By Amanda Gilmore

When Director Penny Lane decides to donate her kidney to a stranger, she makes the decision to document each part of the process. Initially, she’s met with skepticism and many questions of ‘why’. As we watch her go through each step in the process, Lane manages to change our way of thinking and make us laugh while she does it.

Confessions of a Good Samaritan is an in-depth inquiry into the science, history, and ethics of organ transplantation. Experts across many fields lend their knowledge not only of the process of organ transplantation but traits of the individuals who donate. A particular section on the meaning and importance of altruism is the first time audience members start understanding what makes someone want to become a donor. This altruism is showcased through Lane. Although she doesn’t think of herself as a good samaritan in the beginning. Following her story informs the viewer of the lengthy process a donor experiences. And her quirky personality is the cherry on top of this entertaining, through-provoking Documentary.

By the end, Lane has changed our question of ‘why’ into ‘why not’. We see that donating a kidney, or something as small as agreeing to be an organ donor on your driver’s license, is something anyone could and should do. She’s brought us along on her journey and showed us that there is a different way to live. Not a life of only thinking about ourselves and our close loved ones. But one where we can extend that care, nurture, kindness and love to strangers. It’s clear that the world would be a much better place with more good samaritans.

Confessions of a Good Samaritan screens at SXSW ’23 as follows:

Mar 10 at 5:00pm at Alamo Lamar B

Mar 11 at 11:00am at Satellite Venue: AFS Cinema

Mar 15 at 12:30pm at Violet Crown Cinema 1

Mar 15 at 1:00pm at Violet Crown Cinema 3

By Mr. Will Wong

After its premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, Canadian-Korean Director Lloyd Lee Choi brings his Short CLOSING DYNASTY to SXSW 2023. And what a beautiful work it is. At the heart of the story is seven-year-old Queenie (Milinka Winata), who should be in school, but instead is hustling the streets. Whether it be running her school basketball team scam on the train, hawking roses to turn a profit or dumpster diving for treasures, Queenie is determined to make a buck. But we’re left wondering why?

We see New York City throught Queenie‘s hopeful eyes, thanks to a spirited turn by our star Winata who despite her young age is able to master her character’s quiet nuances, yet capture her entrepreneurial drive. And did we mention her speaking Mandarin-Chinese with aplomb?

Cinematography by Christopher Lew is sublime and this 17-minute Short comes with an impressive polish. And when the lens finally zooms-out, we get the reality of where we are today, with the world fighting its way out of some very tough times and what that means for many of us, including young Queenie.

CLOSING DYNASTY screens at SXSW ’23 as follows:

Narrative Shorts Program 1 at Rollins Theatre at The Long Center

Mar 11, 2023

11:00am—12:42pm

Narrative Shorts Program 1 at Alamo Lamar E

Mar 15, 2023

6:30pm—8:12pm

By Mr. Will Wong

One of the great things about SXSW is the platform it gives to deserving voices. ROGER J. CARTER: REBEL REVOLUTIONARY is a Documentary Short by Justin Fairweather. It centers on its titular figure (pardon the pun), a Chicago-based Visual Artist who raises awareness of revolutionaries who are changing the narrative of the minority experience in America.

Over six minutes, we meet Carter briefly, who gives us a bit his own backstory. It is however when his craft is revealed do we truly see the expansiveness of what he is doing. Carter takes toy soldier figurines, assembling them into portraits of revolutionaries for marginalized communities like President Obama, Muhammad Ali, Kamala Harris, Breonna Taylor, Malcolm X and more.

Simply breathtaking, and a story that warrants attention. We just wish Fairweather went further into what pushed Carter‘s creativity – a level of genius is triggered by something affecting and we want to know more. Regardless, Carter‘s artwork speaks for itself.

ROGER J. CARTER: REBEL REVOLUTIONARY screens at SXSW ’23 as follows:

Documentary Shorts Program 1 at Rollins Theatre at The Long Center

Mar 12, 2023

11:00am—12:35pm

Documentary Shorts Program 1 at Alamo Lamar D

Mar 16, 2023

3:30pm—5:05pm

By Mr. Will Wong

Up-and-coming Filmmaker Sean Wang is a name to look-out for as evinced by his heartfelt and funny meditiation of life in NAI NAI & WAI PO (GRANDMA & GRANDMA). Wang returns home to visit his two paternal and maternal grandmothers who happen to live together, sleep together and are BFFs.

