rogers
#FIRSTLOOK: “UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE” WINS 2024 ROGERS BEST CANADIAN FILM AWARD AT TFCA AWARDS
The Winnipeg-set comedy Universal Language has won the Toronto Film Critics Association’s 2024 Rogers Best Canadian Film Award. Its companion prize, Rogers Best Canadian Documentary, was awarded to the musical biopic Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story.
Universal Language imagines a Winnipeg where Persian is the dominant language and turkeys roam the snowy streets while tourists admire the drab cityscape. Any Other Way tells the story of R&B singer Jackie Shane, who broke ground as an out Black trans performer on the Toronto scene in the 1960s before fading into obscurity.
The richest annual film prize in Canada was shared by narrative and documentary features, with $50,000 to each winner, courtesy of Rogers. Actor/writer/director Don McKellar (The Sympathizer) presented the award to Universal Language writer/director Matthew Rankin. Comedian Rick Mercer presented the doc prize to Any Other Way’s Michael Mabbott, who directed the film with Lucah Rosenberg-Lee.
Drawing influences from Canada’s Guy Maddin and Iran’s Abbas Kiarostami, Universal Language is an irreverently funny consideration of our multicultural landscape. The film was Canada’s official submission in the Oscar race for Best International Feature and made the 15-film shortlist. Any Other Way, which explores histories of trans erasure and visibility, brings Shane’s story to screen using her own words combined with animation and dramatic recreations. Universal Language is currently in theatres, while Any Other Way is streaming on Crave.
Runners-up in both categories received a $5,000 prize from Rogers Communications. Nominated in the dramatic category were Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, and Galen Johnson (Rumours) and Sophie Deraspe (Shepherds), while Brenda Michell, Michael Toledano, and Jennifer Wickham (Yintah) and Ali Weinstein (Your Tomorrow) were runners-up in the documentary race.
Hosted by actress Tamara Podemski (Outer Range, Fancy Dance), the ceremony took place at a gala dinner held February 24, 2025 at The Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto, featuring a Prime Video cocktail party, and a Netflix dinner.
“This year’s winners are exactly why Rogers awards these prizes to Canadian films,” said Robin Mirsky, Executive Director, Rogers Group of Funds. “Universal Language is a richly imaginative take on Winnipeg, one of our most richly imagined cities. And Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story is about a remarkable chapter in Toronto music history, one that deserves to be better known. Both are films that could only be made by Canadians, about Canadians, and we congratulate all the winners and nominees.”
“We had an embarrassment of riches this year in both the documentary and narrative feature categories, and any of the films could have won,” added TFCA President Johanna Schneller.
“Congratulations to all our splendid nominees. But Universal Language and Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story both do something extraordinary: Each nods to cinematic history, and each advances their respective forms in invigorating new directions. They were thrilling to watch, and we’re thrilled to celebrate them.”
At the gala, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey presented winner RaMell Ross with three TFCA Awards for his drama Nickel Boys: Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay, co-written by Joslyn Barnes. Adapted from the novel by Colson Whitehead, Nickel Boys is currently nominated for two Oscars including Best Picture. Actor Sarah Gadon (Enemy, Alias Grace) presented Outstanding Performance in a Canadian Film to Félix-Antoine Duval for his turn in Shepherds. Duval plays Quebecois adman Mathyas Lefebure, who quit his job to pursue life as a shepherd in Provence, France.
Podemski introduced video acceptance speeches from TFCA Award winners Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Outstanding Lead Performance, Hard Truths), filmmaker Payal Kapadia (Best International Feature and Best Original Screenplay, All We Imagine as Light), director Gints Zilbalodis (Best Animated Feature, Flow), and actor Clarence Maclin (Breakthrough Performance, Sing Sing).
Actor Jamie Thomas King (The Tudors, Mr. Turner) and actor/screenwriter Eva Everett Irving (The Pitt, Orphan Black) presented the Jay Scott Prize for an emerging artist to filmmaker J Stevens, who made their feature directorial debut last year with Really Happy Someday and has directed series including Sort Of and Slow Pitch.
