Review by George Kozera for Mr. Will Wong
My initial thought was “yet another animated movie about a Yeti?” when I entered the theatre with hundreds of the target audience in their seats alongside the adults. ABOMINABLE is the first major co-production between an American studio (DreamWorks) and China’s Pearl Studio, so I was relatively certain that the animation itself would be unique, and I was not disappointed with the spectacular visuals.
Set in modern day China, Yi (Chloe Bennet) is still grieving the recent death of her father and she keeps herself busy with various jobs, leaving little time spent with her mother and grandmother. Any money she makes, she stores in a box hidden away on the rooftop of the building she lives in. It is also on the rooftop that she plays her violin. One day on the roof, she finds a sleeping Yeti, who she names Everest, after it had escaped from the clutches of Zoologist Zara and Mr. Burnish, a billionaire who collects rare and exotic creatures. As voiced by Sarah Paulson and Eddie Izzard respectively, they bring the vocal pyrotechnics required. Yi, along with two male friends Jin (the designer-clad heartthrob who is always Instagram ready) and Peng (the perennial goofy sidekick) take off to return Everest to reunite with his family. As they trek through the Chinese landscapes, they (unsurprisingly) encounter many obstacles, along with Zara and Mr. Burnish in hot pursuit too, but always manage to escape and continue on their journey.
Yes, ABOMINABLE is formulaic but it is also underwritten. All the characters are not fully fleshed – they are more bullet-point traits (the spunky teenaged girl, the not-too-bright overweight sidekick, the grandmother perpetually in the kitchen cooking and a villain that will see the evil in their ways and find redemption) than people we can bond with. I also found the Soundtrack lacking memorability and this is so important in Animated Features. But the jokes and gags are plentiful and greatly appreciated by the youngsters in the audience. I truly enjoyed the effects created whenever Everest and his protectors were in a bind. The biggest, positive takeaway after watching ABOMINABLE is how beautiful it is on screen. It is hands down the most dazzling and impressive Animated Motion Picture thus far in 2019.
Universal Pictures Canada release ABONIMABLE, in theatres now.
By Mr. Will Wong
Two comedic giants, Ali Wong and Randall Park team-up writing and starring in Netflix‘s latest Feature Film, Always Be My Baby. The Rom-Com gives us a twist on the genre standard, examining a romantic relationship between two inseparable childhood friends who unite again as adults under very different socio-economic situations. Sasha (Wong) is a renowned restauranteur and chef, who is engaged to investor Brandon (Daniel Dae Kim). Marcus (Park) has musical aspirations but earns a living helping with his father’s business as a handyman. A disagreement between the two separates the best friends and they have a chance meeting again after Sasha visits San Francisco to launch a new restaurant.
Nahnatchka Khan does a fantastic job capturing San Francisco as a character in this charming story which veers a bit of from Wong‘s signature raunchy Comedy, but certainly not lacking her realness. Park perfects Marcus’ underachieving awkwardness in a way that makes us root for him to find himself, a running storyline beneath the Rom-Com arch.
A comedic turn from Keanu Reeves is memorable and he has fun with it. Details are intricate in this feel-good throwback to the ’90s, everything from the food to the music (its theme song inspired by Mariah Carey’s smash hit Always Be My Baby) and even Reeves himself, one of the biggest stars of the era. We love that it gets the Asian-American experience of growing-up with frugal and maybe sometimes absent parents and while heeding to Rom-Com tropes, it also goes against the grain with a slight edge.
The Film is proof of the commitment to a more inclusive Hollywood, telling stories with characters we need to see more of and we’re here for this.
ALWAYS BE MY MAYBE streams on Netflix Friday, May 31, 2019 and that perfect lift in spirits we need heading into the weekend.
We had the pleasure of attending a private Toronto screening of the Film with Chef Michael Kim of Uncle Mikey’s who gave us a cooking demonstration with a Sake pairing.
See some Snaps. Click right arrow to navigate:
The 2019 HOT DOCS Film Festival announced today 15 Special Presentations including international and world premieres. The 26th edition of the Festival runs April 25 to May 5, 2019. Documentaries include KNOCK DOWN THE HOUSE, which centers on Congressperson Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sundance Award-winning ALWAYS IN SEASON.
A list of Special Presentations:
ADVOCATE
D: Rachel Leah Jones, Philippe Bellaiche | P: Joëlle Bertossa, Paul Cadieux | Canada, Israel, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland | 2019 | 105 min | Canadian Premiere
As one of the few Israeli human-rights lawyers willing to defend Palestinians, Lea Tsemel has been defying hostility and vitriol from the public and press for nearly 50 years to fight for clients in a stacked system.
