#FIRSTLOOK: “THIS ABOVE ALL: THE THEATRICAL LIFE OF ANTONI CIMOLINO” PREMIERING AT HOT DOCS 2026

Melbar Entertainment Group is pleased to announce that THIS ABOVE ALL: THE THEATRICAL LIFE OF ANTONI CIMOLINO will make its world premiere at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 7:45pm at the TIFF Lightbox, with a repeat screening Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 11:15am.

Directed by Barry Avrich and produced by Mark Selby, the documentary follows Antoni Cimolino as he prepares for his final season leading the Stratford Festival after nearly four decades with the company. With candid access and reflections from artists and collaborators from across the Canadian theatre community, THIS ABOVE ALL offers a rare and compelling look behind the scenes of one of the country’s most celebrated cultural institutions, and the man whose life has become deeply intertwined with it.

At once a portrait, a backstage chronicle and a celebration of Canadian artistry, the film traces Cimolino’s journey from young actor to acclaimed director and Artistic Director, capturing the passion, pressure, ambition and heart that have shaped his remarkable career.

“From the moment my mother introduced me to the Stratford Festival when I was just nine years old, I was captivated by its magic and sheer luminescent power,” said director Barry Avrich. “Antoni Cimolino is an unequalled master class in how to run an extraordinary, globally renowned theatre company while ensuring its Canadian identity remains protected.”      

“When you spend your life in the theatre storytelling, you never imagine being the story yourself,” said Antoni Cimolino. “I am both humbled by the notion of having my life documented and at the same time, so proud to have contributed to an enormously talented landscape of Canadian artists that became my world, my life and my work.”

Following its world premiere at Hot Docs, THIS ABOVE ALL: THE THEATRICAL LIFE OF ANTONI CIMOLINO is scheduled to air on documentary Channel on Sunday, August 30 at 9pm ET/PT. A CBC Gem release will follow on Friday, September 18.

Produced by Melbar Entertainment Group, THIS ABOVE ALL: THE THEATRICAL LIFE OF ANTONI CIMOLINO was produced with the participation of the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit, Ontario Creates and Rogers Documentary Fund, and in association with documentary Channel. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager of Entertainment, Factual and Sports; Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director of Unscripted Content; and Sandra Kleinfeld is Senior Director, Documentary.

#FIRSTLOOK: “THE SOUND OF FALLING” PREMIERING ON MUBI

MUBI, the global distributor, streaming service, and production company, is proud to announce that Sound of Falling, the award-winning, critically lauded second feature film from writer and director Mascha Schilinski (Dark Blue Girl), will stream exclusively on MUBI in Canada from April 24, 2026.

Sound of Falling its World Premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, winning the prestigious Jury Prize. The film also won the Silver Frog at the 2025 EnergaCAMERIMAGE Festival in the Main Competition, honoured for its cinematography by Fabian Gamper. It was a major contender at the 2026 European Film Awards, earning 8 nominations including Best European Film, Director, and Screenwriter. At the 2025 Gotham Film Awards, it received 2 nominations for Best International Feature and Best Original Screenplay.

Germany’s shortlisted Best International Feature Film entry to the 98th Academy Awards®, Sound of Falling’s revelatory ensemble cast features Hanna Heckt (Stille Nacht, raue Nacht) Lea Drinda (Danke für nichts), Lena Urzendowsky (Cocoon), Laeni Geiseler (Smalltown Girl), Susanne Wuest (Inedia) and Luise Heyer (The Sparrow in the Chimney).

Sound of Falling tracks the lives of four adolescent girls (Alma, Erika, Angelika, Lenka) across the last century – their desires and distress, their secrets and truths, their encounters with another’s gaze and defiant gaze in return. Though separated by time, far-reaching resonances emerge as echoes of experience linger.

Sensual and sensory, this transcendent, awe-inducing film invites audiences to witness an eternal summer, a constant now, and ask: what is looking back at us from the past – or perhaps even from the future?

SOUND OF FALLING WILL BE AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON MUBI IN CANADA FROM APRIL 24, 2026

#HOTDOCS: FULL 2026 FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING LINEUP

The highly anticipated Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival returns to Toronto for its 33rd edition April 23 to May 3, 2026, sharing the finest in global non-fiction storytelling. From 2820 film submissions, this year’s slate will present 115 documentaries representing 51 countries across nine diverse programs and will feature 52 world and international premieres. Furthermore, alongside the premieres of remarkable Canadian and international documentaries, the 2026 Festival will offer an extensive lineup of industry programs and events, including the return of the popular Hot Docs Forum international industry pitch event.

“Documentary filmmaking offers a way to engage more deeply with the world around us—through stories that are thoughtful, complex and deeply human,” said Diana Sanchez, Executive Director of Hot Docs. “This year’s Hot Docs Festival celebrates documentary filmmaking through 115 globe-spanning films, connecting this important work to audiences and bringing us together in ways that deepen our understanding of the world we share.”

This year’s lineup of 80 features and 35 shorts will share stories of humanity’s struggles, courage, and ambition, as well as the increasingly evolving world of technology. A total of 30 Canadian films will screen as official selections, and 14 films received support from Hot Docs’ film funds and market programs, including the Hot Docs Forum and Deal Maker. Hot Docs will welcome several filmmakers and guests to the Festival to participate in post-screening Q&As.

