The synchronized animated adventure for the whole family, 'Sneaks' (Tike), will begin showing in all cinemas from May 14.

Screen Rant has published a ranking of all six Marvel Cinematic Universe movie trilogies, evaluating them from worst to best.

Clemson football has continued to bolster its defensive talent through the transfer portal, successfully securing a defensive lineman from Texas State.

Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has launched its Alzheimer's drug, donanemab, in India, making it available for patients in the country.

A Turkish court has sentenced cinematographer Koray Kesik to over two years in prison. The charges relate to disseminating terrorism propaganda through his 2015 documentary 'Bakur,' which depicted militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Worker's Party.

A Lithuanian living in Norway, Inga Lill, shares a unique and delicious recipe for cepelinai, traditional Lithuanian potato dumplings, noting that the cooler spring weather still makes people crave such comfort food.

A heartwarming example of solidarity and empathy has emerged in Budva, Montenegro, where a wooden board has been placed near a primary school with the message: 'If you have, bring; if you don't, take.' This initiative aims to foster community support.

German authorities have discovered the Hepatitis A virus in frozen fruit products imported from Serbia. This detection has raised food safety concerns and prompted investigations.

Portuguese filmmaker João Nicolau shares insights into his creative process, revealing how he adapted a Stevenson short story for his film 'A Providência e a Guitarra,' exploring themes of freedom and artistic life across centuries.

Legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen, 86, shared his perspective on family, stating he views it more broadly than biological kinship and discussed his feelings about not having children.

Austria will increase the number of its soldiers in Bosnia and Herzegovina as it takes command of the EUFOR Althea mission next year, stated Arnold Kammel.

Mayor Hrebak of Bjelovar is seeking an urgent meeting with the county prefect due to an insufficient number of pediatricians in the city.

The absence of hate graffiti on buildings of 'privileged investors' like those in Belgrade Waterfront is cited as evidence that the government is behind the systematic vandalism campaign.

Zagreb police arrested a girl connected to the assault of a Filipino national, whose video spread on social media. The victim publicly stated he is openly homosexual and has no interest in women.

Reports and expert analysis suggest that former President Trump lacks a clear strategy for Iran and is seeking an exit from potential conflict. There are doubts about the willingness of international partners like China or NATO to assist him in this endeavor.

A new comedy film titled 'Nimrods', inspired by the band Green Day, has announced its theatrical release for this summer. The movie is set to hit cinemas in the coming months.

Cultural workers in Lisbon are protesting by displaying over 20 banners at venues such as Cinema São Jorge and Teatro São Luiz. A union is demanding salary updates after five years without changes and awaits a counterproposal.

Mines in Bosnia and Herzegovina are on their last legs, and some are justifying it with the need for a green transition. However, this interpretation is incorrect, experts warn

The punk-rock band Off duty from Nikšić, Montenegro, has released 'Nema pomirenja,' the second song from their new EP 'Linija razd'.

Many people struggling to lose weight despite regulated diets and regular exercise may be overlooking hormonal reasons that prevent progress.

SZO saopštila da je broj potvrđenih slučajeva porastao na devet, ali da nema znakova veće epidemije i da se situacija ne može porediti sa kovidom-19

An article provides tips on how to prepare popcorn at home to achieve the distinctive 'cinema' taste, emphasizing proper preparation, sufficient oil, and specific seasonings.

Anthony Mackie, known for his Marvel Cinematic Universe roles, is set to appear in the action thriller 'Barracuda,' where he rescues a kidnapped Marvel co-star, as revealed in a first look.

The African cultural landscape is in mourning following the death of Bassek Ba Kobhio on May 12, 2026, at the age of 69. Born in 1957, Ba Kobhio was a multi-faceted intellectual, sociologist, philosopher, and writer.

Ghanaian cinema continues to gain international recognition as "Vibes The Movie" has secured an official nomination at the prestigious Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) 2026.

Spike Lee’s concert film of David Byrne’s 'American Utopia' is set to return to independent and multiplex cinemas for one night only in 4K later this year.

Foreign ministers from the 'Friends of Western Balkans' group, meeting in Bratislava, agreed that while there are no shortcuts to full EU membership, partial integration for the region remains a possibility.

