#FIRSTLOOK: CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS 2025 DATE ANNOUNCEMENT

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is pleased to announce the official dates for the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards.

The annual award presentations, bringing together the screen-based industry to celebrate the country’s top talent in the film, television, and digital sectors, will take place from Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Nominees for the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards will be announced on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

#FIRSTLOOK: PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCED FOR 2024 TORONTO REEL ASIAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The 28th Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival (Reel Asian), Canada’s premiere pan-Asian festival, today announced its 2024 programming lineup. Opening the festival is Can I Get a Witness?, by veteran director and Reel Asian alum Ann Marie Fleming, and starring award-winning actor Sandra Oh. From November 13 to 24, 2024, the festival embraces diverse stories showcasing contemporary Asian cinema that bridge cultural divides and connect global communities.

This year’s lineup comprises 17 features and 49 shorts spanning all genres and ages from Canada, China, Indonesia, France, Pakistan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. For the first time, Reel Asian introduces Colliders, a new Shorts category in partnership with Indigenous storytellers from ImagineNATIVE. This new initiative invites audiences to explore the solidarity between Indigenous and settler Asian communities through storytelling dialogue.

Reel Asian will also present four innovative multimedia experiences through the RA:X programme and welcome several esteemed industry professionals for their Reel Ideas conference. For the full programming lineup and ticket information, visit reelasian.com.

“We are delighted to welcome audiences back to Reel Asian to celebrate the finest in global and homegrown Asian cinema from the diaspora across Canada,” said Deanna Wong, Executive Director of Reel Asian. “This year’s lineup is a testament to the exceptional talent our community brings to the industry, which grows stronger each year. We look forward to presenting these unique and captivating stories that will truly inspire and create deeper conversations in a safe and inclusive environment”.

Please see Reel Asian’s programming highlights below. For the full Festival programme and schedule, please visit reelasian.com or view the 2024 Programme Guide here.

FEATURES

[*] indicates expected attendance

CAN I GET A WITNESS (Opening Night)
Dir. Ann Marie Fleming * | Canada 2024 | 110 min. | English | AA
What would you give up to ensure a world with no war, no poverty, and a stable climate? Your phone? Your car? Your life? That’s the question that looms over Ann Marie Fleming’s near-future fable, where the solution to our world’s ills is for humans to die by their 50th year.

It’s not all doom and gloom. For teenage Kiah (Keira Jang), it’s her first day of work as a Documenter. Her world of peace in sun-soaked Powell River, B.C., is all she knows, and she’s getting trained by Daniel (Joel Oulette), a seasoned convener of death ceremonies. Meanwhile, Ellie (Sandra Oh) puts on a parent’s brave face for Kiah’s venture into adulthood while making her own empty-nest arrangements.
WED, NOV 13 • 7:00 PM • HOT DOCS TED ROGERS CINEMA

PIERCE
Dir. Nelicia Low | Taiwan, Singapore, Poland 2024 | 104 min. | Mandarin | AA | Toronto Premiere
Trouble seems to follow Jie and his family. Training to be a competitive fencer, Jie is lost, haunted by the childhood memory of a near-drowning incident with his menacing older brother Han. Years later, a teenage Han is imprisoned after killing a competitor during a fencing match (by accident, he swears). Meanwhile, Jie’s mother has been spiteful and distant ever since, with no love to give her younger son. So when Han is finally released from prison, Jie is desperate to have some family love restored — and eager for some helpful fencing and boy-friend dating tips, too. But is Han’s reformed presence for real?
THURS, NOV 14 • 5:30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

THE LAND OF MORNING CALM 아침바다 갈매기는
Dir. Park Ri-woong | South Korea 2024 | 114 min. | Korean | AA | International Premiere
Feeling stuck, young fisherman Yong-su sees no hope in his future – like a fish in a net. As a last resort, he plans an insurance scam by staging his disappearance, hoping to provide a better life for his Vietnamese wife and his ageing mother. At the centre of this scheme is his captain, Yeong-guk (Yoon Joo-sang), who reluctantly reports Yong-su missing. However, when Yong-su’s mother (Yang Hee-kyung) refuses to connect her son’s disappearance with his death, the white lie snowballs into something harder to chew.
THURS, NOV 14 • 8:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

BORROWED TIME 人海同游
Dir. Choy Ji | China 2023 | 93 min. | Cantonese | PG
While picking juicy lychees on an endless summer day, Ting is uneasy. She’s on the verge of marriage in her hometown in mainland China. Her father will not be there. He long ago left her and her mother to stay with his preferred family in Hong Kong — part of the legacy of men from the region who had extramarital affairs in China in the 1980s and ’90s. Before she ties the knot, Ting ventures to Hong Kong to find the father she’s never known. While on her journey, she finds she has other loose ends to tie up, too.
THURS, NOV 14 • 8:00 PM • TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX

FRESH OFF MARKHAM 敗走麥城
Dir. Kurt Yuen, Cyrus Lo and Trevor Choi * | Canada 2024 | 83 min | English, Mandarin, Cantonese | AA
Shan, an immigrant from Dongbei, China, settles in Markham, Ont., a suburb known for its welcoming Chinese community. There, Kevin, a fellow Dongbei local, pulls him into a scheme to rob a Japanese restaurant stealing business from Chinese locals. After the heist goes horribly wrong, they delve into the streets of Markham in a series of chaotic episodes. Fresh Off Markham functions as a satirical anthology, highlighting experiences and dilemmas that some Chinese immigrants encounter amidst relocation.
FRI, NOV 15 • 5:30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

BEN AND SUZANNE, A REUNION IN 4 PARTS
Dir. Shaun Seneviratne | USA 2024 | 110 min | English | AA
It’s the holidays, and Ben Santhanaraj shows up to Sri Lanka to see Suzanne Hopper, his long-distance partner who works there. Unfortunately, Suzanne’s been informed she now has to work through the holidays, thwarting their dream vacation plans (and his amorous intentions). They decide to go along with their itinerary, her laptop in tow, but nothing seems to work out as planned, leading to candid conversations and chaotic twists. Will their relationship endure — or have they grown too far apart?
FRI, NOV 15 • 5:30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

LAYLA
Dir. Amrou Al-Kadhi | UK 2024 | 99 min. | English Arabic | AA
Layla is a struggling Palestinian drag queen who often finds creative ways to make ends meet, surrounded by a small, supportive group of close friends within the North London queer scene. A stuffy corporate event performance goes terribly wrong, making Layla and their outrageous antics go viral, and they meet the seemingly-dull-in-comparison marketing executive Max. Despite their very different worlds, a transformative love affair ensues, much to the annoyance of Layla’s close friends, who are highly sceptical of how healthy or affirming this relationship could possibly be.
FRI, NOV 15 • 8:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

EXCLUSION: UNRAVELLING A CENTURY OF SILENCE
Dir. Keira Loughran * | Canada 2024 | 85 min. | English, Cantonese, Toisanese | GA
In 1923, Canada passed the ironically named Chinese Immigration Act — better known as the Chinese Exclusion Act — which for the next 24 years barred virtually any Chinese person from entering the country. They were the first ethnic group to be singled out in this way.

In her directorial debut, award-winning actor and playwright Keira Loughran traces her family’s history to show the act’s devastating impact on the Chinese community, focusing on her grandmother, activist Jean Lumb, who was the first Chinese Canadian woman to receive the Order of Canada. Among the many incidents igniting Lumb’s activism was the shocking revocation of her Canadian citizenship when she married Loughran’s Chinese-born grandfather — a lesser-known requirement of the act.
SAT, NOV 16 • 12:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

THE MOTHER AND THE BEAR
Dir. Johnny Ma * | Canada, Chile 2024 | 100 min. | English, Korean | AA
After a mysterious encounter leaves her daughter Sumi in a coma, Sara rushes from South Korea to Winnipeg to be by her side. As Sumi heals, Sara begins to unpack details of her life that her daughter never shared with her. On a mission to find a husband to take care of Sumi when she wakes, Sara ventures into the daunting unknowns of dating apps and Winnipeg winters, and finds out more about herself than she planned.
SAT, NOV 16 • 2.30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

LUCKY STAR
Dir. Gillian McKercher * | Canada 2024 | 85 min. | English | PG | Toronto Premiere
Deep in debt, with a house and a university-bound kid, plus a marriage on the rocks, reformed gambler Lucky sees his luck run out after getting scammed in a tax-fraud scheme. Ashamed and desperate to keep it from his family, he returns to underground backroom gambling dens, playing for big payouts to relieve the debt and win back his family’s favour. Meanwhile, each family member, unaware of Lucky’s troubles but feeling the money crunch, too, resorts to unsavoury means to dig out of their hole.
SAT, NOV 16 • 5:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

THE DRAFT! SETAN ALAS!
Dir. Yusron Fuadi *| Indonesia 2024 | 84 min. | Indonesian | AA
Five oblivious youths, a video camera, a remote rundown villa, and a creepy caretaker. Doesn’t it sound like the perfect recipe for a horror film? A mysterious death that soon follows takes the story on a route beyond the fourth wall. The group finds out that they’re characters of a screenplay, and that their smarts will dictate their survival.
SAT, NOV 16 • 7:30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

