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Uncovering the Trauma of Mozambique's Civil War Lasting from 1977 to 1992, the Mozambique civil war left deep scars on the psyche of the whole nation. In his second feature, Inadelso Cossa attempts to grapple with the psychological wreckage of this harrowing period by combing through his own family history; returning to the village where he grew up, the film-maker conducts a series of interviews with his grandmother, whose testimony is rendered unreliable by her worsening dementia. The Blurred Lines Between Reality and Memory The film wavers between real and imagined truths, a liminal state echoed by the evocative cinematography. Nocturnal sequences, in which wooden sheds, grassy fields, and even Cossa’s grandmother, are wrapped in a cloak of darkness inspire a deceptive sense of calm. In the dead of night, though, the spectres of the past linger. Voices of the Past Cossa also speaks to other historical witnesses: Macuacua and Zalina, an older couple, spend much of their screen time bickering but these domestic moments are underlined with unease. A former soldier, Macuacua was once a participant in the violence against civilians but his life now, however, is marred by poverty. In a striking scene, Macuacua holds up a tree branch shaped like a rifle and reenacts a patrol route from his youth with astonishing matter-of-factness. A New Perspective on History For Cossa, history is distilled in these kinds of gestures, moving beyond linear time. Although the film is bookended by archival footage, the director prioritises non-traditional forms of documentation, such as monologues, songs, and reenactments. While this approach embodies the slipperiness of memory, it also renders the film difficult to follow on occasion. The Film's Impact But across these streams of oral history, what we find are not merely facts and figures, but feelings, in which pain and healing entwine. Where to Watch The Nights Still Smell of Gunpowder is on True Story from 1 May.

The prestigious Teatro La Fenice in Venice announced on Sunday that it has terminated the contract of its incoming music director, Beatrice Venezi, following a wave of protests that accused the appointment of nepotism and political interference.The Sudden Dismissal of Beatrice VeneziVenezi, a 36‑year‑old conductor and pianist, was set to become La Fenice’s first female music director in October. She sparked controversy by claiming that positions at the historic opera house are “practically passed down from father to son” and that the orchestra “never leaves the island.” The foundation labeled her repeated public statements “offensive and detrimental” and cancelled all future collaborations.Financial and Operational RepercussionsSeason ticket holders are reported to be predominantly over 80 years old, raising concerns about audience renewal.The orchestra’s strike and leaf‑letting protests risk disrupting the upcoming season’s revenue streams.Venezi’s ties to the culture ministry and her father’s former membership in the neofascist Forza Nuova party have attracted scrutiny that could affect sponsorships and donor confidence.Broader Cultural and Political ImplicationsThe episode highlights a clash between Italy’s far‑right government, led by Giorgia Meloni, and the country’s cultural sector. Critics argue that Venezi’s appointment was a political reward, while unions and many musicians view the firing as a stand for artistic autonomy. Both Meloni’s office and Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli have denied any direct involvement, emphasizing the decision’s independence.What Lies Ahead for La Fenice and Italian OperaLa Fenice now faces the challenge of restoring credibility while attracting younger audiences. Analysts predict a renewed search for a director with extensive operatic experience, likely distancing the institution from overt political affiliations. The outcome could set a precedent for how Italy’s historic cultural venues navigate government influence and modernisation pressures.

The Brotherly Derby: A 4-0 StatementJohn Aloisi delivered a statement of intent in the weekend's brotherly derby against his older brother Ross, who coaches Zhejiang FC. The match, billed as an epic battle between siblings, ended in a convincing 4-0 victory for Aloisi's side. The game was played before a massive crowd of 41,428 fans at Phoenix Hill Sports Park, highlighting the growing appetite for football in Sichuan province. The four goals were scored by four different forwards, showcasing the depth and fluidity of Aloisi's attacking setup.Statistical Dominance: Leading the Table with 23 GoalsLeague Standing: Chengdu Rongcheng sits at the top of the Chinese Super League table.Performance Metrics: The team has scored 23 goals in just eight games and dropped only 2 points.Competitive Context: With other top teams like Shanghai Port and Shenhua facing point deductions or sluggish starts, Chengdu's lead is significant.This statistical dominance places Aloisi in an elite group of Australian coaches who have conquered East Asian football. He joins Ange Postecoglou in Japan and Kevin Muscat in Shanghai, though Aloisi's start is arguably more immediate and dominant.The Australian Influence in China: A New Football ParadigmAloisi is not just winning games; he is changing the tactical identity of the club. Previously known for a rigid five-at-the-back system, Chengdu now employs fluid formations such as the 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-3. This tactical shift has revitalized players like Han Pengfei, a 32-year-old centre-back who has flourished with more ball-playing responsibilities. The team's work rate and energy have elevated a level that was previously unseen in the region.The cultural impact is equally palpable. Once-skeptical fans now flock to the training ground for selfies with their coach, signaling a shift in the city's football culture from a secondary interest to a primary passion.Historical Potential: Can Aloisi Match Postecoglou?With the season just over a quarter complete, the path to the title appears open. However, the ultimate test lies ahead: a high-stakes clash against Shanghai Shenhua on a national holiday. If Aloisi can navigate this pressure game, he could be on the verge of creating history. The narrative is no longer about whether he can handle the pressure, but whether he can sustain this level of performance to deliver Chengdu's first-ever league title.