In its mission to recognize new voices in film criticism, the TFCA gave Alexander Mooney the seventh annual Telefilm Canada Emerging Critic Award, presented by Emily Hampshire (Schitt’s Creek). Mooney has contributed to outlets including Exclaim!, Documentary Magazine, and MUBI Notebook. The award comes with a prize of $1,000.
And this year’s Company 3 Luminary Award was presented by three-time Rogers Best Canadian Film winner Jennifer Baichwal (Manufactured Landscapes, Anthropocene) to Tonya Williams, celebrated actor and founder and executive director of the Reelworld Film Festival and Reelworld Screen Institute. A pay-it-forward initiative, the award allows the recipient to donate $50,000 in post-production services from Company 3 to another filmmaker. Williams announced Vancouver-based filmmaker Leena Minifie as the recipient.
The TFCA is extremely grateful to founding sponsor Rogers Communications for the Rogers Best Canadian Film and the Rogers Best Canadian Documentary awards. The TFCA thanks returning sponsors Netflix as Dinner sponsor, Prime Video as Cocktail Reception and After Party sponsor and Air Canada as Official Airline. TFCA salutes Telefilm Canada as the Telefilm Canada Emerging Critic sponsor and Company 3 as the Company 3 Luminary Award Sponsor. The TFCA also thanks sponsors Omni King Edward Hotel and salutes stalwart supporters G.H. Mumm Champagne, L’Eat Catering, Zoomer Magazine, The Printing House, Element Event Solutions and Pinnacle Live.
ABOUT THE TFCA
The Toronto Film Critics Association was established in 1997 and is comprised of Toronto based journalists and broadcasters who specialize in film criticism and commentary. All major dailies, weeklies and a variety of other print, electronic and web outlets are represented. Members of the TFCA also participate in the Federation of International Film Critics (FIPRESCI). As such, they have sat on juries at festivals in Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Toronto, Montreal, Miami, Palm Springs, Chicago, Pusan, Moscow, Amsterdam, London and Vienna, among others.
#TIFF: ROGERS AND TIFF SIGN MULTI-YEAR DEAL
Toronto International Film Festival and Rogers are pleased to announce a three-year agreement that will see Rogers return as the official Presenting Partner of the Festival and the People’s Choice Award through 2027.
The expanded partnership builds on the success of TIFF ’24, which welcomed a record-breaking 700,000 attendees and hundreds of the world’s biggest filmmakers and stars. The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will take place from September 4 to 14, 2025.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Rogers through 2027, building on the terrific momentum we’ve created together,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “We share a vision of celebrating Canadian storytelling and commitment to excellence on a global stage, and we look forward to working together to create a truly remarkable 50th edition of our Festival in September.”
“We are committed to supporting world-class film and cinema and bringing the best in entertainment to Canadians,” said Tony Staffieri, CEO, Rogers. “We look forward to celebrating TIFF’s 50th edition this year and to continuing a successful multi-year partnership.”
Rogers and TIFF will create a new original content series in partnership with TIFF’s in-house Studio 9 production team. Rogers will also develop and produce a 50th edition TV special to be aired exclusively on Citytv. Rogers customers will have access to VIP red carpet experiences through Rogers Beyond the Seat.
TIFF is marking a historic milestone with the 50th edition of the Festival and celebratory programming and events throughout the year. Look for an announcement next week with more information.
About Rogers Communications Inc.
Rogers is Canada’s communications and entertainment company and its shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For more information, please visit rogers.com or investors.rogers.com.
