#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN ADVANCE PASSES TO SEE “FAST X”

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see FAST X, the latest in the celebrated Fast and Furious franchise.

Advance screening will be held Monday, May 15, 2023 in:

Toronto: Cineplex Queensway at 7 pm
Montreal: Cinema Starcite at 7 pm
Vancouver: SilverCity Riverport at 7 pm

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

We've got your chance to see #FastX in select cities!https://t.co/64FbgHy0gb pic.twitter.com/UOpmefmf2k

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) May 3, 2023

Rules and regulations here.

Please do not respond to third party messages asking you to input your credit card or banking information.

Universal Pictures Canada release FAST X May 19, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: MUBI CELEBRATES CANNES WITH UPCOMING EXCLUSIVES

To celebrate the upcoming 2023 edition of the Cannes Film Festival, MUBI, the film distributor, production company and global streaming service, presents a special series throughout May focusing on twelve critically acclaimed films from the past 20 years of the festival.

Included in the focus are two MUBI exclusives: Maksym Nakonechnyi’s harrowing drama Butterfly Vision (2022) and Kira Kovalenko’s poignant and daring Unclenching the Fists (2021) which won the Un Certain Regard Award at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.

Further films in the focus include Yorgos Lanthimos’ unsettling drama The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017), Karim Aïnouz’s Un Certain Regard winner The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmão, Jessica Hausner’s sci-fi thriller Little Joe (2019), the Taviani’s brothers Palme d’Or winner Padre Padrone (1977) and Radu Jude’s gripping drama The Potemkinists (2022).

The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmão (Karim Aïnouz, 2019) – May 16

Rio de Janeiro, 1950. Euridice and Guida are two inseparable sisters. Each has a dream: becoming a renowned pianist, or finding true love. Because of their father they are forced to live without one another. Separated, they take control of their destiny, while never giving up hope of being reunited.

Butterfly Vision (Maksym Nakonechnyi, 2022) – May 17 | MUBI EXCLUSIVE

After spending months as a prisoner in Donbas, Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance expert Lilia returns home to her family. But the trauma of captivity continues to torment her in dreamlike ways. Something growing deep within Lilia will not allow her to forget, yet she will fight to liberate herself.

The Lunchbox (Ritesh Batra, 2013) – May 18

A mistaken delivery in Mumbai’s famously efficient lunchbox delivery system connects a young housewife to a stranger in the dusk of his life. They build a fantasy world together through notes in the lunchbox. Gradually, this fantasy threatens to overwhelm their reality.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (Yorgos Lanthimos, 2017) – May 19

Steven, an eminent cardiothoracic surgeon, is married to Anna, an ophthalmologist. They live a healthy family life with their two children.
 Their lives take a darker turn when Martin, a fatherless youth who Steven has covertly taken under his wing, insinuates himself further into the family’s life.

The Blackout (Abel Ferrara, 1997) – May 20

Dumped by his girlfriend (Béatrice Dalle) because of his excesses with alcohol and drugs, Matty (Matthew Modine), a Hollywood actor sick and tired of his life, spends a wild night with his friend Mickey (Dennis Hopper), remembering absolutely nothing the next day. Then nightmares start.

Woman at War (Benedikt Erlingsson, 2018) – May 21

Fifty-year-old Halla seemingly leads a quiet existence. However, she is actually a radical eco-activist who has declared a one-woman-war on the local aluminum industry. In the midst of her environmental crusade, Halla receives the surprising news that her application to adopt a child was approved.

The Skin (Liliana Cavani, 1981) – May 22

The wartime experiences of Curzio Malaparte, who served as the American Commanding General’s Italian liaison during the American liberation of Naples.

Hyenas (Djibril Diop Mambéty, 1992) – May 23

Dramaan Drameh is a respected, convivial shopkeeper in the tiny village of Colobane. But a forgotten act of cruelty committed thirty years in his past comes back to haunt him when the young girl he impregnated and abandoned returns seeking revenge.

Padre padrone (Paolo Taviani, Vittorio Taviani, 1977) – May 24

The true story of the life of Gavino Ledda, the son of a Sardinian shepherd, and how he managed to escape his harsh, almost barbaric existence by slowly educating himself, despite violent opposition from his brutal father.

