The Toronto International Film FestivalⓇ announced today it will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Jonathan Demme’s Stop Making Sense with a special event screening on Monday, September 11, at Cineplex’s Scotiabank IMAX Theatre in Toronto. The special IMAX Live 40th anniversary event will include a screening of the film followed by a Q&A, which will be live-streamed from TIFF to select IMAX theatres around the world, and moderated by filmmaker Spike Lee with all four original band members in attendance: David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison.

Stop Making Sense, A24’s recently acquired, groundbreaking Talking Heads concert film, for which A24 has done a complete 4K restoration, will have its World Premiere at TIFF in a globally connected IMAX Live event. The film will have a full theatrical run following the special premiere event, releasing exclusively in IMAX on September 22 and in theatres everywhere on September 29.

“Some people say you’ll never find a better concert documentary than Stop Making Sense,” said TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey. “I’m one of those people. Talking Heads is at the top of their form. Working with Jonathan Demme, they build their performance scene by scene, song by song into a work of pure, cathartic power. Maybe you’ve seen it before. But you’ve never seen it in IMAX.”

This highly anticipated special event promises to transport audiences into the heart of music history, immersing them in the electrifying performance of the Talking Heads’ legendary 1984 concert film. Directed by the visionary Jonathan Demme and produced by Gary Goetzman (The Silence of the Lambs, Mamma Mia!, Band of Brothers), Stop Making Sense has left an indelible mark on the world of music and cinema, and its timeless allure continues to captivate new generations.

Tickets for the globally connected IMAX Live events around the world are available at tickets.stopmakingsense.movie and imax.com/stopmakingsense.

Today, Disney+ debuted the thrilling trailer and key art for “The Other Black Girl.” Adapted from the best-selling novel by Zakiya Dalila Harris, the Original limited series premieres September 13, 2023 only on Disney+ in Canada.

Nella, an editorial assistant, is tired of being the only Black girl at her company, so she’s excited when Hazel is hired. But as Hazel’s star begins to rise, Nella spirals and discovers something sinister is going on at the company.

The ten-episode series stars Sinclair Daniel, Ashleigh Murray, Brittany Adebumola, Hunter Parrish, Bellamy Young, Eric McCormack, and Garcelle Beauvais.

“The Other Black Girl” is executive produced by Rashida Jones, Adam Fishbach, Zakiya Dalila Harris, Jordan Reddout, Gus Hickey, Tara Duncan, and Temple Hill’s Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey. Jordan Reddout and Gus Hickey also serve as co-showrunners. “The Other Black Girl” is produced by Onyx Collective.

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

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

Prince Harry produces upcoming Documentary HEART OF INVICTUS, arriving August 30, 2023 on Netflix! Today we get a look at the Trailer!

Synopsis:
Archewell Productions, in partnership with the Invictus Games Foundation, introduces HEART OF INVICTUS. From the OscarⓇ-winning team of director Orlando von Einsiedel and producer Joanna Natasegara (THE WHITE HELMETS, VIRUNGA, EVELYN), the series follows a group of extraordinary competitors from around the globe, all service members who have experienced life-changing injuries or illnesses, on their road to the Invictus Games The Hague. The multi-episode series joins the competitors as they train, and along the way reveal powerful stories of resilience and hope. The series also follows the organizers as they work to prepare for the Games alongside each nation’s team, supporting the competitors as well as their friends and families.

Quote from Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, Executive Producer
“Our Invictus Games community represents some of the bravest and most dedicated individuals from 23 nations across the globe. Heart of Invictus is the incredible story of competitors brought together through service, who are now united through sport. While in various stages of recovery from both visible and invisible injuries, these competitors and their loved ones give a compelling look at their journey to the Invictus Games, in a way that commands admiration and respect.”

About Archewell Productions
Archewell Productions was created by Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to produce programming that informs, elevates, and inspires. Through its creative partnership with Netflix, Archewell Productions utilizes the power of storytelling to embrace shared humanity and a duty to truth through a compassionate lens.

