#TIFF24: “THE LIFE OF CHUCK” TAKES PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

After 11 days of cinematic magic, moments, and memories, TIFF officially concludes the 49th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, by celebrating the best of the fest with its annual awards slate. A total of 10 awards were handed out at the awards ceremony today, including jury-awarded prizes and the renowned People’s Choice Awards, also presented by Rogers, that signals the official start to awards season.

“As we conclude this year’s Festival and present these 10 awards today, I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated juries, our TIFF programmers, and all of the filmmakers who have shared their work with us,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF. “Most importantly, I want to thank our audience, who are truly the best in the world. Their passion and enthusiasm bring this festival to life every year, and we couldn’t do it without them. To The Life of Chuck, The Substance, and The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, this year’s winners of the People’s Choice Awards, presented by Rogers, I can’t wait to see the future awards and accolades that await your incredible films.”
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD PRESENTED BY ROGERS
The 47th edition of TIFF’s People’s Choice Awards, presented by Rogers, has been distinguished as the audience’s top title at the Festival as voted by the viewing public. All feature films and series in TIFF’s Official Selection are eligible.

People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award presented by Rogers is: The Substance, dir. Coralie Fargeat | United Kingdom/USA/France
The first runner-up is: Dead Talents Society, dir. John Hsu | Taiwan
The second runner-up is: Friendship, dir. Andrew DeYoung | USA

People’s Choice Documentary Award presented by Rogers is: The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, dir. Mike Downie | Canada
The first runner-up is: Will & Harper, dir. Josh Greenbaum | USA
The second runner-up is: Your Tomorrow, dir. Ali Weinstein | Canada

People’s Choice Award presented by Rogers is: The Life of Chuck, dir. Mike Flanagan | USA
The first runner-up is: Emilia Pérez, dir. Jacques Audiard | France/USA/Mexico
The second runner-up is: Anora, dir. Sean Baker | USA
SHORT CUTS AWARDS
Short Cuts Awards are for Best International Film and Best Canadian Film. Each of the two winning films will receive a bursary of $10,000 CAD. The 2024 jurors for the Short Cuts Awards were Luis De Filippis, Micah Kernan, and Shane Smith.

Short Cuts Award for Best International Film:
Deck 5B, dir. Malin Ingrid Johansson | Sweden

Short Cut Jury’s statement: “By subverting narrative expectations at every turn, while adding layers of insight and potent emotional truths that evocatively illustrate the tensions between motherhood and desire, this deeply moving film enthralled the jury, staying with us long after we’d watched it. Helmed by a gifted filmmaker, skillfully eliciting an exceptional performance from her lead actress, in service of a nuanced, heartbreaking story, the jury is thrilled to present the award for Best International Short Film to Deck 5B, directed by Malin Ingrid Johansson.”

Honourable Mention:
Quota, dir. Job Roggeveen, Joris Oprins, Marieke Blaauw | Netherlands

Short Cut Jury’s statement: “In its three-minute runtime, this inventive animation does exactly what the best shorts do: make us ask big questions in little timeframes. The work tackles the timely issue of the cost of human invention and innovation on our tired planet. In a world where going viral has become synonymous with success, it asks if perhaps the real virus is us and our unquenchable need for more. The jury is pleased to present an honourable mention to the filmmaking team of Job, Joris & Marieke for their short Quota. We also applaud the filmmakers for practicing what they preach by choosing not to attend the Festival this year as a way to limit their carbon footprint and stay within their ‘quota.’”

Short Cuts Award for Best Canadian Film:
Are You Scared To Be Yourself Because You Think That You Might Fail?, dir. Bec Pecaut | Canada

Short Cut Jury’s statement: “This filmmaker was able to capture a moment in life with such authenticity in an effortless way. The jury was inspired to join these characters on a heartful expedition through decisions that were scary, funny, challenging, and ultimately real. The exploration of familial bonds and how they shift during adulthood resulted in an emotional journey from start to finish. The jury is thrilled to award the Short Cuts Award for Best Canadian Short Film to director Bec Pecault for Are You Scared To Be Yourself Because You Think That You Might Fail?”
FIPRESCI AWARD
The FIPRESCI jury is awarding the Prize of International Critics, dedicated to emerging filmmakers, to a debut feature film having its World Premiere in TIFF’s Discovery programme. The 2024 FIPRESCI jury members are Li Cheuk-to, Pierre-Simon Gutman, Azadeh Jafari, Saffron Maeve, and Wilfred Okiche.

FIPRESCI Award:
Mother Mother, dir. K’naan Warsame | Somalia

#TIFF24: FESTIVAL STREET IS BACK

TIFF’s Festival Street is back for its ninth year, offering thousands of film fans free entertainment and fun activations along King St. W. between Peter St. and University Ave. Open to all, this four-day celebration of food, drinks, art, and culture will take place from September 5–8. As well, free open-air screenings and activities will take place in David Pecaut Square September 5–14.