About TIFF
TIFF is a not-for-profit cultural organization with a mission to transform the way people see the world through film. An international leader in film culture, TIFF projects include the annual Toronto International Film Festival® in September; TIFF Lightbox, which features five cinemas, learning and entertainment facilities; and the innovative national distribution program Film Circuit. The organization generates an annual economic impact of $200 million CAD. TIFF Lightbox is generously supported by contributors including the Government of Ontario, the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, the Reitman family (Ivan Reitman, Agi Mandel, and Susan Michaels), The Daniels Corporation, and RBC. For more information, visit tiff.net.
#FIRSTLOOK: ROGERS IS NEW HOME FOR DISCOVER, HGTV, FOOD NETWORK AND MORE
Starting January 1, 2025 Canadians can continue watching their favourite shows with new seasons and series exclusively on Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, and more. Rogers is the new home to these iconic lifestyle brands and beloved content including titles such as Homestead Rescue (Discovery), Celebrity IOU with Drew and Jonathan Scott (HGTV), Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri (Food Network), Signs of a Psychopath (ID), and Maine Cabin Masters (Magnolia Network).
“Through Rogers and Rogers Sports & Media, Canadians won’t miss a beat when it comes to watching new episodes from returning hit series and new titles from North America’s biggest home renovation and culinary stars. We continue to work with all distribution partners to ensure viewers can watch this top-rated content where and when they want,” said Colette Watson, President, Rogers Sports & Media.
Building on the exciting slate of hit content from Bravo, Citytv, FX, and FXX, Citytv+ adds thousands of hours of new and returning shows from Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Cooking Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Science, MotorTrend, and more.
Discovery will feature new seasons of off-the-grid living with Homestead Rescue, exploring the unknown in Expedition X, high-stakes underdogs in Hustlers Gamblers Crooks, bootleg legends in Moonshiners, the ultimate booze-making competition Moonshiners: Master Distiller, and all-new series Expedition Files and The Last Woodsman, beginning this January. That’s not all! Discovery will air repeat seasons of Caught, Gold Rush, Big Little Brawlers, and Outback Opal Hunters, plus special events such as Shark Week and Puppy Bowl.
Beginning this January, HGTV will have new seasons of star-studded transformations on Celebrity IOU with Drew and Jonathan Scott, property pursuits with House Hunters, Home Town with Erin and Ben Napier, heritage home renovation series Fixer to Fabulous, and over-the-top house hunting with My Lottery Dream Home, plus Married to Real Estate, Zillow Gone Wild, and Help! I Wrecked My House. Additionally, the channel will have repeat seasons from HGTV’s slate of home improvement programming including Why The Heck Did I Buy This House?, Rico to the Rescue, and Battle on the Mountain.
The Food Network, connecting viewers to the power and joy of food, will feature all-new seasons of competition series Chopped, Kids Baking Championship, Wildcard Kitchen, and Spring Baking Championship, sizzling showdowns with Beat Bobby Flay, plus Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and Guy’s Grocery Games to round out the schedule.
ID offers a slate chock-full of harrowing crimes, in-depth investigations, and powerful true stories with all-new seasons of Signs of a Psychopath, Very Scary People, Murder Under the Friday Night Lights, Death by Fame, Body Cam: On The Scene, and Evil Lives Here, plus past seasons of Real Time Crime.
Premiering on the Magnolia Network this January are new seasons of Maine Cabin Masters, Building Outside The Lines, and In With The Old, plus past seasons of Beachfront Bargain Hunt Renovations and Barnwood Builders to complete the schedule.
About Rogers Communications Inc.
Rogers is Canada’s leading communications and entertainment company and its shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For more information, please visit rogers.com or investors.rogers.com.
#TIFF: ROGERS IS PRESENTING SPONSOR OF 2024 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AND PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
The Toronto International Film Festival and Rogers today announced Rogers as the Presenting Sponsor of the 49th Festival and the acclaimed TIFF People’s Choice Awards.
The sponsorship will begin by rolling out the red carpet and celebrating TIFF’s origins in Toronto’s Yorkville district with a VIP event at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, an Official Hospitality Partner, on Tuesday, September 3. The Toronto International Film Festival presented by Rogers runs from September 5–15, 2024.
