Warner Bros. Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of BLUE BEETLE!

Screenings take place as follows:

SYNOPSIS:

From Warner Bros. Pictures comes the feature film “Blue Beetle,” marking the DC Super Hero’s first time on the big screen. The film, directed by Angel Manuel Soto, stars Xolo Maridueña in the title role as well as his alter ego, Jaime Reyes.

Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab. When the Scarab suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the Super Hero BLUE BEETLE.

Starring alongside Maridueña (“Cobra Kai”) are Adriana Barraza (“Rambo: Last Blood,” “Thor”), Damían Alcázar (“Narcos,” “Narcos: Mexico”), Elpidia Carrillo (“Mayans M.C.,” the “Predator” films), Bruna Marquezine (“Maldivas,” “God Save the King”), Raoul Max Trujillo (the “Sicario” films, “Mayans M.C.”), with Oscar winner Susan Sarandon (“Monarch,” “Dead Man Walking”), and George Lopez (the “Rio and “Smurf” franchises). The film also stars Belissa Escobedo (“American Horror Stories,” “Hocus Pocus 2”) and Harvey Guillén (“What We Do in the Shadows”).

Soto (“Charm City Kings,” “The Farm”) directs from a screenplay by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer (“Miss Bala”), based on characters from DC. John Rickard and Zev Foreman are producing, with Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman and Garrett Grant serving as executive producers.

The director’s creative team behind the scenes includes director of photography Pawel Pogorzelski (“Midsommar,” “Hereditary”), production designer John Billington (“Bad Boys for Life”), editor Craig Alpert (“Deadpool 2,” “The Lost City”), Oscar-nominated costume designer Mayes C. Rubeo (“Jojo Rabbit,” the “Thor” films), visual effects supervisor Kelvin McIlwain (“The Suicide Squad,” “Aquaman”) and composer Bobby Krlic (“Midsommar,” the “Snowpiercer” series).

A Warner Bros. Pictures Presentation, a Safran Company Production, “Blue Beetle” soars into theatres only internationally beginning August 2023 and in North America August 18, 2023. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. In the comments there, indicate for us your City. Re-Tweet the below for an extra chance. And guess what? We’re now on Threads! You can enter there too! Be sure to follow!

BLUE BEETLE is in theatres August 18, 2023.

Rules and regulations here.

Director Ángel Manuel Soto was just here. More on that here!

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

Gal Gadot stars in Tom Harper‘s upcoming Netflix feature, HEART OF STONE, out now on Netflix.

SYNOPSIS:

Rachel Stone (Gal Gadot) appears to be an inexperienced tech, on an elite MI6 unit headed up by lead agent Parker (Jamie Dornan). What her MI6 team doesn’t know is that Stone actually works for the Charter — a covert peacekeeping organization, secret even from other spies, which uses cutting-edge technology to neutralize global threats. Rachel has been trained to be the consummate professional: a phenomenal field agent who sticks to the mission, follows the numbers, and trusts no one. When a routine mission is derailed by mysterious hacker Keya Dhawan (Alia Bhatt), Rachel’s two lives collide. As she races to protect the Charter and strives to beat the odds, her humanity might just be her biggest asset.

DIRECTOR: Tom Harper
WRITERS: Greg Rucka and Allison Schroeder
PRODUCERS: Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger, along with Mockingbird’s Bonnie Curtis and Julie Lynn, and Pilot Wave’s Gal Gadot and Jaron Varsano
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Patty Whitcher, Tom Harper, Greg Rucka
CAST: Gal Gadot, Jamie Dornan, Alia Bhatt, Sophie Okonedo, Matthias Schweighöfer, Jing Lusi, Paul Ready

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

TIFF proudly announces the In Conversation With… (ICW) series at this year’s Festival, featuring talented and acclaimed artists in the world of cinema including Pedro Almodóvar, Lee Byung-hun and Park Seo-jun, and Andy Lau. An integral part of our year-round programming, this series connects audiences and film enthusiasts with artists through intimate, moderated discussions about their creative process and experiences. TIFF’s 2023 In Conversation With… is presented by Visa.

“TIFF’s 2023 In Conversation With… series exemplifies our belief that film can ignite perspectives and fuel transformation,” said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. “We are delighted to welcome a powerhouse lineup of international iconoclasts from Spain, South Korea, and Hong Kong for film lovers of all genres.”

