DEMON SLAYER: INIFINITY CASTLE dominates a second straight week with $16.3 million from 3,342 theatres for Sony Pictures. Domestically it has grossed $103.7 million over two weeks already!

HIM debuts with $15 million from 3,168 theatres for Universal Pictures. Sadly, Critics didn’t love this Jordan Peele production, with 29% on the Tomatometer.

THE CONJURING: LAST RITES is in third with $11.9 million for Warner Bros, a total $150 million over three weeks grossed.

THE LONG WALK lands in fourth with $6.3 million from 2,845 theatres, $22.7 million total over two weeks for Sony Pictures.

DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE rounds things out with $6.1 million, a total $31.4 million grossed over two weeks for Focus Features/Universal Pictures.

Fête Chinoise proudly announces the expansion of its 5th annual ‘Love at Mid-Autumn’ campaign, introducing new programming designed to engage Canadians from all backgrounds in celebrating the beauty and cultural heritage of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The campaign also features a Community Celebration, A Mid-Autumn Night’s Dream, taking place at the Pride of Canada Carousel in Downtown Markham on September 27, 2025. Tickets are now available at www.fetechinoise.ca. Children aged 12 and under receive free General Admission and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Event Details:

Event Time: 4:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Performances begin: 6:30 p.m.
Cheque Presentation moment: 7:00 p.m.

Marketplace Lineup:

– Vitasoy

– Good Catch Bar and Café

– Holy Duck Chili 

– Golden Bubbles

– Book Treasures

– Dim Sum King

and more

Official Bubble Tea Partner:

– Chatime

Performers lineup:

– Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra

– Laurence Liang

– Leona Lai

– Calvin Lai

– S2N

Family-friendly activities:

– Lantern riddles

– Colouring and Craft stations

– Make your own beaded bracelets

– Cupcake decoration workshop (5 p.m.)

– Kids’ activity area

Interactive corners:

– Scotia Wealth Management

– Popcorn station by The Remington Group

– Toronto Symphony Orchestra

– T&T Supermarket

– Calligraphy challenge by Ferris Wheel Press

– Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation

– Panda Mandarin

Official Event Webpage here.

An Open Letter from Sylvain Parent-Bédard
President and CEO of Juste pour rire / Just For Laughs

Comedy and freedom of expression

When a comedian is silenced, it’s far more than a voice being muffled. It’s a fundamental right under threat. It’s freedom being gagged. It’s democracy being weakened.

I am Sylvain Parent-Bédard, President and CEO of Juste pour rire / Just For Laughs, a major cultural institution in Québec and Canada, and one of the largest comedy institutions in the world.

I have always stood for a value that is dear to me: freedom of expression. A precious freedom, sometimes unsettling, but absolutely essential. It is the cornerstone of every democratic society. Without it, dialogue fades, thought becomes uniform, and fear takes hold.

What is currently happening in the United States, with the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following overt political pressure, is deeply troubling. It sets a dangerous precedent. An alarm that echoes far beyond American borders.

State censorship, under the direct influence of a political figure, is a disturbing drift. It chills anyone who still believes in democracy. This is no longer about the exchange of ideas. It is ideological repression. And when that repression targets humor, it strikes at one of the last bastions of raw freedom and unfiltered truth.

In response, we are seeing courageous voices rise from the cultural and artistic community; organizations like the Writers Guild of America, the Directors Guild of America, and many artists, including Jimmy Fallon; standing up to denounce the unacceptable and support Jimmy Kimmel.

And they are right.

This is not a simple dispute between a comedian and those in power. It is a global wake-up call. A warning to all free societies.

In countries where humor is no longer welcome, dictatorships often take root. Laughter is a counter-power. It asks questions. It disturbs. It exposes absurdities, abuses, and flaws. And that is precisely why it is essential. Humor is a high form of freedom. It is the mirror of our societies; sometimes distorted, but always revealing.

Let me say it loud and clear: At Just For Laughs, we will always defend the right to make people laugh. To provoke. To reflect. To shock, at times. To create. To speak the unspeakable. To give voice to what some would rather silence.

I salute Jimmy Kimmel’s courage, and I call on the entire comedy industry, around the world, to stand tall. Now more than ever. Comedians, writers, producers, agents, managers, broadcasters, unions, festivals: let us unite, because humor and laughter often have the power to change the world.

And to all the comedians I have the privilege of working with, admiring, and defending; you carry an immense responsibility, but also an incomparable strength. Keep speaking out. Keep making us laugh. Keep making us think. We stand with you. In solidarity. With resolve. Unshakably.