Kicking off the excitement on opening day is the World Premiere of The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal from producer-director Mike Downie — brother of Gord Downie, who alongside Rob Baker, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois, and Gord Sinclair went on to make music that defined Canada to the world, and more importantly, Canada to Canadians. Following the screening of the four-part docu-series, Choir! Choir! Choir! will lead a giant outdoor sing-a-long from the Royal Alexandra Theatre onto Festival Street to celebrate 40 years of The Tragically Hip, presented by Prime Video. Fans are invited to join this unforgettable moment at the Amazon Music Bus on John St. (between King St. and Wellington St.) on Thursday, September 5, 4:30pm–5:45pm. Approximate start time is 5:00pm, exact timing is subject to change.

For movie lovers who can’t get enough films, Cinema Park is back with free open-air screenings in David Pecaut Square, featuring 40th-anniversary screenings of Ghostbusters (September 11), Footloose (September 12), and The Karate Kid (September 13); as well as screenings of Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (September 5), Ghost (September 6), Gattaca (September 7), Arrival (September 8), Drumline (September 9), The Outsiders (September 10), and Pitch Perfect (September 14). These can’t-miss classics will be presented with open captions and screened nightly at 10pm.

Festival Street Art Market, in partnership with Toronto Film School, will have booths along Simcoe St. and King St. Toronto’s local film festivals and arts organizations will be on hand to share initiatives, activities, programming information, and more. Participants include Toronto Film School, Inside Out Film Festival, Reel Asian Film Festival, imagineNATIVE, OCAD, Luminato Festival, Regent Park Film Festival, Muse Arts, Toronto Latin American Film Festival, REEL CANADA, and Workman Arts.

New this year, TIFF welcomes Campari, whose iconic Negroni is the Official Cocktail of the TIFF Red Carpet. Festival-goers will stay hydrated with TIFF’s new Official Water, FLOW, have the opportunity to get up close with the stars in the SHINGRIX fan zone at Roy Thomson Hall, and snap selfies with Visit California & Brand USA. When the clock strikes 12am, Intrepid Travel will invite film fans to take a walk on the wild side as the Presenting Sponsor of TIFF’s Midnight Madness programme. On Festival Street, families can enjoy plant-based BEYOND MEAT burgers, and take a moment to relax and enjoy a Ferrero Rocher Bar at the Ferrero Rocher® Golden Lounge. TIFF has also teamed up with OVO x 1 LOVE T.O. for a Festival Street pop-up that brings the soundtrack of Toronto and raises funds for TIFF’s Every Story Fund.

Festival Street would not exist without the tremendous support from our fellow Torontonians and the City of Toronto. To thank the City and the people who call it home, TIFF has partnered with the TTC again to give Torontonians more access to Festival films. On Saturday, September 14 at 3pm, fans are invited to Roy Thomson Hall for the TTC Free Screening of a surprise TIFF ’24 Festival title. More details will be announced closer to the date.

FESTIVAL STREET PARTNER ACTIVATIONS (September 5–14)
Rogers Fan Zone — Rogers Beyond the Seat welcomes winning Rogers customers to its TIFF Red Carpet Fan Zone. Complete with movie snacks, elevated viewing levels, and a unique Rogers red carpet interview area that brings attendees closer than ever to the celebrities they love. Located in David Pecaut Square, Rogers customers will get closer to the stars with Rogers Beyond the Seat on the TIFF red carpet throughout the Festival.

RBC Red Carpet Gallery — One of the most coveted destinations for celebrity spotting during TIFF, Avion Rewards members will have access to an exclusive viewing experience of the world’s biggest stars arriving to their Gala premieres on the Roy Thomson Hall red carpet. The activation will feature interactive elements, including a fun photo booth experience in which each guest stars in their own movie poster.

Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre — Offering an unforgettable, star-studded experience at the Visa Screening Room, Visa Infinite cardholders will enjoy exclusive perks such as priority line access, and entry to the Visa Infinite Lounge. Now in its third year, the Visa Sharing the Screen program will continue to advance equity for communities by providing unparalleled access to films, engaging creator talks, and more.

Campari Red Carpet Lounge on the Gala Red Carpet — As a first-of-its-kind at TIFF, there will be a fully immersive bar on the Gala red carpet for filmmakers and talent before their World Premieres. Pre-screening toasts and conversations can be viewed live in the South Fan Zone on the red carpet at Roy Thomson Hall.

TIFF Fan Zone presented by SHINGRIX — Festival-goers can get closer to their favourite stars in the TIFF Fan Zone at the Gala Red Carpet, presented by new partner, SHINGRIX.

Lavazza Festival Village Experience — Step into Lavazza’s immersive photo booth, grab a sample of their Qualita Oro coffee, and enjoy exclusive giveaways (while supplies last). Plus, enter for a chance to win a year’s supply of Lavazza coffee.

OVO X 1 LOVE T.O — OVO x 1 LOVE T.O. fosters community unity in Toronto and will be hosting live sessions and merchandise sales in support of the TIFF Every Story Fund, supporting equity, inclusion, and diversity in film.

House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro — Experience the best of Italian hospitality with Peroni Nastro Azzurro lager, and gourmet bites by celebrity chef David Rocco at the House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro. All proceeds from any purchases made beyond a complimentary sample will be donated to the TIFF Every Story Fund.

Say Ciao to Cravings with Pizza Nova — Drop by this booth to enjoy some freshly prepared and full of flavour pizza!

