Now in its 30th edition, the HOT DOCS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is back on again and running April 27 to May 7, 2023. Over 200 films from 72 countries will be screening at the Festival this year with several special guests in attendance, including Lilly Singh, members of July Talk, Moby, Kara Swisher, Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls and Canada’s first female Jewish Supreme Court Judge Rosalie Abella, among others.

The Festival kicks off with Opening Night selection TWICE COLONIZED, directed by Danish Director Lin Alluna, centering on Greenlandic Inuit lawyer, activist, and fierce protector of her ancestral lands, Aaju Peter. More lineup details here.

If you aren’t in-town, you still can stream online as films will be available starting at 12:01 a.m. on May 5 to May 9, 2023.

One of the centerpiece films this year is Writer/Director Barry Avrich‘s WITHOUT PRECENDENT: THE SUPREME LIFE OF ROSALIE ABELLA, getting its World Premiere at the Festival.

The Documentary is part of Hot Docs’ Special Presentations program and featured in its Big Ideas series, presented by Scotia Wealth Management. This is such a proud Canadian moment as we learn about subject Justice Rosalie Abella became the first woman ever to be appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada and first Jewish woman and refugee to sit on the Canadian Supreme Court bench.

The Film explores her modest beginnings as a daughter of Holocaust survivors, to working for herself after spending just two years working at a small law firm. Avrich explores the love of her life, Irving Abella and how she applied the same persistence to her career as she did winning his heart. And of course, the scrutiny she faced when Paul Martin appointed her to the Supreme Court of Canada in 2004. Abella balances being liked and being respected, led by justice and compassion having understand the refugee experience, and also advocating for the recognition of same sex relationships. We get interviews with former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Margaret Atwood and several other notables. Such a fascinating portrait about a true Canadian hero and success story and a must-see at the Festival.

MON MAY 01
06:30PM
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

TUE MAY 02
06:30PM
TIFF Bell Lightbox 1

FRI MAY 05
11:15AM
Isabel Bader Theatre

Team Mr. Will has had a chance to preview some notable selections from the Festival and here are their thoughts to help you in your viewing!

GEORGE KOZERA (@PartyG)

FOOD AND COUNTRY

In the interest of full disclosure, Gourmet Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Ruth Reichl, is instrumental in turning me into a Foodie. Before the days of internet access, I would religiously buy the Sunday New York Times, cut away and save her restaurant reviews, and have phenomenal experiences during my many trips to Manhattan – whether it was a tripe dish served at a Soho Korean bistro or a meal I still dream about at Asia de Cuba, a restaurant immortalized in an episode of “Sex and the City”. In FOOD AND COUNTRY, we watch as Reichl takes the audience on a fascinating journey of how the Covid pandemic affected U.S. farmers and restaurants.

In a series of conversations that cover a wide range of topics as agricultural economics, financial literacy and how farmers are looking to deal with and adapt to the “new normal” of the hospitality industry, this captivating Documentary illuminates, while exploring options that could be implemented in the future. At the time where restaurants here at home are shuttering their doors forever due to the hardships the pandemic wrought, FOOD AND COUNTRY succinctly and intellectually encapsulates what the future may hold.

You don’t need to be a foodie to appreciate a perfect Crème Brûlée and you don’t need to be one to be enthralled with this movie.

FRI APR 28
06:00PM
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

SAT APR 29
11:15AM
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

SUN MAY 07
11:00AM
TIFF Bell Lightbox 3

THIS WORLD IS NOT MY OWN

Utilizing 3D motion-capture imagery, animation, archival TV footage and anything else the Creators of this Film can throw in, THIS WORLD IS NOT MY OWN explores the life of Nellie Mae Rowe. Born as the daughter of a sharecropper and former slave in the heart Georgia, Rowe’s entire life was dedicated to her art, whether they be vibrantly coloured paintings, making sculptures from leftover chewing gum (Ewww, right?), pencil sketches and dolls made from whatever she could find. She ultimately found a modicum of fame and notoriety when discovered by the wealthy Judith Alexander, who was instrumental in bringing contemporary art to her gallery in Atlanta. The Film is staged in four chapters, plus a gratuitous interlude that detoured from the subject.

