A major tribute event is set for Sept. 5, “Haydi Bas Tahiyyeh” (Just a Tribute), honoring Ziad Rahbani’s legacy with a choir and the Asala Ensemble under Maestro Ghada Harb, with proceeds supporting humanitarian relief via CC4P for children and orphans in Lebanon. Fashion: Elie Saab is bringing his red-carpet glamour to the high street with an Elie Saab x H&M collection launching Oct. 22, featuring 54 pieces across womenswear, menswear, accessories and footwear (prices from $39.99), after H&M previously closed its Lebanon stores during the crisis. Film & Screen: Reviews and buzz continue around “Furies,” a Beirut-set heist drama executive-produced by George Clooney, starring Rym Mroueh and exploring sisters fighting a rotten system. Arts in the Region: Beirut hosted Cedar Symposium 2, bringing together about 35 artists from Lebanon and Iraq to promote coexistence and peace through visual art. Sports & Community: Palestinian football returns with the “Thousand Martyrs Cup,” including matches in Lebanon’s Ain Al-Hilweh camp, as organized sport restarts after nearly three years.