AGP Executive Report

Festival Watch: Lollapalooza Chile 2027 has unveiled a major lineup led by Charli XCX, Travis Scott and The Killers. Film: Martin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine, starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell, follows two CIA agents linked to the 1973 coup as they travel to Rapa Nui. Live Music: Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour still has dates in Chile and elsewhere in Latin America, but no replacement opening acts have been announced for those shows after Macklemore and other performers withdrew. Wrestling: Chilean WWE champion Stephanie Vaquer is making waves online after sharing a striking photo with her title belt.

Lollapalooza Chile: Charli XCX, Travis Scott and The Killers will headline the festival at Santiago’s Parque O’Higgins, March 12–14, 2027. Three-day passes start at 242,000 pesos. Latin Touring Boom: Latin artists are drawing bigger crowds and driving arena investment across the region. Leon Bridges’ 2027 tour will include Lollapalooza dates in Chile, Argentina and Brazil. Chilean TV: Don Francisco is returning to the Sábado Gigante studio for a new Univision show. Art and Exile: Chilean artist and poet Cecilia Vicuña reflects on exile and her life in Britain after Pinochet’s coup.

Chilean Music: Nicolás Jaar, the Chilean-American composer and electronic musician, appeared on Democracy Now! for an interview and performance. Local Breakthrough: An 80-year-old market trader has become a Chilean music star, in a story celebrating an unusual late-career rise. Arts Abroad: Chilean artists joined performers from across Latin America at Beijing’s Latin American Art Season on Oct. 6–7, an event focused on cultural exchange. Film Industry: Chilean producer Giancarlo Nasi says more U.S. independent filmmakers are seeking international co-production partners and public funding as private financing dries up.

Chilean TV: Don Francisco returns to Univision on Sunday with GIGANTES con Don Francisco, filmed on the Sábado Gigante stage. The new series pairs interviews and reunions with live music; episodes will stream on ViX the following day. Film Industry: Chilean producer Giancarlo Nasi says U.S. independent filmmakers are increasingly seeking international co-production funds as private financing dries up. His latest film, The Smell of Apples, a Chile–South Africa–Netherlands co-production, premiered at TIFF. Music: Valparaíso’s Luis Gómez, known as JM, became a stage sensation after decades selling vegetables at the market. Now 80, he fronts Los Crack del Puerto, whose fourth album came out this year.

Messi Farewell: Lionel Messi closed his Argentina era at Estadio Monumental with a 3-0 friendly vs Benin, scoring a penalty and adding two assists—plus a surreal drone moment that briefly turned the send-off into a brand ad. Copa America Build-Up: Javier Mascherano urged Chile and Argentina fans to keep the Copa America final “football, not war,” stressing respect over politics. USMNT Momentum: Justin Ellis scored as the U.S. beat Canada 1-0 in Minnesota, extending a strong international window led by a new wave of young players. Chile Sports Spotlight: Mexico vs Chile friendly coverage ramps up ahead of the Márquez era, with Chile aiming to capitalize on Mexico’s pressure. K-Pop in the Region: Lima went purple for BTS with “Avenida BTS” and landmark light shows ahead of the Arirang tour stops, including Santiago next. Spotify Books: Spotify expands audiobooks to 180+ markets and 120 languages, with a push that raises the question of whether music-only fans will feel left out. Chile Wine Fest Miami: Wines of Chile brings Chile Wine Fest to Miami on Oct. 14, featuring around 20 wineries and a pisco-focused program.

Messi Farewell Fever: Lionel Messi’s final Argentina friendly vs Benin hits Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental, with Neymar posting a heartfelt tribute ahead of the emotional sendoff. Sports Streaming for Chileans: USMNT vs Canada friendly (Allianz Field) is set for tonight, with multiple TV/stream options highlighted for viewers. Chile in the Spotlight Abroad: Chile’s folk art is featured in a Latin American and Caribbean exhibition inaugurated in Cairo, alongside works from 11 countries. WWE Glam Moment: Stephanie Vaquer stirs buzz with a daring title photo ahead of her Women’s World Championship defense at Money in the Bank. Rugby Big Move: Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Brazil submit a joint bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, aiming to bring the tournament to South America. Film/Industry: Fantastic:Brasil launches at the Rio Film Festival as a new platform for Latin American genre cinema, with Chile’s Mórbido Film Fest involved.

