On Monday, April 14, 2025, popular romance writer Abby Jimenez and her fans found themselves in a storyline Jimenez herself couldn’t have written any better. Approximately 400 in-person fans, plus 260 joining virtually, gathered at The Well for an Indigo book event hosted by Jimenez and fellow Canadian romance writer, Hannah Bonam-Young. The event came to a screeching halt when a fire alarm mistakenly went off, and a crew of firefighters entered the building to investigate.

The young men (described as “hot” by Jimenez in a reel she later posted to Instagram) were met with ecstatic cheers from the audience and a welcome from Bonam-Young, who took it upon herself to ask on behalf of audience members whether any of the firemen were single. 

“That is a meet-cute,” said Jimenez as camera phones across the venue were raised and zoomed to capture the bashful faces of the men from Fire Station 332. Indigo has sent gift baskets with copies of both authors’ works as thanks for their service.

“Brave firemen, thank you for the impromptu cameo! You were good sports and the highlight of the night,” said Jimenez. The Well has confirmed the fire alarm did not result in any injuries or damage to the property. Social commentary has ignited following their guest appearance, with TikToks documenting the experience littering Torontonian FYPs.

“Indigo book events have been surging in popularity, but who knew these powerful moments of literary connection could crank the heat so high they made BookToker romance tropes a reality,” says Indigo Senior Events Manager, Andrew P. Hughson. “I wish we could say we planned this, but often the best storylines are those that catch you by surprise.” 

Upcoming TVO Documentary DANGEROUS GAMES: ROBLOX AND THE METAVERSE EXPOSED is coming soon.

Release pattern:

Sunday, May 25 @ 9pm ET: TVO broadcast premiere in Ontario

Sunday, May 25: Available to stream across Canada via the TVO Docs YouTube channel, TVO.org and Smart TV app

Synopsis:

When Alex discovers a dark side of the metaverse, where predators, extremists, and hate groups exploit platforms like Roblox and Minecraft, she teams up with a group of young investigators to expose the truth. Their search leads them to a predator with multiple victims—and a kidnapped child—revealing the devastating consequences of a system failing to protect its most vulnerable users.

Created by: Erica Leendertse
Director: Ann Shin (The Defector, My Enemy, My Brother, A.rtificial I.mmortality)
Field director: Susan Schafer
Producers: Ann Shin, Erica Leendertse, D.Cole
Writer: D. Cole
Co-writer: Erica Leendertse
Executive Producers: Ann Shin, Reinhardt Beetz
Executive Producer, TVO: Alexandra Roberts, Jane Jankovic
Production Executive, TVO: Aidan Denison
Independent Film Officer, TVO: Linda Fong
Length: 78 min.

Elevation Pictures’ IN COLD LIGHT starring Maika Monroe, has just been announced for a Tribeca Film Festival Premiere this year!

Directed by: Maxime Giroux
Starring: Maika Monroe, Troy Kotsur, Allan Hawco and Helen Hunt
Synopsis: The city crackles with the energy of a chaotic urban rodeo. Fresh out of prison, Ava’s attempt to take back her burgeoning drug operation is obliterated when she witnesses a brutal crime, forcing Ava to run for her life.

Director’s Statement: “Our narrative follows one woman grappling with extraordinary circumstances. Ava’s story is one of sacrifice. Through the film, I’m offering a critical lens into a hypermasculine world, experienced through one woman raised amidst struggling men and shaped by the loss of her mother at a young age. Our reflection is on power dynamics and the emotional cost of masculinity — its weight on both men and women. Despite Ava’s deep flaws – most resulting from the life she’s been given – her desire for freedom should be universally felt. Her commitment to family remains unwavering, even in the face of intolerable treatment by those she loves most. She is committed to a shared ‘code’, even when those around her fail to honour it. Ultimately, Ava emerges as a symbol of strength through surrender, an action born of choice and agency. Despite her imperfections, Ava’s represents the best in all of us.”

Searchlight Pictures present a new Trailer for THE ROSES! Opening in theatres August 29, 2025.

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.