On National Palliative Care Day in Croatia, experts highlighted the complexity and crucial importance of palliative care, stressing the need for further development in the field to ensure dignified, pain-free endings for patients.

The road connecting Sarajevo and Tuzla, two major economic and urban centers in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, remains from the last century with no visible solutions for its modernization. This infrastructure issue has been a central theme of unfulfilled election promises for years.

The Montenegrin Cinematheque is marking 20 years of Montenegro's independence and 70 years since the premiere of the film 'Zle pare' with a special screening and a photo exhibition from the movie.

A local movie chart highlights 'The Devil Woman' and 'Michael' as leading films, maintaining their top positions ahead of all new releases. The ranking showcases their continued popularity in the current cinematic landscape.

Actor Ranveer Singh is reportedly set to portray Lord Shiva in a major cinematic trilogy adapting Amish Tripathi's popular novel series, 'The Immortals of Meluha.' Singh's production company has acquired the rights for this ambitious mythological universe project.

Stefan Janjić of the Serbia Centre party reiterated that a no-confidence vote against the Serbian government is unlikely to be held by the end of May, which would consequently prevent July elections.

Portuguese telecommunications company Nos announced a 4.7% rise in first-quarter profit, reaching 62 million euros. The company's revenues grew by 1.9% to 460.2 million euros, driven by its information technology and cinema/audiovisual segments.

A virologist has confirmed there is no reason for concern regarding a hantavirus pandemic, although small epidemics of the virus do exist.

The CinemaCity in Leiria is set to reopen its doors on May 21st, more than three months after its closure. The cinema had been forced to shut down due to the damage caused by Storm Kristin.

Mette Frederiksen has failed to form a government in Denmark, leading to her former coalition partner, Troels Lund Poulsen, being tasked with the formation of a new administration.

Nemanja Alempić, a 25-year-old officer of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska, died in a traffic accident that occurred last night near Ugljevik, leaving behind a wife and daughter.

Spain's ECAM Forum, a prominent industry event in Madrid, has unveiled its initial project lineup for 2026, focusing on auteur cinema and international co-production.

The official swimming season in Spain's Costa del Sol region is set to commence on June 1st, potentially causing inconvenience for tourists arriving earlier.

A lack of "chemistry" on the first date is not always a reason to give up.

The iconic blue and white colors of houses on Greek islands are rooted in a surprising history that is more about survival and practical reasons than national symbolism or aesthetics. Historical accounts suggest the colors were initially used for hygiene and pest control.

After a year-long investigation, forensic expertise has confirmed that a substance previously suspected to be cocaine was not the illicit drug. This finding overturns initial assumptions about the material.

New legislation, dubbed "Mrdić's laws," is drawing strong criticism in Serbia, with commentators like Nemanja Đurić warning they will be seen as a disgrace on the international stage. Concerns are raised that the Venice Commission will scrutinize and potentially reject these laws.

The Premios Platino 2026 gala featured a vibrant red carpet with numerous celebrities from Ibero-American cinema, though Ayuso's absence was noted.

Berlingske's critics have selected the best films currently in cinemas, giving one a six-star rating and calling it a masterpiece, also noting a film featuring a Skarsgård.

An art installation by Jaroslav Více in Kremnica, Slovakia, features a falling column on the facade of a cinema, designed to draw attention to the current situation in culture and has caused some alarm.

School shootings were rare in Turkey until recently, with two mass killings by child perpetrators occurring within 24 hours, prompting an examination into the causes of such violence.

Swiss cinematographer and filmmaker Simon Edelstein has traveled the world to document old cinemas, aiming to preserve the memory of endangered heritage and striking architecture, with his latest book focusing on India.

Antony Starr, known for his role as Homelander in The Boys, has offered his perspective on the philosophical underpinnings of Thanos from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Albrecht Weinberg, a Holocaust survivor who endured multiple Nazi concentration and death camps and lost most of his family, has passed away at the age of 101. He returned to Germany in his eighties, becoming a testament to resilience.

An older man died during reanimation after a house fire broke out in the Varoš neighborhood of Split, Croatia.

A collaboration between fashion brands Khaite and Oliver Peoples has resulted in a collection of sunglasses that have become a significant status symbol among 'it girls'.