Whereas I respected the audacity of THIS WORLD IS NOT MY OWN, the viewing experience became tiresome with all the visual excesses and the subject matter was too bombastic. It reminded me of the musical interpretation of “Ragtime”, which incorporated numerous subject matters into a coherent masterpiece. I did enjoy three-time Emmy winner Uzo Aduba’s vocal stylings, though some of the 3D imagery of Rowe looked a little unsettling. I never thought I would think or say this, but, sometimes, too much is too much, and this Documentary would have benefitted from a bit more focus.

SAT APR 29
02:15PM
Scotiabank Theatre 5

THU MAY 04
05:30PM
Scotiabank Theatre 6

CYNARA

Responding to a 911 call, first responders arrive at a townhouse complex in Scarborough to find a woman on the floor and a young teenaged girl lying unresponsive on a couch. Claiming to be a victim of a home invasion by two armed and masked intruders, Cindy Ali’s life becomes a nightmarish journey as she is arrested, charged with the murder of her 16-year daughter Cynara stricken with Cerebral Palsy, and ultimately charged with murder in the first degree and sentenced to life in prison. CYNARA is a harrowing account how Cindy, with the support of her husband, three daughters and her Church, tries to clear her name with the help of Toronto Star reporter Jim Rankin and wrongful conviction-specializing lawyer James Lockyer. Whereas this Documentary plays like an episode of “Law & Order” and infrequently feels heavy-handed, it is a searing indictment of the Canadian legal system where facts are blatantly ignored by prosecuting lawyers and jury members are misled by a judge who had already in his mind deemed the defendant guilty of a heinous crime.

Writer/Producer/Director Sherien Barsoum skillfully juggles many aspects of this case with finesse. It touches on the subject of systemic prejudice and police and law officials overreaching to get the verdict they want, paying little regard to the facts. CYNARA is an accomplished and compelling Documentary.

SUN APR 30
01:45PM
Isabel Bader Theatre

THU MAY 04
05:00PM
Scotiabank Theatre 7

THE MOUNTAINS

Ever have one of those melodramatic moments in your life where you think “this would make for an amazing movie?”. THE MOUNTAINS is here to tell you that it ain’t! Sometimes life just sucks, and you have to do what you have to do it get above it. Due to the loss of his baby brother at a young age, Danish Filmmaker Christian Einshøj explores his contentious family dynamics 25 years after the fact with interviews with his father and two brothers. Replete with armchair psychology, the Film feels at times visually stagnant, employing perhaps too much on archived family video footage without answering the question. Some scenes feel a tad staged (who filmed the brother on a beach in Spain when the Director was in Denmark?) and sequences of the three brothers frolic about the Arctic Circle wearing DC comic superhero costumes induced are jarring in their purpose.

As a rule of thumb, Documentaries are a hard sell to the movie-going public to begin with. For many it feels like homework, which is exactly how I felt at times watching THE MOUNTAINS.

THU APR 27
06:00PM
TIFF Bell Lightbox 4

SUN APR 30
12:00PM
Scotiabank Theatre 5

AMANDA GILMORE (@GilmoreAmanda)

PRAYING FOR ARMAGEDDON

This shocking Documentary is a political thriller that reveals the power and influence of U.S. fundamentalist Evangelicals, as they aim to fulfil the Armageddon prophecy.

Director Tonje Hessen Schei takes us on a deep dive into the faith from all angles. We are introduced to Evangelicals who believe we are heading for Armageddon, a Journalist who investigates the influence they have on U.S. politics as well as first-hand accounts from people living through the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. One thing is for sure, these Evangelicals believe that this conflict is one that will lead them to their end-of-times prediction…and therefore their Armageddon.

The conflict is one that’s difficult for those not involved to understand. Hessen Schei gives immense clarity to the conflict thanks to the subjects living there. This is one of his many achievements. He connects Evangelism to the rise of Christian Nationalism and its geopolitical plan. For instance, many Evangelical “charities” give money which supports settler colonialism in Israel. Furthermore, disgraced U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who has immense support from Evangelicals, placed a U.S. military base and U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. This has been a source of further conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Overall, Praying for Armageddon makes a persuasive argument about the influence this group has on U.S. politics, which extends to issues around the world.

