AGP Executive Report

Valletta Heritage Clash: Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) is urging the Planning Authority to reject a proposed catering change opposite Ta’ Ġieżu church, warning it could block pedestrian access, create emergency-access issues and harm the setting of the Grade 1 monument. Prime Video Malta Production: Filming has started in Malta on Prime Video’s action-comedy series “Danger Money,” adding Doctor Who’s Alex Kingston and Game of Thrones’ Iain Glen to Ray Winstone’s lead cast. Streaming Picks (Sept 2026): A big September guide rounds up new releases across Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max and more, including “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story” and “Slow Horses” season 6. Looney Tunes Big Screen Return: “Coyote vs. Acme” is finally out after a long Warner Bros. delay, with multiple reviews praising its courtroom satire and Looney Tunes cameos. Local Media Row: The PN denies claims of pressure on independent media, while a separate ethics ruling finds Transport Minister Chris Bonett breached the ministerial code. Malta Infrastructure Warning: A World Bank assessment says Malta’s critical infrastructure is too centralised, leaving the country vulnerable to cascading failures in major disasters.

Malta Film & TV: French/Maltese coproduction Love Thy Neighbour / L’Amour du prochain has wrapped production and is now in postproduction, starring Damien Bonnard, Céline Sallette, Ladi Emeruwa, Antonella Axisa and Erica Muscat, with producer Anika Psaila Savona describing it as an unconventional Mediterranean love story. Prime Video Malta Shoot: Danger Money has started filming in Malta, adding Doctor Who star Alex Kingston, plus Iain Glen, Mimi Keene and Arian Nik, alongside Ray Winstone, Kara Tointon and Sean Pertwee. Streaming Guide: September 2026 releases are in full swing, with Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max and others rolling out big premieres and movie debuts—plus a “what to watch tonight” roundup for Sept. 1. Theatre Malta: Masquerade Malta brings Little Shop of Horrors to Teatru Manoel from 23 Oct to 1 Nov. Local Arts & Culture: Museums by Candlelight returns to Rabat and Mdina on 19 Sept, with candlelit visits to Domvs Romana, St Paul’s Catacombs and the National Museum of Natural History. Entertainment & Politics: Malta’s PN rejects claims of pressure on independent media, while Standards Commissioner Joseph Azzopardi finds Transport Minister Chris Bonett breached the ministerial code of ethics. Court Update: Yorgen Fenech’s trial enters its decisive stage as Judge Edwina Grima begins her final address to jurors.

Local Arts & Theatre: Masquerade Malta and Teatru Manoel bring the cult musical Little Shop of Horrors to Malta from 23 October to 1 November 2026, with Alan Menken’s score and a story about ambition, love and a blood-thirsty plant. Streaming & Pop Culture: New month listings keep rolling in, with HBO Max adding titles like Backrooms, Youth, and Jay-Z in 8, while Netflix’s September slate includes crowd-pleasers such as Jaws and Scarface. Music & Community: Dancehall rising star Jay-A teams up with Dexta Daps for gritty single “Ambition”, while Wear Malta × Sorelle Circle hosts an intimate women-focused event in Sharjah built around self-expression and connection. Malta Spotlight: Opposition leader Alex Borg criticises Malta’s power cuts, calling out infrastructure strain and the impact on vulnerable residents. Court Update: The Yorgen Fenech trial moves into its decisive stage as Judge Edwina Grima prepares final directions to jurors.

Streaming & Movies: HBO Max has a packed September line-up, including horror hit Backrooms (Sept 25), Sharon Horgan’s Youth, season 2 of Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, Jay-Z docuseries Jay-Z in 8, and Theo James action thriller Fuze. Cinema Buzz: Reviews keep praising the long-delayed Coyote vs. Acme as a chaotic, heartfelt Looney Tunes comeback that nearly got buried. Local Theatre: Masquerade Malta and Teatru Manoel bring Little Shop of Horrors to Malta from 23 October to 1 November 2026. Valletta & Culture: Museums by Candlelight returns to Rabat and Mdina on 19 September, with candlelit visits to Domvs Romana, St Paul’s Catacombs and the National Museum of Natural History. Local Arts Education: The Malta Society of Arts opens its autumn-winter courses at Palazzo de La Salle, with classes from lace-making to film appreciation. Sports Entertainment: Reports say The X Factor could return to UK screens via ITV, with a fresh judging line-up.

