The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) celebrated an inspiring year in the world of literature and publishing with its 46th Annual Festival which took place October 29-November 2, 2025. The Festival’s new 5-day format featured more than 100 events, including engaging author conversations, thought-provoking panels, masterclasses, interactive workshops and book signings. Since its inception TIFA has established Toronto as a global leader in uniting authors and audiences.

2025 marked TIFA’s inaugural year as an independent organization, offering audiences new and exciting ways to engage with its authors and events. The change represents the next chapter in TIFA’s storied history of championing literary excellence in a city that has produced so many world-renowned writers.

Held at the historic Victoria University in the University of Toronto, the Festival transformed the heart of the city into a vibrant hub for literary exchange and creative exploration.

The Festival kicked-off with a captivating conversation with the PEN Canada Graeme Gibson Talk 2025: Notes on the New America with Rachel Maddow and Rebecca Solnit, a powerful opening that set the tone for a week of insightful conversations and vibrant celebration of the written word.

“With thousands of book lovers flocking to events throughout the Festival, this has been our busiest and best-attended festival in many years,” said Roland Gulliver, Artistic Director of the Toronto International Festival of Authors. “We’ve been delighted with the audience response to our new venue, Victoria University at the University of Toronto, which was alive with storytelling and conversation over the five days of our fantastic programme. The Festival’s growth is a testament to the passionate readers of Toronto and beyond, and to the talented writers who travelled here from far and wide to share their ideas and stories.”

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED:

Kōtarō Isaka had his first North American appearance promoting his new novel, Hotel Lucky Seven

Kiran Desai: The 2006 Man Booker Prize Winner presents her new novel The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny (Booker longlisted for 2025) in her only Canadian appearance

Richard Armitage: TV star of The Hobbit and many Harlan Coben adaptations on his new novel, The Cut (photo above)

Alka Joshi New York Times and Toronto Star Best Selling Author discussed her newest historical novel Six Days in Bombay

CANADIAN VOICES

A spotlight on Canada’s most acclaimed authors:

Giller Prize winners Ian Williams, Michael Redhill, and Souvankham Thammavongsa launched their new novels

Much loved Canadian authors Thomas King, Madeleine Thien, Emma Donoghue, and Guy Gavriel Kay presented their new books

Andrew Coyne, Globe & Mail columnist, spoke on Canada’s democratic institutions

Brian Stewart on his life as a foreign correspondent with the CBC

Joy Fielding took audiences on a ride with her newest thriller Jenny Cooper Has a Secret

FESTIVAL OF INDIGENOUS STORIES, CO-CURATED WITH NIIGAAN SINCLAIR:

A spotlight on Canada’s Indigenous Voices:

Brian Thomas Isaac

David A Robertson

Katherena Vermette

Kyle Edwards

Tracey Lindberg

Follow along on social:

Facebook: facebook.com/FestofAuthors/

Instagram: instagram.com/festofauthors/

YouTube: youtube.com/user/AuthorsatHC

About TIFA:

The Toronto International Festival of Authors has been inspiring readers and celebrating books and storytelling for 50 years. The charitable organization presents its flagship literary Festival each fall, while offering year-round programming including the MOTIVE Crime & Mystery Festival, the TIFA Romance Festival, the TIFA Presents series of high-profile author talks, Toronto Lit Up book launches, and the International Visitors Program. Since 1974, TIFA has welcomed thousands of authors from more than 100 countries, including 22 Nobel Laureates and countless award winners. The organization is a proud member of the Canadian Association of Literary Festivals (CALF) and the Global Alliance of Literary Festivals (GaoLF).

TIFA gratefully acknowledges our Season Supporter, the Weston Foundations; our Global Authors Club, for providing additional philanthropic support; the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Ontario, Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, the Toronto Arts Council, the Work In Culture Catalyst and Transformation Fund, the Centre for Creativity at Victoria University, and TIFA’s generous donors and supporters who understand that great literature is worth investing in.

(Photo credit: Shawn Goldberg)

This month, Hollywood Suite is boarding a new series from across the pond, In Flight (2025), with weekly departures starting November 7, 2025 at 9pm ET. Alongside the new show are the exclusive broadcast premieres of the Canadian sci-fi comedy Relax, I’m From the Future (2022) and Perfect Pairs, a new episode of the Hollywood Suite original series Cinema A to Z.

