AGP Executive Report

Baltic Cinema Spotlight: Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) turns 30 with a special focus on Baltic cinema, putting Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on a bigger international stage (6–22 Nov). Riga Film Buzz: RIGA IFF (15–25 Oct) has unveiled its Short Film Competition programme—31 films over three days, with tickets via rigaiff.lv and Biļešu Serviss. Animation & Tech in Film: “Bouchra,” Morocco’s Blender-built animated feature, is making waves internationally after festival wins and strong critical reception. Media Training in Latvia: LSM launches “LSM Starts,” offering free Radio DJ and Multimedia training for young people, aiming to grow the next generation of Latvian media talent. Disinformation Watch (Latvia): A fake Euronews-style video falsely claimed a NATO exercise shooting in Latvia; Latvia’s National Armed Forces says it never happened. Sports on TV: Newcastle United vs Bournemouth has global broadcast listings for fans hunting where to watch.

Baltic Cinema Spotlight: Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) turns 30 this year, putting Baltic cinema in the spotlight with a special “Focus: Baltics” focus on regional talent and films. Riga Short Film Buzz: RIGA IFF (15–25 October) has unveiled its Short Film Competition programme, with 31 short films from Latvia and abroad across Camera 300, Documentary, International Shorts and Student categories. Media for Youth: Latvian Public Media (LSM) is launching “LSM Starts,” a free development project for young people combining the Radio 5 DJ School and a Multimedia track. Rothko Museum Season: The Rothko Museum in Latvia opens its autumn exhibition run on 11 September, with shows exploring light, shadow and contemporary dialogue. Disinformation Alert: A fake Euronews-style video falsely claimed a Ukrainian soldier shot NATO servicemen during a Latvia exercise; Latvia’s National Armed Forces denied it and called it a coordinated disinformation campaign.

RIGA IFF Short Film Focus: Riga International Film Festival (15–25 October) has unveiled its Short Film Competition programme, with 31 stories (Latvian and international) screened over three days, curated by Chantal Lian and Nanako Tsukidate, plus long-time curator Léo Soesanto. Baltic Cinema Spotlight: Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF, 6–22 November) puts Baltic cinema front and center for its 30th edition, highlighting regional talent and international impact, with festival visuals created by Estonian filmmaker Priit Pärn. Industry Pitching Boost: The 14th Baltic Pitching Forum (6–9 October, Vilnius) announced 12 short film projects from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and guest Italy, including Latvian entries like Mara’s House and Seeing John Malkovich. Rothko Museum Season: Rothko Museum’s autumn programme opens 11 September with “Light and Shadow,” pairing Yves Brayer with contemporary French artists and more. Music Night in Jūrmala: Baltic Awards 2026 laureates were celebrated at Dzintari Concert Hall with the sold-out GALA GALANTE. Viva La Musica! featuring Latvian and international performers.

Baltic Film Industry: The 14th Baltic Pitching Forum (VILNIUS, Oct 6–9) has unveiled 12 short-film projects to pitch to international experts, including Latvian entries like Egija Smeile’s “Mara’s House” and “Seeing John Malkovich” (Riga-set arrival of a faded Hollywood star). Art & Museums: Rothko Museum opens its autumn season (Sept 11) with “Light and Shadow,” pairing Yves Brayer’s French work with contemporary artists, plus other exhibitions across sculpture, painting, ceramics and installations. Riga Culture Calendar: “White Night” returns for its 21st run (Sept 5–6) with 30 free events across Old Riga and nearby districts, from exhibitions to discussions. Theatre: Chichester’s Minerva Theatre confirms the cast for Nina Segal’s modern “Antigone Exits” (Sept 26–Oct 17). Music: Jūrmala’s Dzintari Concert Hall hosted “GALA GALANTE. Viva La Musica!” as part of the Baltic Awards, featuring Latvian and international classical stars. Local Sports/Community: Riga’s SPORTA 2 quarter kicks off construction on its first phase (EUR 50m), aiming to blend offices with future cultural, dining and leisure spaces.

