AGP Executive Report

Film Festivals: Slovakia’s Ivan Ostrochovský is among nine filmmakers competing for the Golden Atlas at France’s Arras Film Festival in November, with Only Beautiful Things to Look At. Ji.hlava’s 30th documentary festival, running October 23–November 1, will screen a 13-film retrospective on documentaries that changed the world. Photography: Bratislava’s Month of Photography returns in November with 27 exhibitions, including a major retrospective of Italian photographer Letizia Battaglia and five shows exploring British photography. TV: JOJ Svet has acquired a package of documentaries from ARTE Distribution, while Slovak Television & Radio is among international broadcasters to pick up the history series Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Slovak Hockey: Slovak winger Alex Misiak scored four goals, including the winner, as Kingston beat Barrie 7-4 in the OHL. Film Funding: From January 2027, foreign streaming services targeting Slovak viewers will contribute 0.5% of local revenue to the Audiovisual Fund and invest 3% in Slovak audiovisual works. Photography: Bratislava’s Month of Photography returns in November with 27 exhibitions and events, including retrospectives of Italian photographer Letizia Battaglia and British war photographer Don McCullin. Pop Music: Slovak singer ADÉLA is drawing attention for her rapid rise after Dream Academy and her new music, including “PRIMA.” Media: Denník N is launching a traditional-style radio station, betting on a familiar format in the streaming era.

Photography: Bratislava’s Month of Photography returns in November for its 36th edition, with 27 exhibitions and events. Highlights include a retrospective of Italian photographer Letizia Battaglia and work by British photographers, including Don McCullin. Film and Streaming: Parliament has approved a levy for foreign streaming services targeting Slovak viewers: from 2027, qualifying platforms must contribute 0.5% of local revenue to the Audiovisual Fund and invest 3% in Slovak audiovisual production. Music: Slovak singer ADÉLA’s “Nicole Kidman” is gaining global attention, with Dua Lipa, Pedro Pascal, Kristen Wiig and Kidman herself lip-syncing to it in a viral Chanel video. Media: Denník N is preparing an “old-fashioned” radio station, betting on a traditional format in the streaming era.

ADÉLA’s Global Moment: Bratislava-born singer ADÉLA’s track “Nicole Kidman” soundtracked a viral Chanel TikTok featuring Dua Lipa, Pedro Pascal, Kristen Wiig and Kidman herself, adding to the Slovak artist’s fast-rising profile. Screen News: “Lego Friends: Heartlake the Musical” is set to arrive in Slovakia via AMC Networks on November 1, following its global premiere this month. Slovak Media: Denník N is preparing an FM radio launch, betting that traditional radio still reaches more than three million listeners in Slovakia. Queer Arts: The PINKBUS festival returns with new performances and international guests, bringing fresh work to Slovakia’s cultural calendar.

Slovak Pop: Bratislava-born singer ADÉLA’s “Nicole Kidman” soundtracked a viral Chanel TikTok featuring Dua Lipa, Pedro Pascal, Kristen Wiig and Nicole Kidman. The singer’s debut album PRIMA is also gaining international attention. Family Viewing: Lego Friends: Heartlake the Musical, executive-produced by Kenny Ortega, arrives in Slovakia on Nov. 1 via AMC Networks. Slovak Media: Denník N is preparing to bring its newsroom’s audio work to FM radio, tapping into a medium still used by millions of people in Slovakia. Stage & Queer Arts: Prague’s PINKBUS festival will feature a new performance reimagining the Štúrovci, figures from Slovakia’s national revival. Streaming Costs: Apple has raised the price of its Family subscription in Slovakia; Individual pricing remains unchanged.

AI & Elections: A new column argues political deepfakes haven’t “swamped” U.S. politics yet, pointing to tougher state rules and real consequences that may have curbed the worst scenarios. Slovak Media & Tech: Denník N is betting on an “old-fashioned” FM radio launch, saying classic radio still reaches millions in Slovakia and fits its audio-first journalism push. Music & Pop Culture: Slovak star ADÉLA’s viral hit “Nicole Kidman” keeps spreading—A-list guests (Dua Lipa, Nicole Kidman, Pedro Pascal, Kristen Wiig) joined the trend at Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2027 show in Paris. Queer Arts: Prague’s PINKBUS Festival returns Nov 3–14 with theatre, drag, music and international guests, including premieres built from its open call. Film/Industry: The Warsaw Co-Production Forum unveiled 16 selected European projects for its Oct 15–16 industry programme. Health Watch: Slovakia reports two bluetongue cases in cattle (Čadca and Žarnovica districts). Streaming & Devices: SkyShowtime lands on Titan OS-powered Philips and Sharp smart TVs across 22 European markets, including Slovakia.

