#FIRSTLOOK: “22 VS. EARTH” COMING SOON TO DISNEY+

Fans of the character 22 in SOUL will love this! Short Film 22 VS. EARTH is coming soon to Disney+. See a new Clip!

Synopsis:

Set before the events of “Soul,” the original short is directed by 21-year Pixar veteran Kevin Nolting. “While making ‘Soul,’ we talked about the why of a new soul not wanting to live on Earth, but it didn’t ultimately belong in that movie,” said Nolting. “‘22 vs. Earth’ was a chance to explore some of the unanswered questions we had about why 22 was so cynical. As a fairly cynical person myself, it felt like perfect material.” 

In the short, 22 defies the rules of The Great Before and refuses to go to Earth, enlisting a gang of five other new souls in her attempt at rebellion. However, as her cohorts’ activities lead to unexpected results, 22’s subversive plot may actually lead to a surprising revelation about the meaning of life.

22 VS. EARTH arrives April 30, 2021 on Disney+.

(Photo credit: Disney/Pixar)

#FIRSTLOOK: TJFF2021 PROGRAMMING LINEUP

Streaming virtually Ontario-wide from June 3 to 13, 2021 TJFF2021 offers a curated programme of 60+ films showcasing the best in Jewish-content film from Canada and around the world. Check-out their lineup!

Narrative:

Asia, dir. Ruthy Pribar, Israel
Winner of the Best Film at the Israeli Academy Awards and the Tribeca Film Festival’s Nora Ephron Award, Asia stars Shira Haas (Unorthodox, Shtisel) as a defiant teen coping with a degenerative disorder who has a fraught relationship with her mother.

Forgiveness (Mechila), dirs. Guy Amir & Hanan Savyon, Israel
A caper-buddy comedy by duo Amir & Savyon about two bumbling thieves whose failed attempt to rob a bank lands one of them in jail while the other becomes a Hasidic Jew. Plans go awry when the reformed criminals are reunited.

Here We Are, dir. Nir Bergman, Israel/Italy
Premiered at Cannes and winner of the Jury Prize and Audience Award at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, Here We Are captures the poignancy of parenthood through a single father who has devoted his life to raising his autistic son Uri. 

Kiss Me Kosher, dir. Shirel Peleg, Germany/Israel
A love story where cultures clash and families must overcome their religious difference when Shira, an Israeli, and Maria, her non-Jewish, German girlfriend get engaged. All of which is captured on video to full comic effect by Shira’s younger brother for a school project.

Labyrinth of Peace (Frieden), dir.  Mike Schaerer, Israel/Germany
This gripping miniseries reveals the façade of Switzerland’s neutrality after the war and that a family’s future success depends on ignoring or actively colluding with former war criminals. 

*Centrepiece Film
Lune, dirs. Aviva Armour-Ostroff & Arturo Perez Torres, Canada 
Audience Award winner for Narrative Feature at Cinequest 2021, set in 1994 Toronto, a Jewish South African freelance journalist’s strong desire to return to South Africa to vote for the recently-freed Nelson Mandela triggers her bipolar disorder with her mania exploding into a life-altering climax.

The Sign Painter, dir. Viestur Kairish, Latvia/Czech Republic/Lithuania
Ansis, a young sign painter in 1940s Latvia has a simple dream: to be an artist and to marry Zisla, the beautiful daughter of a Jewish merchant but his romantic dream is shattered as the country inches towards totalitarianism. 

*Closing Film
The Specials (Hors normes), dirs. Olivier Nakache & Éric Toledano, France 
Directed by the duo behind The Intouchables and inspired by a true story of two men who join forces to confront systemic neglect and fight for those marginalized by society, the film stars Vincent Cassel (Black Swan, Eastern Promises) and Reda Kateb (Zero Dark Thirty, A Prophet).

A Starry Sky Above a Roman Ghetto, dir. Giulio Base, Italy
A wartime photo of a Jewish child brings young people together on a quest of discovery that reveals life-changing consequences as they uncover the fate of this person in the photo.

Summer of ‘85, dir. François Ozon, France/Belgium
The unparalleled intensity of first-time love is sumptuously rendered in François Ozon’s masterful coming of age tale. When charismatic David rescues Alex from a capsized boat, the two embark on a passionate relationship, fuelled by Alex’s all-consuming love.

Tiger Within, dir. Rafal Zielinski, United States
Holocaust survivor, Samuel (Ed Asner), and Casey, a skinhead teen runaway, develop an unlikely friendship. Despite their traumas and initial mistrust of one another, Casey gives Sam a new purpose, and Sam gives Casey the guidance she needs to start a new life. 