ALWAYS IN SEASON
D: Jacqueline Olive | P: Jacqueline Olive, Jessica Devaney | USA | 2019 | 88 min | International Premiere
The unresolved case of a Black teen found hanging from a swing set in North Carolina in 2014 is the lens through which this searing doc examines the lingering trauma of more than a century of lynching and continued racial violence.
ASSHOLES: A THEORY
D: John Walker | P: Ann Bernier, Annette Clarke, John Walker | Canada | 2019 | 81 min | North American Premiere
Inspired by the New York Times bestselling book, this lively philosophical investigation into the rise of asshole behaviour across the world asks: What does it mean to be an asshole, and more importantly, how do we stop their proliferation?
BUDDY
D: Heddy Honigmann | P: John Appel | Netherlands | 2018 | 86 min | Canadian Premiere
Master documentarian Heddy Honigmann turns her eye for authenticity and genuine interview to the complex relationships between service dogs and their owners. Witness canine humanity and life-altering trust at work in this observational marvel.
THE CORPORATE COUP D’ETAT
D: Fred Peabody | P: Peter Raymont | Canada | 2018 | 90 min | Canadian Premiere
Piercing insights from journalist Chris Hedges and philosopher John Ralston Saul dissect America at a troubling crossroads, exposing Trump’s MAGA doctrine as a symptom of a broken democracy where power now lies with corporations, not citizens.
THE EDGE OF DEMOCRACY
D: Petra Costa | P: Joanna Natasegara | Brazil | 2019 | 112 min | Canadian Premiere
Featuring unprecedented access to former Brazilian presidents Dilma Rousseff and Lula da Silva, the personal and political brilliantly combine in this unflinching exploration of one of the most dramatic and polarizing periods in Brazilian history.
GAZA
D: Garry Keane, Andrew McConnell | P: Paul Cadieux, Brendan J. Byrne | Canada | 2018 | 90 min | Canadian Premiere
Fully blockaded and home to almost two million people, the Gaza Strip is portrayed in the news as the world’s largest open-air prison—but this rare immersion into everyday Palestinian life reveals the pressures of occupation and the humanity straining to flourish.
HUMAN NATURE
D: Adam Bolt | P: Sarah Goodwin, Meredith Desalazar, Elliot Kirschner | USA | 2019 | 107 min | Canadian Premiere
In a brave new world in which science fiction collides with fact and DNA sequences can be edited with ease, this provocative examination forces us to reconsider what it means to be human.
KILLING PATIENT ZERO
D: Laurie Lynd | P: Corey Russell | Canada | 2019 | 100 min | World Premiere
Skilfully revealing the homophobia behind the headlines, this doc traces the devastating impact of the 1980s AIDS epidemic and clears the name of the Québécois flight attendant who was infamously known as “patient zero.”
KNOCK DOWN THE HOUSE
D: Rachel Lears | P: Rachel Lears, Robin Blotnick, Sarah Olson | USA | 2019 | 85 min | International Premiere
This rollercoaster ride follows four progressive women—including Bronx bartender Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—behind the scenes and in the streets as they grind through long-shot grassroots campaigns for Congress during the 2018 US midterms.
N. SCOTT MOMADAY: WORDS FROM A BEAR
D: Jeffrey Palmer | P: Jeffrey Palmer, Youngsun Palmer | USA | 2018 | 85 mins | International Premiere
The life and career of Pulitzer Prize–winning Kiowa author N. Scott Momaday, one of Native America’s most celebrated literary figures, is explored in this spiritual journey through the expansive landscapes of the West and New Mexico.
NOTHING FANCY: DIANA KENNEDY
D: Elizabeth Carroll | P: Elizabeth Carroll, Dan Braun, Gina Abatemarco | USA | 2019 | 82 min | International Premiere
Dubbed “the Mick Jagger of Mexican cooking,” a 96-year-old firebrand chef who’s spent her career celebrating the country’s regional cuisines rushes to solidify her hard-earned legacy in the face of her own mortality.
PUSH
D: Fredrik Gertten | P: Margarete JangĂĄrd | Sweden | 2019 | 92 min | North American Premiere
As skyrocketing housing prices and stagnant incomes squeeze families out of cities worldwide, a newly appointed UN specialist from Ottawa travels from Toronto to Barcelona to London and beyond, fighting to have affordable housing recognized as a human right.
TOXIC BEAUTY
D: Phyllis Ellis | P: Peter Raymont, Barri Cohen | Canada | 2019 | 90 min | World Premiere
Cancer, diabetes, developmental delays and more—the cosmetics industry’s ugly secrets are exposed through exclusive interviews with scientists, whistleblowers and consumer survivors who raise pressing questions about risks, regulations and the true cost of beauty.
