We get a new Trailer for TOO MUCH, from Lena Dunham, starring HACKS breakout star Meg Statler! Arriving July 10, 2025 on Netflix.

In addition to the trailer, Netflix has confirmed the final casting for the series with five more guest stars joining the cast: Andrew Scott, Jennifer Saunders, Kit Harington, Rita Ora and Jessica Alba.

About Too Much

LAUNCH DATE: 10th July 2025

SYNOPSIS: Jessica (Megan Stalter) is a New York workaholic in her mid-thirties, reeling from a broken relationship that she thought would last forever and slowly isolating everyone she knows. When every block in New York tells a story of her own bad behaviour, the only solution is to take a job in London, where she plans to live a life of solitude like a Bronte sister. But when she meets Felix (Will Sharpe) – a walking series of red flags – she finds that their unusual connection is impossible to ignore, even as it creates more problems than it solves. Now they have to ask themselves: do Americans and Brits actually speak the same language? From the creator of Girls and the producers of Love Actually, Too Much is an ex-pat rom-com for the disillusioned who wonder if true love is still possible, but sincerely hope that it is.

CREATORS: Lena Dunham and Luis Felber

WRITER/DIRECTOR: Lena Dunham

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Lena Dunham, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Michael P. Cohen, Surian Fletcher-Jones and Bruce Eric Kaplan

PRODUCER: Camilla Bray

PRODUCTION COMPANY: A Working Title Television and Good Thing Going Production

STUDIO: Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group

CAST: Megan Stalter, Will Sharpe, Michael Zegan, Janicza Bravo, Richard E. Grant, Leo Reich, Daisy Bevan, Adele Exarchopoulos, Dean-Charles Chapman, Rita Wilson, Naomi Watts, Prasanna Puwanarajah, Andrew Rannells, Rhea Perlman, Emily Ratajkowski, Stephen Fry, Kaori Momoi, Adwoa Aboah

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, Scarborough Town Centre will host the Official Launch of the 2025 Toronto Caribbean Carnival season at a day-long block party. During this stunning event, held from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., attendees will be able to view colourful Carnival costumes, enjoy delicious food, culture and live music.

Tickets are on sale now and cost $10 for general admission, $40 for a group of five and children five-years-old and under are free. Visit torontocarnival.ca to learn more.

This year, the Carnival theme is “Take Me Home.” It speaks to the love affair between our homelands and Canada. It is a place where people of all nations can feel at home, experience joy, and feel connected to each other.

WHAT:

Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Official Launch

WHERE:

Scarborough Town Centre,
300, Borough Drive, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

WHEN: June 14, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

• Welcome from Executive Chair of the Board, Jennifer Hirlehey
• Government Officials Acknowledgement, Carnival Updates
• Carnival Events Announcement

2:50 p.m. – 10 p.m. – Performances by:

• Jfyre
• Jaxx
• Hummingbird Tassa performers
• Dance Caribe
• Pan Fantasy
• Terry Gajraj
• David Rudder
• Ossie Gurley
• Panatics
• & more

Toronto’s Little Italy is back with its annual Taste of Little Italy festival, running June 13 to 15, 2025 along College Street between Bathurst and Shaw, which will be closed to vehicle traffic all weekend to make way for pedestrians, patios, and live entertainment.

This year’s lineup features four distinct voices of the district: Ficoa, serving bold contemporary Latin bites like crispy potato tacos and PEI oysters; Radici Project, blending Italian and Japanese flavours with a focused four-course tasting menu and festival-exclusive snacks; Tondou Ramen, dishing out classic Japanese fried chicken and refreshments under pop-up tents; and Suite 115, the renowned cocktail bar, offering sharp cocktails and small plates without reservations.

Reservations are recommended for Ficoa and Radici Project and Tondou Ramen. Suite 115 operates on a walk-in basis only.

