Latest news with #LFF
Time Out
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This Oscar-winner's new movie is getting a gala at the London Film Festival
Brendan Fraser's career renaissance has already taken in a Oscar win for his performance in The Whale and now his new movie is getting a big gala at this year's BFI London Film Festival. Rental Family, which stars Fraser as a struggling American actor living in modern-day Tokyo, will be the LFF's American Express gala on Thursday, October 16. Directed by Hikari, the Japanese filmmaker behind Netflix drama 37 Seconds, Rental Family has Fraser's down-and-out thesp finding work with a Japanese rental family company, playing stand-in roles for strangers. 'As he immerses himself in his clients' worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality,' runs the festival's synopsis. 'Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the quiet beauty of human connection.' 'While it's inspired by a real, and sometimes unusual, business in Japan, it's ultimately about people longing for connection, and discovering the meaning of true friendship in modern Tokyo,' says Hikari. The gala takes place at London's Royal Festival Hall, with simultaneous screenings at cinemas across the UK. The 69th BFI London Film Festival runs from October 8-19. Tickets will be on sale to the general public from September 16 via the official LFF site. . .
Euractiv
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Euractiv
Latvia shaping EU goals on gender equality in sport
This article is part of our special report TARGET – youth football players as ambassadors for gender equality . From challenging stereotypes to aligning club accreditation with equality indicators, Latvia is localising European best practices to achieve gender equality in sport, building momentum for wider regional change. Elīza Spruntule and Miks Vilkaplāters are two key figures leading Latvia's grassroots transformation towards a more inclusive and gender-equal football culture under the EU-funded TARGET project. Spruntule, a former national team defender and now Head Coach of the WU-15 national team, combines her roles at the Latvian Football Federation (LFF) and RFS Women to promote girls' participation and leadership across all levels. Vilkaplāters, Director of FS Metta and Chairman of FK Metta, brings a dual perspective as both a grassroots coach and a communications specialist, embedding inclusive values from the earliest stages of player development. They spoke with Euractiv about how the TARGET methodology is being applied on the ground, and how campaigns, accreditation systems, and community partnerships are helping to break down stereotypes and institutional barriers. EURACTIV: The TARGET project emphasises embedding STEM and self-efficacy into coach training. How have LFF-led initiatives incorporated STEM-based activities or frameworks to enhance both male and female players' confidence and analytical thinking on the field? ES: The TARGET methodology draws on concepts from social psychology and education, including self-efficacy theory (Bandura), but does not directly embed the STEM curriculum in a traditional sense. Instead, it applies STEM-style analytical thinking through football exercises that simulate real-life problem-solving and systems thinking. For instance, in 'The Efficacy Match', players must solve complex social problems collaboratively while navigating football challenges, building their confidence in analysis, teamwork, and resilience. The LFF supports this by integrating such TARGET-designed activities into coach education workshops, where coaches receive practical training on structured, problem-solving games that blend football technique with broader cognitive skills. EURACTIV: The 'We Have Wings' campaign, launched by LFF, aims to challenge stereotypes and boost women's football participation. How are you evaluating the communication campaign's reach, and how does that align with TARGET's wider EU-level amplification strategy? ES: The 'We Have Wings' campaign aligns with TARGET's bottom-up and top-down communication framework. Communication reach is measured through engagement indicators on social media, community event participation, media coverage, and surveys of coaches and players. These data points are compared across national partners for EU-level scalability, coordinated through EURACTIV and UEFA. The LFF's team reports this data into the shared TARGET framework, feeding Latvian results into the overall EU assessment. EURACTIV: As a visible ambassador for TARGET, how do your strategies differ in promoting gender equality at the U-15 level compared to the elite tier with RFS women? ES: At the U-15 level, the focus is on basic awareness-building about stereotypes, experiential learning (e.g., the 'Unequal Roads' relay), encouraging confidence, and creating inclusive norms early. With elite RFS women players, the strategy shifts to consolidating leadership skills, addressing complex issues like double standards, preparing public role models, and tackling structural challenges. U-15s may lack the vocabulary to express gender issues, while elite players may face institutional resistance or burnout. But elite players' visibility offers an opportunity to cascade change back to the grassroots. EURACTIV: How is TARGET aligning with or enhancing the LFF's club accreditation processes? Are you tracking indicators like female coaches or participation rates? ES: TARGET complements the LFF's accreditation process with a gender-equality lens. Clubs are encouraged to integrate gender-equality training into coach licensing, adopt pro-equality norms, and monitor female coaches and participation. TARGET also offers monitoring tools like post-training surveys, coach feedback, and social media metrics, ensuring that gender equality is actively measured and promoted. EURACTIV: How is Latvia translating lessons from international partners into its own context? What are the plans to scale up successful tools across the Baltic or wider EU? ES: Latvia is adapting lessons from partners like Estonia, Malta, and Ukraine through coach education seminars, school and community collaborations, and youth-led social media campaigns that localise messages while aligning with EU strategy. To scale up, we plan joint workshops with neighbours like the Lithuanian FA, leverage UEFA support for pan-Baltic tournaments, and keep tools like the TARGET coach handbook open-access. TARGET is designed for this combination of local adaptation and EU-wide consistency. I also want to reflect on the course we organised for coaches, where participants shared painful personal experiences. It was a powerful reminder that gender inequality affects everyone differently and that these stories matter. Through TARGET, we found clearer, more proactive ways to support each other – raising our voices rather than staying silent. With the right tools and a supportive environment, we can build the confidence to act, challenge harmful stereotypes, and grow a broader, united community that stands for equality. EURACTIV: TARGET emphasises countering stereotypes from as early as age two. How are you adapting inclusive coach-training modules for children aged U-4 to U-8? MV: Until the age of 8, all children train in mixed groups, and from age 4, we teach boys and girls not just football, but life skills – how to wear equipment, collaborate, be kind, stay safe, and