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Guillermo del Toro's long-anticipated adaptation of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' premiered at Venice, receiving a near 15-minute standing ovation. Starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, the film blends gothic storytelling with modern themes. It will be released in UK cinemas on October 17 and on Netflix on November 7, 2025.
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Paramount and other industry leaders have publicly rejected a boycott pledge calling for a ban on Israeli film institutions implicated in Gaza conflict. The pledge, signed by numerous actors and filmmakers, aims to oppose what signatories see as complicity in Israeli actions. Responses highlight tensions over artistic freedom and political activism amid ongoing Gaza violence.
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On September 6, 2025, the Venice Film Festival awarded the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize to 'The Voice of Hind Rajab,' a docudrama depicting the killing of six-year-old Palestinian Hind Rajab Hamada during the Gaza conflict. Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, the film uses real audio of Hind's desperate calls for rescue. Jim Jarmusch's 'Father Mother Sister Brother' won the Golden Lion. The film sparked global attention and controversy, highlighting the ongoing Gaza war's human toll.
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Several European countries, including Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands, threaten to boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates, citing the ongoing Gaza conflict. The European Broadcasting Union is consulting members on managing participation amid geopolitical tensions, with Israel's involvement uncertain until December's decision.
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Multiple sources report ongoing violence and humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan, with thousands killed and widespread displacement. Cultural figures worldwide are raising awareness through concerts, films, and open letters, demanding recognition of genocide and urging action from governments. The stories highlight the role of media, activism, and artistic expression in shaping public response.
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Several European broadcasters threaten to boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, citing concerns over Gaza conflict and press freedom. The European Broadcasting Union has given countries until December to decide on participation amid protests and political pressure.
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Netflix’s third season of "Monster," titled "The Ed Gein Story," premiered on October 3, 2025, starring Charlie Hunnam as the infamous Wisconsin killer. The series dramatizes Gein’s crimes and their cultural impact, inspiring horror icons like "Psycho" and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." While Hunnam’s performance has been praised, critics and historians have challenged the show’s historical accuracy and narrative choices, sparking debate among viewers and experts.
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This week features the release of Babak Anvari's thriller "Hallow Road," debuting Friday, alongside the final episodes of "Only Murders in the Building" season five, streaming simultaneously in the UK and US. Notable film releases include "The Mastermind" starring Josh O’Connor, Kathryn Bigelow’s 1995 cult film "Strange Days," and Ben Stiller’s documentary tribute "Stiller & Meara" on Apple TV+. Streaming debuts also include Eva Victor’s "Sorry, Baby" on HBO Max and "Ballad of a Small Player" on Netflix.