#FIRSTLOOK: NEW STILLS FROM “NYAD”

Premiering November 3, 2023 on Netflix and next month at TIFF, here is a first look at NYAD starring Annette Bening and Jodie Foster!

DIRECTORS: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin
WRITER: Julia Cox
BASED ON: The Book “Find A Way” by Diana Nyad
PRODUCERS: Andrew Lazar, Teddy Schwarzman
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Bill Johnson, Jim Seibel, Michael Heimler, Vanessa Humphrey, Julia Cox, D. Scott Lumpkin
KEY CAST: Annette Bening, Jodie Foster, Rhys Ifans, Ethan Jones Romero, Luke Cosgrove, Jeena Yi, Eric T. Miller

SYNOPSIS:

A remarkable true story of tenacity, friendship and the triumph of the human spirit, NYAD recounts a riveting chapter in the life of world-class athlete Diana Nyad. Three decades after giving up marathon swimming in exchange for a prominent career as a sports journalist, at the age of 60, Diana (four-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening) becomes obsessed with completing an epic swim that always eluded her: the 110 mile trek from Cuba to Florida, often referred to as the “Mount Everest” of swims. Determined to become the first person to finish the swim without a shark cage, Diana goes on a thrilling, four-year journey with her best friend and coach Bonnie Stoll (two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster) and a dedicated sailing team.

The inspirational and thrilling film marks the narrative directorial debut of Academy Award-winning documentary filmmakers Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin (Free Solo, The Rescue). NYAD is produced by Andrew Lazar, p.g.a. and Teddy Schwarzman, p.g.a. with a screenplay by Julia Cox, adapted from the memoir “Find a Way” by Diana Nyad.

#FIRSTLOOK: TELEFILM CANADA SELECTS 13 NEW FEATURE-LENGTH ENGLISH FILMS

Telefilm Canada is announcing its funding commitment to 13 feature-length films in the English market under the Production Program (as part of the second round of decisions in the low budget minority co-production and big budget streams), for a total of $6 million.

Earlier this spring, Telefilm announced the selection of 12 feature-length film titles in the English market.

Anorgasmia (drama)

Director: Jon Gustafsson

Screenwriters: Karolina Lewicka and Jon Gustafsson

Production: Great Canadian Film Factory Inc.

Province: Manitoba

*coproduction Canada/Iceland

Death Has No Master (La Muerte No Tiene Dueño) (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Jorge Thielen Armand

Production: La Faena Films Inc.

Distribution: Game Theory Films

Province: Ontario

*coproduction Canada/France/Venezuela/Mexico

Granny Lee (drama)

Directors: Gabe Gabriel and Ian Gabriel

Screenwriter: Gabe Gabriel

Production: Fae Pictures Inc.

Distribution: Noble Arts Inc.

Province: Ontario

*coproduction Canada/South Africa/Ireland

Julián (drama/animation)

Director: Louise Bagnall

Screenwriter: Juliany Taveras

Production: Julian Aircraft Productions Inc.

Distribution: Elevation Pictures

Province: Ontario

*coproduction Canada/Ireland

The Myth of a Real Man (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Lee Filipovski

Production: Karma Film Inc.

Province: Saskatchewan

*coproduction Canada/Serbia/Bulgaria

Neverman (drama)

Director: Rodrigo Barriuso

Screenwriters: Rodrigo Barriuso and Kyah Green

Production: Hawkeye Pictures Inc.

Distribution: Sphere Films

Province: Ontario

Réveillon (historical drama)

Director: Michal Kunes Kováč

Screenwriters: Maroš Hečko, Tomáš Dušicka, and David Cormican

Production: DC Republic Productions Inc.

Province: Ontario

*coproduction Canada/Slovakia

Sick Heart River (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Graeme Maley

Production: 10614726 Canada Inc. and Vieille Amérique Inc.

Province: Quebec

*coproduction Canada/Iceland

Strangers in the Night (a.k.a. My Private War Criminal) (historical drama)

Director and screenwriter: Ivona Juka

Production: Quiet Revolution Pictures Inc.

Province: Ontario

*coproduction Canada/Croatia

Takotsubo (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Miki Polonski

Production: art et essai Inc.

Province: Quebec

*coproduction Canada/Israel

Things That You Kill (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Alireza Khatami

Production: Things That You Kill Inc. and Band With Pictures Film Inc.

Provinces: Ontario and Quebec

*coproduction Canada/France

Untitled Matt Johnson Project (comedy)

Director: Matt Johnson

Screenwriters: Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol

Production: Zapruder Films Inc.

Distribution: Elevation Pictures

Province: Ontario

Yunan (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Ameer Fakher Eldin

Production: Microclimat Films Inc.

Distribution: Filmoption International

Province: Quebec

*coproduction Canada/Germany

More production funding decisions will be announced in the coming weeks. Statistics on all films funded in this fiscal year will be released once all funding decisions have been made. 

An advisory committee of external and internal representatives assessed the projects and made recommendations to Telefilm. The decision-making process considered Telefilm’s goal of fostering a diversity of voices in the industry, ensuring that Telefilm funds a balanced portfolio of productions that reflect a variety of genres, budgets and company sizes, regions of the country and points of view. Names of selection committee members will be published on the Project Financing Advisory Committees webpage once all funding decisions have been made.   

