In “The Last of the Sea Women,” an extraordinary band of feisty grandmother warriors wages a spirited battle against vast oceanic threats. Often called real-life mermaids, the haenyeo divers of South Korea’s Jeju Island are renowned for centuries of diving to the ocean floor—without oxygen —to harvest seafood for their livelihood. Today, with most haenyeo now in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, their traditions and way of life are in imminent danger. But these fierce, funny, hardworking women refuse to give an inch, aided by a younger generation’s fight to revive their ancestral lifestyle through social media. Peering into what drives haenyeo young and old, this moving documentary zeroes in on their tight-knit friendships, savvy independence, and infectious sense of empowerment, unfolding into an uplifting tale of women taking on world powers to protect their beloved ocean and inspiring a new generation.

“The Last of the Sea Women” is directed and produced by Sue Kim. The film is produced by Malala Yousafzai through her production company Extracurricular along with Erika Kennair. Nicole Stott, Emily Osborne, Harry Go and Marissa Torres Ericson serve as executive producers through A24.

“The Last of the Sea Women” will premiere as an official selection of the TIFF Docs Programme ahead of its global debut on Apple TV+ on Friday, October 11, 2024.

Director: Sue Kim

Producers: Sue Kim, Malala Yousafzai, Erika Kennair

Exec. Producers: Nicole Stott, Emily Osborne, Harry Go, Marissa Torres Ericson

Today Apple TV+ revealed its first teaser for “Disclaimer,” the highly anticipated and gripping psychological thriller starring Academy Award winners Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline. Told in seven chapters, the limited series will make its global debut on Friday, October 11, 2024 with the first two episodes, followed by new episodes every Friday through November 15, 2024.

Written and directed by five-time Academy Award winner Alfonso Cuarón, “Disclaimer” is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Renée Knight. Acclaimed journalist Catherine Ravenscroft (Blanchett) built her reputation revealing the misdeeds and transgressions of others. When she receives a novel from an unknown author, she is horrified to realize she is now the main character in a story that exposes her darkest secrets.

As Catherine races to uncover the writer’s true identity, she is forced to confront her past before it destroys both her own life and her relationships with her husband Robert (Sacha Baron Cohen) and their son Nicholas (Kodi Smit-McPhee). The ensemble cast includes Lesley Manville, Louis Partridge, Leila George, Hoyeon, and features Indira Varma as the narrator.

Hailing from Apple Studios, “Disclaimer” is co-produced by Esperanto Filmoj and Anonymous Content. Cuarón executive produces for Esperanto Filmoj alongside Gabriela Rodriguez. In addition to starring, Blanchett serves as executive producer. David Levine and the late Steve Golin executive produce for Anonymous Content. Academy Award winner Emmanuel Lubezki, Donald Sabourin and Carlos Morales also executive produce. Renée Knight serves as co-executive producer. Lubezki and Academy Award nominee Bruno Delbonnel serve as directors of photography. The score is composed by multiple Academy and GRAMMY Award winner Finneas O’Connell.

Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favourite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 501 wins and 2,286 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”

DISCLAIMER*

*Any resemblance to persons living or dead is not a coincidence.

Culinary connoisseurs are in for an epic Japanese-French collaboration between two renowned chefs, showcased in an exclusive two-night dinner series. French fine-dining restaurant Lucie helmed by executive chef Arnaud Bloquel, and Japanese fine-dining restaurant Miku Toronto helmed by chef de cuisine Junnosuke Fujikawa, are bringing their teams together for the first time to curate a multi-course celebration of Japanese-French cuisine. This unforgettable collaboration will take place for two days only on August 28, 2024 at Lucie (100 Yonge St.) at 6:00PM and on October 9, 2024 at Miku Toronto (#105-10 Bay St.) at 6:30PM.

This collaboration will blend the finest elements of French and Japanese cuisine, creating a unique experience that combines the rich, refined techniques of classic French cooking with the delicate, nuanced flavors of Japanese culinary tradition. Guests can expect an extraordinary six-course menu with wine and sake pairings (optional add-on for October 9 at Miku Toronto) that marries the opulence of French gastronomy with the elegance of Japanese ingredients, resulting in a harmonious fusion.

Restaurant Lucie’s executive chef Arnaud Bloquel was born in France and grew up in the Caribbean, where he became curious about different cultures and tastes. Passionate about exploring cooking, he honed his skills under the guidance of head chefs at restaurants including Hôtel du Palais and La Chèvre d’Or in France. After opening his own restaurant in Guadeloupe, in 2018, he was awarded the title of Best Master Restaurateur in France and his restaurant was voted Best in the Caribbean by the Gault et Millau guide. Today, chef Bloquel is leading the culinary team at Restaurant Lucie, where he is focused on turning his unique and advanced expertise into a fulfilling, special experience for guests.

