Culture News Today — September 19, 2026

The world of culture is abuzz with exciting new developments and showcases. In film, the 30th anniversary of Portugal's Queer Lisboa festival is being celebrated with a vast showcase of the latest LGBTQ titles, as well as a dose of radical 1970s counterculture and family-friendly fare. This milestone event highlights the growth and evolution of LGBTQ representation in media. Meanwhile, a new documentary, "Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie," profiles the controversial author during a pivotal moment in his life, offering a unique perspective on his work and resilience.

In other news, the worlds of sports and fashion are colliding with Nike's new NBA collection, which for the first time allows fans to shop for gear worn by their favorite players. This innovative approach is sure to delight fans and collectors alike. Actress Fan Bingbing is also making waves internationally with her latest project, "Diary of a Mad Old Man," which has been selected for Toronto and Busan film festivals. As she notes, cinema has the power to transcend borders and cultures, and her ambitions reflect a desire to connect with audiences worldwide. These stories showcase the diverse and dynamic nature of today's cultural landscape.

Today's signal:
• Portugal’s Queer Lisboa Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Vast Showcase of Latest LGBTQ Titles, Dose of Radical 1970s Counterculture and Family Fare (variety.com)
• ‘Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie’ Review: Alex Gibney Profiles the Controversial Author During His Harrowing Hospitalization (variety.com)
• Nike’s New NBA Collection Lets Fans Shop Player-Worn Gear for the First Time (variety.com)
• Fan Bingbing on Toronto and Busan Selection ‘Diary of a Mad Old Man’ and Her International Ambitions: ‘Cinema Should Be Able to Cross Borders’ (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)