TIFF Scavenger Hunt (September 6–8) — In partnership with the Toronto Downtown West BIA, TIFF presents an exciting Festival Street Scavenger Hunt! Enter for the chance to win a host of prizes including movie tickets, TIFF merchandise, and more goodies.

LISTERINE (TIFF Lightbox) — LISTERINE plays a starring role at TIFF, transforming restroom mirrors into your very own movie poster. Get ready for your closeup, showcase your best swish, and enter the spotlight.

TIFF’s Festival Street Art Market in Partnership with Toronto Film School —
In partnership with Toronto Film School, Toronto’s local film festivals and arts organizations will have booths sharing art exhibits, programming information, and more. Featuring 11 of the city’s most exciting community film festivals and arts organisations including Toronto Film School, Inside Out Film Festival, REEL ASIAN Film Festival, imagineNATIVE, OCAD, Luminato Festival, Regent Park Film Festival, Muse Arts, Toronto Latin American Film Festival, REEL CANADA and Workman Arts. Check them out on King Street (West Zone) and Simcoe Street (East Zone)!

TIFF Founders’ Lounge presented by Air France (TIFF Lightbox) — Step into elegance at the Founders’ Lounge presented by Air France. Take in the buzz and excitement of the Festival while enjoying fine food and drinks. Whether you’re networking, people watching, or relaxing between screenings, the Founders’ Lounge presented by Air France is where to be.

For more information, visit TIFF.net.
Social Media:
X: @TIFF_NET & @TIFF_Industry
Instagram, TikTok & Letterboxd: @tiff_net
Pinterest: @tiffnet
Facebook.com/TIFF

TIFF24

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 Province 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: “THE TRAGICALLY HIP: NO DRESS REHEARSAL”

Prime Video today announced the upcoming docuseries The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal will premiere with all four episodes on September 20. Directed by Mike Downie, the series chronicles the triumphs, trials and deep bonds of brotherhood that defined The Tragically Hip’s rise from basement shows to arena rock legends. The series is an intimate and unvarnished look at the extraordinary 40-year journey of Canada’s most beloved rock band. After its World Premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, the series will tour additional Canadian film festivals, including AIFF, VIFF & CIFF.

The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal is a love story between a band and the country they call home. With never before seen personal and archival footage, the Canadian rock’n’roll legends share the story of their unique, complicated and wildly successful musical brotherhood. Forty years of hits and misses, friendship and frustration, triumph and tragedy, the docuseries features unseen performances, unreleased music and unprecedented access to The Hip.

From their hometown of Kingston, ON, Rob Baker, Gord Downie, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois and Gord Sinclair skyrocketed to fame as The Tragically Hip with their signature blend of rock anthems and poetic lyricism. Over their storied career, the band released 14 studio albums, 9 of which hit #1 in Canada, won 17 Juno Awards, and were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and received a star on Canada’s Walk Of Fame. Their 2016 cross-Canada tour, undertaken after Downie’s terminal cancer diagnosis, was a cultural phenomenon watched by millions.

The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal is produced by Courage Films with support from Ontario Creates and the Government of Canada. The docuseries is directed and produced by Mike Downie and executive produced by Jake Gold.

The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal joins the slate of Canadian Amazon Original series and films including Canadian Screen Award-winner Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe, Luxe Listings: Toronto, LOL: Qui rira le dernier?, Pour un Soir Seulement, Nuit Blanche, L’ultime gala, Three Pines, Chosen One: Alexandre Daigle, Saving Sakic, All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs, The Kids in the Hall, The Lake, LOL: Last One Laughing Canada, The Unsolved Murder of Beverly Lynn Smith and the upcoming series The Sticky and Elisabeth Rioux: sans filtre.

These series will join Prime Monday Night Hockey, which will stream all national regular season Monday night NHL games in English for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 NHL seasons, and the thousands of TV shows and movies from Hollywood and around the world in the Prime Video catalogue, including award-winning and critically acclaimed Amazon Originals The Boys, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Reacher, and I Am: Celine Dion. Prime members in Canada enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership, for just $9.99/month or the best value of $99.99/year.

