TIFF CEO, Cameron Bailey, is excited to announce that filmmaker Ava DuVernay will return to TIFF with her latest offering, Origin. DuVernay’s film will have a Gala screening at Roy Thomson Hall on Monday, September 11th. DuVernay will be in attendance.

Written, produced, and directed by Academy Award nominee Ava DuVernay, Origin chronicles the remarkable life and work of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson (played by Academy Award nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) as she investigates the genesis of injustice and uncovers a hidden truth that affects us all.

Origin stands as a unique account of the intimacy within a writer’s quest for truth. DuVernay creates powerful cinematic images from the stories that Wilkerson brought to light in her non-fiction work Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, as well as the tragic moments of her personal life which framed her writing. It results in a deeply moving portrait of grief and healing — both personally and in the world.

“Ava DuVernay’s Origin is a brilliantly crafted showcase of her talent as a writer, producer, and director. This is audacious filmmaking on a grand, global scale,” said Bailey, “DuVernay deftly weaves Isabel Wilkerson’s big idea about how we live into a beautiful narrative of passion and discovery. I can’t wait for Toronto audiences to feel its power.”

Paul Garnes and DuVernay produced Origin under her ARRAY Filmworks banner, and Thane Watkins serves as co-executive producer.

Along with Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Jon Bernthal, Origin stars Niecy Nash-Betts, Vera Farmiga, Audra McDonald, Nick Offerman, Blair Underwood, Connie Nielsen, Emily Yancy, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Finn Wittrock, Victoria Pedretti, Isha Blaaker, and Myles Frost. The team of artists behind Origin was led by cinematographer Matthew J. Lloyd, ASC, production designer Ina Mayhew, editor Spencer Averick A.C.E, composer Kris Bowers, costume designer Dominique Dawson, and casting director Aisha Coley.

Tickets for Origin go on sale Monday, September 4 at 10 AM ET. Check tiff.net for more information.

DJ, Influencer and Social Media personality Sommer Ray returned to Toronto to ring-in Labour Day weekend. Known for her health and fitness content, Colorado’s Ray has amassed a staggering 25 million followers on Instagram alone, plus 5 million Snapchat followers and 12 million TikTok followers.

While scheduled to appear at Cabana Pool Bar Saturday, the afternoon got rained-out. The nightclub made right and provided guests free passss to see her spin at Rebel Nightclub in the evening!

Ray was so lovely to stop for a quick snap and she adored our beanie. Despite claiming she looked rough, she actually looked amazing still, in her plane wear!

See our snap:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

With it being a very unusual year navigating the SAG-AFTRA strike, we chat with some seasoned Public Relations and Communications experts on how they will navigate TIFF ’23. Today we profile our esteemed colleagues at THE TARO GROUP.

Headquartered in Toronto, they are a leading entertainment full-service Communications and Digital agency, servicing studio and independent film companies, immersive art exhibits, experiential events and pop-ups.

With this being a unique year, tell us how the SAG-AFTRA strike-related changes impact your strategy in publicizing and promoting films at the Festival.

The Taro Group: This year we’re evolving the strategy & communications for the film campaigns that we are handling at TIFF around the Filmmakers, with everything being on a smaller scale and more intimate. All those attending are proud to represent their team members who wish they could be here (but can’t be due to the ongoing strike).

Please highlight for us a few films in your slate you particularly are excited for TIFF-goers to discover.

The Taro Group: Our film slate is big this year and many include remarkable real-life stories including Elevation Pictures‘ Lee, Sing Sing and Dumb Money and films by Canadian directors with Seven Veils, Irena’s Vow, Fitting In and many more.

What you’re looking forward to most about TIFF ’23?

The Taro Group: There is so much to look forward to; all of our premieres and photo calls, the reactions from moviegoers, working with all of our incredible media partners on a daily basis, seeing our US and international colleagues and coming together as an arts community to celebrate the film industry and everyone being a special part of it.