The 2023 lineup is a global and diverse gathering, weaving together unique perspectives that contribute to shaping the worldwide entertainment landscape. The myriad voices represented in these discussions not only celebrate the richness of human experience but also illuminate compelling emotional narratives and ideas that resonate deeply with audiences from all walks of life.

Pedro Almodóvar

A giant of contemporary cinema and the recipient of this year’s Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media at the TIFF Tribute Awards, Pedro Almodóvar has delighted audiences with films that are vivid, urgent, and human. At this year’s Festival, the iconic Academy Award–winning writer-director of All About My Mother (1999), Talk to Her (2002), and Pain and Glory (2019) presents the North American premiere of his highly anticipated short film Strange Way of Life, a thoughtful meditation on the relationship between a sheriff (Ethan Hawke) and a rancher (Pedro Pascal) and their shared past. Presented by Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello and produced by Almodóvar’s production company El Deseo, Strange Way of Life is as stylish and layered as his award-winning feature films, and just as provocative. By interrogating and subverting the western, one of cinema’s foundational genres, Almodóvar has crafted yet another standout entry in the ever-evolving canon of queer cinema. Following a screening of the film, Almodóvar will join us for an extended onstage conversation about his desire to bring this singular project to the big screen, and how it fits within his vibrant oeuvre.

Lee Byung-hun and Park Seo-jun

As we showcase a remarkable selection of Korean films at this year’s Festival, we are proud to present an exclusive conversation with Korean superstars Lee Byung-hun and Park Seo-jun, who star in the disaster epic Concrete Utopia. Both Lee and Park began their careers in Korean television, with Lee appearing in such popular K-drama series as Tomorrow Love (1992–1994) and Beautiful My Lady (1997) before starring in Park Chan-wook’s international art-house hit Joint Security Area (2000) and Kim Jee-woon’s back-to-back megahits A Bittersweet Life (2005) and The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008). An agile performer who is equally at home in dramatic, comedic, and action roles, Lee has firmly established himself as a global sensation, who effortlessly alternates between Hollywood films such as G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) and The Magnificent Seven (2016), Korean blockbusters like I Saw the Devil (2010) and Inside Men (2015), and hit television series including Mr. Sunshine (2018) and Squid Game (2021). Displaying a similarly impressive dramatic and comedic range as a performer, Park Seo-jun starred in several wildly popular K-dramas and sitcoms, including Fight for My Way (2017) and What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018), and ran away with one of the lead roles in the action-comedy hit Midnight Runners (2017). Park has continued to balance his work between television and film, exemplified by his lead role in the Netflix breakout hit Itaewon Class (2020) and his memorable supporting role as Min-hyuk, who triggers the plot in Bong Joon-Ho’s Academy Award–winning class satire Parasite (2019). Before audiences around the world will see him in the highly anticipated The Marvels later this year, Park joins Lee to discuss their respective careers and their collaboration on Concrete Utopia.

Andy Lau

The star of Ning Hao’s The Movie Emperor, Andy Lau has been a leading figure in Asian cinema for the past four decades. Like many of his contemporaries, Lau started out in the early 1980s as an actor for Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), Hong Kong’s premier television network. He landed his first feature film role in Ann Hui’s Boat People (1982), a central work of the Hong Kong New Wave. In the late 1980s, Lau fully transitioned to working in film and enthralled audiences and critics alike in Wong Kar Wai’s As Tears Go By (1988) and Days of Being Wild (1990). Lau launched his own production company in the early 1990s and has starred in over 160 feature films, including Johnnie To’s relentless police thriller Running Out of Time (1999), Andrew Lau and Alan Mak’s twisty and unpredictable Infernal Affairs (2002) and Infernal Affairs III (2003), Zhang Yimou’s martial arts extravaganza House of Flying Daggers (2004), Tsui Hark’s delirious fantasy whodunit Detective Dee: The Mystery of the Phantom Flame (2010), Hui’s grounded drama A Simple Life (2011), and Frant Gwo’s mega-action blockbuster The Wandering Earth 2 (2023). A natural entertainer and multi-faceted artist, Lau has won three Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Actor, received the Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award at the 2006 Busan International Film Festival, and holds the Guinness World Record for “Most Awards Won by a Cantopop Male Artist.” He joins us for an in-depth conversation about his storied career as an actor, producer, and celebrated Cantopop singer-songwriter, as well as his new film The Movie Emperor, which is a Gala Presentation at this year’s Festival.

