A delicious and educational experience! Opening only in November 2024, the elegant LOUF on Davenport, already has been named the #7 Best New Toronto Restaurant by Toronto Life, an impressive feat.

This collaboration between world-renowned Chef Fadi Kattan and Editor Nicole Mankinen, began with her messaging him for a cake recipe. From there a friendship was formed and an opportunity fulfilled. And the rest is a success story that continues to be written.

LOUF combines its founders’ Canadian and Palestinian (a bit of French in there too!) stories and upbringings as one, using ingredients imported directly from Palestine, and the highest quality local ingredients. In addition to food, their drink menu curated by Sommelier Anna Patrowicz is innovative and as refined as the dining experience. The non-alcoholic menu shines as bright as its cocktails.

They also offer a popular Brunch menu, and currently, Date Night prix fixe options as well at a great value.

More on our experience here:

LOUF is located at 501 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M4V 1B8.

LOUFTORONTO.COM for reservations.

Internationally acclaimed Warner Music Canada recording artist Karan Aujla’s latest single “Courtside” was the #1 most viewed music video in the world on YouTube in its first 24 hours with over 6.3 million streams. Within just three days of release, the music video has already accumulated over 17 million views and is trending on YouTube in 10 countries, including #1 in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Watch it here.

In addition to the massive success on YouTube, “Courtside” is also trending at #4 on Instagram Reels. On Spotify, “Courtside” has reached the Top 30 in both Canada and India. The track has also achieved significant success on Apple Music, reaching #7 in Canada and #2 in India. This global success underscores Karan Aujla’s international appeal and his undeniable talent as a hitmaker.

About Karan Aujla

Karan Aujla’s rise from his upbringing in rural Punjab to his place atop the global music industry is a testament to his talent and unique blend of Punjabi folk, hip-hop, and R&B. His albums, BacTHAfuKUP and Making Memories, have solidified his international presence. Making Memories, released in 2023, generated billions of streams and culminated in a sold-out world tour that connected him with hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide. This album’s success highlights Aujla’s ability to resonate with a diverse global audience, a position underscored by his status as the most streamed Punjabi artist on Spotify globally in 2024. His influence has extended to Bollywood, where his song “Tauba Tauba” was featured in the film Bad Newz and quickly became a national hit in India. Aujla’s achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards, including his groundbreaking win of the 2024 TikTok JUNO Fan Choice Award, making him the first South Asian artist to win the fan-voted category. In 2025, Aujla has already received multiple JUNO Award nominations, including Single of the Year for “Winning Speech,” and has collaborated with GRAMMY-nominated chart-toppers OneRepublic on “Tell Me,” produced by preeminent South Asian producer Ikky, with much more in store for the year to come.

Multi-Platinum global pop superstar Kesha continues the countdown to her hugely anticipated new album . (PERIOD), with today’s premiere of the scintillating latest single, “BOY CRAZY.,” . (PERIOD) arrives at last on Independence Day, Friday, July 4, 2025 via her own Kesha Records. 

. (PERIOD) – which arrives exactly one year since Kesha returned on her own terms with 2024’s smash comeback hit, “JOYRIDE” – was first unveiled with the premiere of the thrilling “YIPPEE KI-YAY. (Feat. T-Pain),” available now at all DSPs and streaming services. Produced by Pink Slip (Ava Max, Jason Derulo) and co-written by Kesha and frequent collaborator Zhone (who previously produced and co-wrote last year’s smash singles “JOYRIDE” and “DELUSIONAL”), the country-flavored party anthem was joined last week by a special remix package featuring an exclusive new spin by hit producer A. G. Cook (Charli xcx, Lady Gaga) and “The Hosed Down Remix,” available everywhere now. Official visualizers for all three tracks are streaming now on Kesha’s official YouTube channel HERE.

Kesha further celebrated “YIPPEE-KI-YAY.” with a recent pair of unforgettable performances, first teaming with A. G. Cook for a live take on the new remix at Coachella and then returning to the Indio, CA site for a once-in-a-lifetime joint rendition alongside T-Pain at Stagecoach. 

The spectacular live performances only serve to whet the appetite for the biggest live run of Kesha’s already extraordinary career, The Tits Out Tour. Produced by Live Nation and presented by Feeld, the milestone North American headline tour kicks off July 1 in West Valley City, UT’s Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre and then hits arenas and amphitheaters across the continent through an August 10 finale at Tampa, FL’s MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre. Highlights include Kesha’s first-ever headline shows at such world-famous venues as Los Angeles, CA’s Kia Forum (July 5) and New York City’s Madison Square Garden (July 23). Support on all dates comes from newly reunited glam-pop legends Scissor Sisters, marking their first North American tour in over a decade. Special guests on select dates also include pop disruptor Slayyyter (July 1-July 18), rising UK artist Rose Gray (July 19-21, July 24-August 10), and venerable Dutch Eurodance favorites Vengaboys (July 23).. Tickets are available now at keshaofficial.com. For complete details, please visit keshaofficial.com/tour.