The 2023 Toronto International Film Festival runs September 7 through 17, 2023. We are thankful to The Taro Group for their support year-round and also for giving us their time so generously.

Stay tuned as we profile another top agency tomorrow and they share their insights how they plan to navigate this very unique Festival.

THE EQUALIZER 3 is much the best in its opening this Labour Day weekend with $36.5 million from 3,695 theatres for Sony Pictures. This marks the Franchise’s second best opening yet, just edging-out THE EQUALIZER 2‘s $36 million in 2018. Very impressive considering people often are distracted Labour Day weekend with plans. This is the power of Denzel.

Second is BARBIE with $9.1 million from 3,586 theates for Warner Bros. pushing it past the $600 million mark domestically.

BLUE BEETLE is in a tight finish for third with $6.4 million from 3,316 theatres for Warner Bros., a tally of $57.6 million. Last week’s champ GRAN TURISMO is in close contention for the second runner-up spot too with $6.4 million for Sony Pictures.

Rounding-out our Top Five is OPPENHEIMER with $6.5 million for Universal Pictures, a total $309 million grossed.

It takes a lot of work and persistence to be an icon and Kylie Minogue is exactly that. We have been following her career since the late ’80s when she made her debut stateside. Here we are in 2023 and she’s still churning out the hits and giving us innovation in her looks and Music Videos. A true classic Pop Star in the truest sense of the term.

She debuts new single “Tension” and Music Video for it, an ambitious follow-up to her Song of the Summer “Padam Padam“. Sophie Muller directs the Clip. So, so, so good. We are clamouring for this new album.

(Photo/video credit: BMG/Warner Music)

Mr. Will Wong wants to give readers a chance to celebrate STAR TREK Day with a special screening of STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS! Get ready for an event jam-packed with sneak peeks and surprises, free concessions, giveaways, and more. The screenings will take place Friday, September 8, 2023 as follows:

• Vancouver: Dunbar Theatre at 6:30 pm
• Calgary: Landmark Cinemas Country Hills at 7 pm

Synopsis:

STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS is Star Trek’s first comedy series and focuses on the support crew serving on one of Starfleet’s least important ships, the U.S.S. Cerritos. Ensigns Mariner, Boimler, Rutherford, and Tendi have to keep up with their duties and their social lives, often while the ship is being rocked by a multitude of sci-fi anomalies, both familiar and outlandish. Star Trek: Lower Decks is Star Trek as you’ve never seen it before.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate in the comments your City.

Rules and regulations here.

STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS Season Four arrives September 7, 2023 on Paramount+.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment x Mr. Will want to give readers a chance to win a Blu-ray copy of one of our favourite films of the year, NO HARD FEELINGS!

Our Review here:

SYNOPSIS 

Maddie thinks she’s found the answer to her financial troubles when she discovers an intriguing job listing: wealthy helicopter parents looking for someone to “date” their introverted 19-year-old son, Percy, and bring him out of his shell before he leaves for college. But awkward Percy proves to be a real challenge, and time is running out. She has one summer to make him a man or lose it all. 

BLU-RAY™, DIGITAL, & DVD

• Special Features
  • Outtakes & Bloopers
  • A Motley Crew: Meet the Characters
  • A Little Wrong: Making No Hard Feelings

CAST AND CREW

Directed by: Gene Stupnitsky

Written by: Gene Stupnitksky & John Phillips

Produced by: Alex Saks, Naomi Odenkirk, Marc Provissiero, Jennifer Lawrence, Justin Ciarrocch

Executive Producers: Kerry Orent, John Phillip

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Andrew Barth Feldman, Laura Benanti, Natalie Morales, Matthew Broderick

SPECS

Run Time: Approx. 103 Mins.

Rating: 14A

Blu-ray™: 1080p High Definition / 1.85:1 • Audio: English, French (Doublé au Québec), Spanish 5.1 DTS-HD MA, English- Audio Description Track 5.1 Dolby Digital • Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish • Mastered in High Definition • Color • Some of the information in the above listing may not apply to Special Features.