The Potemkinists (Radu Jude, 2022) – May 25 | MUBI EXCLUSIVE

In 1905, the sailors on the battleship Potemkin are given political asylum in Romania – an act of defiance against Russia. In 2021, a sculptor wants to create an artwork inspired by the event.

Unclenching the Fists (Kira Kovalenko, 2021) – May 26 | MUBI EXCLUSIVE

Ada is stuck. Living in a dead-end industrial town in the North Ossetia section of Russia, she is caught in the tight grip of the men in her life. But when her older brother returns home and her domineering father suddenly falls ill, Ada finally sees a possible path to independence.

Little Joe (Jessica Hausner, 2019) – May 27

Single mother Alice is a dedicated plant breeder at a corporation engaged in developing new species. She has engineered a special crimson flower: if kept at the ideal temperature and spoken to regularly, it makes its owner happy. Against company policy, Alice takes one home for her teenage son, Joe.

#FIRSTLOOK: SPELLING BEE OF CANADA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION

The Spelling Bee of Canada will host its National Championship Competition on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at the Sheraton Parkway in Richmond Hill, ON. Following a series of regional chapter spelling bee competitions across the country, 60 finalists (20 per age category) have made it through to the next round and are set to compete at the championship this month. The full list of regional finalists is below.

“Spelling Bee of Canada is proud to be celebrating 36 incredible years!” says Julie Spence, Founder of Spelling Bee of Canada. “We are thankful for the passion and focus of our volunteers and the participants as we continue to strive together on this educational endeavour. In this wonderful world of words, we not only expand our vocabulary; we expand our understanding, and our ability to communicate effectively with others. After a challenging couple of years, we at Spelling Bee of Canada are excited that we are returning to our normal schedule.”

Spelling Bee of Canada’s 36th Annual Championship will take place in-person on Sunday, May 28th at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites in Richmond Hill. The event will be live-streamed on CBCSports.ca, CBC Gem and on the SBOC YouTube channel.

“The Spelling Bee of Canada has changed many lives over the past 36 years – many past participants are shining stars in their fields. Some are doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, and some have even created their own start-up companies.” says Nagina Parmar, President of the Spelling Bee of Canada. “Watching participants grow up makes us very proud, and we hope to continue doing this for many more years to come.”

Spelling Bee of Canada organizes a variety of competitions and programming aimed at children between 6-14 years of age. The participants are placed into one of three categories: Primary age 6 to 8, Junior age 9 to 11 or, Intermediate age 12 to 14, to vie for cash, trophies and prizes.

Press Materials
Full list of Regional Winners. Let’s cheer them on as it took a lot to get to this stage!

Ajax / Pickering & Whitby / Oshawa, ON

Aratrika Roy (Age 8) – Primary

Adit Khandelwal (Age 11) – Junior

Ananya Parthasarathy (Age 12) – Intermediate

Brampton, ON

Gurnyamat Randhawa (Age 7) – Primary

Sofia Khan (Age 11) – Junior

Anomioghene Medu (Age 12) – Intermediate

British Columbia

Kai Chiang (Age 8) – Primary

Alston Li (Age 9) – Junior

Parnavdeep Singh Kundi (Age 12) – Intermediate

Burlington / Milton / Hamilton, ON

Kiash Das (Age 7) – Primary

Temisan Johnson (Age 11) – Junior

Jaral Nathan C. Lasquite (Age 14) – Intermediate

Calgary, AB

Aarya Kasbekar (Age 8) – Primary

Jonathan Mandel (Age 11) – Junior

Devam Desai (Age 12) – Intermediate

Central North York / North York East, ON

Arshan Shahriar (Age 8) – Primary

Eve Sandomierski (Age 10) – Junior

Olive Reilly (Age 12) – Intermediate

Edmonton, AB

Evan Valentin Ulashchuk (Age 7) – Primary

Owen Horney (Age 10) – Junior

Chifulumnanya Dike-Nwalusi (Age 13) – Intermediate

Etobicoke / North York West, ON

Charlotte Lee (Age 8) – Primary

Shlok Shah (Age 11) – Junior

Ethan Lin (Age 13) – Intermediate

Kitchener / Waterloo, ON

Advi Rishi (Age 8) – Primary

Aariz Anees (Age 10) – Junior

Jordan Lloyd (Age 14) – Intermediate

Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Education Authority (KTCEA), AB