Kesha’s sixth studio album, . (PERIOD) – yes, it’s just a period. – is an unapologetic, unfiltered declaration of artistic freedom and fearless authenticity from the 2x GRAMMY® Award-nominated pop icon. Conceived, co-produced and co-written by Kesha, the 11-song collection transcends pop norms to create a raw, daring, and intensely personal sonic journey, a defiant act of self-expression that refuses to adhere to expectations or play it safe. More than just a new album, . (PERIOD) is Kesha at her most powerful best, turning her experiences into vibrant, audacious art with a spiked heel at the neck of pop culture.

Among its many exhilarating highlights, . (PERIOD) includes 2024’s aforementioned “JOYRIDE.” and the blockbuster “DELUSIONAL.,” both available everywhere now. Currently boasting over 103M streams at Spotify alone, “JOYRIDE” proved a true sensation since its Independence Day 2024 release, reaching #6 on Billboard’s “Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles” and “Hot Dance/Electronic Songs” along with the top 30 on “Pop Airplay” and chart success around the world from the UK to New Zealand. Produced by Zhone and co-written by Kesha, Zhone, and Madison Love, the track marked the triumphant first chapter of a milestone new era for Kesha, celebrating both her long overdue empowerment as an independent artist as well as a powerful sonic evolution following 2023’s critically acclaimed fifth studio album, Gag Order. Along with its popular achievement, “JOYRIDE” has been met by high-profile critical applause from the likes of Rolling Stone, Variety, and Vulture, to name only a few. Perhaps NYLON said it best: “Everything about ‘JOYRIDE’ is a trip…The original glitter-faced party animal of the 2010s is back with a fiery vengeance.”

“JOYRIDE” joined by an equally acclaimed official music video streaming now at YouTube. Directed by Dimitri Basil (Kylie Minogue, Vance Joy), Cooper Roussel (Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Miami Horror), and Laura Gorun (Joywave, Kings of Leon), the high-octane visual received wide-ranging attention from major publications and top online outlets around the globe, including Billboard, Vulture, and Rolling Stone, the latter of which raved, ““Kesha is taking her foot off the brakes and going full-speed ahead on her new video for ‘JOYRIDE.’ The video sees Kesha racing through the desert in a hot red convertible while being chased by a helicopter, gun-toting assassins, and a shirtless dude hell-bent on catching up to the pop diva.”

LISTEN TO “DELUSIONAL”

 LISTEN TO “JOYRIDE”

 WATCH “JOYRIDE” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

One of Spotify’s Top 100 Artists with close to 40M monthly listeners, Kesha has heralded . (PERIOD) with an array of high-profile media appearances and promotional events, including visits to The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Jennifer Hudson Show, and The Drew Barrymore Show, and exclusive cover feature in PAPER, an electrifying Boiler Room event in Miami, and a very special lighting ceremony at New York City’s world famous Empire State Building. This month will see Kesha cross the Atlantic for a pair of sold-out “House of Kesha” headline shows in the UK, followed by a top-billed festival performance at London’s Mighty Hoopla pop extravaganza on June 1. For additional details, please visit keshaofficial.com/tour.

MAY

29 – Glasgow, UK – House of Kesha @ O2 Academy 1 (SOLD OUT)

30 – Manchester, UK – House of Kesha @ Albert Hall (SOLD OUT)

JUNE

1 – London, UK – Mighty Hoopla †

† Festival Performance

KESHA & SCISSOR SISTERS: THE TITS OUT TOUR

NORTH AMERICA 2025

JULY

1 – West Valley City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre ^

3 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre ^

5 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum ^

6 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre ^

8 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion * ^

10 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion ^

12 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre ^

13 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre ^

15 – Nashville, TN – Riverfront Park – Ascend Amphitheater ^

16 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center ^

18 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center ^

19 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre #

21 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage #

23 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden *

24 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center #

26 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake #

28 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center #

29 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at The Mann #

31 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater #

AUGUST

2 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater #

3 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek #

5 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion #

7 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre #

9 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre #

10 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre #

^ w/ Slayyyter

# w/ Rose Gray

* w/ Vengaboys

Only in theaters on August 29, 2025, we get a new Teaser for THE ROSES, from Searchlight Pictures.