DVD: 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen • Audio: English, French (Doublé au Québec) – English – Audio Description Track 5.1 Dolby Digital • Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish • Color • Some of the information in the above listing may not apply to Special Features.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate in the comments your City. Re-Tweet the below for an extra chance!

Rules and regulations here.

NO HARD FEELINGS IS AVAILABLE ON DIGITAL AUGUST 15, 2023

AND ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD AUGUST 29, 2023

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada)

Exactly 50 years ago this fall, the most terrifying horror film in history landed on screens, shocking audiences around the world. Now, on Friday, October 6 2023 a new chapter begins. From Blumhouse and director David Gordon Green, who shattered the status quo with their resurrection of the Halloween franchise, comes The Exorcist: Believer.

Since the death of his pregnant wife in a Haitian earthquake 12 years ago, Victor Fielding (Tony winner and Oscar® nominee Leslie Odom, Jr.; One Night in Miami, Hamilton) has raised their daughter, Angela (Lidya Jewett, Good Girls) on his own.

But when Angela and her friend Katherine (newcomer Olivia Marcum), disappear in the woods, only to return three days later with no memory of what happened to them, it unleashes a chain of events that will force Victor to confront the nadir of evil and, in his terror and desperation, seek out the only person alive who has witnessed anything like it before: Chris MacNeil.

For the first time since the 1973 film, Oscar® winner Ellen Burstyn reprises her iconic role as Chris MacNeil, an actress who has been forever altered by what happened to her daughter Regan five decades before.

The film also stars Emmy winner Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale, Hereditary) as Victor and Angela’s neighbor, and Grammy winner Jennifer Nettles (Harriet, The Righteous Gemstones) and two-time Tony winner Norbert Leo Butz (Fosse/Verdon, Bloodline) as the parents of Katherine, Angela’s friend.

When The Exorcist, based on the best-selling book by William Peter Blatty, was released, it changed the culture forever, obliterating box office records and earning 10 Academy Award® nominations, becoming the first horror film ever nominated for Best Picture.

The Exorcist: Believer is directed by David Gordon Green from a screenplay by Peter Sattler (Camp X-Ray) and David Gordon Green, from a story by Scott Teems (Halloween Kills), Danny McBride (Halloween trilogy) and David Gordon Green, based on characters created by William Peter Blatty.

The film is produced by Jason Blum for Blumhouse and by David Robinson and James G. Robinson for Morgan Creek Entertainment.

The executive producers are Danny McBride, David Gordon Green, Stephanie Allain, Ryan Turek and Atilla Yücer. Universal Pictures presents a Blumhouse/Morgan Creek Entertainment production in association with Rough House Pictures.

Genre: Horror

Cast: Leslie Odom, Jr., Ann Dowd, Jennifer Nettles, Norbert Leo Butz, Lidya Jewett, Olivia Marcum and Ellen Burstyn

Directed by: David Gordon Green

Screenplay By: Peter Sattler and David Gordon Green

based on characters created by William Peter Blatty

Producers: Jason Blum, David Robinson, James G. Robinson

Executive Producers: Danny McBride, David Gordon Green, Stephanie Allain, Ryan Turek and Atilla Yücer

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Ace the back-to-school season with Corus Entertainment’s unstoppable autumn lineup from top kids’ networks, YTV, Treehouse, Cartoon Network, and Disney Channels, featuring the latest animated and live-action premieres, fan-favourite returning seasons, and non-stop antics airing all fall long. Plus, catch up after class with episodes airing live and on-demand across TELETOON+ and STACKTV.

YTV

The animated series, Big Nate, launches September 2 at 11:30 a.m. PT/ET following a sixth-grade kid who has a never-ending need to prove his awesomeness to the world. Whether he is dealing with disasters at home or detention at school, Nate Wright is no stranger to struggle. Luckily, he is able to express himself through the world of cartoons that he creates. Charming, mischievous, and a magnet for misadventure – trouble is always fun when Nate is around. Just ask his friends!