“Although many people may think that French and Japanese food is very different, there are a lot of similarities in our ingredients and techniques. I’m very excited to work with Junnosuke from Miku and blend our cuisines together,” says Restaurant Lucie’s executive chef Arnaud Bloquel.

Miku Toronto’s chef de cuisine Junnosuke Fujikawa hails from Awaji Island, Japan, renowned for its Wagyu beef, fresh seafood, and abundant local vegetables. His culinary journey began with experimenting with these premium ingredients while working in his parents’ hotels. Upon first venturing to Canada, Junnosuke spent five enriching years in Kelowna, BC, where he delighted in crafting Japanese cuisine paired with the region’s exceptional wines. His deep connection to ABURI Restaurants’ philosophy, which emphasizes innovation in the food and hospitality industry, resonates with his own aspirations. As chef de cuisine, Junnosuke brings his extensive knowledge and skills to lead, support, and teach the Miku Toronto team, fostering a collaborative and innovative kitchen environment.

“Getting the opportunity to work with chef Arnaud is very exciting. Although we come from different backgrounds, this collaboration is an opportunity to blend our cuisines together,” says Miku’s chef de cuisine Junnosuke Fujikawa.

Tickets for the first collaboration dinner on August 28 hosted at Lucie can be purchased HERE.

Tickets for the second collaboration dinner on October 9 hosted at Miku can be purchased HERE.

A special thank you to our beverage sponsors San Pellegrino and G.H. Mumm Champagne.

Three-time gold medal-winning Olympian SUMMER MCINTOSH gets a hero’s welcome home in Toronto! The 17-year-old Swimming star is fresh off three historic victories at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris including:

200-metre butterfly

400-metre medley

200-metre individual medley

She also earned a silver in the 400-metre freestyle!

McIntosh was spotted with her parents Greg McIntosh and former Canadian Olympic team Swimmer Jill Horstead, returning home from Paris as their daughter was greeted by fans, friends and Media at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The family is said to be heading to their Muskoka cottage for some relaxation.

After fielding some questions from Media and posing for some photos, McIntosh was ushered-off quickly with her handlers advising that she is tired and unable to sign autographs and take pictures with fans.

Some snaps of McIntosh‘s return to Toronto:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Lucie, nestled in the heart of Toronto’s financial core, is proud to announce ‘August in Paris’ – a four course curated menu for $95 per person (excluding beverages, taxes, and gratuities) which brings authentic French heritage to Toronto, exclusively for the month of August.

From Tuesday, August 6 to Saturday, August 31, guests can indulge and reminisce in French culture. Chef Arnaud Bloquel invites you to savour the exquisite flavours of France with an exclusive four-course menu that promises to transport you to Paris through your tastebuds. This exceptional culinary offering is combined with the warm hospitality at Lucie, promising unparalleled artistry and passion for French cuisine.

The menu for August in Paris includes canapes, an amuse-bouche, L’Aubergine Violon (marinated Chinese eggplant, cherry tomato and pecan cream, prawns and smoked cucumber jelly), Les Saint Jacques (scallops, chanterelle, roasted almond, granny smith apple and cider emulsion), L’Agneau (provencal Roasted Ontario lamb saddle, green olive cream, chickpea and reduction jus), La Noisette (choux pastry, hazelnut praline espuma, chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream) and mignardises.

Join Lucie this August for “August in Paris” and let chef Bloquel’s extraordinary menu transport you to the heart of France. Guests can reserve their table HERE.

Bon appétit!

The Sky Lounge Experience will return to Hotel X Toronto for Labour Day weekend!

Join Hotel X for a lap of luxury at the exclusive Sky Lounge Experience on the breathtaking High Park Terrace. Guests can experience unobstructed views of the CNE’s annual Airshow while enjoying first-class treatment and indulge in great vibes, tasty eats, and live music while enjoying the luxurious views from the Sky Lounge.

Event Name: The Sky Lounge Experience at Hotel X Toronto

Date: Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st

Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Location: High Park Terrace at Hotel X Toronto 111 Princes’ Blvd. Toronto.
Tickets: Business Class (GA) is $144.45 and VIP starts at $445.58. Tickets are available to purchase here.