–ENDS–

40 Years Of The Tragically Hip:
The Tragically Hip has been at the heart of the Canadian musical zeitgeist, evoking a strong emotional connection between their music and their fans that remains unrivalled. A five-piece group of friends including Rob Baker (guitar), Gord Downie (vocals, guitar), Johnny Fay (drums), Paul Langlois (guitar) and Gord Sinclair (bass), who grew up in Kingston, Ontario, The Tragically Hip have achieved both mass popularity with more than 12 million albums in Canada and over 2 million sold in the U.S, as well as peer recognition through 17 Juno Awards – picking up the distinguished Humanitarian Award in 2021 at the 50th annual JUNO Awards, which recognizes Canadian artists or industry leaders whose humanitarian contributions have positively enhanced the social fabric of Canada and beyond. In 2022, they were inducted into Canada’s Walk Of Fame for Humanitarianism in pursuit of social and environmental justice. They had previously received a star on the Walk Of Fame in 2002 for Arts & Entertainment. Most recently, the band along with their manager, Jake Gold, received the War Child Canada Founder’s Award celebrating over 20 years of support for the global humanitarian organization. The Tragically Hip’s tireless activism and philanthropic pursuits have raised millions of dollars for multiple social and environmental causes, such as Camp Trillium, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Sunnybrook Foundation, WAR Child, the Special Olympics, and the Unison Benevolent Fund. Their studio catalogue includes their self-titled debut album The Tragically Hip (1987), Up To Here (1989), Road Apples (1991), Fully Completely (1992), Day For Night (1994), Trouble At The Henhouse (1996), Phantom Power (1998), Music @ Work (2000), In Violet Light (2002), In Between Evolution (2004), World Container (2006), We Are The Same (2009), Now For Plan A (2012), Man Machine Poem (2016) and Saskadelphia (2021). A National Celebration was the final show of The Tragically Hip’s Man Machine Poem Tour recorded on August 20th, 2016, at the K-Rock Centre in their hometown of Kingston, Ontario, and is their last performance as a five-piece band. Through their career the band became a cultural touchstone in Canada, who despite their accolades and numerous recognitions, will always be proudest of the humanitarian work they have done over the years through numerous charitable organizations and causes. The legacy of the band’s frontman, the late Gord Downie, continues with The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund, which aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

#TIFF24: “THE TRAGICALLY HIP – NO DRESS REHEARSAL” DOCU-SERIES TO PREMIERE AT 2024 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Prime Video today released the official key art and trailer for the upcoming four-part docuseries The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, an intimate and unvarnished look at the extraordinary 40-year journey of Canada’s most beloved rock band. Directed by Mike Downie, the four-part series chronicles the triumphs, trials and deep bonds of brotherhood that defined The Tragically Hip’s rise from basement shows to arena rock legends. The docuseries will have its world premiere at TIFF before screening at film festivals nationwide. The Prime Video launch date will be shared at a later date.

“We’re thrilled to premiere the incredible story of The Tragically Hip at this year’s TIFF. It will be a powerful and memorable event,” said Mike Downie. “This project is a labour of love, with personal and unseen footage from the band’s 40-year history. We set out to understand what held the band together, what pushed them apart and how they captured the hearts and minds of so many fans both in Canada and around the world.”

“The Tragically Hip’s music continues to be the soundtrack for generations of Canadians,” said Shaun Alperin, head of content, Prime Video, Canada. “This docuseries offers fans an unprecedented window into the band’s iconic career and the deep kinship they forged with an entire nation through their poetic lyrics and electrifying performances — from director Mike Downie who was there for every moment.”

The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal is a love story between a band and the country they call home. With never before seen personal and archival footage, the Canadian rock’n’roll legends share the story of their unique, complicated and wildly successful musical brotherhood. Forty years of hits and misses, friendship and frustration, triumph and tragedy, the docuseries features unseen performances, unreleased music and unprecedented access to The Hip.

From their hometown of Kingston, ON, Rob Baker, Gord Downie, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois and Gord Sinclair skyrocketed to fame as The Tragically Hip with their signature blend of rock anthems and poetic lyricism. Over their storied career, the band released 14 studio albums, 9 of which hit #1 in Canada, won 17 Juno Awards, and were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and received a star on Canada’s Walk Of Fame. Their 2016 cross-Canada tour, undertaken after Downie’s terminal cancer diagnosis, was a cultural phenomenon watched by millions.

The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal is produced by Courage Films with support from Ontario Creates and the Government of Canada. The docuseries is directed and produced by Mike Downie and executive produced by Jake Gold.

The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal joins the slate of Canadian Amazon Original series and films including TIFF 2023 People’s Choice Documentary Award and Canadian Screen Award-winner Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe, Luxe Listings: Toronto, LOL: Qui rira le dernier?, Pour un Soir Seulement, Nuit Blanche, L’ultime gala, Three Pines, Chosen One: Alexandre Daigle, Saving Sakic, All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs, The Kids in the Hall, The Lake, LOL: Last One Laughing Canada, The Unsolved Murder of Beverly Lynn Smith and the upcoming series The Sticky and Elisabeth Rioux: sans filtre.

These series will join Prime Monday Night Hockey, which will stream all national regular season Monday night NHL games in English for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 NHL seasons, and the thousands of TV shows and movies from Hollywood and around the world in the Prime Video catalogue, including award-winning and critically acclaimed Amazon Originals The Boys, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Reacher, and I Am: Celine Dion. Prime members in Canada enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership, for just $9.99/month or the best value of $99.99/year.

#FIRSTLOOK: “PRIME VIDEO PRESENTS CANADA” SHOWCASE

We were so thrilled to attend the Prime Video Presents Canada Showcase at historic Massey Hall. The event highlighted Prime Video‘s place as not only a streaming service, but an Entertainment Hub focusing on shining a spotlight on homegrown talent and voices, to the diverse audience that is Canadians. Partnerships with the likes of StackTV has allowed Prime Video to diversify its audience base which traditionally might’ve subscribed to certain networks and specialty channels only on cable.