Also this fall, YTV delivers the thrilling final chapter of The Hardy Boys with the mystery unravelling every Monday leading up to the finale on September 18 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. You can also catch new episodes of Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous, The Croods Family Tree, Dragons: The Nine Realms, SpongeBob SquarePants, Monster High and Popularity Papers on the network. As a bonus, bookworms can find an exclusive YTV edition of the first book of Popularity Papers, Research for the Social Improvement and General Betterment of Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Chang, available through Indigo.

Treehouse

Treehouse gives a new meaning to class pet with out-of-the-box programming for animal lovers! Premiering October 14 at 10:05 a.m. ET, Vida the Vet, produced by Spin Master Entertainment, follows ten-year-old Vida, an animal doctor who nurtures the charming and silly woodland creatures who live outside her home. Is there a fox with a sprained paw? A turtle with an itchy toe? A tiger with an aching tooth? Then Vida is the vet for the job. With quick thinking, a doctor’s intuition and the help of her closest friends, Vida helps adorable animals and makes sure they get the care they need.

Enjoy the magic with Mattel Television’s Barbie: A Touch of Magic, premiering September 4 at 10:05 a.m. ET. Barbie and Barbie discover a mysterious baby horse on the beach in Malibu and soon discover that the little horse is actually a baby Pegasus! They work together to find out how to get little Peggy home while protecting her from Rocki, the fantastical Glyph. Set in the established Malibu location, Barbie, Barbie and their friends discover that magic really is around us.

Then embark on outlandish misadventures with Bossy Bear on September 8 at 10:05 a.m. ET. From husband-and-wife team David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim (UglyDolls), and based on the popular book series by Horvath, the series follows Bossy Bear, an overly-enthusiastic extrovert, and Turtle, a thoughtful introvert–unlikely besties who make the perfect team for navigating silly childhood adventures in their Koreatown-inspired city of Pleasantburg.

All aboard! Also from Mattel Television, Thomas & Friends fans can look forward to a new special with the beloved engines in Thomas & Friends: The Great Bubbly Build airing October 28 at 8:50 a.m. ET. The special sees Sandy and Carly set out to make an art project together, but when their ideas clash and the project fails, they learn that it needs the right mix of both ideas to succeed.

Coming this fall, tune in to can’t-miss favourites with returning episodes of Rubble & Crew®, Batwheels, Bugs Bunny Builders, Builder Brothers Dream Factory, and get ready to wiggle with a brand-new season of Ready, Steady, Wiggle!

Cartoon Network

Get ready for even more teen antics with the return of the fan favourite series Total Drama Island on October 21 at 6 p.m. ET/PT. On an island surrounded by the tears of past contestants, 16 new iconic teens gather to compete in the cruelest challenges ever conceived. Who will be the lone survivor and take home the coveted 1 million dollars? Watch and find out. Oh yes, it’s time for no rules, no mercy, and zero safety regulations. Total Drama Island… is back

Tiny Toons Looniversity puts the “class” in “classic”! Premiering September 15 at 7 p.m. ET/PT, follow Babs, Buster, and their new friends Hamton, Plucky, and Sweetie to Acme Looniversity, the premier institution of higher hijinx learning. While enrolled, they form long-lasting friendships with one another and perfect their cartoony craft while studying under the greatest cartoon characters in history, the Looney Tunes.

There is a new adventure coming Cartoon Network’s way with Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake premiering on September 15 at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT. Produced by Cartoon Network Studios and based on characters from the beloved “Adventure Time” franchise, this brand-new 10-episode series set in the land of Ooo follows the alternate universe versions of Finn and Jake on a multiverse-hopping journey towards self-discovery. When Fionna and her sidekick Cake find themselves in the crosshairs of a powerful new foe, they have no choice but to seek the help of former Ice King Simon Petrikov. With appearances from Marshall Lee, Marceline the Vampire Queen, Princess Bubblegum, and Finn the Human, Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake transports fans of the classic series to worlds both familiar and alien.

