AGP Executive Report

Eurovision Expansion: Canada is officially joining Eurovision for 2027 in Bulgaria, after CBC was welcomed as a full EBU member—marking the first new participant since Australia in 2015 and coming as several countries (including Iceland) reportedly withdrew in protest over Israel’s participation. Music & Pop Culture: A new Locarno Kids competitive section is set for 2026, with a youth jury (ages 11–15) picking winners from seven family-friendly international premieres. Sports Drama: Harry Kane’s late brace rescued England 2-1 vs DR Congo and sets up a round-of-16 clash with Mexico—while international coverage focuses on Kane’s clutch impact after a shaky start. Iceland Spotlight (Crime): Icelandic police uncovered a record 106kg cocaine shipment tied to a sea-chest smuggling operation arriving from Brazil, with arrests reported and more investigation expected. Arts in the Region: Icelandic musicians are warning that AI is being built on unlicensed recordings, adding pressure to how creators’ rights are handled.

World Cup Drama: Harry Kane rescued England from a shock early deficit, scoring twice in the final stretch to beat DR Congo 2-1 and set up a last-16 clash with Mexico in Mexico City. Eurovision Expansion: Canada is officially joining Eurovision in 2027 after CBC/Radio-Canada became a full EBU member, with the contest in Bulgaria following Dara’s 2026 win. Iceland in the Spotlight (Politics): Texas AG Ken Paxton faces fresh scrutiny over claims he traveled to Iceland with alleged longtime partner Tracy Duhon while still legally married. Film Buzz: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey gets a new countdown trailer ahead of its July 17 release, highlighting its big practical set pieces and star-studded cast. Nordic Screen Co-Productions: Icelandic projects are among the Nordic-German pitches at Munich’s CineCoPro, including dark mystery and family-friendly concepts. Arts & Culture: Icelandic musicians warn AI is being built on unlicensed recordings, reigniting the debate over creative rights.

World Cup Drama: Harry Kane’s late brace rescued England from a shock scare, completing a 2-1 comeback over DR Congo and setting up a last-16 clash with Mexico. Eurovision News: Canada is officially in Eurovision Song Contest 2027, debuting in Bulgaria after CBC/Radio-Canada gained full EBU membership—an especially big moment after the 2026 boycotts. Film Buzz: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey keeps building hype with a new countdown trailer, starring Matt Damon and an all-IMAX 70mm production. Nordic Screen Co-Productions: Icelandic projects were among the pitches at Munich’s CineCoPro, including Nordic noir and family-friendly hybrids. Sports & Talent: Texas A&M’s Anita Franchini was selected for Italy’s FIBA U20 EuroBasket squad, with Group C also featuring Iceland. Arts & Culture: A new interview digs into why Supergirl changed its ending from Woman of Tomorrow, sparking fresh debate.

Reykjavík Arts Festival & Iceland culture: The 35th Reykjavík Arts Festival is framed as a rare antidote to “spectacle” biennials—more local communities, more cross-discipline experimentation, and programming built for all ages. World Cup fandom (and Iceland’s pop-cultural pull): Norway’s viral “Viking Row” keeps spreading across stadiums and social media, with fans and even Wayne Rooney promising to join in if Norway advances—another reminder of how quickly sports rituals become entertainment exports. Music news: Icelandic rock band KALEO has announced a spring 2027 Prague show celebrating the 10th anniversary of A/B, alongside a deluxe anniversary release. Whaling activism hits Iceland: The Paul Watson Foundation says it will target the fuel supplier behind Hvalur hf., as the activist vessel Bandero moves in Iceland’s wider waters and the Coast Guard shadows it. Travel-as-entertainment: Eurowings is pushing the “coolcation” trend with Reykjavik among its coolest summer escapes, while screen-inspired set-jetting is driving booking demand ahead of major releases. Local arts community: SFF Presents is gearing up for Hometown Hang, a free live-music night with bluegrass and Americana in support of local nonprofits.