Two, dir. Astar Elkayam, Israel
Initially optimistic about starting a family, Bar and Omer eagerly comb through a catalogue of potential donors and face the insemination process with humour. But when Omer fails to become pregnant, an underlying sense of failure threatens to undermine their relationship.

The Un-Word, dir. Leo Khasin, Germany
After an altercation between an Iranian, a Palestinian and a Jewish student, parents of the three boys are called to the school by their teacher who inadvertently exposes her own misguided assumptions, complete with snacks decorated with Palestinian and Israeli flags. 

Documentary:

The Adventures of Saul Bellow, dir. Asaf Galay, United States
A portrait of Saul Bellow, one of the most acclaimed chroniclers of post-war American Jewish life. Insights from Salman Rushdie, Philip Roth and Martin Amis along with archival footage make this compulsory viewing for Bellow fans.

Alone Together, dirs., Kineret Hay-Gillor & Maya Tiberman, Israel
Winner of the Audience Award at the Docaviv Film Festival, Alone Together is about an everyday hero who works in soup kitchens by day and volunteers at night as a “first hug” with abandoned babies, all the while struggling to create her own family.  

Desert Tested, dir. Avi Weissblei, Israel
The history of the Susita—the car with the fibreglass shell that was designed to create an Israeli automobile industry—and the man behind the car – Yitzhak Shubinsky. A story of corruption, fraud, and suspicious government ties.

High Maintenance, dir. Barak Heymann, Israel/Poland
Israeli icon, Dani Karavan, who, despite creating nearly 100 installations across the world and winning numerous awards, feels dissatisfied. High Maintenance is a portrait of Karavan as an old man, yet still every bit as relevant as he ever was. 

Lebanon – Borders of Blood, dir. Duki Dror, Israel/Germany
Duki Dror (2020 David Stein Award winner for There Are No Lions in Tel Aviv) distills a century of Lebanese history in this comprehensive documentary with an impressive array of interviewees from multiple sides of the geo-political spectrum. 

Leonard Cohen, Portrait of the Artist (Leonard Cohen, portrait intime), dir. Armelle Brusq, France
A must-see for Leonard Cohen fans, this newly-restored 1996 documentary offers a rare view into his time at Mount Baldy Zen Center as a Buddhist and disciple of the Zen Master, Kyozan Joshu Sasaki Roshi. 

Love It Was Not (Ahava Zot Lo Hayta), dir. Maya Sarfaty, Israel/Austria
SS officer Franz Wunsch saved Helena Citron and her sister from certain death in Auschwitz. Thirty years later Helena is faced with an impossible decision when she is called upon as a witness at his war crimes trial. 

Marry Me However, dir. Mordechai Vardi, Israel
The emotional devastation wrought by marrying against one’s sexual orientation for the sake of complying with Orthodox religious obligations is examined through the experience of gay and lesbian Orthodox Jews. 

Mighty Ira, dirs. Chris Maltby, Nico Perrino & Aaron Reese, United States
Ira Glasser, leader of the ACLU for 23 years, took it from a small grassroots operation on the verge of bankruptcy, to the juggernaut it is today. Amid today’s controversies surrounding free speech, racial equality and antisemitism, Glasser’s story is as timely as ever.

Modigliani and His Secrets, dir. Jacques Loeuille, France
Historians and curators explore the myths surrounding artist Amedeo Modigliani by retracing his life from his Sephardic-Jewish upbringing in Venice to life in Bohemian Paris. 

Muranow, dir. Chen Shelach, Israel
Once the heart of Warsaw’s Jewish life, the Polish district of Muranow became the Warsaw ghetto, and was rebuilt after the war on the site of its destruction. Current residents of this green and rehabilitated neighbourhood discuss the spectre of its former residents. 

A Private Death, dir. Marianna Barr, Israel
The improbable love story of a Jaffa-born Orthodox Jew and a Jerusalem-born Christian Arab, which blossomed in 1930s Palestine and continued until the end of their lives. Their relationship provides a unique testimony to life in Jerusalem during the British Mandate. 

Raymone El Bidaoia, dir. Yael Abecassis, Israel
Raymonde – diva, queen, enigma, inspiration, survivor, widow, woman, and mother. Armed with a camera, actress Yael Abecassis captures her mother, legendary voice of Morocco, Raymonde El Bidaoia, as they embark on a journey together.