Once again, TIFF will be offering TIFF Under-25 Members and TIFF Under-25 Free Pass holders the opportunity to take advantage of the Under-25 Festival Rush Pass. Beginning August 25, for just $29.00 (taxes and fees included), Under-25 Festival Rush Pass holders will get unlimited access to Rush tickets for Festival screenings by joining the Rush lines at all TIFF venues for their chance to see this year’s most in-demand screenings, including In Conversation With… events.

The Under-25 Festival Rush Pass is non-transferable and only available to Under-25 Free Pass holders or TIFF Members under 25 years of age. For more information on how to become an Under-25 Free Pass holder and to purchase the Under-25 Festival Rush Pass, please visit tiff.net/under25.

On Monday, August 21, starting at 10am, Visa Infinite cardholders will be given early access to secure tickets to TIFF 2023. For more information visit tiff.net.

The blue carpet was rolled out at Toronto’s Scotiabank Theatre last night for a very special reason. While we are seeing the impact of the SAG-AFTRA Strike in terms of talent coming into the City, fortunately we still are able to have Filmmakers visit to promote their releases.

BLUE BEETLE marks the first time that this titular DC Superhero appears on-screen and he will do so in a big way later this month, when the Blockbuster hits theatres. The Film sees college graduate Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) return home, only to find an ancient relic, which in turns provides him a very powerful armour that changes his life forever.

Puerto Rican-American Filmmaker Ángel Manuel Soto made his Toronto debut last night at a special Fan Screening of his film. The event saw fans come out in Cosplay, while also getting the opportunity to have their faces and get tattoos airbrushed in celebration of the Film. Soto came to the affair fresh off a flight amidst a busy promotional tour, speaking to select Canadian Media on his experience directing what is the biggest assignment yet of his career.

Some Snaps:

A Reel of Highlights:

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release BLUE BEETLE August 18, 2023.

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

The Toronto International Film Festival® is delighted to announce today the 2023 selection for the Wavelengths and Classics programmes. The 2023 Wavelengths lineup is politically charged, geographically diverse, and formally thrilling, with a wide range of work drawn from the worlds of documentary, contemporary art, and international art-house cinema. Expanded in scale from previous editions, this year’s Wavelengths boasts 12 feature films and 19 shorts, as well as a suite of four restored early films by the singular Chantal Akerman.

“Wavelengths is a testament to the range of cinema celebrated at TIFF,” stated Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “It is also evidence that artist-driven experimental films are thriving and growing a new generation of cinephiles.”

“The increasing necessity to support artists willing to take risks, break rules, and challenge the status quo — especially in our over-saturated media landscape — bears repeating,” said Andréa Picard, Senior Curator, TIFF. “Wavelengths continues to be a celebration of subversion, personal expression, and the vast, inexhaustible capabilities of cinema to enlighten, inspire, awe, resist, disrupt, and propose new ways of seeing and being in the world. With this lineup, we hope to demonstrate how Michael Snow’s legacy of mischief making and formal acumen clearly lives on.”

Highlights of the programme include the World Premiere of He Thought He Died, from Canadian artist and filmmaker Isiah Medina, who returns to the Festival with an experimental, deconstructed take on the heist film. Also returning is luminary filmmaker Angela Schanelec with Music, a retelling of the Oedipus myth set between contemporary Greece and Germany; and Denis Côté with Mademoiselle Kenopsia, the latest in the filmmaker’s rich creative collaboration with the talented actor Larissa Corriveau.

Wavelengths also welcomes a number of fiction debuts, including Rosine Mbakam’s Mambar Pierrette, an understated and finely calibrated portrait of a Cameroonian seamstress that builds upon the filmmaker’s formidable documentary background. Also featured is Phạm Thiên n’s contemplative Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell, winner of the Caméra d’Or at this year’s Cannes.

Non-fiction remains an important mode of artistic expression, with works ranging from Youth (Spring), the latest triumph from master filmmaker Wang Bing, shot over several years in a Zhili textile factory, to personal essay films from Miko Revereza (Nowhere Near) and Brazilian auteur Kleber Mendonça Filho (Pictures of Ghosts), as well as Paul B. Preciado’s award-winning Orlando, My Political Biography, a rousing, playful take on Virginia Woolf’s classic novel and a daring, joyous celebration of trans life, past and present.

Filmmakers remain ever eager to scrutinize and challenge the current state of our world, as seen in Radu Jude’s scathing and hilarious satire, Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World, and Eduardo Williams’ much-anticipated The Human Surge 3, a dizzying deconstruction of borders, gender, and language shot between Peru, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan using 360° cameras.

