Cree Canadian Singer-Songwriter Sebastian Gaskin releases his accomplished debut LOVECHILD, out now. The fantastic collection is a mix of R&B, Pop and Rock. It is out now via Ishkōdé Records & Universal Music Canada.

A celebration was held at the Drake Underground where Gaskin treated the audience to an intimate set, highlighting material from the new release, plus also some earlier material and covers. His Music possesses meaning, mood and melody, capable of entertaining and at once captivating. This all comes hot of his recent JUNO nomination, after his track “Brown Man” garnered much acclaim online.

Some highlights from the evening:

Some studio versions of Gaskin‘s material:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Ishkōdé Records/Universal Music Canada)

The Canadian Film Fest (CFF) is thrilled to announce the launch of the You-CAN Pitch Competition, a dynamic new program designed to provide emerging Black Canadian filmmakers with the opportunity to pitch their projects to a panel of industry experts and receive valuable feedback. The competition is open to both individuals and teams, with up to five finalists invited to take part in an exclusive in-person pitch session.

The You-CAN Pitch Competition will offer finalists a chance to present their film projects to a hand-picked panel of experienced industry professionals, who will provide constructive insights and guidance to help elevate their creative visions. Following the pitch session, participants will engage in organized meetings with select panelists for further discussions and networking opportunities.

CFF’s inaugural You-CAN Pitch Competition is grateful for the support from our designated mentors Shawn Gerrard (Jane, Space & Time) and Duane Crichton (Home, Murdoch Mysteries). R.T.Thorne (40 Acres, The Porter), Floyd Kane (Diggstown, Across the Line), Carolyn Mauricette (Director of Canadian Programming, Fantasia International Film Festival), and more to be announced will participate on the jury to select the winning pitch. This program is developed and hosted by CFF Programmer Richard Pierre.

The selected finalists will also receive CFF passes, granting access to the festival’s industry events and networking opportunities. This provides a chance for filmmakers to make valuable connections, discover new industry trends, and expand their creative horizons.

“The You-CAN Pitch Competition is an exciting opportunity to engage with top-tier industry professionals and refine your filmmaking pitch,” said CFF Executive Director, Bern Euler. “At the Canadian Film Fest, we’re committed to supporting emerging talent and fostering the next generation of filmmakers, and this competition is a perfect platform for them to showcase their work and take it to the next level.”

Finalists will be chosen based on the strength of their pitches, creative concepts, and readiness to develop their projects further. Applications are now open, and the deadline for submission is Friday March 3, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST. To apply or for more details on the program, visit https://www.canfilmfest.ca/youcan-pitch-2025.

This Program is generously sponsored by Shaftesbury, Rhombus Media, with Prizes totalling over 20K from Sunbelt Rentals, PurpleDOG Post, and more prizes to be announced.

About the Canadian Film Fest
The Canadian Film Fest (CFF) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate the art of cinematic storytelling by exclusively showcasing Canadian films. The festival unites film-loving audiences with diverse selections of features and shorts from across the country. The CFF provides Canadian filmmakers with essential professional development and networking opportunities through its Industry Series and awards.

(Photo credit: Shawn Goldberg)

Executive Chef and Owner, Ivan Castro, announced today that he will be closing his restaurant, La Bartola, after a half-decade in business at 588 College Street, in Toronto. Saturday, March 15, 2025 will be the official final day of service at the much-loved downtown dining spot, known for its authentic Mexican flavours and a creative plant-based menu.

“The first service we hosted in the space, before we officially opened the restaurant, was a ‘Secret Dinner’ on February 14, 2020,” said Iván Castro. “We decided we wanted to close it out the same way we opened five years ago—with a unique tasting menu.”

For the final weeks of La Bartola, Chef Ivan Castro has created a special tasting menu as a tribute to Oaxaca. Titled ‘One Night in Oaxaca’, the menu reflects flavours and ingredients from the state of Oaxaca. Those dining at La Bartola this February, and through to closing on March 15, can expect to taste dishes like “Hoja Santa Tamal with the iconic “Mole negro” and an Oaxacan chocolate ice cream among other delights. To make reservations for the final weeks of service at La Bartola, please visit www.labartola.ca

La Bartola also continues to offer an à la carte menu with the enduring guest favourites of the last five years. Dishes like “Mole Blanco”, “Sikil P’aak” & “Salsa Macha”, among others, are available.

