HOT DOCS today have announced special guests to appear at the Festival this year!

From Hot Docs:
We’re delighted to welcome noteworthy guests and fascinating subjects to our 2023 Festival, taking place in Toronto April 27 to May 7. Special guests include Canada’s first female Jewish Supreme Court Judge Rosalie Abella; Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers; Canadian YouTube pioneer, comedian, author, and television host Lilly Singh; bestselling author Gretchen Rubin; pioneering Black model and activist Bethann Hardison; trailblazing chef, food writer and editor Ruth Reichl; legendary journalist and podcaster Kara Swisher; prominent Greenlandic Inuk lawyer Aaju Peter; members of Canadian alt-rock band July Talk; and more. The Festival will also host over 186 of the world’s top documentary filmmakers to introduce their films and participate in post-screening audience Q&As

Featured guests are listed below. In most cases, the guests will be present at one or more screenings.

Aaju Peter from TWICE COLONIZED (D: Lin Alluna | P: Emile Hertling Péronard, Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, Stacey Aglok MacDonald, Bob Moore | Denmark, Canada, Greenland | 2023 | 92 min) – Prominent Greenlandic Inuk lawyer and ardent defender of the rights of northern Indigenous people. In 2012, she received the Order of Canada.

Anna Maria Tremonti, Gavin Crawford, Falen Johnston, Matthew Amha and Kaitlin Prest from “THE STORY I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD TELL”: A NIGHT OF SURPRISING STORIES WITH THE HOSTS OF CBC PODCASTS – Stars of the CBC’s hottest podcasts and Canada’s most gifted audio storytellers, who will gather on the Hot Docs Cinema stage for an intimate evening of live storytelling.

Bethann Hardison from INVISIBLE BEAUTY (D: Bethann Hardison, Frédéric Tcheng | P: Lisa Cortés, Paul Dallas | USA | 2023 | 115 min) – Pioneering Black model, agent, activist, and champion of racial diversity.

Emily Saliers from IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL (D: Alexandria Bombach | P: Kathlyn Horan, Jessica Devaney, Anya Rous, Alexandria Bombach | USA | 2023 | 123 min) – American singer-songwriter and member of iconic folk rock duo Indigo Girls.

Gretchen Rubin, special guest on THE HAPPINESS LAB – Bestselling author of “The Happiness Project,” podcaster, and speaker on topics related to happiness, habits, and human nature.

Kara Swisher from ON WITH KARA SWISHER – Renowned American journalist and host of the twice-weekly podcast from New York Magazine, where she picks the brains of the world’s leading thinkers from politics, tech, media and culture.

Dr. Laurie Santos from THE HAPPINESS LAB – Cognitive scientist and Professor of Psychology at Yale University, and host of the acclaimed mind-expanding and inspirational podcast about the science of happiness.

Latif Nasser (co-host) and Simon Adler (producer) from RADIOLAB – The award-winning show from WNYC Studios brings its insatiable curiosity to Hot Docs, presenting a thrilling live event based on its Mixtape series, a rich cultural history of the cassette tape.

Lilly Singh, special guest on ON WITH KARA SWISHER – Canadian YouTube pioneer, comedian, author, and television host.

Moby, executive producer of ROWDY GIRL (D: Jason Goldman | P: Jason Goldman | USA | 2022 | 72 min) – American musician, songwriter, singer, producer, and animal rights activist. He has sold 20 million records worldwide. (joining via Zoom)

Peter De Jager from TIME BOMB Y2K (D: Marley McDonald, Brian Becker | P: Brian Becker | USA | 2023 | 80 min) – South African-born Canadian computer engineer, best known for his Y2K early 1990s outcry warning.

Singers Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay, guitarist Ian Docherty, bassist Josh Warburton, and drummers Danny Miles and Dani Nash from JULY TALK: LOVE LIVES HERE (D: Brittany Farhat | P: Peter Dreimanis, Leah Fay Goldstein | Canada | 2023 | 83 min) – Members of Toronto alt-rock band July Talk, who made headlines for staging live drive-in shows amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Justice Rosalie Abella from WITHOUT PRECEDENT: THE SUPREME LIFE OF ROSALIE ABELLA (D: Barry Avrich | P: Mark Selby, Barry Avrich, Rosemary Sadlier, Jonas Prince | Canada | 2023 | 84 min) – Canada’s first female Jewish Supreme Court Judge – a passionate advocate for the disabled community and visible minorities.

Ruth Reichl from FOOD AND COUNTRY (D: Laura Gabbert | P: Laura Gabbert, Ruth Reichl, Paula P. Manzanedo, Caroline Libresco | USA | 2023 | 99 min) – Trailblazing chef, food writer and editor; renowned for her food criticism at the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times.

Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi from SCAMFLUENCERS – Canadian culture writers and co-hosts of the Wondery smash hit podcast, unpacking epic stories of deception from the worlds of social media, fashion, finance, health, and wellness.

Oh how I adore this Series! INDIAN MATCHMAKING is back for a third season and how wonderful to join Sima Auntie on her new adventures as she sets out to save the world and these singles from a lifetime of singledom.

Picking-up where Season Two left-off, we get to know London’s Priya a bit better and she gets set-up with a Math Teacher named Bobby, who consistently gets “friend-zoned” and wonder if Priya will do the same to him? She also meets another potential suitor who checks many of the boxes for her, but what happens when she feels things are moving too quickly?

We also reunite with Viral who seems to have found the one in Aashay. The next hurdle they must overcome is meeting eachother’s families and off they go to India together. They always say if a couple can survive a trip together, that’s a sign they can take on a lot together.

We meet Florida’s Arti, who is seeing many of her own best friends get paired-off, but she must focus on herself now and despite Sima Auntie‘s help, she is a bit skeptical. One interesting thing this third season explores is the emergence of dating apps, even some geared specifically to Indian singles, and this provides an interesting take on new mediums to finding love versus traditional.

One interesting new addition to the Cast is a former Miss Delhi, Rushali. She is so deeply-protective of her parents and it’s interesting seeing this dynamic in how it dictates her dating life and who she looks for in a partner.

This season we get to know Sima Auntie a bit better in conversations with her own family about her feeling vulernable too at times in her life, and we’re here for it.

We cannot get enough of this Series and hope there’s many more seasons to come. INDIAN MATCHMAKING Season Three arrives April 21, 2023.

The terrifying new trailer and a new poster for 20th Century Studios’ and 21 Laps’ “The Boogeyman” is available now. The horror-thriller from the mind of best-selling author Stephen King opens June 2, 2023, exclusively in theatres worldwide.

High school student Sadie Harper and her younger sister Sawyer are reeling from the recent death of their mother and aren’t getting much support from their father, Will, a therapist who is dealing with his own pain. When a desperate patient unexpectedly shows up at their home seeking help, he leaves behind a terrifying supernatural entity that preys on families and feeds on the suffering of its victims. “The Boogeyman,” directed by Rob Savage (“Host”) with a screenplay by Scott Beck & Bryan Woods (“A Quiet Place”) and Mark Heyman (“Black Swan”) and a screen story by Scott Beck & Bryan Woods based upon the short story by Stephen King, stars Sophie Thatcher (“Yellowjackets”), Chris Messina (“Air”), Vivien Lyra Blair (“Obi-Wan Kenobi”), Marin Ireland (“The Umbrella Academy”), Madison Hu (“Bizaardvark”), LisaGay Hamilton (“Vice”), and David Dastmalchian (“Boston Strangler”). The producers are Shawn Levy (“Stranger Things”), Dan Levine (“Arrival”), and Dan Cohen (“The Adam Project”), with John H. Starke (“Sicario”), Emily Morris (“Rosaline”), Scott Beck, Bryan Woods, Ryan Cunningham, Adam Kolbrenner (“The Tomorrow War”), and Robyn Meisinger serving as executive producers.

“’The Boogeyman’ is a classic horror movie in the mold of ‘Poltergeist’ that has scares and heart in equal measure,” says director Rob Savage. “I vividly remember the terror I felt reading King’s short story as a kid, and it’s this feeling of childhood fear that I wanted to inspire in cinema audiences around the world. This film was made in collaboration with an incredibly talented team of creatives, and is anchored by wonderful, soulful performances from our incredible cast – I’m in awe of them, truly. We’re incredibly proud of this movie and can’t wait to give you all a reason to fear the dark again on June 2nd.”

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios)

Following the great success of PAMELA: A LOVE STORY, Netflix is back with another Documentary about a fascinating and beloved ’90s icon, Anna Nicole Smith. Here’s the new Trailer for ANNA NICOLE SMITH: YOU DON’T KNOW ME.

Synopsis:

From director Ursula Macfarlane (Untouchable) and producer Alexandra Lacey comes an unflinching and humanizing examination of the life, death, and secrets of Vickie Lynn Hogan – better known as model and actress Anna Nicole Smith. From her first appearance in Playboy in 1992, Anna Nicole’s dizzying ascent was the very essence of the American dream, brought to a tragic halt with her untimely passing in 2007. With access to never-before-seen footage, home movies, and interviews with key figures who have not spoken out until now, this film reveals new insights into the story of the quintessential blonde bombshell hardly anyone really knew.

