#SPOTTED: ALEX GARLAND IN TORONTO FOR “CIVIL WAR”

Acclaimed Novelest, Screenwriter and Director Alex Garland makes a return to Toronto in support of his highly-anticipated new feature CIVIL WAR. Known for his work on classics like 28 DAYS LATER, EX MACHINA, DREDD and more, Garland is no stranger to the City, having promoted ANNIHILATION here in 2018.

Garland’s latest debuted at SXSW ’24 to huge raves, centering on a group of journalists who travel across the United States during a rapidly escalating Second American Civil War, which has engulfed the entire nation. Many are calling the Film an allegory for the current political climate we are living in. It stars Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailey Spaeny, Nick Offerman and more and opens in theatres this Friday, April 12, 2024 via Elevation Pictures in Canada.

Our David Baldwin will be chatting with Garland during his Press Tour. Chat and Review coming soon!

A snap of Garland out and about doing the rounds today, including a visit to Breakfast Television! He caps off the day with a special Q&A tonight following an Advance Screening of the Film.

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Elevation Pictures release CIVIL WAR in theatres Friday, April 12, 2024.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Elevation Pictures)

#FIRSTLOOK: “UNDER THE BRIDGE” COMING TO DISNEY+ CANADA

Disney+ recently shared first look images for Original limited series “Under the Bridge,” coming May 8, 2024. Today we get a new Trailer.

“Under the Bridge” is based on acclaimed author Rebecca Godfrey’s book about the 1997 true story that took place on Vancouver Island, B.C of fourteen-year-old Reena Virk (Vritika Gupta) who went to join friends at a party and never returned home. Through the eyes of Godfrey (Riley Keough) and a local police officer (Lily Gladstone), the series takes us into the hidden world of the young girls accused of the murder — revealing startling truths about the unlikely killer.

The eight-episode series, which was filmed in British Columbia, stars Lily Gladstone, Vritika Gupta, Chloe Guidry, Javon “Wanna” Walton, Izzy G., Aiyana Goodfellow, Ezra Faroque Khan with Archie Panjabi and Riley Keough.

Based on the best-selling true-crime book “Under the Bridge” by the late Rebecca Godfrey, the series was adapted for screen by Quinn Shephard and is executive produced by Samir Mehta, Liz Tigelaar and Stacey Silverman (Best Day Ever), Shephard, Geeta Patel, who will also direct, Godfrey and Tara Duncan. Riley Keough will executive produce with Gina Gammell (Felix Culpa). The series is produced by ABC Signature.

#FIRSTLOOK: HIGHLIGHTS FROM APRIL 9, 2024 EPISODE OF “CANADA’S GOT TALENT”

The winner of Canada’s Got Talent’s Million Dollar Season receives a life-changing prize of $1M – the biggest cash prize in Canadian television history – thanks to Rogers, plus financial advice from CIBC. And that’s not all! Every Golden Buzzer recipient will receive $25,000 (totalling $150,000), courtesy of CIBC, to help realize their ambitions.

Together with Canada’s Got Talent, Rogers is committed to investing in premium original Canadian content while fostering homegrown talent. Last year, Rogers contributed approximately $950M to Canadian content and produced over 12,700 hours of unique Canadian programming.

Tonight’s Performances (Tuesday, April 9)

STEVE GOODTIME – Novelty

Holland Landing, ON

Check Out STEVE GOODTIME’s Performance

BRIAR NOLET – Dance Act

Oakville, ON

Check Out BRIAR NOLET’s Performance

RON DESCHENES – Novelty

Toronto, ON

Check Out RON DESCHENES’ Performance

FRANCOIS OUIMET – Musician

Montréal, QC

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

PROFESSOR DAN THE HARMONICA MAN – Novelty

Warkworth, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

RACHEL CHIU – Singer/Musician

Vancouver, BC

Check Out RACHEL CHIU’s Performance

JADE MATHIEU – Singer/Musician

Longueuil, QC

Check Out JADE MATHIEU’s Performance

MAGGIE THE GOALIE – Animal Act

Tracadie, NB

Check Out MAGGIE THE GOALIE’s Performance

HAROLD BUTLER – Novelty

St. John’s, NF

Check Out HAROLD BUTLER’s Performance

WALLACE WONG – Novelty (photographed above)

Mississauga, ON

Check Out WALLACE WONG’s Performance

MARIE-JOSEE AND JASON – Dance Act

Montreal, QC

Check Out MARIE-JOSEE AND JASON’s Performance

**COMING UP**

A Sneak Peek at Next Week’s Contestants (Tuesday, April 16)