Guests looking to upgrade their experience into a weekend stay at Hotel X can book the Layover Package or the Cockpit Experience Package.

Today we get a new Trailer for TIFF ’24 selection, REZ BALL!

Logline:
In the heart of Chuska, New Mexico, the Chuska Warriors, a high school basketball team rich in Native American heritage, face their greatest challenge. After the loss of their star player, the team must unite like never before to keep their dreams of a state championship alive. This is more than just a game; it’s a journey of resilience and unity, a true underdog story deeply rooted in Native American culture.

Release Date: Friday, September 27, 2024

Director: Sydney Freeland
Writers: Sydney Freeland and Sterlin Harjo
Producers: Katie Elmore and Maurício Mota, Spencer Beighley, Jamal Henderson and LeBron James, and Nancy Utley
Executive Producers: Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping, D. Scott Lumpkin, Maverick Carter, Jodi Archambault
Production Companies: Springhill Company Production, Wise Entertainment Production, Chernin Entertainment and Lake Ellyn Entertainment Production

Cast: Jessica Matten, Kauchani Bratt, Cody Lightning, Dallas Goldtooth, Ernest David Tsosie, Kusem Goodwind, Zoey Reyes with Amber Midthunder and Julia Jones.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

TIFF is proud to unveil its 2024 Centrepiece programme lineup presented by Marriott Bonvoy,® featuring 43 titles from filmmakers representing 41 countries. The selection includes 18 World Premiere titles from Algeria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Nigeria, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and USA. Centrepiece honours and celebrates global cinematic achievements, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a dynamic array of contemporary films. The programme is a reflection of TIFF’s commitment to providing an elevated platform for international cinema, acclaimed titles from festivals around the globe, highly anticipated premieres from Canadian and international talents, and the latest work of influential filmmaking luminaries. The 49th edition of TIFF is proud to unveil its 2024 Centrepiece programme lineup presented by Marriott Bonvoy,® featuring 43 titles from filmmakers representing 41 countries. The selection includes 18 World Premiere titles from Algeria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Nigeria, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and USA. Centrepiece honours and celebrates global cinematic achievements, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a dynamic array of contemporary films. The programme is a reflection of TIFF’s commitment to providing an elevated platform for international cinema, acclaimed titles from festivals around the globe, highly anticipated premieres from Canadian and international talents, and the latest work of influential filmmaking luminaries. The 49th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will take place September 5-15, 2024.

The 2024 Centrepiece selection has been programmed by Jason Anderson, Kelly Boutsalis, Diana Cadavid, Robyn Citizen, Giovanna Fulvi, Nataleah Hunter-Young, June Kim, Dorota Lech, Jason Ryle, and Norm Wilner. Discover more about the films from the programmers themselves here:

Notable World Premieres include Front Row, from one of the filmmakers selected as a Luminary — TIFF’s spotlight on new work from the world’s most influential art-house directors — Algerian director Merzak Allouache, marking his 19th feature film, a family-friendly comedy about feuding matriarchs battling over the best beachfront spot. Seven Days, the latest from Iranian filmmaker Ali Samadi Ahadi and writer Mohammad Rasoulof (also in the Centrepiece programme with his film The Seed of the Sacred Fig), centres on an Iranian human rights activist named Maryam who has spent the last six years in prison and has been granted a rare seven-day medical leave. Pimpinero: Blood and Oil, a gripping thriller set in the early 2010s from acclaimed Colombian filmmaker Andrés Baiz (Griselda, Narcos), starring Colombian music icon Juanes, Alberto Guerra, Alejandro Speitzer, and Laura Osma, takes place in the treacherous desert bordering Colombia and Venezuela, where gasoline smugglers or pimpineros risk their lives transporting illegal fuel. Under the Volcano, a tense and timely second feature from Polish filmmaker Damian Kocur following Bread and Salt, which garnered a Special Jury Prize at Venice ’22, tells the story of a Ukrainian family on vacation in the Canary Islands who become refugees overnight when Russia’s ongoing occupation of Ukraine turns into a full-scale invasion. Another timely film covering pressing social issues is Antoinette Jadaone’s Sunshine, from the Philippines, starring up-and-coming Maris Racal (her third collaboration with the filmmaker), who plays a young gymnast who discovers she’s pregnant on the week of the national team tryouts. The latest from Belgian director Guillaume Senez (Keeper, TIFF ’15), A Missing Part is a thoughtful and moving drama about a father’s search for his daughter, with an exceptional lead performance by Romain Duris. From Canada, Measures for a Funeral, from acclaimed filmmaker and Short Cuts alumni Sofia Bohdanowicz and her frequent collaborator, actor Deragh Campbell, tells a singular story about a forgotten Canadian violinist. Also, Canadian pop duo Tegan and Sara are at the centre of the gripping documentary Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara, which charts the global rise of the trailblazing twins, their advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, and their simultaneously liberating and fraught relationship with social media, from American documentary filmmaker and writer Erin Lee Carr (At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal, Britney vs Spears), who directed and produced the film.