“It cannot be overstated how wonderful our dedicated patrons have been, supporting us over the years, sharing in our love for food and the rich history of Mexican gastronomy; they’ve made this journey unforgettable, and we’re excited to offer them a delicious ‘adios’ as ‘One Night in Oaxaca,” enthused Castro. “We are deeply grateful. The kind words and enthusiasm, as so many dined with us through the seasons, have meant the world. We will carry great memories with us.”

In 2024, Castro received a foodism Icon Award, recognized as Culinary Icon, lauded for being “the chef known for consistently making inventive and authentic dishes we crave.”

Holding the prestigious distinction as the first fully-plant-based restaurant in Canada to receive Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition in 2022, and maintained in the years since, La Bartola, has provided diners with a unique culinary experience from the day it opened in 2020. Initially started as a pop-up restaurant under Ivan’s moniker as “Vegan Artisan”, the permanent restaurant followed, leveraging the growing popularity of the one-off experiences.

Drawing on his personal passions, Castro—who hails from Mexico City—engaged his team in pursuing the authentic, time-honoured traditions of Mexican cuisine at La Bartola. From day one, there has been a strong emphasis on a ‘made-from-scratch’ approach, and incorporating principles of sustainability with root-to-stalk use, locally-sourced where possible, non-GMO ingredients, and an overall low-waste kitchen focus. From first through last bite, this care and commitment has been evident to all those who’ve had the good fortune of dining at La Bartola.

“It’s bittersweet to be closing La Bartola, after so much love and energy poured into building it up over the years,” added Iván. “We are finishing with the same love and joy we opened with, holding on to the purpose and the goal we still carry in our hearts.”

Iván expressed sincere appreciation for his team: “I’m so thankful for my team at La Bartola—they are truly like family. Together, we created something truly special. From the laughter and joy, to the lessons and challenges, every moment has been a gift. We are so proud of everything we have achieved together.”

Through the years of La Bartola, Ivan’s star rose. He received recognition well beyond Canada, for leadership in the plant-based dining scene. Castro has made various appearances on lifestyle shows such as Evolving Vegan, Big Food Bucket List and The Marilyn Denis Show. He’s been featured in publications such as The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, LiveKindly, VegNews, and Plant Based News, and has been engaged by various food brands and as a star guest at events.

Iván further noted that cooking will always be his passion, and part of his mindfulness practice. Moving forward, as he continues his journey as a Chef, he intends to put extra energy into causes close to his heart, including integrating deeper elements of sustainability, and making an even greater impact as far as preventing animal cruelty.

He added, “The last few years have been challenging for both my mental and physical health. While I understand that this career often demands sacrifices, I’ve learned that your well-being should never be one of them. There’s a stigma around mental health struggles in the kitchen, and not nearly enough conversation or resources to address them.”

To sum it all, the Chef aptly put it as: “This is not goodbye forever, but rather a pause as I embrace new beginnings.”

Background on Chef Ivan Castro

Iván Castro is a renowned and experienced chef who is passionate about plant-based cooking. He studied at the CESSA University in Mexico City and perfected his culinary skills in Oaxaca and New York City. Castro attended the highly-respected Natural Gourmet Institute for several diverse culinary programs, and the Plant Lab, focusing on plant-based food excellence. Castro found his passion for cooking at an early age in his hometown of Mexico City, where he was inspired by his mother and grandmother who taught him the art of homemade Mexican cooking.

Iván strives to bring both his passion for authentic Mexican flavours and international contemporary cuisine, his commitment to organic, sustainable, and plant-based ingredients, and a creative new twist to all of his projects.

La Bartola’s “One Night in Oaxaca” Tasting Menu

Chef Iván Castro enthused,” I wanted to bring in a variety of flavours from that region of Mexico and pay homage to the place that inspires me the most. Moles are such an iconic part of Oaxacan cuisine, so I made sure to incorporate them into most of the dishes.”