About the Invictus Games Foundation
The Invictus Games Foundation charity supports the recovery and rehabilitation of international wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans through sport. It governs the delivery of the Invictus Games, runs an online community, as well as provides sport recovery and adventurous challenge opportunities beyond the Games across 23 nations. Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex is the founder of the Invictus Games and Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, created following the delivery of the inaugural 2014 event. The international adaptive sports competition has so far been delivered in London 2014, Orlando 2016, Toronto 2017, and Sydney 2018, and The Hague in 2022. The next Games will be held in Dusseldorf, Germany from September 9-16, 2023 and then Vancouver and Whistler, Canada in February 2025.

Through providing sport recovery opportunities and adventurous challenges, the Foundation’s work supports long-term improvements in physical and mental health, inspires and motivates wider society, and helps wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women re-engage with their families and communities. The online community is facilitated via We Are Invictus, a bespoke mobile app and platform built by and for the WIS community.

More available at: www.invictusgamesfoundation.org

About Orlando von Einsiedel (Grain Media) and Joanna Natasegara (Violet Films)
Orlando von Einsiedel is the Founder of Grain Media and twice OscarⓇ nominated, once winning Director.

Joanna Natasegara is the Founder of Violet Films and three times OscarⓇ nominated, once winning Producer.

Orlando and Joanna’s joint projects VIRUNGA (Netflix Original), THE WHITE HELMETS (Netflix Original) and EVELYN (Netflix Original / BBC Films / BFI) have all focused on stories about the strength of the human spirit, seeking connection in the extraordinary from everyday individuals and teams from around the world.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Michael Peña stars in A MILLION MILES AWAY, coming soon to Prime Video Canada on September 15, 2023. Here’s the new Trailer.

Synopsis:

Inspired by the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, A Million Miles Away follows him and his devoted family of proud migrant farm worker on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, to more than 200 miles above the Earth in the International Space Station. With the unwavering support of his hard-working parents, relatives, and teachers, José’s unrelenting drive & determination culminates in the opportunity to achieve his seemingly impossible goal. Acclaimed writer and director Alejandra Márquez Abella has created a dazzling tribute to the loyalty and tenacity of the entire Hernández family, as well as anyone who dares to dream.

Directed by Alejandra Márquez Abella

Screenplay by Bettina Gilois, Hernán Jiménez, Alejandra Márquez Abella

Produced by Mark Ciardi, Campbell McInnes

Starring Michael Peña, Rosa Salazar, Bobby Soto, Sarayu Blue, Veronica Falcón, Julio César Cedillo, Garret Dillahunt and Eric Johnson

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video Canada)

Celebrating 25 years of Canada’s Walk of Fame, five new esteemed Inductees will be added to the famous “walk” for the biggest celebration of Canadian excellence in the organization’s history, each a trailblazer in their respective fields, making a lasting imprint on Canada’s cultural fabric. Today’s announcement includes the co-founders of the iconic ROOTS CANADA celebrating 50 incredible years as a marquee Canadian brand, MICHAEL BUDMAN and DON GREEN (Entrepreneurship & Philanthropy), the multi-award-winning actress who broke barriers for Indigenous actors, TANTOO CARDINAL (Arts & Entertainment), global superstar AVRIL LAVIGNE (Arts & Entertainment), and philanthropic champion of Canadian culture, arts and music, GARY SLAIGHT (Arts & Entertainment).

“For 25 years, Canada’s Walk of Fame has celebrated more than 200 inductions, recognizing some of the most accomplished, influential, and inspiring trailblazers, record-breakers, change-makers, and superstars of the world – whom we are so fortunate and proud to call as Canadians,” said Jeffrey Latimer, CEO of Canada’s Walk of Fame.