Rothko Museum Autumn Season: Daugavpils’ Rothko Museum opens its autumn programme on 11 Sept, with “Light and Shadow: Yves Brayer and Contemporary French Art” plus a wider mix of French, Italian and Latvian works across sculpture, painting, ceramics, textiles and installation. Riga Culture Calendar: Riga’s White Night returns on 5–6 Sept with 30 free culture and art events across Old Riga and nearby neighbourhoods, while Homo Novus runs 4–12 Sept as an international new theatre festival stretching along the Daugava. Film & Industry: Riga IFF has revealed its Short Film Competition programme for 15–25 Oct, selecting 31 films, including Latvian animation and documentary titles. Baltic Screen Pipeline: The Baltic Pitching Forum (6–9 Oct, Vilnius) announced 12 short-film projects from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and guest Italy, with Latvian entries including “Mara’s House” and “Seeing John Malkovich.” Music in Jūrmala: GALA GALANTE. Viva La Musica! lit up Dzintari Concert Hall on 22 Aug as a sold-out Baltic Awards 2026 laureates concert. Local Business & City Life: Riga’s SPORTA 2 quarter breaks ground on its first phase (EUR 50m investment) and LIDO House marks a major EUR 30m+ logistics and production expansion in the Riga Radio Factory area.

Baltic Security & Diplomacy: CIA chief John Ratcliffe’s secret Moscow trip is stirring fresh debate about whether stalled Ukraine talks and wider EU security fears are being handled through back channels rather than formal diplomacy. Nepal Flood Aftermath: Nepal rescue teams pulled two more workers alive from the Trishuli hydropower tunnels—bringing the total to three survivors—while Latvia’s MFA says three Latvian nationals are safe and 33 remain missing. Riga Arts Calendar: Riga’s White Night returns for its 21st run with 30 free culture and art events across Old Riga and nearby districts, plus the Homo Novus international new theatre festival (Sept 4–12) along the Daugava. Museum Spotlight: The Rothko Museum opens its autumn season (Sept 11 in Daugavpils) with “Light and Shadow,” pairing Yves Brayer with contemporary French artists. Film Industry: Riga IFF (Oct 15–25) has revealed its short film competition programme, including multiple Latvian titles and a national competition screening with filmmaker talks. Music in Jūrmala: Baltic Awards laureates celebrated at Dzintari Concert Hall with GALA GALANTE. Viva La Musica! featuring Latvian and regional stars.

Arts & Culture in Latvia: The Rothko Museum in Daugavpils opens its autumn season on 11 September with “Light and Shadow: Yves Brayer and Contemporary French Art,” plus a broader lineup exploring light, memory and encounter through sculpture, painting and installation. Film & Industry: Riga IFF (15–25 October) has revealed its Short Film Competition programme, with 31 selections and Latvian titles spanning animation and documentary. Music in Latvia: Jūrmala’s Dzintari Concert Hall hosted “GALA GALANTE. Viva La Musica!” for Baltic Awards 2026 laureates, blending classical and contemporary works in a sold-out celebration. Local Events: Riga’s White Night returns 5–6 September with 30 free culture and art events across Old Riga and nearby districts, while the international theatre festival “Homo Novus” runs 4–12 September along the Daugava. Regional Screen Talent: Baltic Pitching Forum (6–9 October, Vilnius) announced 12 short-film projects, including Latvian entries like “Mara’s House” and “Seeing John Malkovich.” International Spotlight: Nepal flood rescue news continues, with two workers pulled alive from a hydropower tunnel after nine days, and Latvia reports 33 nationals still missing.

Documentary Spotlight: Julia Loktev’s “My Undesirable Friends: Part II – Exile” keeps the pressure on with five chapters following journalists fleeing Russia after being branded foreign agents, turning an escape story into a globe-trotting, deeply human ordeal. Riga Culture Calendar: “White Night” returns for its 21st run on 5–6 September with 30 free culture and art events across Old Riga and nearby districts. Theatre & Film: The international “Homo Novus” new theatre festival lands 4–12 September along the Daugava, while Riga IFF (15–25 October) reveals its Short Film Competition programme with 31 selections, including multiple Latvian titles. Art Season: Daugavpils’ Rothko Museum kicks off its autumn exhibitions on 11 September with “Light and Shadow,” featuring Yves Brayer and contemporary French artists alongside Latvian works. Music & Pop Culture: Paris Paloma’s “The Fatal Flaw” arrives as a feminist, myth-soaked album about resistance, love, and becoming. Local Sports: Latvia’s election countdown hits one month to go (Oct 3), but for fans there’s also a steady stream of international sport coverage—plus Latvia-linked events like Riga IFF and major cultural festivals.