Musical Theatre: Masquerade Malta and Teatru Manoel are bringing the cult classic Little Shop of Horrors to Malta from 23 October to 1 November 2026, with Alan Menken’s score and Howard Ashman’s darkly comic story of Seymour and the blood-thirsty plant. Courtroom Drama: In the Yorgen Fenech trial, Judge Edwina Grima is set to address jurors before deliberations, as the case nears its end and closing arguments wrap up. Local Arts & Education: The Malta Society of Arts opens its autumn-winter courses at Palazzo de La Salle in Valletta, including new visual arts and a film-focused course, while MCAST is moving ahead with the first Maltese vocational professorship appointments. Theatre Production: Ħobżna ta’ Kuljum, written and directed by Simone Spiteri, returns to the stage with a story set during the 1977 bread strike, starring Daniela Carabott Pawley and a well-known Maltese cast. Streaming Buzz: HBO Max’s September 2026 slate includes new films and series, with Grudge Match and MaXXXine among the highlights.

Streaming & Movies: HBO Max is rolling out fresh titles from Aug 31–Sep 6, including Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro in the sports comedy Grudge Match and Mia Goth’s horror MaXXXine. Local Power & Community Impact: Opposition Leader Alex Borg says Malta’s ongoing power cuts show infrastructure failing to cope, warning the outages hit vulnerable people hardest. TV Buzz: The X Factor is reportedly set to return to UK screens via ITV, with talk of a major Simon Cowell shake-up. Theatre in Malta: New production Ħobżna ta’ Kuljum explores the 1977 bread strike through Rita’s fight for independence, with music by Luke Saydon and a well-known Maltese cast. Arts & Learning: Malta Society of Arts opens its autumn-winter courses at Palazzo de La Salle, from bizzilla and bookbinding to film-guides and AI for artists. Culture & Travel: A guide argues autumn is the sweet spot for Mediterranean escapes, while another highlights Comino’s importance as a bird refuge. Cinema Spotlight: Coyote vs. Acme finally hits theatres after years in limbo, with critics and audiences praising its Looney Tunes comeback.

Local Power & Politics: Opposition Leader Alex Borg hits out at Malta’s ongoing power cuts, citing Gozo outages and warning the failures could endanger vulnerable people, including those reliant on medical equipment. Theatre Spotlight: New production ‘Ħobżna ta’ Kuljum’ brings the 1977 bread strike to the stage, with Daniela Carabott Pawley leading a well-known Maltese cast. Arts Education: Malta Society of Arts opens its autumn-winter courses at Palazzo de La Salle, from bizzilla and bookbinding to film appreciation and AI for artists. Heritage Reading: A new look at ‘Treasures of Malta’ highlights art, portraiture and maritime history in the Summer issue. Birds & Conservation: A fresh feature argues why Comino must remain a refuge for birds, stressing its Natura 2000 protection and reduced human activity. Streaming & Film Buzz: HBO Max’s September lineup is teased, while ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ lands in cinemas after a long Warner Bros. delay, with reviews and audience scores already turning heads. International Arts/People: Davinia Pace shares her New York journey, and the X Factor is reported to be set for a comeback in the UK.

Streaming & Film Buzz: “Coyote vs. Acme” is finally in cinemas after Warner Bros shelved it in 2023, and it’s already smashing expectations with a 94% Rotten Tomatoes audience score plus rave reviews for its Looney Tunes-meets-corporate-cruelty story and heartfelt humour. What to Watch: HBO Max is gearing up for September 2026 with new picks including the action thriller “Fuze,” plus a big slate of fresh movies and series across the month. Local Arts & Culture: Malta Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off its 2026–27 Symphony Season, while Valletta Primary School starts a €2.2m renovation to modernise classrooms and facilities. Music & Events: Shanghai Chinese Orchestra brings a mid-autumn celebration to Valletta, and Malta’s Rock in the Forest keeps fundraising momentum for the SiGMA Foundation. Sports (Non-Entertainment): Iceland votes in a high-stakes EU referendum, and the Yorgen Fenech trial nears its closing stages.