FICOA
585 College St, Toronto, ON
@ficoa.to

This year for Taste of Little Italy, Ficoa brings bold Neo-Latin flavours to the street with a vibrant takeout menu that captures the restaurant’s signature warmth and creativity. Highlights include a refreshing haddock ceviche, crispy potato flautas with cotija cheese, and half a dozen PEI Malpeque oysters served with your choice of piri piri, cocktail sauce, or mignonette. Pair it with the Cantarito — a bright, citrusy mix of watermelon, pineapple, lemon, chamoy, and grapefruit soda. Ficoa will also be serving brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Take-out menu

Ceviche
Haddock, pico de gallo, mixed chips

Guacamole
Pico de gallo, cucumber, mixed chips

Tacos
4 pc crispy potato flautas, salsa verde, cotija cheese, crema

Oysters
Half dozen PEI Malpeque oysters, piri piri sauce, cocktail sauce or mignonette

Cantarito
Watermelon, pineapple, lemon, chamoy, and grapefruit soda

Brunch Menu

Eggs benny – $20
Poached eggs, chipotle hollandaise, sourdough

Avocado toast – $16
Creamy avocado on toast, topped with sweet corn, radish, crumbled queso cotija, and served with salad

Ficoa breakfast – $20
Two eggs cooked your choice, served with chorizo, fried plantain and refried beans, served with toast or tortillas

Omelette – $18
Egg whites filled with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and Oaxaca cheese, served with toast or tortillas

Huevos divorciados – $18
Refried beans, fried tortillas, salsa roja, salsa verde, fried eggs

Chilaquiles – $20
Crispy corn chips, queso cotija, crema, onion, cilantro, fried egg

Molletes – $16
Toast topped with chorizo + refried beans, Oaxaca cheese, and pico de gallo

Churro french toast – $16
Brioche French toast, cinnamon, dulce de leche

3LECHES pancake – $18
Fluffy pancakes soaked in a blend of three milks, strawberry compote

Empanadas – $16
Corn masa, braised short rib, queso cotija, crema

Molotes – $8
Cheese stuffed plantain, salsa tatemada, crema

Ficoa x Taste of Little Italy Weekend Schedule:

Friday: Indoor dining and takeout from 5–10 pm
Saturday:
Brunch | 10 AM–2 PM
Takeout | 12 PM–10 PM
Dinner | 5 PM–10 PM
Sunday:
Brunch | 10 AM–2 PM
Takeout | 12 PM–6:30 PM

Whether you’re dropping in for brunch, picking up takeout, or dining in for dinner, Ficoa’s vibrant flavours are sure to impress at Taste of Little Italy.

Reservations for Ficoa can be made HERE.

RADICI PROJECT
588 College St, Toronto, ON
@radici_project
Taste of Radici – $80

Radici Project offers two ways to experience its signature Italian-Japanese fusion this festival weekend. At their outdoor booth: pizza pockets filled with creative, cross-cultural flavours, Kakigori (Japanese shaved ice), and beer. Inside, guests can enjoy “Taste of Radici” — a $80 four-course tasting menu available exclusively from June 13–15.

On Sunday, Radici teams up with Izumi Sake for complimentary sake tastings and bottle sales.

Radici Project x Taste of Little Italy Weekend Schedule:

Friday:
Indoor Dining (Taste of Radici Tasting Menu) | Regular hours (5 PM–11 PM)
Outdoor | 7 PM–1 AM
Saturday:
Indoor Dining (Taste of Radici Tasting Menu) | Regular hours (5 PM-11 PM)
Outdoor | 11 AM–1 AM
Sunday:
Indoor Dining (Taste of Radici Tasting Menu) | Regular hours (5 PM–10 PM)
Outdoor | 11 AM–10 PM

Note: Indoor service is limited to the $80 four-course “Taste of Radici” menu from June 13–15. No à la carte or full tasting menu will be available.

Reservations for Radici Project can be made HERE.

TONDOU RAMEN
596 College St, Toronto, ON
@tondoutoronto

Tondou Ramen brings its signature comfort and bold flavours outdoors for Taste of Little Italy. Festival highlights include crispy Chicken Karaage alongside refreshing drinks. Known for its casual warmth and late-night energy, Tondou offers a laid-back stop for Japanese street food classics throughout the weekend.

Reservations for Tondou Ramen can be made HERE.

SUITE 115
532 College St, Toronto, ON
@suite115.to

Suite 115 is a cocktail bar with roots in one of Toronto’s favourite speakeasies, Suite 114. Opened by two of its former bartenders, the space brings the spirit of craft and inclusivity to Little Italy. For Taste of Little Italy, Suite 115 will offer $14 ready-to-drink cocktails — including the Milagro Lychee Paloma and Brugal Añejo Mojito — alongside local beer, cider, house shots, and slushies. Small plates like chicken skewers, chimichurri bites, and fried rice round out the menu.

Cocktails – $14
Milagro Lychee Paloma – 20%
Hibiscus rose–infused Milagro Tequila, fino sherry, umeshu, lychee cordial. Tropical, zesty, lightly sparkling.