The Red Scarf, dir. Peter Mostovoy, Israel
In this autobiography, Mostovoy takes us on a journey from his impoverished childhood in the Soviet Union to award-winning Russian filmmaker. Once believing that his art could be free from demands of the regime, he nevertheless became entangled in Soviet-era politics as an “untrustworthy” Jew. 

*Opening Film
Shelter, dir. Ron Chapman, Canada 
Toronto’s standing as one of the world’s most successful multicultural cities in the world is due in no small part to the efforts of a group of entrepreneurial Jewish immigrants. Anticipating the need for affordable, quality rental housing after the post-War immigration boom, these resourceful businessmen were instrumental in shaping the city we know today. 

UnReined, dirs. Naomi Guttman-Bass & Marcia Rock, United States
Nancy Zeitlin challenged familial and societal norms. She became a leading figure in the Israeli equestrian world, but a chance encounter with a horse-loving Palestinian prompted her to establish the first Palestinian equestrian team. 

Winter Journey, dir. Anders Østergaard, Denmark/Germany
Featuring actor Bruno Ganz in his final role, Winter Journey is based on the conversations that American radio host, Martin Goldsmith had with his father, a German Jewish musician. This hybrid documentary combines archival footage and re-enactments to bring his parents’ poignant and painful love story to light.

Archival Programme: Spotlights Carl Reiner, Ted Allan & Joan Micklin Silver

The 2021 Archival Programme will celebrate the beloved work and prolific career of the late Carl Reiner, by showcasing his television work, including Your Show of Shows and The Dick Van Dyke Show as well as the forgotten gem Flannery and Quilt, a comedy pilot created by Reiner and Marty Feldman (Young Frankenstein). 

TJFF is also honouring one of Canada’s most distinctive writing talents and raconteurs, Ted Allan, with screenings of the Canadian classic Lies My Father Told Me and the CBC teleplay Love on the Nose, starring Saul Rubinek, Marilyn Lightstone, Maury Chaykin, and Eugene Levy. Also, for newcomers to Allan’s life and career, TJFF is screening Ted Allan: Minstrel Boy of the 20th Century.

To commemorate the recent passing of ground-breaking director Joan Micklin Silver (Hester Street), TJFF is hosting a special screening of the romantic comedy, Crossing Delancey. 

Short Films:

For a complete list of short films in the TJFF programme, click here.

Films will be available to view Ontario-wide for 48 hours and many of the films will have live zoom Q&As with directors, cast and documentary subjects. Information on the complete schedule of special events, including Q&As, will be announced on May 12, 2021 when the box office opens. For more information, visit www.tjff.com. 

#FIRSTLOOK: NETFLIX 2021 SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW

Netflix proudly present their Summer Movie Preview. New Movies every week, all summer long! Check-out this Sizzle Reel!

Netflix‘s Summer Slate includes new movies every week!

STILL TO COME IN APRIL THINGS HEARD & SEEN ⬥ 4/29 THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES ⬥ 4/30 MAY MONSTER ⬥ 5/7 OXYGEN (OXYGÈNE) ⬥ 5/12 THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW ⬥ 5/14 ARMY OF THE DEAD ⬥ 5/21 BAGGIO: THE DIVINE PONYTAIL (IL DIVIN CODINO) ⬥ 5/26 GHOST LAB ⬥ 5/26 BLUE MIRACLE ⬥ 5/27 JUNE CARNAVAL ⬥ 6/2 AWAKE ⬥ 6/9 WISH DRAGON ⬥ 6/11 SKATER GIRL ⬥ 6/11 FATHERHOOD ⬥ 6/18 JAGAME THANDHIRAM ⬥ 6/18 GOOD ON PAPER ⬥ 6/23 AMERICA: THE MOTION PICTURE (stars  Channing Tatum, Jason Mantzoukas, Olivia Munn, Bobby Moynihan, Judy Greer, Will Forte, Raoul Max Trujillo, Killer Mike, with Simon Pegg and Andy Samberg!)⬥ 6/30 THE HOUSE OF FLOWERS: THE MOVIE (LA CASA DE LAS FLORES: LA PELÍCULA) JULY RESORT TO LOVE ⬥ 7/29 THE LAST MERCENARY (LE DERNIER MERCENAIRE) ⬥ 7/30 BLOOD RED SKY TROLLHUNTERS: RISE OF THE TITANS THE LAST LETTER FROM YOUR LOVER AUGUST THE KISSING BOOTH 3 SWEET GIRL ⬥ 8/20 HE’S ALL THAT ⬥ 8/27 BECKETT

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#FIRSTLOOK: “MASTER OF NONE” SEASON 3

MASTER OF NONE Season 3 returns to Netflix and this Season focuses on the relationship between Denise and Alicia. Here’s your first look!