THE TRIAL OF RATKO MLADIC
D: Henry Singer, Rob Miller | P: Henry Singer, Rob Miller, Ida Bruusgaard | UK, Norway | 2018 | 100 min | Canadian Premiere
Accused of horrific war crimes, the “Butcher of Bosnia” finally faces a verdict in the biggest trial since Nuremberg. Embedded with both the prosecution and defense, this courtroom thriller reveals the troublingly nuanced Serbian–Bosnian conflict that still rages on.
UPDATE 3/12/19: ADDITIONAL SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS ADDED:
AMERICAN FACTORY
D: Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert | P: Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert, Jeff Reichert, Julie Parker Benello | USA | 2019 | 115 min | International Premiere
When an abandoned General Motors factory in Ohio is reopened by a Chinese billionaire, the local blue-collar employees clash with modern Chinese innovations in this Sundance award-winner co-directed by this year’s Outstanding Achievement Award recipient Julia Reichert.
ASK DR. RUTH
D: Ryan White | P: Rafael Marmor, Ryan White, Jessica Hargrave, Christopher Leggett | USA | 2019 | 100 min | International Premiere
Do we have anything left to learn from 90-year-old sex therapist Dr. Ruth? In this revealing look at a true trailblazer, she revisits the painful memories of her early life in Germany and the playful milestones of her career as America’s most candid sex ed teacher.
COLD CASE HAMMARSKJĂ–LD
D: Mads Brügger | P: Arno Becker, Andreas Rocksén, Bjarte Mørner Tveit | Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Belgium | 2019 | 127 min | Canadian Premiere
Was it accident or assassination when a UN Secretary General’s plane crashed en route to peace talks for the Congo Crisis? In this probe into the 1961 tragedy, sinister new evidence draws the director into a discovery more horrific than he imagined.
FRAMING JOHN DELOREAN
D: Don Argott, Sheena M. Joyce | P: Tamir Ardon, Nick Spicer, Don Argott, Sheena M. Joyce | USA | 2019 | 109 min | International Premiere
Car design guru, genius entrepreneur or brilliant criminal—who was the real John DeLorean? Narrative recreations starring Alec Baldwin punctuate revealing interviews with the enigmatic automaker’s inner circle to elegantly parse the man from the scandalous myth.
GORDON LIGHTFOOT: IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND
D: Joan Tosoni, Martha Kehoe | P: Joan Tosoni, Martha Kehoe | Canada | 2018 | 90 min | World Premiere
From a rural Ontario childhood to Greenwich Village of the ’60s, stadium tours of the ’70s and beyond, vivid archival footage helps chart the career of the legendary songwriter as he reveals the inspiration behind his lyrics and longevity.
I LOVE YOU, NOW DIE: THE COMMONWEALTH VS. MICHELLE CARTER
D: Erin Lee Carr | P: Andrew Rossi | USA | 2019 | 140 min | International Premiere
This two-part HBO docu-series dives past the headlines and into the ethical morass of the case of Michelle Carter, who faces the prospect of jail time after coercing her boyfriend into suicide via text, blowing open troubling questions of how we communicate in the digital age.
MILES DAVIS: BIRTH OF THE COOL
D: Stanley Nelson | P:Â Nicole London, Stanley Nelson | USA, UK | 2019 | 113 min | International Premiere
Never-before-seen footage and studio session outtakes reconstruct the rich inner life of one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time, along with new interviews from the artists he inspired, including Quincy Jones and Carlos Santana.
MYSTIFY: MICHAEL HUTCHENCE
D: Richard Lowenstein | P: Maya Gnyp, John Battsek, Sue Murray, Mark Fennessy, Richard Lowenstein, Lynn-Maree Milburn, Andrew de Groot | Australia | 2019 | 104 min | Canadian Premiere
The enigmatic frontman of wildly popular Australian rock band INXS, who died tragically in 1997, is remembered by the women in his life, including revealing interviews with famous girlfriends Kylie Minogue and Helena Christensen.
ONE CHILD NATION
D: Nanfu Wang, Jialing Zhang | P: Nanfu Wang, Jialing Zhang, Julie Goldman, Christoph Jörg, Christopher Clements, Carolyn Hepburn | USA | 2019 | 89 min | Canadian Premiere
Through vérité footage and raw interviews, this fearless, Sundance Award–winning exposé unmasks the wrenching costs to millions of families of China’s infamous 1979 “one-child policy,” introduced to curb population growth and boost sweeping economic development.
OUR GODFATHER
D: Mark Franchetti, Andrew Meier | P: Mark Franchetti, Andrew Meier | UK, Russia | 2018 | 93 min | World Premiere
The family of a high-ranking Sicilian mob boss comes out of 30 years of hiding to tell the gripping tale of how he helped convict over 400 Mafiosi—and became the most hunted witness in US criminal history.