Tue May 02 at 8PM at Isabel Bader Theatre

Thu May 04 at 1:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2

Sun May 07 at 8PM at TIFF BELL Lightbox 2

COVEN

This one is for all who’re curious about witchcraft.

There has been a stigma surrounding witchcraft for centuries. But this insightful Documentary aims to change society’s views by shining a light on a modern retake of an ancient worldwide practice. It follows three millennials Laura, Andra and Canadian singer Ayo a.k.a. Witch Prophet who are reviving the practice and reclaiming the term witch.

All three women believe that Wicca is about being the truest form of a feminist and coming into their own powers. Director Rama Rau has found the perfect subjects to focus on. Each has their own history and is at different stages in their journeys. Therefore, allowing the audience to see all sides of the Wicca practices.

We follow as each finds out what the practice means to them as they search the world finding their own Wicca ancestry. Out of the three subjects, Laura Hokstad, a solitary witch, is the one we follow the most. We watch as she begins her Wicca journey. We learn about most traditions and history alongside her. The most interesting moments happen when she travels around Europe and America finding out that there were many witches in her ancestry.

Coven is a fascinating Documentary about three women coming into their own power. It may not change the minds of all, but it will create a space for conversation. Allowing those who are curious about witchcraft to feel less isolated.

Fri Apr 28 at 8:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1

Fri May 5 at 6:00PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2

More on hotdocs.ca.

Popular franchise THE EQUALIZER is back with its latest installment. Denzel Washignton reprises his role as Robert McCall, facing his past in this new Trailer.

Synopsis:

Since giving up his life as a government assassin, Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) has struggled to reconcile the horrific things he’s done in the past and finds a strange solace in serving justice on behalf of the oppressed. Finding himself surprisingly at home in Southern Italy, he discovers his new friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall knows what he has to do: become his friends’ protector by taking on the mafia.

Directed by:

Antoine Fuqua

Written by:
Richard Wenk

Based on the television series created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim

Produced by:
Todd Black
Jason Blumenthal
Denzel Washington
Antoine Fuqua
Steve Tisch
Clayton Townsend
Alex Siskin
Tony Eldridge
Michael Sloan

Executive Producer:
David Bloomfield
Tarak Ben Ammar
Andy Mitchell

Cast:
Denzel Washington
Dakota Fanning
David Denman

Sony Pictures Canada release THE EQUALIZER 3 September 1, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)

Paramount+ released today the official trailer for FBI TRUE and announced the all-new original docuseries will be available to stream exclusively on the service beginning Friday, May 5, 2023 in Canada. FBI TRUE’s 10 half-hour installments will provide a real-life look into a high-pressure world where split-second decisions can mean life or death, with FBI agents reliving the heart-stopping moments of their biggest cases and revealing the real details only agents can tell.

Each edition of FBI TRUE focuses on dynamic insider conversations between agents when they meet at the FBI’s favorite bar, the Arts & Crafts Beer Parlor, just down the block from their New York headquarters. It’s a hallowed place where law enforcement colleagues talk frankly about the triumphs, tragedies and real truths of their jobs. In this relaxed setting, they share hair-raising stories of dangerous missions carried out by the FBI worldwide. With everything on the line, what choices did they make? How did they keep their cool with a kidnapped child’s life on the line, or with a bomb ticking in an unknown location, or a terrorist on the loose?

Produced in association with Craig Turk, the co-creator of CBS’s hit drama FBI, and Anne Beagan, a veteran FBI special agent, FBI TRUE pulls no punches as the agents directly involved tell their stories with candor and emotion.

