Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter is thrilled to announce the new and lavish ‘Garden of Hope’ Fundraiser taking place from 6PM to 9PM on October 24th at Illuminarium (28 Gristmill Lane, Toronto, ON), an immersive, one-of-a-kind venue. A celebration of 41 years of service, Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter has helped over 15,000 women and their families, with the number continuously growing. For $200 per person, the gala will be an evening of inspiration from Ernestine’s past clients, elegant decor, garden-themed character performers, passed canapés, cocktails from Valley of Mother of God Gin, and more.

Having opened in 1983, Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter was built by community members who saw the need to support women and children experiencing abuse. Through the ‘Garden of Hope’ fundraiser, their mission is to continue to raise awareness and support women, trans women, trans men, two-spirit, non-binary and gender-diverse individuals who face challenges in our community.

This year’s fundraiser highlights the incredible work that Ernestine’s team has provided for the community which will leave all guests with warm hearts.

“The Garden of Hope fundraiser is more than an event; it’s a beacon of support for the women, children, and individuals Ernestine’s serves every day. By coming together at the incredible Illuminarium, we create a space for solidarity and impact, ensuring that the funds raised go directly to life-saving services like counselling, housing support, and food security. The immersive environment of the Illuminarium mirrors the transformative journey of the people we support, making it the perfect place to gather and celebrate hope” says Sharlene Tygesen, Executive Director at Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter.

Milestones Public Relations, Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter and Illuminarium Toronto will be announcing a fantastic opportunity for a chance to win tickets to the 2024 Garden of Hope Gala. Stay tuned to @milestonespr on Instagram for more details.

A warm thank you to this year’s sponsors; McCarthy Tetrault, Shaftesbury, Canadian Bankers Association, IG Wealth Management, Anita Merlo Broker, Great Lake Brewery, Valley of Mother of God Gin, Milestones Floral Designs, Milestones Public Relations and more to be announced.

To support this incredible initiative, tickets can be purchased for the gala HERE.

Prime Video, India’s most-loved entertainment destination, today dropped the captivating action-packed trailer for the eagerly awaited Original series, Citadel: Honey Bunny. The Indian series born from the world of Citadel is directed by Raj & DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK) and written by Sita R. Menon, along with Raj & DK. The series is produced by D2R Films,Amazon MGM Studios, and executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO. Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot, and Scott Nemes from AGBO, alongside David Weil (Hunters), executive produce Citadel: Honey Bunny and all series within the world of Citadel. Midnight Radio is also an executive producer. The series features the immensely talented Varun Dhawan and Samantha in the lead and the ever-so-versatile Kay Kay Menon, along with an exciting ensemble cast that includes Simran, Saqib Saleem, Sikandar Kher, Soham Majumdar, Shivankit Parihar, and Kashvi Majmundar. Citadel: Honey Bunny is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on November 7, 2024.

The trailer is a preview of the exhilarating and riveting spy thriller set againstthe vibrant tapestry of the 90’s, which features explosive action, high-octane stunts, and edge-of-your-seat excitement, all perfectly complemented by exceptional performances and a grand visual scale. When stuntman Bunny (Varun Dhawan) recruits struggling actress Honey (Samantha) for a side gig, they are hurled into a high-stakes world of action, espionage, and betrayal. Years later, as their dangerous past catches up, the estranged Honey and Bunny must reunite and fight to protect their young daughter Nadia.

“Following the tremendous response to the teaser, the excitement and anticipation around the show has been rising every day, with fans of Varun, Samantha and Raj & DK eagerly waiting for November 7. We felt that now is the right time to provide them with a window into the series with an action-infused trailer of the show that captures the incredible world of Citadel: Honey Bunny. Raj & DK have added their signature quirk and charm to this high-octane spy thriller that promises to be a whole new thrilling ride for our audiences,” said Nikhil Madhok, Head of Originals, Prime Video, India.

“Citadel: Honey Bunny is a significant project for us as it has given us the opportunity to be part of a larger, unprecedented world of spies and espionage that has never been done or even attempted before. We have created all our projects so far, but Citadel: Honey Bunny is our first collaboration. And that it is with the creative forces like the Russo Brothers, as well as a host of talented filmmakers and creators around the world, has made this an amazingly valuable creative experience,” said Raj & DK.

“Bunny is unlike any role I’ve played before. As a spy, he not only leads a double life, but every aspect of his personality has two distinct sides, which was very exciting for me as an actor. Intricately woven into the storyline, his portrayal required me to draw on a blend of experiences and characters I’ve embodied over the years, as well as mentally and physically prepare for the grueling stunts and amped-up action scenes, making it one of my most challenging performances yet. And I am deeply grateful to Prime Video, Raj& DK, and AGBO for the opportunity to bring Bunny to life,” said Varun Dhawan.