PICTURE CHARACTER
D: Ian Cheney, Martha Shane | P: Jennifer Lee, Ian Cheney, Martha Shane | USA | 2019 | 84 min | International Premiere
Explore the evolution of emojis, the colourful and creative pictorial language that surged from a simple set of icons to a swiftly evolving linguistic phenomenon that is reshaping how we communicate with one another.
QUIET STORM: THE RON ARTEST STORY
D: Johnny Sweet | P: Colleen Dominguez, Omar Michaud, Johnny Sweet | USA | 2019 | 116 min | International Premiere
Following an infamous on-court brawl, Ron Artest became the most maligned athlete in sports. This distinctly American biography follows him from his childhood in Queens to his turbulent NBA years to his reinvention as inspiring mental health advocate Metta World Peace.
THE REST
D: Ai Weiwei | P: Ai Weiwei | Germany | 2018 | 78 min | North American Premiere
From Chinese artist and political activist Ai Weiwei comes a powerful work that follows the daily lives of refugees in Europe as they hang in limbo between a disintegrating humanitarian aid system and intensifying nationalism.
STIEG LARSSON: THE MAN WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE
D: Henrik Georgsson | P: Mattias Nohrborg, Fredrik Heinig | Sweden | 2018 | 99 min | Canadian Premiere
This compelling look at the Swedish journalist, whose The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series shot to wild posthumous fame, delves into his lesser-known but more significant contribution: fearlessly researching and exposing Neo-Nazism in his own country and beyond.
WILLIE
D: Laurence Mathieu-Leger | P: Laurence Mathieu-Leger, Bryant McBride | USA, Canada | 2018 |
89 min | World Premiere
In the midst of the American civil rights movement, Willie O’Ree became the first Black player to skate in the NHL. An inspiration to many, the remarkable story of this recent Hall of Fame inductee’s courage and resilience transcends the sport.
XY CHELSEA
D: Tim Travers Hawkins | P: Julia Nottingham, Thomas Benski, Lucas Ochoa, Isabel Davis | UK | 2019 | 91 min | Canadian Premiere
After her 35-year prison sentence is commuted by President Obama, former military intelligence analyst and whistleblower Chelsea Manning prepares to leave a military prison and transition to her new life as a free woman.
UPDATE 3/19/19: A total 234 Films from 56 countries have been announced and finalized for this year’s Festival, of which 54% are from female Filmmakers. The Scotiabank Big Ideas Series will feature Ai Weiwei (The Rest); biochemist and leading figure in the “CRISPR revolution” Jennifer Doudna (Human Nature); Willie O’Ree, the first Black hockey player to play in the NHL (Willie); beloved Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot (Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind); and whistleblower Deane Berg, Dr. Daniel Cramer of the Harvard Cancer Center and Dr. Ami Zota of George Washington University (Toxic Beauty).
Tickets will be open to the public Tuesday, March 26 at 11:00 a.m. More details here: http://hotdocs.ca.
(Photo/video credit: Hot Docs)
Well this looks yummy! From Netflix is a new four-part Food Adventure, SALT, FAT, ACID, HEAT.
Synopsis:
Master these four elements, master the kitchen. Based on Samin Nosrat’s best-selling book, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat is the essential guide to the basic elements of good cooking. Across the four part experience, the spirited guide Samin travels to home kitchens of Italy, the southern islands of Japan, the heat of the Yucatán and back to Berkeley‘s Chez Panisse—where she started her culinary career—to demystify and explore the central principles of what makes food delicious and how each of us can easily incorporate those elements into every dish.
See the Trailer:
www.netflix.com/saltfatacidheat
SALT, FAT, ACID, HEAT premieres on Netflix Friday, October 11, 2018.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
Running Thursday April 26 through Sunday, May 6, 2018, the 2018 HOT DOCS CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL is set to take over Toronto. The annual Festival brings together lovers of Cinema with an extensive programming line-up cover Films from a wide array of topics. Films about Bill Murray, Imagine Dragons Frontman Dan Reynolds, M.I.A., Alexander McQueen, Gilda Radner and Andy Irons are among the most high-profile of the 246 Films to screen at the Festival.
Highlighting this year’s Festival is a free World Premiere of THE TROLLEY at Ontario Place’s Cinesphere. Hot Docs also will present special 25th anniversary screenings of THE WAR ROOM and KANEHSATAKE: 270 YEARS OF RESISTANCE with Directors in attendance.
Our Amanda Gilmore (@GilmoreAmanda) had the pleasure of previewing some of the Festival’s key titles already and shares with us some thoughts on what you should check-out at Hot Docs this year!
In order, she lists her Top Five Must-See Films at Hot Docs this year:
1. Inventing Tomorrow
2. The Guardians
3. Active Measures
4. Alt-Right: Age Of Rage
5. On Her Shoulders
Inventing Tomorrow
Inventing Tomorrow follows teenagers from around the world who are working on innovative solutions to fight against environmental issues. Due to their brilliant minds, they have become finalists at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles, which is the biggest school science fair in the world, to showcase their work.