Synopsis:

The Emmy Award-winning MASTER OF NONE returns with a new season that chronicles the relationship of Denise (Emmy Award winner Lena Waithe) and her partner Alicia (BAFTA winner Naomi Ackie). Directed by series co-creator and Emmy winner Aziz Ansari, and scripted by Ansari and Waithe, this new season is a modern love story that intimately illustrates the ups and downs of marriage, struggles with fertility, and personal growth both together and apart. Fleeting romantic highs meet crushing personal losses while existential questions of love and living are raised.
Co-created by Ansari and Emmy Award winner Alan Yang, Season 3 delivers an evolution of the series that remains tethered to previous seasons while breaking new storytelling ground of its own.

See the Trailer:

MASTER OF NONE Season 3 returns to Netflix May 23, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#OSCARS: “NOMADLAND” TAKES TOP PRIZE AT THE 2021 OSCARS

The 93rd annual Academy Awards took place tonight at Union Station in Los Angeles, as Hollywood continues to navigate the Pandemic. The ceremony was preceded by a reduced Red Carpet and attendance was limited and socially-distanced within the venue, a departure from the usual Kodak Theatre, which still was used this year, but for a segment leading to the Humanitarian Award, which was awarded to the Motion Picture and Television Fund.

Without a formal host this year, the broadcast also adopted a number of new changes including no interruption of winner’s speeches under Musical Director Questlove. Presenters and winners drew their attention to anti-racism, including Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award recipient Tyler Perry, stating in his speech, “It is my hope that all of us will teach our kids: refuse hate. Don’t hate anybody.”.

The evening’s big winner was NOMADLAND, taking Best Picture. The Film directed by Chloé Zhao, made history as she became the first ever Asian woman to win in the Directing category, following Korean Director Bong Joon-Ho‘s win for Parasite last year. Just last September, the Film had won the People’s Choice Award here in Toronto at TIFF. Frances McDormand went on to win her fourth Oscar, taking Best Actress for her work in the Film.

An absent Sir Anthony Hopkins took home his second Oscar for Best Actor for his work in THE FATHER, which also took Adapted Screenplay earlier in the ceremony. He won previous for 1992’s Silence of the Lambs. Chadwick Boseman who posthumously was sweeping much of Awards Season was seen as the favourite to win, for his performance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

History also was made as MINARI star Youn Yuh-Jung became the first ever South Korean Actress ever to be nominated and win an Oscar. The veteran accepted her Award from MINARI Producer Brad Pitt, starstruck and asking him where he was during production for the Film. Jokingly, she also forgave everyone for mispronouncing her name, questioning whether the Award was simply “American hospitality”.

Some of the evening’s most memorable looks:

Carey Mulligan has arrived. Promising Young Woman star in Valentino. If this isn’t a testament to believing in herself… ✨ pic.twitter.com/4iZpE6te3q

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) April 25, 2021

Maria Bakalova in Louis Vuitton. Best dress so far tonight. Admit it, you’re rooting too for this BORAT star to ‘dark horse’ the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/o5O6bGgRVK

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) April 25, 2021

Minari star Alan Kim in Thom Browne. Such a stylish young man.

Giuliana: Who are you most looking forward to meeting tonight.
Alan: Nobody.

Aww! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/pgdn0d3wRs

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) April 25, 2021

“That’s hot.” – Paris Hilton

Colman Domingo of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom in Versace. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/mTnEvcKd02

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) April 25, 2021

Riz Ahmed in Prada. First time I’ve ever seen a cummerbund on anything but a dress shirt. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/BPf1OXI8if

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) April 25, 2021

Now that’s gorg! Crazy hearing how Amanda Seyfried would do like 200 takes to get it right in MANK for David Fincher. She’s in Armani. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/jlHgfE2gTr

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) April 25, 2021

Complete list of winners here.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TEASER FOR “WEST SIDE STORY”

In case you missed it tonight during the Oscars broadcast, here’s the brand-new Teaser for Steven Spielberg‘s WEST SIDE STORY!

Synopsis:

Directed by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, “West Side Story” tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony); Rachel Zegler (María); Ariana DeBose (Anita); David Alvarez (Bernardo); Mike Faist (Riff); Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino); Ana Isabelle (Rosalía); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke); and Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works). Moreno – one of only three artists to be honored with Academy®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, Tony® and Peabody Awards – also serves as one of the film’s executive producers.