Lanna Okemow (Age 7) – Primary

Emerson Yellowknee (Age 11) – Junior

Leonard Oar (Age 13) – Intermediate

Maple / Markham / Richmond Hill, ON

William Gao (Age 8) – Primary

Kavya Senthil (Age 11) – Junior

Iniyan Manimaran (Age 14) – Intermediate

Mississauga, ON

Dakshita Jegan Saranya (Age 8) – Primary

Karina Swaminath (Age 10) – Junior

Ananthaa Madhavan (Age 13) – Intermediate

Niagara Falls, ON

Ryan George (Age 8) – Primary

Aleeza Masood (Age 11) – Junior

Kino Symonds (Age 12) – Intermediate

Nova Scotia, NS

Paarsh Rathi (Age 6) – Primary

Zaara Kagzi (Age 11) – Junior

Ali Khan (Age 14) – Intermediate

Ottawa / Carleton, ON

Aarick Hiremath (Age 8) – Primary

Yogi Joshi (Age 11) – Junior

Daivya Thaker (Age 13) – Intermediate

Quebec, QC

Vaidika Khandelwal (Age 7) – Primary

Ethan Nicholas David (Age 10) – Junior

Ariv Narula (Age 13) – Intermediate

Saskatchewan First Nations, SK

Amarys Mitsuing (Age 8) – Primary

Kelry Campbell (Age 10) – Junior

McKenna Fineblanket (Age 14) – Intermediate

Scarborough North / South, ON

Shivam Datta (Age 7) – Primary

Srinika Dogiparthy (Age 9) – Junior

Justin Miranda-Radbord (Age 13) – Intermediate

Winnipeg, MB

Sophia Babalola (Age 8) – Primary

Atharv Singh (Age 10) – Junior

Musab Iqbal (Age 12) – Intermediate

Wood Buffalo, AB

Ayaan Ahmad (Age 8) – Primary

Navindu Pathirana (Age 9) – Junior

Hiba Ali (Age 12) – Intermediate

#FIRSTLOOK: OFFICIAL CANADIAN TRAILER FOR “DUNE: PART TWO”

Today we get a brand-new Canadian Trailer for DUNE: PART TWO, arriving in theatres this November.

The saga continues as award-winning filmmaker Denis Villeneuve embarks on “Dune: Part Two,” the next chapter of Frank Herbert’s celebrated novel Dune, with an expanded all-star international ensemble cast. The film, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, is the highly anticipated follow-up to 2021’s six-time Academy Award-winning “Dune.”

The big-screen epic continues the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s acclaimed bestseller Dune with returning and new stars, including Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet (“Wonka,” “Call Me by Your Name”), Zendaya (“Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “Malcolm & Marie,” “Euphoria”), Rebecca Ferguson (“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning”), Oscar nominee Josh Brolin (“Avengers: End Game,” “Milk”), Oscar nominee Austin Butler (“Elvis,” “Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood”), Oscar nominee Florence Pugh (“Black Widow,” “Little Women”), Dave Bautista (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, “Thor: Love and Thunder”), Oscar winner Christopher Walken (“The Deer Hunter,” “Hairspray”), Stephen McKinley Henderson (“Fences,” “Lady Bird”), Léa Seydoux (the “James Bond” franchise and “Crimes of the Future”), with Stellan Skarsgård (the “Mamma Mia!” films, “Avengers: Age of Ultron”), with Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling (“45 Years,” “Assassin’s Creed”), and Oscar winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men,” “Being the Ricardos”).

“Dune: Part Two” will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Villeneuve directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jon Spaihts based on Herbert’s novel. The film is produced by Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Villeneuve, Tanya Lapointe and Patrick McCormick. The executive producers are Josh Grode, Herbert W. Gains, Jon Spaihts, Thomas Tull, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, Kim Herbert, with Kevin J. Anderson serving as creative consultant.