Directed By: Jay Roach

Screenplay By: Tony McNamara

Cast:

Benedict Cumberbatch

Olivia Colman

Andy Samberg

Allison Janney

Belinda Bromilow

Sunita Mani

Ncuti Gatwa

Jamie Demetriou

Zoë Chao

And Kate McKinnon

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

Executive Producers:

James L. Brooks, Michael Adler,

Jonathan Adler, Benedict Cumberbatch,

Olivia Colman, Cáit Collins

Forgotten no more. The new original documentary Know Her Name premieres May 2, 2025 at 9 p.m on Super Channel Fuse. This feature explores how film history is documented and the inequities within the process. It also examines the changes needed to ensure female filmmakers, particularly those from underrepresented communities, are no longer erased from the narrative.

Know Her Name delves into the legacies of filmmakers Zora Neale Hurston and Esther Eng – two groundbreaking filmmakers who prioritized diversity in their storytelling in the early 1900s. Despite their pioneering work, both women have been largely omitted from film history, their contributions lost to what is referred to in the documentary as “historical amnesia.” The doc parallels their lives with their cultural contributions and the mystery that cloaks their hidden legacies in cinema. Interviews featured include Deepa Mehta (Fire, Earth, Water), Mary Harron (I Shot Andy Warhol, American Psycho), Victoria Hochberg (tv director since the 1970s), Jennifer Podemski (Little Bird), Dawn Wilkinson (Brilliant Minds, Orphan Black), and Aden Abebe (Virgins!)

Know Her Name was inspired by several films from the past decade. First, the tremendous buzz around the release of Black Panther for featuring a predominantly Black cast. Second, Crazy Rich Asians for featuring a majority Asian cast. Third, the documentary Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché, which was released at the Cannes Film Festival revealing the forgotten story of Alice Guy, a writer, director, producer and studio owner. Alice was the first woman to not only do all of this, but also direct one of the first narrative films and invented the concept of editing, cutting from one shot to another to tell a story.

Know Her Name was directed by Zainab Muse. Executive Producers are Munire Armstrong (Bikini Moon, The Protector) and Ngardy Conteh George (Mr. Jane and Finch, Black Community Mixtapes). Co-producers are Heidi Lasi and Zainab Muse. Cinematographer is Morgana McKenzie and Editor is Maria Bykina.

About Super Channel Entertainment Network:

Super Channel offers viewers exceptional entertainment value, uncut and commercial-free, with four diverse channels – Super Channel Fuse, Heart & Home, Vault and Quest – plus, access to Super Channel On Demand where available by service provider. Super Channel is available via most cable providers across the country as well as streaming live and On Demand with Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV+ and Fubo, with Super Channel+ available to download and stream from anywhere in Canada. Super Channel offers two free ad-supported channels, Super Channel Uncovered and Super Channel Hearties, available on streaming platforms including Tubi, Plex, Xumo Play, LG and Roku. Super Channel is owned by Allarco Entertainment 2008 Inc., an Edmonton based media company. For a list of service providers, please visit: superchannel.ca/subscribe or learn more at superchannelplus.ca.

On Easter Weekend, seafood lovers and brunch-goers alike are in for a real treat. Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill, nestled in the heart of The Distillery Historic District, will be offering a special all-you-can-eat brunch buffet curated by Executive Chef Jason McLaren — and it’s just $35 per person. Yes, you heard that right, a brunch buffet for $35 per person!

The Easter Bunny has Gone Bougie. Who needs chocolate eggs when you have an all-youcan-eat spread like this.

Available Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20 from 10AM to 2PM, this laid-back yet elevated brunch experience brings together Chef Jason’s signature Canadian flair with the sustainable seafood Pure Spirits is known for.

Menu Highlights Include:

• Continental Spread: Mini butter croissants, pain au chocolat, bagels, and house-baked breads with all the spreads.

• Fresh Salads: Mini crudités, Greek salad, orzo pesto veg, and mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette.

• Hot Table Favourites: Scrambled and poached eggs, lemon buttermilk pancakes (maple syrup or coconut-lime caramel), bread pudding French toast, soy-glazed salmon, mussels Provençale, bacon, sausage, roasted creamer potatoes, and more.

• Granola Station: With honey yogurt, fresh berries, peach compote & almonds. • Dessert Station: A mix of cookies, tarts, and squares.

• Flavoured Water Station: Featuring refreshing blends like hibiscus flower ginger, peach mango cinnamon, spring berry mint and vanilla orange lime

More here.

