Today, marks the premiere of the official music video for “Higher Love” by DESI TRILL featuring DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Natania and Subhi. “Higher Love” is the first single from the Paramount Animations’ SMURFS Movie Soundtrack via Roc Nation Distribution.

Watch the “Higher Love” official music video HERE:

“Higher Love” music video made its global broadcast premiere on NickMusic, MTV Live, MTVU, MTV Biggest Pop and across MTV’s global network of channels, as well as on the Paramount Times Square billboards. The music video, directed by Maya Table, edited by Mikey Rare, and produced by Claudia Rivas, gives a first glimpse inside the highly anticipated forthcoming full length feature film.

Pre-save SMURFS Movie Soundtrack HERE.

ABOUT SMURFS:

When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him. With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe. SMURFS features an all-star voice cast including Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña with Kurt Russell and John Goodman.

Watch the official trailer for Smurfs HERE:

ABOUT DESI TRILL:

The world is opening up to new music like never before. As the musical landscape in South Asia continues to expand with newer artists, varied genres and diverse sounds catering to audiences with different musical tastes and dialects, two veterans of music Shabz Naqvi and Ty-Ty Smith are the founders behind a groundbreaking new music company DESI TRILL. What sets DESI TRILL apart from other labels is its endeavor to create a new music genre, one that hasn’t been explored by anyone in the past. The innovative blend of Hip Hop, R&B and the dynamic essence of South Asian (Desi) music will give listeners a genre that’s not only captivating but also transformative. It’s a mindset and a home to the next generation, everyone is invited. Distributed globally by Universal Music Group, DESI TRILL is launched at a time when desi music’s popularity is at its zenith, with millions of die hard fans. All whilst the sound of hip-hop is celebrating over fifty years of influencing culture across the globe.

DESI TRILL envisions a future where South Asian artists gain widespread recognition on grand stages, embracing cultural heritage while pushing musical boundaries. As the company tagline proudly states… BROWN IS EVERYWHERE.

SMURFS

In Theatres July 18, 2025

Paramount Animation Presents

In Association with Domain Entertainment

A Ty Ty and Jay Brown Production

“SMURFS”

Executive Produced by

Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary

Produced by

Jay Brown, Ty Ty Smith, Robyn Rihanna Fenty, Ryan Harris, p.g.a.

Based on the Characters and Works of Peyo

Written by

Pam Brady

Directed by

Chris Miller

Cast:

Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña with Kurt Russell and John Goodman.

Deming Chen‘s ALWAYS will premiere at Hot Docs ’25 and today we get a glimpse of its Trailer.

Gong Youbin was born into a poor Chinese family. He has not seen his mother since he was three months old. Because of a poetry class in school, he embarks on an emotional journey by learning to write poems through his imagination and exploration.

By observing his upbringing in the countryside of Hunan, surrounded by dreams and the harsh realities of his family’s struggles, ALWAYS is an allegory for the loss of innocence, as Gong inevitably has to grow up out of childhood and face reality.

Click here to watch the trailer.

Hot Docs Program: World Showcase
Premiere Status: North American Premiere
Countries: USA, FRANCE, CHINA
Runtime: 84 minutes
Language: Chinese Regional Dialects & Chinese
Subtitles: English

Talent attending Hot Docs: Director Deming Chen, Producer Hansen Lin

ALWAYS Hot Docs Public Screenings:
April 26, 1:45 PM TIFF LIGHTBOX 4
April 29, 5:15 PM TIFF LIGHTBOX 3

This brought me so much joy! KELLY ROWLAND not only is a music icon, being a member of legendary girl group Destiny’s Child, she also is a fantastic solo artist in her own right, but a multi faceted talent, branching more of late into acting! Don’t act like you didn’t watch Tyler Perry‘s MEA CULPA!

Toronto has the absolute pleasure of having her in town right now as she films upcoming Rom Com RELATIONSHIP GOALS alongside Hip Hop legend METHOD MAN. The Amazon MGM Studios release centers on the first ever Black female Morning TV Showrunner who finds herself in competition with a past love, but then turns its sights to being about finding longterm love.

Rowland has been around town since mid March filming RELATIONSHIP GOALS, and should be around Toronto till end of April! She was seen around Entertainment District filming an outdoor scene with the City acting as New York, coffee in hand, helping the Cast and Background Actors stay in great spirits with a lot of laughing and dancing! You can just feel the warm energy on this set! She was also seen around the Sheratron Hotel as well filming earlier in the week, and production also was at Casa Loma for a day recentlly too.

It was a dream to meet Rowland finally. Adore her so much, and she was just as personable and approachable as you’d think!

Some highlights:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

It’s all MINECRAFT again this weekend bringing in a stellar $80 million for Warner Bros. from 4,289 theatres, bringing its tally to $280 million already over two weekends. Even with several new releases out for the crown, it very easily defends the throne!

Second is THE KING OF KINGS with $17 million from 3,200 theatres. This gets a 63% on the Tomatometer for Angel Studios.

Third is a debuting THE AMATEUR with $15 million from 3,300 theatres for 20th Century Studios, with 62% on the Tomatometer.