The Documentary Short, spanning 17 minutes begins as a festive reunion. The energy of their playful banter between the two women is infectious – fart jokes, “making it rain” and all. But as the Film progresses, we get glimpses into Wang’s grandmother’s past lives, which weren’t so easy. In Mandarin-Chinese, they speak on widowhood, not having necessities during times of war and looking back at photo albums to remember what they looked like. The underlying theme though is an appreciation of the now and getting to spend time with their grandson, and this could their last time together.

So many emotions, affecting, sweet and self-reflective. And incredibly timely as American Cinema continues to experience an renaissance of the Asian-American experience right now. Wang leaves us wanting more and we get why right away he felt it was a great idea to document these fascinating and endearing women who happen to be his two grandmothers.

NAI NAI & WO PO is not to be missed. It screens at SXSW ’23 as follows:

Documentary Shorts Program 2 at Rollins Theatre at The Long Center

Mar 12, 2023

2:15pm — 3:46pm

Documentary Shorts Program 2 at Alamo Lamar D

Mar 16, 2023

6:45pm — 8:16pm

Emerging Canadian artist Roderick Porter has released his new single “BITTERSWEET” featuring Jay Isaiah.

The single has been teased on Porter’s TikTok for a few weeks now and was picked up by Genius in anticipation for the release. See the Official Music Video below!

“Bittersweet is a summary of a real letter I wrote to my ex shortly after she broke up with me. Although the song pulls less punches than the original paper copy, I stayed 100% truthful to my real experience. Which sadly means I really do have half a tattoo on my leg,” Roderick Porter says of the single, adding that this release marks a new cornerstone in how he writes music. “Until this song I had forgotten how much I enjoy and appreciate songs that are written as letters for a single recipient.”

Having already racked up over 165 million global streams on his alt-hip hop catalogue (with a co-sign by Noah Cyrus) Roderick Porter’s ability to turn any sound into a song has pulled in a burgeoning fan base that are eager for more.

(Photo/video credit: Bishwesh Upretty/Mark Martin)

Netflix present to us the new offical Trailer for upcoming Series THE NIGHT AGENT, based on the popular book of the same name. Series arrives March 23, 2023.

Synopsis:

Based on the novel by Matthew Quirk, The Night Agent is a sophisticated, character-based, action-thriller centering on a low level FBI Agent who works in the basement of the White House, manning a phone that never rings — until the night that it does, propelling him into a fast moving and dangerous conspiracy that ultimately leads all the way to the Oval Office.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Fresh-off her Golden Globe win for her superb performance in THE DROPOUT, Amanda Seyfried is back in-town and she reunits with Atom Egoyan on his latest film THE SEVEN VEILS, wrapping this month in Toronto.

The Drama centers on an earnest theatre director named Jeanine (Amanda Seyfried), who has been given the task of remounting her former mentor’s most famous work, the opera “Salome“. Haunted by dark and disturbing memories from her past, Jeanine allows her repressed trauma to color the present as she re-enters the opera world after so many years away. Seyfried last collaborated with Egoyan on 2009’s CHLOE, which we loved. SEVEN VEILS will be released by Elevation Pictures in Canada.

Seyfried while in-town did some good on International Women’s Day raising money for Redwood Women’s Shelter. The event titled “ALL THAT SHE WANTS” was held at Comedy Bar, with her making an appearance to draw awareness to the cause.

We’ve always remembered her as being amazing and kind and she has not changed. On working with Egoyan again, she tells me “Atom is the f*cking best!”.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Shazam‘s affinity with Toronto knows no limits! 2019’s SHAZAM! exceeded all expectations both critically and commercially and though its followup wasn’t filmed in Toronto like its predecessor, it still gets the red carpet treatment with a special fan screening, brought to us by Audi Canada, being held tonight at Scotiabank Theatre. Shouts of “Shazam!” could be heard throughout the theatre, fans ecstatic for this rare, exciting opportunity.

Stars Zachary Levi, who reprises the titular role in SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS and Lucy Liu, who is introduced to us as Kalypso in the Franchise, descended upon Toronto, giving fans something to be excited about as we enter March Break!

In this Sequel, we reunite with Billy Batson (Asher Angel) and his fellow foster kids, who are navigating being everyday teenagers, but also having adult version Superhero alter-egos. We meet the Daughters of Atlas, who arrive on earth looking to reclaim back the magic that was taken from them. Billy and his family are forced to battle for their own superpowers, and save the world.

Our pair of stars dazzled on the Red Carpet before heading into the special screening to do an introduction. Name a more dapper duo! I dare you!

Some Snaps and highlights from the night:

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS March 17, 2023.