learn without pressure. This foundation helps them understand individuality and respect differences. We focus on interpersonal skills through football, not results or performance level. Later, this helps children understand their role and rights in society. EURACTIV: FS Metta is known for community engagement. How have you integrated TARGET messaging – such as gender equality and STEM – into your events or communications? MV: For over 10 years, we have developed a girls' football system and been a leading voice in Latvian football. Beyond the 1 per cent that go pro, we advocate equal football education for all – infrastructure, coaching, equipment, accessibility – regardless of gender. We use new tools to make football more accessible, especially for girls. There should be no limits on participation because of gender or assumptions about ability. Everyone deserves proper football education. EURACTIV: Can you describe a time when you addressed gender bias in your sessions using the TARGET methodology? MV: Empathy and kindness are the starting point. Football is education – teaching children they are not alone in feeling pain, shame, or fear. When they learn to put themselves in others' shoes, they think before speaking, offer help, or stand up to injustice. This foundation helps them understand that it is okay to be different in opinions, style, or beliefs. Once you have that, there is no room for judgment based on gender, socio-economic status, or physical appearance. EURACTIV: How does FS Metta coordinate with the LFF and other TARGET partners to share feedback and align your training methods? MV: We have built strong relationships with all the partners. Beyond the theory and practice, we have exchanged real-life experiences and best practices from our clubs and countries. This exchange is proof of why this issue matters in football. We talk about adapting the methodology, how our coaches and players respond, and how to reach wider audiences through media. I hope we can continue developing these collaborative ties. EURACTIV: Looking ahead, how will FS Metta embed TARGET's principles into long-term operations? Are there plans to train mentors or partner with schools? MV: We have mentored coaches to raise awareness of gender equality and how to address it. We will also involve our players – boys and girls – in TARGET activities, letting them experience the challenges faced by the opposite gender. The most active players will become role models in media and school outreach, raising awareness beyond football. Everyone should have equal access to football education, regardless of gender. That is our priority and message to all. [The interviews have been edited for brevity.] [Edited By Brian Maguire | Euractiv's Advocacy Lab ]
Time Out
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The London Film Festival's opening film has been announced – and it's going to be murder
Crack out the crime tape because this year's BFI London Film Festival (LFF) opener is going to be piling up the bodies on the South Bank. Rian Johnson's third Knives Out movie, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, will be opening the 69th London Film Festival at the Royal Festival Hall and cinemas cross the UK on October 8. Expect big stars and bloody murder, as Daniel Craig's sleuth Benoit Blanc gets to the bottom of another criminal conspiracy in an as-yet-undisclosed setting. Also starring in the Netflix movie is another killer ensemble, including – deep breath – Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack and Thomas Haden Church. Johnson's entertaining murder-mystery series has a close relationship with the festival. The first Knives Out was the AMEX gala at the LFF in 2019, while the second Knives Out movie, Glass Onion, closed the festival in 2022. 'We're honoured to be opening the BFI London Film Festival with Wake Up Dead Man,' says Johnson. 'London is the birthplace of the golden age of detective fiction and it's a thrill to be back!' '[It's a] film that twists, turns and will keep audiences guessing to the final frame,' says festival director Kristy Matheson. 'The third of the brilliant Knives Out films we have presented at the LFF, we are delighted to reunite for our special Opening Night.' The 69th BFI London Film Festival runs from October 8-19. Tickets go on sale to the general public on September 16. Head to the official festival site for all the info.
Libya Review
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libyan Football Federation Launches Probe into Al Ahli Tripoli-Al Ittihad Match Incident
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has announced the formation of a fact-finding committee to investigate the incidents that occurred during the match between Ahli Tripoli and Al-Ittihad. The game, part of the fourth week of the return leg in the first hexagonal round of the Libyan Premier League, was held on Tuesday, June 19, 2025, at Tripoli Stadium. The decision was issued by the LFF Board of Directors under Resolution No. 96 of 2025. The investigative committee includes Ali Mahdi Al-Sanousi (Board Member), Al-Mabrouk Mohamed Shouia (Appeals Committee Member), and Adel Misbah Swaisi (Referees Committee Member). According to the resolution, the committee is tasked with reviewing official complaints submitted by both clubs, Ahli Tripoli and Al-Ittihad, and will collect testimonies from all parties involved in the match-day events. The investigation will also include a full review of official reports and all available video footage and photographic evidence. The committee must submit a detailed report within 72 hours of the decision's issuance. The report will outline the circumstances of the incident, identify responsibilities, and provide recommendations to the LFF Board. The LFF also directed the Competitions Committee to postpone any decision regarding the outcome of the match until the investigation is complete. However, the Federation confirmed that the final round of the hexagonal stage will proceed as scheduled and will not be impacted by the ongoing inquiry. The decision is effective immediately and is binding on all relevant entities. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
Libya Observer
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Libya Observer
Libyan football league's championship round to be held in Italy for 2nd year in a row
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has officially announced that the championship round of the Libyan Premier League will be held in Milan, Italy, for the second consecutive year. The event is being sponsored by the Government of National Unity, in direct coordination with the Italian Football Federation and with support from the Italian government. The LFF confirmed that it had started, in collaboration with Libyan governmental entities, completing the necessary administrative and technical arrangements to organize this major football event, which represents the decisive stage of the sports season. The Ministry of Sports has started coordinating with the relevant Italian authorities to ensure the best conditions and facilities for the success of the tournament. Meanwhile, the LFF also noted that it would soon begin implementing the specific procedures for the clubs participating in the league, according to regulations and conditions that will be announced in due course. Tags: Libyan Football Federation Libyan Football League