Spanish cinema arrives at Cannes with significant momentum, as sales agents work to convert festival attention into successful sales deals following one of Spain's strongest selections in years.

Canon has introduced the new EOS R6 V, a compact full-sensor camera designed for content creators, prioritizing high-resolution video and portability over an optical viewfinder.

An article from the New Statesman argues that moviegoers should refrain from treating cinemas like restaurants, urging them to put down food like halloumi and wait until the film is over.

Following a secret ballot by members of the Hellenic Film Academy, 39 films have been nominated for this year's Iris Cinema Awards, often referred to as the "Greek Oscars."

The internationally recognized, Oscar-nominated film "The Voice of Hind Rajab," which reconstructs the final hours of a Palestinian child in Gaza, is set to screen in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town this May.

The 11th edition of the Crème de la Crème French Film Festival, organized by Film Europe, is set to bring the best of French cinema and celebrity guests to Slovakian cinemas.

Four Iranian directors discuss the past, present, and future of Iranian cinema, reflecting on the impact of the 1979 revolution and the ongoing challenges and misconceptions.

After nearly 30 years, cinema culture is making a comeback to Luxembourg's Gare district, with films expected to be screened again starting this autumn.

A review of Franco-Algerian artist Zineb Sedira's exhibition at Tate Britain praises her seductive exploration of radical filmmaking from the 1960s and 70s, noting its chic ode to revolutionary cinema and intellectual figures.

Aleksa Balašević has officially announced his latest film project, titled 'Nevernik'. This marks a new cinematic endeavor for the filmmaker.

The 2026 Romanian Creative Week, held under the High Patronage of the President of Romania, will transform the Palace of Culture in Iași into an extensive visual labyrinth as part of its "Metaphor" exhibition.

Danguolė Kaunienė shared a recipe for a unique type of 'žagarėliai' (a traditional Lithuanian pastry) that has surprised internet users due to its significantly reduced preparation time compared to traditional methods.

A Vilnius resident is facing the confiscation of over 285,000 euros in assets, which financial crime investigators suspect were obtained through illegal contraband activities. The Financial Crime Investigation Service (FNTT) is leading the probe.

The Academy Museum has unveiled its summer programming schedule, which includes lectures by Guillermo Del Toro and a Marilyn Monroe screening series. This slate offers a variety of cinematic events for the upcoming season.

An article highlights ten movie chase scenes deemed so exceptional that they alone justify watching the entire film, emphasizing their integral role in action cinema.

Mario Reljanović from the Institute for Labor Rights stated that the Serbian government is attempting to blame workers for sick leave abuse amidst a wave of layoffs in southern Serbia. He emphasized that there is no evidence of widespread sick leave misuse in practice.

Estonian chief economist Raulis Eametsas suggests freezing pension growth, abolishing the second pension pillar, and increasing taxes for individuals without children.

The Florida State Seminoles have been named one of the top six schools vying for the commitment of 2027 four-star offensive lineman JJ Brown from Georgia.

Wednesday marks the opening of the International Festival of Iberian Expression Theater (FITEI), alongside other cultural events including a literature festival, Italian cinema, music, and an exhibition.

Guy Ritchie's latest action spectacle, titled 'The Grey Zone,' is set to arrive in cinemas soon. The film promises to deliver his signature style of thrilling action and intricate plotlines.

Students involved in a blockade in Serbia have publicly stated that they do not have specific leaders or individuals speaking on their behalf, asserting that all students collectively represent their movement.

Despite being overlooked by many fans, the movie "Thunderbolts*" is being hailed as a crucial film that has helped to salvage the current state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The article features an interview with James Price, a British art director and set designer known for his work on Yorgos Lanthimos's film "Poor Things," for which he won a BAFTA and an Oscar for Best Production Design. Price discusses his views on cinema as the highest art form.

An article highlights five ways Ang Lee's "Hulk" film is considered superior to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's portrayal, focusing on its exploration of trauma and comic accuracy.

The Gallagher brothers of Oasis have given their first joint interview in 25 years, ahead of an upcoming documentary about the band set to be released in cinemas and on Disney+ this autumn.

Italian-Swiss choreographer Luca Signoretti will bring his show 'Mozart Mozart,' known for its intense physicality and cinematic rhythm, to Helsinki's Erkko Hall in June.