FBI TRUE features never-before-seen surveillance video, interrogations with hostage takers and terrorists, and personal photos from the agents’ collections. This is the FBI like you’ve never seen, as agents disclose what happened, and how they felt while working on some of the biggest and most compelling crimes of our time, revealing their fears and exulting in their victories. Viewers will get a spine-tingling
look inside the manhunt for a bomber responsible for injuring 30 people in Manhattan; the desperate search to find Hannah Anderson, a high school cheerleader kidnapped in California; the command center at Waco as agents helplessly watched women and children consumed by fire as the David Koresh’s cult compound ignited; the complex search for the Beltway snipers in Washington, DC; the frustrating effort to find the terrorists who attacked the U.S. mission in Benghazi killing the ambassador; and the search for the brutal Boston mob leader Whitey Bulger.

From the producers behind the Canadian Screen Award nominated series NEVER SEEN AGAIN,  FBI TRUE is produced by Efran Films Canada in association with See It Now Studios. For Efran Films Canada, Mike Schultz is the series producer and showrunner; co-executive producer Solly Granatstein; and executive producers are Shawn Efran, Craig Turk, Anne Beagan, and Azadeh de Leon. For See It Now Studios, Susan Zirinsky, and Terence Wrong are the executive producers, Aysu Saliba is the supervising producer, and Adam Goldfried is the executive director.

“World’s Best,” Disney’s all-new hip-hop musical comedy adventure, produced by the director of “Hamilton,” will stream exclusively on Disney+ beginning June 23, 2023. Co-written, co-executive produced and starring Utkarsh Ambudkar (“Ghosts,” “Free Guy”), who co-wrote the film’s original songs, this Disney+ Original Movie was directed by radiation oncologist turned filmmaker Roshan Sethi (“7 Days”). Joining Ambudkar in the film are newcomer Manny Magnus, Punam Patel, Jake Choi, Max Malas, Piper Wallace, Kayla Njeri, Dorian Giordano, Kathryn Greenwood, Christopher Jackson and Doug E. Fresh. “World’s Best” was written by Jamie King & Ambudkar, with original songs by Ambudkar and Charlie Wilder. Produced by Thomas Kail, who directed the Broadway smash “Hamilton” and produced and directed the 2020 film version, and Kate Sullivan, the film reunites Kail and Ambudkar who first collaborated as director and performer, respectively, of the improvisational hip-hop comedy musical group Freestyle Love Supreme. Terry Gould and Ambudkar serve as the film’s executive producers.

Ambudkar says, “We are all really excited to be bringing this film to Disney+. It’s got dope music and great comedy, and it brings up some important themes in a really accessible way. It’s emotional, it’s full of love and amazing energy and is a film the entire family can watch together. Plus, it presents for the first time a South Asian family at the core of a Disney movie–something I never had growing up–and was something I really wanted to give young people today.”

In “World’s Best,” 12-year-old mathematics genius Prem Patel (Magnus), in the midst of navigating the tumultuous hardships of adolescence, discovers his recently deceased father was a famous rapper and immediately sets out to pursue a career for himself as a rap superstar. While his actions may appear reckless and the quickest way for him to lose everything, Prem, empowered by imaginative hip-hop music-fueled fantasies where he performs with his father (Ambudkar), is determined to find out if hip-hop truly is in his DNA. As his father always used to say, “the world’s best never rest.”

Ambudkar’s additional film credits include “Brittany Runs a Marathon,” “Blindspotting” and “Pitch Perfect.” A rapper and creative force from a young age, Ambudkar was an original member of The Beatards, a NYC-based underground hip-hop group that performed alongside acts like Santigold, Azealia Banks, G-Easy, Public Enemy, Questlove and more. His work with the Beatards eventually helped Ambudkar land “Pitch Perfect.” Originating the role of Aaron Burr in the developmental readings of “Hamilton,” Ambudkar later reunited with Lin-Manuel Miranda as part of the improvisational rap group Freestyle Love Supreme, which garnered a special Tony® Award in 2021. “Vanity,” Ambudkar’s debut album as a solo artist, dropped in 2019 and was quickly followed by “Petty.” In 2020, he released “The Misfits EP” and single “Self Respect.”

Who said Mini-Vans can’t be fun? Honda is here with the 2023 Odyssey Touring to change everything you think about them. We had quite a Test Drive with plenty of excitement including the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards, celebrating excellence in Canadian Television, Film and Digital realms, plus a luxurious and sustainable staycation at 1 Hotel in Toronto. This and some pretty big stars in the City and we were there, thanks to the Honda Odyssey Touring. Plus, the long-awaited racing season is back at Woodbine Racetrack! This is the first year the King’s Plate will run since 1951!

