Venice News Today — September 11, 2026
Venice Final Cut Winner Machérie Ekwa Bahango on ‘Madi Makambu’ and Why She Wants Congo to Be Seen: ‘We’re a Great Nation That Needs to Write Its Own History’ and more — today's venice signal.
The world of entertainment is buzzing with exciting news and inspiring stories, and Venice readers are in for a treat today. We're kicking off with a dose of inspiration from Machérie Ekwa Bahango, the winner of the Venice Final Cut award, who is on a mission to put Congo on the map through her film 'Madi Makambu'. Her passion for telling her country's story is a reminder of the power of cinema to shape our perceptions and challenge our assumptions. Meanwhile, in the world of politics, Senate candidate James Talarico is making waves with his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel's show, where he shared his vision for the future.
But it's not all about politics and social issues - the entertainment industry is also abuzz with new releases and upcoming projects. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has opened with Siân Heder's 'Being Heumann', which is already generating Oscar buzz, while Netflix is teaming up with director Peter Berg to bring us thrilling NFL gameday openers. And for all the gamers out there, the voice behind Nintendo's iconic Princess Zelda, Patricia Summersett, is celebrating the franchise's 40th anniversary and dishing out details on the upcoming live-action movie. With Jay-Z's lawsuit appeal making headlines and Apple potentially having its next big Oscar contender, there's no shortage of exciting news to dive into today.
Today's signal:
• Venice Final Cut Winner Machérie Ekwa Bahango on ‘Madi Makambu’ and Why She Wants Congo to Be Seen: ‘We’re a Great Nation That Needs to Write Its Own History’ (variety.com)
• Watch Jimmy Kimmel’s Interview With Senate Candidate James Talarico (rollingstone.com)
• TIFF Opens With Siân Heder’s Crowd-Pleasing ‘Being Heumann’ — and Apple Has Its Next Oscar Contender (variety.com)
• Jay-Z Loses Appeal to Revive Extortion and Defamation Lawsuit Against Lawyer Who Filed Rape Claim (rollingstone.com)
• Netflix Taps ‘Friday Night Lights’ Director Peter Berg for NFL Gameday Openers, the First Narrated by Kyle Chandler (variety.com)
• The Legend of Patricia Summersett’s ‘Zelda’: Voice Actress Behind Nintendo’s Iconic Princess on Franchise’s 40th Anniversary, Upcoming Live-Action Movie (variety.com)