Head of Prime Video Canada, Magda Grace tells us, “This has been many years in the making. We want to draw focus to local talent in-front of and behind the camera. shining spotlight on homegrown talent.”. “Our focus is customer obsession and curating the best entertainment for diverse local audiences.”.

To date, there have been 25 Prime Video productions based in Canada and they currently are developing ten Canadian productions to be enjoyed around the globe. The numbers speak for themselves. Prime Video subscribers thanks to hit series like The Wheel of Time, are streaming 70 more hours of programming per year, in over 240 countries around the world.

An exciting slate of programming was unveiled today at the event, focusing entirely on productions that were made here in Canada or have been green-lit to be made in Canada soon!

KIDS IN THE HALL

Iconic Canadian Comedy Outfit KIDS IN THE HALL are back and their hilarious brand of Sketch can be seen on Prime Video beginning May 13, 2022. All five original members reunite on the Series, which just premiered at SXSW ’22 and appearing today at the event were Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Mark McKinney and Scott Thompson. A two-part Documentary about KIDS IN THE HALL also will arrive on the service May 20, 2022.

On their long-awaited reunion, McCulloch summed it up, “Isn’t it funny to hear old people talk dirty??”.

GARY AND HIS DEMONS SEASON TWO

Toronto Funnyman Mark Little‘s Animated demon-slaying Series called CBC and CBC Gem its own for its first season. Its second season will be coming soon to Prime Video Canada! In 2019 it was awarded Best Web Series at the Canadian Screen Awards.

Little tells us he came up with the idea for the Show while he was in the hospital with a broken ankle, taking stock of life.

THE LAKE

Perhaps the most-buzzed title at the presentation this year was THE LAKE. The Series was filmed in North Bay starring Orphan Black‘s Jordan Gavaris, Madison Shamoun and Hollywood star Julia Stiles.

Showrunner Julian Doucet tells us the Series actually is quite autobiographical. He says, “After high school, me and my girlfriend gave-up our baby for adoption. We chose the parents and are very involved with our daughter’s life. The Show explores what if me and my daughter took a vacation together?”.

Stiles tells us, “The experience moving to North Bay was beautiful. I was not familiar with the society of the lake. It was very insular. The lake is the Lake. Their games nights were a ride or die charades. They know everything about each other. Their lake is the only lake on the planet.”.

On her character Maisy, she says, “She’s competitive, petty and selfish. She likes to see the competition fail. It’s so satisfying and now I feel like a horrible person.”.

THE LAKE arrives June 17, 2022 on Prime Video Canada.

THREE PINES

Filmed in Quebec, upcoming Series THREE PINES, based on the Novels by Louise Penny, stars Alfred Molina. Penny tells us how moved learning that Molina was cast in the role of Armand, whom is based loosely on her husband whom she says, “understood the gift of life”.

Molina who couldn’t make it to Toronto, tells us via video about his experience filming in Quebec. “My preparation involved reading the Novels. He is operating on different levels. Armand‘s strongest trait as a Detective is his empathy for both victims and perpetrators. I had the best experience working with the Crew, filming from August to late December and you’ll see us following the seasons through the episodes. It was beautiful and I’d work with them for the rest of my life.”.

THREE PINES arrives in 2023 on Prime Video Canada. Left Bank Pictures, which produces THE CROWN, also produces.

THE UNSOLVED MURDER OF BEVERLY LYNN SMITH

This upcoming Docu-Series recalls a 50+ year murder case which still remains unsolved. Smith at the age of 22 was murdered in Oshawa and the Series puts a human face to true crime, while revealing all twists and turns with empathy. Directed by Nathalie Bibeau, the Series arrives May 6, 2022 on Prime Video Canada.

SUGAR

Feature Film SUGAR stars The Shadowhunters’ Katherine McNamara, Jasmin Sky Sarin and Riverdale‘s Anthony Timpano. It is based on a true story of two girls from Montreal who went on a boat cruise, only to get way more than they bargained for. Sarin and Timpano were in-attendance at the presentation.

Sarin says, “These girls go on a beautiful cruise, going to amazing places, documenting everything online. They’re having fun till they aren’t. This is not what they signed-up for and they find themselves in a drug smuggling operation, fighting for their lives.”.

LOL: QUI RIRA LE DERNIER

If you loved LOL: Last One Laughing Canada, hosted by Jay Baruchel, a Quebec version of the Comedy Reality Series Competition putting Comedians against one another, is soon to be filmed! Actor Patrick Huard (Bon Cop, Bad Cop) will host.

JUSTE POUR RIRE

Nav Saini, Head of Content, Prime Video Canada announced today that the service will be collaborating for the first time ever with Just for Laughs on a French Comedy Special, to be filmed in Quebec. The Special is to be titled JUSTE POUR RIRE. More to come.

THE STICKY

Just green-lit this upcoming Series, from Executive Producer Jamie Lee Curtis, is based on a true story of Ruth Clarke and the Maple Syrup Heist. Filming for this Blumhouse production is to begin this Summer as Lee Curtis told us via video.