Don’t miss Nelvana’s award-winning short film Jelly making its prime-time premiere on Thursday, September 21 at 7 p.m. ET/PT. Jelly takes audiences on a journey through a modern dilemma intertwined with a captivating fairy tale. Should the hero character, Molly, pursue the passion of expressive art, or tread a factory job painting mannequin faces? She cannot decide, but a liquid spirit soon helps make the choice easy.

The family fun continues with all-new episodes of Craig of the Creek! The laugh-a-minute lineup extends with new episodes of Teen Titans Go!, We Baby Bears, Looney Tunes Cartoons and The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe on Cartoon Network and STACKTV.

Disney Channel & Disney Junior

Disney fans rejoice! Disney Channel mainstays are coming back this fall with a new season of Big City Greens premiering September 24 at 11 a.m. ET/PT, new episodes of Hamster & Gretel beginning in October, and even more of Hailey’s On It!, Bunk’d: Learning the Ropes and Villains of Valley View. Later this season, fans can get in the holiday spirit with the new festive movie The Naughty Nine.

Catch all your favourite friends with Disney Junior’s returning fall episodes of Bluey, Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends, Mickey Mouse Funhouse and Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. On October 1, don’t miss the special Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats at 7 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and 7:15 p.m. ET on Disney Junior.

YTV, Treehouse, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, and Disney Junior are Corus Entertainment Networks.

About Corus Entertainment Inc.
Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B) is a leading media and content company that develops and delivers high quality brands and content across platforms for audiences around the world. Engaging audiences since 1999, the company’s portfolio of multimedia offerings encompass 33 specialty television services, 39 radio stations, 15 conventional television stations, digital and streaming platforms, and technology and media services. Corus is an internationally-renowned content creator and distributor through Nelvana, a world class animation studio expert in all formats and Corus Studios, a globally recognized producer of hit scripted and unscripted content. The company also owns full-service social digital agency so.da, lifestyle entertainment company Kin Canada, and children’s book publishing house, Kids Can Press. Corus’ roster of premium brands includes Global Television, W Network, HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, Magnolia Network Canada, The HISTORY® Channel, Showcase, Adult Swim, National Geographic, Disney Channel Canada, YTV, Global News, Globalnews.ca, Q107, Country 105, and CFOX, along with streaming platforms STACKTV, TELETOON+, the Global TV App and Curiouscast. Corus is the domestic advertising representative and an original content partner for Pluto TV, a Paramount Company, which is the leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service. For more information visit www.corusent.com.

About STACKTV
STACKTV is Corus Entertainment’s premium multi-channel television streaming service that offers thousands of hours of exclusive hit content from 16 of Canada’s top TV networks, all on one platform. All series, movies and specials that air on Global Television, Food Network Canada, HGTV Canada, W Network, The HISTORY® Channel, Adult Swim, Slice, Showcase, National Geographic, Lifetime, Cartoon Network, Treehouse, YTV, Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior are available to stream on STACKTV live and on demand with new content added daily. STACKTV is available via Amazon Prime Video Channels, FuboTV, Rogers Ignite TV and Ignite Streaming. For more information, visit stacktv.ca.

Back for its eighth year, the excitement of the Toronto International Film Festival will pour out from the theatres onto Festival Street and David Pecaut Square. King Street West between Peter Street and University Avenue will transform into an open-air experience accessible by the general public.

New and exciting activations will line King Street in addition to food vendors, photo opportunities, and the Festival Street Music Stage housing musical performances throughout the opening weekend. There is no better way to celebrate “the people’s Festival” than with free activations dedicated to the Festival goers in Toronto.