Viral Pop Culture: Slovak breakout star ADÉLA keeps climbing fast—her track “Nicole Kidman” sparked a Chanel Paris Fashion Week lip-sync trend where Dua Lipa, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal and Nicole Kidman joined in front of the cameras. Queer Arts: PINKBUS Festival returns to Prague Nov 3–14 with theatre, dance, drag, music and visual art, including Slovak-themed premieres and international guests. Music Spotlight: ADÉLA’s rise is getting global attention again as her songs keep charting and fueling social media moments. Health Watch (Slovakia): The State Veterinary and Food Administration confirmed bluetongue disease in cattle in Čadca and Žarnovica districts. Tech/Science (Slovakia-linked): Sensible Biotechnologies raised $47M to scale its mRNA platform, including non-dilutive EU and Slovak government support. Streaming Tech: SkyShowtime is now available on Titan OS smart TVs across Slovakia and 22 other European markets. Sports (regional): Hungary beat Ukraine 2–1 in Nations League action played in Slovakia, with controversy around Milos Kerkez.

EURO 2027 Qualifiers: Ireland’s U21s face England on Tuesday with a play-off spot on the line, needing either a win or a matching result from Slovakia in Andorra as the sides are level on points and Ireland hold the head-to-head edge. Halloween Art: York’s Stephenson’s Gallery will open “Gothic & Ghostly: Art of the Macabre” from Oct. 7 to Nov. 1, featuring five artists including Slovak painter Miloš Hronec. Media & Trust: Gambian journalist Bakary Ceesay is set to speak at Vienna’s re:think media conference on Oct. 8, focused on credibility and who the public can trust. Box Office: Colleen Hoover adaptation “Verity” is back with a strong $62.5M+ global opening, while “Digger” underperforms at $20M. Streaming/TV Deals: Slovak operator Skylink offers TV Paprika and Viasat History free in October until Nov. 3. Tech & Lifestyle: Apple One Family and Premier prices rise in multiple European countries, including Slovakia. Slovak Pop Culture: “007: First Light” gets a free update adding New Game+, Photo Mode, and a Valhalla driving TacSim mission across Slovak mountains.

Holocaust-Inspired TV Storytelling: A new piece spotlights how “The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse” was shaped by composer Kara Talve’s grandmother’s Shoah testimony—hiding in Nazi-occupied Paris and surviving through music. Film Festival Buzz: Zurich Film Festival’s 22nd edition wrapped with Pierre Le Gall’s “Flesh and Fuel” taking the Feature Film Golden Eye, while documentary “Bucks Harbor” won in its category. Streaming & TV Formats: Talpa Studios heads to Mipcom with “Sing With Me” and “The Golden Elevators,” while Skylink is offering TV Paprika and Viasat History free in October. Bond Gaming News: IO Interactive released free DLC for “007: First Light,” adding New Game+ and a Valhalla Protocol TacSim mission set in Slovak mountains. Pop Culture Spotlight: Slovak singer Adéla’s “Nicole Kidman” keeps climbing on Spotify and TikTok, fueling a full-on viral moment. Box Office Watch: “Verity” opened strongly worldwide with $62.5M, underscoring demand for female-led adaptations. Local Tech/Industry: Volkswagen is set to take a bigger stake in Gotion’s Šurany battery plant, a move aimed at easing concerns around the project.

Ukrainian Refugees & Education: A 17-year-old Ukrainian student in New York says her future is now clouded as the U.S. Temporary Protected Status deadline on Oct. 19 nears, threatening stability after years of adapting through school and English-learning routines. Pop Culture Spotlight: Slovak singer Adéla’s “Nicole Kidman” keeps climbing on Spotify’s Global Daily Top Songs and is exploding on TikTok, with fans also latching onto her bold style. Cinema Buzz: “Verity” starring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson opened to $62.5M+ worldwide, while Alejandro Inarritu’s “Digger” debuted far lower at $20M. AI & Politics: A new take argues deepfakes haven’t “swamped” U.S. elections like elsewhere, pointing to stronger state rules. EU Arts/Community: Slovakia is among leaders pushing to protect EU farm funding in the next budget, with 17 EU leaders signing a letter ahead of talks. Music & Culture: The EU’s “Taste of Europe” culinary festival in Baku includes Slovak participation, with masterclasses and music.

Pop Spotlight: Slovak singer Adéla keeps dominating online culture with “Nicole Kidman,” topping Spotify’s Daily Global chart and racking up huge TikTok usage. EU Arts & Culture: The EU’s “Taste of Europe” culinary festival in Baku features European embassies including Slovakia, mixing food masterclasses, quizzes, music and local organic producers. Football (Slovak ties): Nations League coverage keeps circling Slovakia—Northern Ireland’s young squad stunned Ukraine 3-0 in Slovakia, while other match previews and TV info keep fans locked in. EU Politics: Seventeen EU leaders push back on budget cuts, urging protection of farm funding and cohesion policy. Tech/Media: A look at political deepfakes argues the U.S. has avoided the worst election chaos thanks to tougher state rules. Sports (Slovakia in focus): Swim news highlights Bratislava’s Matias Ondrej Kristof committing to the University of Georgia for 2027.