Local Arts & Culture: From Caravaggio to Korea, a look at how Malta’s artists are breaking out of the baroque, plus a spotlight on Three Cities’ creative scene through French artist Julien Vinet and poet Sam Alekksandra’s “obsolete beauty” approach. Film & Streaming: The long-awaited Looney Tunes live-action hybrid Coyote vs. Acme finally hits cinemas after Warner Bros shelved it in 2023; expect nostalgia, courtroom chaos and plenty of Wile E. vs Acme satire, while HBO Max’s September line-up includes major releases and new series. Malta on Screen (Production): Maltese director Shirley Spiteri Mintoff is prepping Waiting to Hear from Julia for 2027, shot in Malta and Italy. Arts Events: Malta Philharmonic Orchestra launches its 2026–27 Symphony Season, and Valletta hosts a major cultural moment with the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra’s mid-autumn celebration. Community & Education: Valletta Primary School begins a €2.2m renovation to modernise classrooms and facilities. Power & Public Life: A major power cut hit Gozo overnight after cable faults, with Enemalta deploying extra resources to restore supply.

Cinema Spotlight: “Coyote vs. Acme” is finally in theatres after a messy three-year delay, with reviews and retrospectives celebrating its live-action/animation mash-up and the long road from Warner Bros. shelving to a Ketchup Entertainment rescue. Streaming Watch: HBO Max’s September lineup is out, with picks ranging from horror and Adult Swim celebrations to music and comedy titles. Local Arts: The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off its 2026–27 Symphony Season, including a Beethoven200 series and a Ninth Symphony finale in Gozo. Malta Culture Feature: A look at how Malta’s artists are breaking out of the baroque, plus a spotlight on Three Cities’ creative scene through French artist Julien Vinet. Music & Charity: Rock in the Forest returns to Ta’ Qali’s Greek Amphitheatre, raising funds for the SiGMA Foundation. Community & Dining: The Definitive(ly) Good Guide to Restaurants opens its Malta and Gozo survey for diners to vote, while Valletta Primary School starts a €2.2m renovation.

Local Education Upgrade: Valletta Primary School, part of St George Preca College, is getting a €2.2 million renovation to modernise classrooms and infrastructure, with work split into two phases so part of the building stays in use. Food & Culture: The Definitive(ly) Good Guide to Restaurants survey is open for diners to vote for favourites across Malta and Gozo (1–30 September), with categories spanning everything from best Maltese food to most romantic and best chef. Courtroom Drama: Daphne Caruana Galizia trial updates continue as the prosecution moves into closing submissions after the defence wraps up its case, with jurors hearing arguments over Fenech’s alleged role in the 2017 assassination. Film Spotlight: Malta-based director/producer Shirley Spiteri Mintoff is prepping her feature Waiting to Hear from Julia, set to shoot in Malta and Italy in 2027. Music in Malta: Malta Philharmonic Orchestra launches its 2026–27 Symphony Season, including a Beethoven200 series culminating in Beethoven’s Ninth in Gozo. International Performances: Shanghai Chinese Orchestra brings Mid-Autumn Festival events to Valletta on 2–3 September, including a concert at the Manoel Theatre. Community Arts & Sport: Mellieħa Basketball returns via a Zaar crowdfunding push to rebuild teams from U8 to seniors, while Malta’s Rock in the Forest raised funds for the SiGMA Foundation. Entertainment Extra: “Coyote vs. Acme” hits theatres on 28 August, with reviews and behind-the-scenes stories highlighting its long, troubled path to release.

Malta Philharmonic Orchestra: The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra has launched its 2026–27 Symphony Season, with a Beethoven200 highlight and international soloists, plus a finale of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in Gozo. Valletta Culture: The Shanghai Chinese Orchestra lands in Valletta for Mid-Autumn Festival events on 2–3 September, including a Manoel Theatre concert. Music Fundraiser: Rock in the Forest returned to Ta’ Qali’s Greek Amphitheatre, raising proceeds for the SiGMA Foundation. Local Arts & Youth: A Maltese connection to Tokyo’s Texaco Children’s Art Festival was spotlighted, with “Melting in Malta 2018” among the winning works shown. Film Buzz: “Coyote vs. Acme” hits theatres on 28 August, with Malta’s own Looney Tunes nostalgia factor boosted by classic-film star Peter Lorre’s animated cameo. Sports (Malta-linked): Shamrock Rovers’ European exit to KuPS leaves them facing a tough Conference League play-off second leg situation, with kick-off and viewing details circulating. Business/Travel: Malta Tourism Authority joins the World Travel & Tourism Council as a destination partner ahead of WTTC’s Valletta summit in October. High-profile Court: Yorgen Fenech’s trial moves into final stages as defence wraps up and prosecution begins closing submissions.