See the Trailer:

20th Century Studios release WEST SIDE STORY December 10, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios)

#COOKING: JALAPEÑO AND RED PEPPER POPPERS RECIPE

Jalapeño and Red Pepper Poppers. These fan-favourite apps are the best and I honestly don’t know why I haven’t made these sooner. They’re super-easy to make! Are these really spicy? The answer is no, but I have a really high tolerance to spice. The richness of the Cream Cheese balances out all the heat in the Jalapeños, but I’ve made a Red Pepper option just in case so that there’s something for everyone. This serves two.

Ingredients:

1 8oz container of Cream Cheese (I prefer Herb & Garlic)
2 Jalapeño Peppers, halved and seeded, I prefer the membrane intact but you can remove
1 Red Pepper, quartered and seeded
1/4 cup Panko
1/3 cup shredded Cheddar/Mozzarella mix
3 tbsps butter, melted
2 stalks green onion, chopped
2 tbsps grated Parmesan
1 tsp garlic powder
Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 400°F.
2. In bowl, combine Cream Cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder and green onion.
3. In separate dish, combine butter, Parmesan and Panko.
4. Fill sectioned peppers with cheese mixture and place onto baking tray.
5. Top with Panko topping.
6. Bake 20 minutes. Allow to cool 10 minutes before eating.

Gallery:

View this post on Instagram

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

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#NEWMUSIC: R3HAB FT. JOLIN TSAI – “STARS ALIGN”

Chinese Pop Queen Jolin Tsai has teamed-up with Dutch DJ/Producer R3HAB on the Dance Track STARS ALIGN. Just released was this highly-stylized new Video for the vibey tune, directed by Muh Chen. So thrilled the world finally can get a glimpse of this brilliant Taiwan-born icon.

See the Video here:

If you’re just discovering Jolin Tsai, you must see her phenomenal Video for Track Womxnly. Ensure you turn on the subtitles so you can understand the Track’s powerful message about gender positivity.

Highly-conceptualized and beautifully-executed Videos are nothing new for Tsai. You must see some of the other highly-cinematic Music Videos from her album UGLY BEAUTY which won both Album and Song of the Year with Womxnly in her native Taiwan.

Perhaps my other favourite Track from the Disc, VULNERABILITY which never got a Video treatment.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “ROADRUNNER” – ANTHONY BOURDAIN DOCUMENTARY

This one hits close to home. We love Anthony Bourdain and can’t wait to see this Documentary about his fascinating life.

Synopsis:

A documentary about the uncommon life of the late storyteller, explorer, and chef, Anthony Bourdain. The film will have its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on Friday, June 11, 2021.

The documentary is directed by Academy Award® winner Morgan Neville (20 Feet from Stardom, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?). Focus Features will first release the documentary exclusively in theaters on Friday, July 16, 2021 before the film premieres on television on CNN and streams via HBO Max. CNN Films and HBO Max executive produced the film.

(Photo/video credit: Focus Features)

#FIRSTLOOK: “I AM SYD STONE”

After having screened at the 2020 Inside Out LGBTQ Film Festival, I AM SYD STONE arrives this weekend on OutTV. The six-part Series based on Denis Theriault‘s 2014 Short Film of the same name expands on some ideas seen in the original. The Series is set on its titular character, played by Vancouver’s Travis Nelson, who is films a movie in a small town. This is where he meets a lawyer named Matt (Toronto’s Benjamin Charles Watson) and the two develop a relationship.

Syd has remained in the closet for many years, having to conceal his sexuality for the sake of his career. Falling for Matt puts his career in jeopardy and he must balance finding himself and understanding his sexuality, with the person everyone else seems him as, being a former A-List Actor.

Visually, the Series looks great and Kevin A. Fraser’s stylish Cinematography has a way of taking us inside Syd‘s gray psyche. While we found the chemistry between our two leads lacking a bit of that fire that would have glued this together a bit better, stories like this need to be told and seen. While there isn’t particularly new or compelling being brought to the table here, there is a great need for stories that challenge and question the ideals of masculinity and how this is a struggle that comes with costs. In that regard, the quickly-digestable story told in 10-15 increments, should strike a chord with more than just a community.

I AM SYD STONE airs on OUTtv Thursday, April 22 at 8:30 PM with the first two episodes and one new one each week following. It will be available on OUTtv Go beginning April 21, 2021.