Brugal Añejo Mojito – 13%
Brugal Añejo rum, Amaro Montenegro, fino sherry, mint syrup, eucalyptus tea, citrus. Cool, bright, and herbal.

Beer & Cider
Wellington Helles Lager – 4.5% | $5
German-style lager. Crisp, light, with balanced malt and noble hops.

Wellington Special Pale Ale – 4.5% | $8
English-style pale ale. Copper colour, biscuit and caramel malt, citrus hop finish.

Pommies Farmhouse Dry Cider – 6% | $8
Dry, medium-bodied cider. Ontario apples, effervescent, notes of tart apple, dried fruit, and spice.
Hard Seltzer & Non-Alc

Bangarang Tropical Bellini – 5% | $8
Peach, pineapple, mango. 100 cal, 1g sugar. Clean, fruity, easy-drinking.

Cascade Sparkling Hop Water – 0% | $4
No alcohol, no calories. Ontario Cascade hops with citrus and grapefruit character.

Extras
Jäger & House Shooter – $4
House Shots – $7
Red Bull Slushie – $5
Snacks
Chicken Skewers – $13
Chimichurri Bites – $16
Fried Rice
Small – $10 | Large – $16

Suite 115 is first come, first served and does not take reservations.
— —
About Ficoa
Founded by Patricia Toro, Ficoa is inspired by the comfort of family meals and a deep love for nourishing, flavourful food. Named after her childhood neighborhood in Ambato, Ecuador, Ficoa offers Neo-Latin cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Rooted in sustainability and heartfelt hospitality, Ficoa is a place where wellness, tradition, and warmth come together.

Regular Hours
Wednesday to Saturday
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

About Radici Project
Radici is a contemporary Italian-Japanese restaurant located in Toronto’s Little Italy. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, Radici offers Italian-Japanese cuisine through a seasonally evolving menu rooted in sustainable practices and the use of Canadian ingredients. The restaurant features a dual-concept layout, with a casual à la carte natural wine bar at the front and an intimate chef’s table experience at the back. With thoughtful sake and wine pairings and a serene, locally inspired space, Radici brings a new kind of storytelling to Toronto’s dining scene.

Regular Hours
Wednesday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Monday – Tuesday: Closed

About Tondou Ramen
Named after one of the Ryukyu Kingdom’s busiest trading ports—now part of Okinawa—Tondou Ramen draws from the region’s history of cultural exchange. The restaurant brings a taste of Okinawa to Toronto and Hamilton with comforting bowls of ramen served in a casual, welcoming space.

Tondou focuses on good food, community, and connection—just like the port it’s named after. It’s a place to gather, eat well, and enjoy honest flavours rooted in tradition.

Regular Dine-In Hours
Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Kitchen last call: 30 minutes before close
Regular Takeout Hours
Sunday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:30 AM

About Suite 115
Tucked away in downtown Toronto, Suite 115 is a cocktail bar with a story. Rooted in a passion for craft and curiosity, it’s a space where both cocktail newcomers and seasoned drinkers are welcomed with equal enthusiasm.

At Suite 115, the guest’s palate leads the way. Every cocktail is an opportunity to explore, guided by a commitment to creativity, humility, and genuine hospitality.

Regular Hours
Open nightly: 5:30 PM – 2:00 AM
No Reservations

Toronto got a huge a surprise following a special Advance Screening of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, the live-action version of the beloved animated film that became a Franchise. Director Dean DeBlois made an appearance following the screening participating in a Q&A for the eagerly-awaited film. The Sheridan College alumni also is know for having written LILO & STITCH, which also is seeing a huge resurgence in popularity too with its live-action adaptation.

Though unpublicized, Jay Baruchel, who starred in the animated films, also came out to show support in the audience!

DeBlois told the audience a few interesting tidbits:

•A sequel to this first live-action film already is in the works
•Cate Blanchett is actively being sought; she voiced Valka Haddock in the animated films
•DeBlois got to keep Gerard Butler‘s sword as a keepsake after filming wrapped

Universal Pictures Canada release HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON in theatres June 13, 2025.

(Photo credit: Justin Waldman/Mr. Will Wong/Universal Pictures Canada)

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC), with support from Presenting Program Partner Bell Media and Program Partner Blink49 Studios, is pleased to announce the new Comedy Series Lab, a full time professional comedy writing and series development initiative dedicated to fostering the next wave of Canadian talent. This ​high impact program​ balances the collaborative comedy story room work with the nurturing of individual creative voices and development of original new ​content that is ready ​for the marketplace. Applications can be made here.