Director Laura Nix puts her focus on brilliant teen minds in Indonesia, India, Mexico and Hawaii who have been effected by the environmental issues they are trying to fix. In doing this, Nix showcases how children and teenagers will be the ones to save our earth. She also crafts a Documentary that will make the audience want to spark environmental change in their community.
Inventing Tomorrow screens at Hot Docs on Sunday, April 29 at 9:15PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, Monday, April 30 at 12:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, Saturday, May 5 at 8:30PM at Fox Theatre, and Sunday, May 6 at 12:30PM at Isabel Bader Theatre.
The Guardians
The Guardians exposes the corrupt guardianship program within the state of Nevada. Director Billie Mintz interviews those involved in the guardianship program, including lawyers, private and public guardians, the victims, and the victims family members who are trying to free them.
This Documentary is a shocking investigative examination of a corrupt system that is legally stealing the wealth of Baby Boomers. Mintz is relentless in his pursuit to expose the hidden truths behind the guardianship program in the state of Nevada. As well as revealing those in charge of this horrifying legal reality. Therefore making The Guardians an important and shocking Documentary.
It screens at Hot Docs on Wednesday, May 2 at 6:00PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Thursday, May 3 at 4:00PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, and Friday, may 4 at 10:15AM at TIFF bell Lightbox 2.
Active Measures
Active Measures examines Trump and his close White House staffers and their connections to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin staffers.
Director Jack Bryan does a phenomenal job of getting political insiders to give in-depth examinations of Russian interference in the 2016 US Presidential Election. But Bryan goes further into the past to other democratic elections that were interfered with by Russian Intelligence Officials. What the audience is left with is a mind-blowing journey that gives substantial information of collusion.
Active Measures screens at Hot Docs on Monday, April 30 at 9:00PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Wednesday, May 2 at 3:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, and Friday, May 4 at 6:15PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1.
On Her Shoulders
On Her Shoulders follows Nadia Murad, a 23-year-old Yazidi genocide and ISIS sexual slavery survivor, who is thrust onto the international stage as a spokesperson for change. As her journey leads down paths of advocacy and fame, she uses her voice to spark activism worldwide to help the Yazidi people.
This Documentary works because it not only brings Murad’s story to the world, but also the stories of the Yazidi people. It becomes as a second lens to what Murad has been advocating for years. Director Alexandria Bombach brilliantly shows the immense pressure put on Murad by world leaders and politicians, as well as her close aides and herself. Yet, she never struggles under this heavy weighted stress she has on her shoulders. On Her Shoulders is a powerful examination of a truly inspiring woman.
On Her Shoulders screens at the Hot Docs on Tuesday, May 1 at 6:15PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Wednesday, May 2 at 10:00AM at TIFF Bell Lightbox, and Saturday, May 5 at 4:00PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox.
The Cleaners
The Cleaners follows the “digital janitors” whose job it is to make decisions on what content and images we are allowed and not allowed to see on Social Media.
This Documentary follows workers in Manila, Philippines that watch tens of thousands of content, spanning from pornography to war zone photography, a day and decide if it should be censored or not. The Cleaners works because it examines the negative impact the job has on the individuals and organizations involved. They feel the weight of the world is on their shoulders and look at horrific images and videos that become imprinted on their mind, so they won’t be on ours.
The Cleaners screens at Hot Docs on Monday, April 30 at 6:30PM at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema as part of the Big Ideas Series presented by the Scotia Wealth Management Programme. It also screens at the Festival on Wednesday, May 2 at 2:45PM at Scotiabank Theatre 3, and Friday, May 4 at 9:00PM at Revue Cinema.
Blowin’ Up
Blowin’ Up is an inside look into a New York City special intervention court, that helps sex workers escape the unjust cycle of arrests and clear their record of the charges against them. But after the 2017 US election their efforts become endangered by the new White House administration.
The Documentary is a powerful expression of human compassion. Director Stephanie Wang-Breal’s focuses not only on the sex workers, but the judges, lawyers and organizations trying to help them. This aides in telling all sides of the human trafficking perspective. Wang-Breal also uses her camera to better understand the reasons why some become sex workers. And why it’s often threatening to get out of. Resulting in the viewers preconceived judgement to dissipate.
Blowin’ Up screens at the Hot Docs on Tuesday, May 1 at 6:45 PM and Hart House Theatre, Thursday, May 3 at 12:30PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox, and Saturday, May 5 at 9:00PM at The Revue.
Alt-Right: Age Of Rage
Alt-Right: Age Of Rage follows the race war in the United States through the eyes of alt-right white supremacist leader Richard Spencer, and anti-racist activist Daryle Lamont Jenkins.