Smith’s Confession: A Turn Toward Women’s WritingZadie Smith told a Cambridge audience that she "doesn’t know when I read men any more," explaining that as she ages she feels "enormously impatient with anything other than other older women." She now reads chiefly Helen Garner and other female authors, citing a need for wisdom.What “Dead and Alive” Reveals About Contemporary Female ArtistsThe essay collection Dead and Alive explores a range of female creators, from Joan Didion to Kara Walker and Celia Paul. Smith said the post‑1975 surge in women’s art is "cheering and extraordinary," prompting her to document it.Highlights essays on female writers and visual artists.Contrasts past limited visibility (e.g., AS Byatt, Margaret Drabble, Toni Morrison) with today’s broader recognition.No Hard Numbers, but Qualitative ShiftsThe interview provides no sales figures or readership statistics, but the qualitative shift is clear: Smith’s personal reading list now skews heavily female, and she recommends works like David Szalay’s Flesh alongside classic male essayists such as John Berger and James Baldwin.Implications for the Literary Landscape and Gender Reading HabitsSmith’s admission signals a broader cultural moment where established authors re‑evaluate their influences. By foregrounding women’s voices, she challenges the lingering myth of the "death of the male novelist" and encourages publishers to spotlight diverse perspectives.What This Means for Future Essays and NovelsSmith hinted that her next project—a novel about teenagers in the 1990s—will "shock people" by juxtaposing past possibilities with today’s constraints. The shift in her reading habits may inform the novel’s themes, emphasizing generational change and economic inclusivity.

The Mainz Miracle: A Testament to Tactical ResilienceBayern Munich’s 4-3 victory over Mainz 05 was not merely a routine Bundesliga win; it was a psychological and tactical masterclass. Trailing 3-0 at halftime, a deficit that would have demoralized most teams, the Bavarians responded to coach Vincent Kompany's "strong words" with a display of relentless intensity.Half-time Deficit: Sheraldo Becker put Mainz 3-0 up just before the break.The Response: Nicolas Jackson pulled one back, followed by a masterpiece from substitute Michael Olise and a scramble from Jamal Musiala.The Winner: Harry Kane sealed the comeback with the decisive goal.Record Status: The win extended Bayern's record goalscoring season to 113 goals from 31 matches.The Kompany Method: Shifting the Culture of "FC Hollywood"Vincent Kompany is redefining what it means to lead Bayern Munich. Unlike previous eras where domestic titles were viewed as "done and dusted," Kompany demands maximum effort regardless of the competition. His approach is characterized by a grounded, holistic leadership style that has successfully drained the drama from the club's often turbulent history.This method was evident in the tactical adjustments made at halftime. Kompany brought on Kane and Olise for the second straight week, signaling that no player is immune to being substituted for the sake of the team's performance. The result is a squad that is hungrier and more demanding of itself than ever before.The Treble Outlook: Facing PSG with a New MindsetWith the DFB-Pokal secured and the Bundesliga title wrapped up, the focus shifts entirely to the Champions League. Bayern faces the holders, Paris Saint-Germain, in a titanic semi-final first leg.Despite injuries to Raphaël Guerreiro and Serge Gnabry, the team feels mentally and physically prepared. The Mainz comeback proved that the team possesses the resilience to handle high-pressure situations. As Bayern prepares for the trip to Paris, the prevailing sentiment is that they are ready to complete a historic treble.