Building off the CFC’s previously acclaimed Prime Time TV model, the Comedy Series Lab will offer four emerging to mid-level Black, Indigenous, and/or racialized writers in Canada with the opportunity to be immersed in a professional comedy writing room while developing a new series under the mentorship of a top Comedy Showrunner, establish strong collaborative relationships, and build confidence in their story room skills. This Lab will also see each writer develop their own original comedy series pilot, deliver on a produced TV teaser to promote their voice and series, and gain a greater understanding of the new creative tools and business considerations in this fast changing content landscape. The Comedy Series Lab will run from October 2025 to March 2026 and applications are now open here.

“We’re proud to offer this incredible opportunity for exciting, authentic comedy writers/creators to deepen their skills and expand their career opportunities through the Comedy Series Lab,” said maxine bailey, Executive Director, Canadian Film Centre. “We’re delighted to have Bell Media and Blink49 Studios on board as partners; together we’ll help usher a new wave of talent into the pantheon of legendary Canadian comedy creators.”

“We’re excited to team up with Bell Media and the CFC for the launch of this year’s Comedy Series Lab and support the next wave of comedic talent in Canada,” said John Morayniss, CEO, Blink49 Studios. “This partnership is a key part of our strategy to build a robust comedy pipeline across North America, following our recent acquisition of Pier 21 Films and our strategic investment in the digital comedy production studio, Stapleview. It reflects our shared commitment to bold, original storytelling that connects with audiences both at home and globally.”

“Supporting emerging comedic talent is at the heart of Bell Media’s mission to deliver innovative and engaging content,” said Justin Stockman, VP, Content Development & Programming, Bell Media. “Building on our existing partnerships with Blink49 Studios and the CFC, this new collaboration on the Comedy Series Lab allows us to invest directly in the next generation of creators who will shape the future of Canadian comedy. We’re proud to be part of this exciting journey and look forward to the bold, original stories that will come to life through this program.”

For more information, visit cfccreates.com.

About The CFC:
The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is a charitable cultural organization that drives the future of Canadian storytelling. Our intensive, hands-on programs in film, television, and entertainment technologies empower, shape and advance opportunities for Canadian creators and entrepreneurs working in screen-based industries. Learn more at cfccreates.com.

About Blink49 Studios:
Blink49 Studios is a full-service independent studio developing, producing, and monetizing premium scripted and unscripted content for global audiences. Headquartered in Toronto with offices in Los Angeles and Vancouver, the company was launched in partnership with anchor investor and strategic partner FIFTH SEASON. With strategic investments in Front Street Pictures, as well as the recent acquisition of Pier21 Films, Blink49 has expanded its vertically integrated operations across Canada and the U.S. The studio’s content-first approach is driven by strong creative partnerships and a commitment to championing new and diverse voices.

Named Playback’s Producer of the Year (2024) and Dealmaker of the Year (2022), Blink49’s slate includes scripted hits like Wild Cards (CBC/The CW), Sight Unseen (CTV/The CW), The Trades (Crave), Late Bloomer (Crave) and Don’t Even (Crave/APTN), alongside unscripted titles such as Queen of the Castle (CTV Life), Beast Games (Prime Video), The Braxtons, and Toya & Reginae (We TV). Library series include Ride (The CW), Run the Burbs (CBC, The CW, Hulu) and The Beaverton (CTV).

THE HOBBY: TALES FROM THE TABLETOP is about to hit theatres across Canada. The Film follows the fandom and love of board gaming. To celebrate the release – in select theatres June 20, 2025 – the Film is going on tour with the following stops:

June 17 – Board Game Night at Snakes and Lattes College in Toronto

June 18 – Press & Q&A Screening at the TIFF Lightbox in Toronto

June 19 – Board Game Night at The Hexagon Board Game Cafe in Edmonton

June 20 – Press & Q&A Screening at the Metro Cinema in Edmonton

June 21 – Board Game Night at Pizzeria Ludica in Vancouver

June 22 – Press & Q&A Screening at The Rio Theatre in Vancouver

Synopsis: Are games the meaning of life? The Hobby: Tales From The Tabletop is a funny, affectionate, character-driven portrait of the surprisingly massive subculture of modern board games, featuring a fascinating and diverse group of subjects who find deep meaning in “meaningless” pursuits.

