Killer hounds, rabid chimps and a tiny Jean Dujardin – the Sitges film festival 2025

This week's film show highlights the powerful performance of Nadia Melliti in 'La Petite Dernière', where she portrays an Arab woman navigating her sexual identity in Marseille. Her role earned her the best actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, showcasing the film's significance in addressing complex themes of identity and acceptance. Additionally, we explore François Ozon's bold adaptation of Albert Camus' 'L'Étranger' and the technical brilliance of 'L'Homme qui rétrécit', featuring Oscar-winner Jean Dujardin. These films not only entertain but also provoke thought on important social issues.

In an exciting turn of events, Marcus Rashford has expressed his desire to stay with Barcelona, while Rafael Benítez has taken the helm at Panathinaikos. Additionally, Nottingham Forest broke their winless streak with a solid 2-0 victory over Porto, marking their first clean sheet in 21 games. This news is significant as it highlights key player commitments and managerial changes that could shape the future of these clubs, especially with the Premier League weekend approaching.

Ireland is gearing up for a significant presidential election, with polls indicating a strong lead for Catherine Connolly, a leftwing independent candidate. This election is particularly important as it reflects the shifting political landscape in Ireland, especially among younger voters who resonate with Connolly's progressive ideas. However, concerns about low voter turnout and the potential for spoilt ballots could impact the overall outcome, making it crucial for citizens to participate.

The tragic death of the former Lostprophets singer, who was serving time for paedophilia, has been confirmed as a result of an attack in prison on October 11. This incident raises serious concerns about the safety and conditions within correctional facilities, especially for high-profile inmates. It highlights the ongoing issues surrounding violence in prisons and the challenges of managing inmates with notorious backgrounds.

Baroness D'Souza has been suspended for attempting to influence the Metropolitan Police chief, Sir Mark Rowley, regarding speeding fines, according to a report from the House of Lords. This incident raises concerns about the integrity of the legislative process and the potential for undue influence in law enforcement matters, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in public office.

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is ramping up his rhetoric against the European Union, accusing it of trying to impose a 'puppet' government in Hungary. This comes as he faces increasing pressure from a pro-EU opposition party ahead of next year's elections. Orbán's comments, made during a rally in Budapest commemorating the 1956 revolution, frame the upcoming election as a choice between peace and conflict, particularly in relation to the war in Ukraine. This situation is significant as it highlights the growing divide in Hungarian politics and the challenges Orbán faces from opposition forces.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the aid situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, even after a ceasefire was established. Despite hopes for improvement, the flow of aid has not significantly increased, leaving the 2.7 million Palestinians in dire need. This situation is critical as it highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, drawing attention to the challenges faced by those affected and the complexities of international law regarding settlements.