A 20-year-old song, "Olialia pupytės," has been revived with a new remix by rapper OG Version and "Naujosios pupytės," but the release has reportedly encountered problems.

The film "Lijepa večer, lijep dan" by Ivona Juka, which has garnered 19 international festival awards including seven audience awards, is now coming to Croatian cinemas with presales underway.

A tribute to the life and career of Katharine Hepburn, born May 12, 1907, and passed away June 29, 2003, highlighting her journey from being called 'box office poison' to winning four Academy Awards.

The documentary 'Common Wealth,' which explores alternatives to current economic and political systems, is set to open in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on June 23, distributed by Madman Entertainment.

An article reflects on the enduring allure of cinema, delving into the 'celluloid dreams' that the silver screen continues to evoke.

A cyclone is influencing Lithuania's weather today, bringing a significant cloud cover, short rains, and some thunderstorms across many areas.

Participants in a peaceful walk in Srebrenik paid tribute to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide, with one survivor, Hafizi, sharing her testimony of losing her husband, three brothers, and other family members.

Nemanja Laković, executive director of the Pljevlja Coal Mine, stated that the mine supports a model where Pljevlja will not be solely reliant on coal, emphasizing the need for alternative stable and renewable energy sources.

Political analyst Vranić has predicted that there will be no elections in Serbia this summer. He suggests the ruling SNS party lacks sufficient time to announce new salary and pension increases before such a vote.

According to current law in Serbia, drivers who intentionally drive the wrong way on a highway face relatively mild penalties if no accident or injuries occur.

The trailer and cast for 'Picturehouse,' a coming-of-age drama set in a Vietnamese cinema during wartime, have been revealed ahead of the Cannes market. The film is a co-production between Vietnam, Singapore, France, and the U.S.

Indian police are observing a trend where murder suspects are allegedly drawing inspiration from crime thrillers, particularly the film 'Drishyam,' for their cover-up methods. Recent cases across several states show accused individuals attempting to hide bodies and destroy evidence in ways reminiscent of cinematic plots.

French actor Juliette Binoche reveals that a strangling attack she experienced as a teenager inspired her directorial debut, 'In-I In Motion,' as she steps into new, raw territory after four decades in arthouse cinema.

Police in Koper, Slovenia, concluded an investigation and filed criminal charges against two employees who allegedly filmed intimate moments of residents at a senior center; both employees have reportedly been fired.

A new cycle at the Cinemateca Portuguesa aims to discover and reveal the cinema made by women in Portugal before the "New Cinema" revolution, presenting a series of surprises until the end of May.

A tribute piece remembers Đorđe Balašević, born on May 11, 1953, in Novi Sad, highlighting his unique legacy and sudden departure.

Bilal Lashari announced that the Pakistani film 'The Legend of Maula Jatt' will premiere in Chinese cinemas on May 21. This marks a significant achievement for Pakistani cinema, as the film breaks into China's tightly controlled foreign film import quota.

Jean-Claude Berrouet, a French oenologist known for his work with Pétrus and Vivaltus, has been honored with the Special Award of the Year by the Guía Vinos Gourmets 2026 for his dedication to elegance in winemaking.

Elle magazine has highlighted titles, ranging from touching dramas to warm comedies, that offer diverse perspectives on mothers, family relationships, and bonds in cinema.

Sebastian Stan's exciting movie future is making a major theory about Bucky's fate in the Marvel Cinematic Universe seem even more likely.

A proposed "Film City" project is anticipated to usher in a new golden age for Pakistani cinema. Proponents believe it will significantly boost the local film industry.

The Slovenian music group Fehtarji has released their debut video album, which was premiered as a film in several cinemas across Slovenia. This marks a unique achievement for a Slovenian musician.

A new public opinion poll in Germany indicates that the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading the ruling CDU/CSU by five percentage points, suggesting the current government lacks a majority.

An internal conflict persists within Lithuania's Conservative party, centered on whether member Bužinskas should temporarily withdraw or suspend his party membership. A party figure, Kasčiūnas, stated he does not believe such action is necessary at this time.

The Canadian Army is reportedly growing at a rate not seen in decades, a significant turnaround from two years ago when it was described as being in a 'death spiral' due to severe recruitment issues and underfunding.