Villeneuve is again collaborating with his “Dune” creatives: Oscar-winning director of photography Greig Fraser; Oscar-winning production designer Patrice Vermette; Oscar-winning editor Joe Walker; Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Paul Lambert; Oscar-nominated costume designer Jacqueline West. Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer is again on hand to create the score.

“Dune: Part Two” was filmed on location in Budapest, Abu Dhabi, Jordan and Italy. The film is slated for a November 3, 2023 worldwide release from Warner Bros. Pictures.

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

#SPOTTED: 2023 MET GALA: MR. WILL & BEANIE IN NEW YORK

It’s literally been eight years since I’ve been back to New York for Met Gala festivities and the last time I visited the City was right before the Pandemic hit. Flying on the whole, was somewhat of a big deal for me as I’d been a little hesitatant about travelling for some time. Finally, I was ready and something I’d always wanted to do with my last dog Billy was travel with him. I’d always thought so much effort had to go into it that I’d have him boarded. After he had passed, I always told myself the next dog I get, he or she would be flying with me. And really, after looking into it thoroughly, it’s actually rather doable. You get clearance from your vet, ensure your dog’s shots are up to date, get a proper airline-approved carrier for your dog and make the necessary arrangements with your hotel and airline, provided your dog meets the specifications.

Using BOOKING.COM, I was able to find an accommodation that only was charming, central and within my price range, I found one that was pet-friendly and taking measures to being more sustainable in their business practices. A couple stipulations – the hotel will charge more for bringing along a pet. And when you book your plane ticket, not only is there an extra charge to bring along your pet as a carry-on, you will have to pay an additional charge to check your luggage since your pet will occupy that one carry-on allotment you are granted.

The Met Gala is the height of Hollywood glamour. But set in the concrete heaven that is New York City. It is a collision of the world’s most notable women and men with fashion and this year the Gala was celebrating the life and work of Karl Lagerfeld. And though scoring an invite to the Gala is tall ask, you still can partake in the fun scoping-out hotels and afterparties where these A-Listers are staying and headed.

At Lagerfeld’s core was a man who loved beautiful things immensely and adored more than anything, his beloved pet Choupette. And there’s plenty in that I identify with. This trip is a celebration of this. To you, Karl!

Though it rained the total duration of my trip, with the good weather showing its face on the first Monday in May, beanie and I still made the best of it. New Yorkers are a resilient breed and the perpetual downpour doesn’t phase them. Food Delivery apps were a huge help as originally I planned to visit several restaurants, but the weather forced me to alter course. I still was able to enjoy some selections in my hotel room. Still, I was able to visit a good number of spots I had on my list and am happy about that.

Here’s a reel of some of the excitement of Met Gala night! So much amazing fashion!

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Such a joy seeing beanie bringing happiness to others and I love having her with me and wouldn’t want it any other way. You would never believe this but seeing the likes of Paris Hilton, Emily Ratajkowski, Olivia Wilde and Lizzo fawn over her were memories that will last with a lifetime.

Food and stars are my thing and let me share with you some of my favourite discoveries.

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Some of my favourite star sightings in my visit:

Some other amazing New York memories:

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This whole trip, while not at all restful, did give me the escape I needed to recharge. I do tell myself on occasion that I’m getting older and should slow it down a bit, but I’ll tell you when that time comes. Already thinking about the next visit and creating more memories with my beloved sidekick!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN “80 FOR BRADY” ON BLU-RAY

Paramount Home Entertainment x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a copy of 80 FOR BRADY on Blu-ray!

Synopsis:

Academy Award® nominee Lily Tomlin, and winners Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Sally Field star in this hilarious and heartfelt comedy, inspired by a true story of friendship and adventure. Four lifelong friends set out on an unforgettable journey to see their hero Tom Brady play in the Super Bowl LVI and witness one of the greatest comebacks in sports history, discovering that it’s never too late to live life to the fullest.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet for an extra chance.