Empowered with a 3.5-litre, 24-valve, Direct Injection, SOHC, i-VTEC® V6 engine and 280 @ 6000 horsepower, this isn’t just any Mini-Van. This eight-seater is equipped to handle any circumstance life throws at you – whether it be a daily commute for you and your loved ones, family travels or heavy hauls.

Despite utility being first, the 2023 Honda Odyssey Touring is incredibly sleek and sophisticated. It defies preconceived notions about the Mini-Van as you know it. For one, it gives you and your passengers a unwavering sense of security and comfort. Right away, we love a ride with Proximity Entry, making those heavy hauls a little easier to navigate before you even step into the driver’s seat. Know your little ones are protected with childproof locks at the back.

The Driver’s seat with 12-way power adjustment including 4-way power lumbar support and that level of care goes to the front passenger also who gets a seat with 8-way power adjustment including 4-way power lumbar support. Seats are ventilated with heating and cooling options. This is one of those features you could only appreciate in these extreme temperatures we get. Case in point, how about that July in April we had last week?

That being said, the Odyssey Touring being more spacious, does exert a bit of effort in cooling the space and our recommendation is to let it do its thing on “AUTO”. You do have the flexibility being in control of front and rear temperatures.

We admit it, we’re actually a little obsessed with those sliding passenger doors (with tinted windows and sunshades) and immense amount of cargo space in the back. It is everything and our passengers thought it was the coolest thing too!

The Odyssey Touring‘s entertainment system is stadium-quality. Navigated through a display audio system, you get 550-watt AM/FM audio system with MP3/Windows Media^® Audio playback capability and 11 speakers including subwoofer, with an Advanced Rear Entertainment System with 10.2-inch, high-resolution WSVGA (1024×600) screen, Blu-ray™ player and embedded streaming media apps. Wireless charging and an array of USB charging options in front, second and get this, third row as well! It is also Bluetooth-ready for all your mobile device needs, and SiriusXM-ready too! We can’t remember life and drives without Hits 1!

Did you know Row Two passengers have their own screen to watch Blu-rays? You can basically live in the Odyssey Touring. There, I said it! All this, plus a scenic panoramic moonroof make for these picture perfect drives.

The Odyssey Touring runs on Regular fuel which we can all appreciate. While larger rides like this can consume more gas, its Fuel Economy of 12.2/8.5/10.6 (city/highway/combined) is very reasonable, enhanced further byhaving an ECON mode.

Let’s talk about Safety. The Odyssey Touring‘s rear-view Camera and sensors of oncoming traffic and obstacles – hyper-aware and you need it when you are driving something larger. In fact, if you are parked too closely to another care behind you – which happens, this is Toronto after all – the trunk won’t open altogether as a protective measure. Immobilizer theft-deterrent system is important at a time when car theft is on driver’s mind of late.

The Odyssey Touring is guided by intuitiveness, helping elimiate those things that can be out of sight, like its Blind Spot Information (BSI) system, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).

Active Safety Measures include Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS^®), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system (HS*), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system (HS*), Hill Start Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with tire fill assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA^®) with Traction Control. Having experience a flat earlier this year, I can tell you the value of having all this at your ready.

Can we talk about Rear-Seat Reminder with Cabin-Watch? How cool was it see on our display overhead footage to ensure nothing gets left behind in row two? Iconic. I distinctly recall turning the engine off and on over and again just to see this work. Guilty.

Passive Safety features include Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, HondaLink™ Assist Automatic Emergency Response System, i-SRS airbag system (front), SmartVent™ side airbags, Front knee airbags, Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong)

Though we don’t have kids of the human variety, we still can vouch for and appreciate its thoughtful design, immense value and the great comfort it brings our loved ones. And yes, it IS fun!

The 2023 Honda Odyssey Touring starts at $58,921 CAN. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

There’s no stopping THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE as it takes the top spot yet again at the Box Office, with $58 million from 4,350 theatres in its third weekend out for Universal Pictures. This takes its total run thus far, to $434.1 million domestically.