The courtroom showdown: Musk sues Altman over OpenAI’s missionOn Monday, April 27, 2026, a high‑profile lawsuit between two Silicon Valley titans began in a federal courthouse in Oakland, as Elon Musk alleges that Sam Altman betrayed the original non‑profit charter of OpenAI by converting it into a for‑profit entity.Trial kicks off in Oakland: accusations and stakesThe complaint names Altman, OpenAI president Greg Brockman, and major partner Microsoft for breach of contract and unjust enrichment. Jury selection starts Monday morning, with opening arguments expected later in the week. The trial is projected to run two to three weeks.Musk’s claims: breach of the 2015 founding agreement, removal of Altman and Brockman, reversal of the for‑profit restructuring.OpenAI’s defense: Musk consented in 2017 to a for‑profit step, his $38 m contribution was a tax‑deductible donation, not an equity investment.Key witnesses: Musk, Altman, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, among others.Financial stakes: $134 bn damages and a $1 tn valuationDamages sought: more than $134 bn, which Musk says would be funneled to OpenAI’s non‑profit arm.OpenAI’s market outlook: expected IPO later in 2026 at an estimated valuation of around $1 tn.Funding history: Musk contributed roughly $38 m in 2015‑2017; OpenAI has since raised tens of billions from Microsoft.Implications for AI governance and Silicon Valley power dynamicsThe case tests the enforceability of early‑stage non‑profit agreements once a venture scales into a multibillion‑dollar for‑profit. A ruling against Altman could force a structural unwind, jeopardizing the upcoming IPO and unsettling investor confidence in AI startups. It also spotlights the tension between visionary founders and capital‑heavy partners like Microsoft.What the verdict could mean for OpenAI’s IPO and the broader AI industryIf the court orders a reversal of the for‑profit conversion, OpenAI may have to restructure again, delaying or derailing its planned public listing. Conversely, a dismissal would reinforce the precedent that founders can pivot business models without retroactive liability, likely encouraging further large‑scale AI investments. Stakeholders are watching closely as the outcome could reshape governance norms for future AI ventures.

The Lead Believers in the paranormal often attribute unsettling sensations in old buildings to spirits, but new research from MacEwan University suggests a more grounded explanation: infrasound. This inaudible sound phenomenon, generated by aging infrastructure like pipes and boilers, may be the physiological trigger behind feelings of dread and irritation, effectively providing the 'bodily discomfort' that fuels ghostly suspicions. The Inaudible Threat: Infrasound and the Boiler Effect The study focuses on infrasound, sound waves that fall below the 20Hz threshold of human hearing. While the human ear cannot detect these frequencies, the body can. Prof. Rodney Schmaltz and his team investigated whether these low-frequency vibrations, commonly found in the basements of old houses, could impact human mood and stress levels. Source Identification: The primary sources of infrasound identified are old pipes, boilers, and ventilation systems. Frequency Range: The waves operate below 20Hz, making them completely inaudible to the human ear. Location: These vibrations are most prevalent in older buildings where infrastructure is aging. Physiological Data: Stress Hormones and Irritability In a controlled experiment involving 36 volunteers, researchers played calming or unsettling music while simultaneously emitting infrasound through hidden subwoofers. The results revealed a distinct physiological shift despite the participants being unaware of the sound's presence. Stress Response: Participants exhibited higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in their saliva. Mood Shift: Volunteers rated the music as sadder and reported feeling more irritated and annoyed. Blindness to Source: Crucially, participants could not identify when the infrasound was active, proving the effect is subconscious. The Psychology of Belief: Priming the Paranormal The research highlights the concept of 'priming,' where a pre-existing belief influences how a person interprets a sensation. For someone already inclined to believe in ghosts, the physical discomfort caused by infrasound provides a tangible explanation for their unease. The Skeptic's View: A non-believer would likely attribute the feeling to a 'stuffy, uncomfortable old building.' The Believer's View: For someone primed to expect a haunting, the same irritation is interpreted as proof of a spirit or presence. Attachment Theory: Infrasound supplies the physical discomfort, allowing a 'ghost or haunting explanation' to attach itself to the experience. Future Outlook and Scientific Validation While the findings are promising, experts like Chris French note that larger studies are required to fully confirm the scope of this effect. While infrasound may explain vague discomfort and 'vague haunting' phenomena, it is unlikely to account for more intense poltergeist activity or visual hallucinations, which require more substantial evidence.