What Director Adam Bhala Lough creates with Alt-Right: Age Of Rage is a chilling expose on the tensions in America since Trump’s presidency. Lough focuses on interviews from alt-right members and anti-racists members to give an in-depth look at two opposing sides. And it all leads up to the shocking 2017 Charlottesville riots and the moment an alt right member drove a car into counter-protestors.
Alt-Right: Age Of Rage screens at Hot Docs on Friday, April 27 at 9:30PM at Hot Docs Red Rogers Cinema, Saturday, April 28 at 1:15PM at Isabel Bader Theatre and Friday, May 4 at 3:45PM at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema.
The Heat: A Kitchen (R)evolutionÂ
The Heat: A Kitchen (R)evolution follows female chefs in Toronto, New York City, London and Paris who have been kept in the background while male chefs dominate magazine covers and TV shows.
This timely Documentary brings women into the boss role in the kitchen. Director Maya Gallus has found rich subjects who are all women, yet they have different perspectives on how to run their kitchen. They also all have unique experiences about how they were treated before and after becoming chef. The overall message is that chefs don’t need to be angry and kitchens don’t need to be stress induced.
The Heat: A Kitchen (R)evolution screens at Hot Docs on Thursday, April 26 at 9:30PM at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, Saturday, April 28 at 1:15PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 as part of the Food on Film Programme, and Sunday, May 6, at 3:30PM at Isabel Bader Theatre.
United We Fan
United We Fan follows countless women and men who created fan campaigns to save their favourite TV shows from being canceled.
Director Michael Sparaga examines multiple fan campaigns that have saved TV shows such as Star Trek, Veronica Mars, Chuck and more. This is a fun Documentary that anyone who has cared about a show will love. And for all of those who don’t understand fandom this is a great study in why fans care so much. United We Fan is an inspiring Documentary that examines the change voices can make when they put in blood, sweat and tears.
United We Fan screens at Hot Docs on Saturday, April 28 at 5:30PM at Scotiabank Theatre 4, Monday, April 30 at 3:00PM at Hart House Theatre, and Thursday, May 3 at 12:!5PM at Hart House Theatre.
McQueen
McQueen follows the professional life of Alexander McQueen from the time he got his first tailoring job on Savile Row to his sudden death in 2010.
Directors Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedgui gather real footage which brings the audience closer to the talented McQueen. They mix this real footage with colleagues, friends and family interviews that bring audiences closer to the fashion designer. Overall, McQueen chronicles the rags-to-riches story of this fashion icon that will have an impact on those who loved him and his designs.
McQueen screens at Hot Docs on Saturday, April 28 at 9:15PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, Sunday, April 29 at 2:30PM at Hart House Theatre, and Sunday, May 6 at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2.
The Blue Wall
The Blue Wall follows the media, police, activists, lawyers and politicians that were or have become involved with the police shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald in Chicago in 2014.
Director Richard Rowley crafts an engaging Documentary that tells all sides of the 16 shot shooting of a black teenager by a white police officer. With interviews spanning all different perspectives on the problem there is a clear narrative leading to the truth. The Blue Wall is a timely Documentary that uncovers the corrupt truth and tries to expose the reasons why there is rarely any justice.
The Blue Wall screens at Hot Docs on Tuesday, May 1 at 9:00PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Wednesday, May 2 at 12:30PM at Hart House Theatre, and Thursday, May 3 at 9:00PM at Scotiabank Theatre 3.
The Accountant of Auschwitz
The Accountant of Auschwitz follows the trial of Oskar Gröning who was an accountant at Auschwitz during World War II. The trail made headlines around the world because the man was 94-years-old and he was the first Nazi to admit to everything he did.
This Documentary is a powerful look at the history of the justice system in Germany when prosecuting Nazis, and former Nazis that worked and concentration camps during World War II. It chronicles all the trails for World War II Nazis over the years and how they had an impact on the trail of Gröning. With interviews from Auschwitz prisoners, lawyers and people with varieties of views on Gröning’s participation within Auschwitz this Documentary provides the whole picture on the Gröning trail.
The Accountant of Auschwitz screens at Hot Docs on Sunday, April 29 at 5:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2, Monday, April 30 at 3:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, and Friday, May 4 at 9:00PM at Scotiabank Theatre 13.
Chef FlynnÂ
Chef Flynn chronicles the tremendous talent and passion for cooking that teenage chef Flynn McGarry has had since he was a young child. Director Cameron Yates mixes his footage with those of home videos to tell the whole story of who Chef Flynn is. And what we are left with is a study of a strong young man with ambition. Yates also chronicles McGarry’s mother’s dedication given to make sure her son achieves every goal he has. In doing this, Yates tells the story of the pressure and sacrifices experienced by a family not only the dreamer.