#TIFF23: 2023 INDUSTRY SELECTS LINEUP ANNOUNCED

TIFF is excited to share the 2023 Industry Selects lineup. Screening for accredited buyers during the Festival, this curated selection of 12 films go beyond the Official Selection, and are all available for worldwide acquisition. 

“As the media industry continues to evolve, TIFF strives to foster creative innovation in both the development and business of storytelling,” said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. “We will continue to expand our successful Industry Selects initiative, a TIFF curated selection of films for the marketplace to find global audiences and are very excited to present a very high level calibre showcase.”

TIFF is also proud to announce new additions to the 2023 Industry Conference, with a dynamic array of Connections, Microsessions, and Spotlight sessions. TIFF’s Industry Conference is supported by Ontario Creates and Telefilm Canada. All sessions will take place at Glenn Gould Studio.

“Our Connections, Microsessions, and Spotlight sessions are intimate opportunities for professionals to learn from and connect with decision makers who can help forward their future projects and careers,” said Geoff Macnaughton, Senior Director, Industry & Theatrical. “They include a mix of curated and co-produced sessions designed to fuel co-production, sustainability, and responsible storytelling.”

2023 INDUSTRY SELECTS 

Amelia’s Children (Gabriel Abrantes, Portugal) 
Goodfellas, CAA
Diamantino co-director Gabriele Abrantes and star Carloto Cotta reunite for a Euro-Gothic creeper about an American and his girlfriend (Brigette Lundy-Paine) who discover he’s the long-lost heir to a Portuguese fortune, which comes with some very strange family ties.

Bonus Track (Julie Jackman, United Kingdom)
Bankside Films
Sixteen-year-old George Bobbin (Joe Anders) insists he’s a future pop star, although no one else in his tiny English town agrees. Then he meets the son (Samuel Paul Small) of a famous musical duo who helps him rehearse for their school’s talent show, leading both boys to grow closer creatively and personally.

Borderline (Jimmy Warden, United States)
CAA/Radiant
Los Angeles, 1996: Recovering from their last encounter, a devoted bodyguard (Eric Dane) must thwart the very persistent stalker (Ray Nicholson) of a Madonna-level pop star (Samara Weaving) when he breaks out of an institution and takes her hostage in her own home. 

The Boy in the Woods (Rebecca Snow, Canada) 
Myriad Pictures
Jett Klyne stars in the remarkable true-life story of Maxwell Smart, a Jewish boy who survived the Nazi occupation of Eastern Europe by hiding out in the forests of Poland.

Dance First (James Marsh, United Kingdom) 
Film Constellation  
Gabriel Byrne plays the literary giant Samuel Beckett in this biographical drama from Oscar-winner James Marsh (Man on Wire, The Theory of Everything), co-starring Sandrine Bonnaire, Maxine Peake, Aidan Gillen, and Fionn O’Shea.

The Home (James DeMonaco, United States)
CAA
The squishy new horror film from James DeMonaco, creator of the Purge series, stars Pete Davidson as a twentysomething screwup who’s assigned community service at a fancy retirement home and comes to suspect some very unpleasant things are going on upstairs. 

Inheritance (Neil Burger, United States/United Kingdom/Egypt/India) 
CAA
When Maya (Phoebe Dynevor) learns her father Sam (Rhys Ifans) was once a spy, she suddenly finds herself at the centre of an international conspiracy in this nervy, fast-moving thriller from director Neil Burger (The Illusionist, The Upside, Voyagers).

Les Hommes de Ma Mere (Anik Jean, Canada)
Jessie Films
After her mother’s death, Elsie (Léane Labrèche-Dor) sets out to find her five ex-husbands and scatter her ashes with each of them ― tracing her own history in the process, and seeing her mother’s life in an entirely new way. Directed by Anik Jean and co-starring Patrick Huard, Marc Messier, Colm Feore, and Anne-Marie Cadieux.

Orah (Lonzo Nzekwe, Canada) 
Orah Productions Inc.
When her teenaged son is murdered back home in Nigeria, a Toronto cabbie (Star Trek Discovery’s Oyin Oladejo) decides to bring down the international money launderers responsible for his death as violently as possible.

Queen of Bones (Robert Budreau, Canada/United States) 
CAA
Martin Freeman, Taylor Schilling, Julia Butters, and Jacob Tremblay star in this dark Depression-era folktale focused on twin siblings who suspect their father is hiding secrets about their deceased mother’s connection with the supernatural. Directed by Robert Budreau (Born to Be Blue, Stockholm).

Umbrella Men II: Escape from Robben Island (John Barker, South Africa) 
Africa Entertainment in America 
They pulled off the perfect heist, and went to prison anyway ― so now it’s up to the women of the Umbrella gang to orchestrate their escape from Robben Island Prison, in this sequel to John Barker’s 2022 crime comedy.

Vera and the Pleasure of Others (Romina Tamburello & Federic Actis, Argentina) 
m-Appeal
Vera (Luciana Grasso) is 17, and like any teenager, she divides her days between volleyball, school… and renting out an empty apartment in her mother’s building to classmates looking for a place to have sex. An inventive new look at desire and longing from directors Romina Tamburello and Federico Actis.