ANNA NICOLE SMITH: YOU DON’T KNOW ME arrives May 16, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE takes the top spot at the Box Office a second straight week! Bringing-in a stellar $72 million from 4,371 theatres for Universal Pictures, a total $332 million grossed already.

Second place goes to AIR with $8 million its second weekend out from 3,507 theatres, a tally of $33.5 million for Warner Bros. domestically.

In third is RENFIELD, which stars Nicolas Cage and Nicholas Hoult, opening with $7.9 million for Universal PIctures. It passes with a 60% score on the Tomatometer.

Fourth is THE POPE’S EXORICST with $7.8 million for Sony Screen Gems/Sony Pictures. It gets 46% on the Tomatometer.

Rounding things out in fifth is JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 with $7 million from 3,033 theatres, a total $159 million for Cineplex Pictures/Lionsgate.

Canadian Screen Week 2023 has concluded with celebrations taking place over four days at Toronto’s Meridian Hall, honouring the achievements of Canadian talent in film, television, and digital media.

History was made this year in the Film and Television categories with records being set. CBC’s The Porter went on to win a record 12 Canadian Screen Awards, leading television honours overall. Wins include: Best Drama Series; Best Direction, Drama Series, presented by Playback; Best Writing, Drama Series; and Best Guest Performance, Drama Series for Alfre Woodward. The award for Best Lead Performer, Drama Series went to Hamza Haq for CTV’s Transplant, making this his third consecutive win as a lead in the series.

In Comedy, the sophomore season of CBC’s Sort Of took home an inpressive seven Canadian Screen Awards. Among those wins was Best Comedy Series; Best Lead Performer, Comedy, presented by the Canada Media Fund, for Bilal Baig; Best Guest Performance, Comedy for Amanda Brugel; and Best Writing, Comedy, for Bilal Baig and Fab Filippo, marking back-to-back wins for the pair in this category. 

Film honours were led by Clement Virgo’s Brother, which like The Porter, received a record 12 Canadian Screen Awards at The Cinematic Arts Awards, presented by Telefilm Canada and supported by Cineplex, on Thursday, April 13, including: Best Motion Picture; Achievement in Direction, and Adapted Screenplay for Clement Virgo; Performance in a Leading Role, presented by Telefilm Canada, for Lamar Johnson; and Performance in a Supporting Role for Aaron Pierre.

Special Awards were also handed-out through the week, culminating a star-studded conclusion to the week with the likes of Ryan Reynolds and Catherine O’Hara in-attendance. Honourees this year include:

–Ryan Reynolds, recipient of the Humanitarian Award, presented by Paramount+, was presented his award in a touching moment (see Reel below) by Everett Ho, SickKids patient ambassador, and Lisa Charendoff, Associate Director, Community Stakeholder Relations at SickKids Foundation. Winner Amanda Brugel also wanted Reynolds in on her victory photo!

–Catherine O’Hara, recipient of the Academy Icon Award, presented by CBC, received her award from Karen Robinson, her former Schitt’s Creek co-star.

–Simu Liu, recipient of the Radius Award presented by MADE | NOUS, recognizing a Canadian whose work is making waves globally

–Lisa LaFlamme, recipient of the Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism, recognizing a Canadian broadcast journalist for their exceptional body of work in broadcast journalism

–Pierre Bruneau, the recipeint of the Lifetime Achievement Award for exceptional work with an impact at home or abroad

–Peter MacNeill, recipient of the Earle Grey Award, presented by eOne for their exceptional body of acting work in Canadian television and film

–Tracy Moore, recipient of the Changemaker Award, which recognises and honours those in the media community in Canada who are using their voice or platform to call out systemic racism and discrimination, supporting and amplifying the voices of those who are actively engaged in anti-racist work, and seeking structural transformations in media, film, and television in Canada that promote values of equity and inclusion

–Paul Pope (post-humous), the recipient of the Academy Board of Directors’ Tribute 

–Jennifer Podemski, recipient of the Academy Board of Directors’ Tribute, honouring a Canadian individual for their extraordinary impact on the growth of the Canadian media industry

A Reel of Highlights from tonight’s Red Carpet:

The Canadian Screen Awards with Samantha Bee on Sunday, April 16, 2023 on CBC and CBC Gem at 8 PM (9 AT, 9:30 NT). The winner of the Cogeco Fund Audience Choice Award will be unveiled on the broadcast. Special guests also include Amy Poehler, Mae Martin, Adam DiMarco and Lamar Johnson. 

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

This looks absolutely incredible! Kate Winslet stars in THE REGIME, yet another complex, meaty role. The Series explores a year inside a European regime and is from the same people who brought us SUCCESSION.The HBO Max series is coming 2024. Martha Plimpton, Andrea Riseborough, Hugh Grant and Matthias Schoenaerts also star.