Details:

Directed by | Jay Roach

Screenplay by | Tony McNamara

Executive Produced by | James L. Brooks, Michael Adler, Jonathan Adler, Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Cáit Collins

Produced by | Jay Roach, Michelle Graham, p.g.a., Adam Ackland, p.g.a., Leah Clarke, p.g.a., Ed Sinclair, p.g.a., Tom Carver

Starring | Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Andy Samberg, Allison Janney, Belinda Bromilow, Sunita Mani, Ncuti Gatwa, Jamie Demetriou, Zoë Chao, and Kate McKinnon

Synopsis | Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch): successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids. But beneath the façade of their supposed ideal life, a storm is brewing – as Theo’s career nosedives while Ivy’s own ambitions take off, a tinderbox of fierce competition and hidden resentment ignites. The Roses is a reimagining of the 1989 classic film The War of the Roses, based on the novel by Warren Adler.

NETFLIX TUDUM 2025: THE LIVE EVENT
THE EVENT WILL FEATURE YOUR FAVOURITE STARS FROM: Emily in Paris, Frankenstein, Happy Gilmore 2, Love is Blind, One Piece, Outer Banks, The Rip, Squid Game, Stranger Things, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, The Life List, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Wednesday, WWE, Ginny & Georgia, My Life with the Walter Boys, Forever …AND MORE!

And guess what? Lady Gaga will join the star-studded lineup of Netflix Tudum 2025: The Live Event and perform LIVE at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 31, 2025!

ABOUT TUDUM: Tudum LIVE is Netflix’s global fan event, named after the iconic sound that plays at the start of every Netflix movie, series or event. It is Netflix’s biggest celebration of fandom and culture-defining storytelling—spotlighting movies, shows, stars and creators that fans around the world love.

The first Tudum event was held in January 2020 at the Bienal Pavilion of São Paulo, Brazil, as a multi-title festival that celebrated Netflix’s young adult content, drawing more than 50,000 fans over four days. Since then, Tudum has evolved across multiple formats—festival, livestream, and digital almanac—cementing its place as a signature global event. In 2023, Tudum returned to São Paulo, drawing over 35,000 in-person attendees and recorded more than 78 million views across Netflix’s global social channels.

Now, Tudum LIVE returns on May 31, 2025, streaming live at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET from the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. This must-see event will feature Netflix’s biggest stars, can’t-miss performances, jaw-dropping reveals, and unforgettable moments. Tudum.com remains a year-round destination for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, and deeper connections to Netflix’s most beloved titles.

HOW TO WATCH: Audiences can watch the live event on Netflix. The livestream will begin at 5:00 PM PT/8:00 PM ET.

TICKET SALE INFO: The event will take place at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 31st. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.

Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of THE LIFE OF CHUCK in Toronto and Vancouver. This acclaimed TIFF ’24 selection won the coveted People’s Choice Award. Screenings are as follows:

TORONTO ADVANCE SCREENING

LOCATION: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto #1

ADDRESS: 259 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3M6

DATE: Monday, June 9th

TIME: 7:00 PM

VANCOUVER ADVANCE SCREENING

LOCATION: Rio Theatre

ADDRESS: 1660 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5N 1W1

DATE: Sunday, May 25th

TIME: 6:00 PM

Synopsis: A life-affirming, genre-bending story based on Stephen King’s novella about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz. 

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK or IG. In the comments, please tell us which City you are in and tag 1 friend in comments who you will bring along with you. Multiple entries permitted.

Rules and regulations here.

Elevation Pictures release THE LIFE OF CHUCK June 13, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

Charli xcx today releases the official video for ‘party 4 u’.

Based on an original idea by Charli, you can watch the Mitch Ryan-directed video:

Despite being released five years ago and never being an official single, ‘party 4 u’ has become a phenomenon online in recent months and is now one of the biggest trending songs globally with over four million unique creations and over five billion views on TikTok.

The ‘party 4 u’ video arrives on the fifth anniversary of the release of Charli’s acclaimed album ‘How I’m Feeling Now’. To celebrate the anniversary, a special limited edition pressing of ‘How I’m Feeling Now’ on clear glitter vinyl with an exclusive new poster will be available to fans for 72 hours. You can purchase the limited edition fifth anniversary pressing, available until 18th May, HERE.

‘party 4 u’ is a staple of Charli’s performances and featured throughout her recent North American arena tour, culminating with four sold out nights at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. This summer, Charli will take her acclaimed ‘BRAT’ live show to festivals across Europe including a headline slot on The Other Stage at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday 28th June.

Her iconic sixth studio album ‘BRAT’ stands as the most critically acclaimed album of 2024 and continues to shape the cultural zeitgeist. The record’s global success saw Charli sweep award season, winning five BRIT Awards (Artist Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Dance Act & Songwriter Of The Year) and three Grammy Awards (Best Dance/Electronic Album, Best Dance Pop Recording & Best Recording Package), not to mention being named Wall Street Journal’s ‘Music Innovator’ in October and Variety’s ‘Hitmaker Of The Year’ in December.