Other Centrepiece standout World Premieres include Jane Austen Wrecked My Life from France. In an utterly charming debut, writer-director Laura Piani draws from Austen’s works while crafting a wholly contemporary romantic comedy — featuring a Frederick Wiseman cameo — that stands on its own merits. Kiwi-Australian filmmaker Marcelle Lunam, who has directed multiple music videos and short films, as well as the feature documentary Habana Shakes, presents Addition, a warm-hearted and illuminating adaptation of the bestselling novel by Toni Jordan, starring Teresa Palmer (A Discovery of Witches), who plays a mathematician struggling to balance her compulsive counting habit (and imaginary friendship with Nikola Tesla) with a new romance. The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos, a debut from Nigeria’s Agbajowo Collective, is a thriller with flecks of magical realism, telling a story about the government’s forced evictions of informal settlements. Inspired by the directors’ lived experiences, the film stars Temi Ami-Williams (Eyimofe – This Is My Desire) and celebrity activist-actor Adebowale Adedayo (a.k.a. Mr Macaroni, also at the Festival with Discovery selection Freedom Way). From China, renowned scriptwriter Huo Xin presents Bound in Heaven, a poignant tale of love and resilience starring Ni Ni, Zhou You, and Liao Fan. This deeply touching film tackles domestic violence and terminal illness with assured direction and outstanding performances.

2024 CENTREPIECE PROGRAMME (in alphabetical order)

Addition Marcelle Lunam | Australia
World Premiere
Sales Title

A Missing Part Guillaume Senez | Belgium/France
World Premiere
Sales Title

An Unfinished Film Lou Ye | Singapore/Germany
North American Premiere
Sales Title

Anywhere Anytime Milad Tangshir | Italy
International Premiere
Sales Title

April Dea Kulumbegashvili | Italy/France/Georgia
North American Premiere
Sales Title

Beloved Tropic Ana Endara | Panama/Colombia
World Premiere
Sales Title

Bound in Heaven Huo Xin | China
World Premiere
Sales Title

By the Stream Hong Sangsoo | South Korea
North American Premiere

Cloud Kiyoshi Kurosawa | Japan
North American Premiere
Sales Title

Crocodile Tears Tumpal Tampubolon | Indonesia/France/Singapore/Germany
World Premiere
Sales Title

Don’t Cry, Butterfly Dương Diệu Linh | Vietnam/Singapore/Philippines/Indonesia
North American Premiere
Sales Title

Edge of Night Türker Süer | Germany
North American Premiere
Sales Title

Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara Erin Lee Carr | USA
World Premiere

Flow Gints Zilbalodis | Latvia/France/Belgium
Canadian Premiere

Front Row Merzak Allouache | Algeria/Saudi Arabia/France
World Premiere
Sales Title

Happyend Neo Sora | Japan/USA
North American Premiere
Sales Title

Happy Holidays Scandar Copti | Palestine/Germany/France/Italy/Qatar
North American Premiere
Sales Title

Jane Austen Wrecked My Life Laura Piani | France
World Premiere
Sales Title

Julie Keeps Quiet Leonardo van Dijl | Belgium/Sweden
North American Premiere
Sales Title

Ka Whawhai Tonu – Struggle Without End Michael Jonathan | New Zealand
North American Premiere
Sales Title

Kill the Jockey Luis Ortega | Argentina/Mexico/Spain/Denmark/USA
North American Premiere
Sales Title