These exceptional Canadians join previously announced 2023 Inductees, including a defender of human rights and social justice, Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella (Humanitarianism); the Canadian youth culture phenomenon Degrassi (Arts and Entertainment); Canada’s record-breaking NHL sensation Connor McDavid (Sports and Athletics); beloved television superstar and influential commentator Rick Mercer (Arts and Entertainment); and Canada’s pioneering neuroscientist and oldest living Inductee at 105, Dr. Brenda Milner (Science, Technology and Innovation).

In addition, Canada’s Walk of Fame will also welcome 13 of the country’s most influential rock music legends from the ‘70s and ‘80s to its ranks in a special additional induction event, Canada’s Rock of Fame, taking place on September 28th at Massey Hall. The Inductees are April Wine, Chilliwack, Glass Tiger, Lee Aaron, Lighthouse, Loverboy, Max Webster, Michel Pagliaro, Platinum Blonde, PRISM, Rough Trade, The Parachute Club, and Trooper. Presented alongside official partners Anthem Entertainment and Live Nation, Canada’s Rock of Fame is a once-in-a-lifetime event that will feature a night of tributes, live performances, special guests and a reunion of Canadian DJ legends.

Canada’s Rock of Fame is the first of two induction ceremonies in 2023 as part of the organization’s milestone year events. The annual star-studded Canada’s Walk of Fame 25th Anniversary Celebration at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre will take place on December 2, 2023, honouring this year’s Inductees. A special broadcast will air at a later date on CTV.

The final Inductees for 2023 will be announced in the coming months, along with this year’s Allan Slaight Music Impact and the Community and National Hero Honourees.

About the five newly announced Canada’s Walk of Fame 2023 Inductees:

Michael Budman & Don Green (Entrepreneurship & Philanthropy): From Canadian “Roots” to A Global Lifestyle Brand
Michael Budman and Don Green, co-founders of the globally successful premium outdoor lifestyle brand Roots Canada, shared summers attending camp in Algonquin Park. It was there that they developed their appreciation for nature and Canada, and where the idea of an outdoor footwear and apparel concept was born, uniting the best of the city and the cabin. With Michael and Don at the helm, Roots started its journey to become one of Canada’s most respected and loved brands. Roots is known for its high-quality products, world-class leather factory and retail shops, cultural relevance, and commitment to social responsibility. As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary on August 15, 2023, Roots is a Canadian success story that has grown to more than 120 stores across North America, 118 stores in Asia and an eCommerce platform that ships to more than 18 countries worldwide.

Tantoo Cardinal (Arts & Entertainment): An Icon of Canadian Film and Television
Tantoo Cardinal is a multi-award-winning actress of Indigenous descent who has appeared in more than 130 film, television and animation projects throughout her 50-year career and is still going. She recently made her 2023 Cannes premiere in Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by Martin Scorsese, and is considered one of the most recognizable Indigenous actresses in the world thanks to supporting roles in the Oscar-winning, Dances With Wolves, and Legends of the Fall with Anthony Hopkins and Brad Pitt. Her first starring role was in 2018’s Falls Around Her. She was a series regular on the ABC television series Stumptown and in her soon-to-air Marvel series, Echo. Tantoo received a Lifetime Achievement recognition from the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and the Governor General’s Award. She was named a member of the Order of Canada for her significant contribution to the growth and development of Indigenous performing arts and her advocacy for Indigenous people and the environment. Click HERE for Tantoo’s full bio.

Avril Lavigne (Arts & Entertainment): Global Superstar
Avril Lavigne has made history, smashed records, and consistently blazed a trail of her own as an uncompromising force in music and culture. Beyond selling 50 million albums worldwide with 12.5 million units sold in the U.S. alone, she has notched eight GRAMMY® Award nominations in categories such as “Best New Artist” and “Song of the Year” twice for “Complicated” and “I’m with You.” In addition, she has received eight JUNO Awards, including “Artist of the Year,” and multiple JUNO Fan Choice Award wins. Her catalogue comprises the septuple platinum Let Go [2002], triple-platinum Under My Skin [2004], double-platinum The Best Damn Thing [2007], gold-selling Goodbye Lullaby [2011], gold-selling Avril Lavigne [2013], and Head Above Water [2019] highlighted by definitive smashes such as “Complicated,” “Sk8er Boi,” “Girlfriend,” “Here’s To Never Growing Up,” and “Head Above Water.” As such, she remains “one of the Soundscan-era’s top-selling artists releasing albums in the U.S.,” and “the third bestselling Canadian female artist of all time.”