WARFARE opens in fourth with $8 million from 2,70 theatres for A24. Co-directed by former U.S. NAVY Seal Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland, this gets 93% on the Tomatometer.

Rounding things out is Thriller DROP, opening with $7 million from 3,085 theatres and a great 83% on the Tomatometer.

Join Kevin McDonald for an evening of stand up featuring stories from the legendary sketch comedy troupe – The Kids In The Hall.

Kevin McDonald is best known as a founding member of the legendary Canadian sketch comedy troupe – The Kids in the Hall – which appeared on CBS, HBO, and Comedy Central from 1989-1995. A revival season aired on Amazon Prime Video in 2022. In addition to the KITH, Kevin’s tv and film credits are numerous to include appearances on Seinfeld, That 70’s Show, and as a voice actor in the Lilo & Stitch franchise. Now Kevin is performing several different stage shows all over North America to include Stand Up Comedy (featuring stories about The Kids in The Hall), Kevin McDonald Superstar (A Rock Opera), and his Sketch Comedy Through Improv Workshop.

This 1-hour stand-up show is a must-see for fans of This Kids in the Hall. Kevin’s phenomenal story-telling and unmatched wit will have the audience engaged and laughing all night!

Ticket holders with Premium VIP Tickets will also get the chance to have a Meet & Greet with Kevin after the show!

An Evening With.. Kevin McDonald
April 18 & 19 @ 10:30pm
The Second City
1 York St., Toronto ON
$30 General Admission
$60 Premium VIP (includes Meet & Greet)
TICKETS HERE

The global premiere of MOBLAND delivered 8.8 million viewers in its first seven days, quadrupling its audience. This milestone marks the biggest global series launch week ever on Paramount+ up +298% from premiere day.

MobLand is executive produced by Guy Ritchie and marks his first TV series for Paramount+, created and written by Ronan Bennett (Top Boy and The Day of the Jackal) and written by Jez Butterworth (Ford v Ferrari and Spectre). This marks Butterworth’s second hit TV series following THE AGENCY, also for Paramount+. Butterworth continues a successful track record under his exclusive TV overall that Chris McCarthy signed him to for Paramount+ and Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios.

The new global crime series MOBLAND premiered Sunday, March 30, exclusively on Paramount+ in Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Australia and will be coming to other P+ international markets soon. Paramount+ markets including Italy, Germany, France, Latin America and Brazil will debut the series on May 30.

MOBLAND stars Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren in a story about two mob families who clash in a war that threatens to topple empires and lives. The series features a star-studded cast including Hardy (Venom: The Last Dance), Brosnan (Die Another Day), Paddy Considine (House of the Dragon), Joanne Froggatt (Downtown Abbey), Lara Pulver (Da Vinci’s Demons), Anson Boon (Pistol), Mandeep Dhillon (CSI: Vegas), Jasmine Jobson (Top Boy), Geoff Bell (Top Boy), Daniel Betts (Fate: The Winx Saga), Lisa Dwan (Blackshore), Emily Barber (Industry) and Helen Mirren (The Queen).

The series is commissioned by Paramount+, produced in association with MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios and distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

MobLand is executive produced by Keith Cox, Nina L. Diaz, Guy Ritchie, David C. Glasser, Jez Butterworth, Ronan Bennett, Kris Thykier, Ivan Atkinson, Tom Hardy, Dean Baker, Anthony Byrne, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin and Bob Yari.

Today, Netflix released the first official trailer for Mara Brock Akil’s FOREVER – a modern day reimagining of Judy Blume’s groundbreaking 1975 novel. The epic Black romance story set in the heart of Los Angeles will premiere globally on May 8th, 2025. We saw a short Teaser for this earlier this year and were mesmerized!

“I’ve always credited Judy Blume as part of the seasoning of my voice as a writer. She was one of the first writers I read that dared to be honest about the human condition in young people and you can see traces of her writing style within my own.”

“What better metaphor for this love story than what LA represents, for not only me, but a lot of people,” Brock Akil says. “LA is a place for dreamers, and chasing dreams is no different than chasing love, it comes with the highs, the lows, the epic and the intimate.”

Head to Tudum.com for more!

Beso by Patria – The exciting evolution of the beloved Patria is set to reopen its doors on Saturday, April 12th, 2025. After a brief hiatus for a stunning redesign, Beso by Patria is ready to deliver a bold new space and a modern taste of Spain in its colourful diversity, vibrant food, and energetic culture.

Stepping into this Spanish-styled restaurant is an invitation to experience the beating heart of Spain in downtown Toronto. Designed by Toronto-based, award-winning design studio NIVEK REMAS, the interiors embrace bold colours, rich textures, and expressive illustrations that capture the passion and intensity of Spanish culture. Every detail—from the deep reds and rhythmic patterns woven throughout the space—creates a dynamic and inviting atmosphere, setting the stage for a lively and immersive dining experience.