“We’re thrilled to unveil this year’s Festival Street experience at TIFF. Embracing the heart and soul of the Festival, Festival Street will once again be a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and the shared love for storytelling,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “As we welcome filmmakers, artists, and film enthusiasts from around the world, Festival Street will serve as a dynamic hub for connection, creativity, and unforgettable moments. Join us as we transform the streets of Festival Village into a shining example of community spirit at this year’s TIFF.”

MORE MOVIES AND MUSIC FOR FREE

Toronto’s biggest street party kicks off with A Night of Jazz, in partnership with The Rex (194 Queen St. W.). On Thursday September 7, the Festival Street Music Stage will feature jazz legend Dave Young, Thompson Egbo-Ebgo, and the Jacob Chung Quintet, hosted by Raoul Bhaneja. Continuing the musical celebrations on Friday, September 8, Diamond certified rock band Nickelback hits the Festival Street Music Stage to promote the premiere of their TIFF Gala Presentation Hate to Love: Nickelback, an intimate portrait of the Canadian stadium rockers’ celebrated career to date. Additionally, electronica and pow wow techno artist Classic Roots will take the stage also on September 8. On Sunday September 10, revel in additional performances by Luna Elle (RBCxMusic Artist), Toronto Dance Theatre, and Doug Tielli. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip hop, the Festival Street Closing Performance will be by the Godmother of Canadian Rap, Michie Mee.

TIFF’s returning Cinema Park, presented by L’Oreal Paris, will present open-air screenings in David Pecaut Square, showcasing classic films of some of the talent in TIFF 2023 Official Selection films: The Spiderwick Chronicles; Batman; Contact; a 40th-anniversary screening of Superman III; a memorial tribute to Paul Reubens with Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure; Rocky; plus four screenings presented by the Next Wave committee which include a 30th-anniversary screening of Addams Family Values, Clueless, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and Where the Wild Things Are.

New this year, the TIFF Next Wave Block Party, presented by Snapchat, takes place on Saturday September 9. This party will include additional performances from The Aubreys, featuring Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard; Alex Porat; winner of TIFF Next Wave’s Battle of the Scores, daydream; Sho Madjozi; and Grammy Award winner Zakes Bantwini. Also new this year is the Festival Street Art Market, a market filled with fun activities in celebration of art and community from the city’s most exciting community film festivals and arts organizations on Simcoe St. Participants include: Inside Out Film Festival, imagineNATIVE Film Festival, Reel Asian Film Festival, Regent Park Film Festival, Hot Docs, Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (NCCT), Muse Arts, Reel Canada, and Workman Arts.

Taking place during the first three days of Festival Street is the Festival Street Mural Project, where street artists Darcy Obokata and Tim Fukakusa (TIFF’s POP Japan mural artist) will create an exciting and evolving large art mural – a Toronto love letter to Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. The mural will be an homage to Miyazaki and the studio’s influence on artists and film lovers all over the world, and will celebrate TIFF’s Opening Night International Premiere of Miyazaki’s latest, The Boy and the Heron.

Additional activations on Festival street include: Myseum of Toronto’s 36 Questions That Lead to Loving Toronto to Festival Street, an exhibition that invites Torontonians to fall in love with the city for the first time, or all over again; a Group Morning Mobility, a gentle mix of movement and meditation in David Pecaut Square by Have a Nice Day Pilates Studio on Saturday, September 9 at 11am for 30 minutes; and five additional vendors by BlackOwnedTO.

Torontonians and the City of Toronto are an integral part of TIFF and the Festival. Quite simply, Festival Street would not exist without their tremendous support. To say thank you to the city and the people who call it home, TIFF has once again partnered with the TTC to give Torontonians more access to Festival films. On Saturday, September 16, members of the public are invited to Roy Thomson Hall for the TTC Free Screening of a Festival title. More details will be announced closer to the date.