Gary Slaight (Arts & Entertainment): Visionary Philanthropist and Broadcast Industry Leader
Gary Slaight, the President and CEO of Slaight Communications Inc., Slaight Music, and The Slaight Family Foundation, has dedicated his career to promoting and nurturing Canadian culture. He started working in the music industry in promotion roles and eventually became the CEO of Standard Broadcasting, founded by his late father and 2020 Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductee, Allan Slaight. Gary transformed the company into a leading force in Canadian broadcast radio. Committed to making a difference, Gary continues the family’s philanthropic legacy through his leadership of The Slaight Family Foundation, established in 2008, which supports various causes, including healthcare, social services, arts and culture and at-risk children and youth. Through the Foundation’s innovative approach to philanthropy, $195M has supported nine unique initiatives including health care, Canadian children and youth, Indigenous youth, seniors, human rights of women and girls, international NGOs, mental health, food security and support to help Toronto’s theatre industry recover from the pandemic. Gary’s passion for music and philanthropy is further evident through Slaight Music which was established to develop programs supporting emerging Canadian Music artists.

For more information on Canada’s Walk of Fame, visit www.canadaswalkoffame.com.

Prime Video Original documentary based on the life and career of legendary Canadian children’s entertainer Ernie Coombs—or, as he is more commonly known by millions of fans, Mr. Dressup. The documentary celebrates the origins and history of one of Canada’s most beloved CBC children shows, Mr. Dressup, which enriched the lives of five generations.

The feature-length documentary celebrates the origins and history of Canada’s favourite children’s show, Mr. Dressup, which built a legacy of kindness, patience, inclusiveness, and creativity in 4,000 episodes across 29 years on CBC in Canada.

The documentary will combine never-before-seen archival footage, interviews with series puppeteers, the Coombs family, and other notable Canadians, all sharing the impact the series had on them. The project also includes fascinating insights into Coombs and how he worked with other key creators and partners, including his friendship with Fred Rogers.

The feature length documentary will launch exclusively on Prime Video in 240 countries and territories worldwide following its festival run. Dates will be announced shortly.

TIFF ’23 screening times:

1st Public *World Premiere* – Saturday, September 9, 2023 – 9:00 PM ET – TIFF Bell Lightbox Cinema 1

2nd Public – September 10, 2023 – 8:45 PM ET – Scotiabank 3

3rd Public –  September 15, 2023 – 11:40 AM ET – Scotiabank 14

By Mr. Will Wong

We’re unsure how it’s possible, but the second season of THE BEAR manages to outshine its previous season. We pick-up here with the closure of Carmy’s (Jeremy Allen White) family eatery THE BEEF, closing a chapter in his life, moving-on to open a new restaraunt a little closer to his Michelin-star past, THE BEAR. Relying on a skeptical Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt) for a loan, Carmy and Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) promise an incredibly-ambitious turnaround time to get this restaurant off the ground. A lot is at stake and this is all or nothing.

While we were just getting to know many of the Series’ central characters in its first season, this follow-up gives us a chance to really get to know them as their storylines are given the room to grow, and along their journeys, we meet several interesting new characters.

