We’re so very excited about FINCH & MIDLAND, which currently is in production here in the greater Toronto area, wrapping soon. The Film from Writer/Director Timothy Yeung sheds a light on Hong Kong immigrants who came to Canada in the late ’90s and is told in Anthology form with four stories interconnected. It has just been announced the Drama will be arriving early 2025.

Synopsis:

FINCH & MIDLAND weaves together the stories of four immigrants from Hong Kong living in the Finch and Midland neighbourhood of Toronto. Despite their different circumstances – a failed singer trying to reconnect with his daughter; a directionless woman searching for love while caring for her elderly mother; a single mother working at a massage parlour while trying to obtain her real estate licence; a dedicated factory worker who finds his world upended when he loses his job – each character is trying to turn their life around and find a sense of belonging in the place they now call home.

So thrilled to sit-in on a Panel and Cocktail at The Berczy Tavern, with the Film’s stars including Hong Kong screen legends Anthony Wong and Nina Paw, plus veteran actors Theresa Lee and Harriet Yeung. Dmitry Chepovetsky also stars. The project is a true collaboration between Canadian and Hong Kong talent.

Some highlights from the Panel, moderated by Joseph Tsang:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Today, Disney+ revealed that FX’s “American Horror Stories” will premiere on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 on Disney+ in Canada, featuring five all-new scary tales. All five episodes will be available at premiere.

The spooky collection of new “American Horror Stories” episodes features an all-star cast, including Michael Imperioli, Henry Winkler, Dyllón Burnside, Debby Ryan, Jeff Hiller, Jessica Barden, Angel Bismark Curiel, Guy Burnet, Victor Garber, June Squibb and more!

“American Horror Stories” is a spin-off of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk’s award-winning hit anthology series “American Horror Story.” “American Horror Stories” is an anthology series that will feature a different horror story each episode.

Since 2011, the creators of “AHS” have redefined the horror genre with various installments featuring a creepy asylum, a coven of witches, a traveling freak show, a haunted hotel and the apocalypse itself. The television series sprouted a legion of dedicated fans who anticipate what terrors the next chapter will hold.

The series is executive produced by Ryan Murphy, Alexis Martin Woodall, Max Winkler, Jon Robin Baitz, Brad Falchuk and Manny Coto. The franchise is produced by 20th Television.

Robust parental controls ensure that Disney+ remains a suitable viewing experience for everyone in the family. Subscribers can set access limits on mature content and create PIN-protected profiles alongside the already existing Junior Mode profiles to give parents and guardians peace of mind.

Now through September 27, new and returning customers can stream the biggest movies and series of the fall with Disney+ Standard With Ads for only $1.99/month for three months. To learn more or sign-up visit www.disneyplus.com.

One final lap! This was an outstanding year for us! Rebel Wilson and the Cast of Closing Night Gala THE DEB (which she directs), made it so much sweeter! Others spotted from this very Australian Cast include Karis Oka, Amanda Kour, Sophea Pennington and the Film’s star Charlote MacInnes. Wilson did the rounds and his been here for a bit taking-in the Festival including attending the premieres and parties for EMILIA PEREZ and BETTER MAN.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Starring Liam Hemsworth and Laura Dern, new Romance LONELY PLANET releases Globally on Netflix October 11, 2024.

Written and Directed By: Susannah Grant
Produced By: Liza Chasin, p.g.a., Susannah Grant, p.g.a., Sarah Timberman
Executive Producers: Brendan Ferguson, Corinne Weber, Margaret Chernin
Cast: Laura Dern, Liam Hemsworth, Diana Silvers, Younès Boucif, Adriano Giannini, Rachida Brakni

Logline: A reclusive novelist arrives at a prestigious writer’s retreat in Morocco, hoping the remote setting will unlock her writer’s block. While there, she meets a young man — what starts as an acquaintanceship evolves into an intoxicating, life-altering love affair

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

After 11 days of cinematic magic, moments, and memories, TIFF officially concludes the 49th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, by celebrating the best of the fest with its annual awards slate. A total of 10 awards were handed out at the awards ceremony today, including jury-awarded prizes and the renowned People’s Choice Awards, also presented by Rogers, that signals the official start to awards season.

“As we conclude this year’s Festival and present these 10 awards today, I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated juries, our TIFF programmers, and all of the filmmakers who have shared their work with us,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF. “Most importantly, I want to thank our audience, who are truly the best in the world. Their passion and enthusiasm bring this festival to life every year, and we couldn’t do it without them. To The Life of Chuck, The Substance, and The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, this year’s winners of the People’s Choice Awards, presented by Rogers, I can’t wait to see the future awards and accolades that await your incredible films.”
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD PRESENTED BY ROGERS
The 47th edition of TIFF’s People’s Choice Awards, presented by Rogers, has been distinguished as the audience’s top title at the Festival as voted by the viewing public. All feature films and series in TIFF’s Official Selection are eligible.

