Paramount Pictures announced today a series of national early access screenings for the upcoming film Novocaine. Additionally, in a special collaboration, Paramount has partnered with Fantastic Fest to host the film’s first-ever fan screening event.

On Saturday, March 8, at 7:00PM local time, over 1,200 theaters across the U.S. and Canada will participate in the “Early Access Adrenaline Rush Preview” of Novocaine in advance of its wide release on March 14.

For those seeking an intensified viewing, offering audiences an immersive experience, with synchronized seat motion and effects that place fans directly into the heart of the action, “Feel It In” advance screenings are scheduled for Wednesday, March 12, at 7:00PM local time. These screenings will be presented exclusively in premium motion formats: 4DX, MX4D and select D-Box at participating locations in advance of the film’s national release.

Also as part of its screening program, Paramount is thrilled to partner with Fantastic Fest for the first-ever fan screening of Novocaine. The “Fantastic Fest Presents” screening will be held at the Alamo Slaughter Lane on Saturday, March 1, with actor Jack Quaid and directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen in attendance for a post-screening Q&A.

Tickets for the “Early Access Adrenaline Rush Preview,” “Feel it In” advance screenings, and general release of Novocaine will be available starting Monday, February 24, at 6:00AM PT. To purchase tickets and locate participating theaters, visit novocainemovie.com/seeitfirst. General tickets can also be purchased at novocainemovie.com, through exhibitors’ websites and mobile apps, third-party ticketing platforms, and at theater box offices nationwide.

Ticketholders seeing Novocaine at the “Feel It In” advance screening will also receive a limited-edition giveaway of an exclusive 14”x20” collector’s print created for fans attending this one-night event – while supplies last.

Said Paramount Pictures’ President of Domestic Distribution Chris Aronson, “This is a fresh, fun, action-packed original movie and one that is meant to be experienced in a theatre with friends. We’re thrilled to give moviegoers multiple early opportunities to see Novocaine before its wide release.”

In Novocaine, 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.

The film is written by Lars Jacobson; produced by Drew Simon, Tory Tunnell, Joby Harold, Sam Speiser, Matt Schwartz and Julian Rosenberg; and directed by Dan Berk & Robert Olsen. Novocaine stars Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson, Betty Gabriel, Matt Walsh, Lou Beatty Jr., Evan Hengst, Conrad Kemp and Jacob Batalon.

Paramount Pictures presents Novocaine in association with Infrared Pictures and Domain Entertainment; a Safehouse Pictures/Circle Management+ Production; a film by Dan Berk & Robert Olsen.

About Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Paramount Pictures has some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, and Paramount Players. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema has announced an exciting lineup of screenings, special events and new releases running from February 23 to March 29, 2025. Highlights include The Last Republican, a gripping new documentary on young Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger, and Falls Around Her, part of the Spotlight on imagineNATIVE series celebrating Indigenous filmmaking. From anime classics to sing-alongs and thought-provoking documentaries, this season at Hot Docs Cinema delivers a diverse lineup for all audiences.

To view the Hot Docs Cinema calendar, please visit www.hotdocs.ca.

NEW RELEASE

The latest from Hollywood comedy director Steve Pink, The Last Republican delves into an unexpected rapport between Pink and young Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger.

Stick around after the screenings for a pre-recorded Q&A with the director.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Goddess of Slide: The Forgotten Story of Ellen McIlwaine pays tribute to an overlooked pioneer of slide guitar. Director Alfonso Maiorana joins for a post-screening
Q&A.

SERIES

On March 5, the Doc Soup screening series presents Who in the Hell is Regina Jones?, a documentary about the extraordinary life of Regina Jones—both shaped by history and instrumental in making it. Pregnant and married at 15, she navigated the 1965 Watts Rebellion and later became the groundbreaking publisher of Soul newspaper, cementing her legacy in American history.
Art of Anime presents Cowboy Bebop: The Movie—a visually stunning and genre-defining film that expanded the beloved anime universe and shaped Japan’s global anime scene.

Spotlight on imagineNATIVE—the new collaborative series showcasing groundbreaking films by Indigenous, First Nations, Métis and Inuit filmmakers—screens Falls Around Her, the story of a legendary Anishinaabe singer who retreats to her reserve to recharge, followed by a Q&A with director Darlene Naponse.

On March 9, Let’s Sing-Along & Shout-Along hosts a Chicago Sing-Along, a high-energy screening of the hit movie musical starring Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Mockumentary series returns with Waiting for Guffman, Christopher Guest’s hilarious cult classic.

The beloved Disney/Pixar classic Inside Out screens as part of our Relaxed Screenings series, designed to be accessible for neuro-diverse audiences. House lights remain dim, volume is lowered and audience movement is welcome.

Stitches & Scenes invites crafters to a cozy screening of A League of Their Own. Bring your knitting, crochet, or coloring books and participate in a craft supply swap before the film.

New series A Year of Austen, in celebration of the iconic author’s 250th birthday, screens Autumn DeWilde’s colourful adaptation of Emma, starring Anya Taylor-Joy.

Cinema Ticket: $15 (Members: $10, $8, FREE) *

• Unless otherwise specified.

NEW RELEASE

THE LAST REPUBLICAN
D: Steve Pink | USA | 90 min |
2024
Hollywood comedy director Steve Pink develops a surprising rapport with young Republican Congressman Adam
Kinzinger.

Stick around after the screenings for a pre-recorded Q&A with director Steve Pink, moderated by Hot Docs’ Gabor Pertic.

Friday, March 7 / 6:00 PM
Saturday, March 8 / 5:00 PM
Sunday, March 9 / 7:45 PM

SERIES & SPECIAL EVENTS

Mockumentary
WAITING FOR GUFFMAN
D: Christopher Guest | USA | 84 min |
1996

An impresario (Christopher Guest) enlists local amateurs (Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Fred Willard) to put on a show.

Sunday, February 23 / 5:45
PM

Doc Soup
WHO IN THE HELL IS REGINA JONES?
D: Billy Miossi, Soraya Sélène | USA | 99 min |
2024
The extraordinary life of Regina Jones is one not only shaped by history, but also one that made history. Pregnant and married at 15, she went straight through the middle of the 1965 Watts Rebellion, eventually emerging as the groundbreaking publisher of Soul newspaper, Jones is a testament to the American experience.

Wednesday, March 5 / 6:30 PM

• Tickets: $17 (non–member), $15.30
  (member)
• Doc Soup Subscribers and Streaming Pass holders can view online starting Thursday, March 6, in an exclusive 4-day streaming window. During this time, the film will be available on the watch.hotdocs.ca portal. Please sign in with your email and password.

Art of Anime
COWBOY BEBOP: THE MOVIE
D: Shinichiro Watanabe | Japan | 115 min | 2001
Released in 2001, the film expands Cowboy Bebop, a visually stunning and influential anime that shaped Japan’s global anime scene.

Friday, March 7 / 9:00 PM

Relaxed Screenings
INSIDE OUT
D: Pete Docter | USA | 95 min | 2015
When 11-year-old Riley and her family move to San Francisco, her emotions guide her through the life-changing event.

Open to everyone, this screening offers a sensory friendly environment for those in the neuro-diverse community or for anyone who may benefit from a more informal viewing atmosphere.

• Throughout the screening, house lights will remain on a low level and the volume will be slightly turned down.
• No trailers will be shown.
• Audience members will be free to move around, leave the theatre, or take a break in a designated “quiet” area.
  View the venue guide to the Cinema. For any questions or requests, contact our box office.

Relaxed Screenings are supported by Warner Bros. Discovery Access.

Saturday, March 8 / 2:00 PM

Special Event
TWILIGHT FANGIRL PICTURE SHOW
D: Catherine Hardwicke | USA | 122 min | 2008
The Twilight Fangirl Picture Show is back and more chaotic than ever! Relive the vampire romance that sparked a generation of fangirls and queer awakenings in a theatre full of fellow Twihards.

Hosted by Carley Thorne and Ben Sosa-Wright.

Saturday, March 8 / 9:00 PM
*Tickets: $20 / Members: $15

Special Screening
GODDESS OF SLIDE: THE FORGOTTEN STORY OF ELLEN MCILWAINE
D: Alfonso Maiorana | Canada | 96 min | 2024
An intimate look at a largely forgotten pioneer performer whose lengthy career deserves a place in music history.

Stick around after the film for a Q&A with director Alfonso Maiorana.

Sunday, March 9 / 12:30 PM

Let’s Sing-Along & Shout-Along
CHICAGO SING-ALONG
D: Rob Marshall | USA | 103 min | 2002
Gather your fellow merry murderesses and join Hot Docs Cinema and sing along—and all that jazz—to the hit movie musical.

Sunday, March 9 / 4:30 PM

Stitches & Scenes
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
D: Penny Marshall | USA | 128 min | 1992
Stay warm this winter with a cozy craft-along screening of A League of Their Own, the inspiring story of WWII’s all-women baseball league!

The film will be played with house lights on for the duration of the film. Guests can bring their own portable crafting lamps for extra light.

BYOC—Bring your own craft: crochet, knitting, or a colouring book.

Don’t forget reusable cups and containers for a 10% discount on non-alcoholic beverages and popcorn.

Arrive early to participate in a craft supply swap! Have a ball of yarn you haven’t thought about in ages? Paint you bought for that one project you never got around to using? Give your new or lightly used craft supplies a new life and swap them for something old but new to you. Supplies left over at the end of the event will be donated to Creative Reuse Toronto.

Saturday, March 15 / 4:00 PM

Truth and Dare
SO UNREAL
D: Amanda Kramer | USA | 101 min | 2023
Debbie Harry narrates this historical examination and philosophical exploration of cyberspace cinema from 1981 to 2001.

Join us before the screening to receive a wild zine specially designed for the event AND catch a screening of the locally-made short film T-POSE: To Dance With One’s Hands, directed by Steven Sych.

Stick around after the screening for a Q&A with director Amanda Kramer.

Presented with community partner Insomniac Film Festival.

Saturday, March 15 / 8:30 PM

A Year of Austen
EMMA
D: Autumn de Wilde | UK | 124 min | 2020
Autumn de Wilde paints Austen’s signature humour, romance and social critique with bold colours and a whimsical score.

Sunday, March 23 / 4:00 PM

Spotlight on ImagineNATIVE
FALLS AROUND HER
D: Darlene Naponse | Canada | 100 min | 2018
A legendary Anishinaabe singer retreats to her reserve to recharge, but fame and the outside world refuse to let go.

Join director Darlene Naponse and Hot Docs’ director of programming, Heather Haynes, for a post-screening Q&A.

Saturday, March 29 / 3:00 PM
*Free for members

Owned and operated by Hot Docs, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and celebrating the art of documentary, Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema is the world’s largest documentary cinema. A historic, century-old landmark located in Toronto’s vibrant Annex neighbourhood, the Cinema is a year-round home for non-fiction film and storytelling, presenting first-run international and Canadian documentaries, curated film and speakers series, signature events including Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, Hot Docs Podcast Festival and Curious Minds Weekend, as well as hosting for some of the city’s premier festivals and events. Since assuming management in 2012, Hot Docs has screened over 1,425 films to audiences of more than 1.3 million. In 2016, a generous $5-million donation from Rogers Foundation enabled Hot Docs to purchase venue.

GHOSTING WITH LUKE HUTCHIE AND MATTHEW FINLAN (8×30) is back for a second season of investigations into the most allegedly haunted locations in Canada on their quest to determine if they are truly haunted or not. The unscripted paranormal comedy from Blue Ant Studios in association with Luke Hutchie Productions follows Hutchie (EZRA) and Finlan (Orphan: First Kill, Hell of a Summer), two actors known for their work in the horror genre, as they step off script and into their own real-life thriller. Season 2 premieres Friday, March 21 with all episodes available on the free CBC Gem streaming service.

Veronika Slowikowska (What We Do in the Shadows), Joel Oulette (Trickster), Percy Hynes White (Wednesday), Humberly Gonzáles (Tarot, Ginny & Georgia), Krista Nazaire (The Hardy Boys), Nikki Roumel (Ginny & Georgia), Jordan Connor (Riverdale), and Priyanka (Canada’s Drag Race Winner) round out the star studded cast of celebrity guests.

This season, GHOSTING goes cross-country as Hutchie and Finlan investigate some of Canada’s spookiest spots. Each episode features an investigation into a story of paranormal presence across Ontario, British Columbia, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and the Yukon Territory, with the hosts and their celebrity guests uncovering the truth behind local lore and delivering a verdict of “haunted” or “not haunted.”

“We’re thrilled to see Luke and Matthew elevate this original series to new heights for its second season,” says Matthew Hornburg, Co-President, Blue Ant Studios. “This season we’ll see them travel to remote parts of the country to seek out the scariest locations, and tell Canada’s most haunting stories through their fresh and entertaining genre-bending lens.”

“Taking Ghosting cross country has always been what we have envisioned for this show. Being able to showcase Canada in this new and exciting way, with an all star cast of Canadian talent has been such a fun yet terrifying ride that I cannot wait for audiences to enjoy.” says Luke Hutchie, President, Luke Hutchie Productions.

This season’s haunts include:

The Caribou Hotel with Joel Oulette (Carcross, YT) – Star of Trickster, Joel Oulette fully understands the meaning of everything is not what it seems. From the caribou gold rush, to mysterious deaths, and now the ghosts of talking birds, Joel will step into one of Canada’s most historic, and haunted, buildings with Luke and Matthew in hopes of finally getting answers to hundred-year-old questions at the Caribou Hotel in Carcross, Yukon.

The Tuckett Mansion with Priyanka (Hamilton, ON) – Canada’s Drag Race Winner to pop music royalty, Priyanka is a force to be reckoned with. Visiting a mansion originally built for the founder of a tobacco empire and later turned into the home of a freemason brotherhood, Priyanka will use her own empire building skills to investigate alongside Luke and Matthew the mysterious legacy of Tuckett Mansion in Hamilton, Ontario.

The Bell Island Mines with Veronika Slowikowska (Bell Island, NL) – From shadows to portals, Veronika Slowikowska has truly been to space and back in her career. The Davey and Jonesie’s Locker actress and global comedy sensation, will need to forget all she knows about being above ground as she ventures four hundred meters into the earth with Luke and Matthew to explore one of the country’s most hidden and haunted landmarks, the Bell Island Mines on Bell Island, Newfoundland.

Craigdarroch Castle with Percy Hynes White (Victoria, BC) – Stepping into Canada’s most haunted castle, Percy Hynes White is more than familiar with things that go bump in the night. Between evil monsters and ghostly storylines in Wednesday, Percy will step into the dark with Luke and Matthew to investigate the infamous haunting of Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, British Columbia.

Lunenburg Academy with Nikki Roumel (Lunenburg NS) – Teen drama and a little bit of danger is no stranger to Ginny & Georgia’s Nikki Roumel. A Victorian school built on what was once the town’s gallows hill, this paranormal hotspot is filled with the spirits of those executed there, and more. As Nikki steps back into class with Luke and Matthew, they will explore one of Canada’s oldest schools, in one of the country’s first settlements, Lunenburg Academy in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

Fulford Place with Humberly González (Brockville, ON) – Horoscopes read and deadly fortunes told, Tarot’s Humberly González has more than enough fictional experience with the occult. In a house built for one of the wealthiest families in Canada at the time, Humberly will join Luke and Matthew as they investigate the tales of deceit, scandal, and witchcraft at Canada’s very own seance house, historically known as Fulford Place in Brockville, Ontario.

Fort Henry with Jordan Connor (Kingston, ON) – Constantly in battle from being on the wrong side of the tracks in Riverdale, Jordan Connor will have to go back to war for the night as he steps into one of Canada’s most historic landmarks. A military fort filled with tragedy and rage, Jordan will march right into the investigation with Luke and Matthew as they investigate the hauntings of Fort Henry in Kingston, Ontario.

Kawartha Settlers’ Village with Krista Nazaire (Bobcaygeon, ON) – Solving mysteries is second nature to Hardy Boys’ Krista Nazaire, but can her fictional skills help her uncover the truth of a real life crime. Dead farmers, possessed bears, and a murderous gay love triangle bring Krista, Luke, and Matthew to investigate one of Canada’s most historically preserved pioneer villages, Kawartha Settlers’ Village in Bobcaygeon, Ontario.

Season 2 of GHOSTING WITH LUKE HUTCHIE AND MATTHEW FINLAN premieres Friday, March 21 with all episodes available on the free CBC Gem streaming service.

A CBC original series, GHOSTING WITH LUKE HUTCHIE AND MATTHEW FINLAN is a Blue Ant Studios production produced in association with Luke Hutchie Productions. Luke Hutchie and Matthew Finlan are the Creators, Executive Producers, and stars of the series. Executive Producers for Blue Ant Studios are Matthew Hornburg, Mark J.W. Bishop, Donna Luke, and Jennifer Harkness. Maureen Riley (Still Standing, I Have Nothing) also serves as Executive Producer. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports; Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director, Unscripted Content; and Susan Taylor is Executive in Charge of Production. Blue Ant Studios holds worldwide distribution rights for the series

LOVE discovering new Music and was an amazing experience witnessing The UK’s JAMIE MILLER put on a showstopping and heartfelt show at The AXIS Club as part of his Long Way Home Tour on Valentine’s Day. What a remarkable, emotive voice. And he was sick too he told us. Such magic!

Little wonder why his songs have gone on to touch the hearts of many globally with hundreds of millions of streams. Such a lovely man!

Also loved cheering on Canada’s ALEX SAMPSON who is a star on the rise. You might recognize him from America’s Got Talent. The Montreal Singer-Songwriter’s gorgeous ballad PRETTY BABY is gaining a lot of traction right now and rightfully so. He has quite a few bangers in his canon, and is signed to Warner Records. Sampson is supporting Miller on his tour right now along with Garrett Adair. All names to check out.

Some highlights from the Show:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/BMG/Warner Records)

Netflix renews XO, Kitty – the spinoff series inspired by the popular To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before film franchise – for a third season.

See the announcement:

“I’m so excited to head back to Seoul for another season with our incredible cast and crew. If you thought junior year at KISS brought the drama…just wait,” XO, Kitty Showrunner, Executive Producer & Writer Jessica O’Toole tells TUDUM.com. “I know we left fans on a cliffhanger at the end of Season 2 but I can promise season 3 will be worth the wait, including our first summer episode — not to mention plenty of romance, friendship, adventure…and kissing. Lots of kissing.”

XO, Kitty Season 2 premiered on January 16, 2025 and debuted at #2 on the English TV List with 14.2 million views — bringing back Season 1 at No. 6 with 3.1 million views — and the original 2018 film that introduced us to Kitty Song Covey (Anna Cathcart), To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, reappeared at No. 6 on the English films list (3.1 million views) the week after. The Young Adult Romantic Comedy series, which is produced by Awesomeness Studios and ACE Entertainment, appeared in the Top 10 in 89 countries in its first week.

Season 3 details and additional information will be shared at a later time.

ABOUT XO, KITTY SEASON 2
Synopsis: Teen matchmaker Kitty Song Covey is back in Seoul for a new semester at KISS. She’s single for the first time in a long time, and ready for a fresh start: no more meddling, no more drama. Maybe just some casual dating. Emphasis on casual. But she has more to worry about than her love life, as a letter from her mother’s past sets her on a wild journey, and new faces at KISS bring change. As secrets unravel and bonds are tested, Kitty will learn that life, family and love are more complicated than she ever imagined.
S2 Release Date: January 16, 2025
Showrunner / Executive Producer / Writer: Jessica O’Toole
Executive Producers: Jenny Han (Creator) and Matt Kaplan of ACE Entertainment
Studio: Awesomeness Studios
S2 Cast: Anna Cathcart (Kitty Song Covey), Minyeong Choi (Dae), Gia Kim (Yuri), Sang Heon Lee (Min Ho), Anthony Keyvan (Q), Regan Aliyah (Juliana), Peter Thurnwald (Alex), Philippe Lee (Mr. Moon), Audrey Huynh (Stella), with Jocelyn Shelfo (Madison), Michael K. Lee (Professor Lee), Sasha Bhasin (Praveena), Joshua Lee (Jin)

It’s a huge opening for Marvel‘s CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD, coming in hot with $87 million through Sunday from 4,105 theatres. Despite reviews being mixed for this first Captain America film starring Anthony Mackie at 50% on the Tomatometer, it ranks as the third best opening for the Series. Top opening for the Franchise still belongs to 2016’s CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR with its $179 million debut.

Second is PADDINGTON IN PERU with $13 million from 3,890 theatres for Sony Pictures. 2015’s PADDINGTON holds the Franchise’s best debut with $18.9 million. This entry gets a smashing 94% on the Tomatometer.

Third goes to DOG MAN with $10.2 million from 3,334 theatres for Universal Pictures, a tally of $70.4 million domestically over three weeks.

HEART EYES gets $9.8 million in its second frame for Sony Pictures, taking it to $22 million over two weeks.

Chinese Animated Feature NE ZHA 2 gets $6.4 million in its debut from 660 theatres for CMC. A 99% on the Tomatometer for this specialty release.

Our friends at Touchwood PR and us are thrilled to give our Readers in Toronto a chance to win passes to the Toronto Premiere of SMALL ACHIEVABLE GOALS! The first two episodes will be shown at this event taking place Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at TIFF Lightbox. A Q&A with Co-Creators and stars Jennifer Whalen and Meredith MacNeill will follow.

About SMALL ACHIEVABLE GOALS

Small Achievable Goals follows the adventures of Julie (Jennifer Whalen) and Kris (Meredith MacNeill) an odd couple trying to navigate different stages of menopause. When they’re thrust together to produce a podcast, Kris and Julie embark on an unpredictable journey of transformation as they help each other through workplace challenges and office politics, dating disasters and relationship drama, health concerns and parenting woes – and realize the only way through this sh*tty time of life is together.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK.

Rules and regulations here.

SMALL ACHIEVABLE GOALS airs February 25, 2025 on CBC and streams the same day on CBC Gem.

(Photo/video credit: CBC)

MICHELIN-recommended Restaurant Lucie is thrilled to present La Collab No. 8, the second La Collab of the Monthly Chef Series in 2025. An exclusive one-night-only dining event taking place on February 27, 2025, from 5 PM to 9 PM at Lucie (100 Yonge St., Toronto). This month features Chef Michael Angeloni, who leads the kitchens at Amano Trattoria and The Berczy Tavern, alongside Executive Chef Arnaud Bloquel of Lucie. Together, they will celebrate the perfect harmony between French gastronomy and traditional Italian cuisine. Guests will enjoy a meticulously curated multi-course tasting experience, expertly paired with premium wines and signature cocktails, for $295 per person, inclusive of beverage pairings and gratuity. Non-alcoholic options are also available. Reservations can be made HERE.

Meet the Chefs:
Chef Arnaud Bloquel (right, above)
Executive Chef, Restaurant Lucie

Born in Guadeloupe, Chef Arnaud Bloquel has built an impressive career shaped by diverse cultural influences and rigorous training in France’s most celebrated MICHELIN-starred kitchens. After earning accolades for his restaurant L’Orchidea in the Caribbean, Chef Bloquel now leads the kitchen at Restaurant Lucie, where his modern take on French cuisine continues to elevate Toronto’s fine dining landscape.

Chef Michael Angeloni (left, above)
Executive Chef, Amano Trattoria & The Berczy Tavern

Chef Michael Angeloni is a celebrated Toronto-based chef known for his contemporary approach to Italian cuisine. Currently leading the kitchens at Amano Trattoria and The Berczy Tavern, Chef Angeloni merges his Italian and Polish heritage with a deep respect for time-honoured culinary traditions. His menus highlight handmade pasta, in-house butchery, and locally sourced ingredients, creating dishes that honour Italian classics while embracing modern techniques.

With experience at some of Toronto’s most acclaimed restaurants, including L’Unita, Splendido, The Black Hoof, and Grand Electric, Chef Angeloni has developed a culinary style that is bold, flavourful, and deeply rooted in tradition.

The evening will begin with a welcome glass of Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne, followed by a meticulously curated multi-course menu, designed to showcase the harmonious blend of French and Italian culinary traditions. Guests will enjoy an immersive dining experience, with the opportunity to engage with the chefs as they share the culinary inspirations behind each dish. This exclusive event celebrates the rich heritage of two of the world’s most beloved cuisines.

Please note, La Collab No. 8 is a prepaid event with a fixed menu, and dietary restrictions may not be accommodated. The event is for guests aged 19 and over.

Experience an unforgettable evening of culinary artistry and reserve your table HERE.
For Inquiries About La Collab No. 8, Please Visit HERE.
A special thank you to San Pellegrino and G.H. Mumm Champagne for their support in making this collaboration possible.

In London, Netflix and Shondaland captivated fans with an exclusive sneak peek of Benedict and Sophie’s passionate love story heightening anticipation for Bridgerton’s steamy fourth season. The conversation moderated by Queen Charlotte herself, Golda Rosheuvel, included showrunner Jess Brownell and season leads Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton) and Yerin Ha (Sophie Baek). The panel unveiled never-before-seen photos of favorite characters in the ton, beloved book moments to expect, and a first look at the highly anticipated masquerade ball. The group revealed that the anticipated masquerade ball from Julia Quinn’s Offer from a Gentleman will be featured in episode 1 of Bridgerton Season 4.

Thompson and Ha also shared their excitement about the current production of season four and filming the highly anticipated Masquerade Ball.

Brownell recapped where the characters left off at the end of Season 3 and and a preview of what viewers can expect from this next season, including a glimpse of Lady Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) with Lord Marcus Anderson’s (Daniel Francis) blossoming flirtation and the newest Featherington baby from Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin (Luke Newton). And yes, it is confirmed, Simone Ashley will return for Bridgerton Season 4!

Event Highlights:

The event kicked off with a special Bridgerton Concerts by Candlelight® Performance including music from the show that fans know and love. Hugh Sachs, who plays the Queen’s right-hand man, Brimsley, served as the master of ceremonies and emcee of the festivities.

It was also revealed that this season, viewers will see more characters who “run the ton” as the season explores the upstairs and downstairs.

New photos were released of the newly constructed backlot at Shepperton Studios. The backlot showcases exquisite replicas of Georgian and Regency architecture including homes, buildings, Mayfair Street and more. This milestone, 8 months in the making, promises to envelop the beloved show in an even more delightful and authentic atmosphere, transporting audiences to a world of Regency-era splendor. This regal undertaking was designed by Bridgerton Production Designer, Alison Gartshore along with Supervising Art Director Antony Cartlidge and Art Director Adam David Grant. The build spans approximately two acres of Netflix’s backlot at Shepperton, marking a new chapter in the series’ enchanting journey.

New photos were released of previously announced new characters in Sophie Baek’s circle, including Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung), Rosamund Li (Michelle Mao), and Posy Li (Isabella Wei).

In the room fans were able to see both Sophie and Benedict’s costumes on display (masks, gloves and all!) as well as photos from the scene where the lovers first meet. To top it all off, attendees in person and virtually were sent off with a first look at scenes from Season 4 of Bridgerton, showcasing the beloved ball scene.

About Bridgerton Season 4

Logline: The fourth season of Bridgerton turns its focus to bohemian second son Benedict (Luke Thompson). Despite his elder and younger brothers both being happily married, Benedict is loath to settle down — until he meets a captivating Lady in Silver at his mother’s masquerade ball.
Episode Count: 8
Filming Location: London, UK
Showrunner/ EP: Jess Brownell
Executive Producers: Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Tom Verica, and Chris Van Dusen
Series Regulars: Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton), Yerin Ha (Sophie Baek), Jonathan Bailey (Anthony Bridgerton), Victor Alli (Lord John Stirling), Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury), Julie Andrews (Lady Whistledown), Lorraine Ashbourne (Mrs. Varley), Masali Baduza (Michaela Stirling), Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Bridgerton), Hannah Dodd (Francesca Stirling), Daniel Francis (Lord Marcus Anderson), Ruth Gemmell (Violet Bridgerton), Florence Hunt (Hyacinth Bridgerton), Martins Imhangbe (Will Mondrich), Claudia Jessie (Eloise Bridgerton), Luke Newton (Colin Bridgerton), Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte), Will Tilston (Gregory Bridgerton), Polly Walker (Portia Featherington), Emma Naomi (Alice Mondrich), Hugh Sachs (Brimsley)
Additional Key Cast: Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), Isabella Wei (Posy Li), Michelle Mao (Rosamund Li), and Katie Leung (Lady Araminta Gun)

About The Bridgerton Universe:
Bridgerton captivated viewers around the world when Netflix and Shondaland debuted the iconic series in 2020. Each of its three seasons rank among Netflix’s Most Popular while the fan beloved prequel, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, dominated the Global Top 10. The franchise has amassed a global fandom that caters to an underserved romance audience, piercing the cultural zeitgeist with unparalleled success and igniting trends as fans celebrate their love of the series through memes, music, books, fashion, decor and more. Live experiences like The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience and a growing collection of consumer products, have catapulted the Bridgerton name into an extraordinarily sought-after lifestyle brand, delighting fans by allowing them to enjoy their favorite story in-person. With Season 4 now in production, the franchise will continue to offer fresh ways for its passionate fan base to immerse themselves into the Bridgerton universe both on and off screen.

JJ Lin is one of the most globally-recognized Asian Singer-Songwriters of all time, and this Saturday, he brings his JJ20 FINAL LAP WORLD TOUR to Toronto at Scotiabank Area. The Singaporean native has won top honours including Taiwan’s Golden Melody Awards, developing a massive following in Chinese-speaking countries in Asia, with a career spanning 20-plus years.

He’s written for and performed alongside some of the industry’s greatest, having travelled the world with his Music and his last show in Toronto at Coca-Cola Coliseum in 2023 completely sold-out, hence a venue upgrade this time around.

We spotted Lin arriving for his Tour after an extended stay in Los Angeles. Wearing shades, a furry bucket hat and rocking his Moncler jacket, Lin was ready for the frigid weather we’ve been experiencing! He was so kind, leaning in for a photo despite being rushed along. Lin is a legend!

Some footage of Lin arriving:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)