Riga Airport Expansion: RIX has kicked off the next stage of its passenger terminal upgrade, moving from planning to construction prep, adding about 20,000 sq m of new space plus new check-in, waiting, security screening and baggage areas. Latvia Election Watch: With one month to go until the Oct 3 Saeima vote, Latvia’s election calendar is now in full swing, while Latvia’s anti-corruption body KNAB has logged around 60 complaints about possible campaign breaches. Leipzig Drone Case (Latvia angle): Latvia’s security authorities say one Latvian suspect in the Leipzig airport attempted drone attack has been permanently resident in Russia for years, as EU states weigh sanctions after Germany blamed Russia. Baltic Film Spotlight: Tallinn’s Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) marks its 30th anniversary by putting Baltic cinema in focus, with Latvia’s animation “Flow” already cited among recent regional wins. Telluride Film Festival: Telluride unveiled a stacked indie-heavy lineup for Labor Day weekend, including world premieres featuring Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman, plus John Malkovich’s “Wild Horse Nine.” Tech & Sports: XTEND and JFB completed their merger, with the combined company set to trade on the NYSE as “XTND” from Sept 4; and athletics fans get a Riga-to-Copenhagen storyline as South Africa names its road-running team for Copenhagen.

Baltic Film Spotlight: Tallinn’s Black Nights Film Festival turns 30 and puts Baltic cinema in the spotlight, with a special anniversary focus and a new artistic leadership setup. Election Watch (Latvia): With one month to go until the Oct. 3 Saeima elections, Latvia’s election calendar is packed with key deadlines, from postal voting registration to early voting and radio campaign slots. Pre-election Integrity: Latvia’s Corruption Prevention bureau has logged around 60 complaints about possible campaign breaches, with several already confirmed. EU Security & Sanctions: EU and NATO leaders say Russia is behind the Leipzig airport drone incident, warning of a “new normal” and pushing fresh sanctions and tougher pressure. Leipzig Case Details: Germany names two suspects linked to Russia—one with a Latvian passport and another Belarusian with a Russian passport—after forensic links and investigation findings. Nepal Flood Rescue: Rescue teams in Nepal keep digging for workers trapped in hydropower tunnels as death tolls rise and hopes narrow. Tech for Outdoors: Huawei unveiled the Watch GT 7 series with new colors and added skiing/snowboarding features plus long battery life.

Baltic Security & Diplomacy: Germany says Russia was behind the failed explosive-drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport, and EU/NATO leaders vow a tougher response, including new sanctions and tighter entry rules for Russians; Finland also summoned Russia’s ambassador after investigators linked two suspects—one with a Latvian passport and another Belarusian with a Russian passport—to the plot. EU Policy: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says there’s broad support for stricter visa rules for Russian tourists and a ban for former combatants, arguing it’s “abnormal” that Russians can enjoy EU hospitality while Ukraine is bombed. Humanitarian Crisis: Nepal rescue teams are racing to reach workers feared trapped in hydropower tunnels after glacier-triggered floods; hopes hinge on ventilated chambers with food and water, while death tolls keep climbing and thousands remain missing. Local Culture & Film: Latvian audiences get a reminder of the wider arts world as a Ukrainian filmmaker criticises EU funding cuts to the Venice Biennale over the Russia pavilion row. Entertainment & Sports: The BFI London Film Festival announced its 70th line-up, and Latvia’s Ernests Gulbis is back in the spotlight in a look at his big-match legacy. Business & Tech: eBay will host its first Baltic Export Summit in Vilnius, aiming to connect regional sellers with global buyers.

Local Sports Spotlight: A 16-year-old Korean figure skater pulled off a viral upset in Riga, winning the ISU Junior Grand Prix with a personal-best 170.20 in the free program. Cycling & Events: The final start lists are confirmed for the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain in Lincoln, with 108 riders from 18 teams chasing stage glory. Food & Culture: Latvia’s Zaube Wild Food Festival marks its 10th anniversary this weekend at Zaube Manor Park, with new “Meadow Meat” and a Northern Vidzeme gastronomic network. Streaming Habits: Eurostat data shows a big EU paywall divide: Ireland leads paid film/TV streaming, while Bulgaria is lowest; Latvia sits at 16.7%. Defense & Public Alerts: Latvia’s Namejs 2026 national defence exercise kicks off across the country, while airspace alerts were issued in Alūksne and Ludza districts. Film & Arts Politics: Ukrainian director Sergei Loznitsa criticises the EU’s Venice Biennale funding cut over Russia’s pavilion, calling it “punishment in kindergarten.” International Arts & Music: The ethno-music festival “Echo of the Nomads” opened in Cholpon-Ata, running through Sept 4.

