AGP Executive Report

Film Festival Buzz: Fantasia International Film Festival’s 30th edition (Montreal, July 16–Aug 2) drops a second wave of premieres, including the big-screen return of Apple TV’s “Cape Fear” series finale. Baltic Business & Media: LSM is rolling out a unified brand and visual identity after the Latvian TV and Radio merger, aiming for one recognizable public media voice across platforms. Arts & Culture Spotlight: Riga Photography Biennial 2026 is set to wrap with a Chekhov Theatre Gallery closing exhibition featuring Ieva Epnere’s solo show. Music & Live Shows: “Seven in Seven” highlights the week’s regional gigs, including Violet Grohl at World Stage Live and Mekons at the Latvian Society. Sports (Latvia in the mix): FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2026 details are out, with Latvia in Group B (Aug 7–15 in Oradea), plus the U16 Women’s EuroBasket in Pitesti (Aug 14–22) where Latvia also appears in Group B. Fashion/Commerce: Printful launches new guides for sustainable clothing brands and eco-friendly fabrics, aimed at lowering risk for creators.

Latvian Film Spotlight: “Ulya” — a Cannes-premiered Latvian biopic about basketball legend Uļjana Semjonova — is getting fresh attention, including behind-the-scenes coverage of the creative team and its coming-of-age story set in late-1960s Latvia. Riga Photo Biennial: Ieva Epnere’s solo exhibition opens June 9 at the Chekhov Theatre Gallery as part of Riga Photography Biennial 2026, turning her father’s apartment into a living archive of memory and time. International Arts & Culture: The Venice Biennale is facing legal threats from 100+ artists over alleged mishandling of “Visitor Lion” award withdrawals, after a jury resignation sparked wider protest. Sports (Latvia in the mix): Latvia is listed among teams for the FIBA U16 Women’s EuroBasket 2026 in Pitesti (Aug 14–22) and the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2026 in Oradea (Aug 7–15). Baltic Business/Tech: Polestar expands into Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with new retail spaces planned for Riga and charging access across the region. Local Safety Note: An air threat warning for Alūksne municipality was issued early Wednesday and later lifted, with NATO jets scrambled.

Latvian Film Spotlight: Cannes-premiered “Ulya,” a biopic of basketball legend Ulyana Semjonova, is getting fresh attention with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the Latvian creative team and photographer Agnese Zeltiņa, while reviews highlight its haunting, black-and-white approach to identity and belonging. Riga Arts & Culture: The Chekhov Theatre Gallery opens Ieva Epnere’s solo show “Tuesday” on June 9, running until Sept 27, as part of the Riga Photography Biennial 2026. Fashion & Sustainability (Global, with local relevance): Printful released two new resources for aspiring sustainable brands—one on starting a sustainable clothing label and another on eco-friendly fabrics for print-on-demand. Sports (Latvia in the mix): Latvia is listed among teams for FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket 2026 in Stockholm (Aug 1–9), with the tournament’s group breakdown including Latvia in Group D. Community & Safety: Latvia’s early warning system test had a hiccup—one emergency siren in Kurzeme didn’t work, and some residents reported delayed or missing cell alerts. Local Sports Business: Life Time Grand Prix 2026 wildcard spots were decided, with Latvian rider Martins Blums earning a place after strong gravel results.

Local Alerts: Latvia’s early warning system scare in Alūksne is over after a potential air threat alert was issued at 4:59 a.m. and stood down around 6:20, with NATO jets scrambled. Public Safety Tech: A nationwide siren and cell-broadcast test found one of 160 sirens failed in Kurzeme, while officials say phone settings and updates can affect who receives alerts. Latvian Film Spotlight: “Ulya,” a Latvian-set biopic about basketball legend Uļjana Semjonova, premiered at Cannes and is now reviewed for its haunting black-and-white look and focus on identity. Riga Photo Biennial: Ieva Epnere’s solo exhibition “Tuesday” opens June 9 at the Chekhov Theatre Gallery, turning her weekly visits to her father’s apartment into a memory-driven photo series. Culture in Liepāja: Tickets are on sale for the opera “Sun & Sea” (April 8–11, 2027), a climate-crisis-themed contemporary production making its first Latvian appearance. Sports—Youth Basketball: FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2026 details are out, with Latvia in Group D in Trentino (July 15–Aug 2). International Arts: The Sydney Film Festival kicks off with documentary “Silenced,” and the Palm Springs International ShortFest reveals a 329-film lineup.

