Ron Dias’ MORNINGSIDE quietly filmed here in the east end and we were so intrigued. Thrilled to see thia new Trailer!! In theatres February 21, 2025.

Synopsis:

When gentrification threatens to tear apart a tight-knit Toronto community, the lives of seven unforgettable characters collide at Scarborough’s Morningside community Centre. Watch as award-winning director Ron Dias brings together an all-star Canadian cast in this powerful story about fighting for home. Starring: Fefe Dobson (Two-time Juno Award Winner) Kiana Madeira (Fear Street Trilogy) Lovell Adams-Gray (Power Book II: Ghost) Alex Mallari Jr. (Ginny & Georgia) Oluniké Adeliyi (The Porter) Brandon McKnight (The Flash) Joanne Jansen (Shadowhunters)

(Photo/video credit: The Impact Series)

Robbie Williams’ Musical Biopic BETTER MAN is soon before us. Here is a new Featurette about the idea behind this original Musical! And also checkout FORBIDDEN ROAD, an original song from the upcoming film. BETTER MAN IS IN SELECT THEATRES ON DECEMBER 25, 2024 AND NATIONWIDE ON JANUARY 10, 2025

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

Better Man is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the film is uniquely told from Williams’ perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist – all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.

Paramount Pictures and Sina Studios and Facing East Entertainment Present

A Lost Bandits / Footloose Production

In Association with Azure Centrum / Partizan Films / Rocket Science / RPW Productions / VicScreen

A Michael Gracey Film

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

Zhe Chen, Robbie Williams, Markus Barmettler, Philip Lee, Li-Wei Chu, Michael Loney, Thorsten Schumacher, Lars Sylvest, Mark Williams, Gregory Jankilevitsch, Klaudia Smieja, David Ravel, Domenic Benvenuto, Gianni Benvenuto, Zoran Stojkovic, Dean Hood, David Conley, Daniel Fluri, Adrian Grabe, Andres Kernen, Slava Vladimirov, Jared Underwood, Andrew Robinson

PRODUCED BY

Paul Currie, p.g.a., Michael Gracey, p.g.a., Coco Xiaolu Ma, Jules Daly, Craig McMahon

WRITTEN BY

Simon Gleeson, Oliver Cole, Michael Gracey

DIRECTED BY

Michael Gracey

STARRING

Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Alison Steadman, Kate Mulvany, Frazer Hadfield, Tom Budge, Anthony Hayes

MAISON 4:3 and Metafilms are pleased to highlight that the film UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE, directed by Matthew Rankin, has just taken an important step in the race for the Oscar for Best International Film by being selected in the shortlist of nominees. Having celebrated its world premiere at the Quinzaine des Cinéastes in Cannes last May, where it was awarded the Chantal Akerman prize, UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE has been selected for 90 film festivals across the globe, winning 15 awards to date. The film was honoured at the Toronto International Film Festival as Best Canadian Discovery and the Bright Horizons Award at the Melbourne International Film Festival. UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE has been sold in more than 30 countries and will be released in theatres across Canada beginning January 24, 2025, in Matthew’s hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The film stars the filmmaker himself, as well as Mani Soleymanlou (MY BROTHER’S WIFE, BEFORE THE CRASH), Danielle Fichaud (ALINE), Pirouz Nemati (ANOTHER WORD FOR LEARNING) and newcomers Rojina Esmaeili, Saba Vahedyousefi and Sobhan Javadi, for the first time on screen.

Somewhere between Tehran and Winnipeg. Negin and Nazgol find a sum of money frozen in the winter ice and try to get it out. Massoud leads a group of confused tourists through increasingly more absurd monuments and historic sites in Winnipeg. Matthew quits his job at the Québec government and embarks upon a mysterious journey to visit his mother. Time, geography and personal identities crossfade, interweave and collide into a surreal comedy of disorientation.

Co-written by Matthew Rankin, Pirouz Nemati, and Ila Firouzabadi, UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE is Matthew Rankin’s second feature film following the acclaimed TWENTIETH CENTURY, which won the FIPRESCI Prize at the 2020 Berlinale. Shot in French and Persian in Montréal and in Winnipeg, the film is produced by Sylvain Corbeil for Metafilms with the participation of Telefilm Canada, SODEC and provincial tax credits from Québec and Manitoba. International sales are handled by BFF. Oscilloscope Laboratories distributes in the United States.

UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE is distributed in Canada by Maison 4:3 and will be released theatrically on January 24, 2025, in Winnipeg, with other major cities to open in the weeks following. The Toronto Film Critics Association will announce the winner of the Rogers Canadian Film Award in a gala event on February 24, 2025.

ABOUT MAISON 4:3

Maison 4:3 is a film distribution company founded in 2014. A boutique distributor, the company leverages its experience and knowledge of the independent film space to implement launch strategies and support for filmmakers at all stages of development and release. Maison 4:3 is passionate about deeply human projects that are both meaningful and unique.

ABOUT METAFILMS

Metafilms is a production house based in Montreal founded in 2003 to offer young, unique authors the means to express their vision of cinema and the world. To date, Metafilms has produced 23 feature-length, 28 short and medium-length films, as well as 7 music videos. All the films have been widely distributed in prestigious international festivals (Cannes, Berlin, Locarno, Sundance, Toronto, San Sebastian, Rotterdam, Karlovy Vary, etc.), acclaimed (Jury Prize at Cannes for MOMMY, (Silver Bear at the Berlinale for VIC + FLO SAW A BEAR), (Best Canadian Feature Film at TIFF for FÉLIX AND MEIRA), (Jury’s coup de coeur prize at Cannes for LA FEMME DE MY BROTHER), (Canada’s choice for the 2024 Oscars for ROJEK), (César for Best Foreign Film for SIMPLE LIKE SYLVAIN) with sales all over the world. Very recently, Metafilms has been developing an emerging creators program with Rosalie Chicoine Perreault and Catherine Boily.

Focus Features and Universal Pictures Canada will release
BLACK BAG In Theatres Nationwide on Friday, March 14, 2025. Today we get a new Trailer for this latest film from visionary Steven Soderbergh.

Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Written by: David Koepp
Producers: Casey Silver, Greg Jacobs
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page, and Pierce Brosnan
Synopsis: From Director Steven Soderbergh, BLACK BAG is a gripping spy drama about legendary intelligence agents George Woodhouse and his beloved wife Kathryn. When she is suspected of betraying the nation, George faces the ultimate test – loyalty to his marriage or his country.

This month Pluto TV, a global leader and Canada’s most popular* free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service, marked two-years in Canada. The service has seen growth of up to 1.7 billion total viewing minutes (TVMs) per month, with its monthly average up 40% from last year**. The success is driven by Pluto TV’s vast network of content and growing distribution partnerships, with 13 distribution partners as well as 108 new full-time channels added this past year alone. Today, Pluto TV’s channels are more than double its launch-offering, with 243 FAST channels, and over 50,000 hours of hit movies, shows, documentaries, news, and music, available both live and on demand.

“Canadians are clearly and consistently connecting with Pluto TV’s diverse content offering,” said Katrina Kowalski, SVP Content Strategy & Acquisitions, Pluto TV International. “As our content offering builds and awareness of our service expands across a wide range of distribution partners, we’re seeing continued growth in monthly viewership, and our audience is skewing younger with the A18-49 audience demographic having grown from just over a third to more than half of viewers on the platform.”***

Pluto TV prides itself in offering a human-led curation of programming based on what resonates most. Pluto TV’s wide variety of genres and content categories include Crime Drama, True Crime, Classic TV, Classic TV Comedy, Sci-Fi and Supernatural, Comedy, Drama, Movies, Game Shows, Reality, Competition Reality, News and Opinion, Local News (which includes 15 local Canadian news channels live), Home and DIY, Food, Kids, French, Sports, Anime, and Music.

This year, Pluto TV’s success within Canada continues to be driven by new channels and content partnerships including as NBCUniversal (NBCU) Global TV Distribution, FIFA+, IndiaCast, CBC, A+E Networks, Fremantle and more. New and upcoming channel highlights include:

New Local Canadian Channels:

Pluto TV’s extensive channel offering expanded this month to include three new CBC News Channels (CBC News Toronto, CBC News BC, and Radio-Canada INFO) that joined the previously launched CBC News Explore, expanding Pluto TV’s coverage of Canadian news and providing viewers with access to up-to-the-minute reports and analysis.