An article delving into the life of actress Meena Kumari, revealing her as a haunted poet behind her cinematic persona, and tracing themes of solitude, longing, and resilience in her work.

These articles provide analysis and updates related to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, discussing topics such as the absence of a May movie release and a list of the best MCU characters who appeared in only one film.

Following the passing of Koji Suzuki, his novel 'Ring' is being recognized for its lasting legacy and its profound influence on the horror movie genre.

A proposal by the opposition for a no-confidence vote against the Serbian government has been on the parliamentary agenda for nearly a month but has yet to be debated. The Speaker of the Assembly included the proposal, but it has not come to the floor.

Jonathan Scerri, a government-paid consultant and former Enemalta chairman, has become a prominent critic of Malta's Nationalist Party's energy proposals, despite continuing to receive direct orders from the government.

Philosopher Jonna Bornemark's new book, "De undanträngda," delves into how an autistic person experiences reality, prompting reflections on human communication.

Veljanovski asserted that electoral conditions in Serbia cannot improve without the existence of a REM Council, criticizing the Serbian Parliament's destructive policies that create an illusion of democracy.

Iranian military spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akrami Nia stated that Iran's armed forces are on the "highest level of readiness" and will not withdraw from a war with the US and Israel.

French MPs Erwan Balanant and Sandrine Rousseau are proposing a new law to combat violence in the cinema industry, particularly aiming to strengthen protection for minors. The bill emphasizes the urgent need for systematic background checks for anyone working in the sector.

A filmed version of the Olivier Award-winning play 'Giant', starring John Lithgow as Roald Dahl, is slated for a big-screen release this fall.

Cohen Media Group has secured the U.S. distribution rights for "Lady," the debut feature film from Nigerian-born writer-director Olive Nwosu, following its world premiere in the World Dramatic Cinema Competition at Sundance.

Miroslav Aleksić, president of the People's Movement of Serbia (NPS), stated that the government is reluctant to implement ODIHR recommendations, claiming they only selected five less impactful suggestions and are aware of their diminishing public support.

Hungarian model-turned-influencer Zita Görög sent a message to politicians and celebrities, clarifying that she is not accumulating wealth for herself but aims to take students from four villages to the cinema.

The CINEPOLITICA film series is set to return to Bucharest from May 15 to 17, hosted at the Cinema Muzeul Țăranului. The event will feature six national premiere screenings of award-winning fiction and documentary films.

On this day, the cult horror classic "The Crow" arrived in cinemas, a film notably marked by a great tragedy during its production.

An article highlights a crucial detail that should be addressed when preparing onions, specifically before cutting them, to enhance the cooking experience.

Albania's government has proposed a new draft law on cinematography and audiovisuals, aiming to create a financial support scheme offering 35% reimbursement for international productions to boost the local film industry.

Annemarie Jacir's epic film "Palästina 36" tells the story of the 1936 uprising of Arab villagers against the British Mandate. Despite being one-sided, the historical film is deemed noteworthy and important.

Longtime outspoken film critic Rex Reed has passed away at the age of 87, as reported by Forbes, marking the end of an influential career in cinema journalism.

A Disney two-part sci-fi movie saga is being lauded as a near-perfect cinematic experience, highly recommended for completion in a single sitting.

The new film "Ip Man: Kung Fu Legend," starring Dennis To, has been officially announced for release in 2026, continuing the martial artist's cinematic legacy.

The Slovak Social Insurance Agency is sending pension forecasts to 3.5 million citizens, but five experts explain why these projections should not be a source of calm.

An article from The Daily Star provides a commentary or analysis on the current state and trends of cinema culture.

A festival is soon to be held in Plešivica, bringing together sparkling wines from local winemakers and fresh spring strawberries.

A member of the Serbian Commission for Voter List Revision has accused Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić of misleading citizens regarding the commission's access to the complete voter list and civil registries.

Musical star Lisanne Clémence Veeneman shared memories of having breakfast with her grandmother. This recollection is part of a series where well-known individuals discuss the most significant meal of their lives.

Students participating in a blockade announced that they do not have specific leaders or individuals who speak on behalf of their community.