People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award presented by Rogers is: The Substance, dir. Coralie Fargeat | United Kingdom/USA/France
The first runner-up is: Dead Talents Society, dir. John Hsu | Taiwan
The second runner-up is: Friendship, dir. Andrew DeYoung | USA

People’s Choice Documentary Award presented by Rogers is: The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, dir. Mike Downie | Canada
The first runner-up is: Will & Harper, dir. Josh Greenbaum | USA
The second runner-up is: Your Tomorrow, dir. Ali Weinstein | Canada

People’s Choice Award presented by Rogers is: The Life of Chuck, dir. Mike Flanagan | USA
The first runner-up is: Emilia Pérez, dir. Jacques Audiard | France/USA/Mexico
The second runner-up is: Anora, dir. Sean Baker | USA
SHORT CUTS AWARDS
Short Cuts Awards are for Best International Film and Best Canadian Film. Each of the two winning films will receive a bursary of $10,000 CAD. The 2024 jurors for the Short Cuts Awards were Luis De Filippis, Micah Kernan, and Shane Smith.

Short Cuts Award for Best International Film:
Deck 5B, dir. Malin Ingrid Johansson | Sweden

Short Cut Jury’s statement: “By subverting narrative expectations at every turn, while adding layers of insight and potent emotional truths that evocatively illustrate the tensions between motherhood and desire, this deeply moving film enthralled the jury, staying with us long after we’d watched it. Helmed by a gifted filmmaker, skillfully eliciting an exceptional performance from her lead actress, in service of a nuanced, heartbreaking story, the jury is thrilled to present the award for Best International Short Film to Deck 5B, directed by Malin Ingrid Johansson.”

Honourable Mention:
Quota, dir. Job Roggeveen, Joris Oprins, Marieke Blaauw | Netherlands

Short Cut Jury’s statement: “In its three-minute runtime, this inventive animation does exactly what the best shorts do: make us ask big questions in little timeframes. The work tackles the timely issue of the cost of human invention and innovation on our tired planet. In a world where going viral has become synonymous with success, it asks if perhaps the real virus is us and our unquenchable need for more. The jury is pleased to present an honourable mention to the filmmaking team of Job, Joris & Marieke for their short Quota. We also applaud the filmmakers for practicing what they preach by choosing not to attend the Festival this year as a way to limit their carbon footprint and stay within their ‘quota.’”

Short Cuts Award for Best Canadian Film:
Are You Scared To Be Yourself Because You Think That You Might Fail?, dir. Bec Pecaut | Canada

Short Cut Jury’s statement: “This filmmaker was able to capture a moment in life with such authenticity in an effortless way. The jury was inspired to join these characters on a heartful expedition through decisions that were scary, funny, challenging, and ultimately real. The exploration of familial bonds and how they shift during adulthood resulted in an emotional journey from start to finish. The jury is thrilled to award the Short Cuts Award for Best Canadian Short Film to director Bec Pecault for Are You Scared To Be Yourself Because You Think That You Might Fail?”
FIPRESCI AWARD
The FIPRESCI jury is awarding the Prize of International Critics, dedicated to emerging filmmakers, to a debut feature film having its World Premiere in TIFF’s Discovery programme. The 2024 FIPRESCI jury members are Li Cheuk-to, Pierre-Simon Gutman, Azadeh Jafari, Saffron Maeve, and Wilfred Okiche.

FIPRESCI Award:
Mother Mother, dir. K’naan Warsame | Somalia

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE continues to dominate a seconds traight week, taking $50 million this weekend for Warner Bros., from 4,575 theatres. Its tally comes in now at $186.4 million already.

SPEAK NO EVIL debuts in second with $12.3 million from 3,375 theatres for Universal Pictures. It gets a strong 85% on the Tomatometer.

Third goes to the resilient DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE with $5.5 million from 3,075 theatres for Disney, its eight week run now at $621 million.

In fourth is AM I RACIST? with $4.7 million for SDG Releasing, playing at 1,517 theatres.

REAGAN rounds things out with $3.2 million, its three week total at $23.5 million now for Showbiz Direct.

Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy-nominated Actor MATTHEW MODINE continues to build a lasting and celebrated career appearing recently in Best Picture-winning OPPENHEIMER and THE DARK KNIGHT franchise.

The Toronto Independent Film Festival runs September 9-14, 2024 and his latest work, THE MARTINI SHOT just premiered at the Fest earlier this week. Modine also did a private screening of the film for a select audience only at The Hazelton Hotel‘s Norman Jewison Theatre.