The first course is a treat from the kitchen—an amuse-bouche: Mole Verde Chicharrón with Salsa Macha made with Chilhuacle Rojo. 

The second course is a Pink Aguachile Tostada, inspired by the food from Oaxaca’s coast. We use Costeño pepper to make the broth, which has notes of orange and the sweet, earthy flavours of beets. In the middle of the tostada, there’s a Black Garlic Salsa with Mixe pepper, covered with discs of jicama. 

Next, we have another treat from the kitchen: Mexican Street Corn with Morita pepper mayonnaise and Mole Chichilo powder. Then, there’s a Hoja Santa Tamal with the iconic Mole Negro.

For the main course, we serve Seared King Oyster with Sous Vide Glazed Carrots and Mole de la Casa–our house mole, with notes of pink peppercorn, Oaxacan peppers, and toasted peanuts. Alongside, there’s Relleno del Istmo, a traditional Oaxacan wedding stew.

Next is a palate cleanser, featuring three different sorbets, progressing from the most acidic to the sweetest–Charred cactus with Cedron, Cactus Pear and Leche Quemada. This helps refresh your palate and prepare you for the final course: dessert.

The last course is Buñuelo de Viento with cinnamon gel, white cacao brittle, hazelnut dulce de leche, Oaxacan chocolate ice cream, and Mexican Punch gel.

$80 (+ taxes and service charge.)

Today we get a new NO PAIN, ALL GAIN Featurette from NOVOCAINE, starring Jack Quaid who you might’ve seen on last night’s Screen Actors Guild Awards! Tickets on sale now and in theatres March 14, 2025 via Paramount Pictures Canada.

SYNOPSIS:

When the girl of his dreams (Amber Midthunder) is kidnapped, everyman Nate (Jack Quaid) turns his inability to feel pain into an unexpected strength in his fight to get her back.

PARAMOUNT PICTURES Presents

In association with INFRARED PICTURES

A SAFEHOUSE PICTURES / CIRCLE MANAGEMENT + PRODUCTION Production

A Film by DAN BERK & ROBERT OLSEN 

“NOVOCAINE”

Executive Producers 

Paul Barbeau, Glen Basner, Josh Adler, Lars Jacobson, Alison Cohen

Produced by 

Drew Simon, Tory Tunnell, Joby Harold, Sam Speiser, Matt Schwartz, Julian Rosenberg

Written by 

Lars Jacobson

Directed by 

Dan Berk & Robert Olsen

Cast:

Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson, Betty Gabriel, Matt Walsh, Lou Beatty Jr., Evan Hengst, Conrad Kemp and Jacob Batalon

By Mr. Will Wong

The Devil’s work is never done. Marvel fans will be thrilled that beloved DAREDEVIL makes his return in upcoming series DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN, which has the distinction of being Marvel Television‘s 13th series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After an absence of eight years, the titular character Daredevil/Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) continues his fight for justice, all while crime boss Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) pursues becoming the Mayor of New York City. Once again, these two powerful forces collide in a superhero story about humanity.

We were thrilled to join DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN‘s global Press Conference. Gracing us in the conversation were:

Dario Scardapane, Executive Producer / Showrunner
Sana Amanat / Executive Producer
Justin Benson / Executive Producer & Director (eps. 101,108-109)
Aaron Moorehead / Executive Producer & Director (eps. 101,108-109)
Brad Winderbaum / Executive Producer
Charlie Cox ‘Matt Murdock /Daredevil’
Vincent D’Onofrio ‘Kingpin’

The group was asked whether or not there was pressure to live up to the legacy built by famed Comic Writer and Artist Frank Miller.

Scardapane: Absolutely. Frank Miller came to set on our last day of shooting and sat at the monitor. We had that kind of, how do you say, Holy Trinity of the Show there. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my creative life. And his stuff was such an influence on me. You’re always going to try to live up to it and sometimes arrogantly trying to beat it just a little bit. And I don’t know, I’m not the one to say if we beat it, but I am always trying to live up to it as a Writer and Director. I can’t speak for Charlie (Cox), but what Frank Miller a bunch of other great Artists like Ed Brubaker and Charles Sewell, we’re always trying to live up to the bar they’ve set.

