AGP Executive Report

Tunisia Media Crackdown: RSF says investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi was arrested on 4 September outside Express FM in Tunis while preparing to discuss the water crisis, with his case tied to a Facebook smear campaign and charges including “illicit enrichment” and money-laundering allegations; his detention was extended before he was brought before a financial judicial division. Music Spotlight: Tunisian-French progressive metal band Myrath drops a new single, “Shape Of My Heart,” a bold rework of Sting ahead of a UK/EU tour. Film & Culture: Gaza documentary “NAZA,” by No Other Land directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, scored a record 24.5-minute standing ovation at Venice, with the film examining alleged systems behind civilian deaths in Gaza. Local Arts & Design: Indie Tunisian developers Suversa and Nana announce liminal horror game “Tape 101” for Steam on 18 September, turning grief stages into navigable architectural spaces. Faith & Coexistence in Tunis: La Goulette revives the Marian procession, inviting Christians, Jews, and Muslims to celebrate peaceful coexistence amid wider regional tensions.

Tunisia in the spotlight: The Marian procession in La Goulette is back, with Christians, Jews and Muslims joining in a public show of peaceful coexistence as the country faces wider crackdowns. Venice Film Festival buzz: “NAZA,” the Gaza-focused documentary by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor (with Jonathan Glazer among producers), stunned audiences with a record 24.5-minute standing ovation, featuring interviews with Israeli military intelligence personnel. Music & culture: Tunisian star Latifa teased a new surprise tied to her successful album “Shibhi Bil-Milli,” promising fresh sounds with engineer Amir Mahrous. Local media pressure: Tunisia’s journalists’ unions and the NUJ renewed calls for the immediate release of journalist Mohamed El Yousfi, arrested after social media posts and questioned over his work. Arts industry investment: FIPA-Tunisia and the Tunisia Investment Authority visited Mediwood Studios in Hammamet, pointing to nearly $5 million expected for a Saudi historical series production push. Sports-to-entertainment: Volleyball’s Wafalme Stars squad includes Felix Ogembo, whose Tunisia tournament call-up highlights a growing African beach and indoor talent pipeline.

Tunisia Film & Investment: FIPA-Tunisia and the Tunisia Investment Authority say nearly $5 million is expected to flow into Mediwood Studios in Hammamet over the next three months for a Saudi historical series, with talks focused on turning foreign productions into lasting local opportunities for logistics, construction, accommodation and technical services. Music Spotlight: Tunisian star Latifa teased a “wonderful surprise” tied to her hit album “Shibhi Bil-Milli,” promising new techniques and featuring sound engineer Amir Mahrous. Fashion & Pop Culture: Angelina Jolie says she wants to live “out of the States” and be “a bit nomadic,” while also insisting her six children are “definitely individuals” and she’s proud not to get in their way. Global Screen Buzz (Venice): Gaza doc “NAZA” from Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor reportedly drew a record 24.5-minute standing ovation at Venice. Media Freedom in Tunisia: The NUJ joined international calls for the immediate release of journalist Mohamed El Yousfi, arrested after Facebook posts and linked to independent outlet Al-Qatiba. Entertainment Tech/AI Summit: Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy opened Tunisia’s AI Summit, urging responsible tech, governance and closing digital divides. Local Arts/Community: Tunisia’s coastline development plan from Bizerte to Djerba also includes major coastal works like Bizerte’s Corniche beach redevelopment—an arts-adjacent boost for public spaces.

Tunisia Media & Press Freedom: The NUJ joined IFJ and the SNJT in demanding the immediate release of journalist Mohamed El Yousfi, arrested on Sept 4 outside Express FM before a water-policy appearance, with authorities citing Facebook posts and questioning him over his work and editorial line. International Culture & Film: Final Cut in Venice wrapped its 14th edition, with DR Congo/France/Belgium’s Machérie Ekwa Bahango’s Madi Makambu winning the La Biennale di Venezia Prize (€10,000) plus four more awards, while Jordan/Qatar/UK Occupational Hazards also collected five prizes. Music & Tunisia Connection: The Avalanches shared new single Far Away, featuring Tunisian footwork producer Khadija Al Hanafi, ahead of the album No Bad Memories due Oct 16. Tech & AI in the Region: Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy opened Tunisia’s second AI Summit, urging responsible AI governance, digital infrastructure investment, and closing digital divides. Coastal Development: Environment Minister Habib Abid says Tunisia’s coastline from Bizerte to Djerba will be developed, including a major Corniche beach redevelopment in Bizerte (about 100 million dinars total). Sports (Tunisia in focus): Shooting Stars departed for Tunisia for the CAF Confederation Cup decider vs CS Sfaxien, carrying a 1-0 first-leg lead.

