Mongrel Media x Mr. Will are thrilled to give Toronto and Vancouver Readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of either I’M STILL HERE starring Golden Globe winner Fernanda Torres and BECOMING LED ZEPPLIN.

Screenings take place as follows:

January 29, 2025 – I’M STILL HERE – 7pm

February 6, 2025 – BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN in IMAX 7pm

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. In the comments, kindly let us know which city and screening you are signing-up for. If both, please indicate both, but please ensure we know which city! Also tag one friend you’ll take along with you.

Rules and regulations here.

Mongrel Media release I’M STILL HERE January 31, 2025 and BECOMING LED ZEPPLIN in IMAX February 7, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

Get ready for summer in winter! Toronto’s OFFICIAL boat show also marks the ‘unofficial’ kick-off to the boating season. For marine manufacturers, dealers and retailers, the Toronto International Boat Show is revered as one of North America’s preeminent events to showcase the latest models, product offerings and accessories, and to connect with consumers. While for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, it’s the best place to compare and shop for great deals under one roof, find service providers and experts, and to get a head start on the latest innovations available in the market – including electric boats and outboards.

The Toronto Boat Show boasts a million square feet of show space to browse more than 1,000 boats, personal watercrafts, and accessories for a wide range of interests from fishing to sailing, stand-up paddleboarding to wakeboarding and e-foiling. In addition to being North America’s largest indoor marketplace for boats and marine products, the Show also offers an array of family-friendly features, FREE seminars, and hands-on activities to experience boating and the outdoor recreational lifestyle – including plenty to see and do on the world’s largest indoor lake for boaters.

Stay tuned for the list Boating Trends & New Products Coming to the Toronto Boat Show.

2025 Toronto Boat Show Highlights:

NEW – Golden Hour Dockside Lounge on The Lake: There’s nothing like a summer sunset by the lake, and now visitors can experience that feeling at the Toronto Boat Show! The Golden Hour Dockside Lounge is a place to relax and bask under the ambience of a sunset while sitting on the dock of The Lake. Grab a snack and a beverage on the licensed dock, while people-watching as kayakers and pedal boaters enjoy Glow-in-the-Dark Boating surrounded by colourful LED lights.

NEW – Discover Camping & Boating: A new hub for outdoor-minded enthusiasts who have an interest in camping and boating. The campground environment will feature a variety of tent displays, cottage chairs to sit back and enjoy a smores hot chocolate, while watching educational videos highlighting camping destinations in Ontario. PLUS – meet outdoor educator and popular paddler known as “The Happy Camper” Kevin Callan, who will be at the Boat Show on opening weekend to share tips for your next canoe trip, from planning a route to dealing with bugs, bears and bad weather.

NEW – CJ’s Skatepark & SBC Wake: Did you know that many pro wakeboarders discovered their passion and talent through skateboarding? Balance, gliding, and board control learned in skateboarding are all transferrable skills that can lead to trying wakeboarding, surfing or other wake sports. CJ’s Skatepark is the premier skateboarding training centre in Canada, located in Mississauga. They are bringing elements of their renowned indoor skatepark to the Toronto Boat Show for the first time to offer skateboarding lessons, in partnership with SBC Wake.

Women’s Day at the Toronto Boat Show (Sunday, January 19): A day dedicated to empowering women on and off the water featuring seminars, panel discussions and workshops in a safe and fun environment. Ask questions and learn from experienced female boaters such as Diane Reid, covering topics such as women and cruising, how to make boating fun for the whole family, boat handling and and feeling confident on the water. This year’s Keynote Speaker is Melodie Schaffer, 2023 Rolex Sailor of the Year. She shares her inspiring story of having a career as a biomedical engineer to being a stay-at-home mom for 20 years; and overcoming unimaginable roadblocks to pursue her passion for offshore sailing, setting race records, and becoming the first Canadian woman to race around the world in her Class 40 boat named, Whiskey Jack.

300+ FREE Seminars: The Toronto Boat Show offers the most comprehensive line up of education and free seminars for boaters of all interests and skill levels. There are hourly seminars across six locations/stages featuring industry experts, avid boaters, and professional sailors to share their adventures, or to offer practical tips and advice. Click here for a complete list of seminar topics, speakers and schedules.

Offshore Racer and 2023 Rolex Sailor of the Year, Melodie Schaffer, became the first Canadian woman to race around the world in the 2022/23 Globe 40.