FESTIVAL STREET PARTNER ACTIVATIONS

Indeed – Indeed is bringing TIFF fans a double feature on the future of work at this year’s Street Festival. Feature One will take you on an exploration of tomorrow’s world of work through the lens of Indeed’s Rising Voices filmmakers, while Feature Two will help you craft your own narrative on the future of work, with a yummy twist. Each feature offers a captivating look at what the future has in store and a fun takeaway.

L’Oréal Paris – Taking a bold stand against street harassment: Join L’Oréal Paris and Right To Be in a powerful activation that empowers individuals to stand up against street harassment. On a mission to foster respect and dignity, we proudly introduce the Stand Up Against Street Harassment program. Through an immersive 5-minute training session, discover the impactful 5Ds methodology — Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, Direct — equipping you to safely intervene against harassment. As a part of this movement, stand up, gain valuable tools to make a difference, and be a catalyst for change while receiving exciting incentives and products. Plus, stay tuned for special guest appearances and join us in creating a culture of empowerment and respect. Take a stand against street harassment: https://www.standup-international.com/ca/en/.

We at TIFF strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone and believe in a world where every individual has the right to move through public spaces without fear of harassment or discrimination. Street harassment can affect people across varying gender identities, sexuality, race, size, ability, and religion.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro – Celebrating premier(e) taste: Peroni Nastro Azzurro, the world’s number one premium Italian beer brand, is bringing a taste of Italy to Festival Village with the House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro in David Pecaut Square! The Italian-style open house will allow guests to enjoy the best of Italian hospitality, take in in red-carpet views with a VIP fan zone, and enjoy the premier(e) taste of Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% alongside an exclusive menu curated by International Celebrity Chef, David Rocco.

Pizza Nova – Celebrating a legacy of delicious style! In honour of its 60th anniversary, Pizza Nova will be serving signature pizza slices during TIFF opening weekend. Located at the corner of King Street and Simcoe, the Pizza Nova sampling booth will keep movie-goers well fed. Be sure to stop by the Pizza Nova Pizzeria for a slice and have a look at the limited-edition retro merchandise on display.

Snapchat Presents: Next Wave Block Party –”We are proud to partner with TIFF to sponsor the inaugural Next Wave Block Party and Creator Talks,” said Matt McGowan, General Manager, Canada at Snap Inc. “Celebrating, supporting, and elevating local creators and content is at the core of what we do. And there is no shortage of exceptional talent and creativity in this city! We can’t wait to see it all come together on centre stage.” The TIFF Next Wave Committee is a group of 12 young film enthusiasts who curate teen-oriented films and events at TIFF Bell Lightbox, including the annual TIFF Next Wave Film Festival. Taking place for the first time ever, the TIFF Next Wave Block Party will take place Saturday, September 9. Performers include The Aubreys (featuring Finn Wolfhard of Stranger Things), Zakes Bantwini, Alex Porat, daydream, and Sho Madjozi.

Tourist Office of Spain – Spain, straight out of the movies – The Tourist Office of Spain is presenting a cinematic experience at the Street Festival. Spain, with its diverse landscapes and rich history, has long been a cherished destination for filmmakers worldwide. The activation offers a unique photo studio with green screen technology, allowing attendees to virtually visit famous Spanish film locations, from iconic Westerns to futuristic realms and historical tales. Additionally, a contest offers a chance to win Spanish gourmet products, enhancing the experience with culinary delights.

UPS ― Small Businesses, Big Roles: There are great stories waiting to be told everywhere. But not every filmmaker has the opportunity to tell theirs. Join UPS in uplifting diverse-owned small and medium businesses behind the camera in film with live printed Be Unstoppable Film Project Tote Bags. In 2022, UPS partnered with The Black List to help two emerging filmmakers tell their stories. The films we love wouldn’t be possible without diverse owned small and medium businesses behind the camera. This year, we are uplifting even more unheard voices – with a focus on changing perceptions around diverse small businesses’ roles in the craft of filmmaking by providing new perspectives.