Cox: Yeah, it’s important we’re not doing the ‘born again’ story. The name of the Show is really just a reference to coming back after so many years and of course, an homage to Frank, an icon. Obviously, we’re trying to find the best version of the best Murdock aka Daredevil. But in finding the best version, we also seek out the worst version. I think that’s what makes him a compelling character and so relatable, actually. I have to think of Daredevil as being when you play that character, you’ll get to see the best version of yourself and you’ll get to see the worst version of yourself, which is fun.

One of the Series’ Executive Producers Sana Amanat talks about female presence in the Series, and also humanizing a villain in Wilson Fisk.

Amanat: Our Cast across the board, is really incredible. I love that all our female characters are unique, very strong and tough. It was such a joy to have Ava Ayala back. I have to say seeing Vincent and Ayala back together at work, I think that in itself showcased their own personal relationship. But it just changes who Wilson Fisk is. The spots of humanity you see with Fisk only happens wth Vanessa (Ayelet Zurer) and I as a fan sometimes feel sympathy for him in those moments, which is shocking for a villain. And obviously, credit to Vincent, but Ayala and him together was just really fantastic. So it was a joy to work with everybody and hopefully everybody will be drawn to these new characters too.

New York City is a character and portraying this in the Series is discussed.

Moorhead: Daredevil is a Show that often seems like it often it deals in institutions, politics, and also the law because he’s (Murdock) a lawyer, of course. And gansters. So a lot of the locations are things like courthouses and police stations, etc. So you’d think that would be quite boring, but the thing is both with the collaboration of our Cinematographer Hillary Fyfe Spera and our Production Designer Michael Shaw, it felt like you were actually were stepping into this gilded coutroom with beautiful burnished wood. But it’s also a place where people go to just have their dreams die. Those kind of things make you feel like you are kind of just there with them rather than just being presented a movie. And so a lot of that for example, in Matt Murdock‘s world we’re just using more of like a handheld camera and all that and a wider lenses where you just feel like you’re sitting right in front of them. It was really about immeirsion in the world. Just feeling the same thing as we were about earlier with the Documentary within the show. I just wanted it to feel like it was a New York you recognize, not ‘Movie New York’, you know?

Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio are asked about their strong working relationship and the sense of trust they’ve built between themselves.

Cox: It was so fun. You can see the joy. You (D’Onofrio) said something yesterday, which is great. Over the last ten years, we’ve become very good friends. And the good news is that it does feel like the better friends we become, the easier it is to hate eachother.

D’Onofrio: It’s so true – with like no consequenes. You know, you develop because we’ve known eachother for so long and we love playing these roles. We have a lot in common and I’ve fallen in love with Charlie and the more I love him, the more I love to hate him. The other thing is that we trust each other a lot. I know that when I’m in the studio, when we were shooting this, he’s usually in one side of the studio. I don’t even know what they are doing. And I’m on the other side of the studio doing something else. I never have to question, I have complete confidence in what is going on. And it gives me a lift on my side to have that knowledge and that’s because of our team and Charlie in a big way – it’s great to have this kind of relationship with your partner in crime.

Scardapane: The scenes that you’re in together, that trust comes out in like such a wild way. You go for it in subtle ways that people who don’t believe in eachother couldn’t have pulled off. We don’t know how we did it, but we’ve developed a kind of shorthand.

Cox: Yeah, we think very similar and our notes are always very similar.

D’Onofrio: And if not, we just fall into collaboration without even thinking about it, because we know that we have deliver stuff that makes sense to him. If we have notes, we don’t want to go in and say ‘Hey, I’d rather say this word than that word, or say I’m not comfortable with that sentence’. That is always helpful for a Writer. Rather than just say ‘I’d really like to do this’, it’s more about ‘I loved it!’. That’s me. I’m just saying we prep really well together, and collaborate really well together.

Marvel Television’s DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN premieres March 4, 2025 at 6pm PT/9pm ET on Disney+ Canada.