Samantha said, “The opportunity to be part of an action-packed entertainer with agripping storyline, rich character depth, and intense hand-to-hand combats and stunts that rival international standards, along with the prospect to play an integral role in this collection of connected spy stories, is what drew me to this project. The challenges and efforts required to bring Honey to life have left a profound impact on me, both professionally and personally, making it one of the most significant roles of my career. I’m confident that the audience will thoroughly enjoy this series, not just in India but across the many countries and territories where it will stream on Prime Video.”

About the World of Citadel

The first season of Citadel, starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas alongside Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville, premiered to global success in 2023, becoming Prime Video’s second most-watched new original series outside the U.S. and fourth most-watched worldwide, after 24 days. Executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO, Citadel and its subsequent action-espionage Original Series traverse the globe, evolving the story of spy agency Citadel and its powerful enemy syndicate, Manticore. Each series born from the world ofCitadel stars top local talent and is created, produced, and filmed in region—bringing about stylistically unique shows with strong cultural identities rooted in their respective country of origin. The Italian Original, Citadel: Diana, is the second series to debut from the world of Citadel and is followed by India’s series, Citadel: Honey Bunny, starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha launching on November 7, 2024. Season Two of Citadel, starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas alongside Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville, is in production, with Joe Russo serving as director.

Opening theatrically in Toronto, Vancouver, & Montreal at the TIFF Lightbox, VIFF Centre, & Cinéma Guzzo Méga-Plex Sphèretech 14 starting October 18, 2024, today we get a new Trailer for Netflix‘s THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF IBELIN.

ON NETFLIX OCTOBER 25, 2024.

Synopsis:
When Mats Steen, a Norwegian gamer, died of a degenerative muscular disease at age 25, his parents mourned what they thought had been a lonely and isolated existence. They were unaware that Mats had long been leading a vibrant digital life that had left a profound impact on a community of fellow gamers.

The film takes us on a journey through the breadth of Mats Steen’s adventurous online life, introducing us to Ibelin, his charismatic World of Warcraft persona. Through reconstructed animated moments from Mats’ gameplay, narrated entries from his blog and interviews with people who knew him as Ibelin, a picture of a remarkable young man emerges, one that underscores how community and soulful relationships can transcend the boundaries of the physical world.

DIRECTOR: Benjamin Ree (The Painter and the Thief)
PRODUCERS: Ingvil Giske for Medieoperatørene in co-production with Norway’s VGTV

LOGLINE: Mats Steen, a Norwegian gamer, died of a degenerative muscular disease at the age of 25. His parents mourned what they thought had been a lonely and isolated life, when they started receiving messages from online friends around the world.

From the same Director who brought us LONGLEGS, Elevation Pictures present us a new Red Band Trailer for THE MONKEY! Based on the short story by Stephen King, produced by James Wan, and written and directed by Osgood Perkins. In theatres February 21, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

MUBI, the global distributor, streaming service and production company, releases the new trailer and new artwork for Andrea Arnold’s (American Honey, Fish Tank, Cow) latest feature film Bird, in theatres in Canada from November 8, 2024.

The long-awaited return to fiction storytelling from Academy-Award®-winner Andrea Arnold (American Honey, Fish Tank), Bird is a tender, striking and extraordinarily surprising coming-of-age fable about marginalised life in the fringes of contemporary society. Featuring remarkable performances from Barry Keoghan (Saltburn), Franz Rogowski (Passages), and astounding newcomer Nykiya Adams as the latest in the filmmaker’s canon of indelible heroines.

12-year-old Bailey (Adams) lives with her devoted but chaotic single dad Bug (Keoghan) and wayward brother Hunter (Jason Buda) in a squat in Gravesend, north Kent. Approaching puberty and seeking attention and adventure, Bailey’s fractured home life is transformed when she encounters Bird (Rogowski), a mysterious stranger on a journey of his own.

Bird received its World Premiere in Competition at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. It was produced by House Productions (The Iron Claw, The Wonder) and was filmed in the UK around the Kent area. Financiers include BBC Film, the BFI (awarding National Lottery funding), Pinky Promise, FirstGen Content and Access Entertainment.

BIRD WILL BE IN THEATRES IN CANADA ON NOVEMBER 8, 2024

Disney Branded Television announced that “An Almost Christmas Story,” directed by David Lowery and produced by five-time Academy Award® winner Alfonso Cuarón, will premiere November 15, 2024 on Disney+.

“An Almost Christmas Story” is the third and final installment in Cuarón’s holiday shorts collection for Disney+. His first short, “Le Pupille,” earned an Oscar® nomination in 2022, and last year’s “The Shepherd” was shortlisted, both in the Live Action Short Film category.