Chef Flynn screens at Hot Docs on Saturday, April 28 at 6:45PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Sunday, April 29 at 10:45AM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, and Saturday, May 5 at 1:15PM at Isabel Bader Theatre.
The Sunday screening of Chef Flynn will be part of the Food & Film Programme and will be followed by a Brunch at The Anne Boleyn at 1:00PM.
Call Her Ganda
Call Her Ganda chronicles the violent murder of transgender woman Jennifer Laude in Olongapo City, Philippines, and the trail of her murderer, US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton.
This timely Documentary gives an inside look at the family of Laude and the fight they gave to get justice for her murder. Call Her Ganda also works as a education in history of US and the Philippines relationship to each other. As well as an eye-opening look at the consistent violence by US Marines when on liberty leaves in Olongapo City.
Call Her Ganda screens at Hot Docs on Saturday, April 28 at 9:15PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Sunday, April 29 at 3:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, and Sunday, May 6 at 5:45PM at Scotiabank Theatre 3.
Playing Hard
Playing Hard follows Jason Vandenberghe on his journey in bringing his passion project video game, For Honor, to life.
This Documentary brings audiences into the world of video game creation. Though this Documentary wouldn’t be interesting if not for the entirely unique Vandenberghe. The stresses that Vandenberghe has during the entire development of his video game brings audiences along on his journey. Playing Hard manages to capture all audiences attention, even those who aren’t interested in the gaming world.
Playing Hard screens at Hot Docs on Wednesday, May 2 at 9:15PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2, Thursday, May 3 at 2:45PM at Scotiabank Theatre 13, and Friday, May 4 at Scotiabank Theatre 3.
306 Hollywood
306 Hollywood is a loving examination of Sibling-Directors Elan Bogarin and Jonathan Bogarin’s late-grandmother, Annette Ontell. The Directors go through their late-grandmother’s house within the first year of her passing, and investigate all of the objects within it to hold on to the woman they deeply miss.
This may be one of the most unique Docs at the Festival as it plays out like a Feature Film. The Directors mix video footage of Annett, live-reenactments, and dance sequences to bring audiences close to their grandmother. Siblings Elan and Jonathan teach us that the remnants of our homes speak volumes to the people we are. And 306 Hollywood makes an important point that not all lives may be extravagant, but there is importance in every single life.
306 Hollywood screens at Hot Docs on Monday, April 30 at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2, Wednesday, May 2 at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2, and Saturday, May 5 at Scotiabank Theatre 13.
Get Tickets here!
(Photo credit: Hot Docs)
Review by Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong
Director Stuart Hazeldine’s new Movie, The Shack, makes no bones about the fact that is about religion – specifically Christianity. The Movie stars Octavia Spencer, Avraham Aviv Alush and Sumire Matsubara as the personification of the Holy Trinity. Spencer’s Papa (as God as familiarly referred to) invites Mack (Sam Worthington) to a shack for the weekend to discuss matters of faith and forgiveness. In order to accept Papa into his heart, Mack must first come to terms with his painful past.
The Shack’s God does not believe in retribution or Hell and everyone, regardless of their crime, goes to Heaven. It is humanity’s job to forgive those who trespass against them if they wish to lead a fulfilled life. In Mack’s case, he must forgive not only himself but his abusive father, and the man who murdered his daughter.
Once you get past Worthington’s American accent and the awkward dialogue (“We all collect things we value, don’t we? I collect tears.”), you’re left with a Movie that seems to have been inspired by the Joan Osborne song, What if God Was One of Us. At every turn, the Movie looks at three faces of God as people with human hobbies like cooking, gardening, and, of course, carpentry. They are what we need to them to be. Indeed, Spencer is the God whom Mack needs until he needs the tough love of a father figure at which point Papa becomes Graham Greene.
Perhaps the most laudable aspect of this Movie is the multicultural nature of the cast. Although Mack’s reality is starkly Caucasian, not a single deity he meets is white.
Based on William P. Young’s New York Times bestselling Novel of the same name, The Shack explores difficult themes with mixed success. Movies with strong religious messages are not for everyone but The Shack is sure to appeal to the target audience of Christian believers.
eOne Films release THE SHACK on Friday, March 3, 2017.
The key to man’s heart is his stomach and that’s something Neil Patrick Harris knows for sure. Â Did you know that his husband, David Burtka in addition to be a star of the stage and TV, is a chef?
The dapper Burtka, whose acting credits include American Horror Story and How I Met Your Mother, is in Toronto today showing-off his culinary expertise for Nespresso Canada and we caught-up with him earlier today at The Morning Show where appeared on the staple’s Toronto edition to promote the luxury coffeemakers.
Billy loves Burtka and gave him smooch earlier when we met.
See our Snap:
Follow Burtka on Twitter where he often shares his culinary creations here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Hunky Australian Chef, Author and TV Personality Curtis Stone is in Toronto today promoting his latest Book, GOOD FOOD, GOOD LIFE.
