#SPOTTED: SEBASTIAN STAN, JEREMY STRONG & MARIA BAKALOVA IN TORONTO FILMING “THE APPRENTICE”

THE APPRENTICE. No, not the Reality Series. Ali Abbasi (Shelley, Holy Spider) is back in Toronto, this time around writing and directing THE APPRENTICE, which centers around former President Donald Trump and his rise from a fledgling real estate mogul throughout the ’70s and ’80s, exploring themes of power and corruption.

Sebastian Stan (Pam & Tommy, I, Tonya) stars as Trump, while Jeremy Strong (Succession) stars as Roy Cohn, who was Trump‘s attorney and mentor. Academy Award-nominee Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm), who will be in Canada much of the year filming on multiple projects, stars is Ivana Trump.

The Drama begin filming in the City back in November, before proceeding again in the new year after a brief hiatus during the Holidays. Filming has taken place over weekends around the City to navigate the regular downtown bustle during weekdays. They even were at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory for a stretch!

We quickly caught a glimpse of Stan and Strong filming a scene, exiting a Stretch Limo, convicingly capturing the essence of the ’70s. And we are hearing both Actors have gotten very deep into their characters, keeping a very low profile off-set.

@mrwillwong Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong filming THE APPRENTICE in Toronto. Set in the '70s and '80s, Ali Abbasi directs this exploration of power and corruption. #toronto #filming #toronto #torontofilmimg #donaldtrump #trump #sebastianstan #roycohn #jeremystrong #succession #inproduction ♬ For the Love of Money – The O'Jays

We are hearing from insiders that the Film is being eyed for the Film Festival circuit. Do not be surprised if we see it at TIFF! Cannot wait to see this and we’re sure this one will be much-talked-about! Mongrel Media will be releasing this one in Canada.

(Photo/video: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: “BODIES BODIES BODIES” TRAILER

After a popular premiere at SXSW ’22, here comes the new Trailer for hilarious Whodunit BODIES BODIES BODIES!

Synopsis:

From Halina Reijn and starring Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Myha’la Herrold, Chase Sui Wonders, Rachel Sennott, with Lee Pace and Pete Davidson. BODIES BODIES BODIES – Only In Theaters August 5. #BodiesBodiesBodies

BODIES BODIES BODIES is in theatres August 5, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: A24)

#SXSW: “WOMEN DO CRY”

By Amanda Gilmore

When Sonja (Maria Bakalova) finds out she is HIV-positive she turns to her sister Lora (Ralitsa Stoyanova) and her family for support. Each member in her predominantly female family is struggling with their own issues in their modern Bulgarian society. However, when the stress of her diagnosis pushes Sonja to reject therapy and spiral her family rallies to help her.

Co-Directors and Writers Mina Mileva and Vesela Kazakova have created an unflinching, honest Feminist critique on modern Bulgarian society. Through the lens of one family, they are able to speak to the inherent misogyny and homophobia present in the characters’ culture.

The Filmmakers have their female characters set in a society that is fixed against them. The beauty of their interactions lay in how they push each other to fight back against their society’s political and social beliefs. The entire ensemble is captivating and has authentic chemistry. Stoyanova is a standout as construction worker Lora who is forced to provide for the household. Her magnetic chemistry with Bakalova makes for powerhouse scenes.

Mileva and Kazakova’s resolute vision in Women Do Cry creates scenes that are as distressing as they are necessary. When Sonja goes to a gynaecologist appointment, she informs the doctor of her diagnosis. He then refuses to help her and calls her a whore. Bakalova delivers a heartbreaking performance as Sonja struggles with her diagnosis. She takes her performance up a notch in the second act as Sonja’s stress pushes her into a state that worries her family.

Women Do Cry screens at SXSW:

In-Person:
Saturday, March 12 at 1:45 PM EST – Violet Crown Cinema 2

Saturday, March 12 at 2:15 PM EST – Violet Crown Cinema 4

Monday, March 14 at 3:00 PM EST – Alamo Lamar C
Friday, March 18 at 8:30 PM EST – Alamo Lamar C

Online:
Sunday, March 13 at 10:00 AM EST – Available for 28 hours

#FIRSTLOOK: “BORAT SUPPLEMENTAL REPORTINGS RETRIEVED FROM FLOOR OF STABLE CONTAINING EDITING MACHINE” DOCUMENTARY SHORTS COMING SOON

In case you couldn’t get enough BORAT, there’s plenty of content coming your way on Amazon Prime Video!

Synopsis:

On the heels of the massive global success of BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM: DELIVERY OF PRODIGIOUS BRIBE TO AMERICAN REGIME FOR MAKE BENEFIT ONCE GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN,  Amazon Prime Video will premiere BORAT SUPPLEMENTAL REPORTINGS RETRIEVED FROM FLOOR OF STABLE CONTAINING EDITING MACHINE, a multi-part special featuring never-before seen footage from BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM: DELIVERY OF PRODIGIOUS BRIBE TO AMERICAN REGIME FOR MAKE BENEFIT ONCE GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN – which was nominated for two Academy Awards including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress (Maria Bakalova), and winner of two Golden Globes for Best Picture and Best Actor (Comedy or Musical). The specials feature never-before-seen footage from Sacha Baron Cohen as Borat and Maria Bakalova as Tutar, and reveal some of the danger and high wire acts that went into the creation of the smash hit film.

BORAT SUPPLEMENTAL REPORTINGS RETRIEVED FROM FLOOR OF STABLE CONTAINING EDITING MACHINE features the following parts:

BORAT: VHS Cassette of Material Deemed “Sub-acceptable” By Kazakhstan Ministry of Censorship and Circumcision

Never before seen footage from the Oscar-nominated movie Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.

Borat’s American Lockdown

See the 40 minute reality show  of Borat Sagdiyev (Sacha Baron Cohen) as he spends five days at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic with two conspiracy theorists.   

Debunking Borat (Documentary Short Specials)

In six documentary shorts, watch Borat’s two roommates have their theories debunked by some of the world’s leading experts. 

“Vaccine Microchip”

“Mail-in Ballots Scam”

“Soros”

“China Virus”

“Gates’ Bricks”

“Hillary Clinton & Blood Libel”

BORAT SUPPLEMENTAL REPORTINGS RETRIEVED FROM FLOOR OF STABLE CONTAINING EDITING MACHINE arrives May 25, 2021 on Amazon Prime Video.

(Photo/video credit: Amazon Prime Video)