Reykjavík Arts Festival: A new piece looks at how the 35th Reykjavík Arts Festival uses sensory, community-first programming to push back against “spectacle” biennials and keep experimentation at the center. Whaling Activism: Anti-whaling campaigners say Paul Watson’s Bandero is targeting the fuel supplier behind Hvalur hf., while the Icelandic Coast Guard shadows the vessel in the country’s exclusive economic zone. Music (Iceland on tour): KALEO has announced a spring 2027 Prague stop and a wider UK/Europe run celebrating 10 years of A/B, with a deluxe anniversary edition in the mix. Film (Iceland connection): Robert Eggers’ Werwulf trailer spotlights Icelandic poet Sjón as co-writer, as the gothic werewolf horror gears up for a December cinema release. Culture & language: A “proverb of the day” revisits the Icelandic idea that reaching the top takes adversity, betrayal, and competition.

Iceland Music Spotlight: Icelandic rock band KALEO just announced a big Way Down We Go run across Europe and the UK in spring 2027, celebrating the 10th anniversary of A/B with a deluxe anniversary edition and a Prague stop at Forum Karlín on 20 March 2027. Film & TV Buzz: Robert Eggers’ next folk-horror hit Werwulf drops a first-look trailer, reuniting Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Lily-Rose Depp, with Icelandic poet Sjón co-writing—werewolf transformation included. Art in Iceland: Björk talks about her National Gallery of Iceland exhibition Echolalia, pushing back on being labeled a “visual artist” and framing herself as a musician/worldbuilder. Culture & Community: A new wave of large-scale crochet public art is underway from choi+shine, with Iceland-linked ideas behind their “giants” concept. Local Sports/Events: Iceland Coast Guard vessel Þór is shadowing anti-whaling ship Bandero west of Iceland as whaling-area movements remain unclear. Viral Politics (Noted): U.S. Senate nominee Ken Paxton faces backlash after claims he flew to Iceland with an alleged mistress ahead of July 4.

Werwulf Trailer: Robert Eggers’ new 13th-century horror Werwulf drops its first official look, reuniting Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Lily-Rose Depp, with Icelandic poet Sjón co-writing; the trailer teases a brutal werewolf transformation and a backlash-fuelled prosthetic reveal. Local Culture & Community: Chester City Baths’ historic Pacific Pool is set to reopen in autumn 2026 after years of closure, with restoration funded by the Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation. Church & Tradition: Nordic bishops issue a clear “no exceptions” message: Catholics in Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden are barred from Freemasonry. Coast Guard Watch: Iceland’s Coast Guard is shadowing Paul Watson’s Bandero west of Iceland as it heads toward the whaling zone, with authorities ready to act. What’s On: Summer event picks include a Full Moon Cacao Ceremony, a Midsummer Party, and an All Out 80s Party. Music: KALEO announces its 10th-anniversary Way Down We Go UK/Europe tour dates, with tickets on sale July 3.

Iceland Cricket’s X roast: The Iceland Cricket account went viral again, sarcastically “confirming” it doesn’t want India coach Gautam Gambhir after Ireland stunned India with a 2-0 T20I series win. Local Arts & Culture: Iceland’s newly established National Opera has appointed six singers for its first full season, with four starting in September and all six set to appear in Verdi’s Falstaff premiering in March 2027. Summer Events: A packed Iceland week of community happenings includes a Full Moon Cacao Ceremony, a Midsummer Party, and an All Out 80s Party. Music in the open air: “Jazz in the Park” returns as a free Thursday series starting July 9 at Gypsy Hill Park. Sports on the side: USATF throws meets spotlight top discus/hammer athletes in LA and Idaho, while Iceland’s own sports culture keeps buzzing online.