Latvia & Baltic Alerts: Latvia’s National Armed Forces issued an airspace threat warning in Alūksne (orange alert), with NATO Baltic Airspace Patrol jets scrambled; a separate Ludza-area alert was later lifted. Media Accountability: Latvia’s public broadcaster LSM sanctioned editor-in-chief Anita Brauna and radio news chief Zane Eniņa over storm coverage decisions during Aug. 22–23. Film & Industry: Montenegro Film Rendezvous wrapped a bigger, longer third edition with pitching, masterclasses and project-development meetings for 120+ film professionals from 30+ countries. Music: Fear Factory released new single “Roboticist,” with a full European tour that includes Riga (Sept. 3). Sports & Culture: Extreme Barcelona urban sports event (Sept. 4–6) adds live global streaming and a hybrid fitness race; Latvia’s presence is among the listed broadcast markets. Tech/Business: XTEND’s XTEND AI Robotics deal is set to close and begin NYSE trading under “XTND” on Sept. 4. Politics: NA demands answers from Latvia’s PM over objections to an immigration restriction plan.

Local Air Safety: Latvia’s National Armed Forces lifted an overnight airspace threat over Alūksne district after NATO Baltic Air Policing jets were scrambled, following a similar alert earlier for Ludza. Ukraine & EU Politics: EU foreign ministers kick off autumn talks in Ireland with Ukraine financing high on the agenda, while Belgium again blocks using frozen Russian assets—sparking fresh friction with the Baltic states. Music & Culture: Fear Factory unveiled new single “Roboticist” with a video and a full European tour that includes Riga. Film Industry: TrustNordisk shared new deals and a teaser for Venice competition drama “Woman Unknown,” while the Baltic Pitching Forum in Vilnius announced Latvian project line-ups. Sports & Entertainment: Extreme Barcelona urban sports lands a major broadcast push via International Sports Broadcasting, with coverage reaching Latvia and more. Tech & Daily Life: Latvia’s CSDD cyberattack is already triggering compensation claims, but officials urge people to wait for the State Data Inspectorate’s findings. Global Tragedy: Nepal–Tibet floods passed 1,000 deaths and thousands missing, with reports listing foreign nationals including Latvians among those unaccounted for.

Music & Live Scene: Industrial metal legends Fear Factory dropped the new single “Roboticist” with a video, kicking off their Cybernetic Domination tour that hits Vilnius (Sep 2) and Riga (Sep 3) among other European dates. Latvia & Arts/Industry: Montenegro Film Rendezvous wrapped its revamped third edition with pitching, master classes and panels as it grows into a bigger regional film-industry hub. Baltic Culture: The Baltic Way’s 37th anniversary brought fresh reflections on Gandhian-style non-violent resistance and the 1989 human chain that helped restore Baltic independence. Sports (Latvia in focus): Israel’s World Cup qualifier ended with Latvia winning 85-70, while Riga also hosted international calisthenics and street workout success. Local Business/City Planning: Riga entrepreneur Māris Martinsons argues the capital needs a stable 20–30-year development plan that survives election cycles. Tech/Infrastructure: Tet’s DC7 data centre in Salaspils earned Uptime Institute Tier III Facility certification, making Tet the only Latvian operator with two Tier III-certified sites. Humanitarian/Media: LSM and Ziedot.lv report 70,072 euros raised so far in a Ukraine Independence Day fundraising drive running until Sep 13.

Nepal-Tibet Floods Update: The death toll from the Himalayan flash floods and mudslides has climbed to 919 in total (903 in Nepal, 16 in Tibet), with 4,793 people still missing as rescue teams push deeper into devastated areas and a desperate search continues for workers believed trapped in hydropower tunnels. Foreign Nationals Named: China says 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries are unaccounted for on its side, including 33 Latvians (plus Nepalis, Indians, Americans, Britons and others), while Nepal reports 592 foreigners among the missing. Rescue Focus: Authorities describe a race against time to reach hydropower construction sites, where tunnels are flooded and access is repeatedly complicated by swollen rivers and unstable terrain. Latvia in Sports: Israel’s World Cup basketball hopes ended with a Latvia 85-70 win in qualifiers. Latvia in Film: Latvian minority coproduction “From Red Lights to Limelights” won at MakeDox, and Estonia selected “Our Erika / Meie Erika” (Latvian co-production) as its Oscar contender. Music & Live Shows: Metal band Fear Factory debuted new single “Roboticist” and played it live in their current tour, including a Riga stop at Palladium (Sep 3).