SAM BENTY – Novelty

Calgary, AB

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

NOAH KOSTA – Singer/Musician

Maple, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

CARMEL KALLEMAA– Dance Act

Toronto, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

ALEXANDRA BURGIO– Stunt

St. Catherines, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

PROFESSOR DAN THE HARMONICA MAN – Novelty

Warkworth, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

JERRI GALLAUGHER – Animal Act

Mulmer, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

THE ULTIMUTTS – Animal Act

Sparta, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

EVE PARKER FINLEY – Singer/Musician

Montreal, QC

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

SOON KEUN KWON – Singer/Musician

Mississauga, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

SAI JUTTUKONDA – Singer/Musician

King City, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

Canada’s Got Talent is produced by MEM Inc., and Fremantle, in association with Citytv, a division of Rogers Sports & Media based on the Got Talent format owned by Fremantle and SYCO Entertainment.

#FIRSTLOOK: TEASER TRAILER FOR “JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX”

He’s not alone anymore! We get a new Teaser for JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX with Academy Award winners Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in this dark, twisted Romance! Filmed for IMAX and in theatres October 4, 2024!

New Artwork:

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

#SPOTTED: RUPAUL IN TORONTO FOR “THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN MEANINGS”

Drag legend and pop culture icon RuPaul made a rare visit to Toronto last night in support of his new Memoir THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN MEANINGS. The Bestseller unpacks some of his childhood trauma and estrangement from his father to themes of forgiveness and re-framing the narrative in an empowering light. RuPaul taught the audience about finding small moments of happiness (demonstrating his favourite game “Dirty Charades“) and the importance of starting the day with gratitude.

Though RuPaul earlier in his career would frequently visit Toronto for filming, performances and work with MAC Cosmetics, it’s been some time since he’s been back, having been super-busy with the international success of his RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise. This appearance at Danforth Music Hall gave fans a chance to get up-close and intimate with the legend.

I was so thrilled at long last to meet my idol! We shared a chuckle as I sashayed into the meet and greet calling his team out for not having Fresca ready! “I’d love a Fresca right now”, Ru laughed. The Soft Drink is his favourite.

Some highlights from the night:

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#FIRSTLOOK: CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S ECHO ARRIVES MAY 8, 2024

ECHO, Cirque du Soleil’s 20th original Big Top production, is just one month away from its highly anticipated Toronto debut on May 8, 2024 under the Big Top at 2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W. ECHO, presented by Sun Life, is ready to dazzle audiences with trailblazing elements that set a new bar including a massive 23ft CUBE, visually stunning projections, and a bold new modernistic vision from Author-Director, Mukhtar Omar Sharif Mukhtar (Cirque du Soleil performer turned choreographer and creator).

Packed with vibrant characters, inspiring music, and never-before-seen acrobatic feats, ECHO is a transformative story of connection, intention, and the symbiotic unions between humans and the animal kingdom. ECHO follows an inquisitive young woman FUTURE and her best friend the DOG when they encounter a mysterious CUBE, and quickly learn how their actions have the power to shape this world.

Tickets for ECHO are on sale now, starting at $77. For Toronto dates and show times, visit https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/echo.

Just over a year since its world premiere last spring, ECHO has thrilled audiences across Montreal, Atlanta, Miami, and is set to embark on a cross-Canada tour kicking off in Toronto, ON from May 8 – July 21, under the iconic Big Top. Toronto will be the first of three Canadian cities planned for 2024, followed by Gatineau, QC (August 16-September 22) and Vancouver, BC (October 9 – December 15).

ECHO :
ECHO is Cirque du Soleil’s first new original Big Top creation since 2018’s Bazzar.
ECHO is the first ever Cirque du Soleil show to feature 6 live vocalists, with most of the musicians also singing throughout the show.
ECHO uses an impressive 10 video projectors to cover the CUBE, the stage, and the artists, which marks the most ever for a Cirque du Soleil Big Top show.
ECHO is the 20th Big Top creation from Cirque du Soleil and its 51st overall, with a cast of 52 artists representing 19 different nationalities.

WATCH TRAILER for Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO, premiering in Toronto under the iconic Big Top on May 8th.

OFFICIAL PARTNER

ECHO is presented by Sun Life, principal partner of the Canadian tour. Cirque du Soleil also wishes to thank its official partners Air Canada and Mastercard.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. In addition to producing world-renowned circus arts shows, the Company brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Going beyond its various creations, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group aims to positively impact people, communities and the planet with its most important tools: creativity and art. Since its creation in 1984, more than 378 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, visit www.cirquedusoleilentertainmentgroup.com.