UNTITLED THE TRAGICALLY HIP DOCUMENTARY

Mike Downie, brother of late The Tragically Hip Frontman Gord Downie, helms an upcoming Documentary due in 2024 about his brother and the Band’s success and legacy. The surviving Bandmembers attended the event. Fun fact, we learned that the Band actually got signed to a record deal after playing at the Toronto Music Awards, which took place as Massey Hall – a full circle moment.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video Canada/George Pimentel)

#SPOTTED: TEAM CANADA INCLUDING TESSA VIRTUE + SCOTT MOIR IN TORONTO

Bringing-in a whopping 29 medals at the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea and tallying-in third overall, Team Canada once again made our Country incredibly-proud!  While several of our athletes flew-out, Toronto was a hotspot for sightings as several either live here in the City or used the City as a connecting point back to their homes.

Among those to return this way included the likes of bronze medal-winning Track & Field Athlete-turned-Bobsledder Phylicia George; gold medal-winning Team Event Skater Gabrielle Daleman; Canadian Women’s Hockey Team members: Haley Irwin, Natalie Spooner, Jocelyne Larocque, Sarah Nurse and Laura Stacey; and of course our darlings gold medal-winning Figure Skaters Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue.

Courtesy of Air Canada, the ambiguously-romantic Duo along with their Teammates, received a rousing welcome home greeting Fans and the Press upon landing. Moir was asked to hold a baby for a snap, with Virtue on the baby’s other side. They look at home together, don’t they? HINT HINT.

 

See Virtue and Moir’s touching tribute to The Tragically Hip in their Gala Spot.

 

See more Snaps. Hover cursor left and right to navigate slideshow:

(Swipe left!) Oh #Canada! Give it up for our amazing #Canadian Athletes who did us so proud at the #Olympics in #PyeongChang2018! Go #TeamCanada! Honour being in the presence of #ScottMoir, #TessaVirtue, #PhyliciaGeorge, #GabrielleDaleman, #HaleyIrwin, #NatalieSpooner, #JocelyneLarocque, #SarahNurse + #LauraStacey! 🍁 @teamcanada @tessavirtue17 @scottmoir14 @phyliciageorge @gabby_daleman @natspooner5 @laurastacey7 @nursey16 @jocelarocque3

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 🏮 (@mrwillwong) on Feb 26, 2018 at 3:23pm PST

 

See more:

Scott Moir x Tessa Virtue arrive back in Canada. In London they were greeted by fans singing #OhCanada. #PyeongChang2018 #Olympics #TessaAndScott #TeamCanada pic.twitter.com/4Av8QONAaX

— MR. WILL WONG 🏮 (@mrwillw) February 27, 2018

 

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#TIFF17: TITLES UNVEILED FOR 2017 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

By Siobhán Rich and Mr. Will Wong

Now in its 42th edition, the Toronto International Film Festival is set to go Thursday, September 7 – Sunday, September 17, 2017. Normally seen as a major precursor to Awards Season culminating in the Academy Awards, the Festival showcases several of the Films that will go on to prominence and glory in the coming months and also rare Films which may not ever be seen again outside the festival circuit. Cinema Lovers had plenty to rejoice today as the first batch of TIFF ’17 Films were announced this morning at TIFF Bell Lightbox! Several highly-buzzed Films and their stars will be gracing the Festival this year which takes over the City post-Labour Day.

International star of silver screen and television Priyanka Chopra has the honour of being this year’s TIFF Soiree Guest.  The Gala is held on the Festival’s opening night. The Closing Night Gala has been unveiled as SHEIKH JACKSON starring Ahmad El-Fishawi and Ahmed Malek.

Cameron Bailey TIFF Artistic Director (sans pocket square) says, “You may have noticed we love movies in Toronto. And the world has noticed also.”. “If you’re somewhere in public and hear a titile you’re excited for, don’t squeal.”. And we certainly have much to squeal for this year!

TIFF ’17 will play host to several high-profile Films and many are talking about Angelina Jolie‘s two Films at the Festival. She serves as Director on FIRST THEY KILLED MY FATHER and Producer on THE BREADWINNER. Could we be seeing her this year?

Megastar George Clooney returns to TIFF with Crime Comedy SUBURBICON, this time as Director. The Film stars Matt Damon, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin and Julianne Moore. 

Matt Damon stars also in Toronto-made DOWNSIZING from Alexander Payne (Sideways) which also appears at the Festival.

Margot Robbie and Allison Janney are getting tons of Oscar buzz for I, TONYA, a Biopic about disgraced Figure Skater Tonya Harding and the controversy surrounding her conspired attack against opponent Nancy Kerrigan.

SUBMERGENCE is a Thriller from Win Wenders, based on J.M. Ledgard‘s Novel of the same name and stars Academy Award-winner Alicia Vikander and James McAvoy. 

Andy Serkis makes his directorial debut with romantic drama BREATHE starring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy.

THE CURRENT WAR stars red-hot Tom Holland and fan favourite Benedict Cumberbatch, centering on Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse‘s competing to create a sustainable power system and marketing it to Americans.

Stars don’t come more accomplished than Glenn Close who costars with Christian Slater in THE WIFE about a woman who makes the difficult decision to leave her husband.

Elle Fanning and Maisie Williams star in the highly-anticipated biopic about the first lady of horror fiction MARY SHELLEY.