Little Jaffna Lawrence Valin | France
North American Premiere
Sales Title

Los Tortuga Belén Funes | Spain/Chile
World Premiere
Sales Title

Matt and Mara Kazik Radwanski | Canada
North American Premiere

Measures for a Funeral Sofia Bohdanowicz | Canada
World Premiere
Sales Title

My Sunshine Hiroshi Okuyama | Japan/France
North American Premiere
Sales Title

Pimpinero: Blood and Oil Andrés Baiz | Colombia
World Premiere

Presence Steven Soderbergh | USA
International Premiere

Santosh Sandhya Suri | United Kingdom
Canadian Premiere
Sales Title

Seven Days Ali Samadi Ahadi | Germany
World Premiere
Sales Title

Souleymane’s Story Boris Lojkine | France
International Premiere
Sales Title

Sunshine Antoinette Jadaone | Philippines
World Premiere
Sales Title

Sweet Angel Baby Melanie Oates | Canada
World Premiere
Sales Title

The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos Agbajowo Collective: James Tayler, Ogungbamila Temitope, Okechukwu Samuel, Mathew Cerf, Tina Edukpo, Bisola Akinmuyiwa, A.S. Elijah | Nigeria/Germany/South Africa/USA
World Premiere
Sales Title

The Mother and the Bear Johnny Ma | Canada/Chile
World Premiere
Sales Title

The Mountain Rachel House | New Zealand
North American Premiere
Sales Title

The Seed of the Sacred Fig Mohammad Rasoulof | Iran/France/Germany
Canadian Premiere

The Swedish Torpedo Frida Kempff | Sweden
World Premiere
Sales Title

The Village Next to Paradise Mo Harawe | France/Austria/Germany/Somalia
North American Premiere
Sales Title

To a Land Unknown Mahdi Fleifel | United Kingdom/France/Germany/Netherlands/Greece/Qatar /Saudi Arabia/Palestine
North American Premiere
Sales Title

Under the Volcano Damian Kocur | Poland
World Premiere
Sales Title

Universal Language Matthew Rankin | Canada
North American Premiere

When the Light Breaks Rúnar Rúnarsson | Iceland/Netherlands/Croatia/France
North American Premiere
Sales Title

TIFF Takeover #2: This week’s programming alerts
Wednesday, August 7, at 10am ET: Docs
Thursday, August 8, at 10am ET: Wavelengths & Classics
Friday, August 9, at 10am ET: Short Cuts & Primetime

More Festival details will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for TIFF ’24 go on sale to TIFF Members by level beginning on Friday, August 16. For more details, visit tiff.net/join. The full Festival schedule will be released on Tuesday, August 13.

Trailblazing Comedian Ellen DeGeneres brought her ELLEN’S LAST STAND… UP Tour Toronto, just as she’s closing the curtain on what has been a legendary career spanning Television, Film and Stage, touching the hearts of fans around the globe. The Tour has her looking back at her success, sharing comedic anecdotes with her signature brand of wit, culminating in two live tapings later this month in Minneapolis, to stream at a later date on Netflix.

Though DeGeneres has undergone some public scrutiny in recent years for which she has apologized, she has been quiet since her 33-time Emmy Award-winning The Ellen DeGeneres Show ended in 2022. Toronto fans showed-up in droves, selling-out her performance at Meridian Hall tonight, getting one last chance to see the icon live.

I’ve idolized DeGeneres for many, many years. Not only for her outstanding body of work – I religiously watched The Ellen DeGeneres Show for many years – but I have always admire her lending a voice to animal rights.

I’m simply overjoyed that I finally got to meet DeGeneres – donning a baseball cap with a maple leaf! – and her amazingly-gracious partner Portia de Rossi, and I’m glad I did, knowing that this might have been my last chance! Though her handlers were eager to rush her off, DeGeneres and de Rossi both insisted on coming out to take pictures with their fans. They are both everything I’ve always known they would be, and am anxiously waiting on this upcoming Netflix special. So appreciative of all DeGeneres has given us over the years, and I hope secretly this really isn’t her curtain call.

See our Snaps:

Will remember this one for a long time. What a memory to have! A dream.come true!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

This was so amazing!! I would be lying if I said I didn’t experience a little FOMO missing this year’s record-breaking VELD Music Festival at Downsview Park. The three-day affair saw the likes of Martin Garrix, Steve Aoki, Alesso, Marshmello, Kaskade and more perform. Myself, I was really thrilled to meet one of its brightest stars, BOYS NOIZE (Alexander Ridha) her performed prime time Sunday, closing night of the Festival.

The German DJ, Songwriter and Producer is a major player, showing true staying power in Electronic Music, jetsetting around the world as an in-demand act. This year, he collaborated with Grammy and Oscar-winning duo Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross on CHALLENGERS [MIXED], one of the year’s outstanding albums and a personal favourite of mine. An 11 out of 10! There are only a few physical copies out there, thrilled to have one. I recall posting a request for Boys Noize to sign this when he came to Toronto, and he stuck to his word!

His new track FVCKVRVND is now out! Fire!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Boysnoize Records)