FrancoFilm Festival: The free-to-attend FrancoFilm Festival returns for its 4th edition in Tunisian-friendly spirit, with 12 films from the French-speaking world screened Sept. 10–13 at Epix Cinemas in Dana Mall (English subtitles, free admission), kicking off tonight with Vincent Munier’s French documentary Le Chant des forêts. Venice Film Festival Buzz: Florence Pugh turns heads in Venice with a yellow Rodarte look while Final Cut in Venice wraps its 14th edition and hands out prizes. Music Spotlight: Australian duo The Avalanches keep the momentum for No Bad Memories with “Far Away,” featuring Tunisian footwork producer Khadija Al Hanafi. Tunisia in the Spotlight: Tunisian journalists protest a media crackdown after the arrest of investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi. AI & Culture: Nabil Fahmy opens Tunisia’s AI Summit, urging responsible tech and stronger governance as the region pushes AI growth. Sports: Shooting Stars depart for Tunisia ahead of the Sfaxien decider in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisian journalists rallied outside a court in Tunis demanding the release of investigative editor Mohamed Yousfi, arrested after he was set to appear on Express FM; his lawyer says the illicit enrichment and money-laundering charges are fabricated, while the SNJT warns of a wider crackdown. Music & Nightlife: Balaclava’s 4th anniversary party hits Tunis on September 19 with a MENA-spanning lineup blending experimental electronics, bass, rap and hip-hop. Film & Training: The Gaza Cinema Academy launched at the Venice Film Festival, backing Palestinian filmmakers with a nine-month diploma already underway for 25 young women and plans for longer-term degree-level education. TV Drama Spotlight: German distributors unveiled the trailer for Blindspot Berlin, a drama tied to the 2016 Berlin Christmas market attack that features Tunisian attacker Anis Amri in its storyline. Local Arts & Culture: Tunisia’s ARTES (Renault/Dacia dealer) reported H1 results, with revenue down but net profit up, driven by investment income.

Press Freedom in Tunisia: Tunisian journalists protested in Tunis after the arrest of investigative editor Mohamed Yousfi on money-laundering charges, which his lawyer says lack “concrete evidence,” with rights groups warning of a widening crackdown on independent voices. Venice Film Festival Glam & Politics: At the 83rd Venice Film Festival, stars including Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem turned up for Florian Zeller’s thriller “Bunker,” while Maggie Gyllenhaal pushed back on the festival’s lack of women directors, calling it a “systemic problem.” Gaza on Screen: The Gaza Cinema Academy launched at Venice to train young Palestinian filmmakers, backed by figures such as Hiam Abbass, Ramy Youssef, and Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania. Tunisia in Creative Awards: Saatchi & Saatchi MEA won at the 2026 Gerety Awards for the Carrefour Tunisia “LumpDolls” breast cancer awareness campaign, marking Tunisia’s first Gerety win. Health & Careers: Tunisia’s Health Ministry opened recruitment for 52 public health pharmacists, with applications due in late October.

Venice Film Festival Buzz: Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem arrive in style for Florian Zeller’s Bunker, while Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania backs the new Gaza Cinema Academy, launched at Venice to train Palestinian filmmakers and help them tell their own stories. Tunisia in the Spotlight: Tunisian DJ Hamdi Ryder drops Undisputed Truth, flipping late-’60s/early-’70s Detroit psychedelic soul into acid-house-ready sounds. Creative Industry Watch: The Gerety Awards 2026 name winners worldwide, with first-time recognitions for Tunisia and big wins for campaigns like The KitKat Heist. Tech & Culture: Korea’s meteorology agency will transfer numerical weather prediction and AI models to Tunisia and four other African nations. Local Life & Entertainment Context: Tunisians share their “summer of shortages” as water and power disruptions hit daily routines. Sports (for fans): Champions League 2026/27 matchday 1 viewing guides are out, plus CAF prelim results include Club Africain’s 1-0 win over Djoliba.