Iceland Arts & Culture: The Icelandic National Opera has appointed six singers for its first full season (2026–27), with four starting in September and all six appearing in Verdi’s Falstaff premiering in March 2027. Music & Pop Culture: Icelandair’s “really bad photographer” campaign is a hit—after 127,000+ applications, the airline picked Blanche Montemard to prove even imperfect shots can sell Iceland. Björk in Reykjavík: The National Gallery of Iceland is hosting two Björk-focused exhibitions, including Metamorphlings (masks) and Echolalia (major audiovisual installations and a new piece, Nerve Bloom). Local Music Scene: Kaleo frontman Jökull Júlíusson’s Þingvellir concert drew an emotional tribute from his partner Bruna Ludmila, praising the pressure-to-performance moment. Film & Festivals (Europe): Karlovy Vary Film Festival marks its 60th edition (July 3–11) with spotlight picks from past Crystal Globe winners. Entertainment Trend Watch: Cruise-ship entertainment is booming again, with big-name stars increasingly taking lucrative onboard roles.

Iceland Arts & Culture: The National Gallery of Iceland is staging two Björk-focused exhibitions—Metamorphlings (James Merry masks) and Echolalia (immersive audiovisual works including Ancestress and Sorrowful Soil)—plus a new piece, Nerve Bloom, as part of a wider music-craft-performance spotlight. Opera & Performing Arts: Iceland’s newly formed National Opera has appointed six singers for its first full season, with all six set to appear in Verdi’s Falstaff (premiere planned for March 2027) and four starting work in September for an Akureyri opening event. Tourism & Lifestyle: Icelandair’s “really bad photographer” campaign is now in motion after a huge application surge, with the airline selecting Blanche Montemard for a 10-day assignment—an oddball marketing move that’s already getting attention. Music & Local Spotlight: Kaleo frontman Jökull Júlíusson’s Þingvellir concert drew an emotional tribute from his girlfriend, Bruna Ludmila, praising the pressure-to-performance turnaround. International Pop Culture: Canada’s Eurovision eligibility is confirmed after joining the EBU, though whether it will actually participate remains unclear.

Iceland’s National Opera: Six singers have been appointed for the company’s first full season, with four starting in September and all six set to appear in Verdi’s Falstaff (premiere March 2027). Björk at the National Gallery of Iceland: Two exhibitions spotlight the singer’s world—Metamorphlings (masks) and Echolalia (immersive audiovisual installations, including a new piece Nerve Bloom). Icelandair marketing stunt: The airline’s “really bad photographer” search ends with Blanche Montemard chosen for a 10-day assignment—proof that imperfect travel shots can still sell the dream. Music news with Iceland ties: VOIVOD will use Eric “E-Force” Forrest to cover for Denis “Snake” Bélanger on summer dates after a family matter. Local arts & culture: Ásta Fanney Sigurðardóttir’s Icelandic Pavilion work Pocket Universe at the Venice Biennale leans into mythmaking and fluid storytelling. Pop culture: Universal will skip influencer “word-of-mouth” screenings for Nolan’s The Odyssey, going straight to professional critics. Sports angle: Iceland’s World Cup viewing culture gets a nod via watch-party budgeting tips.

Björk in Iceland: The National Gallery of Iceland is hosting two Björk-focused exhibitions, blending masks, immersive audiovisual installations, and a new work hinting at her upcoming album—music, craft, performance, and tech all under one roof. Rock & metal news: Voivod will swap in former vocalist/bassist Eric “E-Force” Forrest for Denis “Snake” Bélanger on summer European dates, as Snake steps away for a family matter. Tourism with a twist: Icelandair’s “really bad photographer” campaign has a winner—Blanche Montemard—turning bad shots into a marketing lesson and a 10-day assignment. Eurovision door opens: Canada is now eligible for Eurovision after CBC/Radio-Canada gained full EBU membership, though it’s still unclear if Canada will actually take the invitation. Music releases: Icelandic singer-songwriter Árný Margrét Sævarsdóttir is profiled ahead of her latest work, while local band Flesh Machine is set for a debut-album release concert in Tónabíó. Film industry: Universal is skipping influencer “word-of-mouth” screenings for Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” opting for professional critics instead. Sports watch: World Cup coverage includes Brazil’s Vinicius Jr/Neymar moment and a spotlight on Iceland’s Icelandic Pavilion presence at Venice’s “Pocket Universe.”