HOME COURT
Dir. Erica Tanamachi | USA 2024 | 98 min. | English | PG
At the heart of this captivating coming-of-age sports film is Ashley Chea, a Cambodian American basketball marvel whose high school career we follow. Hailing from a lower-class immigrant family that sought safety in the U.S. after the Khmer Rouge came to power, Chea is given the opportunity to attend a private school and thus pursue a coveted college basketball career. While her parents work vigorously at their doughnut store and can’t attend her games, Chea bonds with her Japanese American coach, who helps her with doctor’s appointments and even attaining her driver’s licence.
SUN, NOV 17 • 10:00 AM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

THE GLASSWORKER
Dir. Usman Riaz * | Pakistan 2024 | 98 Min | Urdu | PG | Toronto Premiere
A young, gifted Vincent and his father Tomas run the finest glass workshop in the country, creating delicate, magnificent pieces of art. Their close bond is soon put to the test with the arrival of an army colonel and his young, aspiring violinist daughter Alliz, to their hometown. Amidst the rumblings of an impending war, Vincent and Alliz eventually fall in love, a relationship that is continually opposed and challenged by their fathers.
SUN, NOV 17 • 1:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

ASHIMA
Dir. Kenji Tsukamoto | USA 2023 | 86 min. | English, Japanese | GA
What does greatness look like? What does it take to be great? In the documentary Ashima, greatness looks like Ashima Shiraishi, a modest but determined 13-year-old Japanese American rock-climbing prodigy. For her demanding father, Hisatoshi, a former Butoh dancer and Ashima’s coach, greatness requires discipline and intense focus. Together, they’ve embarked to South Africa to climb Golden Shadow, a famous V14 boulder, for Ashima to become the youngest woman to ever climb it.
SUN, NOV 17 • 4:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

HIS FATHER’S SON (Centrepiece Gala Presentation)
Dir. Meelad Moaphi * | Canada 2024 | 79 Min | English, Farsi | PG | Toronto Premiere
Amir is an aspiring chef trying to get ahead, but he can’t seem to break out and meet his own expectations or those of his parents, while his favoured younger brother Mahyar can seemingly do no wrong. When news from Iran arrives that a family friend has died and passed his entire inheritance solely to Mahyar, the mystery of the gift’s provenance begins to unravel the family’s story, the image of their parents, and the relationship between the two brothers.
SUN, NOV 17 • 7:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

NOBUKO MIYAMOTO: A SONG IN MOVEMENT
Dir. Quyên Nguyen-Le & Tadashi Nakamura | USA 2024 | 60 Min | English| GA | Toronto Premiere
Through the lens of directors Tadashi Nakamura and Quyên Nguyen-Le, this compelling documentary captures the bold journey of visionary artist-activist Nobuko Miyamoto. From her upbringing in a Japanese American internment camp to her breakthrough as a performer in films and on Broadway, Miyamoto reflects on how her personal encounters with racial injustice inspired her blending of artistic endeavours with Asian American advocacy. Her thoughtfully created music, dances, and theatre productions carry on to bridge cultural divides and facilitate mutual support among BIPOC communities.
TUE, NOV 19 • 7:00 PM • INNIS TOWN HALL

FILE NO. 2304
Dir. Alison S.M. Kobayashi * | Canada, USA 2024 | 5 Min | English | PG
After accessing the 119-page custodial file of her great-grandfather in the National Archives of Canada, Alison S.M. Kobayashi discovers new details about her Japanese family’s history and their lives before internment.
TUE, NOV 19 • 7:00 PM • INNIS TOWN HALL

NIKAH
Dir. Mukaddas Mijit & Bastien Ehouzan | France 2023 | 55 Min | Uyghur | PG | Canadian Premiere
Dilber is 27 years old, preparing for her younger sister Rena’s wedding while contemplating her own future. Despite the recent nuptials in the family, their mother continues to put pressure on Dilber to find a husband soon, responding to the heightened anxiety during a time when Uyghur people are being arrested without process or reason. Dilber’s friend in Paris convinces her to marry a young Uyghur man in France, a proposition that feels very attractive. But will it work out
WED, NOV 20 • 7:00 PM • INNIS TOWN HALL

SHORTS

This year’s Shorts programming includes:

LOVE ISLAND: Pulling you in closer, these films traverse the ebbs and flows of infatuation, fascination, longing, desire, and the release of letting go — all this to possibly feel our true selves more intimately.
FRI, NOV 15 • 8:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

AN UNFAMILIAR TALE: Family dynamics are complicated. No matter how intimately familiar kin can feel, there’s room for surprise to the point where we wonder if we even knew them at all. Which stories and emotions do we hold inside, and which are we ready to share?
SAT, NOV 16 • 12:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

UNSUNG VOICES 13: Six emerging filmmakers embarked on a summer-long filmmaking journey. We’re proud to present their world premiere here, in the 13th edition of Reel Asian’s filmmaking program.
SAT, NOV 16 • 2:30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

COLLIDERS: This programme invites audiences into a storytelling dialogue between imagineNATIVE and Reel Asian on the solidarity between Indigenous and settler Asian people. Tenacious and confrontational, this collection transports resilience from the past and into the present.