Moreover, I cannot help but think of comedian Mike Ward, right here in Canada. He fought for nearly a decade; all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada; to defend his right to humor, to provocation, to irreverence. Whether one agrees with the content of his jokes or not is beside the point. What he defended was the fundamental principle that humor must not be censored out of fear of offending or shocking. His victory was not personal; it was a victory for all artists, all creators, and all societies that value their freedom. It drew a clear line: humor is not a crime. It is a necessity.

When laughter is silenced, the light goes out. And a society that loses its humor loses its ability to speak the truth. It loses its humanity.

Freedom of expression is not a luxury. It is not a privilege reserved for those who think like us. It is a universal right. And that right is not up for debate. It must be protected. Proclaimed. Defended. Together. Now.

(Photo credit: Arachpictures)

New Mountain Films is proud to host an exclusive preview of NAWI: DEAR FUTURE ME on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80). The event will take place September 24, 2025, at AMC Theatres Kips Bay in Manhattan, just steps from UN Headquarters.

The afternoon program will spotlight the power of storytelling as a tool for human rights, global solidarity, and the advancement of gender equity. With a strong focus on ending child marriage, NAWI has become a catalyst for global change.

Following the screening, a distinguished panel will explore the intersection of cinema, advocacy, and real-world change:

Princess Mabel van Oranje, Founder and Global Champion, Girls Not Brides

Faustina Fynn-Nyame, Executive Director Africa, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation

Milcah Cherotich, Writer, NAWI: DEAR FUTURE ME

Amrita Paul, Director, Education and Ending Violence, Global Affairs Canada

Moderated by former UN diplomat, Princess Sophie-Alexandra of Bavaria

The event welcomes global leaders, storytellers, and changemakers to convene around a central theme: how stories can move the needle on issues like gender equality, education, and human rights.

Since its celebrated festival debut, NAWI—Kenya’s official submission for the 2025 Best International Feature has not only earned 15 international awards but also inspired the raising of hundreds of thousands of dollars for girls’ education. Its reach extends far beyond cinema, helping to build schools, provide scholarships, and launch a mobile desert cinema that delivers the magic of film to remote Kenyan communities.

This exclusive New York gathering provides a first look at NAWI in North America, ahead of its March 6, 2026, theatrical release, coinciding with International Women’s Day, taking place Sunday, March 8, to amplify its message of empowerment and global solidarity.

About New Mountain Films
New Mountain Films is a Toronto-based independent film distributor committed to sharing bold, socially resonant stories with audiences across North America. Founded in 2024 by industry executive Khaled Sabbour, the company is dedicated to championing underrepresented voices, fostering creative collaboration, and building meaningful connections between filmmakers and communities. Recent and upcoming titles include The Courageous, Freedom Way, Roads of Fire, and Democracy Under Siege. With a focus on cultural impact and artistic integrity, New Mountain Films partners with storytellers to bring forward films that inspire dialogue, empathy, and change.

At the MICHELIN Awards in Toronto on Thursday, September 18, Executive Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa of Aburi Hana received the MICHELIN Service Award and Aburi Hana retained its MICHELIN Star, marking four consecutive years of recognition. The honours reflect the restaurant’s refined kaiseki artistry and guest-focused hospitality, with Aburi Hana continuing as a One MICHELIN Star destination in Toronto. This marks Aburi Hana’s fourth consecutive year being recognized with a MICHELIN Star, having received a star in 2022, 2023, 2024, and now 2025.

“It is truly an honour for Aburi Hana to retain its MICHELIN star for the fourth consecutive year. This recognition is a reflection of the hard work and dedication that our team brings every day, and I am deeply grateful to see those efforts acknowledged,” says Executive Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa.

The MICHELIN Service Award recognizes hospitality that goes above and beyond and keeps the guest at the centre of every decision. It celebrates teams who anticipate needs before they are voiced, remain attentive without overstepping, and master the balance that defines exceptional service. At Aburi Hana, service touches every element of the evening. Plateware and pacing are considered with care. The dining room’s sound and scent are tuned to heighten perception. The elaborate pottery is integral to the experience and was selected in person by chef Nakagawa from artisans in Arita, Japan, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. Guests receive light guidance before arrival so the room remains free of distraction, including setting phones to silent and avoiding perfume, which allows delicate aromas to be appreciated fully. Together, these details create a standard of hospitality that is all-encompassing and transportive.

Reflecting on the recognition and what it represents for the team, chef Nakagawa says, “The highlight for me this year is receiving the MICHELIN Service Award — the only restaurant in Toronto to be recognized in this way. While I take pride in my own cuisine, I am even more proud that our team, moving forward together with the same vision, has been recognized for the hospitality and care we give to our guests. This award is not only meaningful to me personally, but also a source of joy and pride for our entire team.”