(Photo/video credit: HBO Max)

Scottish Singer-Songwriter Lewis Capaldi debuted with a huge splash back in 2019 with the powerful, heart-wrenching ballad “Someone You Used to Love”, going on to receive accolades including Grammy and BRIT Award nominations. His debut disc Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent, would also go on to become the best-selling album of 2019 in the UK and now he’s back with new music.

Capaldi takes his Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent Tour to Coco-Cola Colisseum tomorrow night in Toronto, just having released brand-new single “How I’m Feeling Now”.

In support of the new single, he did a day of press in Toronto, followed by an intimate five-song performance at iHeartRadio Canada Lounge, followed by a meet and greet with his fans.

Lewis is so amazing and giving, taking the time to meet volunteers and staff as well after his performance. We were a fan, but now appreciate him even more! Such a powerful, emotive voice and beautiful songcraft!

Check-out “How I’m Feeling Now“:

Some snaps from the night:

Capaldi‘s sophomore album BROKEN BY DESIRE TO BE HEAVENLY SENT arrives May 19, 2023 through Universal Music Canada.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Music Group/Mr. Will Wong)

Rapper A BOOGIE WIT DA HOODIE was just in Toronto in February for his Me vs. Myself Tour at Coca-Cola Colisseum, but came back tonight to treat fans in the City to something amazing. Live Nation Canada, Warner Music Canada and XBox Canada partnered to bring him to the Live Nation Canada offices to meet fans and plays a little NBA 2K23 on the XBox.

He was amazing with fans, telling a crowd of them, “I got u” when they approached him for Selfies leaving the event.

The New York native charted in the Top 20 with his biggest hit to date, “Numbers” in 2019 and just released his fourth studio disc Me vs. Myself late 2022, with singles “Take Shots” (ft. Tory Lanez), “B.R.O. (Better Ride Out)” ft. Roddy Rich and “Playa” (ft. Ella Sands).

Some Snaps:

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music Group/Mr. Will Wong)

BritBox International, the world leader in the streaming of British entertainment and cultural moments, has announced its plans for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, taking place on Saturday May 6, 2023. In the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland, BritBox will make available for viewers the most comprehensive collection of authentic Coronation coverage. Coverage will include major British news organisation ITV News’ live broadcast of the occasion, produced by ITN (available on BritBox’s owned and operated platform only), hosted by Tom Bradby and Julie Etchingham. BritBox will also offer wider catch-up, original short form and Royal documentary programming – a total of over 30 hours of Coronation pageantry and wider content.

Coverage will begin with the live streamed Coronation special programme King Charles III: The Coronation, produced by ITN, when viewers will be given a prime view of events. This will be broadcast from Canada Gate, London, with the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony as the backdrop. Afterwards, audiences will be able to watch the programme on demand. In addition to the rolling coverage, there will also be a special hour-long highlights show that will be available soon after the programme concludes.

As part of the occasion, BritBox will also make available a number of Royal-focused special programming, including the premiere of Arthur: A Life with the Royal Family, a documentary centered on British newspaper The Sun’s former Royal photographer, Arthur Edwards.

The Coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey, London on Saturday May 6. The Service will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will reflect the British Monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.

Reemah Sakaan, CEO, BritBox International said: “Iconic British events deserve authentic British coverage, and no other streamer knows this better than BritBox. Along with our know-how in best of British programming, bringing live cultural events has always been something we have excelled at – direct from the UK, and uninterrupted. Partnering with ITN and their expert team to offer a front row seat to our viewers to this moment in history is something we are delighted to be able to offer, alongside our line-up of quality British television.”

Rachel Corp, CEO, ITN said: “ITN’s coverage of the Coronation will be watched by millions of people around the world through key partnerships such as BritBox International. We have secured key camera positions around Buckingham Palace and Westminster to provide viewers with an experience that is better than being in London. It is a privilege for ITN to be able to produce the coverage of this significant constitutional and historical event and I know that our expert teams will make this unmissable viewing.”

BritBox’s full Coronation line-up includes:

· ITN’s live stream special programme, King Charles III: The Coronation

· 60’ highlights package

· Specially – commissioned short form series Countdown to the Crown: The Who’s Who and What’s What of the Coronation

· The documentary Arthur: A Life with the Royal Family, acquired from Rainmaker

· Good Morning Britain Coronation coverage and special programming

· Broader Royal programming including documentaries Charles: The Monarch and the Man and The Monarchy

· This Morning special programming – filmed on the Coronation Street set

· EastEnders’ special Coronation episode

In recent years, BritBox has live streamed other major British and global state and cultural events such as the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, the Wedding of the Duke & Duchess of Sussex, through to the BAFTA Film Awards and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.