Produced by Buccaneer Media and distributed internationally by Fremantle, In Flight
follows the story of flight attendant Jo Conran, a single mum working as a flight attendant. Her
son is serving a fifteen-year sentence in a Bulgarian prison for a murder he swears he did not
commit. Jo is approached by a gang that knows all about her son and is blackmailed into using her job to smuggle drugs to keep her son alive. Jo soon finds herself pulled into a murky
underworld of corrupt cops and hired killers, forced to carry out their orders with no escape in
sight. However, no matter how far Jo finds herself from her old life, her mission remains the
same: to keep her son alive.

Directed by Chris Baugh (Wreck, Tin Star), the crime drama stars Katherine Kelly (Mr Bates
vs The Post Office, also available on Hollywood Suite) alongside Stuart Martin (Rebel Moon,
Miss Scarlett and the Duke), Ashley Thomas (Them, Top Boy), Ambreen Razia (The Agency:
Central Intelligence) and Julia Brown (World on Fire). The first episode premieres on Hollywood
Suite on November 7 at 9pm, with a new episode landing every week until December 12.

“Adding to our long-running list of UK series taking off in Canada, In Flight is a gripping new
drama and we can’t wait to share it with our viewers,” said Sharon Stevens, Vice-President of
Programming for Hollywood Suite. “Fremantle has always been a go-to distributor of impeccable
dramas, award-winning comedies and beloved entertainment, so we couldn’t be more excited to
be working with them to bring their shows to Canadian audiences.”

Bringing the comedy this month is Relax, I’m From the Future, a sci-fi time travel movie
directed by Luke Higginson. The film follows a man from the future who is now trapped in the
past and tries to make a life for himself, oblivious to the consequences he has set in motion.
Starring Rhys Darby (Yes Man) and Gabrielle Graham (Possessor), it premieres on
November 10 at 7:25pm ET.

Finally, the fan favourite Cinema A to Z continues this month with Perfect Pairs. Star Trek has
Kirk & Spock, Top Gun has Iceman & Maverick, Ghost World has Enid & Rebecca. Whether they’re best buddies, siblings, or rivals, some on-screen pairings are just meant to be. Premiering on November 5 at 9pm ET, film experts take a look at 26 perfect pairs throughout cinematic history.

Last night, the cast and filmmakers of 20th Century Studios’ “Predator: Badlands” celebrated the highly anticipated film’s Hollywood premiere at the TCL Chinese Theater. In attendance were stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, director Dan Trachtenberg and producer Ben Rosenblatt who navigated the red carpet alongside the film’s ferocious 7-foot Yautja patriarch. “Badlands” is the newest franchise-expanding entry to the Predator Universe and is the first “Predator” film to debut on the big screen since 2018.

Set in the future on a deadly remote planet, “Badlands” follows a young Predator outcast (played by newcomer Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) who finds an unlikely ally in Thia (Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Elle Fanning) as he embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary. Produced by John Davis, Dan Trachtenberg, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt and Brent O’Connor, “Predator: Badlands” opens exclusively in movie theatres on November 7 in IMAX, RealD (3D), 4DX, ScreenX and premium screens everywhere.

(Photo credit: 20th Century Studios)

Ottawa Tourism’s delightful new holiday rom-com, Magic On Set, is now streaming on YouTube. Viewers can also catch the film on Air Canada’s in-flight entertainment, available in English with optional French subtitles. For a more immersive festive experience, holiday fans and film-lovers can take part in the Magic On Set activation at The Distillery Winter Village, opening November 13 and running until November 17, 2025.

In October, the film had its holiday-themed red carpet premiere at TIFF Lightbox in Toronto with cast and other special guests in attendance. Audiences everywhere can now experience the sparkle of Ottawa’s holiday magic, from the twinkling lights of the ByWard Market to the skating trails and cozy cafés that make the city a real-life rom-com setting.

Directed by Shawna Steele (An Ice Palace Romance) and starring Melinda Shankar (Degrassi: The Next Generation), Chad Connell (Good Sam), Sarah McVie (Workin’ Moms, The Handmaid’s Tale), and Simba Yakibonge (No Regrets), singer/songwriter Jamie Fine, Stefan Keyes (CTV News anchor), content creator Katie Hession, and Maeve Georgeson, the 17-minute short film captures the irresistible charm of Canada’s capital during the festive season.

Magic on Set was written by Ottawa-based screenwriter Graeme Archibald and filmed entirely on location, featuring iconic landmarks including the Fairmont Château Laurier, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Ottawa Christmas Market, and Parliament Hill’s Centennial Flame. The film is a love letter to Ottawa’s growing reputation as a go-to destination for holiday productions—and for travellers seeking a festive winter getaway.