Co-curator: Kaitlynn Tomaselli is Anishinaabe and Italian from Manitoulin Island. An emerging curator and arts administrator, she currently works for the world’s largest presenter of Indigenous screen content, imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts
SAT, NOV 16 • 5:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

PUSHBACK: Trivial or not, these short films push and push … and push. Is it provocation, retaliation, or sheer determination? Regardless of the answer, how far might you be willing to go?
SAT, NOV 16 • 7:30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

LOVE IS LOVE: The notion of love transcends you and me. It resides in the personal, the familial, the imaginary, and a nation.
SUN, NOV 17 • 1:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

UNDERCUR RENTS: Seemingly stagnant on the surface, in motion underneath. These five short films trace and retrace what movements and stories might exist within us and beyond, pulling us in unexpected directions.
SUN, NOV 17 • 4:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

RA:X

Storytelling beyond the screen. RA:X is Reel Asian’s programming section with interactive elements and innovative storytelling tools that seek to engage audiences in new and exciting ways.

RA:X SEN
Experience a poetic journey of connection and entanglement inspired by the philosophies of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Set in the famous Tai-An teahouse, SEN takes us from joy and wonder, through carelessness and confusion, to peace and renewal, in a lush, visual homage to the expansive emotional interior.

Hold a black raku tea bowl to wake Sen, the spirit of tea, and follow as it learns about itself, the world, and the relations that connect us all together.
NOV 14 – 24 • BACHIR YEREX PRESENTATION SPACE • RSVP AT REELASIAN.COM/RAX

PRESENTING SEN: IN CONVERSATION WITH SANA AKRAM
Join Sana Akram with Reel Asian programmer Aram Collier to talk about the work required to present SEN, the world of experiential media, and the impact of new media technologies in storytelling.
Speaker: Sana Akram
FRI, NOV 22 • 5:00 PM • 401 COMMONS

RA:X CREATURA INSTALLATION
We’re excited to be presenting at the festival an assortment of art pieces by Wenting Li, inspired by the wide repertoire of fantastical and strange beings that inhabit their portfolio.
THU, NOV 7, NOV 13 – 24 (NOV 18 CLOSED) • VARIOUS TIMES • 401 COMMONS

ARTIST TALK WITH WENTING LI
Join Wenting Li in conversation with Reel Asian programmer Jasmine Gui as they discuss the featured artwork, their artistic practice, and all things creature-related.
MON, NOV 22 • 6:30 PM • 401 COMMONS

WEE ASIAN

Loud and expressive, reflexive yet playful, this programme, in the spirit of Creatura, makes room for all our mushy and monstrous emotions. Come for the screening, stick around for the delightful arts activities for all ages to enjoy together!
SAT, NOV 23 • 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM • INNIS TOWN HALL

This year’s Wee Asian short film lineup includes:

LOLA – USA
DANCING DHAMAAL! (DANCING FUNI) – USA
STARLING – USA
HU (후!) – South Korea
MINUS PLUS MULTIPLY – UK, Taiwan
LOOK – Canada
DETOURS AHEAD – Canada
UNBLENDING – Canada

REEL IDEAS

It’s no secret that filmmaking requires grit, stamina, and a whole lot of determination. Reel Ideas celebrates the behind- the-scenes perseverance that drives creators to follow their instincts and shape their stories.

This year’s Reel Ideas programme highlights the various roles integral to following the north star in one’s artistic vision. Amidst the chaos of creation, where things never quite go as planned, we hope you can find what it is you want to persevere towards, and trust that your story will eventually find its audience and community.

CAN I GET A WITNESS: ARTIST TALK WITH ANN MARIE FLEMING

Join us for an in-depth conversation about Ann Marie Fleming’s Can I Get A Witness?, Reel Asian’s opening night film this year. This thought-provoking movie examines a near-future society grappling with climate change, mortality, and the value of life. Fleming draws inspiration from her personal experiences, including her time in Vancouver’s West End and the environmental upheaval of Stanley Park.