The 2026 Hot Docs Festival will open with the world premiere of Antidiva: The Carole Pope Confessions, directed by Canadian filmmaker Michelle Mama, on Thursday, April 23 at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema. The Canadian film spotlights queer rock icon Carole Pope as she reclaims her rightful place in music history and received funding in 2023 from the Hot Docs-Slaight Family Fund to support the project in its development stage.

The Big Ideas series will once again spark insightful conversations with notable guests, including Love Apptually director Shalini Kantayya, Myspace director Tommy Avallone, A War on Women director Raha Shirazi, and Steal This Story, Please! director Tia Lessin.

The Special Presentations program, showcasing high-profile films, festival circuit heavy hitters, and renowned subjects, includes the world premieres of director Shalini Kantayya’s Love Apptually, about a journalist’s exploration of dating app algorithms; director Dori Berinstein’s Kenny Loggins: Conviction of the Heart, which traces the life and career of the multi-award-winning singer-songwriter who soundtracked some of Hollywood’s most unforgettable movie moments; director Tommy Avallone’s Myspace, a portrait of the pioneering social networking platform; director Mark Myers’s The Tower That Built a City, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Toronto’s skyline-defining CN Tower; and director Raha Shirazi’s A War on Women, which traces 40 years of feminist resistance by Iranian women against the Islamic Republic.

Canadian Spectrum Competition, a competitive program showcasing bold new works by Canadian directors, includes the world premieres of director Sébastien Trahan’s Code of Misconduct, in which an investigative journalist’s duty to follow the facts leads to the trial of five Canadian professional hockey players charged with sexual assault; Ryan Ermacora and Jessica Johnson’s Concrete Turned to Sand, in which local oyster farmers ply their trade amidst a rapidly changing environment; Ree Wright and Meaghan Wright’s The Last Days of April, the courageous journey of a determined disabled advocate living with a tethered spinal cord and chronic pain; director Rico King’s Nekai Walks, in which Nekai Foster defies all medical odds and relearns to walk after being shot while walking home in Toronto’s Jane and Finch neighbourhood; Oscar-nominated director Kim Nguyen’s Saigon Story: Two Shootings in the Forest Kingdom, which reveals the elusive connection between two families and photojournalist Eddie Adams’s iconic photo in the wake of the Vietnam War; and Evan Adams and Eileen Francis’s təm kʷaθ nan Namesake, in which a request from the Tla’amin Nation to change the name of Powell River, B.C ignites a heated debate about whose history is told and respected. The Canadian Spectrum Competition is sponsored by DGC National and DGC Ontario.

International Spectrum Competition, a competitive program spotlighting engaging stories from around the globe, includes a compelling lineup of world premieres: The 49th Year directed by Heidrun Holzfeind tells the story of an anarchist incarcerated since 1980 as he reflects on his radical past; A Distant Call directed by Andrea Suwito captures a rare, meditative struggle between local tradition and modern faith in a remote Indonesian community with ancient traditions; LandStone directed by Faraz Fadaian takes viewers into the Iranian desert where an elderly man and his wife face mortality and fading bonds while seeking solace in a handmade cave; Parasisi directed by Zaïde Bil and Sébastien Segers traces how mining, missionaries and medicine ripple through daily life along the Lawa River; Stories for Sandro directed by Giacomo Boeri brings to life the memories of the filmmaker’s father after he is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s; Vanishing Tracks directed by Hamed Zolfaghari follows a family in Iran’s remote nomadic landscape as they navigate their traditional existence in a modern world, and Vegapolis directed by Micha Barban Dangerfield brings audiences inside a Montpellier rink where teens gather each week, forging friendships, dissecting crushes and dreaming amidst laser lights and thumping bass. The International Spectrum Competition program is supported by the Donner Canadian Foundation.

The World Showcase program features revelatory stories that span the globe, including the world premieres of Simon Ennis and Brad Abrahams’s Gimme Truth, which follows truth-seekers and ex-believers into the gravitational pull of conspiracy culture; Jevan Crittenden and Nate Slaco’s In Tyee Country, in which a century-old fishing club on Canada’s west coast faces an existential crisis as salmon populations dwindle; and Alisher Balfanbayev’s Searching for Drug Peace, in which a daring activist risks everything to fund a non-profit drug testing centre and provide life-saving harm reduction amidst a deadly overdose crisis in Vancouver.

Made In Brazil will showcase new documentaries from Brazil including the world premiere of Solar Shadow from directors Hugo Haddad and Isadora Canela, a beautiful exploration of ancestral Indigenous astronomy in Brazil, and the international premiere of Dona Onete – This Tiny Piece of My Heart from director Mini Kerti, a colour-filled and spirit-lifting portrait of singer and composer Dona Onete who, in her seventies, emerged as Brazil’s “Queen of Carimbó.”

Persister amplifies the voices of strong, inspirational women who are speaking up and being heard, including the world premieres of director Nance Ackerman’s The Delivery Line, which brings into sharp focus the gravity of the extraordinary and lifesaving work of fearless midwives who risk everything to help mothers in dangerous circumstances, and director Katia Café-Fébrissy INDIVISUM: Legacies Adrift, in which a Canadian filmmaker returns to her ancestral home of Guadeloupe to discover families torn apart over land inheritance.

The new Digital Witnesses program features stories of tech and surveillance and includes the international premieres of Ghost in the Machine by director Valerie Veatch, an interrogation of who builds AI, who benefits from it and who bears the cost of a technology that continues to surround us, and Virtual Girlfriends by director Barbora Chalupová, in which three women—navigating careers as sexual-content creators on OnlyFans—reveal the tantalizing, transactional and ultimately fragile dynamics of digital intimacy.