“An Almost Christmas Story” is inspired by the true events of a tiny owl rescued from the New York City’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2020. The short’s trailer reveals Moon, a curious young owl who unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to their parents.

The animated short is completing a film festival circuit including Hamptons International Film Festival, Santa Fe International Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival, Morelia International Film Festival, Montclair Film Festival, Animation Is Film, São Paulo International Film Festival, SPARK Animation Festival, World Animation Summit and Bogotá Short Film Festival – BOGOSHORTS.

The talented voice cast includes Cary Christopher as Moon, newcomer Estella Madrigal as Luna, Jim Gaffigan as Papa Owl, Mamoudou Athie as Pelly, Alex Ross Perry as Dave The Dog, Gianna Joseph as Peaky, Phil Rosenthal as Punt, with Natasha Lyonne as Pat and John C. Reilly as The Folk Singer, who performs four songs in the short, two of which are original songs.

Produced by Disney Branded Television and Cuarón’s Esperanto Filmoj, in association with Titmouse and Maere Studios, and with animation services by 88 Pictures, the celebrated creative team includes Lowery (director, screenplay and producer), Cuarón (producer and story), Gabriela Rodríguez (producer), Jack Thorne (story and screenplay), Nicholas Ashe Bateman (creative design supervisor) and Daniel Hart (composer).

In addition to Skye Riley‘s (Naomi Scott) EP now being out on Interscope Records, a new final Trailer and Featurette arrives, the latter highlighting how Scott becomes the global popstar! SMILE 2 is in theatres Friday, October 18, 2024.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

About to embark on a new world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by the escalating horrors and pressures of fame, she must confront her dark past before her life spirals out of control.

PRODUCED BY

Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, Isaac Klausner, Parker Finn, Robert Salerno

WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY

Parker Finn

CAST

Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson, Ray Nicholson, Dylan Gelula, Raúl Castillo and Kyle Gallner

Award-winning producer Alona Metzer (Backspot, Learn to Swim) and Canadian Screen Award-winning director and producer Joe Kicak (Detention Adventure) have announced production is underway on the feature-length documentary DON’T COME UPSTAIRS by first-time director and Degrassi: The Next Generation star, Mike Lobel. DON’T COME UPSTAIRS searches for answers to a long-held family secret, while navigating themes of generational trauma, the resilience of family, and the transformative power of confronting one’s truth. Filming is taking place throughout Toronto and will wrap mid-October.

“For our entire lives, my siblings, my mother, and I have kept a secret that, if anyone were to find out, could endanger my whole family. We hid it from the outside world. We hid it from each other,” said Mike Lobel. “For fear of tearing the family apart, we’ve never spoken a word to anyone about this. Until now.”

The documentary uncovers the secret Mike Lobel’s father hid from him and his siblings for thirty years. Through old home videos and interviews with family members, the film takes viewers on a quest for the truth about their father’s dangerous choices.

By turning the lens inward, DON’T COME UPSTAIRS explores the emotional toll exacted on each member and delves into the motivations behind their father’s double life, their mother’s involvement, and the family’s search for redemption and healing. Co-written by Mika Collins and Mike Lobel, the film is produced by Alona Metzer (Good Pal Productions) and Joe Kicak (Brain Upside Down Films). It is commissioned by the CBC, with the support of the Canada Media Fund and produced with the participation of Rogers Documentary Fund. Game Theory will distribute the film in Canada. US and international rights are available.

About Good Pal Productions

Good Pal Productions creates film & TV that lives at the intersection of art and entertainment. As collaborative producers, Good Pal champions daring, unique and authentic voices that break through.

Good Pal is there through the best of the best, the worst of the worst and we always tell it like it is. That’s our secret sauce for thriving collaborations.

Founded by two-time Indiescreen Emerging Producer Award nominee and TIFF Talent Accelerator alum, Alona Metzer, Good Pal Productions is a full-service production company based in Toronto. Metzer is known for her features Backspot (TIFF ‘23, SXSW ‘24) starring Evan Rachel Wood and Devery Jacobs, and Learn to Swim (TIFF ‘21) which sold to Ava DuVernay’s Array Releasing.

About Joe Kicak

Joe Kicak is a two-time Canadian Screen Award winner and Writers Guild of Canada nominee. Kicak gained international recognition as the creator/showrunner/director of the hit TV show DETENTION ADVENTURE (CBC, HBO Max), a co-viewing adventure series which ran for three seasons. The youth series garnered a record-breaking 15 Canadian Screen Award nominations for its final season.

Joe is currently developing a genre-blending anthology thriller series, THE RETREAT, alongside his partner, Karen Kicak (WORKIN’ MOMS).