Charli has been working on multiple film & TV projects; she is producing and starring in A24’s ‘The Moment’, an original concept created by her and the first co-production venture from studio365. Charli will also produce and star in the next film from prolific Japanese director Takeshi Miike through her new studio365 venture.

In addition, she is co-executive producing the score for the A24 film ‘Mother Mary’ with Jack Antonoff and will star in the Daniel Goldhaber remake of 1978 cult horror film ‘Faces of Death’, Greg Araki’s erotic thriller ‘I Want Your Sex’, Cathy Yan’s upcoming independent film ‘The Gallerist’, Julia Jackman’s period fantasy ‘100 Nights Of Hero’, Romain Gavras’ satirical action ‘Sacrifice’ and Pete Ohs’ intimate drama ‘Erupcja’.

Charli xcx 2025 Live Dates:

Thu 05/06/25 – Barcelona, ES – Primavera Sound

Sat 07/06/25 – Paris, FR – We Love Green Festival

Thu 12/06/25 – Porto, PT – Primavera Sound Porto

Sat 14/06/25 – London, UK – Lido Festival

Sun 15/06/25 – Manchester, UK – Parklife Festival

Tue 17/06/25 – Dublin, IE – Malahide Castle

Wed 18/05/25 – Belfast, UK – Ormeau Park

Sat 28/06/25 – Somerset, UK – Glastonbury Festival

Sun 06/07/25 – Roskilde, DK – Roskilde Festival

Wed 06/08/25 – Budapest, HU – Sziget Festival

Thu 07/08/25 – Oslo, NO – Oya Festival

Fri 08/08/25 – Gothenburg, SE – Way Out West Festival

Sun 10/08/25 – Helsinki, FI – Flow Festival

The Royal Hotel, a historic landmark resort and spa in the heart of Prince Edward County, is delighted to unveil its full slate of summer programming designed to celebrate the region’s rich culture, vibrant community and natural charm. This exciting lineup comes as the hotel proudly builds on the momentum of its recent recognition as one of the first hotels in Canada to receive the prestigious MICHELIN Key distinction.

New Summer Experiences at The Royal

This summer, guests can enjoy a variety of thoughtfully curated experiences that embrace the laid-back, welcoming spirit of the County:

Free Yoga Sundays – Every Sunday morning in Benson Park before the Picton Farmers Market, guests can join a guided yoga session from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

‘Baby and Me’ Playtime in The Garden – Every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., The Garden will be outfitted with play mats and toys for parents and little ones to enjoy.

Coach-Haus in The Royal Gym – A full-body 45-minute strength workout led by Coach-Haus takes place every Wednesday. Complimentary for all hotel guests. All fitness levels welcome.

Trailer Bar Activation – Enjoy a curated selection of beverages served from The Royal Hotel’s charming Trailer Bar, perfect for warm summer afternoons.

Soft-Serve Ice Cream – Cool off with classic summer treats from a new soft-serve stand, perfect for families and guests of all ages. Available in the Restaurant or take out from our Counter Bar.

Music in the Garden – Unwind to live performances by local musicians every Thursday evening in the hotel’s lush garden. July and August, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Province of Canada Pop-Up – Throughout July and August, shop exclusive PEC-inspired apparel from this iconic Canadian brand in the hotel’s retail space. The Barlow Room in The Royal Annex.

Curated Sleep Menu – Launching soon, this thoughtfully designed menu will feature Bathorium bath salts and bombs, calming essential oil diffusers, a personalized pillow menu, and specialized night treatments to promote deep, restorative sleep.

The Royal Hotel’s Spa will also be expanding its offerings with the launch of new body treatments and the introduction of Reiki, further enhancing its menu of therapeutic and restorative services. Guests are invited to learn more and sample offerings at the Spa Open House on May 20, presented in partnership with Comfort Zone. The open house will feature free skin consultations, live mini facial demonstrations, mini RMT massage treatments, lymphatic brush work, free giveaways and much more! As a special treat, the first 30 guests will receive a curated gift bag, and all attendees will enjoy a 20% discount on spa products throughout the event.

Summer programming officially launches on June 1, with special events and experiences continuing throughout the season. For more information, to book a stay, or to make restaurant or spa reservations, visit theroyalhotel.ca.