NBCUniversal:

Pluto TV announced a new partnership with NBCU Global TV Distribution to bring an exciting array of comedy, dramedy, iconic action, and fan favourites to viewers. In Canada, Pluto TV is proud to introduce all seasons of critically acclaimed WILL & GRACE as the crown jewel of the More Pluto TV Comedy Channel, alongside other great comedies such as BECKER, WINGS, and DEAR JOHN. The nostalgia continues with THE A-TEAM on Pluto TV 80’s Action, and QUANTUM LEAP on Pluto TV Sci-Fi.

Seasons Greetings Category:

Pluto TV is in the Holiday spirit with the launch of the Season’s Greetings Category, featuring festive channels like Christmas 365 and More Christmas 365 bringing feel good movies all day long, including INVENTING THE CHRISTMAS PRINCE, A LITTLE CHRISTMAS CHARM, CHRISTMAS AT DOLLYWOOD, LOVE IN WINTERLAND, A CHRISTMAS TREASURE, and THE HOLIDAY SITTER

Pluto TV Advent Calendar:

A new holiday movie will be revealed each night until Wednesday, December 25.

Pluto TV Hibernation Movies:

Pop-up channel (beginning December 23 until March 2), this channel will feature big movies and big stars nightly starting at 6 p.m. ET.

MTV On Tour! Channel:

Pluto TV launched the extremely successful MTV On Tour! Channel, which features Taylor Swift music videos spanning all her Eras, and is now live through January 3.

Pluto TV Kids Movie Club:

Over the holiday season, (December 23 until January 5), this pop-up channel will feature kids movies all day long.

Pluto TV is available for free, with no subscription required. Canadian users can watch Pluto TV via web at www.pluto.tv, via the Pluto TV app for Apple, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Rogers Xfinity TV, Android TV, Samsung, LG, Tizen, Hisense, and Xbox devices, and via mobile apps on the App Store and Google Play. Visit Pluto TV Canada on Instagram and TikTok @plutotvca to get started on your free streaming journey.

KITTY’S BACK! Netflix series XO, KITTY will be back for a second season January 16, 2025. Here’s the new Trailer!

About XO, KITTY S2
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.
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
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)

BBC Studios and The Walt Disney Company today announced the first-ever animated feature film for “Bluey,” the beloved Emmy® and BAFTA Award-winning animated series. The new deal sees Disney acquiring the global theatrical rights for the film, which will land in cinemas in 2027 under the Disney banner. Following the global theatrical release, it will stream on Disney+.

Written and directed by “Bluey” creator Joe Brumm, the film is a Ludo Studio production in collaboration with BBC Studios. Delivering the same charm and humour that made the television series a global phenomenon, the movie will continue the adventures of Bluey, a loveable, inexhaustible, blue heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister, Bingo.

Joe Brumm, creator of “Bluey,” said: “I really enjoyed the experience of working with a longer format on ‘The Sign’ in Series 3, so going even further with a feature film feels like a natural extension of that. I’ve always thought ‘Bluey’ deserved a theatrical movie. I want this to be an experiential event for the whole family to enjoy together. I’m excited to continue to partner with Cecilia Persson, Tom Fussell and the team at BBC Studios, and Dana Walden, Alan Bergman and Disney to bring this new ‘Bluey’ story to the big screen.”

Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, co-chairmen, Disney Entertainment, said: “Since its debut on Disney Jr. and Disney+, ‘Bluey’ has become a global phenomenon, uniting families everywhere with its heartfelt stories of play, imagination and connection. We are so proud to expand upon our relationship with BBC Studios to bring the magic of ‘Bluey’ to the big screen – for real life! – and we are deeply grateful to Joe Brumm for creating a world that continues to inspire and delight families everywhere.”

Tom Fussell, CEO, BBC Studios, said: “We are incredibly excited to take ‘Bluey’ to cinemas given its extraordinary success on a global scale – it is some of the most popular IP in the world. It has been such a privilege to work with Joe and the team at Ludo on ‘Bluey’’s meteoric rise from inception through to becoming one of the most beloved TV shows of all time. BBC Studios has a long history of bringing the very best children’s television to the world in new and exciting ways, so working with Joe and the team, we felt a feature-length film was the natural next step. We are pleased to work with Disney on ‘Bluey’’s eagerly awaited theatrical debut and look forward to partnering with Dana, Alan, and the entire team on this momentous journey.”