With a fourth consecutive MICHELIN Star and the MICHELIN Service Award for Executive Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa, Aburi Hana stands among Toronto’s most distinguished dining rooms. These honours reflect a legacy of Kaiseki artistry, meticulous craft, and sincere hospitality that shaped an intimate and transportive experience for guests. Together, they mark a defining chapter in the city’s culinary story and a lasting testament to the team behind it.

tiff50 selection PEAK EVERYTHING is coming soon to theatres. We get a new Trailer and release dates!

PARTICIPATING MARKETS INCLUDE:

Ontario:

TIFF Lightbox, Toronto
The Screening Room, Kingston
Landmark Cinemas, Orléans
ByTowne Cinema, Ottawa (Sept 19)
British Columbia:

The Vic Theatre, Victoria
New Brunswick:

Apollo Cinemas, Bathurst
North Shore Cinemas, Campbellton
Peak Everything closed the 50th Toronto International Film Festival on September 13. The film will open theatrically in English Canada on September 26. Peak Everything had its world premiere at the Directors’ Fortnight in Cannes this past May and was shown at the 39th Cabourg Film Festival last month, where it received the Grand Jury Prize.

The sixth feature film by Anne Émond, Peak Everything stars Patrick Hivon and Piper Perabo.

Synopsis: Adam (45) is a kind-hearted kennel-owner. Hypersensitive and borderline depressed, he hides his existential fears from his affection-avoidant father, and lets his young assistant take advantage of his good nature. To help combat his eco-anxiety, Adam orders a therapeutic solar lamp. Through the lamp’s supplier’s technical support line, he meets Tina, a radiant woman with a voice that soothes all of his worries. This unexpected encounter changes everything: Earth trembles, and hearts explode… It’s love!

Starring: Patrick Hivon, Piper Perabo, Gilles Renaud, Élizabeth Mageren, Éric Kamala Boulianne, Connor Jessup, Gord Rand, Jean-Carl Boucher, Leona Son, Sienna Feghouli, Denis Houle, Benoît Mauffette, Arlen Aguayo Stewart and Martin Dubreuil.

Director & Scriptwriter: Anne Émond
Producer: Sylvain Corbeil
Director of Photography: Olivier Gossot
Production Designer: Sylvain Lemaitre
Costume Designer: Patricia McNeil
Editor: Anita Roth
Composer: Christophe Lamarche-Ledoux
Line Producer: Marie-Claire Lalonde

About Immina Films:

Founded in 2022, distribution company Immina Films is a team with a passion for cinema whose main goal is to promote Quebec films. Concretely, this means both distributing recent works and sub-distributing an extensive catalogue which includes hundreds of iconic Quebec productions. Since its creation, Immina Films has distributed such hits as 23 DÉCEMBRE (Golden Screen Award winner at the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards), LE TEMPS D’UN ÉTÉ, SIMPLE COMME SYLVAIN (César for Best Foreign Film), 1995 and MLLE BOTTINE. Immina Films is also growing its foreign film catalogue which includes European works IO CAPITANO and SARAH BERHNARDT: LA DIVINE. This year’s upcoming films include MENTEUSE (Compulsive Liar 2), AMOUR APOCALYPSE (Peak Everything) and LES FURIES.

PRIMATE IS ONLY IN THEATRES ON JANUARY 9, 2026! It just had its World Premiere at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas.

Paramount Pictures Presents

In Association with Domain Entertainment

An 18Hz Production

“PRIMATE”

SYNOPSIS

In PRIMATE, a group of friends’ tropical vacation turns into a terrifying, primal tale of horror and survival.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY

Vicki Dee Rock, Nathan Samdahl, Johannes Roberts, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary

PRODUCED BY

Walter Hamada, p.g.a., John Hodges, p.g.a., Bradley Pilz

WRITTEN BY

Johannes Roberts & Ernest Riera

DIRECTED BY

Johannes Roberts

STARRING

Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Troy Kotsur, Victoria Wyant, Gia Hunter, Benjamin Cheng, Charlie Mann, Tienne Simon

UJUTSU KAISEN: EXECUTION ARRIVES IN THEATRES ACROSS CANADA DECEMBER 5, 2025 VIA CINEPLEX PICTURES. And today we get a brand new Trailer!

