AGP Executive Report

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.

Arts & Culture in Beirut: Cedar Symposium 2 brought about 35 artists from Lebanon and Iraq to Beirut, with events running through Sept. 8 and a clear message of coexistence and peace through visual art. Local Creative Resilience: In eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa, a 13-year-old Syrian displaced girl is turning crochet into more than a hobby—building small-business hopes for her family. Lebanon-Iraq Cultural Links: The Khanaqin delegation in traditional Kurdish dress and flags of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq joined the Beirut event, signaling cross-border cultural solidarity. Sports as Cultural Return: Palestinian football restarted after nearly three years with the “Thousand Martyrs Cup,” including matches in Lebanon’s Ain Al-Hilweh camp—sporting life slowly coming back amid conflict. Regional Security Spotlight: Israel-Hezbollah tensions remain focused on the Ali al-Taher hill, where reports say Israel has taken “operational control,” keeping the southern front tense.

Lebanon Arts & Culture: At the Venice Film Festival, Rami Kodeih’s Beirut-set heist drama “Furies” is drawing major attention for its raw, sibling-driven energy and sharp take on Lebanon’s economic collapse. Arts & Fashion: Amal Clooney kept the spotlight on Lebanese-adjacent style in Venice, wearing a Stella McCartney raspberry-print look at a Creative Artists Agency event. Music: Lebanon native Chase Wright is bringing country music back home with an Indianapolis show at Hi-Fi on Sept. 10, featuring songs from his latest album “Chasing Shadows.” Community & Access: Upper Valley trails are expanding with new accessible routes for people with mobility challenges, part of a wider push to open outdoor recreation to all. Arts & Entertainment (Global): HBO Max’s “Conan O’Brien Must Go” returns with Sona Movsesian chasing Morocco’s argan oil—an episode built for laughs and travel chaos.

Fashion & Film in Venice: Amal Clooney kept her Venice Film Festival streak going in a Stella McCartney raspberry-print maxidress, stepping out with George Clooney at a creativity event. Lebanon on the runway: H&M announced Lebanese couturier Elie Saab as its next designer collaborator, promising an ornate, glamourous menswear, womenswear and accessories collection. Lebanon in cinema: George Clooney-backed Lebanese heist thriller “Furies” premiered in Venice with a first-look clip, set against Lebanon’s banking freeze during the economic collapse. Arts & craft spotlight: Aline Asmar d’Amman’s couture design work for Orient Express Venezia was profiled, tying Lebanese-born architecture to Venice’s historic palaces. Cultural life, Lebanon-linked: Save the Children reported Lebanon’s child toll in the Israel–Hezbollah conflict, warning education access could be hit for the coming school year. Music & identity: A Lebanese comedian, John Achkar, brought English stand-up to Fringe 2026 after success with Arabic-speaking audiences.

Southern Lebanon Update: Israeli forces say they’ve taken “operational control” of the Ali Taher ridge area after clearing a Hezbollah outpost, with demining of underground infrastructure reported. Prisoner/Negotiations: Israel approved the release of five Lebanese detainees described as non-militants, with handovers via the ICRC reported. Cultural Heritage: The FBI returned Roman-era lead sarcophagus fragments looted from Tyre to Lebanon, underscoring ongoing anti-trafficking cooperation. Lebanon in the Spotlight: Lebanese-Palestinian actress Sirine Saba is set to join HBO’s Harry Potter series as Professor Pomona Sprout. Fashion: H&M announced its next designer collaboration with Beirut-born Elie Saab, launching Oct. 22 across select Gulf and Egypt markets and online. Arts & Community: Fresno State’s Armenian Studies Program opens a photo exhibition linking Los Angeles, Beirut, Artsakh and Fresno through Ara Oshagan’s work. Sports as Resistance: The “Thousand Martyrs Cup” returns football to Palestine and Lebanon after a three-year hiatus, opening Sept. 4.

Fashion & Culture: Lebanese designer Elie Saab is bringing his red-carpet glamour to the high street with an ELIE SAAB x H&M collection launching Oct. 22 in Egypt and across the Gulf, with embellished gowns, sequins, lace and monograms. Film/TV: HBO’s Harry Potter series has released a new teaser, spotlighting Lebanese-Palestinian actress Sirine Saba as Professor Pomona Sprout. Media Business: ITP Media Group has acquired Singapore’s Heart Media Group, expanding its luxury and lifestyle media footprint across Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore while keeping editorial identity intact. Arts & Heritage: The FBI returned Roman-era sarcophagus fragments linked to workshops in Tyre, south Lebanon, underscoring ongoing efforts against illicit antiquities trafficking. Music/Events: Adriatique returns to Ushuaïa Dubai on Nov. 14 with their “X” show. Sports (Local Interest): A busy football week kicks off with L-L League Week 2 previews and match coverage.

Cultural Heritage: The FBI returned three recovered Roman-era sarcophagus fragments to Lebanon in New York, with officials saying the pieces match workshops in Tyre and were likely taken through illicit excavations. Community & Culture: Stockton, California is set to host the first-ever Central Valley Lebanese Festival on Oct. 3 at St. Sharbel Garden, featuring Lebanese food, live oud music, zaffe and dabke lessons plus a crowd-voted dabke competition. Arts Education: Junction Arts and Media (JAM) is wrapping its youth film project “Valley Transit,” built through a teen mentorship program and a Summer Feature Film Intensive. Arts & Film (Regional): The BFI London Film Festival will spotlight south Asian and MENA cinema this October, including a 4K restoration of Kamal Amrohi’s “Pakeezah.” Local Safety Watch: A small plane crash-landed near a playground in Lebanon, Tennessee; the pilot survived and federal investigators are looking into what caused it.