Connect with The Royal Hotel
Website: www.theroyalhotel.ca
Instagram: @theroyalhotelpicton
Facebook: TheRoyalHotelPicton

About The Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel is a contemporary resort and spa in the heart of Prince Edward County, offering guests a refined yet relaxed hospitality experience rooted in the region’s vibrant food, wine, and wellness culture. Reopened in 2022 after a decade-long restoration, the hotel features 28 beautifully appointed rooms in its historic main building and five additional suites in the adjacent Royal Annex. Guests can enjoy a full suite of amenities including an award-winning restaurant led by Executive Chef Albert Ponzo, an in-house bakery, a cozy hotel bar, curated retail offerings, conference and event spaces, a full-service spa and sauna, and a seasonal outdoor garden with a heated spa pool and bar. With many ingredients sourced from the hotel’s own Edwin County Farms and partnerships with local artisans and producers, The Royal is both a welcoming home base and a gateway to exploring all that Prince Edward County has to offer.

Groundbreaking Author, Podcaster and Life Coach JAY SHETTY graced Toronto with his presence last night, bringing his ON PURPOSE LIVE Tour to Meridian Hall!

Having interviewed some of the world’s most prolific figures including former U.S. President Joe Biden, the Englishman continues to make waves in the conversation about mental wellness and lately has been focusing attention on his brands CALM and zero-sugar beverage JUNI.

Was amazing getting to meet Shetty and experience his amazing energy!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is proud to unveil the 19 participants selected for the 2025 Norman Jewison Film Program, CFC’s premier professional development initiative for emerging to mid-level Canadian directors, writers, producers, and editors. This program continues to play a crucial role in shaping the voices and careers of many of Canada’s leading screen-based storytellers and has had a profound impact on the country’s film and television industries. The program is generously supported by Netflix as a lead partner for the third consecutive year and will run from July 14 to December 12, 2025, at the CFC campus in Toronto.

“Each year, we’re inspired by the calibre of talent coming through the Norman Jewison Film Program, and 2025 is no exception,” said Kathryn Emslie, Executive Lead, Programs at the CFC. “This year’s storytellers offer up an exciting range of authentic creative voices and inventive storytelling that reflect Canada’s vibrant culture. We’re excited to welcome them into our CFC community and to be a part of this next chapter in their journeys.”

With Netflix’s continued support, the 2025 cohort will have the opportunity to advance their narrative storytelling and business skills, grow their body of work while developing and producing original new content, and expand their creative community.

“The Norman Jewison Film Program remains a pillar in developing Canadian screen talent,” said Lindsay Doyle, Director, Global Affairs, Netflix Canada. “We’re proud to support this initiative that equips creators with the tools and opportunities to thrive and enrich our industry with compelling, original stories.”

The 2025 residents of the Norman Jewison Film Program (Bios below):

Directors’ Lab:
Haaris Qadri
Hiromu Yamawaki
Luwam Tekeste
Ryan Leedu
Vanessa Sandre

Editors’ Lab:
Beth Biederman
Nathan Martinak
Sara Bulloch
Shetu Modi

Producers’ Lab:
Amanda Pileggi
Anastasia Itkina
Emmanuel Kabongo
Momo Daud
Torrin Blades

Writers’ Lab:
Beatriz Yuste
Berend McKenzie
Brianna Russell
Laura Stubbs
Walker MacDonald

The Norman Jewison Film Program aims to elevate talented professionals to go on to become among Canada’s leading storytellers. Some of the award-winning alumni of this program include Alyson Richards (Children Ruin Everything), Anar Ali (Allegiance), Ann Marie Fleming (Can I Get A Witness), Anna Catley (Paying For It), Clement Virgo (Brother), Don McKellar (Last Night), Erin Haskett (Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent), Gareth C Scales (The Salt Path), Kaveh Mohebbi (Queen Tut), Marc Tétreault (Sharp Corner), Maureen Grant (Sort Of), Naomi Jaye (Darkest Miriam), Reza Dahya (Boxcutter), Sarah Polley (Women Talking), and Zarrar Khan (In Flames).

Learn more about the Norman Jewison Film Program here. The Norman Jewison Film Program is generously supported by lead partners Netflix and Telefilm Canada, Program Partner The Norman and Margaret Jewison Family Foundation, and Contributing Partner DGC Ontario.

For more information, visit cfccreates.com.

BIOS
Directors’ Lab:

Haaris Qadri (He/Him, Brampton, ON) is a filmmaker who has written and directed “majboor-e-mamool”, “Kashif” and most recently a short that is entering the festival circuit “Jo Mera, Woh Tumhara.” He aims to make films that blend the authenticity of naturalism with the vividness of a painter’s realism. His works delve into the essence of everyday life, capturing the subtle moments that evoke deep emotions and perhaps change. Haaris is drawn to diasporic narratives, exploring themes of identity, familial fragmentation, and the nuances of intergenerational dynamics.