Latvian Film Spotlight: Cannes Un Certain Regard premiered “Ulya,” a biopic of basketball legend Ulyana Semjonova, and Latvian photographer Agnese Zeltiņa shared behind-the-scenes moments from the premiere. Riga Photography Biennial: The Chekhov Theatre Gallery will host Ieva Epnere’s solo exhibition “Tuesday,” running June 9–Sept 27, built around weekly visits to her father’s apartment and memory through light and objects. Opera in Liepāja: Ticket sales opened for “Sun & Sea” (Saulė ir jūra), a climate-crisis themed contemporary opera that will stage in Liepāja Concert Hall in April 2027 as part of Liepāja’s European Capital of Culture year. Sports & Culture: Latvia’s choir scene gets a closer look, showing how traditional singing brings together people across languages and backgrounds. Film Awards Abroad: Lithuania’s “The Visitor” swept major Silver Crane Awards, while Karlovy Vary unveiled its 60th-edition competition lineup including “Hijamat.” Tech/Defense (Latvia-linked): Drone training for combat is highlighted, with Latvia-based Drone Force — Europe stressing sports pilots must relearn slow, patient targeting.

Startup & Networking: HIPTHER is giving 50 free delegate passes to members of Estonia’s Eestistartup for “HIPTHER Baltics & Nordics: Tallinn 2026,” with a packed agenda on AI, fintech, digital identity and investment. Music & Culture: The “Sail of Hope” bard festival returns for its 12th edition near Lake Sevan, bringing singer-songwriters from Armenia and neighboring countries, with applications open until June 10. Space & Ambition: France has signed a two-mission deal with Vast for flights to the ISS and Haven-1, aiming for the first crewed commercial space station launch in 2027. Art & Exhibitions: Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre marks its 5-year anniversary with new shows, including photography and solo exhibitions, plus a 4D multimedia fountain moment. Film Awards: Germany’s Lola Awards crowned “Sound of Falling” as the big winner, sweeping major categories including screenplay and cinematography. Sports (Latvia in focus): Latvia’s basketball 3x3 star Karlis Lasmanis says the FIBA 3x3 World Cup title is the one missing goal for the team. Hockey (Latvia region): Helsinki and Riga have been awarded the 2030 IIHF Men’s World Championship. Media & Policy: Latvia’s NEPLP chair Ivars Āboliņš is stepping down to become parliamentary secretary at the Ministry of Culture. Tourism Impact: Latvia’s Restaurant Association warns that chaotic messaging about airspace threats is already hurting bookings and hospitality revenues. Community & Belonging: A new piece highlights how choir music helps Latvians of different backgrounds feel together.

German Film Awards (Lola Awards): Mascha Schilinski’s Cannes Jury Prize winner Sound of Falling dominated Berlin’s 76th Deutscher Filmpreis, taking 10 of 11 nominations, including Golden Lola for Best Feature, plus major craft wins. Venice Biennale Spotlight: Ukraine’s pavilion is drawing intense attention, with artist Zhanna Kadyrova’s suspended “Origami Deer” setting a tense, construction-site mood as the Biennale’s Ukraine focus grows. Travel Behaviour Crackdown: The UK’s “One Too Many” campaign is back for 2026, warning passengers that disruptive conduct can mean fines, bans, and even prison. Music Tour News: A$AP Rocky adds seven more dates to his European “Don’t Be Dumb” tour, extending the leg into October due to demand. Latvia Arts & Culture: Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre marks its 5-year anniversary with new exhibitions and a 4D multimedia fountain show. Local Media/Politics: NEPLP chair Ivars Āboliņš steps down to become Parliamentary Secretary at Latvia’s Ministry of Culture. Sports (Latvia in the mix): Karlis Lasmanis keeps chasing Latvia’s missing 3x3 World Cup gold ahead of Warsaw 2026. Community & Safety: Latvia’s restaurant industry warns that chaotic messaging about drone threats is already hurting tourism bookings.

Baltic Defence Update: Estonia has started installing stationary drone-detection systems along its border with Russia, with more coverage planned by year-end—an escalation that comes as Latvia has already faced drone incursions and resignations tied to the fallout. Regional Security: Russia is pushing a case at the UN’s top court over alleged crackdowns on Russian-speakers in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, while NATO and EU leaders keep warning that drone incidents are getting more dangerous. Latvia in Focus (Sports): Norway’s Michael Brandsegg-Nygard helped drive a 2-0 win over Latvia at the IIHF World Championship, sending Norway into the semifinals. Film & Streaming: “Arco” (now on Hulu) is getting renewed attention as a feel-good animated sci-fi about time travel and family imagination. Cosplay Buzz: JO☆STARS will perform at the World Cosplay Summit 2026 in Nagoya, with ticket sales starting June 6. Local Tragedy: Three Latvian climbers died on Alaska’s Mount McKinley/Denali during a fall; one was rescued and operations shifted to recovery.