What began as an absurdist satire has transformed into a poignant exploration of intergenerational responsibility and community resilience. In this talk, Fleming will share insights into her creative process, the film’s evolution from satire to heartfelt comedy, and the collaborative journey with a talented cast and crew, including Sandra Oh. Discover how Can I Get A Witness? invites us to reflect on what we’re willing to sacrifice for a sustainable future and the beauty of life itself.
Speaker: Ann Marie Fleming, Filmmaker
THURS, NOV 14 • 2.30 PM • FESTIVAL LOUNGE

FROM SHORT TO FEATURE: THE JOURNEY OF SHOOK BY AMAR WALA

Fresh off its world premiere at TIFF, Amar Wala’s Shook serves as an ideal case study for filmmakers, particularly those transitioning from shorts to feature films. Set in Scarborough, Ont., the film captures the area’s multicultural essence and reflects on identity, place, and personal growth through rich, site-specific details. This panel explores the complexities of film financing, distribution strategies, and the key decisions that shape a film’s journey from concept to completion. By examining Wala’s experience with Shook, we’ll shed light on how an honest love letter to a city and its diverse communities can be crafted, while successfully balancing complex personal narratives with broader cultural commentary.
Speaker: Amar Wala, Filmmaker
THURS, NOV 14 • 5:30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

LATE BLOOMER: SCREENING & ARTIST TALK

Sit in on this exclusive screening and deep dive of Late Bloomer, the groundbreaking series from the creative mind of Jasmeet Raina (Jus Reign). Centred on Jasmeet Singh’s life, the show unpacks family expectations, intergenerational relationships, and racial identity in ways rarely seen on Canadian TV. We’ll screen Episode 1: “Nudes” and Episode 4: “The Turban”, offering a glimpse into Jasmeet’s complex journey as he navigates personal desires that go against familial pressures. Stick around to hear from the creative team about how Late Bloomer has landed in the community, and how it will continue to shape these conversations in real life.
Speaker: TBA
TUES NOV 17 • 10:00 AM • TIFF LIGHTBOX

CREATURA: A JOURNEY INTO THE UNFAMILIAR

This session will explore how these concepts manifest through stories of endangered traditions and reimagined realities. The documentary The Last of the Sea Women provides a vivid portrayal of South Korean fisherwomen preserving an ancient practice amidst modern developments. Meanwhile, Universal Language, set in a reimagined Canada where Farsi and French are official languages, presents a surreal world where societal norms are upended and loneliness is a common experience. Both films vividly embody the spirit of CREATURA by pushing the boundaries of human experience and challenging conventional perspectives.
Speakers: Iris Ng, Cinematographer (The Last of the Sea Women) and Ila Firouzabadi, Screenwriter (Universal Language)
WED, NOV 20 • 4:30 PM • YOUTUBE LIVE PANEL

SPACE CADET: BEHIND THE ANIMATION – WORK IN PROGRESS

Join us for an exclusive Work-In-Progress presentation of Space Cadet, a captivating animated film directed by Eric San (Kid Koala). Work-In- Progress events at Reel Asian give audience members a chance to explore the development stages of a piece of work. In this session, we will hear insights from the creative team of Space Cadet, including director Kid Koala, head of story and production designer Lillian Chan, and artistic director Corinne Merrell, who will guide us through the artistic process and illustrate how animation brings this heartfelt narrative to life.

Space Cadet tells the story of Robot, a guardian programmed to protect Celeste, the sweetest astronaut on this (or any) planet. When Celeste embarks on a solo mission into the vast unknown, Robot is left behind, grappling with loneliness and the passage of time. As Celeste faces unforeseen challenges in space, memories of her childhood with Robot resurface, revealing the deep emotional bond they share.

This tomorrow-days lullaby is not just about outer space adventures. It also delves into themes of ageing, destiny, and the significance of our memories.

Don’t miss this opportunity to travel the richly textured, imaginative world of Space Cadet and explore its journey.

Speakers: Director Eric San (Kid Koala), Head of Story and Production Designer Lillian Chan, Artistic Director Corinne Merrell and Producer, Les Films Outsiders Inc.
THU NOV 21 • 7.00 PM • HOT DOCS TED ROGERS CINEMA

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN PITCH? (Closing Night)

Join us for the live So You Think You Can Pitch competition at the 28th Reel Asian Film Festival! This is a fantastic opportunity to support emerging filmmakers as they showcase their projects to our distinguished jurors. Watch the five finalists compete for an incredible prize package to help launch or complete their films. Come cheer on the next generation of talent and get inspired by the future of Asian Canadian cinema!
SAT, NOV 23 • 5:00 PM • ANNEX THEATRE

Reel Asian 2024 Digital Programme Book here.