Hiromu Yamawaki (He/Him, Vancouver, BC) is a Vancouver-based writer and director from Tottori, Japan. Informed by his experiences living abroad, his work focuses on intercultural experiences and bilingual storytelling. Since graduating with a B.A. (Hons) in Film Studies from Carleton University and a diploma in Film Production from Vancouver Film School, he has created three short films, Okuribi, Counting Days, and Stand In — which have been screened at over 20 film festivals around the world. He is committed to advancing Asian representation both on screen and behind the camera.

Luwam Tekeste (She/Her, Toronto, ON) is a Toronto-based filmmaker and creative producer with nearly a decade of experience across film, television, and commercial production. A graduate of York University’s Cinema and Media Studies program, Luwam is driven by a deep commitment to storytelling that explores identity, morality, and the layered experiences of intersectionality. Her body of work includes short films such as “Other”, “Mother Tita”, “Illegal(ized)” and “Judas Goat”, projects that center characters often excluded from mainstream narratives. She brings an intentional, research-driven approach to her work, drawing from lived experience, historical context, and a desire to provoke meaningful dialogue. Luwam is a proud alumna of Black Women Film! Canada and is dedicated to developing bold, character-driven stories that sit at the intersection of social inquiry and emotional truth.

Ryan Leedu (He/Him, Edmonton, AB) is a filmmaker from the Canadian prairies. Interested in exploring thoughtful and complex human stories, and experimenting with matters of style, narrative, and formal technique, Ryan is dedicated to making bold, original, and relevant films. Inspired by filmmakers as diverse as Kiarostami, Godard, Kieślowski, Varda, Wenders, Yang, Fassbinder, and Claire Denis, Ryan has a broad array of cinematic influences. He is interested in films that are patient, stylistically and narratively innovative, and above all, rooted in a sense of time and place that is socially / artistically / politically relevant to the present. Ryan’s short films have played at various festivals around North America, including the Canadian Film Fest, Vancouver and Edmonton International Film Festivals, Toronto Arthouse and Montreal Independent Film Festivals, Palm Springs International ShortsFest, and others. He recently participated in the “Talent Lab” of the 2024 Reykjavik International Film Festival, designed for emerging filmmakers working toward their first feature. Alongside developing his narrative film projects, Ryan directs music videos and commercials, and is also one of the most in-demand location scouts around Alberta. He currently sits on the board as President of the Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta (FAVA).

Vanessa Sandre (She/Her, Toronto, ON) is a Brazilian filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Film and a Master’s degree in Literature focused on Women and Gender Studies. Vanessa has cultivated a diverse career as a screenwriter, director, producer, and performer for the last 15 years. As a Latina immigrant and artist, she finds inspiration in crafting narratives that amplify underrepresented voices through a decolonial and intersectional feminist lens. ‘The Pleasure is All Mine’ (O Prazer é Todo Meu, 2023) is her latest fictional short film and addresses the taboo subject of female sexuality in old age. Filmed in Brazil, it has been selected for over 40 film festivals worldwide, including the 32nd MixBrasil, Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+, and the 35th St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival. The short also received 30 awards, including ‘Best of the Showcase’ and ‘Audience Award’ at the 2024 WIFT + Toronto Showcase. Vanessa was a participant in the 2024 Creators of Colour Incubator (CCI), and the Career Advancement Module of the Women in Director’s Chair (WIDC) program.

Editors’ Lab:

Beth Biederman (They/Them, Toronto, ON) is an editor with over 15 years of experience in Canada, New Zealand and Australia. They have worked on a variety of projects, including documentary, reality, current affairs and children’s programming. A recent Canadian Cinema Editors Award nominee (2025), Beth is a passionate storyteller who strives to bring a sense of humor and realness to every project. Credits include: Canada’s Drag Race, Made for TV with Boman Martinez-Reid, Bondi Vet, The Project, Gaby’s Farm and My Restaurant in India.

Nathan Martinak (He/Him, Toronto, ON) has edited episodes of many family television projects, including Jane for Apple TV+, Beyond Black Beauty for Amazon Prime Video and Get Curious with Kamala Harris for YouTube Originals. He was also nominated for CCE and CSA awards for his work on Endlings and Odd Squad, respectively. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto, and is an alumnus of Sheridan College’s Advanced Television and Film program. Nathan also adopted his dog Linus after falling in love with him while editing CBC’s Mittens and Pants.

Sara Bulloch (She/Her, Winnipeg, MB) has edited films and series like ABERDEEN (TIFF 2024), ALTER BOYS (CBC), ANCIENT BODIES (National Geographic), and numerous short films including I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MY BODY, which won Audience Choice Award at Gimli Film Fest. Short films she’s often written/directed explore mental health, identity and relationships, and have screened with the8fest, Toronto Jewish Film Fest and Les Mains Gauches. Her short film HOT DOG GUY won People’s Choice Award at Vox Popular Film Fest. She’s also a motion graphics artist and community organizer. From 2019-2023, she organized OurToba Film Network & Fest for women, non-binary and gender diverse Manitobans in film.