Directed by: Shouta Goshozono
Written by: Hiroshi Seko
Synopsis: A veil abruptly descends over the busy Shibuya area amid the bustling Halloween crowds, trapping countless civilians inside. Satoru Gojo, the strongest jujutsu sorcerer, steps into the chaos. But lying in wait are curse users and spirits scheming to seal him away. Yuji Itadori, accompanied by his classmates and other top-tier jujutsu sorcerers, enters the fray in an unprecedented clash of curses — the Shibuya Incident. In the aftermath, ten colonies across Japan are transformed into dens of curses in a plan orchestrated by Noritoshi Kamo, the most wicked sorcerer in history. As the deadly Culling Game starts, Special Grade sorcerer Yuta Okkotsu is assigned to carry out Yuji’s execution for his perceived crimes. The desperate confrontation between Satoru Gojo’s two beloved students comes to the big screen with an early preview. Be the first to experience Yuji and Yuta’s fateful battle with the hotly anticipated kickoff to Season 3 in theatres nationwide.

About Cineplex Pictures
Cineplex Pictures, a division of Cineplex, is a distributor of a wide range of films. Recent titles include Ballerina, Flight Risk, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Strangers: Chapter 1, The Queen of My Dreams, The Boy and the Heron, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, SAW X, and John Wick: Chapter 4.

The King of Pop Michael Jackson certainly needs no introduction. To this day, his title remains undisputed. Perhaps MJ THE MUSICAL -nominated for ten TONY Awards – is that closure many fans never got with his premature passing, or even the chance to see and feel him live when they never got the opportunity. Whatever your reason, the production with a book by Lynn Nottage, and direction & choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, is a resounding smash, not to be missed as it runs at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, here only till November 2, 2025 before it tours other cities in Canada.

Completely floored by the attention to detail, the seamless transitions, the singing, the dancing, how in-sync the Cast were with one another, particularly the three Actors playing Jackson at various stages in his life: Quentin Blanton Jr., Brandon Lee Harris, and Jordan Markus. Absolutely tremendous and I am already itching to see it a second time!

Severable notables were in attendance for the Toronto Premiere of MJ THE MUSICAL including The Podemski Sisters, members of the Toronto Raptors, Jully Black, Erica Ehm, and more!

Some highlights from the evening:

Tickets are on-sale now here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

In case you missed it..

Colin Hanks and Ryan Reynolds arrived at the World Premiere of JOHN CANDY: I LIKE ME at the Toronto International Film Festival red carpet in a vintage Chrysler LeBaron inspired by one of John Candy’s most beloved comedy classics – PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES.

Check out the below for an exclusive look behind the scenes with Colin Hanks and Ryan Reynolds and Hacksmith Industries to see how they created this memorable car!

Launching globally on Prime Video October 10, 2025

From director Colin Hanks and lifelong John Candy fan Ryan Reynolds comes John Candy: I Like Me, an exploration of the life of the Canadian comedic icon. This John Candy film documents his on- and off-camera existence, featuring never-before-seen home videos, intimate access to his family, and candid recollections from collaborators to paint a bigger picture of one of the brightest stars of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. It’s the story of a son, husband, father, friend, and professional driven to bring joy to audiences and loved ones while battling personal ghosts and Hollywood pressures.

Director: Colin Hanks

Producers: Colin Hanks, Sean Stuart, Glen Zipper, Ryan Reynolds, George Dewey, Johnny Pariseau, Shane Reid

Executive Producers: Ashley Fox, Patrick Gooing

Co-Executive Producers: Chris Candy, Jennifer Candy-Sullivan, Rosemary Candy

Director of Photography: Justin Kane

Editors: Shane Reid, Darrin Roberts

Music by: Tyler Strickland

About Prime Video

Prime Video is a one-stop entertainment destination offering customers a vast collection of premium programming in one application available across thousands of devices. On Prime Video, customers can find their favourite movies, series, documentaries, and live sports, including Prime Monday Night Hockey – also Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and movies Fallout, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Reacher, The Boys, and Roadhouse; licensed fan favourite Vampire Diaries; exclusive entertainment such as Prime Monday Night Hockey, ONE Championship; and programming from channels such as Sportsnet, Paramount+, Crave, Citytv+, STARZ, AMC+, Super Channel, BritBox, Hayu, STACKTV, a multi-channel service featuring 16 top-tier networks (Global, Food Network Canada, HGTV Canada, W Network, The HISTORY® Channel, Adult Swim, Lifetime, Slice, Showcase, National Geographic, Cartoon Network, Treehouse, YTV, Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD), via Prime Video Channels add-on subscriptions. Prime Video is one benefit among many that provides savings, convenience, and entertainment as part of the Prime membership. All customers, regardless of whether they have a Prime membership or not, can rent or buy titles, including blockbusters such as Barbie and Oppenheimer, via the Prime Video Store. Customers can also go behind the scenes of their favourite movies and series with exclusive X-Ray access. For more info visit www.primevideo.com