Sports & Pop Culture: Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres kept his Nations League scoring streak alive, becoming the first player to score in six straight appearances, while Northern Ireland’s Ciaron Brown starred as a super-young side stunned Ukraine 3-0 in Slovakia. Music & Events: The 13th Riga International Film Festival unveiled its programme, and metal fans got a fresh weekly roundup as new releases and tours heat up. Gaming & Film/TV: IO Interactive released free DLC for 007: First Light, finally adding a mission that lets players drive the Aston Martin Valhalla properly, and a new Sherlock Holmes-style crime series is drawing attention online. Local Talent: Bratislava swimmer Matias Ondrej Kristof committed to the University of Georgia for 2027 after representing Slovakia at the 2026 European Juniors. Food & Culture: The EU’s “Taste of Europe” culinary festival returned in Baku with Slovakia among the participating embassies.

Gaming & Film Tie-In: IO Interactive released the free “Extended Operations” DLC for 007: First Light, finally letting players drive James Bond’s Aston Martin via the “Valhalla Protocol” mission. Football (International): Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres insisted he never planned to leave, but his Nations League record is doing the talking—he became the first striker to score in six straight Nations League appearances after scoring in Sweden’s 1-1 draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina. Football (Nations League): Northern Ireland stunned Ukraine 3-0 in Trnava, with Ciaron Brown scoring twice and Isaac Price adding a header as the youngest-ever post-war XI delivered a clean-sheet run. EU Culture & Food: In Baku, the EU Delegation and member-state embassies (including Slovakia) hosted the fourth “Taste of Europe” Culinary Festival with masterclasses, quizzes, and European cuisine stalls. Music Spotlight: Igorrr announced a 2027 European tour with a stop in Košice, Slovakia (March 27).

Northern Ireland Football: Ciaron Brown scored twice and Isaac Price added a header as a very young Northern Ireland side stunned Ukraine 3-0 in Trnava, extending their Nations League momentum and keeping a clean-sheet run going. France vs Italy: Zinedine Zidane’s first home game in charge ended 1-1 as Michael Olise scored for France, but Italy’s Alessandro Bastoni equalised to deny a win. Sports & Culture in Slovakia: A new Slovak stop is on the map for Igorrr’s 2027 European tour, with the band set to play Košice. Local Arts Spotlight: The Luzerne County Arts & Entertainment Hall of Fame announced its 2026 class and induction plans, with live performances and tributes at the Kirby Center. Travel & Heritage: A Danube cruise guide highlights how the river links capitals including Bratislava, with Budapest’s sights like Margaret Island and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Tech/Streaming: Netflix’s “The Final Problem” is climbing fast in the platform’s Top 10 after its first week.

Deepfake Politics: A new report argues election “nightmare scenarios” haven’t hit the U.S. thanks to tough state rules, even as AI-generated images and videos keep spreading elsewhere. Slovak Politics: President Pellegrini dismissed environment minister Tomas Taraba, but Prime Minister Robert Fico now faces coalition fragility as parliament votes loom over the 2027 budget. Tragedy in Slovakia: A school knife attack in Staskov has claimed a second life: the injured schoolgirl has died, following the teacher’s death. Gaming & Film/TV: IO Interactive released the free “007 First Light – Extended Operations” DLC, adding New Game+ and new TacSim missions (including Aston Martin Valhalla driving in Slovak mountains). Sports (EU football): UEFA Nations League coverage spotlights Germany’s Klopp-era bounce-back vs Serbia and matchday previews across the groups, with games staged in Slovakia. Arts & Culture: EWIP (European Work in Progress) announced winners, including a Czech/Slovak/Turkish/Dutch project “Panna Sophia,” as the 9th edition readies more European cinema deals.

Video Games & Pop Culture: IO Interactive released the free “007 First Light – Extended Operations” DLC, adding New Game+ (including a tougher 00 difficulty), a Photo Mode, new TacSim missions with the Aston Martin Valhalla plus an extra stealth mission set in Vietnam. Film & Festivals: Slovakia’s Oscar submission “Flood” (director Martin Gonda) is profiled, revisiting the forced evacuation of Rusyn villages in the Starina valley. Music: Dutch/Slovak deathcore band Distant dropped “The Shallow Gaze” featuring Darius Tehrani, previewing their album Into Despair (Nov 6). Sports (Local Angle): Two Bratislava-born hockey hopefuls, Lucian Bernat and Roderik Cernak, chase NHL dreams in Owen Sound. Arts & Culture: The 9th European Work in Progress (EWIP) names winners, including a Czech/Slovak/Turkish/Dutch project “Panna Sophia.” Tragedy: A knife attack at a Slovak primary school in Staskov has claimed a second victim, a schoolgirl.