Shetu Modi (She/Her, Toronto, ON) is a picture editor with over 10 years of experience cutting factual content in newsrooms, including The Canadian Press, HuffPost Canada and Entertainment Tonight Canada. She is also a writer and director whose short films focus on the inner struggles of anxious and immature South Asian women. She’s often chosen to edit narrative content centered around similar characters, especially in the realms of comedy and drama. Post-production is her favourite stage of the filmmaking process, and she edits all her own projects. Her short dramedy “The Pits” screened at 15 festivals worldwide and won three audience choice awards; and her latest film, “Fan Girl,” is currently streaming on CBC Gem. She shoots and edits the YouTube cooking series “Smita’s Eats.” Shetu holds a BFA in film production from York University and an MA in journalism from Western.

Producers’ Lab:

Amanda Pileggi (She/Her, Toronto, ON) is an entertainment professional with 10+ years of experience in scripted creative development, production, business affairs, and community arts programming. Pileggi produced the feature RACEWALKERS, winner of the Unstoppable Feature Grand Jury Prize at the 2025 Slamdance Film Festival, co-produced CODE 8: PART II (Netflix) starring Robbie Amell and Stephen Amell, which achieved the #1 spot on Netflix’s Top Ten globally, and associate produced FLOAT (Wattpad Studios, Lionsgate, Elevation). In television, she held development and production roles at Temple Street and Boat Rocker Media, and was Head of Development at Archipelago Productions, where she championed the mini-series CONTENT FARM (CBC Gem). She is the 2024 recipient of the TIFF Share Her Journey fellowship through the TIFF Series Accelerator program. Pileggi got her start at arts festivals (Luminato & TIFF) before managing the Regent Park Film Festival and its year-round programming for over four years. She holds a B.A. from McGill University and Certificate in Entertainment Law from Osgoode Hall.

Anastasia Itkina (She/Her, Vancouver, BC) is a Ukrainian-Canadian writer, producer, and sometimes director based in Vancouver. Born in Ukraine, she was raised in a Reform Ashkenazi community in Kyiv and later moved to Vienna and then Vancouver to study film at Simon Fraser University. Her debut short film, Hiraeth (2023) premiered at the Oscar-qualifying Festival du Nouveau Cinéma, was nominated for the Scythian Deer award at Molodist IFF, and was screened at Vancouver’s Cinematheque. Her recently produced short film My Dad, The Rockstar is premiering at Tribeca Film Festival 2025 in New York.

Emmanuel Kabongo (He/Him, Toronto, ON) is an award-winning actor, producer, and creator whose work spans film, television, and digital media. Known for bringing depth and emotional truth to his performances, Kabongo has earned three Canadian Screen Award nominations for standout roles in Teenagers, Death She Wrote, and Chateau Laurier. His critically acclaimed performance in the breakout feature Sway, which he also produced, further solidified his reputation as a dynamic leading man and visionary storyteller. Kabongo’s creative voice extends beyond acting—he has produced and co-created several short films and digital series, including the award-winning Teenagers and A Man’s Story, both praised for their authenticity and cultural relevance. His work has been featured in major festivals such as the Pan African Film Festival, the Toronto Black Film Festival, and the Montreal International Black Film Festival. A graduate of the Canadian Film Centre’s Actors Conservatory and a recipient of multiple accolades—including Best Actor and Best Producer—Kabongo continues to build a body of work that reflects his passion for bold, character-driven storytelling. Whether in front of or behind the camera, he is committed to crafting stories that resonate across cultures and communities.

Momo Daud (He/Him, Brampton, ON) is a Pakistani-Canadian creative producer based in Toronto. With a background in both the camera and production departments, he brings a sharp visual sensibility and extensive on-set experience to his work, making him a highly versatile producer. His debut feature as lead producer, HIS FATHER’S SON, was awarded Telefilm Canada’s Talent to Watch grant, and won the Audience Choice Award at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. The film has been acquired by Mongrel Media for a theatrical release in Canada, followed by a streaming release on Crave. He’s produced several short films, including his award-winning directorial debut RUBY (2021), and CUL-DE-SAC (2023). In addition, he works as a production manager on independent features and TV movies. As lead producer, Momo is currently in-development on his second feature, EXP, which has also received financial support from the Talent to Watch program. Through his work, Momo is focused on telling bold, impactful stories about human connection that have global appeal and strong commercial viability.