The interiors celebrate movement, energy, and tradition, with striking illustrations of matadors, flamenco dancers, and bullfighters infusing the space with a theatrical spirit. The mural was executed by the Toronto-based custom art studio CROW, led by head artist Michael Thompson. The piece was hand-painted over a span of 10 days. These dynamic visuals, paired with layered lighting and rustic yet contemporary furnishings, transform the restaurant into a sensory journey—where every meal is savoured as an experience, and every visit feels like a step into Spain’s storied streets.

At Beso, we believe in pleasure first. It’s where connections happen—whether it’s an intimate, cozy dinner, a flirtatious drink or, toasting to new friends who quickly feel like home.

“We’ve poured our hearts—and a little heat—into making this space and menu something special,” said Charles Khabouth, Founder and CEO of INK Entertainment. “It’s all about playing with flavours, keeping things exciting, and bringing the heart of Spain to the heart of Toronto.”

Each dish at Beso by Patria is infused with boldness, celebrating the essence of Spain in every bite. Our menu is cheeky, playful, and designed to tempt you just like a first kiss—it’s daring, memorable, and guaranteed to linger long after the night is over.

“The Beso menu brings together the finest seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with premium imports from Spain, to create a dining experience as vibrant and diverse as Spanish cuisine itself,” said Stuart Cameron, Executive Chef. “Our shareable dishes—from small bites and classic tapas to signature paellas, fresh daily-changing seafood options, and expertly grilled meats—are modern interpretations of traditional Spanish flavours.”

Whether it’s our signature cocktails or playful menu, each sip and bite will ignite your senses and leave you longing for more, lingering long after the last beso.

Join us when we officially open our doors on Saturday, April 12th, at 478 King St W, Toronto. It’s where passion meets flavour—and where there is a kiss of Spain in every bite.

For more information and updates, visit www.BesoToronto.com

WARFARE relives former U.S. Navy Seal Ray Mendoza‘s experience overcoming an incredibly harrowing experience in Iraq. It is a painstaking 90 minute journey told by him and visionary Co-Writer/Director Alex Garland with unflinching realism. The two last worked together on acclaimed Box Office success CIVIL WAR, where Mendoza served as a military advisor, and this time around he gets to tell his own story.

This is a powerful and compelling story and a tremendous Ensemble including our v. own D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Charles Melton, Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Joseph Quinn, Kit Connor, Michael Gandolfini, and more.

Toronto was so blessed to get a special Advance Screening of the A24 release with Woon-A-Tai making a return home, along with Garland (just here last year for CIVIL WAR), and also Mendoza. Norm Wilner moderated a Q&A at Scotiabank Theatre, following the Screening. Mendoza tells us about the complexity of filming this very personal story with some of the actual people at the center of it on-set working with the Actors. He also tells us about an unexpected connection he has made while touring the Film, with widows and children of soldiers who lost their husbands and fathers.

A24 release WARFARE in theatres April 11, 2025.

Highlights from the night here:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Today, Disney+ announced FX’s “Welcome to Wrexham,” the Emmy® Award-winning docuseries from Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, will premiere its fourth season on Friday, May 16, 2025 on Disney+ in Canada. The premiere will feature the first two episodes of the eight-episode season. The key art was also released today.

Rob McElhenney (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) and Ryan Reynolds (“Deadpool”) navigate running the 3rd oldest professional football club in the world. “Welcome to Wrexham” is a docuseries tracking the dreams and worries of Wrexham, a working-class city in North Wales, UK, as two Hollywood stars guide the future of their historic Club.

In 2020, Rob and Ryan teamed up to purchase the 5th tier Red Dragons in the hopes of turning the Club into an underdog story the whole world could root for. The world took notice and the Club achieved back-to-back promotions to bring the Reds into the English Football League’s League One for the first time in 20 years. As they continue to rise in the pyramid, the stakes get higher with a new level of intensity, competition and costs, all while the Club continues to be plagued with injury and fans demand the signing of new talent. Dedicated staff and supporters celebrate the team’s climb toward the Premiership while bracing against the new-found challenges that come with each new tier up the EFL. Will Wrexham AFC rise to the challenge and do what no team has ever done before?

Wrexham AFC Women’s Team continues to battle amongst the top teams in the Welsh Adran Premier League and strives to stand out amidst a crowded field of talented women footballers. With new players and continued support from the Club and fans, can they make a name for themselves at the top of the League?

Meanwhile, somewhere in a galaxy far away… actually, a series of towns, cities and boroughs likely across Wales, England and California, Humphrey Ker trains for a marathon. Will Wrexham AFC’s beloved Executive Director raise funds for charity, survive humiliation at the hands of the players and staff, and complete 26.2 miles without injury or chaffing?

Follow along as “Welcome to Wrexham’s” cameras bring you unprecedented access on the pitch, inside the locker room and alongside the players while the action unfolds in some of the biggest matches Wrexham AFC has ever played.

“Welcome to Wrexham” is executive produced by McElhenney, Reynolds, Josh Drisko, Bryan Rowland, Jeff Luini, Ker, Nick Frenkel, George Dewey and Boardwalk Pictures’ Andrew Fried, Dane Lillegard, Sarina Roma, and Andy Thomas. “Welcome to Wrexham” is produced by More Better Productions, Maximum Effort Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment and Boardwalk Pictures.