Scottish novelist and screenwriter known for Trainspotting
Fifteen towns have been shortlisted from nearly 400 applications to become the UK Town of Culture 2028. Each shortlisted town will receive £60,000 to develop full bids, with the winner receiving £3 million to host a year‑long cultural programme in 2028; runners‑up receive £250,000 each. The shortlist includes Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, Stockton Town Centre Ward, Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, Port Talbot, Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham. The decision will be made by an independent panel early next year.
Film at Lincoln Center has unveiled its main slate for the New York Film Festival, promising a mix of international cinema and high-profile premieres. Gray's Paper Tiger opens the festival, with Behemoth center stage, and Ava DuVernay's 14th closing the lineup. Other veteran and rising directors feature prominently.
The UK tour of Trainspotting The Musical has been cancelled due to lower-than-expected ticket sales, following a poorly received West End debut. The show, written by Irvine Welsh, had planned visits to Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh among other cities. The West End run continues until September 5.