Courtroom Drama: Yorgen Fenech’s Daphne Caruana Galizia murder trial is in its final stages, with the defence urging jurors to acquit and attacking Melvin Theuma’s credibility, while again pointing to Keith Schembri as the alleged mastermind. Arts & Culture: Valletta hosts the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra for Mid-Autumn celebrations, with events on 2–3 September at the China Cultural Centre and the Manoel Theatre. Local Sport (Community): A Zaar crowdfunding push led by Selmun Sports Club aims to bring Mellieħa Basketball back to Malta’s national league after more than two decades, targeting €7,500 for coaching, kits and youth teams. Entertainment (Film): Reviews are out for the animated/live-action hybrid “Coyote vs. Acme,” praised for its fast, funny Looney Tunes-style humour. Business/Media: Malta-based iGaming affiliate Gentoo Media cuts its 2026 revenue outlook, sending shares down sharply. Travel & Tourism: The Malta Tourism Authority joins the WTTC as a Destination Partner ahead of the WTTC Global Summit in Valletta (7–9 October 2026).

Malta Tourism & Media: The Malta Tourism Authority has joined the World Travel & Tourism Council as a Destination Partner, ahead of WTTC’s Global Summit in Valletta (7–9 Oct 2026), underlining Malta’s push to stay front-and-centre for culture and visitor experience. Local Tech & Lifestyle: Melita is promoting flexible, no-long-term-contract connectivity for people spending part of the year in Malta, with fibre internet, mobile plans and a Premium TV app. Entertainment & Culture: Dance Festival Malta’s Writers & Critics Platform staged two politically charged works at the Manoel Theatre, using dance and sound to tackle paranoia, power and governance. Film & Streaming Buzz: “Coyote vs. Acme” lands as a loud, anarchic Looney Tunes-style comedy, while HBO Max’s September line-up highlights thrillers and docu-style drama. Sports & Community: Malta’s wider entertainment scene also echoes through sport—local and international previews and viewing guides keep fans tuned in, from football listings to snooker updates. Crypto & Gaming: Malta-linked launches like CopyLiquid’s AI copy trading on Hyperliquid and RakeBears’ NFT mystery boxes keep the digital entertainment conversation moving.

FIFA Reform Row: European Leagues president Claudius Schafer says “no future for Gianni Infantino” and backs a European Commission complaint over FIFA governance. EU Media Law: The CJEU weighs geo-blocking, VPNs and “communication to the public,” stressing territorial copyright still matters. Malta Court Drama: Yorgen Fenech’s Daphne Caruana Galizia trial continues, with prosecutors pressing his €50,000 payments and why he didn’t report alleged plot details. Malta Arts & Culture: Dance Festival Malta’s Writers & Critics Platform returns with dark, political choreography at the Manoel Theatre. Local Connectivity: Melita launches flexible, no-commitment summer internet, mobile and TV options for visitors and remote workers. International Entertainment: Ryan Gosling is in early talks for a live-action Flintstones reboot focused on adult Bamm-Bamm. Cruise Glam: MSC World Asia’s new 12m dragon sculpture is installed, with Malta listed among Mediterranean stops. Music Night: Mayans brings Zamna Soundsystem to Bolivar Beach Club for a bass-heavy Thursday. Sports Viewing: UCI confirms global broadcaster details for the 2026 Mountain Bike World Championships in Val di Sole.

Malta Arts & Culture: Dance Festival Malta’s Writers & Critics Platform at the Manoel Theatre showcased two dark, political works—one hypnotic piece built around paranoia and bodily “parasites,” and another where dancers chant about powerlessness, greed and corruption. Local Spotlight: Maltese dancer Noa Ng has been selected as the first Maltese candidate for the Fonteyn International Ballet Competition in London, a historic milestone for her career. Film & TV Buzz: Warner Bros is developing a live-action Flintstones movie with Ryan Gosling producing, while the long-delayed Looney Tunes hybrid Coyote vs. Acme is getting fresh attention through new reviews. Tech & Consumer Watch: A push for clearer rules on what online entertainment platforms collect and why is gaining momentum, with regulators demanding more transparency. Sports & Entertainment: Creamfields confirmed a replacement after DJ John Summit pulled out, and UCI shared global viewing details for the 2026 Mountain Bike World Championships. Legal Drama (Malta): In the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder trial, prosecutors wrapped up major cross-examination moments as Yorgen Fenech faced fresh challenges over payments and alleged failures to report a plot. Connectivity: Melita launched flexible, no-commitment internet, mobile and TV options aimed at short stays and remote workers.