Daley Pearson and Charlie Aspinwall, Co-Founders and Directors, Ludo Studio, said: “Over the past eight years, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary team of more than fifty artists and producers whose talent, dedication, and creativity have shaped ‘Bluey’ into the beloved series it is today. Their work has paved the way for this incredible opportunity to expand ‘Bluey’’s world onto the big screen. We’re excited to continue showing Queensland as a home for world-class talent and to share a new beautiful ‘Bluey’ story by Joe Brumm with families around the world.”

The film will star vocal talent from the hit show including Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack as Bluey’s mum and dad, Chilli and Bandit Heeler, and music created by “Bluey” composer Joff Bush.

The CG animated film will be produced by award-winning animation producer Amber Naismith (“Happy Feet,” “The Lego Movie,” “The Lego Batman Movie”) with Richard Jeffery returning to co-direct (“Bluey” Series 1-3), Joe Brumm is executive producer, with Charlie Aspinwall and Daley Pearson from Ludo Studio, alongside Justine Flynn for BBC Studios. For Disney, the film will be overseen by David Greenbaum, president of Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios, and his team.

BBC Studios is financing and licensing the picture for distribution. Post-production funding is from the Australian government through the Producer Offset and Screen Australia, and support from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Post, Digital and Visual Effects Incentive.

Disney will release the “Bluey” movie in theatres worldwide, followed by streaming on Disney+. The movie will also air on ABC iView and ABC Kids in Australia post-theatrical release.

Available in over 140 countries, “Bluey” is 2024’s most-watched series globally on Disney+. “Bluey” is also the No. 1 kids show on CBeebies and Disney+ in the UK. The show has also garnered numerous awards, including a 2024 Peabody Award and back-to-back Television Critics Association Awards in 2023 and 2024.

Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema is thrilled to present A Weekend with Bob Mackie, a two-day celebration honouring the life, artistry and immense cultural impact of the iconic American designer who brought sparkle to the worlds of fashion and entertainment. On January 18 and 19, 2025, the Cinema will screen the Canadian Premiere of the enthralling new documentary Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion (Matthew Miele | USA | 105 min. | 2024), offering unprecedented access into Mackie’s world and delving into his unique upbringing and the pivotal relationships that shaped his life and career. Both screenings will feature exclusive and insightful Q&As with Mr. Mackie and Joe McFate, who has served as Bob Mackie’s Design Director for over 26 years.

Bob Mackie is a legendary American costume and fashion designer whose illustrious career spans over six decades. Known for his daring, innovative designs, Mackie has dressed some of the world’s most iconic entertainers, including Cher, Carol Burnett, Diana Ross, Elton John, Miley Cyrus, P!nk, Tina Turner and Zendaya. His creations have left an indelible mark on both fashion and entertainment, from stage and television to film and the red carpet. With nine Emmy Awards, three Oscar nominations, and a Tony Award for his work on The Cher Show on Broadway, Mackie’s work continues to inspire and influence generations of designers, performers and fans around the world.

Directed by Matthew Miele, the acclaimed director behind Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s (2013) and Always at The Carlyle (2018), Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion showcases the six-decade career of the award-winning costume and fashion designer. And like his costumes, Bob Mackie is wholly unique and unfiltered, which makes for a compelling and candid subject. The film examines Bob’s unique upbringing, those whom he has held dear within his inner circle, and the familial surprises in his life that have all contributed to the optimism and audacity present in his work.

The film gives access to the full Bob Mackie archive, which has been meticulously kept and curated with many rare and unseen artifacts, including the outfits that didn’t make the cut. It also captures the over-the-top costumes as they get sequined and beaded from sketch to stage. Specific highlights include some of the soon-to-be lost art methods by old-world artisans that help make each outfit Mackie conjures something to behold and remember.

Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion includes original interviews with Bob Mackie clients and collaborators, along with those he has inspired—designers, stylists, comedians and actors—as well as Mackie’s first-person account of some of his most iconic looks from The Carol Burnett Show’s Scarlett O’Hara dress to Cher’s 1986 Academy Awards look and Tina Turner’s iconic concert costumes. Bob Mackie is a truly peerless and timeless designer, with interviews from Cher to Pink, to Tom Ford and Miley Cyrus, to RuPaul and Carol Burnett a testament to that fact.