Farewell to a legend: Lionel Messi will wear Argentina’s jersey one last time at Estadio Monumental on Tuesday, with 85,000 fans expected for a friendly vs Benin—his 208th and final cap—after announcing his international retirement and hinting he may step away from football sooner. Regional sports dream: Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Brazil have submitted a joint bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, aiming to bring the tournament to South America for the first time, with venues across 10 cities and a decision expected in 2027. Chile on the global stage: Chile reaffirmed its bid to host the High Seas Treaty HQ in Valparaíso, despite earlier doubts after marine park expansion plans were paused. Pop culture in motion: BTS kicked off the South American leg of its Arirang tour in Colombia, with stops including Santiago, and V’s Spanish greeting to fans making headlines. Fashion-meets-conservation: Dior Sauvage and WWF are partnering to protect wild pumas, with a Patagonia visit spotlighting the collaboration.

USMNT vs Canada Friendly: Mauricio Pochettino says he tried to sign striker Jonathan David ahead of Tuesday’s clash, as Canada deals with injuries while the U.S. rides a three-win streak. Chile in the spotlight: Chilevisión is set to deliver the 2026 World Cup in enhanced 4K UHD via a hybrid ground-to-cloud setup with ClaroVTR and Pixop. Film export from Chile: Dominga Sotomayor’s Cannes Directors’ Fortnight hit “La Perra” has landed multiple international sales and a new poster/trailer ahead of Brazil’s Rio Film Festival. Music & tours: Jay Wheeler announces the “La Voz Favorita” world tour with stops across Europe, the U.S. and Latin America, including Chile. Fashion drama: Rihanna fires back with a one-word “Damn” after EJ Johnson’s Paris Fashion Week Dior shade. Sports culture: Argentina confirms a joint bid for the 2035 Rugby World Cup with Uruguay, Chile and Brazil.

Music & Culture: Chilean pianist Yerko Difonis is set to spotlight Sergei Lyapunov’s rarely performed 12 Transcendental Études in a lecture recital capstone at Rutgers (Spring 2027). Pop & Tours: BTS kicked off the South American leg of its “Arirang” tour in Colombia, with V and Jimin stealing attention and Chile listed among the upcoming stops. Film & Arts: Pedro Pascal is learning cello for Tony Gilroy’s upcoming Behemoth!, where music drives the story’s past-and-present emotional link. Chile on the Move: Chilean students and allied groups marched in Santiago demanding “Not a single peso less for education” as protests followed Kast’s education-budget cuts. International Sports (Chile link): Mexico faces Chile in a friendly on Oct. 6 in Los Angeles, with key absences on both squads. Global Spotlight: Zayn Malik thanked Chile after his KONNAKOL Tour opener in Santiago, calling it a “big love” homecoming.

USMNT vs Mexico: The U.S. crushed its archrivals 3-0 in Glendale, with Cavan Sullivan (17) becoming the youngest-ever US international goalscorer, while Julian Hall kept scoring early in the new Pochettino era and Tyler Adams was named captain for the cycle. WRC Sardinia: Elfyn Evans sealed a dramatic World Rally Championship win after a surreal final-stage showdown, despite puncture trouble earlier in the title fight. Arab Contemporary Art: Mathaf’s director Zeina Arida says contemporary Arab art can’t be reduced to one narrative, highlighting a major exhibition bringing together 40+ voices. Music & Film: Pedro Pascal learned cello for Tony Gilroy’s “Behemoth!”, and Ed Sheeran brought Isaac Slade onstage to talk about finding “common ground.” Food & Health: California signed a new voluntary label to flag ultra-processed foods, while the U.S. recalled certain frozen berries over possible E. coli contamination.

K-pop & Tours: MONSTA X announced the North American leg of “THE X : NEXUS,” kicking off Oct. 3 in Fairfax, Virginia, with 10 stops across the US and Canada. USMNT Rivalry: The US hosts Mexico in a high-voltage friendly at State Farm Stadium, with Mauricio Pochettino leaning on a new generation after wins over Peru and Chile. Record-Breaking Football: Cavan Sullivan, 17, became the youngest USMNT goalscorer in history in the 3-0 win over Mexico, while Julian Hall also starred early. Local Sports Buzz: Northwestern opened its new Ryan Field with a big win over Penn State, turning the stadium debut into a headline moment. Food Safety: Frozen berries from Walmart (Great Value) and Trader Joe’s were recalled due to possible E. coli contamination. Arts & Culture: Paraguay will host the 7th Latin American Folklore Gathering in October, bringing artists from 13 countries for free public performances.