Short film highlights include World Premieres from filmmakers Jorge Jácome, Philipp Fleischmann, Joshua Gen Solondz, Steve Reinke, Shambhavi Kaul, Simon Liu, Tomonari Nishikawa, and Erica Sheu, as well as notable new work from Rose Lowder, Maryam Tafakory, Ja’Tovia Gary, Viktoria Schmid, Blake Williams, Pedro Costa, and Jean-Luc Godard.

Wavelengths is curated by Senior TIFF curator Andréa Picard and Jesse Cumming, who this year is taking on the new role of Associate Curator. The programme also includes feature film contributions from members of TIFF’s international programming team — namely Giovanna Fulvi, June Kim, Dorota Lech, Jason Anderson, and Norm Wilner.

The Wavelengths programme is named after Michael Snow’s iconic 1967 film Wavelength, and draws continued inspiration from the artist’s boundless exploration, experimentation, and innovation across media. TIFF honoured and celebrated Snow earlier this year at TIFF Bell Lightbox, after his passing in January at the age of 94, and the 2023 Wavelengths programme is dedicated to his memory.

This year’s concise Classics lineup, supported by Ontario Creates and Canada Council for the Arts, presents films that were previously unavailable for decades, films that have been rescued and painstakingly pieced together in new restorations, and a 50th anniversary tribute to Djibril Diop Mambéty’s Touki Bouki.

Films featured in the Classics lineup include the 4K uncut restoration of Chen Kaige’s provocative 1993 Palme d’Or winner Farewell My Concubine. This screening will be the first opportunity for North American audiences to see the film ahead of its North American theatrical release. With new 4K restoration and remastered sound,* Canadian producer-director Brigitte Berman’s Oscar-winning feature documentary Artie Shaw: Time Is All You’ve Got (1985) — portraying the life of the restless and gifted clarinettist and bandleader — returns to the screen in a World Premiere presentation. Confined to decades of oblivion and newly made available is Jacques Rivette’s legendary New Wave film, L’amour fou (1969), whose original celluloid elements were damaged in a fire. A special 50th anniversary screening of Touki Bouki (1973), from Sengalese luminary Djibril Diop Mambéty, will include a panel discussion moderated by Tambay A. Obenson, Akoroko Founder and CEO, with special guests. Rounding out the programme is Ousmane Sembène’s Xala (1975), presented in 4K, a landmark satire of patriarchy and class in post-independence Senegal. Classics is curated by Robyn Citizen, Director of Programming and Platform Lead, with contributions from Andréa Picard.

2023 Wavelengths programme:

WAVELENGTHS FEATURES

Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World Radu Jude | Romania/Luxembourg/France/Croatia
North American Premiere

Here Bas Devos | Belgium
North American Premiere

The Human Surge 3 Eduardo Williams | Argentina/Portugal/Brazil/Netherlands/Taiwan/Hong Kong/Sri Lanka/Peru
North American Premiere

Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell Phạm Thiên n | Vietnam/Singapore/France/Spain
North American Premiere

Mademoiselle Kenopsia Denis Côté | Canada
North American Premiere

Mambar Pierrette Rosine Mbakam | Belgium/Cameroon
North American Premiere

Music Angela Schanelec | Germany/France/Serbia
North American Premiere
Luminaries

Nowhere Near Miko Revereza | Philippines
North American Premiere

Orlando, My Political Biography Paul B. Preciado | France
Canadian Premiere

Pictures of Ghosts Kleber Mendonça Filho | Brazil
North American Premiere

Youth (Spring) Wang Bing | France/Luxembourg/Netherlands
North American Premiere
Luminaries

WAVELENGTHS PAIRINGS

He Thought He Died Isiah Medina | Canada
World Premiere
preceded by
Laberint Sequences Blake Williams | Canada
North American Premiere

WAVELENGTHS SHORTS

Wavelengths 1: Quiet as It’s Kept

Borrowing its title from Ja’Tovia Gary’s latest film, this programme invites and encourages alternate modes of seeing ― through queer abstraction, repurposed fragments, and imagined memories ― as well as new forms of listening: to others, to ourselves, and to the natural world.