2023 Industry Conference Additions

CMPA Indiescreen Awards
Back at TIFF once again on Thursday, September 7, the Indiescreen Awards have recognized producers whose vision and entrepreneurship demonstrate a commitment and passion for producing Canadian feature films. Join CMPA and TIFF in acknowledging and celebrating the award recipients, followed by cocktails, food, and networking. The Indiescreen Awards are open to all registered delegates and are presented by the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA), in partnership with Telefilm Canada.

MICROSESSIONS
Collaborative programming with TIFF’s brand partners in sessions that emphasize the opportunities and expertise that many working professionals can gain from some of the world’s leading brands and cultural organizations. Microsessions include: 

• Turning on the Light in the Basement: From the Vaults to the Screens — Led by Iron Mountain Entertainment Services 
• Informed Choices: New Insights for Environmentally Sustainable Filmmaking — Led by Telefilm Canada
• Empowering Rising Voices: Advocating for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through Film — Led by Indeed
• Transnational Cinema: Industry Perspectives from Quebec — Led by the Mel Oppenheimer School of Cinema at Concordia University and Grande Studios
• Your Next Film is a Co-pro with UK — Led by the British Film Institute
• Lights, Camera, Collaboration: ‘Orah’ and the Roadmap to a Nigeria-Canada Co-Production Treaty — Led by the Black Screen Office and supported by Ontario Creates

CONNECTIONS
Intimate networking sessions giving emerging to mid-career filmmakers the opportunity to interact with industry experts and gain practical knowledge to move their projects and understanding of the industry forward. The Media Partner for Connections is ok Playback. Connections sessions include: 

• Breaking barriers, shattering ceilings: Advancing accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities in the screen industry
• Making Shorts That Get Seen  
• Disney’s Writing and Directing Programmes — Guest includes: Liz Kelly, Director of Creative Talent Development & Inclusion at Disney General Entertainment (DGE) 
• BAFTA: Navigating an International Career 
• Beyond Co-pros: Cross-border Collaborations & Funds for Canadians 
• Activating Grassroots Movements with Gold House

SPOTLIGHTS
A great way to expand one’s network, build bridges, and develop new business opportunities in Toronto. Spotlights are a collaboration with leading partner organizations, and are designed to maximize the B2B experience over a breakfast networking session. Sessions Include: 

• The Big Pitch presented by CaribbeanTales Media Group — 12 BIPOC Projects pitch to a live audience and jury for feedback and funding support. Funded by Telefilm in partnership with the Toronto International Film Festival.
• Do it the Spanish Way! International Co-production Forum — 5 Spanish film teams pitch development projects, with curated B2B speed meetings with Canadian and International professionals to follow. Led by ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones and ICAA Instituto de la Cinematografía y de las Artes Audiovisuales. 
• Explore the Northern Ontario Film Industry — Unlocking the sometimes untapped potential and lucrative benefits of Ontario’s north for producers and creators. Led by Cultural Industries Ontario North (CION).
• Polish Cinema at TIFF — This year’s selection of Polish cinema is unmatched. Connect with Polish talent, learn about incentives and benefits of co-production, and meet new talent. Powered by the Polish Film Institute.
• Everything Under the Sun and… More! — Appealing incentives, versatile locations, industry-friendly visas, amazing talent — everything Spain has to offer and more. Led by ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones.

Full session pitches will be available on tiff.net.

#TIFF23: SYLVESTER STALLONE TO APPEAR AT IN-CONVERSATION

TIFF is excited to announce Sylvester Stallone as the newest addition to the In Conversation With… (ICW) series for TIFF 2023. Stallone joins an illustrious roster of cinematic superstars including Pedro Almodóvar, Lee Byung-hun and Park Seo-jun, and Andy Lau. TIFF’s 2023 In Conversation With… is presented by Visa.

“The 2023 In Conversation With… series embodies our conviction that film possesses the remarkable ability to ignite perspectives and drive profound change,” said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. “We are truly thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Sylvester Stallone and this lineup of icons. This series promises to captivate film aficionados of all genres.”

The subject of the highly anticipated Netflix original documentary Sly, Sylvester Stallone is a towering figure in cinema history. As a writer, director, actor, and producer, Stallone’s journey has mirrored the inspirational trajectory of his cinematic creations. His screenplay for Rocky (1976) and his raw portrayal of the titular underdog propelled him to superstardom and Academy Award nominations for acting and writing. The film went on to inspire one of the most successful and enduring movie franchises of all time, with five sequels and the Creed (2015) spinoffs. Stallone introduced the world to Vietnam veteran John Rambo in First Blood (1982). The sequel Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) solidified the character as an iconic action hero and spawned multiple follow-ups and video games. As a director, Stallone captured the spirit of the original Rocky films and brought further depth to his title character in Rocky Balboa (2006). He delivered the knock-out blockbuster The Expendables (2010), directing the most impressive cast of action stars ever assembled. Alongside these classics are standout roles in Demolition Man (1993), Cliffhanger (1993), Cop Land (1997), and as Dwight Manfredi in the hit television show Tulsa King (2022) that together showcase his range and charisma. Stallone joins us to consider his prolific career, his immense contributions to the action genre, and his enduring legacy behind and in front of the camera.

Starting today, August 21, Visa Infinite cardholders will be given early access to secure tickets to TIFF 2023. For more information visit tiff.net.

