China takes aim at micro dramas promoting ‘wealth-flaunting’, ‘distorted views’

• Several new children's movies are arriving on streaming platforms in September 2026, featuring a central theme of toys and play. • Major releases for the month include highly anticipated titles such as "Toy Story 5" and "Barbie in the Nutcracker."

• Campaigners have launched a petition to ban Sacha Baron Cohen's new Ali G movie, titled *Who Iz I*, from UK cinemas. • Critics argue the film relies on racist stereotypes and serves as a cover to mock Jamaican culture.

• The 2026 summer box office saw a significant recovery, with overall earnings nearly returning to pre-pandemic levels. • *Spider-Man: Brand New Day* dominated the season, earning nearly $1bn in its global opening weekend and surpassing $2bn in total revenue.

• The 83rd Venice Film Festival begins this Wednesday, bringing major Hollywood stars to Italy for the prestigious cinematic event. • Controversy has erupted over the inclusion of Ilya Khrzhanovsky’s film “DAU,” which depicts Soviet physicists working on the atomic bomb.

• Euronews Culture has released its Fall movie preview for the last four months of 2026, highlighting highly anticipated films. • The preview includes a list of hotly awaited movies that are expected to be released in the remainder of the year.

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is seeking to mobilize approximately €10 trillion in private household bank deposits to fund EU competitiveness initiatives. • The move comes as member states face severe fiscal constraints, with public debt reaching 82.9% of EU GDP and 88.9% in the eurozone by Q1 2026.

• The 31st Busan festival announces its guest list, featuring notable figures such as Isabelle Huppert, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Michelle Yeoh. • The festival reveals five gala presentation titles and 14 competition films from across Asia, including "The Burning Giants" by Phuttiphong Aroonpheng and "Dhara" by Anuruddha Jayasingha.

• The Busan Film Festival has announced its 14-title competition section, featuring world premieres from directors Majid Majidi, Hirose Nanako, and Yosep Anggi Noen. • The festival will be attended by notable stars and filmmakers, including Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michelle Yeoh, and Japanese anime master Rintaro.

• NDTV provides entertainment news updates from Bollywood, Hollywood, and other regional film industries. • The platform covers the latest celebrity gossips, box office collections, and more.

• Fans are paying tribute to Tupac Shakur as the legal proceedings regarding his murder trial approach their conclusion, with many continuing to hope for justice. • The summary also highlights the career of voice actor Peter Cullen, who is renowned for his iconic role as Optimus Prime in the "Transformers" franchise.

• Dolly Parton has become the most streamed artist globally following her recent passing. • Her music catalog experienced a massive surge in popularity, with streams increasing by 2,400%.

• Filipino folk-pop band Ben&Ben has released a physical edition of their 2019 debut studio album, *Limasawa Street*. • The album is now available on both CD and vinyl formats, marking a significant milestone nearly a decade into the group's career.