We caught up with the Actor at one of several Stopoffs today in support of the new Book which boasts 130 simple Recipes and he was amazingly-gracious to stop for a Selfie!
See our Snap:
You can meet Stone tonight 7 PM at Indigo Eaton Centre, where he signs copies of GOOD FOOD, GOOD LIFE. Â More here.
(Photo credit: Random House/Mr. Will Wong)
One of my favourite annual Fixtures in the City is The Delicious Food Show and now in its third year, I’ve seen the Event develop from spectacular to somehow even more polished. Taking place at the Direct Energy Centre this weekend, the three-day Food Expo brings-in a star-studded list of Celebrity Chefs with countless opportunities to delight your tastebuds. Cooking Demonstrations, Autograph Signings, Food and Drink Sampling – the question is, what isn’t there to do at The Delicious Food Show?
The Chew Star, renowned Chef and Author Mario Batali headlines the Event this year delighting Fans by putting on a Demo, followed by a Signing today for his new Book AMERICA FARM TO TABLE, offering them a rare chance to get up close and personal. The new Book brought him one-on-one with Farmers across the U.S. gathering stories. He says, “We took pics of their mailboxes, their food, their chickens. Their food is even more delicious after knowing their stories”. The famous Croc-Wearer adds, “There is no gift more selfless and emotionally delightful than giving something delicious.”. Just last night, the Chef in a once-in-a-lifetime Op collaborated with BUCA‘s Rob Gentile at that Hotspot “gifting” palettes with some scintillating offerings and we hear Truffles were plentiful.
Popular Culinary Personality Tyler Florence also graced the Stage today promoting also his latest Book, INSIDE THE TEST KITCHEN. The Book  is comprised of Recipes based on Twitter Fan Feedback and Photos  shot entirely on his iPad. With the assistance of Technology, he was able to put together the Book at one-third the Budget which a Cookbook normally costs (approximately $130k). “I spent three hours on Twitter, thanks to in-flight Wi-Fi, crowdsourcing Recipes from the Community”, says Florence on the 125-Recipe release. “We found a way to cook a 16 lb. turkey in one-and-a-half hours and make bread rise with no yeast”.
Canadian Celebrity Chef/Hunk Chuck Hughes returns to the Event this year and as always is a Favourite. On the topic of cooking for Children, he revealed to Media that his Son absolutely is into chopped liver and he is experimenting with lots of pureeing currently. There was a consensus among Batali, Hughes and Florence at today’s Junket and that would be for Parents to stop offering their Children the “Kids’ Menu” option when dining out. As Batali says succinctly, “I hate Chicken Fingers”.
One huge announcement was made at today’s Gathering and we learned that in September 2015, the City will host the first-ever TORONTO FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL. Although details are still yet to be confirmed, it is said that it won’t be exclusive to downtown Toronto only. That is, other parts of Greater Toronto also will be engaged. This comes hot on the heels of successful Festivals in New York, Austin, LA, Hawaii, Atlanta, Barbados, and Aspen  from the respected Publication.
The Delicious Food Show runs from Friday, October 17, 2014 through Sunday, October 19, 2014. More details here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Celebrating the completion of an ambitious $60 million capital campaign towards the $360 million redevelopment of Toronto East General Hospital, the Laughter is the Best Medicine II Gala took place this evening at Allstream Centre. With soon-to-be-completed Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre being a primary point of focus, Stars came out to show their support for the fantastic Cause. Spotted were the likes of Comedian Gerry Dee and the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Jonas Siegel, Joffrey Lupul and more.
Emceeing the Black Tie Affair a second year, Toronto Funnyman Will Arnett continues to show his commitment to the Cause, while the likes of Comedian Mario Joyner, Cancer-surviving Singer Joseph Neale and Headliner Chris Rock took to the stage. The Party moved over to Muzik Nightclub after midnight.
Arriving shortly after 9:00 PM, Rock graced an intimate Red Carpet before entertaining the Crowd, certainly not holding back with several of his bold yet daringly-funny political observations. Any Fan of Chris Rock would certainly have known exactly what to expect and he delivered the laughs.
Tonight’s visit actually was the Emmy and Grammy Award Winner’s second visit to the City this month. He received tons of acclaim for his latest Film Top Five at TIFF ’14 a couple weeks back, the Comedy sparking a bidding war before ultimately Paramount Pictures secured distribution rights in North America.
Guests tonight  had the opportunity to bid on a multitude of elaborate auction items, one including a Will Arnett-signed Rob Ford Bobblehead fetching $9k. Other auctions included a trip for two to Paris with a cooking course at prestigious Le Cordon Bleu.
To learn more about the Laughter is the Best Medicine II Gala, visit here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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