“Rogers and TIFF share more than deep roots in our home city – we share a commitment to building a rich legacy in Canadian culture and entertainment, which we’re thrilled to celebrate as we welcome Rogers as the first-ever Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Festival,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “Rogers is involved in all aspects of the industry and their partnership amplifies our ability to celebrate a wider range of stories. With Rogers on board, we look forward to an impactful and unforgettable experience for festival attendees as we get closer to celebrating our 50th anniversary.”
“As Canada’s leading communications and entertainment company, we’re proud to partner with TIFF this year to showcase the best film and entertainment from Canada and around the world,” said Terrie Tweddle, Chief Brand and Communications Officer, Rogers. “TIFF is one of the best film festivals in the world and we’re proud to support it and connect more Canadians to the best content and best experiences.”
Rogers customers will enjoy access to VIP experiences of festival screenings and other exclusive experiences as part of its new national program, Rogers Beyond the Seat, that delivers premier sports and entertainment experiences to Rogers customers across the country.
TIFF’s 49th edition will feature 11 days celebrating and spotlighting the best of international and Canadian film and entertainment. In addition to screenings, the Festival provides unique in-person opportunities including live post-screening Q&As, the In Conversation With… series, a five-day industry conference, the free, family-friendly Festival Street, and its prestigious awards including the Tribute Awards, the TIFF People’s Choice Awards presented by Rogers, and Jury Prizes.
About Rogers:
About Rogers Communications
Rogers is Canada’s communications and entertainment company and its shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For more information, please visit rogers.com or investors.rogers.com.
#FIRSTLOOK: JOHN KRASINSKI STARS IN NEW ROGERS COMMERCIAL
Rogers is proud to introduce a new brand platform that focuses on the investments they are making to bring Canadians the best communications and entertainment experiences.
The platform features a new TV spot with John Krasinski lip syncing and dancing to “Shake it Off (Taylor’s Version)” from Taylor Swift as he’s streaming music on his phone while boating on Lake Simcoe in Ontario. In the spot, Krasinski thinks he’s alone out on the lake only to discover a local fisherman watching him from a distance. The spot ends with “We do our thing, so you can do yours. We got you.”
Rogers is the presenting sponsor of Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour in Canada, with shows in Toronto and Vancouver this fall.
The campaign, developed by Publicis, features high-impact advertising, including billboards, transit and airport takeovers, and a significant online presence. In Quebec, the company has created a tailored platform, Là on jase, which means, ‘Now you’re talking.’
Rogers is Canada’s communications and entertainment company with the largest, most reliable 5G network and the fastest, most reliable Internet in Canada. Our entertainment brands reach 96% of Canadians and Sportsnet is Canada’s #1 sports network. Over the last decade, the company has invested over $40 billion to build Canada’s most reliable networks and it has invested $20 billion in Canadian sports and content.
In 2024 alone, Rogers will invest $4 billion in capital expenditures and reinvest 90% of our profits back into Canada. Rogers recently signed a long-term partnership with Comcast to bring the Xfinity brand to Canada and inked major deals with Warner Bros. Discovery and NBCUniversal to bring the best content and brands to Canadians, including HGTV, The Food Network, Bravo, Discovery and more.
#SPOTTED: GORDON RAMSAY IN TORONTO FOR ROGERS IGNITE TV
British Chef, Restauranteur, TV Personality and bestselling Author Gordon Ramsay is back in Toronto today but not for what you might think! The beloved culinary genius known best for his passionate outbursts on TV Series like Hell’s Kitchen and Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares surfaced this summer on a series of TV advertisements for Rogers’ new IGNITE TV Platform alongside Lucy Liu and Paul Sorvino. The service integrates YouTube and Netflix into users’ Cable TV-viewing experiencing as one experience via their remote control. You can even talk to the remote! Ramsay is back in town to promote the much-hyped new product from the cable giant!