Drone Defense Upgrade: Estonia has installed its first stationary systems to detect and monitor drones along the border with Russia, with more sections to be covered by year-end. Baltic Tensions: Russia says it will take Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to the UN’s top court over alleged crackdowns on Russian-speakers, as Moscow pushes its case through the International Court of Justice. Latvia in the Spotlight: Latvia’s earlier drone incident near Rezekne still echoes in the region’s security debate. Sports—Hockey: Canada powered past the U.S. 4-0 to reach the IIHF World Championship semis, setting up a Finland clash; Latvia’s presence continues to be felt as Norway advanced with a win over Latvia. Culture—Music & Film: A Latvian ministerial reshuffle brings Nauris Puntulis back as Culture Minister, while Cannes buzz continues with coverage of the 2026 festival’s standout movies and a streaming spotlight on the animated sci-fi Arco. Tragedy—Mountaineering: Three Latvian climbers died and one was rescued after a fall on Alaska’s Denali/Mount McKinley region, with recovery efforts shifting after the incident. Cosplay—Global Event: JO☆STARS is set to perform at the World Cosplay Summit 2026 in Nagoya, with ticket sales starting June 6.

Latvia in the spotlight on security policy: Estonia, Latvia and other countries backed a new underwater critical infrastructure defence framework, GUIDE, launched at the Shangri-La Dialogue, aiming to protect energy and telecom links from disruption. Regional arts & culture: Nauris Puntulis returned as Latvia’s Minister of Culture after a parliamentary vote, bringing his rock-and-opera background back to the role. Local creative scene: An upcycled piano now decorates a bus stop in Iisaku, painted by local children to mark 600 years of the town’s recorded history. Media & business: Havas Latvia named Mārtiņš Kairovs as Country Manager from June 1, succeeding Ivo Rundans. Sports (Latvia-linked): Latvia’s presence at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup is confirmed in Pool B (Warsaw, June 1–7). International entertainment & sport watch: Canada face Finland in IIHF Worlds semis, while the Cannes-to-streaming animated film “Arco” lands on Hulu.

Latvia in the spotlight: Nauris Puntulis has returned as Latvia’s Minister of Culture after a parliamentary vote, bringing him back to the role he held from 2019 to 2023; he’s a former Pērkons rock band singer and now leads the culture portfolio in the new Andris Kulbergs-led government. Arts & culture on the move: Riga’s summer calendar gets a boost with a Hippie and Punk Festival in the Lastādija Cultural Quarter, plus the 5th Grand Concert at Mežaparks featuring Intars Busulis, Laima Vaikule, Žoržs Siksna and more. Film to stream: “Arco” is now on Hulu, a feel-good animated sci-fi about a boy who steals a time-traveling cape—an easy watch for festival-favorite animation fans. Music review: A Latvian accordionist and US bass-baritone team up for a Schubert “Winterreise” styled concert, swapping piano for accordion in a cabaret-like approach. International backdrop: A Russian drone crash into a residential building in NATO-member Romania injured two and triggered strong NATO/EU condemnation, underscoring how the Ukraine war’s risks keep spilling across borders.

Latvia Culture & Arts: Nauris Puntulis is back as Latvia’s Minister of Culture after a 28 May vote, returning to the role he held from 2019–2023; a former Pērkons rock singer and Latvian National Opera soloist, he’ll lead the ministry in the new Kulbergs-led cabinet. Latvia Politics (with entertainment crossover): Latvia’s Saeima approved Andris Kulbergs as interim prime minister, with border security a top priority after the recent drone crisis. Music & Local Pride: Iisaku’s bus stop got an upcycled piano decorated by local children to mark 600 years since the town was first mentioned in records—now it’s become a summer mini-attraction. International Music: Che Fu was inducted into the Aotearoa Music Hall of Fame at the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards, celebrating Niuean pride with a takalo performance and a big closing medley. Global Screen News: BBC docudrama “Titanic Sinks Tonight” has been picked up by major broadcasters including National Geographic and HBO Max, with Telia Play carrying it in Latvia. Sports (Latvia in the spotlight): Latvia is listed in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 pools in Warsaw, set to run June 1–7. Regional Security (context for audiences): A Russian drone crash in Romania injured two people and triggered NATO/EU condemnation, with Romania calling it a serious escalation.