Nationwide building society may welcome its first customer‑member on the board in nearly a quarter of a century, following James Sherwin‑Smith’s successful nomination for the July AGM.Boardroom Breakthrough: A Customer Secures a Spot on Nationwide’s BallotJames Sherwin‑Smith, a 45‑year‑old adviser from West Sussex, has met the required 250 peer nominations to appear alongside incumbent directors at the AGM scheduled for 15 July 2026. If elected, he would be the first member‑customer since the retirement of the last member‑director in 2002.Numbers Behind the Nomination: 256 Valid Peer NominationsRequired threshold: 250 nominationsReceived: 256 valid nominationsPrevious attempt (2025): 600 signatures but no ballot placementThe society, with 17 million members and assets exceeding £377 bn, typically appoints directors internally, making this external nomination noteworthy.Governance Implications for Mutuals Amid Rapid GrowthMember‑led concerns have risen as Nationwide pursued aggressive expansion, notably the £2.9 bn takeover of Virgin Money in 2024 and a controversial £7 m pay package for CEO Debbie Crosbie. Critics argue that such moves dilute the mutual’s democratic roots, prompting calls for stronger member voice in strategic decisions.Sherwin‑Smith’s campaign highlights the tension between rapid commercial growth and the traditional member‑governance model that defines UK building societies.What the July AGM Could Signal for Member RepresentationIf the board recommends Sherwin‑Smith and members vote him in, it could set a precedent for more frequent member‑nominated candidates, potentially reshaping board composition across the sector. Conversely, a rejection would reinforce the status quo, underscoring the difficulty of breaking into a historically insular governance structure.Stakeholders will watch the outcome closely, as it may influence future regulatory scrutiny and internal reforms aimed at preserving mutuality while accommodating scale.

The Historic Two-Hour BarrierThe London Marathon's 45-year history was rewritten on Sunday as Sabastian Sawe achieved what many thought impossible: becoming the first man to officially break the two-hour barrier in a marathon. The Kenyan runner completed the 26.2-mile course in an astonishing one hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds, with Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha also going under two hours in the same race. This historic feat has been compared to Sir Roger Bannister's sub-four-minute mile in 1954, with race director Hugh Brasher suggesting it might be 'the greatest sporting moment of the 21st century.' Meanwhile, Ethiopian Tigst Assefa set a women's-only world record for races involving only female pace setters, although it remained five minutes behind the outright women's world record.Record-Breaking ParticipationThe event shattered multiple records beyond just the times. Organizers confirmed a world record tally of more than 60,000 runners started the race, with hopes of exceeding the previous record of 59,226 finishers set by the New York Marathon in 2025. An estimated 800,000 supporters lined the streets to witness the historic men's race, creating an electric atmosphere that runners credited with helping them achieve their remarkable times. The day also featured 36 Guinness World Records being set, including James Dowsett's time for the fastest marathon dressed as a knight (4:21:10). Despite Gill Punt's unsuccessful attempt to set the fastest marathon in a polar bear suit, the event showcased the incredible diversity of participants, from elite athletes to celebrities like Olympian Laura Kenny (3:45:05) and even fictional characters like Daddy Pig (5:51:53).Financial and Charitable ImpactBeyond the athletic achievements, the marathon continued its tradition of massive charitable fundraising. Race director Hugh Brasher highlighted that the event raised £87 million for charity the previous year, with expectations of surpassing that amount in 2026. The combination of record participation and unprecedented public enthusiasm created an economic boost for London, with hotels, restaurants, and local businesses benefiting from the influx of runners and spectators. The event also demonstrated the power of mass participation sports to unite communities and inspire charitable giving, with individual runners like Gill Punt raising over £2m for various causes through their participation.The Evolution of Marathon RunningThe breaking of the two-hour barrier represents a paradigm shift in marathon running. Former women's record holder Paula Radcliffe noted that 'the goalposts literally just moved for marathon running and where you benchmark yourself as being world-class.' This achievement comes after years of incremental improvements in training techniques, nutrition, and pacing strategies. Sawe's simple pre-race meal of two slices of bread and honey, combined with the strategic pacing that allowed two runners to break the two-hour mark, suggests that the barrier was overcome through a combination of athletic talent and scientific preparation. The presence of both Sawe and Kejelcha under two hours indicates that this was not an isolated performance but potentially the beginning of a new era in marathon running where sub-two-hour times become more common.Future of Elite Marathon PerformanceAs the dust settles on this historic day, questions arise about the future direction of elite marathon running. Will we see more athletes targeting sub-two-hour times? How will this achievement affect training regimens and race strategies? The London Marathon's success in hosting this historic event positions it as a premier destination for future attempts at breaking barriers. Meanwhile, the event's organizers face the challenge of maintaining the delicate balance between supporting elite performance while preserving the inclusive, mass-participation spirit that makes the marathon special. With the two-hour barrier now broken, attention will turn to how much further human endurance can push the limits of what's possible in marathon running, and whether the women's event will see similar breakthroughs in the coming years.