Enter for a chance to #win a copy of #80forBrady on Blu-ray!https://t.co/VPw753nD0D pic.twitter.com/rSZ5KjZ2MS

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) May 2, 2023

Rules and regulations here.

Available on Blu-ray + Digital & DVD on May 2, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Home Entertainment)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “GRAN TURISMO”

Sony Pictures released the new Trailer for GRAN TURISMO, coming to us this August. And wait a second, is that “Ginger Spice” Geri Halliwell Horner we see here alongside a stacked Cast? How exciting!

Synopsis:

Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, the film is the ultimate wish fulfillment tale of a teenage Gran Turismo player whose gaming skills won a series of Nissan competitions to become an actual professional racecar driver.

Directed by:
Neill Blomkamp

Screenplay by:
Jason Hall and Zach Baylin

Based on the PLAYSTATION STUDIOS video game

Produced by:
Doug Belgrad
Asad Qizilbash
Carter Swan
Dana Brunetti

Executive Producers:
Kazunori Yamauchi
Hermen Hulst
Jason Hall
Matthew Hirsch

Cast:
David Harbour
Orlando Bloom
Archie Madekwe
Darren Barnet
Geri Halliwell Horner
and Djimon Hounsou

Sony Pictures Canada release GRAN TURISMO August 11, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)

#HOTDOCS: “STILL: A MICHAEL J. FOX STORY”

Review by Amanda Gilmore

No matter what generation you’re from, you know the name, Michael J. Fox. Director Davis Guggenheim delivers an incredible film, which is told as a Documentary through archived and scripted elements. It celebrates the charming, witty, and optimistic Fox’s extraordinary story in his own words.

Guggenheim follows two narrative storylines in STILL. In doing so, STILL is a Documentary that tells two stories about the same man. One tells the story of Fox’s rise, from being an undersized kid from Canada to becoming Hollywood’s ‘80s darling. The other tells the story of Fox living with Parkinson’s Disease.

The story of his rise in Hollywood is moving, however, it’s the struggle he’s overcome in accepting his diagnosis that is the true inspiration. Fox speaks candidly in his interviews with Guggenheim. He talks about attempting to hide and forget his diagnosis by becoming addicted to alcohol. When he finally embraced his new reality he was able to turn it into something good. Not only does he have the Michael J. Fox Foundation, but he’s also received roles that have allowed him to play characters with Parkinson’s (such as on The Good Wife), which in turn brings more awareness and understanding to the disease.

The editing by Michael Harte is a tremendous accomplishment. There’s extensive footage from Films, TV Shows, Interviews, and more that come together seamlessly and work poetically with Fox’s words. For example, Fox will tell a short story about a moment in his life and Harte has a scene from one of Fox’s films or series, which works perfectly with the story.

It’s important to note that this isn’t a film that goes in-depth about Parkinson’s Disease. It’s about Fox’s story and that happens to include a story about Parkinson’s. STILL will make you want to learn more about it once you leave the theatre.

STILL: A Michael J. Fox Story screens at Hot Docs ’23:

Mon, May 1 at 6:30PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1

Fri, May 5 at 6:30PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1

Sun, May 7 at 10AM at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

#FIRSTLOOK: SNEAKERTOPIA TORONTO POP-UP FOR “AIR”

From director Ben Affleck comes the story behind the greatest deal of all time. Inspired by true events, #AIRMovie will stream exclusively on @PrimeVideoCA
starting May 12, 2023.

In celebration of the critically-acclaimed film coming to the streaming service, Prime Video
brings to life, Sneakertopia, LA’s most-popular immersive AR sneaker experience and museum to Toronto for the first time!

As seen in AIR, the persistence of following your instincts and pushing to achieving your dreams is the key to success. In the spirit of Mother’s Day and the story of Doloris Jordan depicted in the film, we invite you to explore Toronto’s sneaker culture through the Sneakertopia exhibit and North America’s first BIPOC and women-owned streetwear store, Makeway.

In a Canadian exclusive, for two days only, the public will be able to learn about the incredible women designers behind the shoes through never seen before custom footwear and experience Sneakertopia’s immersive AR sneaker exhibition, create custom virtual shoe designs and interact with the pop-up museum.