From the director of TIFF ’15’s Mustangs comes KINGS starring Halle Berry and Daniel Craig about a foster family in South Central in the aftermath of the Rodney King trial.

Fans of the incredible Annette Benning will be sure to line-up early to see her in FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL co-starring Jamie Bell about a young actor who falls for his leading lady.

Starring Guy Pearce and Paul Rudd THE CATCHER WAS A SPY marks the triumphant return of Director Ben Lewin to TIFF.

Directed by Indie darling Greta Gerwig and starring Saoirse Ronan, LADY BIRD will open the Special Presentations section.

VICTORIA AND ABDUL reunites Judi Dench with her TIFF ’13 selection Philomena Director Stephen Frears.

THE SQUARE is sure to be a big with fans of Elisabeth Moss and director Ruben Östlund as they visit the issue of more courage and egocentricity.

HOSTILES brings Black Mass Director Scott Cooper back to TIFF with powerhouse actors Christian Bale and Rosamund Pike.

DISOBEDIENCE Rachel Weisz produces and stars along with Torontonian Rachel McAdams in this story about a woman returning to her Orthodox Jewish home.

THE CHILDREN ACT from the pen of Atonement Scribe Ian McEwan and starring Emma Thompson and Stanley Tucci comes a Movie that feels very relatable with headlines in the UK right now.

MOM AND DAD (stars Nicolas Cage and Selma Blair) – a pair of siblings must survive the mass hysteria that ensues over 24 hours as their parents inexplicably attack them.

REVENGE (stars Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz and Jevin Janssens)

GREAT CHOICE (stars Carrie Coon and Morgan Spector) – a woman gets stuck in a Red Lobster commercial.

LET THE CORPSES TAN (Elina Löwensohn and Stéphane Ferrara), an Adaptation of the 1971 Crime Thriller by Jean-Patrick Manchette and Jean-Pierre Bastid.

Untitled Kevin Hart/Bryan Cranston Project also stars Nicole Kidman and is rumoured to be a remake of the massive 2011 hit The Intouchables.

Emma Stone, who attended last year for La La Land en route to winning an Oscar, and Steve Carrell join forces in BATTLE OF THE SEXES, based on the true story of the famed 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.

Some Trailers from this year’s Films:

 

BORG/MCENROE (stars Shia LaBoeuf and Sverrir Gudnason) – OPENING NIGHT GALA

BATTLE OF THE SEXES (stars Emma Stone and Steve Carell)

MOLLY’S GAME (stars Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba)

SUBURBICON (directed by George Clooney)

MOTHER! (stars Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem) 

BRAD’S STATUS (stars Ben Stiller and Austin Abrams)

THE BREADWINNER (produced by Angelina Jolie)

THE SHAPE OF WATER (stars Sally Hawkins and Michael Shannon)

BREATHE (stars Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy)

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (stars Armie Hammer)

 

DARKEST HOUR (stars Gary Oldman and Lily James)
PROFESSOR MARSTON & THE WONDER WOMEN (stars Luke Evans and Rebecca Hall)

 

KILLING OF A SACRED DEER (stars Nicole Kidman and Colin Farell)


THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (stars Frances McDormand and Woody Harrelson)STRONGER (stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Tatiana Maslany)
FIRST THEY KILLED MY FATHER (directed by Angelina Jolie)
LONG TIME RUNNING (The Tragically Hip Documentary)THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US (stars Idris Elba and Kate Winslet)THE RITUAL (stars Rafe Spall and Arsher Ali)
THE DISASTER ARTIST (stars Seth Rogen, James and Dave Franco)THE CRESCENT (stars Danika Vandersteen and Woodrow Graves)
DOWNRANGE (stars Kelly Connaire and Stephanie Pearson)
UPDATE 8/1/17:
Announcements were made for the Midnight Madness Programme including Opening Night Film, BODIED by Director Joseph Kahn. The Horror stars Anthony Michael Hall and Debra Wilson. BRAWN IN CELL BLOCK 99 (stars Vince Vaughn and Don Johnson). The Programme’s Closing Night Film is VAMPIRE CLAY from Sôichi Umezawa.

TIFF’s Documentary Programme also was highlighted today and some higher-profile titles include Opening Night Film GRACE JONES: BLOODLIGHT AND BAMI, BOOM FOR REAL: THE LATE TEENAGE YEARS OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT, ERIC CLAPTON: LIFE IN 12 BARS, THE FINAL YEAR (features Barack Obama and John Kerry), THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ANDRÉ (as in André Leon-Talley), JIM & ANDY: THE GREAT BEYOND (centes on Jim Carrey and Andy Kaufman),  JANE (on conservationist Jane Goodall), SAMMY DAVIS JR. I’VE GOTTA BE ME and SUPER SIZE ME 2: HOLY CHICKEN!. The Programme’s Closing Night Film is MAKALA.

UPDATE 8/9/17:
Canadian titles have been announced for TIFF ’17 and they include: Alanis Obomsawin’s Our People Will Be Healed, Alan Zweig’s There is a House Here, Simon Lavoie’s The Little Girl Who Was Too Fond of Matches (La petite fille qui aimait trop les allumettes, Mina Shum’s Meditation Park; Robin Aubert’s Les Affamés, Ingrid Veninger’s Porcupine Lake; Pat Mills’ Don’t Talk to Irene; Oscar nominee Kim Nguyen’s Eye on Juliet; Adam MacDonald’s Pyewacket; Denis Côté’s Ta peau si lisse (A Skin So Soft); and Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier’s Long Time Running.