In second is EVIL DEAD RISE with a smashing $23 million from 3,402 theatres in its debut for New Line Cinema/Warner Bros. It gets 86% on the Tomatometer from Critics. Franchise best still goes to 2013’s EVIL DEAD, which opened with $25 million.

Third is Guy Ritchie’s THE COVENANT with $6.1 million from 2,611 theatres for MGM. It gets 81% on the Tomatometer.

AIR lands in fourth with $5.4 million for Amazon Studios/Warner Bros., a total $41 million to date.

Rounding-out our Top Five is DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES with $5.4 million for Paramount Pictures.

By Mr. Will Wong

After winning raves out of its Premieres in Berlin and at SXSW ’23, Elevation Pictures release BLACKBERRY readies a release in theatres next month. The Film centers on the rise and fall of the world’s first ever Smartphone, developed just an hour outside of Toronto. The Comedy-Drama is directed and written by Toronto’s Matt Johnson, the Script adapted from Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff’s book Losing the Signal: The Untold Story Behind the Extraordinary Rise and Spectacular Fall of BlackBerry. And not only this, Johnson also stars in the Film as well.

The Red Carpet was rolled-out at TIFF Bell Lightbox as the Film got a full circle moment, premiering before a Canadian audience, after having filmed last year in Waterloo – where exactly the story is set and history was made.

Those to walk the Red Carpet tonight included:

Jay Baruchel as Mike Lazaridis
Glenn Howerton as Jim Balsillie
SungWon Cho as Ritchie Cheung
Michelle Giroux as Dara Frankel
Mark Critch as Bettman
Ian Rosen, President & COO of Harry Rosen
Co-Authors Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff
Director and Writer Matt Johnson as Douglas Fregin

The real Jim Balsillie, former Chair and CEO of Research in Motion even made an appearance! We hear he loved the Film.

We had the great pleasure of chatting with the evening’s special guests.

Ian Rosen, President & COO of Harry Rosen, graced the Red Carpet as the refined men’s fashion retailer was a partner of the event. Rosen himself oversaw fashion for star Jay Baruchel at the Premiere. We ask him what he’s most excited about.

Rosen: “My wife and I met over BBM (BlackBerry Messenger), so we’re just getting in this nostalgic mood thinking about this Film, and getting to see a different angle of this story.”.

Sean Silcoff is Co-Author of the book on which Matt Johnson based his Script. He tells us about the process of the book making it to the big screen.

Silcoff: “After the book came out, we started hearing from people interested in making it into a movie. We signed an option deal and I knew right away, an option is a longshot. You believe it when you see it. Early last year, we got the call the Movie’s being made and I still thought ‘I can’t believe it’s true’. We got to visit the set in Hamilton and it was surreal to see all these people working on the Movie, making a living because of the work you did and knowing the story’s going to live on in another format.”.

Michelle Giroux plays an Investigator named Dara, who arrives at a critical turning point in the Film.

Giroux: “Dara comes in the latter half of the Film, which I haven’t seen yet. She’s an investigator who’s been trying to reach the boys at BlackBerry and she wants to look the hiring of technicians under false pretenses. It’s actually at the point in the Film when they start to catch-on and things start to implode.”.

Mark Critch certainly is a busy man, coming off a Canadian Screen Award win last weekend for his work on THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES and also prepping the third season of CBC’s hit series SON OF A CRITCH. He stars in BLACKBERRY as Bettman.

Critch: “Bettman at first thinks this is going to go great, but realizes slowly but surely that maybe there’s more to it. It’s been fun. I was only on the Film for a couple days, but it was so many exciting people. I loved working with Jay and Matt is such an exciting Filmmaker. When Jay actually sent me the Script, I started on my kitchen counter and finished the whole thing before I even realized what I was doing. It was like my BlackBerry, I couldn’t put it down.”.

We ask Matt Johnson about the many caps he gets to where in this Film – what his greatest challenges were and what his favourite parts were.

