Running February 20 – 23, 2020, the Pendance Film Festival returns once again in its third edition at TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX and AGO‘s JACKMALL HALL! Giving a platform to innovative storytellers, the Festival features films, short films, special screenings, conferences, workshops, and panels. Expect lots of hidden gems which have gone through a stringent approval process.  Our Team have been lucky enough to get a sneak preview of some of the Films playing at the Festival.  See their thoughts below:

SAINT FRANCES

Review by Justin Waldman 

First-time feature Director Alex Thompson teams-up with first-time Writer/Actress Kelly O’Sullivan to bring a story of love, compassion, understanding and family to life in the beautifully-crafted Saint Frances. The Film stars O’Sullivan and feels a lot like Jason Reitman’s Tully but lays it on a little thicker, while being more poignant and captivating. Saint Frances is a beautiful take at what life can bring you in the most unexpected ways.

The Film focuses on Bridget (Kelly O’Sullivan) after she aborts an accidental pregnancy and befriends the six year old girl Frances (Ramona Edith Williams) whom she is tasked with babysitting as she is trying to get her life in order and escape her dead-end job. What she never expected was to create a bond with Frances’ mothers and to create an undeniable bond with Frances herself that will carry on for a lifetime. The story is truly touching and redefines some clichés, especially those regarding millennials.

O’Sullivan’s Script and Thompson’s direction brings Saint Frances to life along with great performances by O’Sullivan herself and that of her young Co-Star Ramona Edith Williams. The two lead actresses are remarkable as their on-screen chemistry is something truly special.

Saint Frances plays Pendance Film Festival on Saturday February 22, 2020 at 9:30 PM.

THE SHORT HISTORY OF THE LONG ROAD 

By Amanda Gilmore

Teenager Nola (Sabrina Carpenter) and her father Clint (Steve Ogg) have been living out of a van for as long as she can remember. When tragedy strikes, Nola finds herself at a crossroads: One leading to a continued life on the road or one where she integrates herself into a society she has never known.

This heartfelt coming-of-age film is a love letter to living on the road while also examining the importance of relationships and socialization. However, the Film could have been a grittier look at the subject. This is because every obstacle that Nola finds herself faced with seems to have a quick and easy solution. Writer-Director Ani Simon-Kennedy creates a steady pace and a central character to root for. And Carpenter is striking onscreen expressing the anxiety, fear, thrill and happiness that comes along with the freedom of Nola‘s age and lifestyle.

The Short History of the Long Road screens at Pendance on Saturday, February 22 at 4 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox.

THE LAST TREE

By Amanda Gilmore 

Femi (Sam Adewunmi) spent his childhood in the English countryside with his foster mother (Denise Black). When Femi’s biological mother (Gbemisola Ikumelo) comes back for him the two move to south London. Thrusting a child and teenage Femi into this new world that he has to learn to navigate.

This semi-autobiographical film by Writer-Director Shola Amoo tells a specific yet universal coming-of-age story. With each scene, Amoo examines the influence of the community in which we live effects and shapes us. He does this while also examining the lasting emotional scars our parents give us from birth. Through these two themes, the audience is brought on the moving and beautiful journey Femi is on and empathizes with him in his darkest moments. The Cinematography by Stil Williams is gorgeous, particularly in the scenes of Femi’s childhood playing in the English countryside. And talented newcomer Adewunmi is a powerful force with a magnetic presence. He’s definitely one-to-watch.

The Last Tree screens at Pendance on Saturday, February 22, 1 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox.

STRAIGHT UP

By George Kozera

After two disastrous romantic attempts with guys, STRAIGHT UP opens with a whippet-fast monologue from Todd telling his two closest friends that, despite loving cashmere sweaters and Legally Blonde, he may really not be gay and that he could meet a girl who will see his flamboyance as more “metro/hipster”. His first heterosexual tryst ends in a hilarious, never-saw-that-coming event. Rory is an inept waitress/aspiring Actress with a penchant for inappropriate jokes and observations. Todd and Rory meet in the self-help section of a library and a relationship is born.

As Todd, James Sweeney (who also co-produced, wrote and directed this Movie) creates a character filled with neuroses, unapologetic intelligence and off-kilter humour and is brilliantly and equally matched with Windsor, Ontario native, Katie Findlay’s performance as Rory. The chemistry between these two talented big screen newcomers is perfection personified as are their rapid-fire exchanges.

Anchored with stellar supporting performances from Tracie Thoms, Betsy Brandt, Russell Park and James Scully as Ryder, STRAIGHT UP is Pop Culture-savvy, uniquely filmed with a glorious Score and, I’m afraid to admit, had me laughing out loud consistently and often. It touches on topics about relationships, love, sexuality and friendships with intelligent insights. Sweeney is a name to watch for as I see great things coming from him in the future. It’s been a long time since I loved a gay-themed movie this much. See STRAIGHT UP. That’s an order!!