Carmy reunites with and old friend Claire (Molly Gordon) and their chemistry is off the charts without saying much at all. Much of the focus of their conversation is the subtext beneath their playful banter. We meet Carmy and sister Natalie‘s (Abby Elliott) mom, played by the incomparable Jamie Lee Curtis in a scene-stealing performance as the erratic Donna. Just wait till you see that Christmas episode. Adding further to the Series’ starpower is Bob Odenkirk as Uncle Lee, appearing in a flashback. Sydney is on a mission with Carmy to help perfect this new restaurant’s menu, driven for it to be a success and to prove herself. And one of the biggest surprises of all is celebrity chef Matty Matheson as Neil, hired to help construct this new restaurant, proving he is a man of many talents. Marcus (Lionel Boyce) also heads off to Copenhagen, working with his mentor, a pasty chef named Luca (Will Poulter). And this experience will prove to be an important part of this new restaurant’s story as we end the season with its launch.

Though THE BEAR is set in the world of food, at its very core is the aftermath of grief and the unspoken. We are drawn to this world and its characters who thrive off the rush and anxiety of making it happen, and we are addicted to that thrill. That and some sublime work once again by White, who has cemented his place among the very top of his generation of Actors.

All ten episodes of THE BEAR Season Two are available on Disney+ Canada.

SCOUTS HONOR is a Documentary shedding some light on an important investigation against the Boy Scouts of America. It arrives September 6, 2023 on Netflix.

Logline:

Through exclusive interviews with whistleblowers, survivors, and former employees, this investigative documentary exposes how the Boy Scouts of America attempted to cover up one of history’s most horrific child sexual abuse scandals.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

The Toronto International Film Festival® Primetime programme has been revealed for 2023, with nine compelling and thought-provoking series from around the world, including eight World Premieres.

“This year’s Primetime programme is bigger than ever and gives audiences the exclusive and unmatched opportunity to celebrate the best new international series together, in cinema, on the big screen,” said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. “TIFF audiences will be the first to see the Prime Video series Expats — Lulu Wang’s highly anticipated follow-up to The Farewell, starring Nicole Kidman, Sarayu Blue, and Ji-young Yoo, a Pulitzer Prize–winning adaptation from Shawn Levy and Steven Knight, a high-octane Korean thriller, a brand new vision from the creator of Euphoria, an atypical love story between Domhnall Gleeson and Andrea Riseborough, a contemporary Scandinavian tragedy, and three powerful Canadian series, all spotlighting underrepresented voices from an exciting new wave of storytellers.”

PRIMETIME PROGRAMME

TIFF’s 2023 Primetime programme features compelling series from Canada and around the world.

Alice & Jack Victor Levin, Juho Kuosmanen, Hong Khaou | United Kingdom
World Premiere
North American Sales Title

All the Light We Cannot See Shawn Levy, Steven Knight | USA
World Premiere

Bad Boy Hagar Ben-Asher, Ron Leshem, Daniel Chen, Roee Florentin, Moshe Malka, Amit Cohen, Daniel Amsel | Israel
World Premiere
North American Sales Title

Bargain Byun Seung-min, Jeon Woo-sung | South Korea
North American Premiere

Black Life: Untold Stories Leslie Norville | Canada
World Premiere

Bria Mack Gets A Life Sasha Leigh Henry | Canada
World Premiere

Estonia Miikko Oikkonen | Finland/Sweden/Belgium/Estonia
World Premiere
North American Sales Title

Expats Lulu Wang | USA
World Premiere

Telling Our Story Kim O’Bomsawin | Canada
World Premiere – English Language Version

The monster that is BARBIE continues to dominate in its fourth week, taking $30 million from 4,178 theatres for Warner Bros. To date it has grossed $522 million domestically and $1.13 billion globally, proudly displaying its accomplishment as the highest ever grossing film by a female Filmmaker. Way to go, Greta Gerwig!

Second goes to OPPENHEIMER with $16.8 million from 3,761 theatres for Universal Pictures, taking it to $262.2 million.

Third is TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM, with $14.1 million from 3,950 theatres for Paramount Pictures, a total $71.2 million grossed in North America.

THE MEG 2 is fourth with $12 million from 3,604 theatres, a total $53.5 million for Warner Bros. over two weekends.

THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER debuts in fifth with $6.5 million from 2,715 theatres for Universal Pictures, getting 45% on the Tomatometer.