See the TV Spot:
Ramsay is scheduled to meet fans at Eaton Centre‘s Rogers store after 11:30 AM in a rare opportunity after doing some radio and TV appearances earlier in the day to promote his partnership with the Brand.
See our Snap:
(Photo/video credit: Rogers/Mr. Will Wong)
#ROGERSUPFRONT: JOSH DALLAS, MELISSA ROXBURGH, HOWIE MANDEL + MORE AT 2018 ROGERS UPFRONT
It’s that time of year again! First to unveil their 2018/20198 Primetime Schedule is CITYTV at their annual UPFRONT! Presenting their new and returning lineup to 1,200 advertisers, media, and guests at Massey Hall were some stars in town for the occasion. Among the high-profile Dramas to come to CITYTV are A MILLION LITTLE THINGS and MANIFEST, the latter which is being touted as this year’s LOST. Stars Josh Dallas (Once Upon a Time), Melissa Roxburgh (Supernatural), David Alan Grier (In Living Color), Christina Ochoa (Animal Kingdom) and David Giuntoli (Grimm) did the rounds today.
CITYTV‘S #1 show America’s Got Talent also is returning as are THE GRAMMYS and Canada’s own Howie Mandel, judge on the former, was at the affair!
Fans will be pleased to know THE TWILIGHT ZONE and MURPHY BROWN Reboots also are coming on CITYTV!
See some Snaps:
JOSH DALLAS
HOWIE MANDEL
MELISSA ROXBURGH
CHRISTINA OCHOA x DAVID GIUNTOLI
DAVID ALAN GRIER
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: STARS IN TORONTO FOR THE 2017/2018 ROGERS MEDIA UPFRONT
It’s one of our favourite times of the year. The Upfronts are here in Toronto this week and first to go is Rogers Media, unveiling their new 2017/2018 programming lineup. The unveiling, presented at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, brought-in some fresh and exciting new talent to the city. Colette Watson, SVP at Rogers Media says that their line-up has “something for everyone every night of the week.”.
Highlighting the schedule are five new comedies, four new dramas, three new Canadian titles, two live musical events and one fan-favourite competition series!
Rogers Media is number one targetting the 18-49 demographic with their programming and Rogers Media remains Canada’s #1 sports brand.
BAD BLOOD, GHOSTED, LA>VEGAS, THE ORVILLE and THE RESIDENT are brand new and returning or debuting on Rogers Media are SPEECHLESS, THE BLACKLIST, DANCING WITH THE STARS and VERSAILLES.
Among the series and specials returning to Rogers Media‘s lineup are LETHAL WEAPON, HELL’S KITCHEN, THE MICK, MODERN FAMILY, THE MIDDLE, MOM, THE BACHELOR, BLACK-ISH, BROOKLYN NINE-NINE, FAMILY GUY, LIFE IN PIECES, THE LAST MAN ON EARTH, SCORPION and NEW GIRL.
Live Musicals RENT and A CHRISTMAS STORY also will be marquee events to air.
Stars in attendance were Manish Dayal (The Resident), Edward Weeks (LA>Vegas), Kim Matula (LA>Vegas) and Diego Klattenhoff (The Blacklist).
See some Snaps. Hover over left and right of post to navigate slideshow!
(Swipe left!) More #RogersUpfront fun with Rogers Media’s finest!
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For more on the complete 2017/2018 line-up and schedule, click here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: STARS IN TORONTO FOR THE 2016 ROGERS UPFRONT
It’s that time of year again! We look forward always to the Upfronts every year and Canada’s big three Television giants: Bell Media, Corus (Shaw) and Rogers gather potential Ad Buyers to unveil a sneak peak of their upcoming television season lineups including series picked up for additional seasons and new acquisitions!
Rogers is first to roll this year and an army of talent came out today for the mega-presentation at Rogers Centre tonight which includes a reception, gala and afterparty!