Bouquets 31-40 Rose Lowder | France
Canadian Premiere

Film Sculpture (1) Philipp Fleischmann | Austria
World Premiere

Film Sculpture (2) Philipp Fleischmann | Austria
World Premiere

Film Sculpture (4) Philipp Fleischmann | Austria
World Premiere

Film Sculpture (3) Philipp Fleischmann | Austria
World Premiere

It follows It passes on Erica Sheu | Taiwan/USA
World Premiere

Mast-del Maryam Tafakory | United Kingdom/Iran
North American Premiere

Shrooms Jorge Jácome | Portugal
World Premiere

Quiet as It’s Kept Ja’Tovia Gary | USA
International Premiere

Wavelengths 2: Sundown

With sensory delights, overloads, and mysteries, this programme probes the hallucinatory underpinnings of the world around us and its layered, incongruous temporalities.

Let’s Talk Simon Liu | Hong Kong
World Premiere

Light, Noise, Smoke, and Light, Noise, Smoke Tomonari Nishikawa | Japan
World Premiere

NYC RGB Viktoria Schmid | Austria/USA
Canadian Premiere

Slow Shift Shambhavi Kaul | India/USA
World Premiere

Sundown Steve Reinke | USA/Canada/Austria
World Premiere

We Don’t Talk Like We Used To Joshua Gen Solondz | USA/Japan/Hong Kong
World Premiere

Wavelengths 3: Outlines – Akerman/Costa/Godard

Bookended by a recently discovered and restored suite of Chantal Akerman’s first cinema forays and the legendary Jean-Luc Godard’s final testament, alongside the latest mesmerizing film by Pedro Costa, this special programme pays tribute to a trio of iconic artists and their intoxicating, enticing approach to sketches and outlines as a means of expression.

Chantal Akerman: Her First Look Behind the Camera Chantal Akerman | Belgium
North American Premiere

The Daughters of Fire Pedro Costa | Portugal
North American Premiere

Trailer of the Film That Will Never Exist: Phony Wars Jean-Luc Godard | France/Switzerland
North American Premiere

2023 Classics programme:

TIFF Classics is a cinematic legacy celebrating luminary auteurs, filmmakers, and cinematographers for the novice filmgoer and cinephiles alike.

Artie Shaw: Time Is All You’ve Got Brigitte Berman | Canada

Farewell My Concubine Chen Kaige | China/Hong Kong

L’amour fou Jacques Rivette | France

Touki Bouki Djibril Diop Mambéty | Senegal

Xala Ousmane Sembène | Senegal

*The restoration of Artie Shaw: Time Is All You’ve Got was overseen by Berman with the generous financial support of Donald Hicks, and made possible through Canadian Cinema – Reignited, a Telefilm Canada initiative, in partnership with TIFF. It will enter the TIFF Film and Reference Library archive, making it available for generations to come. The Telefilm Canada initiative was developed to reinforce the importance of Canadian films in cinemas, festivals, and on digital platforms, and to support the curation, digitization, and preservation of influential Canadian feature films.

The trailer, poster and stills for 20th Century Studios’ hilarious sequel “Vacation Friends 2” are now available. The film reunites “Vacation Friends” writer-director Clay Tarver and stars John Cena, Lil Rel Howery, Yvonne Orji and Meredith Hagner with new co-stars Carlos Santos, Ronny Chieng, Jamie Hector and Steve Buscemi. Produced by Todd Garner and Stuart Besser, “Vacation Friends 2” debuts August 25, 2023 exclusively as an Original on Disney+ in Canada.

Picking up a few months after the end of “Vacation Friends,” this uproarious sequel finds newly married couple Marcus (Howery) and Emily (Orji) inviting their uninhibited besties Ron (Cena) and Kyla (Hagner), who are also newly married and have a baby, to join them for a vacation when Marcus lands an all-expenses-paid trip to a Caribbean resort. His reason for traveling there in the first place is to meet with the owners of the resort to bid on a construction contract for a hotel they own in Chicago. But when Kyla’s incarcerated father Reese (Buscemi) is released from San Quentin and shows up at the resort unannounced at the worst possible moment, things get out of control, upending Marcus’ best laid plans and turning the vacation friends’ perfect trip into total chaos.

rock-it promotions, an award-winning Canadian public relations agency, recently announced a group of new client wins including the city’s latest restaurant venture Bar Prima, Mindful Collective Co., Arcadia Earth Toronto, Truffle Kings, CoComelon Party Time and 1MX, the global Asian music festival coming to Toronto in September. Following previously successful terms, the agency has renewed contracts with illumi, Atelier Munro, Chotto Matte Toronto, and Sun Bum. Paradise Theatre, which was unable to fully launch due to COVID-19, has returned to launch the entire complex and Mary Brown’s Chicken also returns, bringing their recently acquired restaurant property, Fat Bastard Burrito, to join rock-it’s roster.