For more information, visit reelasian.com.

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN PASSES TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF “WICKED”

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will are delighted to send some lucky Readers off to see WICKED! Like you, we’ve been waiting forever for this!

Advance screenings will be held Monday, November 18 at 7 pm in:

· Toronto: Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas and VIP

· Montreal (ENGLISH SCREENING): Cinema Cineplex Forum

· Laval (FRENCH SCREENING): Cinema Cineplex Laval

. Vancouver: Scotiabank Theatre

Synopsis:

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. 

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. 

The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. 

The film also stars Oscar^® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond. 

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.

Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar^® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff. 

Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar^® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

Genre: Musical Event

Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle and Peter Dinklage

Director: Jon M. Chu

Written by: Winnie Holzman

Based on the musical Wicked, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Winnie Holzman, from the novel by Gregory Maguire           

Producers: Marc Platt, David Stone 

Executive Producers: David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz, Jared LeBoff

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Please in the comments indicate your City and tag a friend you’ll take with you. Enter as many times as you wish. And you can enter on our IG and X accounts also!

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Universal Pictures Canada release WICKED in theatres Friday, November 22, 2024.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR ” THE LEGEND OF OCHI”

From writer/director Isaiah Saxon and starring Helena Zengel, Finn Wolfhard, Emily Watson and Willem Dafoe. THE LEGEND OF OCHI – Coming Soon via Elevation Pictures!

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “PEDRO PÁRAMO”

TIFF ’24 selection PEDRO PÁRAMO gets a new Trailer today! The Film arrives WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2024 on Netflix.

Details:

DIRECTOR: Rodrigo Prieto
WRITTEN BY: Mateo Gil
PRODUCERS: Stacy Perskie and Rafael Ley
CAST: Manuel García Rulfo, Tenoch Huerta, Dolores Heredia, Ilse Salas, Héctor Kotsifakis, Mayra Batalla, Roberto Sosa, Giovanna Zacarías, Noé Hernández, and Yoshira Escárrega, among others.

ABOUT PEDRO PÁRAMO:

Based on Juan Rulfo’s literary masterpiece, the film narrates the illusion-laden journey of Juan Preciado (Tenoch Huerta) in search of the wealth of a father he never knew. But upon arriving in Comala, the place where he was told he lived, he finds only the atrocious memories of a town subjugated for decades by that man, Pedro Páramo (Manuel García-Rulfo), condemned for his violent crusade for power and for the fury aroused in him by his frustrated love for Susana San Juan (Ilse Salas). So much so that Juan begins to wonder if its inhabitants might not be alive at all.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “CARRY-ON”

Jason Bateman and Taron Egerton star in CARRY-ON, arriving December 13, 2024 on Netflix!

ABOUT CARRY-ON
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Writer: TJ Fixman
Producer: Dylan Clark
Executive Producers: Holly Bario, Brian Williams, Jaume Collet-Serra, Seth William Meier, Scott GreenbergCast: Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Logan Marshall-Green, Dean Norris, Sinqua Walls and Jason Bateman
Also Starring: Gil Perez- Abraham, Tonatiuh, Curtiss Cook, Joe Williamson, Josh Brener
Logline: A young TSA agent fights to outsmart a mysterious traveler who blackmails him into letting a dangerous package slip onto a Christmas Eve flight.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW CHARACTER POSTERS FOR “GLADIATOR II”

Today we get brand new character posters from Sir Ridley Scott’s GLADIATOR II!

Posters include: PAUL MESCAL AS “LUCIUS,” PEDRO PASCAL AS “GENERAL ACACIUS,” JOSEPH QUINN AS “EMPEROR GETA,” FRED HECHINGER AS “EMPEROR CARACALLA,” CONNIE NIELSEN AS “LUCILLA,” and DENZEL WASHINGTON AS “MACRINUS”.

GLADIATOR II IS ONLY IN THEATRES, PREMIUM LARGE FORMATS, AND IMAX ON NOVEMBER 22, 2024

SYNOPSIS

From legendary director Ridley Scott, Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY

Walter Parkes, Laurie MacDonald, Raymond Kirk, Aidan Elliott

PRODUCED BY

Douglas Wick, p.g.a., Ridley Scott, p.g.a., Lucy Fisher, p.g.a., Michael Pruss, p.g.a., David Franzoni

BASED ON CHARACTERS BY

David Franzoni

STORY BY

Peter Craig and David Scarpa

SCREENPLAY BY

David Scarpa

DIRECTED BY

Ridley Scott

STARRING

Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, with Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington

#FIRSTLOOK: 2024 REELWORLD FILM FESTIVAL + SUMMIT KICKS OFF OCTOBER 22, 2024

Reelworld, the longest running organization for Black, Indigenous, Asian and People of Colour in
the Canadian Screen Industries, brings back the Reelworld Film Festival+Summit for its 24th
year continuing to provide audiences the best and brightest of diverse Canadian talent and
shining a spotlight on issues around diversity, inclusion and equity in the Canadian screen
landscape.