Boating Resource Centre: Boating authorities and recreational organizations such as Parks Canada, Canadian Coast Guard, OPP Marine, Transport Canada and others, will be onsite to provide unbiased information on best boating practices and preparations to get out on the water safely to enjoy boating activities.

Great Canadian Fish Tank: Get an up-close view of how fish react to different lures and techniques through a 40-foot long aquarium filled with 5,000 gallons of water and stocked with native Ontario marine life. Daily seminars by professional anglers demonstrate how different fish react to different types of bait, step-by-step casting methods, and effective tips on how to catch “the big one.”

Georgian College Skills Competition & Marine Technical Training Centre: Canada’s core recreational boating industry employs approximately 45,000 Canadians, but there’s a growing labour shortage and need for more skilled marine engineers and technicians. The Marine Technical Training Centre at the Toronto Boat Show is an educational hub to learn about the many opportunities and pathways to a career in the marine industry; and invites visitors to “Try the Trade” with activities to learn about engine components. Current students enrolled in the marine training courses at Georgian College will take part in the annual Skills Competition on January 18 to showcase their technical knowledge by completing a series of hands-on challenges and tests.

B-ROLL: Toronto International Boat Show
The World’s Largest Indoor lake for Boating: One of the marquee features and engineering feat of the of the Toronto Boat Show is transforming the ice rink inside Coca-Cola Coliseum into a massive indoor lake for visitors to enjoy FREE boating activities and spectacular showcases such as:

The 6th Annual Indoor Wakeboard Canadian Championships (Opening Weekend): Top professional and amateur wakeboarders across Canada will converge at the Toronto Boat Show to compete at the Indoor Wakeboard Championships for cash prizes. This sanctioned, world-class competition takes flight on Opening Weekend with Men’s and Women’s qualifiers on Saturday, January 18, & finals on Sunday, January 19. Wakeboarding demos, waterski shows, and go-wakeboarding lessons continue throughout the week including Winter Wakefest where visitors can meet pro-riders and watch them perform spectacular grinds, tricks, and flips in The Lake.

NEW – Antique Boat Rides on The Lake for Charity! Buy a ticket to enjoy a unique boat ride on a restored antique cedar strip Richardson 14’ boat, powered by a Tohatsu ALARIS™ 6.0kW electric outboard motor. Proceeds from boat ride tickets will go towards funding the work of Kids & Classics Boatshops Museum. Families can stop by their booth (G157) to purchase a ride ticket and learn to carve a paddle; or register at the sign-in desk at The Lake.

Remote-Controlled Sailing Regatta – Watch as large remote-controlled sailboats compete race around the lake in the regatta series. PLUS – Boat Handling Demos, SUP Races, and on-water test rides of electric vessels and latest products.

For more information about the 2025 Toronto International Boat Show, seminar schedules, and full programming on The Lake, go to TorontoBoatShow.com; or CLICK HERE for the official Show Guide.

Follow us on social media @TorontoBoatShow.

Toronto International Boat Show
Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place

Saturday, January 18 & Sunday, January 19:
10am to 6pm
Monday, January 20 – Wednesday, January 22:
11am to 7pm
Thursday, January 23 – LATE NIGHT THURSDAY EXTENDED HOURS:
11am to 10pm
Friday, January 24:
11am to 7pm
Saturday, January 25:
10am to 6pm
Sunday, January 26:
10am to 5pm

Kids 16 and under get FREE admission to the Show!

After a shocking Season Two finale cliffhanger that left audiences on the edge of their seats, Harlem will return for its third and final season on January 23, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. From creator and writer Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip), Harlem Season Three will follow the core four women on the precipice of change like never before. Whether it be motherhood, singlehood, sisterhood, complicated career journeys, or even more complicated families, our stylish and ambitious best girlfriends strive to finally choose themselves above all else.

“As we prepare to say goodbye to this incredible series, we’re both grateful for the journey Tracy has taken us on and excited for our global customers to experience a final season that truly honours these characters,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios. “This chapter may be coming to a close, but the series will continue to resonate for years to come.”

“I’m beyond grateful to the whole team at Amazon for giving me the chance of a lifetime to tell these four Black women’s stories and shoot it in the city I love: Harlem. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m honoured to see the impact it’s made in the culture, as well as the impact it’s had on all of us who’ve been blessed to work on it.” said Tracy Oliver, creator, writer and Executive Producer for Harlem. “A huge thank you to everyone who’s watched the show. I’m excited to finally share our best season yet.”