A new documentary titled "Maverick," exploring director David Lean's journey to cinematic greatness despite his father's disapproval, is set to premiere at Cannes.

Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has distributed relief and building materials to communities in Agbokim and Karaboat, Cross River State, following recent devastating fire outbreaks.

A recipe for banana cake, including ingredients and preparation instructions.

An article discusses the most performed pop song in the history of cinema, noting that while film hits once dominated charts, this is a rarity today.

The Dogma 25 cinema movement, inspired by Dogma 95, has begun shooting its first film, 'Mr. Nawashi,' a BDSM love story, which has already secured a deal with Netflix.

This article explores films where the line between acting and reality blurred completely in adult scenes, sparking discussion about authenticity in cinema.

Legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden, celebrating fifty years on the scene, invites fans to an unforgettable cinematic journey with their new music documentary, 'Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition'.

To celebrate Novo Sarajevo Municipality Day, Kvartovsko kino Grbavica will offer free admission to a special film program this week, opening its doors to the public.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed an experienced offensive lineman after a successful tryout during their rookie minicamp, making another move to bolster their offensive line.

Designer Aleksandras Pogrebnojus harshly criticized the fashion choices of Eurovision participants on the turquoise carpet, stating he had not seen such horror in a long time.

As Mia Bays prepares to leave her role as head of the BFI Filmmaking Fund, she reflects on her five-year tenure, during which she supported films that others might have overlooked. She emphasizes the importance of taking risks for the survival of British cinema.

A guide to cultural activities in Portugal highlights events dedicated to artists Julião Sarmento and Heitor Villa-Lobos, alongside open-air cinema screenings and stages for emerging music talents.

Slovak winemaker Michal Bažalík explains that while drought can benefit grape ripening, it also alters the taste of wine, viewing wine as a 'climatic archive' that reflects the conditions of its vintage.

The band Off Duty has announced their new track titled "Nema pomirenja" (No Reconciliation), which is featured on their recently released EP, "Linija razdvajanja." This release marks a new musical offering from the group.

Predsjednik SNSD-a Milorad Dodik obratio se medijima nakon posjete Moskvi najviše govoreći o odlasku Christiana Schmidta iz BiH.

A 58-year-old Styrian winemaker was acquitted of murder charges but received a two-year partial conditional sentence for attempted severe fraud in a St. Pölten trial.

Nakon što su zabeleženi smrtni slučajevi na jednom kruzeru u Atlantskom okeanu, hantavirus je ponovo dospeo u centar svetske pažnje. Iako je reč o ret

The film "Svadba" has been included on a prestigious list recognizing the best world films slated for 2026. This acknowledgment highlights its anticipated significance in global cinema.

Hungary's new foreign minister has announced a policy turnaround, stating that Hungary will no longer use its veto power for blackmail within the EU and will work to rebuild trust with EU and NATO partners.

Producer Mike Downey and Emir Külal Haznevi have partnered to launch Saudade Ink, a boutique film financing outfit dedicated to developing, producing, and investing in arthouse cinema globally.

A new report suggests that children from certain communities exhibit significantly lower rates of allergies, with researchers investigating the role of environmental factors, such as exposure to stables, in this phenomenon.

Certain blocks in Berlin are reportedly identified as bastions for neo-Nazis, often associated with the slogan "Germany for Germans." This highlights concerns about extremist presence in the city.

Urban wineries are transforming industrial areas of London into vibrant centers for creative fermentation, producing unique, low-intervention wines that are gaining popularity beyond the capital.

Ljubiša Petrović, the Mayor of Bijeljina, issued a warning to Branko Blanuša, president of the Serbian Democratic Party, regarding potential consequences if he withdraws his candidacy in favor of Stanivuković.

A film starring Danish actor Dirch Passer, once disliked by critic Klaus Rifbjerg, is now being reconsidered as potentially Passer's finest cinematic achievement. Articles discuss its comedic impact and lasting legacy.

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has become the strongest party in Germany according to recent polls, leading by five percentage points ahead of the ruling Christian Democrats and nearing independent governance in eastern regions, despite past efforts to diminish its influence.

The Sydney Film Festival is set to screen new cinematic works by acclaimed Iranian directors Asghar Farhadi and Shahram Mokri.