(Photo/video credit: Marvel Studios)

The Internet’s Queen, TRISHA PAYTAS gets a warm welcome back to Toronto. Over the past few years, she has seen her star rise significantly with a knack for creating engaging content. She has parlayed that success into a run on Broadway and even an appearance on SNL recently! She is the perfect example of manifesting the future you want for yourself.

Paytas plays two shows at Massey Hall as part of her THE ERAS OF TRISH Tour, and just kicked it all off recently, filling theatres. The Tour showcases the funnywoman front and center combining her own original music and covers with of course, her trademark personality!

We spotted Paytas in town pre-glammed and she was so lovely and kind. She was seen her her sizable team and lots of pink! See some footage below:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD takes top spot at the Box Office a second straight week with $25 million from 4,105 theatres for Marvel/Disney. It has grossed $142 million already domestically.

Second up is THE MONKEY which debuts with $14 million from 3,200 theatres for NEON/Elevation Pictures. This latest Horror from Oz Perkins (Longlegs) gets 76% on the Tomatometer.

Third is PADDINGTON IN PERU with $6 million, taking it to $26 million in its second weekend out for StudioCanada/Sony Pictures.

DOG MAN still is going strong with $5.2 million from 3,179 theatres, taking it to $78 million for Universal Pictures.

Chinese record-breaking Animated Feature NE ZHA 2 gets $3 million, a total $14.8 million over two weeks for CMC Pictures.

As Canadians look to support homegrown stories and creators, CBC is bringing a new lineup of 12 exceptional Canadian feature films to wide audiences across the country for free on CBC Gem. The titles include CBC Films’ BROTHER, directed by Clement Virgo, and BEANS, directed by Tracey Deer, as well as recent festival darling MATT AND MARA from Kazik Radwanski, starring Deragh Campbell and Matt Johnson. The 12 films join currently available CBC Films titles such as BLACKBERRY, BONES OF CROWS, and CRIMES OF THE FUTURE in the Spotlight on Canadian Film Collection, launching March 1 on CBC Gem.

Images from the following movies are available. Please credit Courtesy of CBC.

BEANS (Drama, directed by Tracey Deer) CBC Films

Begins streaming Saturday, March 1

Drawing from her own experiences as a child, director Tracey Deer provides a poignant and engaging chronicle of real-life events that shook the nation. BEANS takes place at the height of the 1990 Mohawk Resistance at Kanehsatà:ke (also known as the Oka Crisis), a 78-day standoff between Indigenous land defenders, Quebec police, the RCMP, and the Canadian military, over the proposed expansion of a golf course on to a Mohawk burial ground. Twelve-year-old Tekehentahkhwa (nicknamed Beans) grapples with her anger over the treatment of her people. The film won Best Motion Picture and the John Dunning Best First Feature Film at the 2021 Canadian Screen Awards.

BROTHER (Drama, directed by Clement Virgo) CBC Films

Begins streaming Saturday, March 1

Propelled by the pulsing beats of Toronto’s early hip-hop scene, BROTHER is the story of Francis and Michael, sons of Caribbean immigrants maturing into young men. Exploring themes of masculinity, identity, and family, a mystery unfolds during the sweltering summer of 1991, and escalating tensions set off a series of events that change the course of the brothers’ lives forever. BROTHER crafts a timely story about the profound bond between siblings, the resilience of a community, and the irrepressible power of music. The film won 12 awards including Best Motion Picture, Achievement in Direction and Adapted Screenplay (Clement Virgo), and Best Performance in a Leading Role (Lamar Johnson), at the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards.

POLARIZED (Drama, directed by Shamim Sarif) CBC Films

Begins streaming Saturday, March 1

On the verge of her wedding, a successful Muslim woman falls into a passionate relationship with a blue-collar Christian woman who works for her. In a modern-day small town that is politically and economically polarized, being true to themselves means turning their backs on everything they’ve ever believed.

MATT AND MARA (Drama, directed by Kazik Radwanski)

Begins streaming Friday, March 7

A chance encounter leads Mara, a young creative writing professor, to reunite with Matt, a charismatic, free-spirited author from her past who wanders onto her university campus. Bonded by their shared interests, the two begin to grow closer as she contends with her strained marriage to an experimental musician. When her husband suddenly cancels plans to drive Mara to a conference out of town, Matt accompanies her on the road trip, where pressure slowly mounts against their undefined relationship.