Streaming & TV: Sony Pictures Television has sold BBC docu-drama “Titanic Sinks Tonight” worldwide, with National Geographic (US) premiering June 22 and Tet+ (Latvia) among the latest platforms. Arts & Culture: The Council of Europe officially recognized the Singing Heritage Route linking Baltic and Nordic traditions across Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Music: Japanese metal legends Boris announced a UK/Europe run celebrating the 20th anniversary of “Pink”, with tickets going on sale May 29. Latvia Politics (with culture angle): Latvia’s Saeima approved opposition leader Andris Kulbergs as interim prime minister, with border security a top priority after the drone crisis. Sports (Latvia relevance): At the IIHF World Championship, Norway vs Latvia is set for May 28 knockout action, with free streaming promoted via IIHF.TV. Local Arts/Community: Latvia’s Child Protection Centre reported a sharp rise in submissions about children’s rights, launching a campaign aimed at strengthening support for kids.

Latvia Politics: The Saeima has approved Andris Kulbergs as interim prime minister after Evika Silina resigned over the drone crisis, with Kulbergs promising a more effective, professional government and a renewed focus on border security; his cabinet includes key continuity (Foreign Minister Baiba Braze) plus new Defense and Interior leadership. Baltic Culture: The Council of Europe has officially recognized the Baltic-Nordic “Singing Heritage Route,” linking traditions across Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, from runosong and leelo to Latgalian pusbolss and sutartinės. Latvian Arts & Media: Latvian Radio’s “Open Files” says it uncovered a Barcelona tourist-rental scheme funneling money into Latvia’s biggest bank, tracing proceeds to purchases including a luxury Porsche in Riga. Sports (Hockey): Canada and USA clash in the IIHF World Championship quarterfinals, while Norway takes on Latvia later the same day—big knockout stakes for the region’s fans. Music (Eurovision): DARA’s Eurovision 2026 winner “Bangaranga” keeps topping charts across Europe, including strong streaming and top positions in Latvia and beyond.

Baltic Security Update: Latvia says it will boost anti-drone defenses along the eastern border with Belarus and Russia, deploying mobile interceptor units and automated turrets after repeated UAV incursions and NATO air-scramble moments. Eurovision Music Buzz: Bulgaria’s Eurovision 2026 winner “Bangaranga” by DARA keeps dominating charts across Europe, hitting No. 1 in Austria, Germany, Sweden and Lithuania and topping Spotify daily charts in multiple countries including Latvia. French Open Shock & Spotlight: Elena Rybakina is knocked out early at Roland Garros in a major upset by Yuliia Starodubtseva, while Iga Swiatek and Elina Svitolina cruise into the third round. Latvian Arts & Community: A big wind-orchestra concert “Skanēt savā laikā” brings 500+ musicians from Vidzeme and Latgale together in Balvi on May 30, featuring Latvian composers and folk arrangements. Local Culture/Markets: First Latvian harvests are landing in markets—strawberries, new potatoes, beets and carrots—with early prices starting high and easing as supply grows. Sports (Hockey): Canada faces USA in the IIHF World Championship quarterfinal, with Canada entering as the favorite after an unbeaten group run.

Baltic Drone Defense: Latvia says it will deploy interceptor drone units to its eastern border within days, including remotely controlled .50-calibre turret systems, as drone incursions keep pressure on NATO’s frontier. Local Music & Culture: A joint wind orchestra concert “Skanēt savā laikā” brings 500+ musicians from Vidzeme and Latgale together in Balvi on May 30, featuring works by Latvian composers and folk arrangements. Eurovision Pop Impact: DARA’s Eurovision-winning “Bangaranga” keeps dominating charts across Europe, hitting No. 1 in Austria and Germany and topping Spotify daily charts in multiple countries including Latvia. Latvian Cinema at Cannes: “Ulya” marks a major Latvian moment at Cannes with a world premiere and a standing ovation, while Latvia and France sign a film co-production pact. Sports Spotlight (Hockey): At the IIHF World Championship, Latvia’s quarterfinal opponent is set after the bracket locks in, with Norway facing Latvia and USA taking on Canada. Tech & Internet Governance: IPXO VP Paulius Judickas is elected to RIPE’s Programme Committee, linking Latvia to global internet infrastructure discussions.