Entertainment

Italian singer-songwriter Levante is set to compete in the 76th Sanremo Music Festival in February 2026 with her new song, “Sei Tu.” The artist’s participation comes as the annual competition prepares to take place later in the month than usual, due to scheduling conflicts with the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Italy. The festival, a cornerstone of Italian music and culture, will run from February 24th to 28th at the Teatro Ariston in Sanremo, and is presented by Carlo Conti and Laura Pausini.

Levante’s entry, “Sei Tu,” is described as a song exploring themes of love, and arrives after a period of personal challenges for the artist, including postpartum depression and public scrutiny regarding her body. The Sanremo Music Festival often serves as a launchpad for Italian artists, with the winner earning the right of first refusal to represent Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest. However, Levante has already indicated she would decline that opportunity should she win, citing concerns over Israel’s participation in the contest.

Levante’s Journey to Sanremo 2026

The 2026 edition of Sanremo will feature 30 competing artists in the “Big” category, alongside four newcomers. Levante is among those vying for the top spot, bringing a deeply personal narrative to the stage. She is known for her candidness about her experiences, and “Sei Tu” appears to be a continuation of that openness. The song was written by Claudia Lagona, according to Eurovisionworld.

Levante’s decision to potentially forgo Eurovision, even in the event of a Sanremo victory, stems from her strong political stance regarding Israel’s inclusion in the competition. She publicly stated that she finds the event “much more politicized than you might think,” and expressed her discomfort with participating while “a country that has recently created enormous tragedies and an ongoing genocide” is involved, as reported by Eurovisionfun. This stance aligns with a growing movement among artists who are questioning the political implications of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Sanremo and Eurovision: A Complex Relationship

The Sanremo Music Festival has a long and storied history, dating back to 1951. It has consistently been a significant cultural event in Italy, showcasing the country’s musical talent and influencing popular trends. Since 2015, the winner of Sanremo has been given the first opportunity to represent Italy at Eurovision. However, as Levante’s case demonstrates, this is not an automatic acceptance, and artists retain the right to decline the invitation.

The potential for multiple artists to refuse Eurovision participation due to Israel’s involvement has raised questions about the future of Italy’s representation in the contest. While political statements are prohibited on stage at the Teatro Ariston, the issue is clearly resonating with some of the participating artists. The festival’s artistic director, Carlo Conti, and musical director, Pinuccio Pirazzoli, will be tasked with navigating these sensitive issues during the event.

Levante performed “Sei Tu” on the first night of the festival, February 24th, 2026, and again on February 27th, accompanied by Gaia as a guest artist, according to Eurovisionworld.

What to Expect Next

As the Sanremo Music Festival 2026 progresses, all eyes will be on the performances and the unfolding dynamics between the artists and the organizers. The festival’s outcome will not only determine Italy’s potential representative at Eurovision but will also spark further conversations about the intersection of music, politics, and social responsibility. The final results will be announced on February 28th, 2026.

What are your thoughts on Levante’s decision? Share your opinions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with your friends and fellow music enthusiasts!

The British prison system forms the claustrophobic backdrop for Wasteman, a debut feature from director Cal McMau that’s already generating significant buzz. Starring BAFTA Rising Star winner David Jonsson and The Hunger Games’ Tom Blyth, the film delivers a visceral and unsettling experience, earning a BAFTA nomination for outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer. It’s a stark and unflinching look at life inside, sidestepping genre clichés with committed performances and a fiercely compelling narrative.

Wasteman centers on Taylor (Jonsson), a parolee on the cusp of freedom, dreaming of reuniting with his teenage son. His hopes for a fresh start are immediately threatened by the arrival of Dee (Blyth), a volatile and manipulative new cellmate who quickly takes Taylor under his wing. The film doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of prison life, portraying a system stretched to its limits and the desperation it breeds. The film’s authenticity is bolstered by filming at Shepton Mallet prison, lending a palpable sense of realism to the proceedings.

A Tense Power Dynamic

Dee isn’t interested in rehabilitation; he’s focused on expanding his control over the prison’s drug trade, challenging the established hierarchy led by Paul (Alex Hassell) and Gaz (Corin Silva). He recognizes Taylor’s vulnerability and exploits his desire for parole, creating a parasitic relationship built on manipulation and fear. As Dee orchestrates a sophisticated drone-based drug delivery system, the tension ratchets up, culminating in a violent confrontation that forces Taylor to make an impossible choice: protect Dee and risk his freedom, or safeguard his own future.

The performances are the film’s strongest asset. Jonsson delivers a nuanced portrayal of Taylor’s quiet desperation, conveying a sense of fragility and inner conflict. Blyth is equally impressive as Dee, embodying a chilling charisma that masks a ruthless ambition. Their dynamic is electric, a masterclass in subtle power plays and psychological manipulation. The Guardian described the performances as “A-game,” noting the film is “as lethal and nasty as a sharpened toothbrush.”

Behind the Scenes: Authenticity and Realism

The filmmakers prioritized authenticity, seeking input from former inmates to avoid sensationalizing the prison experience. Tom Blyth shared with The Times that working with the UK charity Switchback was crucial in ensuring the film felt “true and honest.” This commitment to realism is evident in the film’s gritty visuals and unflinching portrayal of violence and despair.

The film also touches upon broader societal issues, subtly referencing the government’s policies of early prisoner release as a response to overcrowding. The chaotic and savage environment within the prison walls is often captured through the lens of a smartphone, reflecting the pervasive presence of technology and the normalization of violence within the system.

Release Details and Critical Reception

Wasteman premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and won the Douglas Hickox Award for best debut director at the 2025 British Independent Film Awards. The film released in the UK on February 20, 2026, and will be available to US audiences on April 17, 2026, following a theatrical release by Sunrise Films. Variety reports that Lionsgate is handling distribution in the UK and Ireland.

Wasteman is a challenging and unsettling film, but it’s also a remarkably effective one. It’s a powerful debut from Cal McMau and a showcase for the talents of David Jonsson and Tom Blyth. The film’s unflinching realism and compelling performances make it a must-observe for fans of gritty crime dramas.

As Wasteman reaches wider audiences, it will be interesting to see how it resonates with viewers and contributes to the ongoing conversation about the state of the British prison system. The film’s success also positions Cal McMau as a director to watch, and undoubtedly opens doors for Jonsson and Blyth to capture on even more challenging roles in the future.

What are your thoughts on the film? Share your opinions in the comments below.