#FIRSTLOOK: “REPTILE” NEW TRAILER

Having been announced at TIFF ’23, we’ve been so curious about REPTILE starring Benicio Del Toro, Justin Timberlake and Alicia Silverstone. What a Cast! Last week we got a glimpse at some new stills and now we get a Trailer! This is out October 6, 2023 to Netflix.

ABOUT REPTILE:
Director: Grant Singer
Writers: Screenplay – Grant Singer & Benjamin Brewer And Benicio Del Toro, Story – Grant Singer & Benjamin Brewer
Producers: Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill, Thad Luckinbill
Executive Producers: Benicio Del Toro, Rick Yorn, Rachel Smith
Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Justin Timberlake, Eric Bogosian, Alicia Silverstone, Domenick Lombardozzi, Frances Fisher, Ato Essandoh, Michael Carmen Pitt, Karl Glusman, Matilda Lutz
Logline: Following the brutal murder of a young real estate agent, a hardened detective attempts to uncover the truth in a case where nothing is as it seems, and by doing so dismantles the illusions in his own life.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

#BOXOFFICE: “BLUE BEETLE” CRAWLS TO #1

BLUE BEETLE crawls to the crown in its opening weekend, de-throning BARBIE after a four weekends on-top. This latest adaptation from DC gets $25 million from 3,871 theatres and nonetheless this still is a victory for Warner Bros. which distributes both films. It gets 77% on the Tomatometer.

BARBIE settles in second, gets $21 million from 4,003 theatres, bringing its domestic run to $566 million.

In third is OPPENHEMIER with $10.9 million from 3,321 theatres, bringing its run to $285 million for Universal Pictures.

Debuting in fourth is STRAYS with $8.5 million from 3,223 theatres for Universal Pictures. Amidst its the SAG-AFTRA strike, its adorable canine cast stepped-out more than ably on the Red Carpet in Los Angeles earlier this week.

Fifth is TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM with $8.4 million, a two week total of $88 million for Paramount Pictures.

#TIFF23: LIL NAS X DOCUMENTARY “LIL NAS X: LONG LIVE MONTERO” TO PREMIERE AT TIFF

Lil Nas X and TIFF are excited to announce the World Premiere of the groundbreaking, GRAMMY–winning rapper, singer, and songwriter’s documentary, Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero, which was shot during the course of his first ever global tour. A new addition to the Gala programme, the film was produced by RadicalMedia, in association with Sony Music Entertainment’s (SME) Premium Content Division, Columbia Records, and Museum & Crane. The diaristic film is a remarkably intimate portrait of an artist on tour navigating identity, family, expectations, and acceptance, all while reflecting on his place within the legacy of Black, queer performers.

Directed by Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel, Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero captures one of today’s most provocative pop stars at a transformational point in his life, both on and off stage. Shot over the course of 60 days with unparalleled access, the film follows Montero Hill, a.k.a. Lil Nas X, on an emotional odyssey through the creation and performance of the critically acclaimed “Long Live Montero” show.

“Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero is a triumphant ode to the extraordinary power of self-expression, music, and identity,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “In this groundbreaking documentary, we witness Lil Nas X challenging boundaries and reshaping the artistic landscape. The film’s captivating journey underscores the profound impact of Lil Nas X, who fearlessly brings audiences together through the universal language of music. We are thrilled to host Lil Nas X at TIFF this year.”

López Estrada is an Academy Award–nominated filmmaker with credits including Blindspotting, for which he received a DGA nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement for a First-Time Feature Film. His additional films include Summertime and Raya and the Last Dragon, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. López Estrada began his career directing music videos for musicians such as Billie Eilish, Thundercat and Flying Lotus, Katy Perry, and Carly Rae Jepsen.

Manuel is an award-winning filmmaker focusing on documentary works that explore intimacy, Black masculinity, class, identity, and inheritance. His cinematography and directing credits include the Academy Award–nominated Time, Alone (Sundance Jury Award Winner, Best Non-Fiction Short Film), Buckjumping, The Earth is Humming, America (Sundance Jury Award Winner), The Cut, This Body, and Descendant.

Since his instant rise to fame in 2019 when he released “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X has upended the music industry. The single with Billy Ray Cyrus became the longest running No. 1 single in Billboard Hot 100 history after 19 weeks atop the chart. The 16-time platinum hit was recognized with numerous awards including two GRAMMYs. In March 2021, Lil Nas X released the culture-shifting, five-time platinum hit “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name).” The queer anthem debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained atop of the Spotify Global chart for over a month straight. After releasing his debut album Montero in September 2021, it went on to boast the five-time platinum hit “Industry Baby,” which became the No. 1 most streamed hip-hop song of the 2020s on Spotify. It’s this success that has propelled Lil Nas X to become one of only a few artists who have had three songs surpass more than one billion streams on Spotify. His bombastic performances have been hailed as – according to NME – “undoubtedly a watershed moment for queer pop.”

RadicalMedia is an award-winning premium creative production company recognized for their work on the Academy Award–winning Summer of Soul (… Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the Emmy Award-winning Hamilton directed by Thomas Kail, and David Byrne’s American Utopia directed by Spike Lee.

The documentary was produced by RadicalMedia with Dave Sirulnick serving as producer as well as Caryn Capotosto for Museum & Crane, Saul Levitz for Sony Music, Adam Leber and Adriana Arce for Rebel, and Gee Roberson for BPG/Maverick. Meredith Bennett, Jon Kamen, and Frank Scherma serve as executive producers for RadicalMedia. Tom Mackay and Krista Wegener also serve as executive producers for Sony Music. Wegener will also lead global sales for the film.

