What a fantastic year in Cinema 2024 was! The Team – Nicholas Porteous, Amanda Gilmore, Justin Waldman, David Baldwin and Mr. Will unveil for you their best-of 2024 film lists here which you absolutely cannot miss! There are some surprises!
What were your faves? Let us know on IG and FB!
We thank you so much for your supporting all these years including 2024 and cannot wait to bring you the goods in 2025 whether it be first looks, screening pass giveaways, reviews or interviews, we will continue to be there for you!
To an epic 2025!
Team Mr. Will
The announcement of the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival marks the largest Canadian presence at the festival in the last 12 years. More than 300 Canadians from across the country will be on the Croisette from May 14 to 25, 2024.
In the official selection, Ali Abbasi’s The Apprentice (his third film in the official selection at Cannes) and David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds (his seventh film in the official selection at Cannes) have been selected for competition. In the short film competition, Perfectly a Strangeness by Alison McAlpine is in the running. Telos I by Emil Dam Seidel and Dorotea Saykaly, and The Roaming by Mathieu Pradat have been selected for the new immersive competition. Finally, out of competition, Rumours by Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson is part of the selection.
In addition, the parallel sections of the Directors’ Fortnight and Critics’ Week include Une Langue Universelle (Universal Language) by Matthew Rankin and Alazar by Beza Hailu Lemma.
The films Rumours, The Shrouds, and Une Langue Universelle (Universal Language) received funding from Telefilm Canada.
“Canadian talent shines brightly at Cannes,” said Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada. “This year’s outstanding representation reflects the artistic excellence of a variety of talents, from the most experienced to the emerging, and the incredible diversity of the stories they tell us, in all their forms. This is what characterizes our national cinematography, which resonates and captivates audiences around the world. This exceptional year also demonstrates the growing interest of other countries to collaborate with Canada. It’s truly stimulating to see this openness of working together, strengthening our cultural and creative ties, and enriching our global film scene!”
In addition to the Cannes Film Festival, the large Canadian delegation will also be taking part in the Marché du Film (featuring 27 Canadian titles), playing a key role as project promoters. This active participation will enable Canadian film professionals to connect with potential partners, develop new projects and explore opportunities to collaborate on an international scale. This reflects Canada’s commitment to promoting its audiovisual industry and strengthening its ties with the global film community.
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)
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