Trailer:

In addition to premiering in Toronto, Edmonton & Vancouver, it is opening across the country in independent theatres in a staggered release. Theatrical bookings are available here: https://www.route504pr.com/the-hobby

Prime Video has officially confirmed the production of a third season of the hit series Maxton Hall – The World Between Us. Season 3 will continue the story of Ruby and James, based on Save Us — the third book in Mona Kasten’s bestselling trilogy, published by LYX. Damian Hardung and Harriet Herbig-Matten will once again play the leading roles. As with the previous seasons, UFA Fiction is responsible for production.

Fans can already look forward to the second season, which will be available exclusively on Prime Video from November 7th. The recently launched teaser trailer promises great emotions and dramatic twists and turns, and offering hints about the developments surrounding Ruby and James.

Maxton Hall – The World Between Us Season 2:

Those who fly high can also fall low… After their passionate night together in Oxford and her greatest life goal within reach, everything seems to be going perfectly for Ruby (Harriet Herbig-Matten). But a stroke of fate in James’ (Damian Hardung) family changes everything and James himself, of all people, brings her back from cloud nine to a harsh reality. Ruby is devastated. She has never had such strong feelings for anyone as she does for James – and never before has anyone hurt her so deeply. She wants her old life back, where no one at Maxton Hall knew her yet and she wasn’t part of the elitist world of her classmates. But she can’t forget James – especially since he’s doing everything, he can to win her back.

In addition to Damian Hardung and Harriet Herbig-Matten, Sonja Weißer as Lydia, Ben Felipe as Cyril, Fedja van Huêt as Mortimer, Runa Greiner as Ember, Justus Riesner as Alistair, Andrea Guo as Lin, Frederic Balonier as Kieran, and Eli Riccardi as Elaine return to the cast of the second season.

Martin Schreier (Traumfabrik) once again directs the second season of Maxton Hall – The World Between Us. Producers of the upcoming season include Markus Brunnemann and Ceylan Yildirim, who also acts as head writer of the series. In addition to Yildirim, Juliana Lima Dehne and Marlene Melchior are also involved as screenwriters on the series. Valentin Debler is once again the producer for UFA Fiction. The series is supported by the German Motion Picture Fund (GMPF).

Future of Film Showcase (FOFS), Canada’s premiere festival celebrating emerging Canadian Filmmakers, proudly celebrates its 12th year by honouring two of Canada’s brightest stars: Devery Jacobs and Humberly González. Jacobs, an award-winning actress, writer, director, and producer, will receive the festival’s inaugural Trailblazer Award for her groundbreaking work and advocacy in the industry. González, a dynamic Canadian-Venezuelan actress, is the recipient of the Rising Star Award, which recognizes artists who inspire and empower the next generation of filmmakers.

Taking place June 19-22, 2025, at the Paradise Theatre and other venues across Toronto, FOFS continues to spotlight Canada’s emerging talent with an exciting slate of feature and short film screenings, industry workshops, keynote and panel discussions, a director development incubator, after-parties, and more. Tickets to select programming are on-sale now at fofs.ca.

New in 2025, the Trailblazer Award honours inspirational figures who are making waves in the film industry while creating space for emerging filmmakers to follow. Recipients are selected based on artistic impact, innovation and meaningful contributions to equity and representation. Jacobs is best known for her starring role as “Elora Danan” in the Emmy-nominated series Reservation Dogs, for which she earned two Critics’ Choice Award nominations for Best Actress in a Comedy Series and a Gotham Award nomination for Outstanding Performance in a New Series. Other notable credits include Marvel’s Echo and What If…?, American Gods and Backspot. A proud voice from Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Territory, she uses her platform to advocate for Indigenous and LGBTQ2S+ communities.

The Rising Star Award celebrates filmmakers in the early stages of their careers who innovate, champion inclusive storytelling, and inspire the next generation of filmmakers. González stars in the upcoming Netflix series The Waterfront (premiering June 19) and reprises her role as “Sophie Sanchez” in Season 3 of Ginny & Georgia, launching June 5. She was nominated for 2025 BAFTA Game Award for Performer in a Leading Role for Star Wars Outlaws.

The Rising Star Award was introduced in 2024 and previously awarded to Sara Waisglass and Avan
Jogia. Jacobs and González will be honoured live on stage during the festival’s Closing Keynote
Conversation on Sunday, June 22 at 5:30pm at Paradise Theatre, with a livestream available on
FOFS’ Instagram @futurefilmshow.

PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

Now in its 12th year, FOFS returns June 19-22, 2025 at the Paradise Theatre and other venues around
Toronto. Tickets are now available at fofs.ca.

2025 Feature Film Program

SPECIAL FEATURE PRESENTATION

Friday, June 20 at 8pm
Rien De Mal, Samuel Plante | Toronto | Drama | Toronto Premiere
After a shocking revelation turns Andrea’s life upside down and tests the bond with her younger
sister Claire, they embark together on a strange scavenger hunt – searching for hidden truths, and a
way back to each other. Based on true events. Trailer.

Short films preceding the feature presentation:

HAIR!, Sara Jade Alfaro | Oshawa | Comedy
A casual afternoon of ritualistic body hair removal between three witchy Iranian matriarchs unleashes a
classic Middle Eastern emotional purge, while marking the chaotic coming-of-age for twelve year old
Nora.

How To Bury Your Father, Ammar Keshodia | Toronto | Drama | World Premiere
A young man returns home and spends the night trying to fulfill his father’s dying wish for a proper Islamic burial.

CENTREPIECE FEATURE

Sunday, June 22 at 3pm
Cherub, Devin Shears | St. John’s | Drama | Toronto Premiere
A gentle character study of Harvey – a straight, fat man who decides to submit a photograph of himself to
a gay magazine for ‘big men and their admirers’.

Short film preceding the feature presentation:

Hello Stranger, Amélie Hardy | Montreal | Documentary
Between loads of laundry at the corner laundromat, Cooper shares the tumultuous story of her gender
reassignment journey.

CLOSING NIGHT FEATURE

Sunday, June 22 at 7:30pm
Fortescue, Rebecca Love | Toronto | Drama | Toronto Premiere
A quiet reflection on womanhood, psychosis and friendship, Fortescue begins capturing the whimsical
and platonic love that exists between two old friends, as they eat, tan and play on the sunny shores of an
old worldly summer cottage. When a boyfriend arrives on the scene, for them all to perform an age old
fairy tale for the neighbouring cottagers, one of the friends descends into a frightening trance, sharing the pains of living shackled to a dated ideal of womanhood.

Short film preceding the feature presentation:
Roots that Reach Toward the Sky, Jess X. Snow | Philadelphia | Drama
After her mother’s traditional Chinese medicine shop is vandalized, a young botanist draws on the
resilience of her local community and the healing remedies of her ancestors to contend with her deepest
anxieties. Snow was recently named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s 25 New Faces of Independent Film.

SHORTS PROGRAMMING

OPENING NIGHT SHORTS PROGRAMME

Thursday, June 19 at 7:30 pm
MISSING, MJ Tremblay | Montreal | Experimental | World Premiere
Missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada.
MJ Tremblay’s experimental short film Missing, about missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada, will have its world premiere at Future of Film Showcase on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

Eid, Rame Ibrahim | Vancouver | Drama | Canadian Premiere
Two women are not able to visit their sons’ graves due to them being buried in different countries.
Inspired by the true story of Abdelaziz Ibrahim, an artist for the Palestinian Liberation Organization, who
was killed by an Israeli airstrike.

Avancer masque, Laurence Olivier | Vancouver | Documentary, Experimental | Ontario Premiere
On a freezing night, in an isolated village, masked figures prowl. The monsters lurk by the houses, knock
on doors. You let these strangers into your home. They remain silent. They observe you.

Aski, la mère de tous (Aski, The Mother of All), Amélie Courtois | Mashteuiatsh | Documentary |
Ontario Premiere
A poetic film inspired by nature and what it ofers us: colours and softness. A tribute to Mother Earth, this
film takes the time to look at the little details of the forest.

Things Behind the Sun, Giran Findlay | Toronto | Drama | Toronto Premiere
A week in the life of a teenage tennis player, struggling to balance practice with his home life as an
important tournament approaches.

Abgad Hawaz, Robin Riad | Toronto | Experimental
Robin Riad’s short hand-drawn analogue film ostensibly teaches the pronunciation of the Arabic alphabet
in 28 easy steps. In actuality, the hand-drawn letters were printed using a laser jet printer onto the optical
soundtrack of 16mm film, and what you hear in the film is the projector reading the letters, and
interpreting them into sound. Riad uses humour to play with and sit with her mother tongue, offering a
‘false’ lesson in pronunciation.