FINALITY OF DUSK (Drama, directed by Madison Thomas) CBC Films

Begins streaming Friday, March 7

The year is 2045. Extreme environmental devastation has pushed the scattered humans left into the wild. Ishkode is a strong-willed Ojibwe woman who has always lived on her home reserve. After the death of her companion Sam, Ishkode reluctantly teams up with Niife, a Nigerian climate refugee who is searching for her sister in the remote part of Northern Canada she calls “Paradise.” Ishkode’s cheap, general-issue mask is breaking down. With the yellow fog of poisonous air and a menacing, deaf mask-hoarder, Odin, on their heels, Ishkode and Niife must communicate with, trust, and help each other to find “Paradise,” which may or may not exist. What does exist is the drive to live and to hope.

THE BEEHIVE (Drama, directed by Alexander Lasheras) CBC Films

Begins streaming Friday, March 7

The life of a widowed single father, Frank Piers, and his two children, Arron and Rosemary, are upended after a night of strange cosmic phenomena in the skies. The next day, Rosemary discovers a peculiar nest growing on a big leaf maple tree in the back property; by the time Frank and Arron find the nest, it has grown into a giant cocoon-like hive, and it infects Frank with an alien virus. Arron begins displaying symptoms of the virus too, and falls ill while Rosemary escapes the property with her aunt, Zoe Grant, who brings them to a research vessel to escape.

CONCRETE VALLEY (Drama, directed by Antoine Bourges)

Begins streaming Friday, March 14

Rashid, a doctor from Syria, struggles to adjust to his new life in Toronto with his young family. He tries to hold on to his identity by working as an unlicensed doctor, but the tension that has accumulated in his marriage begins to surface.

LEARN TO SWIM (Drama, directed by Thyrone Tommy) CBC Films

Begins streaming Friday, March 14

LEARN TO SWIM is the jazz-infused story of a talented saxophone player, who navigates through a series of personal, professional, and romantic struggles. A musical meditation on love and loss, the film follows the tumultuous relationship between Dezi and a vivacious singer named Selma, and the music they fought to make. The film was named one of Canada’s Top Ten films, presented by TIFF, in 2021.

THIS PLACE (Drama, directed by V. T. Nayani) CBC Films

Begins streaming Friday, March 21

Starring Devery Jacobs (Backspot, Reservation Dogs) and Priya Guns (Tide of Lies), THIS PLACE is the story of two young women falling in love for the first time. One is half-Iranian, half-Mohawk; the other is Tamil. Kawenniióhstha has just moved to Toronto, to pursue her dream of becoming a poet. The city is also where her estranged father lives. Raised by her single Kanien’kehá:ka mother in Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Territory, she never knew her dad. And he does not know she exists. She yearns to meet him, but struggles to make contact. For Malai, after the passing of her mother, her father’s alcoholism reaches its peak, pushing her to leave home with her elder brother. Years later, as her father battles terminal cancer, she tries to reconcile with him, while navigating her brother’s refusal to do the same. Through two families complicated by love and loss, this film intimately explores the stories of those living in the liminal space between cultures, displaced both at home and abroad. At the centre of it all remains Kawenniióhstha and Malai, whose journeys we follow together and apart.

YOU CAN LIVE FOREVER (Drama, directed by Sarah Fobes and Mark Slutsky) CBC Films

Begins streaming Friday, March 21

When Jaime, a gay teenager, is sent to live with her aunt and uncle in a community of Jehovah’s Witnesses in small-town Quebec, she falls madly in love with a devout Witness teen. As the two young women grow closer, Jaime finds herself drawn deeper into the Witness theology. The two begin a secret affair and for a short time forget that they are from two different worlds.