Some stars were up and at it early today, appearing on City‘s Breakfast Television – which by the way, remains Canada’s top morning show by a wide margin – with Adam Wylde and Dina Pugliese, including Jay Baruchel (Toronto-made Man Seeking Woman Season 3), Adam Pally (Making History), Will Forte (The Last Man on Earth) and Damon Wayans (Lethal Weapon). All Series air this Fall on CITY, with the exception of Man Seeking Woman which is on FXX. The latter network continues to see double-digital growth and will thrive when Pick-and-Pay fully enters the cable market as an option later this year.
Many other new and returning series, specials and staples were revealed including Tom Hardy‘s Taboo, The Mick, animated-live action Son of Zorn, American Crime Story: Katrina, Hairspray (live), Rocky Horror Picture Show (filmed in Toronto) and more, proving Television v. much is alive!
See some of the stars as they quickly make their rounds today!
Baruchel
#DamonWayans at #RogersUpfront with #LethalWeapon. 🔫
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#AdamPally (#HappyEndings, #TheMindyProject #DirtyGrandpa) at #RogersUpfront for #MakingHistory.
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Forte
Funnyman #WillForte in town for #RogersUpfront. He stars in new series, #TheLastManonEarth! 👤🌍
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
#WillForte. #TheLastManonEarth #RogersUpfront 👤🌍
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See our Snapchat Video of our #RogersUpfront experience!
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(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#FIRSTLOOK: SHOMI TO LAUNCH FOR SHAW AND ROGERS SUBSCRIBERS THIS NOVEMBER
The buzz certainly is there for proudly-Canadian Streaming Service shomi. A collaboration of efforts between Multimedia Giants SHAW and ROGERS, the Service will be rolled-out to the Set-Top Boxes and Streaming Devices (Apple and Android Tablets and Smartphones) this Fall, with their eyes set on the success which Key Player Netflix has achieved across homes in North America.
We and a select Group of Key Influencers in the Canadian Market, had the opportunity to hear directly from shomi‘s Marni Shulman and Marc Dinsdale who play a pivotal role in its launch at an exclusive Event at Toronto’s only five-star Hotel, The Hazelton. We learned about the virtues of the Service, which is being touted as being “created for Entertainment Lovers, by Entertainment Lovers”. It is the product of two things we learned: Algorithms based on Viewer habits and also the Human Touch.
The Service capitalizes on the phenomenon of Bingewatching, currently taking the World by storm, focusing on multi-season, “bingeworthy“-based Content. Shulman says, “shomi is focusing on edgy, immersive content with deep character”. “80% of our content is Series, 19% is Movies and the other 1% will be Concerts and original produced content.”.
That being said, shomi will be the first to stream hotly-tipped programming like NBA Star Lebron James’ BECOMING Series, a response to the lack of Sports-based programming for Kids, and also STARZ Series POWER, produced by Hip-Hop Star Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. It also has exclusivity on FX Original Programming like Sons of Anarchy and American Horror Story, not available on other Streaming Services.
A deal also has been reached with Warner Bros., meaning that acclaimed Series like FALLING SKIES, 2 BROKE GIRLS and SHAMELESS also are not far behind. shomi Users also will be the first to see Producer Rob Thomas’ eagerly-awaited iZOMBIE Series, described as a cross between The Walking Dead and Veronica Mars.
The biggest selling point of shomi is its ease of use. Instead of focusing on word-based searches, Kids in particular will find simplicity with its image and experience-based layout, while its Bookmarking Feature makes it easy to pick-up or proceed in watching programs at a later date.
The $8.99 monthly subscription rate with its first month being free should appeal to Customers who want to add and remove the feature at their own discretion and many will find relief in being able to view programming directly on their Set-Top Boxes, meaning less worries about exceeding Internet Plan Data Caps.
shomi launches this November. Click here to learn more.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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