About Ottawa Tourism
Through its values of inclusivity, trust, collaboration, and innovation, Ottawa Tourism pursues its vision to be one of Canada’s most visited, sustainable, vibrant, and appealing urban destinations, as well as the tourism authority for key economic development and city-building decisions in Ottawa. Canada’s capital welcomes an estimated 9.8 million visitors annually who spend $2.6 billion in the community.

This made me so happy! I was so devastated to miss Sophie Ellis-Bextor‘s Toronto show last June. I even bought a ticket only to realize I was going to be away!

Well, the skies opened-up and she decided to bring her Perimenopop Tour back to Danforth Music Hall, and we were not going to miss it this time!

This English Dance Queen filled the house and brought it down with an energetic set, showcasing her two decades of hits including her smash “Murder on the Dancefloor” which propelled her back to popularity after it was featured in 2023’s Saltburn, and covers. She sparkled in a gorgeous shimmery, tinsel ensemble, keeping the crowd on their feet for 90 minutes.

Some highlights, including a quick meet and greet with Ellis-Bextor:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Just for Laughs today announced that One Night Out with Alan Cumming (previously announced as JFLGBTQ+ Gala Hosted by Alan Cumming) will release on Crave and CTV Comedy Channel in Canada. The special was filmed live in front of an audience on Saturday, July 26, 2025 during the Just for Laughs Montréal Festival. Release date to be announced.

Hosted by Alan Cumming, along with a stacked lineup of top comedic talent from around the world, the Gala features a curated mix of 2SLGBTQI+ stars and breakout voices from across the comedy spectrum. Taped live at Espace St-Denis, the show captures the electric energy, sharp writing, and international flair that have made JFL a premier comedy destination for fans and industry alike. Guests include Mae Martin, Sabrina Jalees, Jay Jurden, Tranna Wintour, Joe Dombrowski, Irene Tu, Dan Duvall and Sami Landri. Trevor Boris (Canada’s Drag Race) is the showrunner and an executive producer of One Night Out with Alan Cumming.

“We are so excited to bring the genius that is Alan Cumming to Canadians across the country. Our partnership with Bell Media allows us to share the energy, talent, and diversity of the Just For Laughs Festival with a national audience. These collaborations are essential in helping us amplify bold voices in comedy and make world-class performances accessible far beyond the live stage,” said Sylvain Parent-Bédard, President and CEO of Just For Laughs.

One Night Out with Alan Cumming joins previously announced TV productions, including Roast Battle Canada, Season 5, filmed during the Festival for CTV Comedy Channel and Crave.

For Bell Media, Rachel Goldstein-Couto is Head of Development, Original Programming; Rachel Ferguson is Production Executive, Original Programming; Sarah Fowlie is Head of Production, Original Programming; Carlyn Klebuc is General Manager, Original Programming; Justin Stockman is Vice-President, Content Development & Programming, Bell Media.

THE RUNNING MAN IS IN THEATRES, 4DX, PREMIUM LARGE FORMAT AND IMAX ON NOVEMBER 14, 2025! Today we get a new Featurette.

SYNOPSIS

In a near-future society, The Running Man is the top-rated show on television—a deadly competition where contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins, with every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty public and each day bringing a greater cash reward. Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort. But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite—and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY

George Linder, James Biddle, Rachael Prior, Audrey Chon, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary

PRODUCED BY

Simon Kinberg, p.g.a. Nira Park, p.g.a. Edgar Wright, p.g.a.

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY

Stephen King

SCREENPLAY BY

Michael Bacall and Michael Bacall & Edgar Wright

DIRECTED BY

Edgar Wright

STARRING

Glen Powell, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Sean Hayes, Katy O’Brian with Colman Domingo and Josh Brolin

Let It Bro! The Jonas Brothers try to make it home for Christmas in the official trailer for “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie,” premiering November 14, 2025 on Disney+.

The trailer also features the first single from the movie, “Coming Home This Christmas” featuring Kenny G, which is now available on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music and YouTube Music. See the Trailer right here.

“A Very Jonas Christmas Movie” Original Soundtrack, from Hollywood Records/Republic Records and executive music producer Justin Tranter, is available for Pre-Add, and Pre-Save and will be available digitally, on CD and on LP beginning November 14. Disney Music Emporium is offering an exclusive gift with purchase of the soundtrack vinyl while supplies last!