Bar Prima, the newest restaurant venture by the powerhouse duo chef Craig Harding and chef Julian D’ippolito known for Toronto gems La Palma and Constantine, joins the agency for their official launch. Scheduled to open its doors in the Queen West neighborhood this fall, Bar Prima is set to become an instant classic with elevated Italian cuisine and a luxurious atmosphere that will evoke a sense of timelessness and nostalgia. rock-it will manage all publicity leading up to the launch as well as event management for the grand opening party.

“We are thrilled to introduce Bar Prima to Toronto and can’t wait for the city to experience our latest creation,” says chef Craig Harding, Culinary Director of La Palma and Founder of Constantine. “rock-it promotions has a long history of incredible restaurant launches in the city so we’re excited to make some magic with them for the grand opening this fall!”

Mindful Collective Co., parent company to sister brands B Yoga and Halfmoon, has selected rock-it to lead its Canadian PR efforts as both brands undergo some exciting changes in 2023. B Yoga, founded by Andrea McKay and known for their elevated fitness and yoga essentials, continue to move the needle with products that are both innovative and high performing. Created over 30 years ago, Halfmoon is rooted in their legacy of creating yoga and meditation goods that are beautifully designed to hold and comfort people on their mindfulness journeys. The brands have tasked the agency with upcoming announcements and increasing overall awareness of their products and presence in the Canadian market. rock-it will handle all communications efforts including strategic direction, partnerships, media and influencer activations as well as day-to-day media outreach.

This fall, rock-it will support the launch of Toronto’s newest immersive experience, Arcadia Earth, which is set to bring their unique journey to the highly anticipated mixed-use development The Well, in the heart of the city. The exhibit will feature a unique combination of art installations, augmented reality, VR and projection mapping, scent technology and robots to address the most pressing environmental issues of our time. rock-it will manage all media relations leading up to and following the grand opening, along with strategic planning for paid media buys, influencer relations and event support.

CoComelon Party Time, a hugely successful interactive experience for children based on the hit TV show, will make its Canadian debut on July 20 at Toronto’s Arcadian Court. The agency has been selected to work with CoComelon Party Time, spearheading the overall brand communications including events, local activations, brand partnerships, influencer engagement and national media relations.

Recently, rock-it supported the world debut of Truffle Kings, an online wholesale market for chefs, specializing in weekly fresh truffle supply, truffle-infused products and other fine foods. The agency led the national communications efforts around the launch, which culminated with a dreamy VIP brunch and preview at the Hazelton Hotel integrating the line of products into world-class dishes prepared by Executive Chef Darby Piquette.

International traveling music festival 1MX makes its Canadian debut this year in Toronto at Budweiser Stage on Sunday, September 10. The festival shines a light on the music that defines Asian youth culture and will feature Dabin, UMI, Ben&Ben, thuy, Guapdad 4000, BGYO, Justin Park, DJ Tilt, DJ Jayemkayem and DJ Hedspin. Event producers MYX Global and ABS-CBN have tasked rock-it with ideating and executing the PR strategy, which will involve promotional media and influencer relations and the on-site experience for accredited guests.

Continuing with the agency are Paradise Theatre, illumi, Atelier Munro, Chotto Matte Toronto, Sun Bum and Mary Brown’s Chicken (including sister brand Fat Bastard Burrito). Additional current clients on rock-it’s roster include RBC and Peloton.

Paradise Theatre returns to rock-it, who launched the venue back in 2019, before having to intermittently shut its doors repeatedly due to COVID-19. The two are joining forces once again to reintroduce the entire Paradise Theatre complex to the city, which is now fully open and includes Osteria Rialto, Café Paradise, Bar Biltmore and Blue Door Wine Shop and the heritage venue Paradise Theatre.

illumi – A Dazzling World of Lights, originally launched in Toronto in Fall 2022, continues to spread its magic all summer long by popular demand until September 3, having captivated more than 300,000 guests so far with a nocturnal journey created with 20 million lights in 14 stunning universes. rock-it will support all communications efforts including media and influencer relations as well as event support for the largest lights, sound and multimedia show in the world.

Following the launch of their Canadian flagship location in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood, Atelier Munro will continue its expansion across the country, starting with a new store set to launch in Calgary in fall 2023. rock-it has been tasked with supporting national media relations including strategic event support, amplifying the brands existing retail locations as well as the launch of new flagship stores and pop-up activations.