#FIRSTLOOK: FAN EXPO TORONTO 2023 SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

FAN EXPO Canada’s official schedule for 2023 is now out, complete with a mind-blowing programming lineup that celebrates all things fandom. The four-day extravaganza has events and content for fans of all ages and genres to enjoy including the Podcast Theatre, themed Pokémon and Barbie days, a 25th anniversary celebration of Frank Miller’s 300, the Masters of Cosplay Grand Prix Presented by Rustoleum, and more. With dynamic programming spaces throughout both the North and South buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, it’s the place to be for fans of pop culture, fantasy, horror, sci-fi, gaming, comics, anime, and cosplay from August 24-27, 2023.

In addition to the always popular celebrity panels, autographs, and photo ops; informative panels, demos, and workshops; eye-catching cosplays, competitions, and cosplay red carpets; and the over 400,000 sq ft of shopping madness, this year’s show includes special events including An Evening with Matthew Lillard, Neve Campbell, Skeet Ulrich, and Jamie Kennedy, An Evening with Hayden Christensen, and the SuperPower 5K and 10K runs, among other experiences.

New this year is the Cosplay Craftsmanship Showcase, a display of cosplay outfits from past Masters of Cosplay Grand Prix winners showcasing the craftsmanship of cosplay outfits with insight into the cosplayers who create them. Sunday, August 27 is Barbie Bash, a day fans can spend celebrating the iconic character on the Pink Carpet, with Barbie-themed sketch duels and photo ops, Barbie and Ken cosplay contests, the Barbie Ice Cream Social where attendees will have the opportunity to meet the longtime voice of Barbie, Chris Lansdowne, and more. New anime programming include screenings, the Itasha Car Exhibit showcasing the sub-culture of anime-decorated vehicles, and the Maid Café.

Returning to this year’s convention is Tattoo Alley, where fans can watch master artists at work and get nerd-inspired ink themselves; the Horror Stage returns by popular demand with a hair-raising line up of demos, panels, competitions, shopping, classic horror film screenings, and more; fans can relax and play some video games at the Femme Gaming Free Play Lounge, then learn more about Femme Gaming at their Ladies Power Hour; the Bell Esports Challenge is back at FAN EXPO Canada, with the live in-person finals of the amateur Esports tournament series; and Bear Sailor Moon’s Lip Sync Extravaganza offers the chance to cheer for the favourite sync-er or compete in a fun-filled, winner-takes-all lip sync battle.

FAN EXPO Canada previously announced a massive guest lineup for 2023 including stars like Charlie Cox, Christina Ricci, Danny Trejo, Hayden Christensen, Jon Bernthal, Neve Campbell, Shameik Moore, Vincent D’Onofrio, Zachary Levi and many more from the worlds of TV, film, animation, and video games. Comic Creator guests include Frank Miller, Joe Quesada, Andy Kubert, Dan Slott, Donny Cates, Jason Fabok, Steve McNiven, Zeb Wells, Simone Di Meo, Jim Shooter, Ken Lashley, and many more.

Attendees can expect to be wowed by activations from Prime Video, Paramount, Disney, Crunchyroll, StackTV, PlayStation, Xbox, Squishmallows, Hasbro, eBay, Wattpad, Bandai Namco, Tamashii Nations, and more!

Programming highlights for FAN EXPO Canada include:

CELEBRITY PANELS
Beyond autograph signings and photo ops, celebrity guests will take part in CONversations where fans can learn more about their storied lives and careers.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES
FAN EXPO Canada presents a lineup of special events and experiences for attendees.

All special events require admission to FAN EXPO Canada and some events require an additional ticket purchase.

An Evening with Matthew Lillard, Neve Campbell, Skeet Ulrich & Jamie Kennedy*

An Evening with Hayden Christensen*

300 25th Anniversary Panel* and Frank Miller Meet & Greet

Maid Cafe**

After hours Anime Rave party**

Barbie Ice Cream Social with Meet & Greet opportunity with Chris Lansdowne, the longtime voice of Barbie!**

Draw n’ Jam***

Bad Movie and Colour***

Bear Sailor Moon’s Lip Sync Extravaganza***

The 404s Improv Comedy Show***

Doctor Who-themed escape rooms**

*Additional ticket purchase required for priority seating (Gold & Silver ticket packages). General admission is free first-come, first-served basis but seating is not guaranteed.
**Additional ticket purchase required.
***No additional ticket purchase required.

SUPERPOWER 5K / 10K
Grab your capes and unleash your superpowers at the SuperPower 5K and 10K. An all ages fun run on Toronto Island, where you’ll be inspired to move through the course where surprises await around the corner. An event like no other, the SP5K brings runners of all levels and their families together for a fun and welcoming race experience. Entry includes the SuperPower 5K medal, dri-fit event shirt, and an Exclusive Day Pass to FAN EXPO Canada to explore the show on opening day. Runners will unlock their inner heroes when they register and help raise funds for Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital through the pledge program.