The final season will welcome newcomers Kofi Siriboe, Logan Browning, Robin Givens, and Gail Bean to join the cast in recurring roles. Siriboe will portray Seth, an MLB player whose confident, charming, and sweet mannerisms land him a spot in one of the ladies’ hearts. Browning will portray Portia, an edgy and beautiful woman from Ian’s (Tyler Lepley) childhood, whose return to Harlem causes a stir. Bean will portray Given’s daughter Eva, a driven, yet playful venture capitalist who has started working with Tye (Jerrie Johnson).

Harlem Season Three is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Paper Kite Productions. In addition to creator, writer, and executive producer Tracy Oliver, Paper Kite’s Amy Poehler (Russian Doll) and Kim Lessing (Moxie) serve as executive producers, alongside 3 Arts’ Dave Becky (True Story), Britt Matt (First Wives Club), and 13-time Grammy Award winner Pharrell Williams (Hidden Figures) and Mimi Valdés (Roxanne Roxanne) from i am OTHER.

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada x Mr. Will would like to offer Toronto Readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of COMPANION.

SCREENING DETAILS:

SYNOPSIS

New Line Cinema—the studio that brought you “The Notebook”—and the unhinged creators of “Barbarian” cordially invite you to experience a new kind of love story…

Written and directed by Drew Hancock (“My Dead Ex,” “Suburgatory”), “Companion” stars Sophie Thatcher (“Yellowjackets,” “The Boogeyman”), Jack Quaid (“The Boys,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”), Lukas Gage (“Smile 2,” “Dead Boy Detectives”), Megan Suri (“Never Have I Ever,” “It Lives Inside”), Harvey Guillén (“What We Do in the Shadows,” “Blue Beetle”) and Rupert Friend (“High Desert,” “Asteroid City”). The film is produced by the filmmakers behind “Barbarian”—Raphael Margules, J.D. Lifshitz, Zach Cregger and Roy Lee. The executive producers are Tracy Rosenblum and Jamie Buckner.

The cinematographer is Eli Born (“The Boogeyman,” “Hellraiser”). The production designer is Scott Kuzio (“Dumb Money,” the “Fear Street” trilogy). The editors are Brett W. Bachman (“The Fall of the House of Usher,” “Pig”) and Josh Ethier (“Don’t Move,” “Orphan: First Kill”). The costume designer is Vanessa Porter (“The Toxic Avenger,” “Archive 81”). The composer is Hrishikesh Hirway (“Song Exploder,” “Everything Sucks!”). The music supervisor is Rob Lowry (“Do Revenge,” “Miracle Workers”). The casting is by Nancy Nayor (“Saw X,” “Barbarian”).

New Line Cinema presents A BoulderLight Pictures Production, In Association With Vertigo Entertainment/Subconscious: “Companion.” The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theatres only nationwide on January 31, 2025.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Tag a friend in the comments you will bring with you!

Rules and regulations here.

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release COMPANION July 31, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)

COMPANION. From the same studio that brought you THE NOTEBOOK and the same unhinged creators of BARBARIAN!

Written and directed by Drew Hancock (“My Dead Ex,” “Suburgatory”), “Companion” stars Sophie Thatcher (“Yellowjackets,” “The Boogeyman”), Jack Quaid (“The Boys,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”), Lukas Gage (“Smile 2,” “Dead Boy Detectives”), Megan Suri (“Never Have I Ever,” “It Lives Inside”), Harvey Guillén (“What We Do in the Shadows,” “Blue Beetle”) and Rupert Friend (“High Desert,” “Asteroid City”). The film is produced by the filmmakers behind “Barbarian”—Raphael Margules, J.D. Lifshitz, Zach Cregger and Roy Lee. The executive producers are Tracy Rosenblum and Jamie Buckner.

The cinematographer is Eli Born (“The Boogeyman,” “Hellraiser”). The production designer is Scott Kuzio (“Dumb Money,” the “Fear Street” trilogy). The editors are Brett W. Bachman (“The Fall of the House of Usher,” “Pig”) and Josh Ethier (“Don’t Move,” “Orphan: First Kill”). The costume designer is Vanessa Porter (“The Toxic Avenger,” “Archive 81”). The composer is Hrishikesh Hirway (“Song Exploder,” “Everything Sucks!”). The music supervisor is Rob Lowry (“Do Revenge,” “Miracle Workers”). The casting is by Nancy Nayor (“Saw X,” “Barbarian”).