Chotto Matte Toronto has extended its contract for the fifth consecutive year, entrusting the agency to continue amplifying the restaurant’s position as one of the top destinations for Nikkei cuisine in the heart of downtown. rock-it will maintain all day-to-day media relations efforts, strategic partnerships, event support and influencer relations.

International sun care and beauty brand, Sun Bum, has also committed to another year with the agency following two successful years of representation. rock-it will continue to create awareness for Sun Bum’s products in the Canadian market, maintaining all communications efforts, supporting with media and influencer events and managing partnership opportunities.

Mary Brown’s Chicken has renewed its annual retainer with the firm and expanded its mandate to include sister brand Fat Bastard Burrito. As Agency of Record, rock-it manages publicity around all store openings across Canada, product launches, Mary Brown’s five-year partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays and both brands’ extensive CSR work, amongst other initiatives. The agency has also been handling media relations for Mary Brown’s inaugural Tasty Mix – an initiative that supports emerging Canadian DJs through exposure and mentorship.

“We are incredibly energized as we celebrate some really exciting wins,” says Debra Goldblatt-Sadowski, CEO and Founder of rock-it promotions. “We’re so happy to continue working with brands that we feel passionate and confident about. It’s a very fulfilling time for our team.”

Mike Flanagan returns with THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER on Netflix October 12, 2023.

About The Fall of the House of Usher:
From Mike Flanagan, the creator of The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, a wicked horror series based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe. Ruthless siblings Roderick and Madeline Usher have built Fortunato Pharmaceuticals into an empire of wealth, privilege and power. But past secrets come to light when the heirs to the Usher dynasty start dying at the hands of a mysterious woman from their youth.

Series Credits:
Series Launch Date: Thursday, October 12
Format: Limited series; 8 episodes
Creator: Mike Flanagan
Directors: Mike Flanagan and Michael Fimognari will each direct four episodes
Executive Producers: Trevor Macy and Flanagan of Intrepid Pictures; Emmy Grinwis and Michael Fimognari
Cast: Bruce Greenwood, Carla Gugino, Mary McDonnell, Carl Lumbly, Mark Hamill, Michael Trucco, T’Nia Miller, Paola Nuñez, Henry Thomas, Kyleigh Curran, Samantha Sloyan, Rahul Kohli, Kate Siegel, Sauriyan Sapkota, Zach Gilford, Willa Fitzgerald, Katie Parker, Malcolm Goodwin, Crystal Balint, Aya Furukawa, Daniel Jun, Matt Biedel, Ruth Codd, Annabeth Gish, Igby Rigney and Robert Longstree

(Photo credit: Netflix)

Filmed right here in Toronto, we finally get a glimpse of Adam Sandler-produced YOU ARE SO NOT INVITED TO MY BAT MITZVAH!

SYNOPSIS:

Lifelong best friends Stacy (Sunny Sandler) and Lydia (Samantha Lorraine) have long dreamt of epic bat mitzvahs but when popular boy Andy Goldfarb (Dylan Hoffman) and Hebrew school drama come between them, their perfect plans go comically awry. Directed by Sammi Cohen, produced by Happy Madison and Alloy Entertainment, and also starring Idina Menzel, Sadie Sandler, Sarah Sherman, Luis Guzmán, and Jackie & Adam Sandler, You are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah chronicles the high comedy and modern teen angst that comes with family, friendship, and first crushes.

DIRECTOR: Sammi Cohen
SCREENPLAY BY: Alison Peck
BASED ON THE BOOK BY: Fiona Rosenbloom
PRODUCERS: Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy for Happy Madison; Leslie Morgenstein and Elysa Koplovitz Dutton for Alloy Entertainment
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Judit Maull, Kevin Grady, Barry Bernardi, Greg Denny
CAST: Idina Menzel, Jackie Sandler, Adam Sandler, Sadie Sandler, SunnySandler, Samantha Lorraine, Dylan Hoffman, Sarah Sherman, Dan Bulla, Ido Mosseri, Jackie Hoffman, Zaara Kuttemperoor and Luis Guzmán

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Crunchyroll is making anime history in Canada! The global brand delivering the ultimate anime experiences for fans is taking a trip up north for its first-ever showing at FAN EXPO Canada. From August 24 to 27, Crunchyroll will treat attendees at Canada’s biggest popular culture event of the year to thrilling premieres from the upcoming fall season, an announcement-packed panel and a massive interactive showfloor experience.