STRAIGHT UP screens at the TIFF Bell Lightbox as part of the on February 21, 8:00 PM.

More on the 2020 Pendance Film Festival here.

(Photo/video credit: )

Vancouver Rockers THEORY OF A DEADMAN are in Toronto in support of their seventh Studio Disc SAY NOTHING. The Band comprised of Tyler Connolly, Dave Brenner, Dean Back and Joey Dandeneaualso recently embarked on their Canadian Tour which began end of January before expanding to the U.S. in April. They play Toronto’s REBEL on February 27, 2020.

We spotted the Band out doing Press in the A.M. and they were amazingly nice to take time to stop for fans in the cold.

Tyler Connolly

Dean Back

Dave Brenner

Joey Dandeneau

Check-out their new Album here on multiple platforms.

Their video for WORLD KEEPS SPINNING also is out now:

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

After resounding commercial and critical success, HAMILTON finally has arrived in Toronto at Ed Mirvish Theatre now through May 17, 2020.  The Musical centering around America’s founding father Alexander Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda, has been setting the world on-fire since its debut off-Broadway at The Public Theatre in New York back in 2015.  Since then it has won a whopping 11 TONY Awards and Pullitzer Prize with an inclusive, modern way of telling American history through Hip-Hop and R&B.  The Production makes its way now in Toronto – known as the Phillip Ty our – with a Touring Cast led by Joseph Morales in the leading role. Morales will be in Toronto till end of March, when the role will be taken over by a new star.  As expected, ticket sales have  been feverish with Torontonians resorting to a daily digital lottery in hope of tickets.

See some of this talented Cast!

Joseph Morales as Alexander Hamilton

Jared Dixon as Aaron Burr

Stephanie Jae Park as Eliza

Marcus Choi as King George

Elijah Malcomb as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton

Desmond Sean Ellington as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison

Ta’Rea Campbell as Angelica

Darilyn Castillo as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds

Warren Egypt as Lafayette/Jefferson

Aaron Albano – Swing

Trevor Miles – Ensemble

DeMarius Copes – Ensemble

Conroe Brooks – Standby

Jonathan Christopher – Ensemble

Gabe Hyman – Swing

More here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

It was amazing night celebrating Amazon Prime Video’s gritty new Series, HUNTERS. The gripping Series produced by Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us) is set late ’70s in New York City. We are taken to a violent underworld where Holocaust survivors and Nazis are out for blood, settling unfinished business. As a once-again brilliant Al Pacino‘s character Meyer Offerman says, “The best revenge is revenge” and the Series sets-out to do that, exacting catharsis through bloody, gory revenge.

The Series feels authentic to the era and we meet several fascinating characters including Jonah played beautifully by Logan Lerman, out to avenge the loss of his grandmother. We meet also Detective Millie Morris (Jerrika Hinton) who is hot on the trail of a murder spree, ready to uncover some dark secrets she might not be prepared for.

Hunters is a must-watch and applause was loud after a screening at The Danforth Music Hall tonight. Kudos to Aamazon Prime Video for outdoing themselves on a great bash, inspired by the surroundings where HUNTERS is set. The fun, festive ’70s bash took us right into the streets of New York, complete with graffiti, cops, break dancers, pretzels, candied nuts and hot dogs. ET Canada’s Morgan Hoffman hosted the evening which saw guests leaving with collectible puzzles from the Series.

In case you haven’t seen it, here is a Trailer to HUNTERS:

Some Snaps from the night. Click right to navigate album:

 

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Fresh-off her wins at the BBC Music Awards where she was named as The Sound of 2020 and also a BRIT Award for Rising Star, we introduce you to American-born, British Singer-Songwriter CELESTE. The 25-year-old who hails from Brighton, has a beautiful gift of a voice that maneuvers over Soul, Jazz and R&B in a deeply-emotive way that we haven’t really heard since the likes of Adele first emerging.

Check-out a couple of her Tracks below.

STRANGE

STOP THIS FLAME

We’re eager to hear more!

For now, you can follow Celeste on Instagram here.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Music)

Sophia Lillis stars in Netflix‘s I’M NOT OKAY WITH THIS based on the popular graphic novel.

SYNOPSIS:
I Am Not Okay With This is an irreverent origin story that follows a teenage girl who’s navigating the trials and tribulations of high school, all while dealing with the complexities of her family, her budding sexuality, and mysterious superpowers just beginning to awaken deep within her. From director/EP of The End of the F***ing World Jonathan Entwistle and the producers of Stranger Things comes a new series based on the Charles Forsman graphic novel.

See the Trailer:

I’M NOT OKAY WITH THIS streams Friday, February 26, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Nominees were announced today for the 2020 Canadian Screen Awards. Leading all nominees is SCHITT’S CREEK with 26 nominations with nods for Best Comedy Series; Best Writing, Comedy; and Best Direction, Comedy, as well as multiple acting nominations in Best Lead Actor, Comedy; Best Lead Actress, Comedy; Best Supporting Actress, Comedy; and Best Supporting Actor, Comedy. The  Series about a bankrupt wealthy family left with only one asset, an ugly town, has continued to gained critical acclaim over its six seasons, garnering an international following.