New Line Cinema presents A Boulderlight Pictures Production, In Association With Vertigo Entertainment/Subconscious: “Companion.” The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros.Pictures, in Theatres January 31, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: New Line Cinema/Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)

Today, Prime Video released the official trailer for Reacher Season Three. The eight-episode season will roll out weekly, with the first three episodes premiering on February 20, 2025 and subsequent episodes dropping every Thursday through March 27, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. After the second season was the most viewed release in 2023 on Prime Video, it was announced that Reacher had received an early renewal for a fourth season which will begin shooting this year.

Based on Lee Child’s novel Persuader, in the third season of the action-packed series, Reacher hurtles into the dark heart of a vast criminal enterprise when trying to rescue an undercover DEA informant whose time is running out. There he finds a world of secrecy and violence—and confronts some unfinished business from his own past.

Reacher Season Three stars Alan Ritchson in the titular role of “Jack Reacher” with Maria Sten reprising her role as “Frances Neagley.” New to the cast this season are Anthony Michael Hall as “Zachary Beck,” Sonya Cassidy as “Susan Duffy,” Brian Tee as “Quinn,” Johnny Berchtold as “Richard Beck,” Robert Montesinos as “Guillermo Villanueva,” Olivier Richters as “Paulie,” and Daniel David Stewart as “Steven Elliot.”

Based on the novels by Lee Child, Reacher is produced by Amazon MGM Studios, Skydance Television, and CBS Studios. Reacher is written for television by Emmy-nominated writer Nick Santora (FUBAR, Prison Break), who also executive produces and serves as showrunner. In addition to Santora and Child, Ritchson will serve as an executive producer, along with Don Granger, Scott Sullivan, Mick Betancourt, and David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Matt Thunell for Skydance. Carolyn Harris and Kenny Madrid are the executives-in-charge of the series for Skydance Television.

Telefilm Canada is supporting 25 additional Canadian film festivals, under the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program (in its second round of decisions). A total of 50 film festivals are supported under this program in fiscal year 2024-2025 with 25 film festivals supported in the first round1. This second intake of the program represents an additional investment of $1.9 million.

Telefilm’s Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program provides financial support to long-established medium to large-scale Canadian film festivals that help promote Canadian films and talent and stimulate demand for our multiscreen content.  

As a partner of choice, Telefilm is committed to advancing the development of the industry and reaching audiences where they are. Through this program, Telefilm supports film festivals across the country and remains committed to foster and support an industry that is representative of all communities in Canada. Further funding decisions will be announced later this year. 

List of all medium to large-scale film festivals supported by Telefilm (starting between April 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025):

2025 Atlantic International Film Festival
2025 Calgary International Film Festival
2025 Calgary Underground Film Festival
2025 CaribbeanTales International Film Festival
2025 Cinefest Sudbury International Film Festival
2025 DOXA Documentary Film Festival
2025 Gimli International Film Festival
2025 Hot Docs Festival
2025 ICFF – IncluCity Festival
2025 Images Festival
2025 imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
2025 Inside Out Film Festival
2025 Lunenburg Doc Fest
2025 Ottawa International Animation Festival
2025 Toronto Animation Arts Festival International
2025 Vancouver International Film Festival
2025 Vancouver Queer Film Festival
2025 Yorkton Film Festival
Festival cinéma du monde de Sherbrooke 2025
Festival de cinéma de la Ville de Québec 2025
Festival du film de l’Outaouais 2025
Festival Fantasia 2025
Festival international de cinéma et d’art Les Percéides 2025
Festival international de cinéma Vues d’Afrique 2025
Festival International du Film Black de Montréal 2025

These funding decisions were made as part of the promotion program modernization, which began in 2021 in collaboration with the industry, to allocate funding more efficiently and transparently. As announced in September 2022, the promotion program has been segmented by the type of activity into different funding programs to better meet different needs and to meet clear criteria, and further refinements to the program have been done for this year’s program. For the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program, internal representatives evaluated the applications with the input of external advisors to ensure fair and equitable evaluations.

*One application was initially on hold at the time of the news release, was funded after the announcement of the first round of decisions.