Greenhorn, Sabrina Way | Toronto | Drama
While at a dinner party with friends, 20-something masculine presenting Logan receives a phone call that
her estranged Father has been in a car accident. With encouragement from her Mother, Logan decides to
travel back to her rural hometown to care for him.

welima’q, Shalan Joudry | L’sitkuk – Bear River First Nation | Documentary
Witness a sweetgrass landscape on the shores of Mi’kma’ki. Between the salt water and forest line, a
family weaves themselves within these grasses. It is the sweet scent that draws them in, and ultimately
goes home with them. Still, this earth breathes and bends, continuing on after us.

One Day This Kid, Alexander Farah | Vancouver | Drama
One day this kid will feel something stir in his heart and throat and mouth. One day this kid will reach a
point where he senses a division that isn’t mathematical. One day this kid will talk.

Después del silencio, Matilde-Luna Perotti | Montreal | Documentary
A filmmaker returns to her grandmother after six years of silence to confront the family taboo: the sexual
assault she suffered.

The opening shorts program joins the previously announced short films HAIR! (Sara Jade Alfaro,
Oshawa, Comedy); How to Bury Your Father (Ammar Keshodia, Toronto, Drama, World Premiere);
Hello Stranger (Amélie Hardy, Montreal, Documentary) and Roots that Reach Toward the Sky (Jess X.
Snow, Philadelphia, Drama), which will screen as part of the feature film presentations.

ADDITIONAL 2025 FOFS PROGRAMMING

INDUSTRY PROGRAMMING
FOFS also presents an extensive lineup of industry programming that offers valuable development
opportunities through workshops, panel discussions and one-on-one mentorship, directed towards
fostering the future of emerging Canadian filmmakers. For industry programming and more information,
visit fofs.ca.

FOFS AWARDS
FOFS also presents seven awards to featured filmmakers in the Opening Night Shorts Programme: Best
Film, Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Picture Editing, Best Director, Best Screenplay and
People’s Choice. Award winners are selected by the FOFS 2025 Jury, with the People’s Choice Award
determined by audience vote. The award-winning films will be announced on June 22 and will stream for
free across Canada on CBC Gem beginning June 24, 2025.

This year’s jury consists of: Jason Anderson (Lead Programmer for Canada, Toronto International Film
Festival), Carolyn Mauricette (Director of Canadian Programming, Fantasia International Film Festival),
Maxwell Paparella (Assistant Editor, Notebook, MUBI), Angelica Stirpe (Producer, BOLDLY), Jake
Burling (Production Executive, Elevation Pictures) and Antoine Bourges (Director, Fail to Appear).

DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT INCUBATOR

FOFS is pleased to present the second annual Director Development Incubator – a six-week
mentorship program for emerging filmmakers that culminates with a live pitch competition, co-presented by POV Film, on Saturday, June 21 at Archipelago Productions, 213 Sterling Rd.

This year’s six finalists – A.C. Birch (Bear Night), JoAnne Fishburn (Fish Boy), Gulzar (Skin to
Skin), Noor Gaith (One Way to Kurdistan), Michael Petruzzelli (It Comes in Waves), and Marlee
Sansom (Tell Me About My Mother) – will participate in weekly mentorship sessions with industry
professionals. They include workshops on how to direct actors, pitching, budgeting and financing,
framing, blocking + visual storytelling, and more.

At the end of the program, each filmmaker will pitch their short film production idea to a panel of
judges, followed by five minutes of constructive feedback. Judges will evaluate pitches based on
creativity and originality, strength of the proposed team, budget, timeline, potential impact, and
overall viability.

One filmmaker will be awarded a grand prize valued at $55,000 – including $5,000 in cash and
$50,000 in-kind services – to support the development of their short film. The winning project will also
be screened at a future FOFS Festival.

Future of Film Showcase can be found on Instagram, X and Facebook at @FutureFilmShow and FOFS2025.

Future of Film Showcase is supported by the Government of Canada, City of Toronto, Ontario Arts
Council, DGC Ontario, Shotdeck and the Indigenous Screen Office.

ABOUT FUTURE OF FILM SHOWCASE
The Future of Film Showcase (FOFS) is a Canadian not-for-profit media arts organization presenting
works from emerging Canadian Filmmakers, while at a crucial stage in their emergence as an artist
and storyteller, as well as elevating work by women, BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, and other emerging
creatives from traditionally marginalized communities. FOFS fosters the future of Canadian film by
providing burgeoning artists and filmmakers with professional development opportunities, as well as
a national platform through an annual film festival.

