Brigitte Bardot, Icon of French Cinema and Activist, Dies at 91

Brigitte Bardot, the French film star whose screen presence reshaped popular culture in the postwar era, has died at the age of 91. A global icon of beauty and sensuality in the 1950s and 60s, Bardot later withdrew from cinema to devote herself to animal rights activism, while also becoming a deeply polarising political figure. Her death was announced by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation at her home, La Madrague, in Saint-Tropez. The cause of death was not disclosed. French president Emmanuel Macron paid tribute, calling her “a legend of the century”

Three Bangladeshi films selected for Rotterdam festival screenings

The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) is set to showcase three Bangladeshi films in its upcoming edition, with the titles featured across different competitive sections. The selection marks an important moment for Bangladesh’s presence on the international festival circuit. Mejbaur Rahman Sumon’s Roid will receive its world premiere in the festival’s prestigious Tiger Competition, the main competition of the 55th edition of IFFR. This is the first time a Bangladeshi feature film has been chosen to compete in the festival’s top section. Alongside it, Rezwan Shahriar Sumit’s political thriller Master will

20 Most Anticipated Films of 2026

Between big‑budget spectacles, animated sequels, and auteur‑driven originals, 2026 calendar promises one of the most diverse and ambitious lineups in recent memory — possibly a milestone year for cinema globally. For fans of franchises, there are long‑awaited returns; for lovers of auteur cinema and fresh storytelling, there are bold new projects. 20 Most Anticipated Films of 2026 Masters of the Universe — Travis Knight A live‑action reimagining of the classic sword‑and‑sorcery franchise. Young Prince Adam transforms into He‑Man and faces Skeletor in a cosmic battle for Eternia. Toy Story 5 — Andrew Stanton

BFI poll captures a year of bold, politically charged and inventive cinema

Every year the British Film Institute assembles one of the most trusted snapshots of global cinema, and its 2025 critics’ poll offers a vivid picture of a medium responding directly to the world around it. According to the BFI, the most striking films of the year didn’t stand at a distance from political unrest or social anxiety. Instead, they entered the conversation with courage, humour and a sense of formal play. What emerges from their list is a portrait of cinema that feels sharply alive. Many of the selected films mirror