A CONVERSATION WITH BOB MACKIE: NAKED ILLUSION
D: Matthew Miele | USA | 105 min | 2024
Bob Mackie, a six-decade costume and fashion designer, received the CFDA Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement award and Tony nomination for The Cher Show. His unique, unfiltered style has been showcased in a new documentary.

Saturday, January 18 / 7:00 PM
Sunday, January 19 / 2:00 PM

Tickets for Hot Docs Members will be available starting Tuesday, December 17, at 1 PM, with sales opening to the general public on Thursday, December 19, at 1 PM.

To buy tickets and learn more, please visit www.hotdocs.ca

Netflix today announced that the critically-acclaimed comedy series A Man on the Inside has been renewed for a second season, slated to premiere in 2025.

A Man on the Inside debuted atop Netflix’s most popular English TV List and has remained in the top 10 for three weeks since release. It was named one of AFI’s 2024 TV programs of the year and Ted Danson has been nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance by an actor in a comedy series.

Quote from Creator / Executive Producer Mike Schur as told to Tudum.com: “We are thrilled to make another season of A Man on the Inside, starring young up-and-comer Ted Danson. From our partners at Netflix and Universal TV to the writers, cast, and crew, it’s a truly exceptional team of talented and lovely people, with one notable exception (young up-and-comer Ted Danson, who’s kind of a nightmare).”

Quote from Tracey Pakosta, Netflix Vice President of Comedy Series: “A Man on The Inside found that sweet spot between funny, authentic and heartfelt, resonating across generations, and we are excited to continue this story with Mike, Ted, Universal Television and the entire team.”

Quote from Erin Underhill, President, Universal Television:: “A Man on the Inside is equal parts charming, emotional and funny with a brilliant cast that has made the first season such a delight. A massive thanks to Mike, Ted, the cast and crew, and Netflix for giving us even more reasons to laugh, shed a tear and definitely call our families.

About A Man on the Inside Season 1:

Charles (Ted Danson), a retired man, gets a new lease on life when he answers an ad from a PI and becomes a mole in a secret investigation. From creator Mike Schur, A MAN ON THE INSIDE is based on the documentary The Mole Agent, a 2021 Oscar® nominee for Best Documentary feature.

Executive Producers: Mike Schur (Fremulon), Morgan Sackett, David Miner (3 Arts Entertainment), Maite Alberdi and Marcela Santibañez (Micromundo Producciones), Julie Goldman and Christopher Clements (Motto Pictures)

Cast: Ted Danson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Stephanie Beatriz, Lilah Richcreek Estrada, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Sally Struthers, Margaret Avery, John Getz, Susan Ruttan, Lori Tan Chinn, Clyde Kusatsu, Marc Evan Jackson, Jama Williamson, Wyatt Yang, Deuce Basco, Lincoln Lambert, Kerry O’Malley.

Studio: Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group

This holiday season, Patois and JunePlum are bringing the festivities with heartfelt traditions, and a touch of nostalgic fun. From indulgent dining experiences to a one-of-a-kind Y2K-inspired market, these events bring the vibrancy of Toronto’s culinary and cultural scene to life.

Here’s what’s coming up during the 2024 Holidays!

Holiday Roast at Patois
Dec. 22 & Dec. 23 | 12 PM – 8 PM Chef Craig Wong brings his family tradition to life with a holiday roast featuring classic prime rib, oxtail gravy, and all the fixings. Perfect for celebrating with loved ones! (7 courses, $85/pp, prix fixe menu)

New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu at Patois
Dec. 31 | Two seatings at 6 PM & 9 PM
To close out their 10th anniversary year and ring in 2025, Patois will be offering an innovative tasting menu celebrating a decade of culinary creativity with 8 courses including hamachi crudo, ravioli en brodo, pan seared scallop and more. ($105/pp, prix fixe menu)

Y2K Holidaze Pop-In Market at JunePlum
Dec. 16 & Dec. 17 | 12 PM – 7 PM
Relive the spirit of the 2000s at JunePlum’s Y2K Holidaze Pop-In Market in partnership with The Lounge to continue the legacy of the Community 54 cultural hangout. The market will feature curated one-of-a-kind pieces, exclusive and limited-edition streetwear, nostalgic décor, and unique gift ideas, this event blends throwback vibes with holiday cheer. Also, a portion of the proceeds will be going to the CAMH Youth Addiction & Concurrent Disorders Service.

More below on the menus:

All reservations are made via patoistoronto.com/book