Gaza Cinema Academy at Venice: Ramy Youssef and Hiam Abbass are backing the Gaza Cinema Academy, launched at the Venice Film Festival to train and support Palestinian filmmakers, with Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania among the supporters; the nine-month Gaza Filmmaking Diploma has already started for 25 young women. Venice Arab film development: MAD Solutions and Erth announced a new Arab-focused content development collaboration at Venice, aiming to help projects move from scripts to production and reach Arab and international markets. Tunisia on the football map: Club Africain secured a 1-0 win over Djoliba in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round first leg, while Tunisian links also surfaced in CAF Confederation Cup coverage after Shooting Stars’ 1-0 win over CS Sfaxien. AFCON qualifiers squad news: Cameroon coach David Pagou named a provisional squad for September 2026 AFCON qualifiers, with Tunisia’s wider regional football audience watching the group race. Tunisia in the spotlight at CIFET: The Tunisian play “Show Off” brought fashion-as-control themes to Cairo’s CIFET, using a catwalk and sewing-machine imagery to question consumerism and freedom. Music & culture: Tunisian electronic festival Fabrika revealed its phase-two 2026 lineup, adding new names to the already-buzzing roster.

Venice Film Festival Spotlight: May el-Toukhy’s “Woman Unknown” premiered in competition at Venice, with Tunisian jury member Kaouther Ben Hania among the names tied to the event’s spotlight on women directors. Humanitarian Cinema: The Gaza Cinema Academy was officially launched at Venice, backed by filmmakers including Tunisian Kaouther Ben Hania, aiming to build sustainable film education and production in Gaza. Film Industry Calendar: The International Film Distribution Summit (IFDS) unveiled its programme for Hamburg (29 Sept–1 Oct), focusing on release strategies, audience behaviour and new distribution models, including an Africa-Europe partnerships keynote. Tunisia in the Sports Spotlight: Club Africain carried a narrow 1-0 lead into the second leg of its CAF tie, while Shooting Stars’ 1-0 win over CS Sfaxien sets up a tense return in Tunisia. Tunisia Tech & Sustainability: Researchers in Tunisia turned desert sand into mesoporous silica nanoparticles that can destroy a textile dye in 30 minutes under simulated sunlight. Music & Nightlife: Fabrika Festival revealed its phase-two 2026 line-up, adding new Tunisian electronic names to the MENA dance calendar.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisian investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi was detained after being barred from a radio interview, with a judge ordering detention on charges of illicit enrichment and money laundering—sparking warnings from the Tunisian Journalists’ Union about shrinking civic space. Theatre & Fashion as Protest: Taher Issa Ben Larbi’s Tunisian play Show Off opened at Cairo’s CIFET, using fashion to expose consumerism, media control, technology and the limits of freedom. CAF Club Football (Tunisia in the spotlight): Shooting Stars of Ibadan edged CS Sfaxien 1-0 in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup, while Tunisian clubs remain central to the return-leg pressure. Sports Diplomacy: Ogun State’s governor called for stronger Tunisia–Nigeria ties in grassroots and institutional football development after the Shooting Stars–CS Sfaxien clash. Music & Awards: Tunisian singer Ahmed Saad won at the 2026 Murex d’Or in Lebanon, including “Popular Arab Star,” for “Muxarat.” Global Film Glamour: Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson wrapped up Venice Film Festival appearances around Primetime’s premiere.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisian journalist Mohamed Yousfi was detained after being barred from entering Express FM for a radio interview, with a judge ordering detention on charges of illicit enrichment and money laundering; the SNJT says the case is unclear and warns of shrinking civic space. Culture & Arts Spotlight: Culture Night Dublin returns with musician Asha Ari as ambassador, promising 300+ free after-hours events across museums, galleries, heritage sites, and venues. Venice Film Festival Fashion & Buzz: Suki Waterhouse turned heads at the Primetime premiere with Robert Pattinson, while Venice continues to fuel big-screen conversations from star power to industry debates. Sports—Tunisia in Continental Focus: Shooting Stars edged CS Sfaxien 1-0 in the CAF Confederation Cup first leg, setting up a tense return in Tunisia; meanwhile, CAF Champions League build-ups and Tunisian club storylines keep rolling. Global Entertainment: Venice also hosted major discussions on creativity and AI in film, including Maggie Gyllenhaal’s take on an AI Marilyn Monroe recreation that she says “flopped.”