Iceland in the spotlight: Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are visiting Iceland for about a week, with reports they arrived via Akureyri and are staying at Deplar Farm in Skagafjörður. Music & culture: Icelandic singer-songwriter Árný Margrét is building momentum with her newer, more expansive sound, while Venice’s Icelandic Pavilion is drawing attention for Ásta Fanney Sigurðardóttir’s “Pocket Universe,” a fluid mythmaking installation. Live music in Iceland: Queens of the Stone Age announce a much-awaited return to Iceland on October 24, 2026, with ticketing starting today. Education & energy: Reykjavik University and Southern Utah University sign an MoU to expand sustainable energy education, research, and workforce links. Entertainment industry buzz: Universal is skipping influencer “word-of-mouth” screenings for Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” and TIFF: The Market confirms 150+ international companies for its September industry push.

Eurovision Door Opens for Canada: CBC/Radio-Canada became a full member of the EBU, making Canada eligible to enter Eurovision—though the broadcaster says it won’t confirm participation yet. Icelandic Arts & Climate: The documentary-installation Time and Water brings Icelandic author Andri Snær Magnason’s glacier-loss message to the screen, while Clare Langan’s Earthbound tours as a multiscreen film/photography work. Music on the Move: Iceland Airwaves announces a second wave of artists, and Queens of the Stone Age confirmed an Iceland return on Oct. 24. Sports Media in Iceland: Warner Bros. Discovery will stream Wimbledon live on HBO Max across Iceland, with TNT Sports adding a 90-minute daily highlights show in the UK. Local Education Collaboration: Reykjavik University and Southern Utah University signed an MoU to expand sustainable energy education and research. Whaling Watch: Iceland resumed commercial whaling after a pause, drawing fresh protest.

Eurovision Watch: Canada’s public broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada has joined the EBU as a full member, making the country eligible to enter Eurovision—but CBC still won’t confirm whether it will participate. Climate & Culture: Iceland-linked filmmaker Andri Snær Magnason’s glacier-focused story gets a personal documentary treatment in Sara Dosa’s Time and Water, blending family reflection with urgent climate grief. Iceland Arts Spotlight: Clare Langan’s Earthbound lands as a multiscreen film installation with big photographs, exploring climate crisis, memory, and landscape. Local Entertainment Calendar: Iceland Airwaves announces a second wave of artists, including Icelandic acts like RAKEL and SCAM, plus a Taste of Iceland showcase in New York. Whaling News: Iceland resumes commercial whaling after a two-year pause, with fin whales processed at Hvalur—prompting fresh animal-rights backlash. Sports Media: Wimbledon coverage expands across Europe, with Iceland included in live streaming plans via Eurosport and WBD channels.

Iceland Airwaves: The festival has announced its second round of artists, adding a mix of international names and homegrown talent, plus a Taste of Iceland x Iceland Airwaves showcase in New York this October and a two-day industry conference. Whaling & Wildlife: Iceland has resumed commercial whaling after a two-year pause, with the first recorded fin whale catches since 2023 arriving at a processing site—sparking fresh criticism from animal rights groups. World Cup Culture Clash: Norway’s viral “Viking row” celebration is rubbing neighbours the wrong way; Sweden’s Gustaf Lagerbielke says he’ll “never” do it and complains the TV zoom-ins make it feel overused. Women’s Football Legal Landmark: A CAS ruling backs Swedish defender Maja Gothberg in a pregnancy-related employment dispute, setting a precedent on confidentiality and contract termination. Iceland Film Spotlight: Local review coverage highlights “Thirst,” an Iceland-made vampire story that leans into bold, queer horror and offbeat storytelling. Supergirl Review: “Supergirl” is reviewed as underpowered and disappointing, despite a strong lead performance.