Johnson: “The biggest challenge was learning to communicate with these Actors so that we could be a true unit, because I’d never met them before and I wanted to have a sense that we’d known each other for years. The funnest part? Making movies is not fun – like production. So the funnest part was when we were shooting stuff in the ’90s and I was with the other Engineers and we were just kinda screwing around. But honestly it was all kinda painful.”.

Jay Baruchel is winning raves for his performance as Mike Lazaridis, Founder of BlackBerry with his work being called his most mature performance to date. He happens to be a huge fan of BlackBerry and was actually still using one up till a couple years ago.

Baruchel: “I had almost all of them! Whatever the last one was where they put the QWERTY keyboard back on it because for a while they had Android phones with a hybrid keyboard on it, or you could buy a QWERTY Keyboard to use on your Android.”.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelpha star Glenn Howerton also is getting acclaim for his portrayal of charismatic Businessman Jim Balsillie. He tells us a bit about his process.

Howerton: “For me it’s all about the Script. It’s all about reading the Script over and over and over again. You do the research, especially something like this which is based on a true story. Fill out the story that’s not exactly on the page so that you have an idea what it is. For me it’s all about information-gathering and letting it slowly seep into my bones and by the time it’s time to film, I know what the character’s going through so well that I don’t have to think about what goes before or after because on the day of filming, you don’t want to be thinking about all that stuff. You want to just throw it all away and have fun.”.

Our Chats below, including some footage filmed on our old BlackBerry Key2!

Backdrop by Coolab.

Elevation Pictures release BLACKBERRY May 12, 2023.

Review to come.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures/Mr. Will Wong)

Today, Disney+ revealed the official trailer for the upcoming Original series “American Born Chinese.” The genre-hopping action-comedy series premieres with all eight episodes on May 24, 2023 only on Disney+. The Disney Branded Television series is produced by 20th Television.

Based on the graphic novel of the same name by Gene Luen Yang, “American Born Chinese” chronicles the trials and tribulations of a regular American teenager whose life is forever changed when he befriends the son of a mythological god. This is the story of a young man’s battle for his own identity, told through family, comedy, and action-packed Kung-Fu.

The coming-of-age adventure features an all-star international cast, including Academy® Award winners Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”), Ben Wang (“Chang Can Dunk”), International Emmy(R) Award Nominee Yeo Yann Yann (“Wet Season”), Chin Han (“Mortal Kombat”), Daniel Wu (“Reminiscence”), former Taekwondo champion Jimmy Liu and Sydney Taylor (“Just Add Magic”).

Introducing audiences to a pantheon of iconic Chinese mythical characters, are guest stars Academy® Award nominee Stephanie Hsu as Shiji Niangniang, the Goddess of Stones; Ronny Chieng as unconventional monk, Ji Gong; Jimmy O. Yang as Dragon King, Ao Guang; James Hong as Jade Emperor; Leonard Wu as Niu Mowang/Bull Demon; and Poppy Liu as Princess Iron Fan. The series also welcomes Lisa Lu as soon-to-be retired acupuncturist Ni Yang and Rosalie Chiang as student activist Suzy Nakamura.

Emmy® Award-winning writer/producer Kelvin Yu (“Bob’s Burgers,” “Central Park”) serves as executive producer and showrunner. Destin Daniel Cretton (Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” “Short Term 12”) is set to direct and serves as executive producer, alongside Melvin Mar and Jake Kasdan (both of “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.,” “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and “Jumanji: The Next Level”), Erin O’Malley (“Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.”), Asher Goldstein (“Short Term 12,” “Just Mercy”) and Gene Luen Yang.

You know how much we love INDIAN MATCHMAKING, but here comes a new series on Netflix, JEWISH MATCHMAKING! This new Trailer already brings the laughs! Matchmaker Aleeza Ben Shalom, we cannot wait to meet you!

Synopsis:

When Jewish singles are ready to get serious, they call on Aleeza Ben Shalom to find their perfect romantic match from across the US and Israel.

JEWISH MATCHMAKING arrives May 3, 2023 on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

In anticipation of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, audiences can take a stroll with MUBI down the Boulevard de la Croisette and enjoy past favourites with the Cannes Takeover collection. Plus, stunning double bills by Ana Vaz and Ken Loach.