We’ll never forget SHAZAM! taking over Toronto when it premiered back in 2019. More on that here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Paramount+ today released the official music video for the single “Grease Is the Word” from the upcoming new original series GREASE: RISE OF THE PINK LADIES. The musical series will premiere with two episodes on Thursday, April 6, 2023 exclusively on Paramount+ in Canada and the U.S.. The series will premiere the following day in the U.K., Australia, Latin America, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France. The premiere date in South Korea will be announced at a later date. GREASE: RISE OF THE PINK LADIES was filmed in Vancouver in the winter of 2022.  The Track can be streamed now here.

Following the premiere, new episodes of the 10-episode season will be available to stream weekly on Thursdays for subscribers in Canada and the U.S., and on Fridays for subscribers in the U.K., Australia, Latin America, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France.

“Grease Is the Word” is a modern take on the iconic song “Grease,” which was written by Barry Gibb and performed by Frankie Valli and served as the opening track of the 1978 classic musical film. “Grease Is the Word” will be featured alongside 30 original songs in season one of GREASE: RISE OF THE PINK LADIES, with executive music producer and GRAMMY Award nominated songwriter Justin Tranter at the helm. As seen in the “Grease Is the Word” music video, each song in the series will be accompanied by a choreographed dance number, led by choreographer Jamal Sims.

Release details on the full GREASE: RISE OF THE PINK LADIES soundtrack from Capitol Records will be announced at a later date.

GREASE: RISE OF THE PINK LADIES stars Marisa Davila as Jane, Cheyenne Isabel Wells as Olivia, Ari Notartomaso as Cynthia, Tricia Fukuhara as Nancy, Shanel Bailey as Hazel, Madison Thompson as Susan, Johnathan Nieves as Richie, Jason Schmidt as Buddy, Maxwell Whittington-Cooper as Wally and Jackie Hoffman as Asst. Principal McGee.

The musical series takes place four years before the original “Grease.” In 1954, before rock ‘n’ roll ruled, before the T-Birds were the coolest in the school, four fed-up outcasts dare to have fun on their own terms, sparking a moral panic that will change Rydell High forever.

From Paramount Television Studios, GREASE: RISE OF THE PINK LADIES is written and executive produced by Annabel Oakes (“Atypical,” “Minx”), who also serves as showrunner and directed a later episode. Alethea Jones (“Made for Love,” “Dollface,” “Evil”) directed the pilot plus two more episodes and executive produces. Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey executive produce for Temple Hill, and Adam Fishbach also executive produces. Erik Feig and Samie Kim Falvey executive produce via PICTURESTART, and it’s produced by Grace Gilroy. Choreography by Jamal Sims, who also directed, and music by GRAMMY Award nominee and executive music producer Justin Tranter.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount+)

Samsonite is excited to announce its latest partnership with actress and comedienne Chloe Fineman. The SNL mainstay brings her wit, style, and charm to a series of photos and videos as she takes the viewer on a journey of packing cheeky discoveries from her travels, and straight to camera moments that will bring a smile to even the most hardened traveller’s face.

The series, launching on Samsonite and Fineman’s social channels, was shot at the TWA Hotel to capture the aura of the Golden Age of travel. From ramp to runway, Chloe’s vintage styling is paired with a mix of archival luggage pieces as well as some of today’s most coveted styles. Can you say Polypropylene shell, because Chloe sure can, all the while showing you what’s insider her Elevation™ Plus Glider, a proprietary Samsonite design.

Fineman, with her keen sense of individuality and a propensity towards vintage aesthetics, was the perfect partner to bring this vision to life. The campaign features pieces from Samsonite’s signature long-lasting collections and personal favorites of Fineman’s. “Samsonite is a brand that I grew up with, so it was a no-brainer when they approached me about working together on this project,” says Fineman. “The team really gave me the creative freedom to have fun and bring my personality to the campaign.”

Samsonite continues to inspire travellers to explore everything the world has to offer while infusing modern, innovative solutions with a sense of nostalgia that transcends generations. “We hope the partnership tells a story that goes beyond the brand’s exceptional product,” says David Oksman, Vice President of Marketing and E-commerce for Samsonite North America. “Samsonite has been encouraging the world to explore destinations near and far for over 100 years and we’re excited to work with Chloe to carry on this tradition.”

The campaign was filmed by Luc L’Amour of Timeless Eye, photographed by Sam Hylton, and styled by Yael Quint, script and creative direction by Hans Tranberg, VP of innovation at H&S Communications LLC. This partnership is only the beginning of Samsonite’s journey to move the world forward through thoughtful and unique travel experiences.

For more on Samsonite, visit here.