Look beyond the mainstream this summer and discover a rich seam of cultural inspiration from a global selection of artists and innovators. From inspirational international cinema and influential creative forums to musicians returning with career-best records, we’ve picked out some of this summer’s cultural highlights to check out.

A passion project for the British filmmaker Mr Danny Boyle, Pistol explores the period that led up to the formation of the Sex Pistols, the anarchic pioneers who kickstarted London’s punk scene (and the youth revolution that followed) in the 1970s. With a script based on original guitarist Mr Steve Jones’ 2017 memoir, Lonely Boy, Boyle directs an impressive cast of up-and-coming talent for this six-parter. Mr Ansel Boon is a natural fit for Mr Johnny Rotten and Mr Louis Partridge takes on the role of bassist Mr Sid Vicious.

Available to stream now on Disney+

One of this summer’s most anticipated book releases comes courtesy of Pakistani novelist Mr Mohsin Hamid, the bestselling author of Exit West and The Reluctant Fundamentalist. His latest is a compelling treatise on race and identity, which, in a nod to Mr Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, opens with the central protagonist waking to find his skin has darkened. Charting the subsequent shift in relationships as a result of this transformation, Hamid explores themes of love, loss and rediscovery during a time of existential change.

Published 11 August

This contemporary art fair returns to the beautiful city of Kassel in Germany this summer. During 100 days of exhibitions, striking works of art will be scattered around the palaces and parks of this Unesco World Heritage Site. Hosted every five years, Documenta dates back to 1955 and for its 15th edition will be curated by the Jakarta-based artists’ collective Ruangrupa with a focus on new models of sustainability and collective practices of sharing.

18 June to 25 September; documenta.de

This inspiring, Tribeca-winning documentary follows the fortunes of four Zimbabwean refugees who, despite never having tasted wine until a few years ago, confound the odds to become top sommeliers. A big-hearted take on the classic underdog story, this unlikely quartet bring viewers with them on an uplifting journey as they form Zimbabwe’s first wine-tasting team and tackle a world of tradition and privilege by competing in the World Blind Wine Tasting Championship in France.

Released 29 July

Confirming their status as one of the UK’s most prolific party-starters, Hot Chip’s eighth album, Freakout/Release, arrives just in time for festival season. The follow-up to 2019’s A Bath Full Of Ecstasy ranges from raucous to reflective and features guests including the Canadian rapper Cadence Weapon and Belgian producers Soulwax, who lend a hand on lead single “Down”. All of which gives you another reason to catch the band live this summer.

Released 19 August, on tour until 2 September; hot-chip.co.uk

With its eclectic line-up overseen by the DJ Mr Gilles Peterson, Worldwide Festival has brought a progressive blend of live music and DJ culture to southern France for the past 15 years. Taking over the charismatic coastal town of Sète, this beautifully paced boutique festival is designed to push musical boundaries. Intimate performances – this year from artists such as Greentea Peng, Mr Yussef Dayes and Sherelle – take place across seven days, which allows plenty of time to embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle between sets.

5-10 July; worldwidefestival.com

Few musicians boast a body of work with the emotional clout of Mr Nick Cave. This powerful film, which debuted at the Berlin International Film Festival in February, draws on his friendship and creative partnership with fellow Bad Seed, Mr Warren Ellis. Focusing on their creative back and forth as they bring their last two studio albums, Ghosteen and Carnage, to life, This Much I Know To Be True shines a light on the charisma and craft that define so much of their songwriting and provides an intimate portrayal of two masters at work.

Out now

The latest release from an alternative artist who has switched deftly between folk, indie rock and synth-pop, the American singer Ms Angel Olsen returns with a standout sixth album that once again showcases her haunting voice and razor-sharp songwriting. Shaped by a life-changing period of time in which she came out as queer and lost her parents, Big Time deals with themes of love, loss and identity with emotional intelligence. One of this summer’s most compelling records.

Released 3 June

Following in the footsteps of Ms Patti Smith, Ms Yoko Ono and Mr Nile Rodgers, the iconoclastic Ms Grace Jones curates a week-long whirlwind of performances at London’s Southbank Centre. Fittingly, for a personality as bold and self-expressive as the singer, actor, supermodel and muse, her chosen lineup is a thrilling mix of artists new and established, united by their ability to push boundaries. Expect highlights to include sets by Peaches, Skunk Anansie and Mr Baaba Maal, while roller-skating parties, soundsystem clashes and public catwalks will bring added flair.

Until 19 June; southbankcentre.co.uk

Pressing pause on their day job fronting Radiohead, Mr Thom Yorke and Mr Jonny Greenwood have teamed up with the Sons Of Kemet drummer, Mr Tom Skinner, for one of this year’s most intriguing collaborations. As The Smile, the trio have spent the past six months teasing fans with a series of glitchy, effervescent tracks defined by compelling jazz inflections and a sense of creative restlessness. The album, out now, promises plenty ahead of their summer tour.

On tour until 20 July; thesmiletheband.com

After picking up the Golden Bear prize at the Berlin International Film Festival, this vivid slice of rural Catalonian life has become one of the year’s most fêted films. Directed by Ms Carla Simón and featuring non-professional actors speaking Catalan, Alcarràs follows the fortunes of a family of peach farmers as their livelihood is threatened by shifting circumstances. It’s a poignant drama that balances socio-political critique with a sensitively observed family portrait.

Out now

Having delivered decades worth of cultural commentary between them, the British broadcasting heavyweights Mr Mark Kermode and Mr Simon Mayo mark the start of their post-BBC careers by teaming up on a podcast in which they dissect the latest TV and film releases. A welcome continuation of the pair’s longstanding on-air chemistry, each episode of Kermode & Mayo’s Take brings together glitzy guest stars and a blend of review, recommendations and conversational back and forths, all imparted with an amiable blend of humour and insight.

Available now