The summit will take place on October 22nd and October 23rd at the Marriott Courtyard in
downtown Toronto featuring keynote speeches, industry discussions, fireside chats, research
presentations, pitch opportunities and networking events. The film festival, which will include
film screenings, filmmaker mixers and the annual awards presentation, will feature in-person
screenings from October 21st to 27th, with the films available to watch online for an additional
week, until November 3rd.

“Reelworld has always been about more than just showcasing films—it’s about amplifying
voices that are too often underrepresented in mainstream cinema,” says Tonya Williams,
Founder and Executive Director of Reelworld Screen Institute. “This year, we’re thrilled to
continue this tradition by providing a platform for these important stories and facilitating
essential industry conversations.”

The festival will kick off with the Canadian heist film, STEALING VOWS, directed by Bobby Singh
Brown, on October 21st at 7:00 PM EST at The Royal Theatre (608 College St, Toronto, ON).
The Opening Night screening is sponsored by TD Bank Group.

Inspired by true events, this gripping film delves into the South Asian wedding industry,
following four disgruntled wedding vendors (an emcee, a photographer, a caterer and a
decorator) as they embark on a summer heist spree, robbing their wealthy clients’ homes
during the wedding receptions in the hopes of buying their own happily-ever-afters.
“Director Bobby Singh Brown’s matrimonial-themed heist film set in the summer of 1998 has all
the notes of a classic caper, the stakes of a crime action drama, and the high energy of a South

Asian wedding,” said Reelworld Senior Film Programmer, Marina Hanna. “With its grand
wedding sequences, multiple dance scenes, and an extensive ensemble cast led by Fuad Ahmed,
Gia Sandhu, Anand Rajaram, and Ali Hassan, weaving this film together with unstoppable
momentum was a feat in and of itself. And it promises viewers as much fun as the goodies and
baddies are having onscreen. Co-written by Brown and Ali Hassan, Stealing Vows is destined to
become a Canadian caper classic.”

What makes this project so special is the remarkable journey Bobby Singh Brown took to get it
made. A labour of love and determination, STEALING VOWS was crowdfunded by friends,
family, and supporters from the South Asian community, raising a budget of $250,000 CAD.
Brown’s innovative spirit shone through as he pulled together resources, including in-kind
contributions of gear, locations, and VFX support from his extended network. His passion for
this project was evident in every step, as he fought against the odds to bring this unique story
to life during the height of the pandemic.

“I’m a huge fan of heist films and ensemble casts,” said Bobby Singh Brown. “I wanted to create
something where we could show off a talented group of actors, but create something fresh and
new. You don’t get Indian heist films.”

The cast includes a powerhouse ensemble featuring Gia Sandhu, Fuad Ahmed, Anand Rajaram,
Ali Hassan, and Amrit Kaur. This unique narrative, inspired by true events, is a testament to
Brown’s visionary filmmaking and dedication to championing diversity both on and off the
screen.

Opening Night tickets can be purchased here. The remainder of the screenings for this year’s
festival will take place at Paradise Theatre (1006c Bloor St W). The full festival lineup will be
announced on September 26th.

Every year, Reelworld recognizes the contributions of individuals who have made a significant
impact on the Canadian screen industry. This year, Reelworld is proud to present the Visionary
Award to Fennella Bruce and the Award of Excellence to Sugith Varughese.

The Reelworld Visionary Award recognizes individuals whose lifetime of work behind the
scenes has shaped the Canadian media industry. Through advocacy, entrepreneurship and
leadership they have contributed to advancing our industry and making it a more inclusive and
equitable place for all. Past recipients include Anita Lee, Shirley Cheechoo, Raja Khanna and
Nick Davis. This year, Reelworld is proud to present the Visionary Award to Fennella Bruce.
Fennella is a veteran television producer and writer who is now at the helm of FKB Media
Solutions, a media consulting company, and FKB Media Productions Inc, a television and film
production company. As one of Canada’s first Black news producers, her decision-making has
contributed to the Canadian media landscape. Most recently, as a media consultant, Fennella
has elevated Black voices in print, radio and television. Her production company is now
developing its first documentary on the legendary Canadian hip-hop artist Maestro Fresh Wes,

which is also telling the story of the early days of rap music in Canada. To celebrate this award
and honour her achievements, Fennella will participate in a Luncheon Fireside Chat at the
Reelworld Summit on October 22nd.