#TRAVEL: SAMSONITE CANADA X OLYMPIAN BRANDIE WILKERSON ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

With over 110 years as the world’s leading luggage brand, Samsonite proudly announces its sponsorship of Canadian beach volleyball Olympian Brandie Wilkerson. 

As a brand committed to modern journeys, Samsonite recognizes the importance of supporting individuals who embody our shared spirit of adventure and excellence. Known for her remarkable achievements and genuine charisma, Brandie herself is a masterclass in true, earned confidence, both on and off the court.

“Our focus is on sophisticated, modern design at Samsonite, which we feel aligns perfectly with Brandie’s own personal brand of excellence,” says Erin Reynolds, Brand Manager at Samsonite. “Brandie is famous for regularly taking flight on the beach volleyball court, and combined with our own products’ lightweight stories, this partnership was an undeniable fit.”

As a busy professional athlete, travel is not just a hobby for Brandie Wilkerson, it’s a way of life. With her eyes set on the world’s biggest sporting event this summer, Brandie traverses and competes in sun destinations worldwide, relying on Samsonite’s lightweight and durable luggage to accompany her on every journey.   

“Not only am I ecstatic to be a part of the Samsonite team, but I’m honoured to represent their brand as it so closely aligns to my values,” adds Wilkerson. “With this partnership, I feel even more supported and encouraged to travel and compete all over the world, proudly representing Canada.  Samsonite has organically become one of my favourite brands to work with and I can’t wait to share this journey with everyone.”    

As part of the partnership, Brandie will travel with Samsonite’s range of wheeled luggage, including the incredibly lightweight and extremely durable Proxis luggage. The Proxis collection’s innovative shell is made from Roxkin™ material, an exclusive multi-layered material developed that bounces back into shape, offering remarkable strength, resilience and lightness. 

This collaboration between Samsonite and Brandie Wilkerson was facilitated by EQ, the influencer marketing agency that represents Wilkerson. Together, they developed the strategic vision to inspire confidence in travellers worldwide. Dakota Rae, Founder & CEO of EQ comments, “Through this partnership, Samsonite and Brandie Wilkerson aim to showcase the transformative power of sport and travel, and to embrace every journey with confidence and style.”  The partnership with Samsonite epitomises Brandie’s ethos of soaring with confidence, doing things her way, and embracing her genuine self.  

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “WHAT JENNIFER DID”

Documentary WHAT JENNIFER DID arrives on Netflix April 10, 2024, recounting a horrific Canadian story that shook the world.

About: It was a violent crime that shook a quiet Canadian town: Mysterious intruders break into the home of Vietnamese immigrants, terrorize the family, and leave a traumatized daughter as the only witness. Neighbors and friends describe the family as hospitable, generous, and hard-working – how could they be targets? This feature-length documentary from director Jenny Popplewell (American Murder: The Family Next Door) uses police interrogation footage and testimony from those involved to unravel a web of complexities that no one saw coming.

Directed by: Jenny Popplewell
Producer: Marian Edusei
Co-Producer: Paul Ngyuen
Executive Producers: Louise Norman and Jeremy Grimaldi

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#FIRSTLOOK: “THE BEACH BOYS” DOCUMENTARY TRAILER

Disney+ just recently announced that “The Beach Boys,” an all-new documentary, will stream exclusively on Disney+ beginning May 24, 2024. Today we get a new Trailer.

“The Beach Boys” is a celebration of the legendary band that revolutionized pop music, and the iconic, harmonious sound they created that personified the California dream, captivating fans for generations and generations to come. The documentary traces the band from humble family beginnings and features never-before-seen footage and all-new interviews with The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, Bruce Johnston, plus other luminaries in the music business, including Lindsey Buckingham, Janelle Monáe, Ryan Tedder, and Don Was. Viewers will also hear from the group’s Carl and Dennis Wilson in their own words, plus view a new interview with Blondie Chaplin and hear audio from Ricky Fataar. A Kennedy/Marshall and White Horse Pictures Production, “The Beach Boys” is directed by Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny and written by Mark Monroe. The film is produced by Frank Marshall, Irving Azoff, Nicholas Ferrall, Jeanne Elfant Festa, Aly Parker, with Nigel Sinclair, Mark Monroe, Tony Rosenthal, Cassidy Hartmann, Glen Zipper, Thom Zimny, Beth Collins, Jimmy Edwards, Susan Genco, Marc Cimino, Jody Gerson, Bruce Resnikoff, and Ben J. Murphy serving as executive producers.       