About Mike Lobel

Mike Lobel is a director, picture editor, and composer with two decades of experience in the film and TV industry. He first gained recognition as an actor, notably playing “Jay Hogart” on Degrassi: The Next Generation and “DJ” on Really Me.

A Banff Centre for the Arts music residency alum, Lobel has composed original scores for numerous films and co-founded the indie-pop band Boys Who Say No and synth-pop group Future Peers. As a director and editor, his work includes documentaries, TV series, and music videos, with his editing on Detention Adventure earning him a 2023 Canadian Screen Award nomination.

Today, Disney+ announced that Beatles ’64, an all-new documentary from producer Martin Scorsese and director David Tedeschi, will stream exclusively on Disney+ beginning November 29, 2024. The film captures the electrifying moment of The Beatles’ first visit to America. Featuring never-before-seen footage of the band and the legions of young fans who helped fuel their ascendance, the film gives a rare glimpse into when The Beatles became the most influential and beloved band of all time.

On February 7, 1964, The Beatles arrived in New York City to unprecedented excitement and hysteria. From the instant they landed at Kennedy Airport, met by thousands of fans, Beatlemania swept New York and the entire country. Their thrilling debut performance on The Ed Sullivan Showcaptivated more than 73 million viewers, the most watched television event of its time. Beatles ’64 presents the spectacle, but also tells a more intimate behind the scenes story, capturing the camaraderie of John, Paul, George, and Ringo as they experienced unimaginable fame.

The film includes rare footage filmed by pioneering documentarians Albert and David Maysles, beautifully restored in 4K by Park Road Post in New Zealand. The live performances from The Beatles first American concert at the Washington, DC Coliseum and their Ed Sullivan appearances were demixed by WingNut Films and remixed by Giles Martin. Spotlighting this singular cultural moment and its continued resonance today, the music and footage are augmented by newly filmed interviews with Paul and Ringo, as well as fans whose lives were transformed by The Beatles.

Beatles ’64 is directed by David Tedeschi and produced by Martin Scorsese, Margaret Bodde, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Olivia Harrison, Sean Ono Lennon, Jonathan Clyde, Mikaela Beardsley, with Jeff Jones and Rick Yorn serving as executive producers.

Coinciding with the film’s Disney+ release, seven American Beatles albums have been analog cut for 180-gram audiophile vinyl from their original mono master tapes for global release on November 22 by Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/UMe. Originally compiled for U.S. release between January 1964 and March 1965 by Capitol Records and United Artists, these mono albums have been out of print on vinyl since 1995. Meet The Beatles!; The Beatles’ Second Album; A Hard Day’s Night (Original Motion Picture Sound Track); Something New; The Beatles’ Story (2LP); Beatles ’65; and The Early Beatles are available now for preorder in a new vinyl box set titled The Beatles: 1964 U.S. Albums In Mono, with six of the titles also available individually.

This month, APTN is turning dreams into reality for aspiring Indigenous filmmakers eager to bring their stories to audiences across Canada.

The Indigenous broadcaster is now accepting applications from creatives interested in producing a feature length, one episode documentary (88 minutes long) in English, French and/or an Indigenous Language. The proposed show should feature Elders, Knowledge Keepers and everyday people and be based around cultural activities and educational conversations.

Emerging creators who apply will have the opportunity to have their show broadcast on APTN and receive up to $50,000 in funding from APTN to develop the project. Eligible applicants must be Indigenous and come from a company with minimum 51 per cent Indigenous ownership. See here for the full eligibility standard details.

Jennifer Podemski, an Indigenous actress and producer, is available for interview to discuss the importance of APTN’s funding offer for emerging Indigenous filmmakers.
Jennifer’s work has been proudly broadcast on APTN for years, including her shows, Unsettled and Little Bird. With over twenty years in the industry, Jennifer can speak to her personal career journey and the need to support rising Indigenous creators.
“The opportunity to collaborate directly with APTN’s programmers and receive funding to bring a project to life can be truly transformative for an emerging Indigenous creator. Speaking from my own experience, APTN’s support was instrumental in launching and shaping the trajectory of my career, opening doors for me that would have otherwise remained shut. I’m excited to witness a new generation of Indigenous voices harness the power of this platform to develop their unique talents and share their stories with the world,” says Jennifer Podemski.

In September, APTN launched APTN Languages: the country’s first national Indigenous language channel. The Indigenous broadcaster is proud to invest in the next generation of creators and storytellers while preserving Canada’s 70 Indigenous languages, many of which have fewer than 500 speakers.

“Preservation of language and culture takes all of us,” says Adam Garnet Jones, Executive Director of Programming at APTN. “We want to offer our platform and our resources to Indigenous-language speakers and help them share the stories and traditions of their communities with the whole country.”