Artscapes features creative minds, artistic pursuits and inventive filmmaking, and includes the world premiere of This Above All: The Theatrical Life of Antoni Cimolino from director Barry Avrich, in which the longest serving Artistic Director of the iconic Stratford Festival, Antoni Cimolino, prepares for his final season while reflecting on the 40 years he’s devoted to the theatrical repertory company. Receiving its international premiere is Gealtra from director Brendan Canty, in which teenagers on the north side of Cork grow from shy beginners into viral sensations as they write and perform infectious Irish-language rap. Artscapes is supported by the Kololian Family.

Hot Docs will present a selection of 35 Canadian and international short films from 21 countries across various programs and as part of the Festival’s four curated Shorts Programs.

The festival will close with a free encore screening where the winner of this year’s Rogers Audience Award for Best Canadian Documentary will be announced. The winner will receive a $50,000 cash prize courtesy of Rogers.

For a complete list of 2026 Hot Docs Festival films, download the Festival Media Kit at hotdocs.ca/news/media

For more information on Hot Docs, visit hotdocs.ca

Hot Docs (hotdocs.ca) is North America’s leading documentary festival, conference and market. A not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and celebrating the art of documentary and to creating production opportunities for documentary filmmakers, Hot Docs will present its 33rd annual edition in Toronto from April 23 to May 3, 2026. Hot Docs will also mount a dynamic series of knowledge sessions, networking opportunities and market programs for documentary practitioners and industry delegates, including the renowned Hot Docs Forum and Hot Docs Deal Maker. Since its inception in 1993, Hot Docs has supported the Canadian and international industry with professional development programs, production fund portfolio, and valuable professional development programs. The organization fosters education through documentaries with its popular free program Docs For Schools. Hot Docs also operates the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, a century-old landmark located in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood and the world’s first and largest documentary cinema.

Starting Tuesday, March 24, Festival ticket package holders, including Doc Soup subscribers, can use their ticket packages, and Hot Docs Members can purchase single tickets. Starting Tuesday, March 31, single tickets will be available to the public. Tickets and ticket packages can be purchased and used online at www.hotdocs.ca or in person at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema Box Office, located at 506 Bloor Street West (hours vary daily in accordance with cinema screenings). Single tickets are $22 ($20 member) for regular screenings, and $27 ($24 member) for Opening Night and Big Ideas screenings. A Festival 12-Pack is $228 and a Festival 20-Pack is $340 ($216 and $320 members). Hot Docs offers free tickets for regular screenings before 4:00 p.m. to patrons 60+ and students with valid photo I.D., available in-person at the venue on the day of the screening, subject to availability.

Hot Docs is proud to include Rogers as its Founding Partner and Telefilm Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the Canada Media Fund as its Major Supporters.

#FIRSTLOOK: TVO ORIGINAL “THE SANDBOX” PREMIERING AT HOT DOCS 2026

TVO Original The Sandbox—director Kenya-Jade Pinto’s debut feature—exposes the global machinery of surveillance and its devastating human cost. Spanning the deserts of Arizona, to high-tech refugee camps in Greece, Mediterranean rescue operations, and digital labour centers in East Africa, this visually daring, conceptually bold film invites us to see and feel the unsettling reach of borders that have been transformed into dystopian laboratories. This is a world where human lives are raw material for observation, experimentation, and control–and there’s no opting out.

Fresh off its sold-out world premiere at CPH: DOX, The Sandbox will make its North American premiere in the Official Selection, as part of the Digital Witnesses programme at the 2026 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival, taking place from April 23 – May 3, 2026, ahead of its broadcast and digital premiere on TVO in early 2027.

32nd Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival

                 ★★★★ (4 out of 4 stars)              ★★★★ (4 out of 4 stars)
                                      Variety                             Little White Lies                              

Runtime: 90 mins

Languages: English, Arabic, Greek, Somali

Country of Production: Canada

Countries of Filming: Canada, USA, Greece, Italy, Germany, Kenya, South Africa

Screening Times:

April 25, 2026 – 8:00 PM TIFF Cinemas 1
MAY 2, 2026 – 11:00 AM Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Produced by Shasha Nakhai and Kenya-Jade Pinto, TVO Original THE SANDBOX is executive produced by Rich Williamson, Bob Moore and Jennifer Baichwal, with Shane Smith as Production Executive and Alexandra Roberts as Commissioning Editor, TVO Docs. Presented by EyeSteelFilm and TVO, the film is a Compy Films production, produced with the participation of the Canada Media Fund, Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates and in association with Ford Foundation JustFilms.

#FIRSTLOOK: CRUNCHYROLL ANIME ANNOUNCE SPRING 2026 PROGRAMMING LINEUP

Crunchyroll have announced their Spring 2026 Anime programming lineup. Check it out!

MARCH 28

Agents of the Four Seasons: Dance of Spring (WIT Studio)

Winter was once the only season in the world-but such an existence was too lonely to bear, and so it created Spring to love. Before long, the earth wished for more time to rest in the cycle, and Summer and Autumn were born. The ones who carry the cycle are called the Agents of the Four Seasons. Hinagiku, the Agent of Spring, disappeared from this land ten years ago, taking the season of spring with her. Now, after incredible hardship, she has returned to restore the cycle to its proper state-and, as in the myth passed down since the dawn of time, she sends her love to Winter. (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu

MARCH 31

The Food Diary of Miss Maid (EMT Squared and Magic Bus)

What’s a maid to do when she finds herself suddenly stuck in Japan for a year? Eat, of course! Follow maid-in-training Suzume Tachibana as she tries all sorts of Japanese food, from sweets like taiyaki and melon bread to savory snacks like takoyaki and onigiri! Be warned, though-while Suzume sates her appetite through delicious treat after delicious treat, she might just end up whetting yours! (Official Trailer)

The strongest job is apparently not a hero or a sage, but an appraiser (provisional)! (Studio Flad)

Hibiki, a high school student who was suddenly transferred to another world, wanders alone in a vast grassland of a fantasy world where monsters inhabit. All he has are non-combat skills such as “Appraisal”! From a hopeless situation, he is saved by encounters, and his all-powerful abilities blossom! An another world adventure tale of miraculous reversal cheats burst forth! (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: Arabic

APRIL 1

Dorohedoro Season 2 (MAPPA) 

In the lawless district known as Hole, sorcerers from another world use its residents as guinea pigs for their twisted magic. Caiman is one of those victims—left with a lizard head and no memory of his past, he’s now on a brutal quest for answers. To reclaim his true face and forgotten past, he and his partner Nikaido hunt sorcerers, hoping to uncover the truth behind his transformation. *Season 1 is also now available to stream on Crunchyroll. (Official Trailer)

Go For It, Nakamura-kun!! (Drive)

Love at first sight is no myth—just ask Okuto Nakamura. Whenever his dreamy classmate Aiki Hirose enters the room, his heart skips a beat, despite the fact that they’ve never actually spoken. Not to mention, Nakamura is a complete klutz with zero friends. Will he ever break out of the friendzone? (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and French

The Beginning After the End Season 2 (A-CAT)

Arthur, now an adventurer, completes quest after quest alongside Jasmine, honing his swordsmanship and mana. One day, Brald, an AA-ranked adventurer, invites them to participate in a certain quest. Though Arthur and his companions wonder why they were chosen, Arthur decides to accept it as his final quest before entering the Academy. However, an unimaginable tragedy awaits them. (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, and Hindi

Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon Season 3 (Studio Gokumi and AxsiZ)

The future of this fantasy world now lies in the hands of…a vending machine! Boxxo was once a human, until he died in an accident and was reincarnated as a sentient piece of machinery. While he can still hear and see, there’s no way for him to move by himself or speak more than his programmed phrases. How can he make the most of this strange new life? (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Hindi, Thai, Indonesian, and Tagalog

Classroom of the Elite 4th Season: Second Year, First Semester (Lerche)

Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School promises a perfect future, but only the strongest can claim it. After a crushing defeat sends Ayanokoji’s class back to Class D, they start their second year at the bottom yet again. As bonds deepen and loyalties shift, a new exam pairs them with incoming students—one of whom is a White Room assassin. A new semester of deception and strategy begins! (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, and German

APRIL 2

Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE Cour 3 (TMS Entertainment)

After the battle on Treasure Island, Senku and the gang return to the Kingdom of Science. With their sights set on the Moon, they must first voyage to the Americas in hopes of beginning to harvest the required materials. Through teamwork and science, they continue the fight to save humanity once and for all! (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Castilian Spanish, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Arabic

APRIL 3

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 4 (8bit)

Demon Lord Rimuru’s dream of creating an alliance between humans and monsters takes a step closer to being realized. As Tempest continues to prosper, Granville Rozzo and his granddaughter, Maribel Rozzo, clash with Demon Lord Rimuru over their plan to protect mankind by ruling over them. Meanwhile, in El Dorado, Demon Lord Leon works toward goals of his own. The awakening of a new Hero draws near! (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Castilian Spanish, Arabic, Tamil and Telugu

SNOWBALL EARTH (Studio KAI)

Yukio was destroyed in battle and Tetsuo survived in an escape pod. After eight years in cold sleep, the escape pod finally lands back on Earth. But when Tetsuo emerges he finds a world in ruins, entirely frozen beneath a blanket of ice and snow—snowball Earth! What happened to humanity, how did the planet freeze over, and will Tetsuo be able to keep his last promise to Yukio? (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: Hindi

The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten 2 (project No.9)

To thank him for his kind gesture, Mahiru cooks and cleans for her untidy neighbor Amane. But what was just a generous show of gratitude turns into more as they grow closer. This is the story of a sweet romance between a boy and the girl next door. (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: Hindi

APRIL 4

Daemons of the Shadow Realm (bones film)

In a world where certain humans command mighty supernatural duos called Daemons, it is the birthright of “the children who sunder day and night”—twins Yuru and Asa—to rule over these powerful entities. Separated from a young age and unaware of the truth of their birth, brother and sister must fight to make their way back to each other, claim their birthright, and save the world… (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Castilian Spanish, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Arabic

NEEDY GIRL OVERDOSE (Yostar Pictures)

In a world where likes are currency and every viewer is a judge, OMGkawaiiAngel—also known as KAngel—is determined to become the ultimate “Internet Angel.” Yet beneath her pastel smile and lively streams, there’s more than meets the eye. (Official Trailer)

Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun Season 4 (Bandai Namco Pictures)

Suzuki Iruma faces a new challenge with the Music Festival. Bonds of friendship are put to the test when the students are told to get all thirteen members of the Misfit Class to Rank 4. This impossible goal can only be achieved by winning the Music Festival. Upon learning that one of the students is a demon who is not allowed to stand out, they wonder how they can all perform on that stage?! (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and German

Ascendance of a Bookworm: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke (WIT Studio)

In a world ruled by magical nobles, Myne dreams of creating books where none exist. When her immense power draws deadly attention, she assumes a new identity as Rozemyne, leaving her family and past behind. In a society driven by ambition, secrets, and schemes, she must outwit conspirators, protect those she loves, and fight to bring books and hope to a world that has long forgotten both. (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English and German

Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods (JUVENAGE)

Deep in the countryside, Minato Kusunoki is left in charge of a terrifying house overflowing with evil spirits—or at least it was, until his extraordinary ability cleared them all out! Instead, a procession of unique and peculiar gods is drawn to the comfort of the purified Kusunoki residence, and Minato spends his days relaxing in the company of his spiritual neighbors. What else lies in store for Minato as he lives peacefully surrounded by gods?  (Official Trailer)

Mistress Kanan is Devilishly Easy (Studio KAI)

Kanan, the beautiful and alluring “Gourmet Devil”, descends upon a high school in the human world to devour young, sweet souls, and her first sacrifice is Yoji Kugi. However, she and Kugi end up making a romantic contract?! For the innocent Kanan, who has lived for thousands of years without experiencing first love, every day is filled with excitement! Going home together?! Holding hands?! Going on dates?! A first time XX?!?!?!?! A first-love rom-com about a cute and simple-minded devil begins♪ (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English and German

APRIL 5

ONE PIECE– Elbaph Arc (Toei Animation)

After a daring escape from the Future Island Egghead, the Straw Hat Crew set their course for a legendary destination. Joined by the mighty Giant Warrior Pirates, they finally reach Elbaph, the long-awaited Land of Giants.

New encounters with Giants, and long hoped-for reunions unfold. A colossal new chapter begins as the crew heads into an adventure unlike anything before, all in the pursuit of the ultimate treasure, the “One Piece!” (Official Trailer)

GHOST CONCERT : missing Songs (ENGI)

In 2045, when singing is forbidden, a high school girl hears the ghostly voice that possesses her and grants great power. (Official Trailer)

APRIL 6

Witch Hat Atelier (BUG FILMS) *Double Premiere of Episodes 1 and 2

In a world where only witches can cast magic, they must avoid being seen by ordinary people while casting. While Coco does her chores, she daydreams of becoming a witch. When a young witch named Qifrey visits her village, Coco uncovers the “absolute secret,” becomes Qifrey’s apprentice, and begins her studies. This is the story of children who encounter despair, yet reach out toward hope. (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Castilian Spanish, and Arabic

LIAR GAME (MADHOUSE)

When Nao Kanzaki receives a strange letter and a suitcase containing 100 million yen, she learns that she has been selected to participate in the LIAR GAME. In this high-stakes psychological battle, lies, deception, and betrayal reign supreme. Naïve and honest, Nao turns to Shinichi Akiyama, a brilliant former con artist, to survive the twisted game. In a game built on lies, can honesty prevail? (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, and Indonesian

An Observation Log of My Fiancée Who Calls Herself a Villainess (Ashi Production)

Bertia is reincarnated into her favorite otome game—not as the heroine, but as the villainess engaged to the perfect Crown Prince Cecil! Fully aware that her role is to sabotage his future romance, she’s determined to bloom as a wicked flower and wither away according to the story. But no matter how hard she tries to scheme, her “evil” plans only make her more endearing! (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, and Indonesian

The Klutzy Class Monitor and the Girl with the Short Skirt (Zero-G)

Every morning, Sakuradaimon-kun enforces the rules at the school gate, stopping Poem-chan for her too-short skirt. But when they’re thrown together in remedial class, she discovers his secret—the serious, uptight Sakuradaimon-kun is hopeless at studying! As they clash, bicker, and stumble through school life together, the two opposites slowly draw closer and form an unexpected friendship. (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English

APRIL 7

MARRIAGETOXIN (bones film)

For centuries, the deadly arts have been perfected by Masters, and Five Great Families hold the greatest power and influence. Hikaru Gero, an heir to the Gero family, lives in the underworld as an elite assassin. When his sister is pressured to produce an heir, Hikaru asks Mei Kinosaki, a brilliant marriage swindler, to find him a bride. The most challenging mission of his life begins! (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu

Eren the Southpaw (Signal.MD and Production I.G)

As high school reaches its midpoint, Koichi Asakura—who dreams of studying design at art school—has his plans shaken by explosive graffiti on a museum wall. The artist is Eren Yamagishi, a left-handed girl who buried her talent after a past incident. Drawn together by art, Koichi pursues design as Eren returns to painting, but fear, ambition, and old scars threaten their paths. (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Indonesian, and Arabic

Even a Replica Can Fall in Love (Voil)

When she doesn’t feel well, when there’s a test, when she doesn’t want to go to school… I take her place. I’m her replica. I’m not meant for anything else. But that changed when I fell in love. I wear my hair up so the boy I fell for knows it’s me. We skip school and promise to meet again tomorrow, and every day after. I’m her replica. Everything about me is borrowed and empty, but my heart is mine. (Official Trailer)

I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class (CONNECT)

Maki Maehara, the class outcast, finally makes his first friend: Umi Asanagi, the second-prettiest girl in class and the center of everyone’s attention. He’s convinced she’s out of his league, but as their unlikely friendship grows, Maki starts to wonder…could there be more than just friendship between them? (Official Trailer)

APRIL 8

Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World–Season 4 (WHITE FOX)

Natsuki Subaru, an ordinary high school student, is on his way home from the convenience store when he finds himself transported to another world. As he’s lost and confused in a new world where he doesn’t even know left from right, the only person to reach out to him was a beautiful girl with silver hair. Determined to repay her somehow for saving him from his own despair, Subaru agrees to help… (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Castilian Spanish, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Indonesian, and Polish

Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 5 (TMS Entertainment)

Kinoshita Kazuya is a 20-year-old failure of a college student. He managed to kiss his girlfriend once, but was dumped after a month. Completely spiteful, Kazuya uses a certain method to date a girl. He goes to their meeting place and suddenly hears, “You’re Kazuya-kun, right?” A beautiful girl brushing her long, black hair behind her ear was there, smiling at him. Her name was Mizuhara Chizuru. Something real is born after just a single rental! A reckless rom-com filled with love and excitement is about to begin! (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French and German

Gals Can’t Be Kind to Otaku!? (TMS Entertainment)

Takuya Seo is a quiet otaku who keeps a low profile at school—until two gals from his class start talking to him. The cool but scatterbrained Kei Amane and the cheerful, energetic Kotoko Ijichi couldn’t be more different, but the three soon bond over anime, games, and shared fandom. But one question remains: do nice gals who hang out with otaku really exist?! (Official Trailer)

APRIL 9

A Hundred Scenes of AWAJIMA (MADHOUSE)

Awajima Revue School, where countless girls from across the country flock in hopes of one day performing on the grand stage. While working toward achieving their dreams of stardom, the students find their time at Awajima is filled with as much friendship and admiration as competition and jealousy. The precious feelings of girls—classmates and rivals at the same time—are tenderly captured in the portraits of this ensemble cast! (Official Trailer)

Kujima: Why Sing, When You Can Warble? (Studio Hibari)

In the fall of his first year of middle school, Arata Kouda meets Kujima, a strange, talkative creature that’s neither bird nor human. What begins as a small act of kindness turns into an unexpected stay at the Kouda household. Meant to be only until spring, Kujima’s clumsy warmth, soft cries, and gentle mystery quietly become part of the family’s days, weaving tender, fleeting bonds. (Official Trailer)

The Warrior Princess and the Barbaric King (Jumondou)

Serafina, the West’s fiercest knight, expected torture when captured by barbarians. Instead, she got a marriage proposal! Marrying her sworn enemy is a hard no! But after seeing her wedding captor’s culture and very pretty face, she may be tempted to swap her sword for a wedding veil. Get ready for the ultimate enemies-to-maybe-lovers arc. (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, French, German, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Indonesian, and Arabic

APRIL 10

The Drops of God (Satelight)

When world-renowned wine critic Toyotaka Kanzaki passes away, he leaves behind an enviable collection. The will promises his estate to whoever correctly guesses the brand and year of the 12 greatest wines he selected, and the legendary wine that stands atop them all, “Drops of God.” The challengers are Toyotaka’s son, Shizuku Kanzaki, and a young critic, Issei Tomine, who was adopted by Toyotaka. (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English and French

Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When Drunk (Soigne)

The story of the series follows Botan Kamiina, a first year university student who tries drinking for the first time when she meets her dorm supervisor, third year student Ibuki Tonami, who enjoys alcohol but doesn’t like to drink in public. The two become friends and sample different drinks while living in Chichibu. (Official Trailer)

APRIL 12

Wistoria: Wand and Sword Season 2 (Actas and Bandai Namco Pictures)

In a world where magic reigns, Will Serfort can’t cast a spell. Though hardworking, Will’s classmates think less of him for it. However, he has a secret strength: his sword. Can Will defy expectations with muscle over magic and blade over wand? Find out in this epic sword-and-sorcery adventure! (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Castilian Spanish, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu

APRIL 14

I Want to End This Love Game (FelixFilm)

Childhood friends Yukiya and Miku share everything…except their feelings. Ever since sixth grade, they’ve played a “love game”: they take turns saying “I love you” and whoever gets flustered first loses. Now in high school, their hearts are closer than ever—but will they finally find the courage to confess? (Official Trailer)

• Dubs include: English, Latin American Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese

SERIES CONTINUING FROM WINTER 2026

• Case Closed (Detective Conan) (TMS Entertainment) – New episodes on Saturdays
• Digimon Beatbreak (Toei Animation) – New episodes on Saturdays
• Scum of the Brave (OLM) – New episodes on Saturdays
• Star Detective Precure! (Toei Animation) – New episodes on Saturdays

WINTER 2026 SEASON FINALES

Dates listed below reflect subtitled simulcast episodes only and are subject to change

MARCH 26

• JUJUTSU KAISEN Season 3

MARCH 27

• Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2

MARCH 28

• TRIGUN STARGAZE

#FIRSTLOOK: “THE SHEEP DETECTIVE 2” TRAILER

In this witty, new breed of mystery, George (Hugh Jackman) is a shepherd who reads detective novels to his beloved sheep every night, assuming they can’t possibly understand. But when a mysterious incident disrupts life on the farm, the sheep realize they must become the detectives. As they follow the clues and investigate human suspects, they prove that even sheep can be brilliant crime-solvers.

Directed by: Kyle Balda

Screenplay and Screen Story by: Craig Mazin

Based on the novel by: “Three Bags Full” by Leonie Swann

Produced by: Lindsay Doran, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner

Executive Producers: Sarah-Jane Wright, Amelia Granger, Aditya Sood, Tyson Hesse, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Tim Wellspring

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon with Hong Chau and Emma Thompson

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein, Rhys Darby

Genre: Family, Mystery, Comedy

Rating: PG for thematic material, some violent content and brief language

#FIRSTLOOK: POSTMEDIA AND ELEVATION PICTURES PARTNER TO FINANCE, DEVELOP AND LAUNCH CANADIAN FEATURES

Postmedia Studios, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. (“Postmedia”), and Elevation Pictures’ production division, announced a new collaboration to finance, develop, and launch select Canadian feature projects.

Fire Weather, a feature documentary commissioned by CBC and produced by Elevation Pictures and Mercury Films, will be the first project advanced through the partnership. The film, inspired by John Vaillant’s best-selling book and directed by Jennifer Baichwal (left above) and Nicholas de Pencier (right above), delves into the human, environmental, and societal impacts of wildfires and the lives forever changed by these events. Postmedia will launch coordinated, multi‑platform promotions across its brands in conjunction with the film’s theatrical release.

Postmedia Studios combines its national audience reach and data insights with new financing models that support the development, production and successful release of films. This helps partners launch their projects with impact in Canada and build momentum internationally. By working together, Postmedia’s reach and Elevation’s production expertise aim to create more opportunities for Canadian storytelling.

“Postmedia Studios is focused on connecting Canadian stories with audiences at scale, and this collaboration represents a powerful new pathway for filmmakers,” said Erika Tustin, Vice President, Content Monetization at Postmedia. “By leveraging Postmedia’s strengths, reach and data insights, along with investment in select projects, we can champion stories like Fire Weather and their success in markets across the country.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with Postmedia Studios on a model that helps create new opportunities for filmmakers,” said Noah Segal, Co-President of Elevation Pictures. “This is the first example of how strategic partnerships will strengthen and scale Elevation’s content creation efforts.”

Postmedia Studios continues to expand partnerships that leverage its national media network to drive audience growth from theatrical release through the full content lifecycle.

About Postmedia Studios
Postmedia Studios is dedicated to advancing Canada’s media landscape through innovative content creation and storytelling. Leveraging Postmedia’s journalistic excellence, intellectual property, and extensive archival resources, Postmedia Studios collaborates with creators to deliver high‑impact content that captivates and inspires audiences.

About Elevation Pictures
Founded in 2013, Elevation has become Canada’s leading entertainment company specializing in distribution and production. Elevation’s recent production projects include Golden Globe-nominated French Exit, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Lucas Hedges; Alice, Darling, starring Anna Kendrick; Infinity Pool, starring Mia Goth and Alexander Skarsgård; A Good Person, starring Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman; Bonjour Tristesse, starring Chloë Sevigny and Lily McInerny; documentary Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery, directed by Ally Pankiw and co-produced with Dan Levy; and upcoming title Rapture, directed by Jordan Tannahill.

The distribution arm is best known for releasing The Imitation Game, Moonlight, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Brother, BlackBerry and Anora. Most recent theatrical releases include Marty Supreme, Sentimental Value, It Was Just an Accident, The Secret Agent, Shelter, and Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie. For more information, please visit elevationpictures.com

About Postmedia Network Inc.

Postmedia Network Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (TSX:PNC.A, PNC.B), is a Canadian newsmedia company representing more than 110 brands across multiple print, online, and mobile platforms. Award-winning journalists and innovative product development teams bring engaging content to millions of people every week whenever and wherever they want it. This exceptional content, reach and scope offers advertisers and marketers compelling solutions to effectively reach target audiences. Our expertise in home delivery and expanding distribution network powers Postmedia Parcel Services. For more information visit: www.postmedia.com, www.postmediasolutions.com, and www.postmediaparcelservices.com.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER AND POSTER FOR “FUZE”

FUZE is in theatres April 24, 2026. Today we get a new Trailer and poster for this VVS FILMS release.

Set in contemporary London, Fuze unfolds after an unexploded World War II bomb is unearthed at a busy construction site, forcing a massive citywide evacuation. Amid the escalating tension and chaos, a daring criminal operation is set in motion—one that uses the evacuation as cover for a meticulously planned heist. As authorities race against time to contain the crisis, alliances blur and moral boundaries are crossed, the film deftly propels audiences through a series of calculated twists delivering a wildly entertaining ride.

Directed by David Mackenzie and starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, Saffron Hocking, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Elham Ehsas, and Sam Worthington.

#FIRSTLOOK: “NOBODY WANTS THIS” SEASON 3 BEGINS PRODUCTION

Netflix today announced that the highly-anticipated third season of Nobody Wants This has begun production in Los Angeles, CA. The hit comedy will return with its third season, slated to premiere on Netflix in 2026.

Returning series regulars include: Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons and Jackie Tohn.

Nobody Wants This has captivated audiences around the globe. Seasons 1 and 2 have spent a combined 12 weeks in the Netflix Global English TV top 10, reaching the top 10 in 89 countries and #1 in 43 countries. Following the October 23, 2025 premiere of season 2, fans were eager to relive the couple’s meet-cute, propelling Season 1 back into the top 10 list.

The show joins other recent Netflix productions in Los Angeles including Running Point S2, The Lincoln Lawyer S4, the upcoming film Animals from director Ben Affleck, BEEF S2 from creator Lee Sung Jin, Monster S4 from creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, and the weekly talent competition series Star Search.

Season 2 Synopsis: First comes love, then comes life. The last time we saw agnostic podcast host Joanne (Kristen Bell) and unconventional (hot) rabbi Noah (Adam Brody), their unmatched chemistry surprised everyone in their lives, including her sister Morgan (Justine Lupe), his brother Sasha (Timothy Simons) and sister-in-law Esther (Jackie Tohn), and even themselves. Their spark proved stronger than all of the obstacles trying to keep them apart. Now, they’re back and fully committed to merging their lives – and loved ones — together. But their differences still exist and can’t be ignored. The challenge now is not just falling in love against all odds, but staying together in spite of them.

Creator: Erin Foster

Executive Producers: Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan are executive producers and showrunners. Erin Foster, Kristen Bell, Sara Foster, Nora Silver, Steven Levitan, Danielle Stokdyk and Jeff Morton are also executive producers, along with Oly Obst who executive produces for 3arts. The series is produced by 20th Television.

On-Set BTS Images featuring cast members Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Jackie Tohn, Justine Lupe and Timothy Simons linked here.

For more about Nobody Wants This, please visit TUDUM.com

#FIRSTLOOK: “NORTH OF NORTH”, “40 ACRES”, AND “HEATED RIVALRY” LEAD 2026 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) announced today the nominees for the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards, recognizing excellence across 146 categories in film, television, and digital media. The 14th annual awards will be presented over four days in Toronto during Canadian Screen Week 2026. The celebrations will culminate in The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards, hosted by Andrew Phung, broadcasting and streaming on Sunday, May 31 at 8:00 PM (9:00 AT, 9:30 NT) on CBC, CBC Gem, Crave, CTV, Global, and STACKTV.

Television series North of North tops both television and overall nominations with 20, including Best Comedy Series, presented by Lionsgate Canada; Best Ensemble Performance, Comedy; and Anna Lambe for Best Lead Performer, Comedy. Heated Rivalry scores 18 nominations, including Best Drama Series, presented by Blink49 Studios, followed by Small Achievable Goals with 12.

In film, 40 Acres leads nominations with 10, including Best Motion Picture; and nods for R.T. Thorne for both Achievement in Direction and the John Dunning Best First Feature Film Award. Following with eight nominations are Follies | Folichonneries, Honey Bunch, and Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, while Blue Heron and Mile End Kicks both receive seven.

Settle Down earns the most digital media nominations with nine, including Alexander Nunez for Best Lead Performance, Web Program or Series; followed by 18 to 35 with five; and Coming Home, Cows Come Home, and Dying Seconds with four each.

“Canada’s creative community has experienced an extraordinary year, with bold storytelling and world-class talent capturing attention at home and around the globe,” said Tammy Frick, CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. “The momentum we’re seeing across film, television, and digital media speaks to the power of our industry, and we’re proud to celebrate the innovation and diverse voices that carry Canada’s screen sector to new heights.”

The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards also features the debut of the Spotlight Award categories, which are presented to eligible Canadians working on non-Canadian certified television series. Wayward leads the inaugural Spotlight Award nominations with seven, including the Spotlight Award for Best Series. The Way Home received four nominations, followed by Jane with three.

For a complete list of 2026 Canadian Screen Award nominees, please visit academy.ca/nominees.

Winners will be unveiled during Canadian Screen Week 2026, taking place from Wednesday, May 27 to Sunday, May 31 at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto. Over the course of six award presentations, nominees and winners will be recognized alongside this year’s Special Award recipients, leading up to the finale: The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards. Hosted by Andrew Phung, the ceremony will be broadcast and streamed on Sunday, May 31 at 8:00 PM ET on CBC, CBC Gem, Crave, CTV, Global, and STACKTV. For a full listing of 2026 Canadian Screen Awards and programming, visit CanadianScreenWeek.ca.

Nominees for the Canadian Screen Awards are chosen by voting members of the Canadian Academy and by nominating juries, conducted virtually with representatives from the film, television, and digital media industries. The membership will now cast their votes between Thursday, March 26, 2026 and Monday, April 13, 2026 to determine the winners. For information on how to become a member, visit academy.ca/members.

Tickets for the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards are now on sale. Canadian Screen Award nominees and guests can book their tickets online at academy.ca/boxoffice.

About the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is the largest non-profit professional arts organization in Canada with a membership of more than 3,500 emerging and established English and Francophone industry professionals. Founded in 1979, the Canadian Academy is dedicated to recognizing, celebrating, and advocating for Canadian talent in the film, television, and digital media sectors while remaining committed to nurturing all levels of talent through professional development, networking opportunities, and guidance that contribute to industry growth, inclusion, and mentorship. The Canadian Academy annually produces the Canadian Screen Awards, bringing together the screen-based industries to honour and celebrate the country’s top talent in Canadian film, digital media, and English-language television, as well as the Gémeaux Awards, which recognize the best in French-language television and digital media productions in Canada.

​​The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television proudly acknowledges the support of its Leading Media Partner, CBC; Premier Partner, Telefilm Canada; Platinum Partner, Bell Media; and its Lead Partners, Netflix, the Canada Media Fund, Cineplex, and the Cogeco Fund.

For information on membership and programming visit academy.ca.