The Dramedy centers on a Director shooting what he believes will be his final film, and while it appears to be any other movie, the Director is filming, it opens up the question of existence and one’s impact on the world. In addition to Modine, the Film also stars John Cleese, Fiona Glascott, Stuart Townsend and more.

THE MARTINI SHOT is directed and written by Stephen Wallis and currently still is doing the Festival circuit where it has racked-up a whopping 60 awards internationally.

We chat quickly with Modine about the Film:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

In all a very fulfilling and successful TIFF ’24 for us! This will be the final daily of the Fest for us and we hope you had fun! Some sightings from Day Nine:

•Lucy Liu
•Steven Soderbergh
•Callina Liang
•Chris Sullivan

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

By David Baldwin

Rita (Zoe Saldaña) is a defence lawyer in Mexico City with the uncanny ability of helping her wealthy clients stay out of jail. She is contacted by a local drug kingpin for assistance in finding the right discreet medical centres to complete their gender affirmation surgery from man to woman. She needs to help get the kingpin’s young wife Jessi (Selena Gomez) and children to safety in Switzerland as well. Four years later, Rita meets the fully transitioned Emilia Pérez (Karla Sofía Gascón) who now wants to become reacquainted with her family.

Oh, and did I mention that this is a full-blown rock opera filled head to toe with songs – almost all entirely in Spanish – while also being a Shakespearean tragedy?

EMILIA PÉREZ is a sumptuous fever dream that should not work. But Co-Writer/Director Jacques Audiard manages to balance all of the ideas and genres (including it also being a crime thriller and a moving exploration of discovering one’s true self in the LGBTQ+ community) into one cohesive and beautiful film. I loved the look and the feel, and felt the songs and dance sequences – yes there are plenty of those as well – were exquisite. While I wish there was a true showstopping number, I still feel like we are gifted a solid soundtrack that will get lots of future replay on Spotify.

If I hold anything really again EMILIA PÉREZ, it’s that there are a few subplots and characters that feel extraneous and take away from the commanding performances by the lead trio of Saldaña, Gomez and Gascón. This is a story about powerful, flawed women first and foremost, and they each slay in their own way from start to finish. There’s a reason why the Cannes Film Festival bestowed the Best Actress prize to the three of them (plus Adriana Paz) rather than highlighting only one of these spectacular performers. So why should we care about characters like Edgar Ramírez’s Gustavo? Some of this leads to sag in the middle that I wish was tightened up a bit better, but I will admit that it’s easy to look past and forgive once you see what a distinct and unique sensory feast the rest of the film is.

EMILIA PÉREZ screens at TIFF ’24:

Monday, September 9 at 6:15PM at VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre

Tuesday, September 10 at 11:30PM at VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre

Friday, September 13 at 5:45PM and 9:00PM at TIFF Lightbox

Saturday, September 14 at 9:00AM at TIFF Lightbox and 9:45PM at VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre

Sunday, September 15 at 12:00PM at TIFF Lightbox

By David Baldwin

In 1983, FBI Agent Terry Husk (Jude Law) has come to small town middle America to investigate a series of bombings and bank robberies. As he digs further in, he discovers that it is a case of domestic terrorism and cult leader Bob Matthew (Nicholas Hoult) is gearing up for an armed revolution against anyone who stands in the way of the Caucasian race taking back what they think they deserve.

THE ORDER is a startingly piece of true crime that has more than a few eerie similarities to modern times. It is unsettling even at the best of times and will certainly get under your skin. Hoult’s character specifically is one of the most despicable in the Film, but the way he plays up the charm and rizz in certain scenes will make you second guess why you are meant to hate him so much (and then he goes ahead and shows his young son how to use a gun at a party and you suddenly know exactly how you are supposed to feel). Director Justin Kurzel threads the needle carefully between tough moments like this and a handful of propulsive action beats that will have you glued to your seat.

Law and his epic broom handle mustache are great here, acting in a much more reserved and calculated way versus his unhinged work in fellow festival selection Eden. Tye Sheridan is another standout as a local officer helping with the FBI’s investigation and Marc Maron makes a lasting impression in a small role as a local radio DJ.

While some may write off THE ORDER as slight or as rather simply, a “Dad movie”, it is still a solid thriller that does a great job staying grounded and not taking massive swings. And sometimes, that is more than acceptable.

THE ORDER screens at TIFF ’24:

Sunday, September 8 at 3:00PM at TIFF Lightbox

Monday, September 9 at 2:30PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

Friday, September 13 at 7:30PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

Saturday, September 14 at 12:00PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto