Film

• *Avatar: Fire And Ash* emerged as the most-watched international film on Indian OTT platforms between January and June 2026, securing over 7 million views. • The rankings were dominated by JioHotstar, which held the top spots, though Netflix also maintained a strong presence with multiple entries in the top 10 list. • This data highlights the massive scale of the *Avatar* franchise's appeal and the competitive landscape between major streaming services in the Indian market.

• Luminate released its 2026 Midyear Report on July 15, 2026, detailing key trends across the global music, television, and film industries. • The analysis is based on 30 trillion data points sourced from hundreds of verified providers and processed by a team of expert analysts. • This report provides critical insights into the entertainment landscape for the first half of 2026, serving as a benchmark for industry stakeholders.

• Hollywood is shifting away from all-American blockbusters by increasingly casting international actors to appeal to global audiences and embrace cross-border storytelling. • Recent major projects have featured a diverse array of talent, including Ma Dong-seok in ‘Eternals,’ Simu Liu in ‘Shang-Chi,’ and Tenoch Huerta in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ • This trend highlights a strategic move to integrate actors from regions such as South Korea, Pakistan, China, and Mexico to broaden the reach of cinematic franchises.

• Amber Davies, starring in the musical *Legally Blonde*, requested that a front-row audience member be removed from the theater for filming the performance. • The actress expressed her disapproval of recording shows, citing the disruption it causes to the live experience and the integrity of the production. • This incident highlights the ongoing tension between theater etiquette and the prevalence of smartphone recording in live entertainment venues.

• Over three dozen California state legislators sent a formal letter to Governor Gavin Newsom and state leaders warning that the film and TV tax credit program is under threat. • The legislators are urging government officials to protect the incentives that attract entertainment productions to the state. • This program is critical for maintaining California's competitive edge against other states and countries that offer aggressive tax breaks to lure studios.

• The 2026 Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland has unveiled its official program, featuring an "adventurous selection" of films designed to tackle contemporary challenges. • The lineup includes works from acclaimed directors such as Hong Sang-soo, Albert Serra, Vincent Grashaw, Erin Vassilopoulos, and Nelson Yeo. • High-profile actors including Isabelle Huppert, Monica Bellucci, and Caleb Landry Jones will appear in films premiering at the event.

The advocacy group’s Where We Are In Film study finds a decrease in queer people of color and zero trans characters in 2025 filmsLGBTQ+ characters are slowly disappearing from film in a trend that disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ characters of color, according to a report published today.An annual study of films by Glaad (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) has found that just 46 of 225 films released in 2025 contained LGBTQ+ characters, making only 20.4% of last year’s movies inclusive of the queer community. Continue reading...

• Singapore is currently reviewing its film classification framework to reconsider the restrictions on the use of dialects in movies. • Minister Tan Kiat How stated that the government is exploring ways to allow more space for dialects while continuing to uphold the status of Mandarin. • This review matters as it addresses the balance between preserving cultural heritage and maintaining the national language policy.

• The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) has announced the winners of its "KVIFF Promises" category for the 2026 edition. • Notable winning works-in-progress include the Ukrainian film project ‘Reminiscence,’ as well as ‘Selamlik’ and ‘They Bloom at Dawn.’ • These awards highlight promising upcoming cinematic projects, providing critical recognition and support for filmmakers during the production phase.

• Streaming platform ZEE5 removed the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film ‘Satluj’ from its Indian catalogue less than two days after its debut. • The platform has not provided an official explanation for the sudden removal of the controversial title. • The incident highlights the volatility of digital releases and the potential impact of censorship or legal disputes on high-profile Indian cinema.

• Musician Charli xcx announced her upcoming album, 'Music, Fashion, Film', on June 1 via an Instagram post featuring the album cover. • To promote the release, the artist will host a series of listening sessions across 25 different cities globally. • The album's title and cover art are represented by figures John Cale, Marc Jacobs, and Martin Scorsese, symbolizing music, fashion, and film.

• The Singapore government is shifting its approach toward dialect artistic materials, viewing them as essential heritage and cultural practices rather than competitors to Mandarin. • David Neo and Tan Kiat How highlighted that the state now welcomes community ideas to preserve dialect cultures while maintaining the strategic importance of Mandarin. • This shift matters as it acknowledges the cultural value of dialects in cinema and art, moving away from previous restrictive language policies.

• Diljit Dosanjh's film 'Satluj' was abruptly removed from the streaming platform ZEE5 shortly after its release. • The film had previously faced years of delays due to certification issues and legal rows with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). • This incident has reignited a broader public debate regarding censorship and the challenges filmmakers face when navigating regulatory hurdles in India.

• Alia Bhatt's latest film, *Alpha*, experienced a significant box office jump over the weekend as of July 6, 2026. • By its third day of release, *Alpha* has already surpassed the total lifetime earnings of Bhatt's previous project, *Jigra*. • This surge highlights the film's strong commercial momentum and positive audience reception during its opening window.

The Nigerian-American writer says she ‘will not watch’ Gina Prince-Bythewood’s adaptation of her fantasy bestsellerTomi Adeyemi, the author of the popular YA fantasy Children of Blood and Bone, has distanced herself from the forthcoming film adaptation of her book.“There is a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work,” the Nigerian-American author said in group chat messages shared to TikTok. Continue reading...

Documentary No Country for Mothers details how US moms lack support, paid leave and childcare help – and hopes to inspire push for actionWhen Reshma Saujani set out to make a documentary, she was clear from the outset: it would not be released on streaming platforms, or at film festivals.Instead, No Country for Mothers – a new movie about how moms across the US are being failed – is being screened by hundreds of the subject themselves, nationwide, in person. Continue reading...

• Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have reportedly held a lavish wedding ceremony at Madison Square Garden in New York City. • An entertainment insider claims the event is being professionally filmed, sparking speculation that the wedding may eventually be released on a streaming platform. • The event has already become one of the year's most significant celebrity milestones due to the high profile of both the pop star and the NFL athlete.

• The low-budget Chinese family drama "Dear You," performed in the Teochew language, has unexpectedly become a major box office hit in China. • The film explores themes of migration and identity, resonating with audiences despite being spoken in a dialect that many mainland Chinese viewers struggle to understand. • Beijing views the film's success as a strategic opportunity to strengthen cultural ties and court Chinese diaspora communities living abroad, such as those in Malaysia.

• The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is highlighting emerging European talent through its "Future Frames" program, which showcases award-winning short films from students and recent graduates. • Featured filmmakers include a director developing "Some Korean Summer," a cross-cultural romance, and "The Persimmon Tree." • André Vaara of the Stockholm University of the Arts is also highlighted for his work "Sister of Mine" and his upcoming first feature, "Beautiful Misfits."

• To mark the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States this July 4 weekend, NPR is exploring media that portrays the "American dream." • Aisha Harris and Linda Holmes from NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour are discussing specific films, TV series, and musical works that capture the national experience. • The conversation highlights Stevie Wonder's song "Higher Ground" as a key example of the collective resilience and the struggle for a better life in America.

• The Chinese film industry is experiencing a period of growth and success, highlighted by the popularity of the film "Dear You." • The film's success is attributed to its organic feel and the fact that it does not appear to be a state-directed propaganda piece. • This trend raises critical questions about whether the Beijing government can resist the urge to intervene in creative processes to maintain artistic authenticity.

• Universal's new film "Minions & Monsters" topped the North American box office on July 5, 2026. • The movie earned $16 million during its opening weekend, securing the top spot in the market. • This performance highlights the continued commercial strength of the Minions franchise within the global entertainment industry.

• AI-generated content has seen an explosive rise in China's entertainment sector, with over 95% of new microdramas in the first quarter of 2026 being AI-produced. • This marks a drastic shift from a year prior, when the prevalence of AI-generated microdramas was near zero. • Major Chinese entertainment companies are now publicly acknowledging the rapid technological advances and the disruption AI is bringing to traditional filmmaking.

• The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is highlighting emerging European talent through its "Future Frames" program, which showcases prize-winning short films by students and recent graduates. • Featured filmmakers include André Vaara from Sweden's Stockholm University of the Arts, whose work explores identity and gender roles and who is developing his first feature, "Beautiful Misfits." • Other emerging directors are developing diverse projects, such as "Some Korean Summer," a cross-cultural romance, and a feature titled "The Persimmon Tree."

• The 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) is scheduled to take place from July 3-11, 2026, featuring a lineup of world premieres. • A highlighted selection includes "Dao," a three-hour family epic by Senegalese director Alain Gomis that previously screened at Berlinale 2026. • The film "Dao" explores cultural dynamics and family gatherings across France and Guinea-Bissau, focusing on two women within the same culture.

Emails sent between MP Anoulak Chanthivong’s staff take cautious approach to AI giant arriving in Sydney – despite the government’s encouragementGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe NSW technology minister’s office removed a reference to being “absolutely thrilled” about OpenAI opening a Sydney office after staffers joked a dystopian Skynet could be headed for the city within five years.Artificial intelligence giant OpenAI announced its first Australian office in August last year, before opening in December. Continue reading...

• Foreign film productions invested 4.025 billion baht in Thailand during the first half of 2026, positioning the country to set a new annual record for investment. • The surge is being driven by major platforms like Netflix and a growing trend in "vertical dramas," which are short-form screen formats popular in China and across Asia. • This growth highlights Thailand's increasing competitiveness as a global filming hub and its ability to adapt to evolving digital content consumption habits.

• The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced its 2026 programme, which will run from August 13-19. • The lineup features 38 new feature film presentations, including 21 world premieres, with 10 of those competing for the Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence. • The event will introduce the inaugural EIFF Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award, which will be presented to Kenneth Branagh.