About Telefilm Canada   

As a Partner of Choice, Telefilm Canada is a Crown corporation dedicated to the success of Canada’s audiovisual industry, fostering access and excellence by delivering programs that support cultural resonance and audience engagement. With a lens of equity, inclusivity and sustainability, Telefilm bolsters dynamic companies and a range of creative talent at home and around the world. Telefilm also makes recommendations regarding the certification of audiovisual coproduction treaties to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, and administers the programs of the Canada Media Fund. Launched in 2012, the Talent Fund raises private donations which principally support emerging talent. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on X and on LinkedIn.   

MUBI, the global distributor, streaming service and production company, has released the first teaser clip along with a new set of stills for Christopher Andrews’ directorial debut Bring Them Down, which will be released in cinemas in Canada from February 7, 2025.

Starring Christopher Abbott (Poor Things and TV’s Girls) and BAFTA-winner and Academy-Award® nominee Barry Keoghan (Bird, The Banshees of Inisherin, Saltburn), alongside Colm Meaney (The Problem with People, Layer Cake), Nora-Jane Noone (The Magdalene Sisters, Brooklyn) Paul Ready (A Gentleman in Moscow, Motherland) and Susan Lynch (Enduring Love, Waking Ned Davine), Bring Them Down is the story of two feuding farming families in present-day rural Ireland.

Michael (Christopher Abbott), the last son of a farming family, lives an isolated existence with his ailing, cantankerous father Ray. Burdened by a terrible secret from his past, Michael has isolated himself from the world and dedicates himself to his prized flock. When the ongoing conflict with rival farmer Gary and his wayward and unpredictable son Jack (Barry Keoghan) stirs old tensions and grievances, it triggers a chain of events that take increasingly violent and devastating turns, leaving both families permanently altered.

Bring Them Down has been nominated for the Douglas Hickox Award (Best Debut Director, Christopher Andrews) and Breakthrough Producer (Jacob Swan Hyam) at this year’s British Independent Film Awards. The film received its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival and was also selected for BFI London Film Festival 2024.

BRING THEM DOWN WILL BE IN CINEMAS
IN CANADA FROM FEBRUARY 7, 2025.

The world’s most influential name in live comedy, The Second City is thrilled to announce the cast and crew of The Second City Toronto’s 90th Mainstage Revue. Celebrated TV writer and Second City Alum Brandon Hackett directs returning ensemble members Tiyawnda, Conor Bradbury, Coko Galore, Devon Henderson, Christian Smith, and Scott Yamamura. Matt Keevins returns as stage manager and lighting designer, and Elise Wattman joins as music director.

Live Sketch Comedy! In the time-honoured tradition of The Second City, YOU are invited to become part of our creative process. For a few wild weeks, while the cast creates and hones a brand-new show, audiences have the chance to influence songs, sketches, and characters being developed in real time! Your reactions, ideas, and energy will directly impact the material in our milestone 90th revue. This limited time is a fun and exclusive glimpse into the artistry and improvisation that has defined The Second City’s legacy worldwide for 65 years.

The producing team includes Jen Ellison (VP Head of Creative), Etan Muskat (Artistic Director, Toronto), Susan Waycik (Producer), Elizabeth Howard (Executive Producer), Parisa Jalili (COO/CRO), and Ed Wells (CEO).

The Second City Mainstage Revue runs Tuesday through Thursday at 8pm, Friday and Sunday at 7pm and Saturdays at 7pm and 10pm. Performances take place at The Second City Comedy Theatre located at ONE YORK STREET. Tickets start at $39 and can be purchased at The Second City Box Office, by phone at 416-343-0011, or online at www.secondcity.com.

About the Artists

TIYAWNDA (Ensemble) [she/her]
Tiyawnda is a Toronto-based writer and performer whose main focuses include playwriting; creative nonfiction; and performing sketch, stand-up, improv, and musical comedy. Tia is excited to be a member of Second City’s Mainstage, after being part of Second City’s Tourco, and being one of the 2019 Bob Curry Fellows.