KIPKEMBOI (THE WALL STREET BOY) (Drama, directed by Charles Uwagbai) CBC Films

Begins streaming Friday, March 21

Kipkemboi, a young mathematical genius in Kenya, must pass up a MIT scholarship and provide for his family when his father dies. As he struggles with his dreams slipping away, Kipkemboi’s girlfriend, Chipchirchir, gives him a book that changes his life. Inspired by what he learns, he develops an algorithm to play the stock market. As he starts stock trading from a cobbled-together computer, his algorithm turns out to be an astronomical success generating millions of dollars. With massive profits falling into an unknown town in Kenya, it attracts the attention of unsavoury international financiers, local police and the elders of his village. Kipkemboi and Chipchirchir must run to save their lives.

IL PLEUVAIT DES OISEAUX (AND THE BIRDS RAINED DOWN) (Drama, directed by Louise Archambault)

Begins streaming Friday, March 28

Three elderly hermits live in the woods, cut off from the rest of the world. While wildfires threaten the region, their quiet life is about to be shaken by the arrival of two women: a luminous octogenarian unjustly institutionalized her whole life, and a young photographer charged with interviewing survivors of the region’s deadliest forest fire. After the death of the eldest hermit, the two women make an astonishing discovery: hundreds of paintings echoing his tragic experience related to that devastating fire. A story of intertwined destinies, where love can happen at any age.

We just saw buzzing Alex Sampson here in Toronto last weekend and after his amazing single “Pretty Baby”, we already get another banger! More on that here.

See his new Lyric Video for “Used To You“:

“‘Used To You’ is one of the first songs I wrote when I got back into the studio following America’s Got Talent. It’s one of my all time favorites! The track is super fun to perform live and it’s got such a good energy to it. I hope ‘Used To You’ puts a smile on everyone’s face while they listen,” says Alex Sampson.

The track seamlessly integrates live guitar and head-nodding percussion into a dynamic electronic soundscape. This unpredictable backdrop perfectly complements a knockout performance from Alex, who showcases the breadth of his jaw-dropping range once again. He alternates between vulnerable verses and vital choruses uplifted by a skyscraper-sized high register. He admits, “I’ll never get used to you,” continuing, “It’s always something new when it comes to you.”

Alex recently wrapped a string of North American tour dates, supporting Jamie Miller. Next month, he will join Jamie Miller on his European tour. See full list of dates and purchase tickets here.

Last year, he dropped his highly anticipated sophomore EP, Hopeless Romantic. Alex also appeared on America’s Got Talent where he performed songs such as “If You Were My Girl,” “Pretty Baby,” and “Wallflower.” Watch his live performance of “If You Were My Girl” HERE, “Pretty Baby” HERE and “Wallflower” HERE.

About Alex Sampson:

Alex Sampson has consistently affirmed himself as a dynamic vocalist and diverse creative. Growing up in a small town in Canada, music offered a window to a bigger world. Upon gaining traction with a series of covers on TikTok, he connected with audiences via his first original single “Stay Here.” On its heels, Alex released “All That We Could Have Been” and “Play Pretend.” All of this led up to his debut EP, Blurry Vision, his appearance as a contestant on season 19 of America’s Got Talent, and his latest ep, Hopeless Romantic. 2025 is set to be a breakout year for the rising pop powerhouse as he gears up to release “Used To You” and even more new music.

OSHEAGA Music and Arts Festival presented by Bell in collaboration with Coors Light, is back for its 18th edition! Music lovers will once again gather at Montréal’s breathtaking Parc Jean-Drapeau from August 1-3, 2025 to experience a weekend of exhilarating performances, unforgettable moments, and the unmatched atmosphere at one of the most picturesque festival venues there is. This year, for the first time in a long time, OSHEAGA is unveiling its full lineup at once, including a trio of powerhouse headliners that promise to deliver unforgettable performances. The OSHEAGA booking team has curated a festival lineup to include fans of every genre and generation in mind – and to give festivalgoers the opportunity to see the next rising stars before anyone else. It’s time to discover your new favourite artist among 87 performers on this year’s lineup!