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is pleased to announce that industry leaders Neishaw Ali, CEO and Executive Producer of SPIN VFX and CFC Board Chair, and board member Magali Simard, Cinespace Studios’ Director of Industry & Community Relations will serve as co-chairs for the 2025 CFC Gala: Growing Future, taking place on Thursday, June 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. As long-time champions of the CFC and the Canadian screen sector, they will elevate this year’s gala theme, which reflects the organization’s dedication and commitment to shaping the future of storytelling in Canada. Tickets to the CFC Gala are available here.

Continuing to strengthen and expand the film and television industry, the CFC has empowered a vibrant and ever-growing network of more than 2,200 alumni—trailblazing artists and creators shaping today’s screen landscape. Through essential, hands-on training initiatives like the Norman Jewison Film Program, CBC Actors Conservatory, Cinematography Intensive, Hair & Makeup Intensive, and Comedy Story Room Intensive, the CFC continues to evolve. With several exciting new programs already underway—and even more transformative opportunities on the horizon— essential fundraising contributions will help drive the future of film and television.

“This is the time of year that we encourage those who are committed to financially supporting the next generation of creators to come out to help us ensure those brilliant visionaries get the opportunities they deserve,” said maxine bailey, Executive Director, Canadian Film Centre. “The Gala’s Growing Futures theme encapsulates the ongoing growth, opportunity, and creative impact we cultivate every day through our programs, partnerships, and community building. We look forward to sharing a memorable evening honouring our remarkable alumni and celebrating with Canada’s screen industry.”

The CFC Gala is a celebration of the extraordinary talent supported through the organization’s work and the innovative stories the CFC has helped bring to life that push boundaries, reflect diverse experiences, and inspire audiences here and around the world. The highly anticipated and lively evening will bring together industry leaders, artists, and supporters to help raise vital funds that contribute to CFC’s robust hands-on programs to guide and empower the next wave of creatives.

For more information, visit cfccreates.com.

EDDINGTON is premiering in competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and it is in theatres July 18, 2025 via VVS Films.

From writer and director Ari Aster, and starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, Austin Butler and Luke Grimes.

Synopsis:

In May of 2020, a standoff between a small-town sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) and mayor (Pedro Pascal) sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

Elevation Pictures is thrilled to have DANGEROUS ANIMALS premiere in Director’s Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival. See below for more information. DANGEROUS ANIMALS is in theatres across Canada on June 6, 2025 via Elevation Pictures.

See the Teaser here.

Synopsis:

• When Zephyr, a savvy and free-spirited surfer, is abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer and held captive on his boat, she must figure out how to escape before he carries out a ritualistic feeding to the sharks below.

Director’s Fortnight
DANGEROUS ANIMALS – Dir. Sean Byrne
WORLD PREMIERE

The newest chapter in New Line Cinema’s bloody successful franchise takes audiences back to the very beginning of Death’s twisted sense of justice—“Final Destination Bloodlines.”

Plagued by a violent recurring nightmare, college student Stefanie heads home to track down the one person who might be able to break the cycle and save her family from the grisly demise that inevitably awaits them all.

“Final Destination Bloodlines” stars Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Owen Patrick Joyner, Anna Lore, with Brec Bassinger, and Tony Todd.

The film is directed by Adam Stein & Zach Lipovsky. The screenplay is by Guy Busick & Lori Evans Taylor, and story is by Jon Watts and Guy Busick & Lori Evans Taylor. It is based on characters created by Jeffrey Reddick.

“Final Destination Bloodlines” is produced by Craig Perry, Sheila Hanahan Taylor, Jon Watts, Dianne McGunigle and Toby Emmerich. The executive producers are David Siegel and Warren Zide. The behind-the-camera talent includes director of photography Christian Sebaldt and production designer Rachel O’Toole. The film is edited by Sabrina Pitre. The music is by Tim Wynn. The costumes are designed by Michelle Hunter. The casting is by Rich Delia.

New Line Cinema presents A Practical Pictures / Freshman Year / Fireside Films Production: “Final Destination Bloodlines.” The film will be distributed in theatres and IMAX worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theatres only nationwide on May 16, 2025.