BARBIE BASH – SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
On Sunday fans can spend a day dedicated to celebrating the iconic character, including Barbie-themed sketch duels in the Comics area and Barbie video games at Femme Gaming Lounge, plus all-day activities in the dedicated Barbie Bash space including a Barbie box photo-op where everyone can step into a life-sized Barbie box and strike their best Barbie pose, selfie stations, a Pink Carpet photo op, a makeup/hair/accessory station, dance party, speed dating, Barbie and Ken Costume Contest on the Pink Carpet, Barbie-themed crafts, and a ticketed event, the Barbie Ice Cream Social!

SCREENINGS
FAN EXPO Canada attendees can get special looks at upcoming titles including:

Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time Season 2, Episode 1

Global and Stack TV’s Robyn Hood

Ultraman Blazar Episodes 1 and 2

Apple TV+’s Invasion Episodes 1 and 2

ANIME ACTIVITIES
FAN EXPO Canada welcomes back Wasabi Anime for their sixth year guiding the Anime and Asian Pop Culture content for Canada’s largest celebration of fandom! This year’s programming is designed to engage seasoned otaku while simultaneously presenting an introduction for casual fans to learn more about anime, manga, K-pop, and everything Asian-based entertainment has to offer. Check out panels, presentations, game shows, voice actors, and an anime viewing room showcasing titles from VIZ Media, AnimEigo, and Nozomi Entertainment. This is THE year for anime in Canada, and fans won’t want to miss it!

PODCAST PROGRAMMING
FAN EXPO Canada presents four days of live podcast programming in partnership with the Sonar Network. Featuring some of the best local and national podcasters including Pilot Fighters with special guests Alexa Steele & David Reale!, One Dollar Words with Food Network Host John Catucci, The FANFIC We Just Wrote Just Now! Squirrel Talk Podcast LIVE, The Movie Podcast, The Comedy Roast of Barbie, Spooked! with special guest Mark Little, The Panel Show, D&D Live!, Vanderpump Robs with Peter Madrigal of Vanderpump Rules!, Seán Cullen and Chris Locke are Two Sailors Who Are Nuts, Let’s Bring Shawn Mendes to Fan Expo! – A Nerdy Standup Comedy Showcase, Comedy Roast Battle: Marvel Vs DC, Comedy Con – Improvised Geek Comedy, The Fandom Show, Roleplaying 101 – A Guide to TTRPGs, Correct Me If I’m Wrong, and Nerd Wars: Star Wars VS Star Trek.

COSPLAY CRAFTS AND COMPETITIONS
FAN EXPO Canada is Canada’s number #1 destination for Cosplay! With a lineup of 11 award-winning cosplay craftsman guests, four days of panels, hands-on workshops, Cosplay photo meet-ups and more; this is THE weekend for cosplayers! Attendees can show off their costumes and get their photo taken by the official red carpet photographer for free when they walk the Cosplay Red Carpet! This daily cosplay exhibition is not to be missed and is the best time to see all the amazing work at FAN EXPO Canada. The Masters of Cosplay Grand Prix Presented by Rustoleum is bigger than ever before in 2023! On Saturday, August 25 the best cosplayers from the region compete for cosplay glory in the Maple Leaf Qualifier. THEN watch as all eight Qualifier Winners from across North America take to the stage to decide who is the 2023 Master of Cosplay!

CAPTIVATING COMICS
Be sure to check out the comic theatre for four packed days of drawing and colouring demos, sneak previews, industry insights, and more. Comic pros will be on hand to share expert tips and tricks, or fans can take a seat and pick a side for the ultimate Sketch Duels showdowns. Artist Alley also returns for anyone interested in meeting rising stars who work the front lines of the industry. This staple of the show offers everything from comics and graphic novels, to limited edition prints and original artwork.

GAMING GOINGS-ON
From tabletop to D&D, to E-Gaming and more, FAN EXPO Canada is a gamer’s paradise! Attendees can become a card and tabletop gaming master at the eBay Victory Road gaming room; explore the world of professional E-Gaming with Bell; drop in and play at the tabletop gaming room with Focht’s Network, The Guild House, and Unite the Factions; see Dungeons & Dragons in action at one of the live action D&D shows; relax and play some video games at the Femme Gaming Free Play Lounge or learn more at panels with Femme Gaming; participate in the Princess Margaret x AMD Quest to Conquer Cancer Charity Stream featuring live streamers, freeplay, VR experiences, and all for a good cause; plus more to give gamers four days of nonstop content!

LITERARY LINEUP
Booklovers can meet their favourites with today’s best authors at the Wattpad booth. Plus FAN EXPO Canada has partnered with Wattpad, WCYR (The Writers’ Community of York Region), Horror Writers Association Ontario Chapter, and Dundurn Press to bring more literary programming than ever before with drop-in literary panels throughout the weekend where attendees can learn the ins and outs of plotting, world building, publishing, and more!

HORROR HAPPENINGS
Fans of the spookier side of things can indulge in their dark side with four days of horror-related panels, demos, competitions, performances, and more! Horror-lovers can peruse the Horror retailers for devilish delights, check out games and drop-in activities, phantom-tastic photo ops, the Haunted Hints Escape Room, the “Scream Supreme” contest to see whose scream is ready for the spotlight, and enjoy classic horror film screenings throughout the weekend. Screenings include Horror Through the Ages: Nosferatu (1922), The Devil Bat (1940), Little Shop of Horrors (1960), and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978).