Tunisia Press Freedom: Tunisian journalist Mohamed Yousfi was detained after being barred from entering Express FM to appear on a radio programme, with charges reported as illicit enrichment and money laundering—prompting the SNJT to demand his immediate release and warning of a widening crackdown on independent voices. CAF Football: Shooting Stars edged CS Sfaxien 1-0 in the CAF Confederation Cup, taking a crucial lead ahead of the second leg. Sports Diplomacy: Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun called for stronger Ogun–Tunisia ties in grassroots and institutional football development after meeting Tunisia’s ambassador during the CAF clash. Handball News: Kuwait club and national team star Meshaal Abbas Al-Harbi announced his retirement after nearly 25 years, moving into a youth-sector administrative role. Culture & Media: Tunisia’s Department of Culture published issue 84 of Al-Masrah magazine, spotlighting theatre and literary content. Global Entertainment: At Venice Film Festival, Maggie Gyllenhaal discussed AI’s failed attempt to recreate Marilyn Monroe, while Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson turned heads at the Primetime premiere.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisia’s authorities detained investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi as he arrived for a radio interview, with the SNJT and rights groups saying the move targets independent voices amid a wider crackdown. Legal Pressure on Media: A judge ordered Yousfi’s detention on charges including illicit enrichment and money laundering, while the union demanded his immediate release and warned of intimidation. Civic Space Alarm: Separate coverage highlights growing concerns over the threatened dissolution of Al-Khatt, the association behind Inkyfada, as Tunisia’s civil society faces mounting restrictions. Cybersecurity Push: Tunisia’s Prime Minister issued a circular requiring stronger protection of public digital systems, including mandatory hosting rules, HTTPS, and multi-factor authentication. Arts & Film Buzz: At the Venice Film Festival, jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal turned heads in Celine on the red carpet while again calling out sexism and the lack of women directors in competition. Travel & Lifestyle: Emirates announced an electric Premium Economy seat with a full-height privacy screen, now available on routes including Tunis. Sports Spotlight: Tunisia’s football scene also made headlines with CAF Confederation Cup coverage as Espérance de Zarzis prepare for their continental test.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisian police arrested prominent journalist Mohamed Yousfi, a sharp critic of President Kais Saied, as he was preparing to appear on Express FM—another sign of tightening control over independent media. Civic Space Watch: Human rights groups also warn about the threatened dissolution of Al-Khatt, the association behind investigative platform Inkyfada, saying it could further shrink freedom of association and expression. Heat & Detention: The Tunisian League for Human Rights says 20 prisoners have died in detention amid extreme temperatures, as power cuts and water shortages worsen conditions. Cybersecurity Push: The Prime Minister issued a circular ordering stronger protection of public digital systems, including mandatory HTTPS and multi-factor authentication. Fashion & Film Glam: Maggie Gyllenhaal turned heads at Venice with a black Celine gown, while using her jury role to call out sexism and the lack of women directors. Tunisia in Global Travel: Emirates announced a new electric Premium Economy seat and says it will serve routes including Tunis. Arts & Industry: Tunisian eco-innovation PigmentOco won an Avantex Fashion Pitch award in Paris for low-water textile dyeing using supercritical CO₂. Sports Spotlight: Espérance de Zarzis return to CAF Confederation Cup action this Friday against Diambars, with fans expected to pack Taïeb Mhiri Stadium.

Human Rights & Media: Tunisia’s rights climate keeps worsening after Saied’s 2021 power grab, with civil society and journalists facing arrests, prison sentences, and legal harassment—while heatwave conditions in detention have reportedly killed 20 prisoners, according to the Tunisian League for Human Rights. Fashion & Sustainability: Tunisian label PigmentOco won the Avantex Fashion Pitch trophy at Texworld Apparel Sourcing in Paris for supercritical CO₂ dyeing, while Iroony earned a “Coup de Cœur” for turning agricultural residues into alternative fibres. Film & Culture: Venice Film Festival opens amid renewed Palestine-focused activism, with major industry figures backing Venice4Palestine and two Palestinian films in the lineup. Music & Pop Culture: The Avalanches dropped the tracklist for “No Bad Memories,” featuring big-name guests including Jamie xx and Haley Joel Osment. Sports (Tunisia-linked): Tunisia’s energy and infrastructure pressures also hit daily life, as reports tie extreme heat to power and water cuts—while CAF Champions League coverage points to major tech and officiating changes on the horizon.