CONOR BRADBURY (Ensemble) [he/him]
Conor Bradbury is an actor and comedian who has been performing in Toronto for almost two decades. He is a founding member of multi-award-winning comedy troupe Sex T-Rex (Just For Laughs Best Comedy, Toronto Sketchfest: Best of Fest, Toronto Fringe: Best Comedy). He is a regular performer with Bad Dog Theatre (Hookup, D&D Live, Theatresports) and has recently appeared in The Howland Company’s Entrances and Exits. His film and TV credits include What We Do in the Shadows (FX), Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu) and Homeschooled (CBC). He was also once on an episode of Cash Cab. Instagram: @conorbury

NADINE DJOURY (Assistant Director) [she/her]
Nadine is beyond thrilled to be back at The Second City! Nadine is an alumna of the Mainstage where she wrote and performed in three critically acclaimed revues. She currently writes for CBC’s The Great Canadian Baking Show and co-created, wrote and starred in ABC.com/CBC Comedy’s web series, Newborn Moms, earning a CSA nomination for Best Performance. Recent television credits include What We Do in the Shadows (FX), Ghosts (CBS), Transplant (NBC) and Kim’s Convenience (CBC). Instagram: @nadined

COKO GALORE (Ensemble) [she/they]
Coko Galore is an actor, producer, host, comedian who performs across disciplines including live comedy shows, podcasts, panels, events, TV, and film. Her performance credits include The Accused (FOX), TallBoyz (CBC), Pretty Hard Cases (CBC) and Untitled Black Sketch Project. When she’s not performing, Coko Galore drinks lots of water, minds her business, and takes naps! Instagram: @cokogalore

BRANDON HACKETT (Director) [he/him]
Brandon Hackett is a Toronto-based television writer and comedian. His TV writing credits include Run the Burbs, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Tallboyz and Shelved. Brandon is an alumnus of Toronto’s Second City Mainstage, where he co-wrote and performed in four revues, including the Canadian Comedy Award-nominated Party Today (Panic Tomorrow) and The Best is Yet to Come Undone. He is one half of the duo Hackett & Langdon (NNNNN, Now Magazine).

DEVON HENDERSON (Ensemble) [she/her]
Devon Henderson has been performing with The Second City since 2018, when she was a cast member of Improv Showdown. She has also performed with Second City’s Tourco and in the Patch Company shows The Second City Totally Likes You and Take Me Out to the Improv: Spooky Edition. She is also an instructor and performer at Bad Dog Theatre, where she was a member of the 2018 Featured Players. Her Bad Dog credits include Theatresports, Super Hot Date Night, The Rat King, and Toronto, I Love You. Her comedy duo, TwoSon, wrote and performed the critically acclaimed An Evening with Devon & Jackie at the 2022 Toronto Fringe. Select festival credits: Sketchfest Seattle, Toronto Sketchfest, Vancouver Sketchfest, Improvaganza, Montreal Sketchfest, The Detroit Improv Festival, District Improv, and the Del Close Marathon. Instagram: @devonhenderson

MATT KEEVINS (Stage Manager & Lighting Designer) [he/him]
Matt Keevins is a stage manager, who specializes in improv and sketch comedy. Select credits include The Weight of it All (Toronto Fringe), An Evening with Devon and Jackie (Toronto Fringe), Something Small, Something Sweet (Hamilton Fringe), Come Here Often? (Buddies in Bad Times). He’s worked as a theatre tech at Comedy Bar, in The Second City Training Center and has understudied Mainstage and Tourco. He’s often shocked that he has made a whole career out of pushing buttons with great comedic timing!

CHRISTIAN SMITH (Ensemble) [he/him]
Christian Smith is an actor, writer, director and improviser from Toronto. Co-Creator of the CBC Digital Comedy; Soul Decision Comedy and writer for new television series Made for TV. He is one half of YouTube darlings Christian & Nat and was co-founder of popular channel Pulp Comedy alongside notable Second City alumni. Christian is also a part of award-winning sketch comedy troupe Soul Decision whose performed all around North America and Europe including JFL, JFL42, Zoofest and more! Catch him on screen in the new series Abroad, or on Run The Burbs, Workin’ Moms or You’re My Hero. Christian is also a Dad. He saved it for last because it’s the coolest and best thing he’s ever done.

ELISE WATTMAN (Music Director) [she/her]
Elise Wattman is a grammy-nominated composer and pianist who specializes in audio design for visual media. As Audio Lead for Jackbox Games, Elise created the music & sound for Let Me Finish, TimeJinx, Junktopia and Weapons Drawn. Elise has toured internationally on keyboards and her favourite venue is Preservation Hall in New Orleans. Elise served as Music Director for Second City Chicago e.t.c’s 44th revue, She the People San Diego, Deck the Hallmark Chicago, America It’s Complicated at the Kennedy Center, DC. For her work accompanying modern dance performance, Elise designed a patented digital module for live scoring. Follow her @soupysounds for kayaking and hockey fun.