Event Details:
Prime x Sneakertopia Pop-up Museum

Location:
STACKT Market (28 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON)

Admission:
FREE to all!

Dates:
Friday, May 12 and Saturday May 13, 2023

Time:
12:00 PM-8:00 PM ET on both days

Founded in 2020, Makeway is Canada’s
first, stand-alone ‘for women, by women’ sneaker and streetwear boutique, run by BIPOC-women who are now at the forefront of Toronto’s sneakerhead and streetwear scene.

The exclusive pop-up will be held at STACKT Market (28 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON) on:

·Friday, May 12, 12:00-8:00 PM ET

·Saturday, May 13, 12:00-8:00 PM ET

#FIRSTLOOK: 2023 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF AUTHORS

Proceed with caution! The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) today announced the guest lineup and programming for the second annual MOTIVE, Canada’s largest crime and mystery writing festival, taking place June 2 to 4. Book lovers will be able to come together to enjoy over 40 in-person events at Harbourfront Centre and three free virtual offerings. MOTIVE will welcome some of the world’s leading masters of mystery to participate in readings, conversations, book signings, masterclasses, musical performances and more. Passes go on sale on May 4 at FestivalofAuthors.ca/Motive and through the Harbourfront Centre Box Office by phone at 416-973-4000.

From cosy crime to police procedural, psychological thriller to true crime, these page-turning genres have produced some of the most celebrated storytellers worldwide, who are loved by readers everywhere.

“We are thrilled to be presenting the second MOTIVE programme and to celebrate great crime and mystery writing from Canada and around the world. Crime and mystery writing continues to captivate readers. The genre’s popularity attests to the power of masterful storytelling that also allows us to reflect on our contemporary, social issues,” said Roland Gulliver, Director, Toronto International Festival of Authors. “Festival goers can experience the finest storytellers across a broad range of genres and entertaining events, which perhaps challenge preconceived notions of mystery and crime literature. As we prepare for the second year of MOTIVE, we look forward to welcoming everyone for a wonderful weekend full of mystery.”

Below is some of the wide array of programming that will be offered at this year’s MOTIVE. For more information, visit FestivalofAuthors.ca/Motive.

CONVERSATIONS AND READINGS
The Festival is pleased to welcome an incredible selection of writers from Canada and around the world including Denmark, France, Iceland, India, Norway, UK and US, to discuss their spine-chilling stories, including:

Former FBI director James Comey introduces his debut novel, Central Park West. Drawing from his decades in federal law enforcement and years in Manhattan as a mob prosecutor, the story follows a murder investigation that reveals deadly connections between high-ranking politicians and the mafia.

Prolific UK writer Anthony Horowitz, known for creating some of the most beloved TV series including Midsomer Murders, and has continued the careers of Sherlock Holmes and Ian Fleming with the third in his Bond series, With a Mind to Kill, recently published. He will take the stage to discuss his fourth book in the Detective Hawthorne series, The Twist of a Knife.

Master of suspense Linwood Barclay returns to MOTIVE with his twisty, fast-paced thriller The Lie Maker, about a man desperately trying to track down his father before his enemies can get to him.

CP24 crime specialist and retired Toronto detective Steve Ryan presents The Ghosts That Haunt Me, in which he reflects on six of the many cases in his career that greatly impacted him.

Bestselling crime and mystery writers will come together to connect through thematic conversations, including:

Canadian bestselling author Shari Lapena and the “Queen of Icelandic crime” Yrsa Sigurdardottir will discuss chilling family secrets in their thrillers.

YA writer Sheena Kamal and Ghanaian-American novelist Kwei Quartey will speak on their newest stories, featuring brave, bold women on a search.

Human rights activist and author Ausma Zehanat Khan joins writer and war veteran Kevin Powers on how crime fiction can be used to explore global issues.

Diné filmmaker and author Ramona Emerson and “Queen of French Noir” Johana Gustawsson will discuss their books involving spirits and black magic.

South Asian authors Vaseem Khan and Harini Nagendra will discuss the vibrant Indian cities featured in their latest work and how the political climate plays into their stories.

CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS
Each day, authors and experts will examine thrilling themes of the culture and politics that shape the world around us and the books we read. Presented in partnership with the Provocations Festival. Highlights include:

Bearing Witness, with legal scholar Kent Roach and journalist Tamara Cherry on complexities, issues and realities of reporting crime.

Cybercrime, with novelist Vaseem Khan and Cameron Field, vice-president at VIDOCQ, a firm that designs tailored investigation, intelligence and risk management solutions.

True Crime Histories, with Canadian authors Susan Goldenberg, Sharon Ann Cook and Margaret Carson, exploring how class, gender representation and prejudice lead to miscarriages of justice.

SPECIAL EVENTS
TIFA will host a number of thrilling special events throughout the weekend, including:

Newfoundland Noir: The Toronto launch of Perry Chafe’s Closer By Sea with his long-time creative collaborator, and fellow Newfoundlander, Allan Hawco (Republic of Doyle). This dual interview and kitchen party-style jam session includes live musical performances by Maureen Ennis of The Ennis Sisters, and special guests.

Anthony Horowitz on James Bond: internationally bestselling author will do a deep dive into the rich history behind the iconic James Bond series, including his own latest Bond novel, With A Mind to Kill.

Tea, Cake and Murder, with Jessa Maxwell and Amy Stuart: an afternoon tea and cake served with a delicious slice of murder as they dig into their latest books.

MASTERCLASSES
In these creative writing workshops, aspiring writers will learn how to craft compelling stories and bring captivating characters to life through hands-on lessons from industry experts. Some events include:

French-Swedish crime writer Johana Gustawsson explores character-building.

Podcaster and writer Catherine Fogarty will help transform true crime stories into unforgettable reads.

Author Melodie Campbell will show you how to kill with comedy.

American author Ryan Gattis offers immersive storytelling techniques.

TIFA KIDS
Engaging and inspiring young book lovers, TIFA will feature a special event for elementary and middle school students on June 2 to meet, hear and learn from UK author Anthony Horowitz about his bestselling YA series, Alex Rider, now in its third series on Amazon Prime. Ideal for grades 5–8.

FREE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCES
Alongside the event programme, TIFA offers an enhanced festival experience with a wide variety of free events and books signings for all audiences to enjoy at Harbourfront Centre:

Lunchtime Taster with Ryan Gattis, Johanna Gustawsson and Harini Nagendra: bring your lunch and enjoy a picnic with a taste of suspense with these celebrated authors.

Ask the Expert, with Margaret Cannon, Karen Sullivan and Bjarni Þorsteinsson about how to write and publish a crime novel.

Outdoor readings from numerous authors including Roxanne Bouchard (Whisper of the Seal), Daniel Kalla (Fit to Die), Marcie R. Rendon (Sinister Graves) and Jonathan Whitelaw (The Bingo Hall Detectives).

MOTIVE Bookstore browse the specially curated bookstore for your next favourite read, presented in partnership with Indigo and digital bookseller Rakuten Kobo.

DIGITAL SERIES
Additionally, three pre-recorded digital events featuring international authors will be available to watch for free all week long:

Scottish author Neil Forsyth on his captivating heist book The Gold, inspired the hit BBC drama coming to Canada in June.

Indian author Deepti Kapoor’s second novel, Age of Vice, part crime thriller and family saga.

British novelist Martin Edwards on The Life of Crime: Detecting the History of Mysteries and their Creators, the first major history of crime-fiction released in several decades.

This year, MOTIVE will introduce a Festival Pass, allowing attendees to explore as much of the Festival as they wish, with either a three-day pass ($64.99 – $99.99) or one-day pass ($24.99 – $39.99), including entry to all standard events. Premium three-day passes ($99.99 – $149.99) and one-day passes ($39.99 – $59.99) include priority entry to all standard events plus entry to date-applicable Premium events. A limited number of single tickets will be released for Premium events on May 23. Masterclass tickets are excluded from the Festival/Premium passes and are $49. MOTIVE’s free offerings include outdoor activities at Harbourfront, book signings and digital events to enjoy.

Visit FestivalofAuthors.ca/Motive to view the full programme lineup and to book passes.