MUBI RELEASES

Friday, May 12
The Five Devils | dir. Léa Mysius, 2022

Vicky has a mysterious gift: she can recreate any scent she comes across, even that of her beloved mother Joanne (Adèle Exarchopoulos). When her estranged aunt suddenly returns to town, the invocation of her fragrance plunges the young girl back in time to unravel a past replete with family secrets and queer romance. (Trailer)

Thursday, May 25
The Potemkinists | dir. Radu Jude, 2022

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. This 18-minute, short film about art, history, memory and cinema won the Directors’ Fornight at Cannes 2022.

MUBI HIGHLIGHTS

Friday, May 5
Apollo 11 | dir. Todd Douglas Miller, 2019

This documentary looks at the Apollo 11 mission to land on the moon led by commander Neil Armstrong and pilot Buzz Aldrin. (Trailer)

Saturday, May 13
Requiem for a Dream | dir. Darren Aronofsky, 2000

Harry (Jered Leto) and his girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly) dream of transcending their life of hustling and owning a store. While his mother is obsessed with TV and diet pills and envisions her chance to shine again on a game show. However, their dreams are shattered when their drug addictions begin spiralling out of control. (Trailer)

Sunday, May 14
Downtown 81 | dir. Edo Bertoglio, 2000

The film is a day in the life of a young artist, Jean Michel Basquiat, who needs to raise money to reclaim the apartment from which he has been evicted. (Trailer)

Sunday, May 28
Midnight Family | dir. Luke Lorentzen, 2019

In Mexico City’s wealthiest neighbourhoods, this documentary follows the Ochoa family, as they run a for-profit ambulance, competing with other unlicensed EMTs for patients in need of urgent care. In this cutthroat industry, they struggle to keep their financial needs from compromising the people in their care. (Trailer)

NEW + CONTINUING MUBI SPECIALS

CANNES TAKEOVER

Take a stroll with MUBI down the Boulevard de la Croisette and enjoy a few favourites from past editions of this annual, never less than glittering affair.

Titles:
May 17 – Butterfly Vision (2022)
May 18 – The Lunchbox (2013)
May 19 – The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
May 20 – The Blackout (1997)
May 21 – Woman at War (2018)
May 22 – The Skin (1981)
May 23 – Hyenas (1992)
May 24 – Padre padrone (1977)

ARTIST IN FOCUS: ANA VAZ

This month, MUBI is proud to present a double bill, celebrating the work of experimental artist Ana Vaz. Her films explore intricate and powerful portraits of land, animals and people, both foreground narratives and perspectives that have been absent, or erased, from history – The Age of Stone (2013), a voyage into the far west of Brazil inspired by the epic construction of Brasília, and It is Night in America (2022), a wildlife eco-horror and nocturnal documentary that blurs the perspective of animals and humans.

Titles:
May 8 – The Age of Stone (2013)
May 9 – It Is Night in America (2022)

KEN LOACH: A DOUBLE BILL

A household name with more than five decades in film and television behind him, it would be tempting to think of Ken Loach as something approaching an institution in British cinema. Nothing would horrify the man himself more, given his dedication across those years to railing against all manner of hierarchical and structural injustice, both at home and abroad. Even now, in his mid-80s, Loach’s cinematic activism—much like his productivity—remains undimmed.

Titles:
May 6 – Jimmy’s Hall (2014)
May 7 – Black Jack (1979)

GILDED PASSIONS: FILMS BY MERCHANT IVORY

Known for their meticulous lyricism and literary qualities, Merchant Ivory productions are the crème de la crème of British cinema. Founded in 1961 by producer-directors Ismail Merchant and James Ivory, the film company is a multi-hyphenated affair. Echoing the diverse, transnational backgrounds of their creators, Merchant Ivory are drawn to stories about in-between experiences, and the boundaries of social class and financial wealth.

Titles:
May 2 – Heat and Dust (1983)
May 4 – The Bostonians (1984)
May 11 – Maurice (1987)
May 15 – Howards End (1992)

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