Torrin Blades (He/Him, Toronto, ON) is a creative producer committed to bold, director-driven projects that amplify underrepresented voices. He has produced a range of short films, including Solemates (TIFF 2024, HKIFF 2025, Regard 2025, Sidewalk 2025), which was acquired by Ouat Media and is currently streaming on Crave. His credits include POP (2024), currently in development as a series, and the documentary short The North Star: Finding Black Mecca (2021), which aired on CBC Gem’s Absolutely Canadian series. In 2024, Torrin was selected for the OYA Black Arts Coalition Emerging Producer Incubator, where he honed his skills in development and financing while line-producing the short film Green Thumb (2025). His production management experience spans commercial and music video work for clients such as EA Games, TD Bank, Concord Independent Music, Warner Music Group, and Ninja Tune Records. His credits include Together Right, shortlisted at the Berlin Commercial Festival, and Get Down, nominated for Best Hip Hop Video at the iHeartRadio MMVAs. As an independent producer, he is passionate about shaping a distinct Canadian cinematic voice through genre-driven narratives that blur memory, myth, and the unreal to reimagine how we see the world.

Writers’ Lab:

Beatriz Yuste (She/Her, Toronto, ON) has written for stage and screen, and worked as an actress in theatre, television and film for almost twenty-five years. She is fully trilingual in English, French and Spanish, and has had many adventures and experiences to draw from, having lived and worked in Mexico, Spain, Paris, New York, Peru and across Canada. She has a unique perspective and brings an artistic vision to her writing that leans into dystopian worlds, anti-heroines, magical realism and those dark comedic moments that one can only call art imitating life. She was last seen on Law & Order Toronto, and is currently writing the feature, His Last Wish, for 100 Dragons.

Berend McKenzie (He/She/They/Interchangeably, Toronto, ON) is a Treaty 13 (Toronto) based, award-winning playwright, essayist, actor, screenwriter, and publisher. Berend’s writing journey began in 2004 when they started crafting short plays for the Loud & Queer Festival in Edmonton, Alberta. These early works laid the foundation for their first full-length play, the outrageous, award-winning queer puppet show for adults, Get Off the Cross Mary! In 2009, Berend premiered a groundbreaking one-person show for young audiences titled NGGRFG (Would you say the name of this play?), which they performed for students across Canada and at the 2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Berend is an alumnus of the 2021-2022 Warner Brothers. Discover X Global Access Writers’ Academy, the 2021 Catalyst Theatre Confluence Fellowship Program and the 2021 Writers’ Guild of Alberta’s Writing Mentorship Program. Berend was named a delegate in the 2024 Netflix Diversity of Voices Initiative at the Banff World Media Festival and participated in the 2024 Reelworld Emerging 20 Mentorship Program and the 2024 Rogers-BSO Script Development Fund. Berend’s film and TV acting credits include Life or Something Like It, Andromeda, Connie and Carla, Jeremiah and Catwoman.

Brianna Russell (She/Her, Clarke’s Beach, Newfoundland) is a screenwriter and director whose work focuses on queerness in media, genre filmmaking, as well as the history and folklore of her childhood home. Brianna’s films have premiered at national and international film festivals, including the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival. She was a quarterfinalist in the Outstanding Screenplay Competition for her feature film script POSTER CHILD, and her short of the same name premiered at the Closing Night Gala of SJIWFF, ahead of Fawzia Mirza’s THE QUEEN OF MY DREAMS. Brianna is the 2022 recipient of the RBC Michelle Jackson Emerging Filmmaker Award, an alumni of the WIDC Career Advancement Module, and a participant in the 2024 Whistler Film Festival Screenwriters Lab.

Laura Stubbs (She/Her, Etobicoke, ON) is a queer screenwriter/filmmaker. She studied screenwriting at UCLA with a focus in comedy. To raise money for tuition, she organized a stand-up show called Laughs for Laur, where she came out to all of her friends and family on stage… after charging them $25 to be there. She wrote, directed, and produced the short film no, which premiered at the 2022 Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival. Right Under My Roof, a digital series she wrote, produced, and directed, is now available on Bell Fibe TV1 and Amazon Prime US and UK. She is the proud founder and president of Ticket Stubbs Productions Inc., a Toronto-based production company that strives to tell stories from underrepresented groups and provide opportunities to folks from equity-deserving communities. Their series My Bully Mia, which was selected as one of 21 projects by the Independent Production Fund (IPF) out of a historic 225 applications, is currently in development. Laura uses her academic background in psychology to create complex characters by critically examining human behaviour and relationships.

Walker MacDonald (He/Him, Charlottetown, PE) is a screenwriter, designer, and filmmaker whose work has been recognized by Whistler Film Festival, Austin Film Festival and the Academy Nicholl Fellowship among others. He has also been a regular contributor to satire publications like The Hard Times, Hard Drive and Palette Swap. Since 2024, he has served as manager & program director at Tivoli Cinema, Charlottetown’s premiere independent cinema. 70% of his body is made of movies.