An announcement also was made on TIFF ’17‘s Rising Stars and they are: Daniel Doheny, Mary Galloway, Théodore Pellerin and Ellen Wong.

UPDATE 8/15/17:

Some additional Galas and Special Presentations for TIFF ’17 were announced today and there definitely are some great ones including Toronto-made directorial debut for Oscar-winning Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, MOLLY’S GAME and KODACHROME from Director Mark Raso.

GALAS added include:

55 STEPS is a patients’ rights Drama starring Helena Bonham Carter and Hilary Swank.

CHAPPAQUIDDICK follows the derailment of Ted Kennedy’s political career after the death of political strategist Mary Jo Kopechne, starring Jason Clarke and Kate Mara.

THE LEISURE SEEKER follows a couple who go on an unforgettable journey in their RV of the same name as the Film’s title, starring Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland.

THREE CHRISTS stars Richard Gere and Peter Dinklage, centering on a doctor treating three paranoid schizophrenic patients, each believing they are Jesus Christ.

 

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS added include:

THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER follows a teenager’s attempts to bring a brilliant surgeon into his dysfunctional family. It stars Nicole Kidman, Alicia Silverstone, Barry Keoghan and Colin Farrell.

KODACHROME (made in Toronto) is set in the final days of the photo development system of the same name. Stars Elizabeth Olsen, Ed Harris and Jason Sudeikis.

JOURNEY’S END stars Sam Claflin and Asa Butterfield, about a group of British officers in World War I, led a young officer who is mentally disintegrating.

I LOVE YOU, DADDY, Funnyman Louis C.K.’s first feature Film in over 16 years, also stars him as a Producer and Writer. Chloë Moretz also stars in the black and white Film.

THE FLORIDA PROJECT is about a six-year-old and her friends and their wonder-filled summer. It stars Willem Dafoe a Brooklynn Prince.

THE ESCAPE follows an ordinary woman who makes an extraordinary decision one day that changes her life. Stars Gemma Arterton and Dominic Cooper.

THE CURED is about a disease that turned people into zombies having been cured. The once-infected zombies then get rejected from society and their families. Stars Ellen Page and Sam Keeley.

LEAN ON PETE is about a boy who moves to Oregon to begin a new life and befriends a horse trainer and failing racehorse.  Stars Steve Buscemi, Chloe Sevigny and Travis Fimmel.

LOVING PABLO has real-life couple Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz playing Pablo Escobar and Virginia Vallejo.

MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER 3D, preceded by MAKING OF MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER.

MOLLY’S GAME (made in Toronto) is about an Olympic skier who ran the most exclusive high-stakes poker game, becoming an FBI target. Stars Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba.

MARK FELT – THE MAN WHO BROUGHT DOWN THE WHITE HOUSE is about the man who went by the name “Deep Throat” to help journalists uncover the Watergate Scandal. Stars Julian Morris, Liam Neeson and Diane Lane.

ON CHESIL BEACH centers on a young couple’s honeymoon, set in the ‘60s. Stars Saoirse Ronan and Billy Howle.

OUTSIDE IN has Laggies and Your Sister’s Sister Director Lynn Shelton returning to TIFF ’17 with her latest effort.

REDOUBTABLE centers on French Director Jean-Luc Godard’s romance with 17-year-old Anne Wiazemsky. From Oscar-winning Director Michel Hazanvicius.

UNICORN STORE has Oscar-winner Brie Larson making her directorial debut. She also stars in it and it is about a woman who receives a mysterious invitation which fulfills her childhood dreams.

WHO WE ARE NOW is about a woman sentenced to ten years in prison and she hires a young public defence lawyer to help her children. Stars Zachary Quinto and Emma Roberts.

 

What didn’t make the cut or yet get announced? 

We heard a lot of great titles but not all the Movies on our Wish List were mentioned. The most anticipated and buzzed-about Movie this morning was the Denis Villeneuve-directed Blade Runner 2049. With a Canadian Director and Canadian Ryan Gosling as its star, Blade Runner 2049 seems like a strong guess for future TIFF ’17 announcements. Staying strong on the Can-Con front we were surprised not to hear Xavier Dolan’s The Death and Life of John F Donovan at today’s press conference. What is TIFF without a Movie starring Ethan Hawke? To check that TIFF Bingo box we’d like to suggest Paul Schrader’s First Reformed costarring Amanda Seyfried. Already in town for the Festival will be Julianne Moore who stars in Todd Haynes’ Wonderstruck, based on the book by Hugo scribe Brian Selznick. Wonder Wheel from Director Woody Allen starring Kate Winslet (who is in town for The Mountain Between Us) and Justin Timberlake.

Stay tuned. There definitely will be more…

For more, visit the Toronto International Film Festival website here.

(Photo credit: Paramount Pictures/Fox Searchlight/Elevation Pictures)