The Reelworld Award of Excellence recognizes individuals whose decades of creative excellence
in film and series have led to more authentic stories being told on screen, inspiring new
generations of young artists in the process. In the past, this award has honoured writers,
directors, producers and actors such as Jennifer Podemski, Clement Virgo, Graham Greene and
Mina Shum. This year, Reelworld is proud to present the Award of Excellence to Sugith
Varughese. Sugith is an award-winning actor, television writer, and short film and children’s TV
director, best known for writing the famed Muppet TV series Fraggle Rock and starring as Mr
Mehta in Kim’s Convenience and Dr Ajay Singh in Transplant. He was the first recipient of an
MFA in Film from a Canadian university and the first visible minority to attend the prestigious
Canadian Film Centre as a writer-director, and is also a produced playwright. To celebrate this
award and honour his achievements, Sugith will participate in a Luncheon Fireside Chat at the
Reelworld Summit on October 23rd.

The Visionary Award and the Award of Excellence luncheon events are generously sponsored
by Paramount+ in Canada.

Additionally, renowned director, writer, producer, and actor Jennifer Podemski will be the
Keynote Speaker at the Reelworld Summit on October 23rd. Hailing from Toronto but calling
Barrie, Ontario, her home, Jennifer’s artistic journey has been shaped by her rich Anishinaabe
(First Nation) and Ashkenazi (Jewish) heritage. A registered member of Muscowpetung Saulteux
Nation in Saskatchewan, Jennifer has dedicated her career to amplifying authentic Indigenous
stories and perspectives through her work as a storyteller.

The Reelworld Summit will be held at the Marriott Courtyard (475 Yonge St) on October 22nd
and October 23rd. Passes can be purchased here.

With a focus on diverse works by diverse people, the Reelworld Film Festival showcases and
supports Black, Indigenous, Asian, and People of Colour producers, directors, screenwriters,
actors and all on and off-screen talent. The festival programming reflects strong and authentic
voices from across Canada, championing filmmakers with a unique point of view. As the
country’s largest socially impactful film festival, Reelworld has reached a diverse audience of
over 350,000 engaged individuals to date.

#FIRSTLOOK: INK ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE HALLOWEEN 2024 EVENTS IN TORONTO

Looking for something fun to do this Halloween? Here’s a roundup of thrilling events taking place around town at INK Entertainment‘s hottest venues ranging from more intimate to big and lively.

MORTEM HALLOWEEN
Location: REBEL
Date: Saturday, October 26th, 2024
Ticket Link: Buy Tickets

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NIGHTMARE INN
Location: Mister C (Bisha Hotel)
Date: Saturday, October 26th, 2024
Bottle Service: Book Here

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COSPLAY SOIRÉE
Location: Dprtmnt
Date: Saturday, October 26th, 2024
Ticket Link: Buy Tickets

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NIGHTMARE OFF KING STREET
Location: Dprtmnt
Date: Thursday, October 31st, 2024
Ticket Link: Buy Tickets

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GLITTER PRESENTS “DEAD DISCO” HALLOWEEN PARTY
Location: Mister C (Bisha Hotel)
Date: Thursday, October 31st, 2024
Bottle Service: Book Here

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HALLOWEEN NIGHT
Location: REBEL
Date: Thursday, October 31st, 2024
Ticket Link: Buy Tickets

#FIRSTLOOK: LINDSAY LOHAN STARS IN “OUR LITTLE SECRET”

“It’s so beautiful to be able to do films that are associated with holidays because it’s family time. When you can make a movie that families can remember and come together to see, it makes it all the more special.” -Lindsay Lohan (Film Lead & Executive Producer)

To celebrate the reveal of the First Look at OUR LITTLE SECRET, Lindsay Lohan, Kristin Chenoweth, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Dan Bucatinsky and the rest of our stellar cast chatted with Tudum about the film.

Read More at TUDUM

OUR LITTLE SECRET
Releasing Globally on Netflix November 27, 2024

LOGLINE: Two resentful exes are forced to spend Christmas under the same roof after discovering that their current partners are siblings.

DIRECTOR: Stephen Herek
WRITER: Hailey DeDominicis (from Toronto!!)
PRODUCERS: Lisa Gooding, Mike Elliott
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Lindsay Lohan, Joseph P. Genier
CAST: Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell and Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, Brian Unger