SCOTT YAMAMURA (Ensemble) [he/him]
Scott Yamamura has been performing on comedy stages for over 2 decades. His screen performance credits include Transplant, Orphan Black: Echoes, and Deep Six. He has also performed in various Second City ensembles including Tourco, The Education Company, as Mainstage Understudy and now as a Mainstage cast member. Despite all of this, Scott still can’t dunk a basketball and at this point everyone agrees, it’s highly unlikely.

About The Second City
The Second City first brought its iconic improv and sketch comedy to Toronto in 1963 for a week of performances at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. After a decade of sold out shows at the 1200-seat theatre, The Second City established a permanent home in the city with the opening of “The Old Firehall” on Lombard Street. In 1976, The Second City Toronto further solidified its place in comedy history by creating the groundbreaking television show SCTV.

In December 2022, The Second City began an exciting new chapter by relocating to its state-of-the-art facility at One York Street. This move introduced three distinct theatres: The Mainstage, Theatre ’73, and The John Candy Box Theatre, each offering nightly performances that continue The Second City’s tradition of bringing laughter to audiences.

Since making a home in Toronto over 50 years ago The Second City has grown to become the most influential name in comedy launching the careers of countless Canadian comedy legends. Our illustrious alumni list includes names such as Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Mike Myers, Colin Mochrie, Bob Martin, Jerry Minor, Gavin Crawford, Kevin Vidal, Darryl Hinds, Chris Wilson, Lauren Ash, Ann Pornel, Alan Shane Lewis and so many more.

For more information on The Second City, visit www.secondcity.com and follow The Second City on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

TIFF today announced Canada’s Top Ten, the nation’s top 10 feature films and top 10 shorts of 2024, honouring the best in Canadian cinema. The 24th Canada’s Top Ten showcase, presented by MUBI, runs February 5–9, 2025 at the Lightbox and is curated by TIFF programmers in consultation with festival programmers from across Canada. This year’s features selection includes the directorial debuts of R.T. Thorne (2016 Filmmaker Lab, 2018 Writers’ Studio) with 40 Acres, and Kaniehtiio Horn (2023 Every Story Accelerator participant) with Seeds. The spotlight also includes established filmmakers and past honourees: David Cronenberg, Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, Galen Johnson, and Michael Mabbott; with second showings from Ann Marie Fleming, Kazik Radwanski (2009 Filmmaker Lab, 2017 Pitch This, 2018 Writers’ Studio), Sophie Deraspe, and Matthew Rankin (2007 Filmmaker Lab); plus first showings for Sook-Yin Lee (2005 Filmmaker Lab, 2019 Pitch This) with Paying For It, and Lucah Rosenberg-Lee, co-director of Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story.

“This year’s Canada’s Top Ten celebrates the very best of Canadian cinema, showcasing the bold artistry of Canada’s most celebrated filmmakers and the fresh perspectives of emerging voices,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “The selection reflects Canada’s eclectic cultural landscape and a renaissance in risk-taking cinema. We are also honoured to present the inaugural Charles Officer Legacy Award, which recognizes a filmmaker whose impact continues to resonate profoundly with TIFF and the broader Canadian film community.”

On February 5, the opening ceremony for Canada’s Top Ten showcase will celebrate this year’s selections, followed by a presentation of the inaugural Charles Officer Legacy Award by TIFF Industry and CBC. Announced in 2023, the award recognizes a Black Canadian director and/or writer whose body of work exemplifies the creative excellence, strong point of view, and community-mindedness of the award-winning filmmaker.

A special screening of Don McKellar’s 1998 apocalyptic dramedy Last Night will take place on February 6, preceded by A Look Back at Last Night. An extended Q&A with the award-winning Toronto actor, writer, and director will take place following the screening. A classic of the Toronto New Wave, Last Night has an iconically Canadian cast including Sandra Oh, Sarah Polley, and even a cameo by David Cronenberg. Its critical accolades include TIFF’s Best Canadian Feature Film, Cannes’ Prix de la jeunesse, and three Genies (now Canadian Screen Awards).