The official soundtrack for “The Beach Boys,” featuring songs from the film, will be available to stream and download on May 24, and the group’s iconic 1964 album “Shut Down, Vol. 2” is being released on limited edition blue and white marble vinyl on March 29 (stream or purchase these Capitol/UMe albums at https://stream.lnk.to/TheBeachBoysPR). Additionally, the group’s only official book, “The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys,” will be released on April 2, via Genesis Publications (for more information and to pre-order: https://geni.us/beachboysbook). 

#TIFF: TIFF ANNOUNCES WRITERS’ STUDIO CLASS OF 2024

TIFF is thrilled to unveil the lineup for the 2024 Writers’ Studio, the prestigious annual program fostering the next generation of storytellers. This year marks the 13th edition of the collaborative, five-day intensive lab, designed to empower Canadian and international screenwriters and writer-directors. From a fiercely competitive pool of more than 200 submissions, TIFF has selected a cohort of exceptional talents. The following writers have been selected: Zhannat Alshanova, Aram Collier, Rebecca Fisseha, Sophie Jarvis, Amy Trefry, and Asia Youngman.

The Writers’ Studio is a space to consolidate skills, exchange ideas, and navigate challenges, while participating in workshops, artist talks, peer-to-peer mentorships, and one-on-one project development consultations guided by industry experts. Writers’ Studio will take place April 15 –19, 2024, at TIFF Lightbox.

“Programs like the Writers’ Studio continue to ignite and drive talent, both in Canada and on the global stage,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “At TIFF, our commitment to fostering new talent will continue to grow with a focus on providing industry expertise and unparalleled access to industry leaders, ensuring the program’s enduring impact year after year.”

This year’s lab will support the development of feature-film scripts through dedicated one-on-one discussions with international story consultants Trey Ellis and Christina Lazaridi. Additionally, the participants will engage in daily artist talks and workshops facilitated by renowned filmmakers and industry experts including Ashley Comeau, Brad Fraser, Howard Wiseman and Emma Donoghue. Canadian actors, Getenesh Berhe, Vivien Endicott-Douglas, Thomas Antony Olajide and Ajuawak Kapashesit, will join for a full-day workshop of the projects in development.

New this year, the Sloan Science and Technology Writer Fellowship will offer a project development grant and targeted creative support for one emerging to mid-level feature film screenwriter whose project explores themes of science and technology. This year’s selected recipient is Amy Trefry for her project Lenin’s Embalmers, co-written with playwright Vern Thiessen. Funding for this programme is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s Public Understanding of Science and Technology program.

Now in its third year, the Renee Perlmutter Memorial Fellowship for Literary Adaptation provides a Writers’ Studio participant focusing on adapting literary work for the screen with an additional grant toward developing their project. This year’s Renee Perlmutter Memorial Fellow is Rebecca Fisseha, who is working on an adaptation of her own debut novel Daughters of Silence.

Four participants from the 2024 class will also be awarded a grant generously supported by CHANEL, through the CHANEL Women Creators’ Network, to further the development of their feature-length script.

TIFF’s Talent Development programmes are produced by Jane Kim, Industry Programming Producer, and supported by Bronwen Eadie, Project Manager, Industry Programming and supported in part by TIFF’s Share Her Journey initiative. As a major supporter of Share Her Journey, the CHANEL Women Creators’ Network provides funding to advance the careers of women and non-binary participants and alumni of TIFF Writers’ Studio. Since its inception in 2021, the Network has offered access to script consultants and established screenwriters, peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing sessions, and a talent summit for writers to showcase their work for producers and other industry insiders. CHANEL’s participation augments TIFF’s support for women and non-binary storytellers by equipping them with year-round opportunities to develop their projects and connect with a diverse network of mentors and peers.

Notable TIFF Talent alumni include filmmakers Meredith Hama-Brown (Seagrass), Fawzia Mirza (The Queen of My Dreams), D. W. Waterson, and Devery Kawennáhere Jacobs (Backspot), Pier-Philippe Chevigny (Richelieu), Jasmin Mozaffari (Motherland), Lillah Halla (Power Alley), Álvaro Gago Dias (Matria), and Johanna Pyykkö (My Wonderful Stranger). Following their involvement in TIFF Talent Development programmes, many of these filmmakers have gone on to present their films at the Toronto International Film Festival, the Berlinale, and Cannes.