THE FAMILY ZONE
FAN EXPO Canada has exciting offerings and activities for fans of all ages with the dedicated Family Zone offering four full days of fun and activities the whole family can enjoy, including drop-in games and photo ops, U-Cre-8 Comics, Joe Wos Cartoon Academy, The Little Mermaid photo op, princess sing-a-longs and meet and greets; and a performance by iconic performers Sharon & Bram!

THE ULTIMATE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
With hundreds of retailers on the convention floor, attendees are in for an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a rare comic book, original artwork, graphic novels, memorabilia, collectibles, videos, games, toys, or t-shirts – there’s a vendor for it here.

SELECTION OF ADDITIONAL ACTIVATIONS

THE LODGE: A PARAMOUNT EXPERIENCE
Fan Expo attendees are welcomed in to the warmth of THE LODGE: A PARAMOUNT EXPERIENCE, where every room is another universe; guests can join the family at the YELLOWSTONE ranch, witness the crashed ice-cream truck as they travel through the post-apocalyptic wasteland of TWISTED METAL, fight crime in New York City with the TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, take a seat in a STAR TREK Captain’s Chair. and have a final splash with SpongeBob, Patrick and all things Nickelodeon. Guests looking for a few moments to kick back, can relax out front of THE LODGE on the Pluto TV Muskoka chairs and enjoy some fan-favourite programming. And the experience doesn’t end there, attendees won’t want to miss the ParamountShop.com activation, with Fan Expo specific merchandise for all THE LODGE offerings and more is just a QR Code away!

PRIME VIDEO
Prime Video gives fans the ultimate experience this FAN EXPO Canada! Onsite at booth PV01, Prime Video brings to life three distinct worlds from Amazon Studios hit series The Boys, Invincible and The Wheel of Time. Guests will navigate through a tale of good versus evil as they embark on their journey, with interactions filled with unique show premiums, photo moments and more! Then on Friday, August 25 from 4-5pm in the South Building – Level 700, Room 701A, Prime Video brings The Wheel of Time to the big screen for a special sneak peek of Season 2 ahead of its return on September 1. Don’t miss it!

For the full programming schedule, visit: fanexpohq.com/fanexpocanada/schedule

For a complete list of programming, guests, info, and tickets, visit: https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpocanada/

Attending the Show from outside of Toronto?
Round-trip GO Fare makes it easy for fans to get to the show in a Flash (get it?). FAN EXPO Canada has partnered with Metrolinx to get fans to and from the event safely. The GO Add-On Ticket includes round trip GO Transit fare from any GO Station to Union Station and ensures they don’t miss a minute of the action. The GO Add-On Ticket can be added during check out when buying tickets to FAN EXPO Canada.
*Children 12 and under ride the GO for free.
For more details and to purchase a GO Add-On Ticket, please visit the link.

ABOUT FAN EXPO Canada
FAN EXPO Canada is the largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Canada and the third-largest Pop Culture event in North America. The show has grown from a small comic book convention attracting 1,500 fans into a multi-faceted and multiple day citywide event that attracts hundreds of thousands of people from around the world. Every year, FAN EXPO Canada offers exciting family-friendly attractions, events, and world-renowned celebrities! Previous guests include Stan Lee, Patrick Stewart, Buzz Aldrin, William Shatner, Christopher Lloyd, Elijah Wood, Leonard Nimoy, Carrie Fisher, Gillian Anderson, and stars from hit television shows: The Walking Dead, Star Trek, The Vampire Diaries, Arrow, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Teen Wolf, Doctor Who, Gotham, Criminal Minds, Castle, and many, many more. The all-ages pop culture convention expects to host over 125,000 fans in 750,000 sq. ft. of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for the four-day event.

ABOUT FAN EXPO HQ
FAN EXPO HQ is the largest comic con producer in the world. Collectively, it hosts nearly one million fans annually at FAN EXPO Canada, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Denver, Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo, FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Dallas, FAN EXPO Boston, FAN EXPO Philadelphia, Edmonton Comics & Entertainment Expo, FAN EXPO San Francisco, Toronto Comicon, FAN EXPO Cleveland, FAN EXPO New Orleans, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO Vancouver, and Dallas FAN FESTIVAL. The latest 2023 schedule of events is available here, along with up-to-date ticket information. Discover. Celebrate. Belong.

#TIFF: NEW CAFÉ-BAR “VARDA” AT TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX TO OPEN SOON

Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF, unveiled today the name of TIFF’s new café-bar, Varda, named in honour of the celebrated French filmmaker Agnès Varda, whose innovative storytelling and artistic vision have left an indelible mark on cinema. With the bright lights of King Street West as its backdrop, the new café-bar will be open exclusively for Contributors Circle and Patrons Circle Members during the Festival (September 7–17), before its official public launch in early fall, when it will be open to all.

“Agnès Varda was brilliant, playful, and endlessly curious about people,” said Bailey. “We drew inspiration from her in reimagining the 3rd Floor of TIFF Bell Lightbox. We want the new Varda lounge to be your new favourite place to connect with friends, enjoy something delicious, and drink in the rich, global spirit of cinema.”

Varda is the star of the transformed third floor. An elegant marble and cork bar, topped by a polished brass gantry, draws guests into the lounge and sets a glamorous mood. Intimate seating, acoustic wall panelling, and layers of plush textures ensure a quietly luxurious experience. A behind-the-scenes print from the filmmaker’s 1962 French New Wave drama, Cléo From 5 To 7, a gift from her daughter, Rosalie Varda, sets the tone for the space.

Varda (formerly the Bell Blue Room) is one part of a full-scale transformation of TIFF’s third floor. Designed by Toronto-based creative studio DesignAgency, the sprawling corridor and its adjacent spaces are punctuated by new seating areas throughout, creating a welcoming and inspiring space for all film lovers and audiences to gather.

A display of 30 vintage posters representing Canadian and International cinema in the foyer leading to Varda reflects the classic and nostalgic sentiment of cinema and the enduring power of film. Drawn from TIFF’s Reference Library and curated by Bailey and TIFF’s Public Programming team, this permanent display includes a few rare gems. Selected from the Rob Brooks Mary Pickford Collection is an original lithograph from Mary Pickford’s first talking film, Coquette (1929), for which she won an Oscar, and a German-language poster from the Louise Brooks–starrer Pandora’s Box (1929). Clement Virgo’s 1995 film Rude, John Greyson’s Zero Patience (1993), and Alanis Obosawin’s Our People Will Be Healed (2017) are among the Canadian films featured.

Two centrally located floor-to-ceiling vitrines showcase seasonal displays to spark conversation. Currently on view are Outbound, a celebration of the resilience of film, and the second vitrine, a celebration of Canadian cinema, features the Ramona Flowers costume from Edgar Wright’s Toronto-set and cult-favourite film, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010). The film showcases many Toronto landmarks such as Casa Loma, the CN Tower, and Lee’s Palace, and is much loved by Toronto audiences who rarely have a chance to see their city as itself on screen.

From September 7 to 17, Varda will be open from 9am to 4pm exclusively for Contributors Circle Members and above, as well as Industry filmmakers. TIFF will also host a special open house for all TIFF Members on September 17. Throughout the year, Members will receive up to 40% off food and non-alcoholic beverages as an additional benefit. This fall will also mark the introduction of new Member Tuesdays at TIFF Bell Lightbox, which will offer exclusive access to Varda for Members on that evening to complement a full slate of programming curated with Members in mind. This will include the return of Secret Movie Club, Member-exclusive events, additional free Cinematheque screenings, and more to be announced.

#TIFF23: SHAWN LEVY TO BE HONOURED AT TIFF TRIBUTE GALA

Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF, is delighted to announce that Canadian producer-director Shawn Levy (Free Guy, Deadpool 3) will receive the inaugural Norman Jewison Award presented by The Budman Family. Named in honour of the legendary Canadian filmmaker, the Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award is presented by The Budman Family, and recognizes Canadians in the film industry who have made a global impact with their careers. The awards presentation will take place at the TIFF Tribute Awards gala fundraiser, presented by Bulgari on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

The Montreal-born filmmaker, known for the blockbuster award-winning series Stranger Things and the hit franchise Night at the Museum, will be showcasing his latest work at the Festival ― All the Light We Cannot See, based on the Pulitzer Prize–winning novel ― which he directed and produced through his production company 21 Laps. Levy has been at the forefront of creating global sensations including Free Guy, The Adam Project, and the Academy Award®–nominated thriller Arrival.

“We’re honoured to present this new Award, named after legendary Canadian filmmaker Norman Jewison, whose commitment to developing Canadian cinema and impact on the global stage is unmatched,” said Bailey. “With a multi-faceted career spanning over three decades, Shawn Levy has become one of the most versatile filmmakers and storytellers of his generation, and we’re thrilled for him to be the inaugural recipient of this Award.”

Levy joins the recently announced 2023 TIFF Tribute Award honourees Pedro Almodóvar, recipient of the Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media presented by Participant, and Spike Lee, recipient of the TIFF Ebert Director Award. Past honourees Michelle Yeoh, Brendan Fraser, Jessica Chastain, Roger Deakins, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Joaquin Phoenix, Taika Waititi, and Chloé Zhao have gone on to win awards on the international stage, with the Tribute Awards serving as an awards bellwether.

All the Light We Cannot See is a Netflix Original series based on Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize–winning book of the same name, and follows the story of Marie-Laure (Aria Mia Loberti), a blind French girl, and her father, Daniel LeBlanc (Mark Ruffalo), who flee German-occupied Paris with a legendary diamond to keep it from falling into the hands of the Nazis. The first two episodes of the series will be presented as part of TIFF’s Primetime programme, a showcase featuring compelling series from Canada and around the world.

Now in its fifth year, the Tribute Awards gala is TIFF’s largest annual fundraiser, having raised $1.3 million in 2022, and is presented by Bulgari, sharing their commitment to arts and culture along with TIFF. This year, the Tribute Awards gala will support the Viola Desmond Cinema campaign, which was launched through the Every Story Fund in 2022. For more information, visit tiff.net/tribute.

Shawn Levy bio
Shawn Levy is the creator, director, and producer of some of the era’s most acclaimed film and television content, and is the founder of 21 Laps Entertainment. He produced the Academy Award®–nominated film Arrival, directed and produced the global hits Free Guy and The Adam Project, and launched multiple franchises including Cheaper By The Dozen, Night at the Museum, and Stranger Things, and in doing so changed the cultural zeitgeist. Upcoming, Levy is directing and producing Marvel’s Deadpool 3 and producing the Netflix limited series The Perfect Couple.

(Photo credit: Guy Aroch/Netflix)