FAN EXPO Canada badge holders can get a jump on the fall anime season with Canadian premieres for The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3, The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2, MF Ghost, I Shall Survive Using Potions!, and Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange. Fans can also partake in some anime and chill at the Crunchyroll Screening Room — which will feature Attack on Titan Final Season THE FINAL CHAPTERS Special 1, Toilet Bound Hanako-Kun and more!

On the show floor, Crunchyroll’s booth [South Building, CROLL01] invites fans that long for their own domain expansions to enter The JUJUTSU KAISEN Experience, where fans will find themselves immersed in iconic moments from the hit dark fantasy series. Attendees can take picture-perfect moments with all-new digital photo ops featuring some of the most beloved anime, including One Piece, My Hero Academia, and SPY x FAMILY.

No convention is complete without swag! Crunchyroll members are invited to test their skills at the Premium Member Arcade to win exciting prizes. Everyone is welcome to take a bit of FAN EXPO Canada home with free swag. Crunchyroll is offering free drawstring bags, perfect for filling with Crunchyroll branded lanyards, JUJUTSU KAISEN Character Cards, and posters for SPY x FAMILY, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and more! Fan’s can stop by the Crunchyroll Industry Panel for updates on all the anime coming to Crunchyroll and leave with a Solo Leveling postcard!

Check out the full FAN EXPO Canada line up where you can find Crunchyroll below, details to be updated on Crunchyroll News!

CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: THE RISING OF THE SHIELD HERO SEASON 3 CANADIAN PREMIERE
Date TBD |Time TBD
Metro Toronto Convention Centre – Location TBD

After defeating the Spirit Tortoise, Naofumi has no time for rest. An attack from the next Guardian Beast is imminent, but the three other Cardinal Heroes have gone missing. So, Naofumi and his party set out to search for the legendary trio. Join us for a continuation of the Shield Hero World Tour with an exclusive look at episodes 1 and 2 ahead of the newest season.

CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: MF GHOST CANADIAN PREMIERE
Date TBD |Time TBD
Metro Toronto Convention Centre – Location TBD

Street racing, internal combustion engines, and eurobeat are back in this Initial D sequel! Kanata Rivington has arrived in Japan with two goals in mind: racing and finding his father. Join us for the first episode of MF Ghost!

CRUNCHYROLL INDUSTRY PANEL
Date TBD |Time TBD
Metro Toronto Convention Centre – Location TBD

Hear about all the latest and greatest anime coming out of Crunchyroll straight from the source!

Hosts: Crunchyroll’s Lauren Moore & Tim Lyu

CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: THE ANCIENT MAGUS’ BRIDE SEASON 2 PART 2 CANADIAN PREMIERE
Date TBD |Time TBD
Metro Toronto Convention Centre – Location TBD

More magical adventures await Elias, Chise, and all of her new friends at the College. Just how strong will Chise’s magic grow? Join us for an exclusive early screening of The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Part 2!

CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: I SHALL SURVIVE USING POTIONS! CANADIAN PREMIERE
Date TBD |Time TBD
Metro Toronto Convention Centre – Location TBD

If you could restart life in another world with superpowers, what would you pick? After a supernatural accident, Kaoru begins her new life with (what she thinks is) the ultimate cheat skill: the ability to create overpowered potions! Join us for the Canadian premiere for Episode 1 of “I Shall Survive Using Potions!”

CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: FIREFIGHTER DAIGO: RESCUER IN ORANGE CANADIAN PREMIERE
Date TBD |Time TBD
Metro Toronto Convention Centre – Location TBD

In the face of an impending crisis that threatens all of Japan, three ambitious, determined young individuals seek to join “Orange,” an elite firefighting rescue corps, in order to make a difference. Watch these young heroes band together in an early preview of Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange!

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Crunchyroll connects anime and manga fans across 200+ countries and territories with the content and experiences they love. In addition to free ad-supported and subscription premium content, Crunchyroll serves the anime community across events, theatrical, games, consumer products, collectibles and manga publishing.

Anime fans have access to one of the largest collections of licensed anime through Crunchyroll and translated in multiple languages for viewers worldwide. Viewers can also access simulcasts — top series available immediately after Japanese broadcast.

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Crunchyroll, LLC is an independently operated joint venture between US-based Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Japan’s Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., both subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Sony Group.