Canada’s Top Ten Official Selections 2024
Representing a diverse range of new voices in fiction and documentary, the 24th annual showcase of Canadian films celebrates some of our most storied and award-winning filmmakers. These selections offer audiences a variety of perspectives, insights, and experiences from coast to coast to coast. This year’s Canada’s Top Ten Features and Shorts are:
Canada’s Top Ten Feature Films

40 Acres | dir. R.T. Thorne | 113 minutes | English and Cree

Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story | dirs. Michael Mabbott, Lucah Rosenberg-Lee | 98 minutes | English

Can I Get a Witness? | dir. Ann Marie Fleming | 110 minutes | English

Matt and Mara | dir. Kazik Radwanski | 80 minutes | English

Paying For It | dir. Sook-Yin Lee | 85 minutes | English

Rumours | dirs. Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, Galen Johnson | 103 minutes | English, French, Swedish, and German

Seeds | dir. Kaniehtiio Horn | 82 minutes | English and Kanien’kéha

Shepherds (Bergers) | dir. Sophie Deraspe |113 minutes | French

The Shrouds | dir. David Cronenberg | 119 minutes | English

Universal Language (Une langue universelle) | dir. Matthew Rankin | 89 minutes | Farsi and French

Canada’s Top Ten Short Films

Are You Scared to Be Yourself Because You Think That You Might Fail? | dir. Bec Pecaut | 17 minutes | English

EarthWorm | dir. Phillip Barker | 16 minutes | English

Inkwo for When the Starving Return | dir. Amanda Strong | 18 minutes | English and Tlicho

Julian and the Wind | dir. Connor Jessup | 15 minutes | English

Maybe Elephants | dir. Torill Kove | 17 minutes | English

Mercenaire | dir. Pier-Philippe Chevigny | 15 minutes | French

On a Sunday at Eleven | dir. Alicia K. Harris | 9 minutes | English

One Day This Kid | dir. Alexander Farah | 18 minutes | Dari/Farsi and English

perfectly a strangeness | dir. Alison McAlpine | 15 minutes | No dialogue

Who Loves the Sun | dir. Arshia Shakiba | 20 minutes | Arabic

A selection of Canada’s Top Ten films will also be featured in TIFF’s popular Film Circuit programme. Film Circuit provides access to 100+ Circuit locations in rural, remote, and under-served communities that otherwise would not have an opportunity to see these films, extending their theatrical life beyond their initial release.

Canada’s Top Ten selections were determined by TIFF’s Canadian programmers and the Senior Programming team, taking into consideration the recommendations of consultant programmers across the country including:

Feature Films
Safia Abdigir, Program Director, Reelworld Film Festival
Pahull Bains, Communications Director, Reelworld Film Festival
Vincent Brulotte, Artistic Director, Edmonton International Film Festival
Vincent Georgie, Executive Director & Chief Programmer, Windsor International Film Festival
Lisa Haller, Director of Programming, Atlantic International Film Festival
Brenda Lieberman, Lead Programmer & Jury Coordinator, Calgary International Film Festival
Zoé Protat, Director of Programming, Festival du Nouveau Cinéma du Montréal
Emily Reid, Artistic and Executive Director, Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
Aram Sui Wai Collier, Artistic Director, Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
Eric Tisch, Manager, Programming & National Canadian Film Day, Reel Canada

Short Films
Mélissa Bouchard, Programming Director, REGARD: Le Festival international du court métrage au Saguenay
Lisa Haller, Director of Programming, Atlantic International Film Festival
Adam Keresztes, Programmer (Shorts, Generation), Calgary International Film Festival
Kelly Lui, Shorts Programmer, Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
Sydney Moule, Executive Director, Edmonton International Film Festival
Émilie Poirier, Head of Short Films, Festival du Nouveau Cinéma du Montréal
Casey Wei, Short Forum Programmer, Vancouver International Film Festival

TIFF Members have early access to tickets starting January 15 at 10am, and public tickets go on sale on January 17 at 10am.

Canada’s Top Ten Industry Forum returns with a panel featuring a leading director, producer, distributor, community builder to join a moderated onstage discussion on the future of Canadian cinema. “Perspectives on the Future of the Canadian Film Industry” will take place on February 5, from 4pm–6pm. The discussion will challenge panelists to think differently about our next 50 years, as they will share their vision and role in defining the future of the screen sector in Canada.

This year, TIFF marks a historic milestone with the 50th edition of the Festival. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for an announcement about special events, retrospectives, and new initiatives planned to honour five decades of cinematic excellence, cultural impact, and unforgettable stories.

For additional programming information and screening details, visit tiff.net.