Leading the Film nominees is SONG OF NAMES, up for Achievement in Art Direction / Production Design, Achievement in Costume Design, and Achievement in Visual Effects. The Film is about a man’s journey to find his childhood best friend, a violin prodigy who goes missing.

Awards across 141 categories will be distributed over a series of galas on Canadian Screen Week – March 23 – 29, 2020.

The Broadcast Gala airs and streams on CBC and CBC GEM Sunday, uarch 29, 2020 at 8 PM ET.

(Photo credit: CBC)

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG races to #1 this weekend at the Box Office, a total $57 million from 4,167 theatres in its opening for Paramount Pictures. The SEGA video game adaptation gets 64% on the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore.

BIRDS OF PREY perches in second with $15.3 million for Warner Bros. This takes its tally to $61 million domestically.

FANTASY ISLAND opens in third with $13.5 million from 2,784 theatres for Sony Pictures. The Horror adaptation of the popular TV Series, gets 10% on the Tomatometer and a C- CinemaScore.

THE PHOTOGRAPH debuts in fourth for Universal Pictures, with $12.2 million from 2,516  theatres. The Romance starring Lakeith Stanfield and Issa Rae, gets 76% on the Tomatometer and a B+ CinemaScore.

PARASITE going strong off its Best Picture win at the Oscars, surfaces in eighth with $5.5 million from 2,001 theatres for NEON/MK2.

DOWNHILL debuts in tenth with $4.7 million for Searchlight Pictures. The English adaptation of Swedish film Force Majeure starring Will Ferrell and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss gets 41% on the Tomatometer and a D CinemaScore.

Now in its 46th year, the Canadian International AutoShow takes place once again at Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The Show which draws about 300k visitors annually, features the latest and greatest from some of the world’s top auto manufacturers, giving car enthusiasts a chance to see up-close concept cars and the cars of their dreams.

Some of our favourites made a huge splash at the Show, including Acura, Honda, BMW and Ford! A huge thanks goes to Acura Canada who are back with their dazzling A-Spec vehicles, inviting us out to the Show!

See some highlights for us!

ACURA CANADA

The 2020 Acura NSX 😍 (valued at $189,900 CAN)

#PROJECTILX – a collaboration between Acura Canada x Importfest Performance to customize the 2019 Acura ILX Premium. Fans can have their say. Follow @AcuraCanada on Instagram.

FORD CANADA – their Ford Mustang has been crowned best-selling Coupe four years straight!

BMW CANADA

ALPHA ROMEO CANADA

Other things to see which are fun for the family are a Toys “R” Us Pop-Up and also Disney‘s ONWARD (And a Bit Backwards) Exhibit, featuring fan favourites Lightning McQueen from Cars, Toy Story 4‘s Duke Caboom motorcycle and also Guinevere, a van seen in Disney and Pixar’s upcoming ONWARD starring Chris Pratt and Tom Holland. Photo Ops are welcome. The Animated Feature opens March 5, 2020.

At the Ontario Provincial Police Exhibit. Getting in trouble as usual! 🚨

The 2020 Canadian International AutoShow runs through Sunday, February 23, 2020. More here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Following its People’s Choice Award win, comes the new Teaser for AFTER WE COLLIDED, the eagerly-awaited followup to global phenomenon, AFTER.

Synopsis:
Hardin will always be… Hardin. But is he really the deep, thoughtful guy Tessa fell madly in love with— or has he been a stranger all along? She wishes she could walk away. It’s just not that easy. Not with the memory of the passionate nights they spent together. Still, Tessa’s not sure she can endure one more broken promise. She’s focused on her studies and just starting an exciting new internship at Vance Publishing. She’s also being pursued by Trevor, a handsome new co-worker who is exactly the kind of guy she should be with. Hardin knows he made a mistake, possibly the biggest one of his life. He wants to right his wrongs and overcome his demons. He’s not going to lose Tessa without a fight. But can he change? Will he change… for love? AFTER WE COLLIDED… Life will never be the same.

Director: Roger Kumble (Cruel Intentions)

Writer: Anna Todd, Mario Celaya

Cast: Josephine Langford (After), Hero Fiennes Tiffin (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince), Dylan Sprouse, Charlie Weber (How to Get Away With Murder), Candice King (The Vampire Diaries), Karimah Westbrook (Save the Last Dance, Suburbicon), Rob Estes (90210), Shane Paul McGhie (Deputy), Samuel Larsen (Glee), Dylan Arnold (Halloween), Khadijha Red Thunder (After).

See the Teaser:

VVS Films release AFTER WE COLLIDED, Friday, September 11, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)