The soundtrack features seven brand-new songs plus three additional tracks:

“Like It’s Christmas” (Live Version)*

“Best Night”

“Coming Home This Christmas” (featuring Kenny G)

“Home Alone”

“Feel Something”

“Remember When”

“Better Off Alone”

“Time”

“Sucker” (Live Version)*

“Like It’s Christmas” (Studio Version)*

Cast: The festive film features an all-star cast, including Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas, who star as themselves, Chloe Bennet (as Lucy), Billie Lourd (as Cassidy), Laverne Cox (as Stacy), KJ Apa (as Gene), Andrew Barth Feldman (as Ethan), Andrea Martin (as Deb), Kenny G (as himself) and Justin Tranter (as himself), with Randall Park (as Brad), and Jesse Tyler Ferguson (as Santa). Jonas Brothers are making the film a family affair, with a few special cameos from the Jonas family.

Synopsis: In “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie,” Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas face a series of escalating obstacles as they struggle to make it from London to New York in time to spend Christmas with their families.

Credits: Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas produce, along with writers Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger (“I Want You Back,” “This Is Us,” “Love, Simon”), Adam Fishbach, Spencer Berman and Scott Morgan. EmmyⓇ and Academy AwardⓇ winner Jessica Yu (“Quiz Lady,” “This Is Us”) directs, with original music from executive music producer and GRAMMYⓇ nominee Justin Tranter. The movie is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.

Beginning on November 24, 2025, the Criterion Channel will exclusively premiere Blossoms Shanghai, the long-awaited television series from visionary director Wong Kar Wai (In the Mood for Love). The 30-episode series opened in China to phenomenal success, topping TV ratings for its entire run and becoming the most-streamed television series nationwide.

Three new episodes will be released on the Channel every Monday night at 8 p.m. ET through the end of January.

See the Trailer here.

Wong Kar Wai commented, “I am thrilled to continue my long-standing relationship with Criterion with the North American debut of my first series on the Criterion Channel. The series captures the vitality of Shanghai’s roaring ’90s, revealing universal human truths about desire and destiny. We hope the series provides insight into the pivotal moment of China’s reinvention.”

Blossoms Shanghai is the first original episodic series by legendary filmmaker Wong Kar Wai. An adaptation of Jin Yucheng’s award-winning novel Blossoms, the series chronicles the ascent of self-made millionaire Ah Bao, the Jay Gatsby of Shanghai, during the economic boom that followed the opening of the Shanghai stock exchange. The major Chinese actor Hu Ge stars as Bao, personifying the idealism and adventurism that defined the 1990s. While In the Mood for Love pays tribute to the Shanghainese community in Hong Kong, Blossoms Shanghai is Wong Kar Wai’s first attempt to tell a story about his birthplace, at one of the most intriguing moment in its recent memory.

Blossoms Shanghai will join an extensive collection of Wong Kar Wai titles on the Criterion Channel, the North American home for his swoon-worthy filmography. The Criterion Collection released the stunning WORLD OF WONG KAR WAI box set in 2021, the most comprehensive collection ever released, featuring 4K digital restorations of his acclaimed feature films. The Criterion Channel features the DIRECTED BY WONG KAR WAI collection, with As Tears Go By, Days of Being Wild, Chungking Express, Fallen Angels, Happy Together, and In the Mood for Love now streaming. Criterion has also acquired streaming rights for Blossoms Shanghai in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

The weather might be getting cold, but that doesn’t mean you need to be couped-up inside. We’re giving you a chance to win a free bash at SHOTGUN GOLF MARKHAM! You and up to 30 friends can hang at this super-fun indoor automated range and golf simulator for two hours, with option of a private bartender (cash bar) and food menu if needed.

ABOUT SHOTGUN GOLF MARKHAM

SHOTGUN GOLF MARKHAM offers a premium weatherproof, social golf experience that is powered by TrackMan™, used by PGA pros allowing you access to elite-level data with every swing. It is a large event space that holds up to 60 people, offering bar service and BYOB when you book directly with them. SHOTGUN GOLF MARKHAM is open 24/7 and 365 days a year.

A quick look inside:

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK or IG. Tag 1 friend in the comments who’ll be joining you. Multiple entries permitted. You must be able to travel to Markham for this experience.

Rules and regulations here.

Book your bay now here.

SHOTGUN GOLF MARKHAM is located at 98 Main Street Markham N, Markham, ON.