>> Iran has sentenced Palme d'Or-winning filmmaker Jafar Panahi in absentia to one year in prison and a travel ban over "propaganda activities" against the country, his lawyer told AFP. This came just after his film, 'It Was Just An Accident', won the Gotham Award for best director, best original screenplay, and best international film.

>> Actress Richa Chadha has taken on a new role in the environmental space, joining the All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF) as its Goodwill Champion. The festival, known for showcasing films focused on sustainability and ecological issues, aims to highlight urgent conversations around the environment through storytelling.