Paramount+ released the official trailer for season three of its hit original series STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS. The new season will premiere with two episodes on Thursday, July 17 on Paramount+ in Canada. The series will also stream exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and in international markets where the service is available. Following the premiere, new episodes will drop weekly on Thursdays, with the season finale on Thursday, September 11. Paramount+ previously announced the series has also been renewed for a fourth season, which is currently in production.

In season three, when we reconnect with the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, still under the command of Captain Pike, they face the conclusion of season two’s harrowing encounter with the Gorn. But new life and civilizations await, including a villain that will test our characters’ grit and resolve. An exciting twist on classic Star Trek, season three takes characters both new and beloved to new heights, and dives into thrilling adventures of faith, duty, romance, comedy, and mystery, with varying genres never before seen on any other Star Trek.

The series is produced by CBS Studios, Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment and stars Anson Mount, Rebecca Romijn, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Celia Rose Gooding, Melissa Navia, Babs Olusanmokun and Martin Quinn, along with guest stars Rhys Darby, Patton Oswalt, Cillian O’Sullivan, Canadian Melanie Scrofano and Carol Kane, plus special guest star Paul Wesley.

Akiva Goldsman and Henry Alonso Myers serve as co-showrunners. Alex Kurtzman, Akiva Goldsman, Henry Alonso Myers, Aaron Baiers, Dana Horgan, Alan McElroy, Robbie Thompson, Frank Siracusa, John Weber, Chris Fisher, Anson Mount, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth serve as executive producers.

STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS is available to stream on Paramount + in Canada and is available to stream exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S., the U.K., Latin America, Australia, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Japan. It streams on SkyShowtime in the Nordics, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and Central and Eastern Europe. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

The STAR TREK franchise on Paramount+ also includes STAR TREK: SECTION 31, the original movie with Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh, and the new original series STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY. All seasons of the animated series STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS; the award-winning original series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, starring Sonequa Martin-Green; and the critically acclaimed original series STAR TREK: PICARD, starring Patrick Stewart reprising the iconic role of Jean-Luc Picard, are also available to stream.

About Paramount+

Paramount+ is a global digital subscription video streaming service from Paramount that features a mountain of premium entertainment for audiences of all ages. Internationally, the streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including SHOWTIME®, BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel™, in addition to a robust offering of premier local content. The service is currently live in Australia, Austria, Canada, the Caribbean, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latin America, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S.

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com, and follow @ParamountPlusCA on social media.

About CBS Studios

CBS Studios is one of the world’s leading producers of entertainment programming, with dozens of globally popular series for broadcast and streaming. The Studio’s expansive portfolio includes a diverse slate of commercially successful and critically acclaimed programming which includes genre-defining franchises such as NCIS and the STAR TREK universe, fan-favorite comedies such as THE NEIGHBORHOOD and GHOSTS, the newly reimagined MATLOCK, and buzzy international co-productions such as COLIN FROM ACCOUNTS and upcoming KING & CONQUEROR.

Check out an exciting new trailer and image for Marvel Television’s “Ironheart,” launching exclusively on Disney+ on June 24, 2025. Says Dominique Thorne, who stars as young, genius inventor Riri Williams, “What was interesting for me was how different Riri’s story and entrance into the MCU was in comparison to other characters. After bringing Riri to life in the world of Wakanda, we had an amazing opportunity to follow that up with a deep dive into the character that allows for the exploration of her origin story. We’re not necessarily going back in time; it’s more of catching up and seeing the effects of how those first pivotal moments of her life have shaped her, and seeing the person that she’s trying to become.”

Set after the events of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Marvel Television’s “Ironheart” pits technology against magic when Riri Williams (Thorne), determined to make her mark on the world, returns to her hometown of Chicago. Her unique take on building iron suits is brilliant, but in pursuit of her ambitions, she finds herself wrapped up with the mysterious yet charming Parker Robbins aka “The Hood” (Anthony Ramos).The series also stars Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, Manny Montana, Matthew Elam and Anji White. Chinaka Hodge is head writer; episodes are directed by Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes. Executive producers include Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Brad Winderbaum, Zoie Nagelhout, Chinaka Hodge, Ryan Coogler, Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler. Produced in association with Proximity Media.