Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem is swapping intense dramas for high-speed drama—sort of. He’s playing a Formula 1 team owner in the upcoming F1 The Movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick). But don’t expect tire-screeching action from Bardem himself—his role is more boardroom than racetrack, focusing on the business and politics behind the sport.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another racing flick—it’s a peek into the less-glamorous, high-stakes world of F1 team ownership, with A-list talent bringing it to life. For fans, it could add depth to how they view the sport; for casual viewers, it might be a fresh take on the usual adrenaline-pumping tropes. Either way, Bardem’s involvement guarantees some serious acting horsepower.

A promising new indie film called "Mad Bills to Pay"—directed by Joel Alfonso Vargas—is making waves on the festival circuit. After winning a jury award at Sundance and securing a spot at Berlinale, the Paris- and Berlin-based distributor Salaud Morisset has snapped it up for festival, theatrical, and non-commercial rights. Now, it’s headed to Karlovy Vary for another high-profile screening.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another indie flick—it’s a breakout success story. The fact that a buzzy distributor like Salaud Morisset is backing it suggests strong faith in its appeal, both critically and commercially. For film buffs, this means another must-watch title is on the horizon, and for up-and-coming filmmakers, it’s proof that festival momentum can lead to real opportunities.

If you're craving top-tier theatre from your couch this month, you're in luck. The standout is Stereophonic—a Broadway-turned-London hit that blurs the line between play and musical, packing a suite of unforgettable songs. Plus, there’s a thrilling Liza Minnelli doc and a fresh take on King Lear to round out your watchlist.

Editor’s Note: Theatre lovers no longer need a ticket stub to experience cutting-edge performances. With gems like Stereophonic (seriously, those songs stick), this roundup proves streaming is reshaping how we consume live art—democratizing access without sacrificing the magic.

The Locarno Film Festival is shaking things up this year with its Pardi di Domani competition, spotlighting fresh short and medium-length films from emerging and established directors. Notable names like Neo Sora (Happyend) and Salvatore Mereu (Three-Step Dance) are bringing new works to the table, alongside 40 other world premieres. It’s a showcase for bold, bite-sized storytelling.

Editor’s Note: Locarno’s focus on shorter formats gives indie and rising filmmakers a rare spotlight—something big festivals often overlook. For cinephiles, it’s a chance to discover raw, innovative storytelling before it hits the mainstream. And for the industry, it’s a pulse check on what’s next in global cinema.

Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon is stepping onto the UK theater stage for the first time this September, and she’s feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. She’ll star alongside Andrea Riseborough in Mary Page Marlowe, a play by Tracy Letts, where they’ll both portray the same character at different stages of her life. The production, directed by Matthew Warchus, will run at London’s Old Vic as part of his final season as artistic director.

Editor’s Note: Sarandon’s UK theater debut is a big deal—not just because she’s a Hollywood legend, but because it signals a high-profile crossover between film and stage. The play’s unique structure (multiple actors playing one character) adds an intriguing twist, and with Warchus’s involvement, it’s likely to be a standout production. For theater fans, this is a must-see; for everyone else, it’s a reminder of how live performance can still draw A-list talent.

Hollywood legend Susan Sarandon is stepping onto the London stage for the first time this fall, teaming up with acclaimed actress Andrea Riseborough for the UK premiere of Mary Page Marlowe, a Tracy Letts play that traces a woman’s life across seven decades. Sarandon admits she’s both "terrified but excited" about the challenge, marking a major moment for theater fans and her own career.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another celebrity stage debut—it’s a big deal. Sarandon, an Oscar winner with decades of screen fame, is pushing herself into new territory, while Riseborough brings her own powerhouse talent. The play’s sweeping narrative and the pairing of these two actors make it a must-watch for theater lovers and a sign of London’s enduring pull as a cultural hub. Plus, Sarandon’s candid nerves make it all the more relatable.