The Killers will set the tone for the weekend, closing out the first day of the festival on Friday, August 1. The iconic indie rock band is known for their anthemic hits like “Mr. Brightside”, “Somebody Told Me”, and “When You Were Young”. With a career spanning over two decades, they have captivated audiences around the world with their live shows and timeless sound. Their Friday night set is sure to have the whole park singing along deep into the summer night. Tyler, The Creator will take the stage as Saturday’s closing act. With his unique blend of bold production, introspective lyricism, and high-energy performances, he has revolutionized hip-hop and continues to shape the future of music with a critically acclaimed discography that includes award-winning albums IGOR and CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST. More recently, Tyler released his latest opus, CHROMAKOPIA, which recieved rave reviews across the board. Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo will close out the festival on Sunday, bringing her deeply emotional and relatable songwriting to the OSHEAGA stage. Her hits “drivers license”, “good 4 u”, and “vampire” have solidified her place among a handful of female singers who have an iron grip on the top of the charts. As one of the most influential artists of her generation at only 21 years old, Rodrigo has already earned herself 3 GRAMMY wins and high praise from her peers. Her OSHEAGA debut is a must-see moment of the festival.

Beyond the headliners, OSHEAGA 2025 boasts a stacked lineup filled with some of the biggest names in music today, offering a mix of emerging talent and established powerhouses that promise unforgettable performances. Fans can expect exhilarating sets from Gracie Abrams, the singer-songwriter who recently opened up for Taylor Swift on The Eras Tour and has captivated audiences with her relatable and emotional storytelling ever since and Doechii, whose newest album Alligator Bites Never Heal has garnered the attention of both the critics and the critically online alike (winning “Best Rap Album” at this year’s GRAMMYs). On the indie-rock front, fans can look forward to seeing British group Glass Animals perform their smash hit “Heat Waves” which dominated the charts worldwide; and Cage The Elephant, the GRAMMY Award-winning rock band famed for their energetic stage presence and hits like “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” and “Cigarette Daydreams”. Also part of the lineup: FINNEAS (award-winning producer known for his solo work and collaborations with sister Billie Eilish), Dominic Fike, Shaboozey (first-ever artist to play LASSO Montreal and OSHEAGA!), Alex Warren, Lucy Dacus (of boygenius), The Chainsmokers, Jorja Smith, Amaarae, Jamie xx, and Gigi Perez, among others. From indie darlings to pop superstars, hip-hop, electronic dance music and everything in between, this year’s lineup is a perfect mix of established legends and rising stars, ensuring that every music lover finds something to rave about.

As always, OSHEAGA is committed to showcasing and supporting our own incredible Canadian talent, and this year is no exception. The 2025 lineup features 21 Canadian artists, including 12 homegrown talents from Québec, who will get to shine on the festival’s stages. Expect to see The Beaches, bbno$, EKKSTACY, Aqyila, Rau_Ze, Hologramme, Ruby Waters, and more! These artists represent the vibrant and diverse music scene of Canada, proving that OSHEAGA isn’t just about global superstars—it’s also a celebration of the incredible talent coming from our own backyard.

3-day festival tickets go on sale this Friday,
and with the last two years selling out fast,
fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early.
Single-day tickets on sale soon.

Over the years, OSHEAGA has become a global reference for great music and top-notch festival experiences. Fans now come to the festival to live something they cannot find anywhere else: good music, delicious high-quality food, unique activities and new friends. It’s an indescribable feeling when arriving on-site, surrounded by nature with the city skyline in the background, a wide variety of top-tier artists, the new talent on multiple stages, all over a perfect island setting.

TICKET PRICES FOR OSHEAGA 2025
(Taxes and service fees included. Prices are subject to change without notice.)

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET / 3-DAYS: starting at $415 CAD

CASINO DE MONTRÉAL GOLD TICKET / 3 DAYS: starting at $785 CAD

DEFENDER PLATINUM TICKET / 3 DAYS: starting at $1,670 CAD

American Express Cardmembers can get Front Of The Line® presale ticket* access starting today at 10 a.m. until February 20 at 9:59 p.m. ET. *Subject to availability. Ticket limits and terms apply.
Click HERE to take advantage of the offer.

Klarna offers to secure your tickets now and pay in 4 interest-free payments.
Info: osheaga.com
The official source for your tickets.

3-day tickets on sale this Friday, February 21, 2025 at 10 a.m.