USMNT vs Mexico Friendly: Mauricio Pochettino leads a youthful US squad into the rivalry in Glendale, with Tyler Adams named captain and Mexico under Rafael Márquez, featuring 17-year-old Gilberto Mora. Chilean Football Culture: A Chilean journalist’s project turns legendary goals into a book of memories, with players drawing the strikes that changed careers. Local Sports Spotlight: Arkansas freshman Braelyn Combe wins a tight women’s 5,000m at the Chile Pepper Festival in Fayetteville. Tennis: Carlos Alcaraz survives a scare to reach the Japan Open quarterfinals, where he’ll face Denis Shapovalov. Music & Activism: Bruce Dickinson teases new solo material and Iron Maiden surprises, while Tom Morello talks politics and his latest record. Fashion/Sustainability: Dior renews its WWF partnership to back wildlife conservation via its Sauvage campaign. Sports Tech/Business: Futurist Roger Spitz brings “Disrupt With Impact” ideas to Chile’s boardroom and risk leaders.

BTS Mania: K-pop superstars BTS kick off their Latin America “Arirang” tour in Bogotá, with stops confirmed in Peru (Oct 9-10), Chile (Oct 16-17), Argentina (Oct 23-24) and Brazil (Oct 28-31), promising a major local boost. Iron Maiden Buzz: Bruce Dickinson teases “surprises” for Iron Maiden while hinting at a new solo album next year, plus more touring plans. Local Arts & Culture: Chile is set to host a Memory and Human Rights Festival, adding a spotlight on human stories through arts. Film Spotlight: Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy “Wild Horse Nine” opens the Mill Valley Film Festival with Sam Rockwell and the cast in attendance. Sports (USMNT): Tyler Adams is named USMNT captain again ahead of the big rivalry friendly vs Mexico. Music + Fashion Crossover: Dior partners with the WWF to support puma conservation, tying sustainability to its Sauvage fragrance campaign. Football (Northwestern vs Penn State): Northwestern christens new Ryan Field with a 34-13 rout of Penn State, powered by a dominant rushing attack.

Chile & Human Rights: Chile will host the Memory and Human Rights Festival, bringing together voices and programming focused on the country’s past and ongoing struggles. Latin American Cinema: Mexican actress Ilse Salas (The Good Girls) will lead María Paz González’s dramedy To Die on Your Feet (Morir de Pie), pitched at Iberseries & Platino Industria, with the story centered on a profession threatened by AI. Film Festival (Global): War on Screen returns in Champagne (Oct. 5–11) with Tarik Saleh as guest of honour and a lineup tackling conflicts through cinema. Music (Rock): Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators drops “Flying Blind,” announcing a Feb. 26, 2027 album and 2027 world tour dates. Sports (US–Mexico): The USMNT and Mexico meet in a high-stakes friendly with Cavan Sullivan and Gilberto Mora in the spotlight, while Mexico weighs a new bill to curb violent content on social media after a deadly school attack. Tech/Policy (Mexico): President Claudia Sheinbaum says platforms may be required to remove content that incites violence, following the Coahuila school tragedy.

Local Arts & Culture (Chile): Mathaf’s “Your Ghosts Are Mine: Expanded Cinemas, Amplified Voices” lands at Centro Cultural La Moneda in Santiago, expanding Arab-Latin American artistic dialogue through contemporary art and cinema. Music & Live Shows: South Korean trio wave to earth announces “the pieces tour” in Bangkok for November 12, with Milena as support, after sold-out runs across multiple continents. Film Festivals: Manila Spanish Film Festival marks 25 years with PELÍCULA>PELIKULA (Oct 4–11), and the Montclair Film Festival opens Oct 16–25 with big-name guests like Stephen Colbert and Julianne Moore. TV & Entertainment: Don Francisco returns to Univision with “Gigantes con Don Francisco,” premiering Oct 11 as an interview series. Business/Streaming (LATAM): Exodus launches stablecoin payments via DIRECTV’s DGO, expanding to Chile among other countries. Sports (USMNT): Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT heads into the Mexico friendly with momentum after wins over Chile and Peru.

Chile in the spotlight: Rotten Tomatoes’ Hispanic Heritage picks spotlight Chilean cinema’s rollercoaster history, from early milestones like Norte y Sur to the New Chilean Cinema era and the brutal 1973 coup that shut down Chile Films and pushed filmmakers into exile. Big screen, global reach: The Tokyo International Film Festival unveiled its full 2026 lineup, led by a 15-film main competition with world premieres from Garin Nugroho, Milcho Manchevski, and Qiu Jiongjiong, plus Chile-Argentina co-production Double Freedom in the competition. Local film buzz: KimStim acquired North American rights to Chilean duo Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña’s Donkey Princess, with a 2027 theatrical release planned. Music & culture: INTEMPO will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with concerts featuring Chilean music among other Latin American traditions. Food as entertainment: A viral under-$10 lunch in San Francisco keeps drawing lines, while a Santa Maria Latin tapas spot says its paella and ceviche are the crowd favorites.