OTTAWA TOURISM present MAGIC ON SET, a heartfelt short film that is a nod to Ottawa’s growing fame as a backdrop to Holiday films! The 17-minute short film stars Degrassi‘s Melinda Shankar and Chad Connell as well! Cameos include appearances by recording artist Jamie Fine, plus news anchor Stefan Keyes, and content creator Katie Hession.

The holiday Rom-Com is the winning pitch from a city-wide call for scripts. Local writer Graeme Archibald, a public servant by day into a charming story that shines a light on Ottawa’s festive spirit.

A holiday-themed reception and screening were held last night at TIFF LIGHTBOX. Some highlights from the night:

Short Film is coming soon. Follow OTTAWA TOURISM for more.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Today, Nikon Canada Inc. announced the release of two new APS-C/DX-format NIKKOR Z lenses, the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR standard zoom lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture, and the NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 standard micro lens. Whether shooting portraits that pop, low-light street snaps, or extreme close-ups, both lenses grant immense versatility and extraordinary creative possibilities for Nikon DX-format mirrorless camera users.

A Brighter View: The NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR
The new NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is a standard DX-format zoom lens that covers a focal length range that is equivalent to wide-angle to medium telephoto, with the benefit of a fast, constant maximum aperture of f/2.8. This focal range is similar to the popular 24-75mm full frame /FX-format equivalent, making it ideal for subjects of all kinds, including wide landscapes, intimate interiors and flattering portraits. With its large f/2.8 aperture, the lens excels in low light capture by allowing more light in and enabling creative shallow depth of field for emotive portraits with blurred backgrounds.

This lens is an excellent entry point to discovering the impressive optical performance of NIKKOR Z lenses. It delivers the large, natural bokeh characteristics of an f/2.8 maximum aperture, as well as high-resolution rendering of details when stopping down. The built-in lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) mechanism (5.0-stop compensation)1 reduces the effects of camera shake, even when slower shutter speeds are used in low-light conditions. For video and content creators, the lens also uses a stepping motor (STM) for exceptionally quiet autofocus and features an optical design that minimizes focus breathing.

Features of the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens

– The fast constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range allows for large, natural bokeh and reduces the effects of camera shake when shooting in low-light conditions.

– Coverage for the 16mm to 50mm wide-angle to mid-range of focal lengths supports a wide variety of scenes and subjects.

– A minimum focus distance of 5.9 in (0.15 m) at the wide-angle end and 9.8 in (0.25 m) at the long end allows users to get close to their subjects for dynamic shots.

– Equipped with a lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) mechanism with camera-shake compensation equivalent to a 5.0-stop (at the centre) increase in shutter speed.

– Portable and lightweight, with a total length of approximately 3.4 in (8.8 cm) and weight of approximately 11.6 oz (330 g) enables easy hand-held shooting.

– Optimized for video recording with a design that suppresses focus breathing and incorporates a STM for quiet autofocusing.

– Customizable Control Ring allows for direct control over focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO sensitivity.

– One ED glass and two aspherical lens elements effectively minimize various lens aberrations².

– Nine-blade aperture produces circular, natural bokeh.

– When recording video using the Z50II, Hi-Res Zoom³ expands the zoom range to the equivalent of 16-100mm (6.25× zoom) while still maintaining a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 with no loss in resolution.

– Designed with consideration of dust and drip resistance⁴.

Make the Everyday Extraordinary: NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7
The NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 is a fast, lightweight standard micro lens. It pulls double duty as a capable lens for macro photography, as well as an everyday fast prime lens. It is the first APS-C-size/DX-format NIKKOR Z lens to achieve a maximum reproduction ratio equivalent to life-size5, giving users the ability to get closer than ever to reveal intricate details. The very short minimum focus distance of 6.2 in (0.16 m) lets users explore the hidden world that exists in the ordinary. Familiar things like pets, flowers, insects, food, or textiles are all rendered in beautiful, sharp detail like never before.

With a fast f/1.7 aperture and a natural 35mm focal length similar to the field of view of the human eye6, the lens also excels as a fast, go-anywhere companion prime lens. From tabletop photos to portraits, or snapshots to low-light cityscapes, this lens gives users the ability to shoot in minimal light and blur the background to draw attention to the subject.

Features of the NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 Lens

– A maximum reproduction ratio of 0.67×, which is life-size equivalent in FX/35mm [135] format, enables the capture of small subjects at a larger size.

– The fast f/1.7 maximum aperture allows users to make the most of large bokeh and minimize noise in low-light conditions.

– Users can get extremely close to their subjects with an approximately 2.8 in (7 cm)⁷ working distance from the front of the lens, and a minimum focusing distance of only 6.2 in (0.16 m) to reveal stunning up-close details.

– Adoption of an aspherical ED glass element effectively minimizes chromatic aberration.

– An internal focusing (IF) system eliminates any change in the total length of the lens.

– Adoption of a STM realizes quiet autofocusing.

– The customizable control ring allows for direct control over focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO sensitivity.

– Designed with consideration of dust- and drip-resistance⁴.

Price and Availability
The new Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens will be available in late October 2025 for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $949.95*. The new Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 Lens will be available in late October 2025 for an MSRP of $539.95.

For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit www.nikon.ca.

About Nikon
Nikon is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and technologies for photo and video capture; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enables visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Canada Inc. distributes consumer and professional Z Series mirrorless camera, digital SLR cameras, a vast array of NIKKOR and NIKKOR Z lenses, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products. For more information visit www.nikon.ca, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon Canada on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube.

Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

1. Based on CIPA 2024 Standard. Yaw/pitch correction performance with the Nikon Z50II (telephoto end, NORMAL mode).
2. When using the Z50, camera firmware must be updated to the latest version.
3. Hi-Res Zoom is available when used with the Z50II, and [1920×1080; 30p], [1920×1080; 25p], or [1920×1080; 24p] is selected for [Frame size/frame rate] in the video recording menu. AF-area mode is fixed at [Wide-area AF (L)], and the focus point is not displayed. Additionally, [Electronic VR] in the video recording menu is set to [OFF].
4. Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.
5. Equivalent in FX/35mm [135] format. Maximum reproduction ratio of 0.67×.
6. Angle of view equivalent to that of a 52.5 mm lens in FX/35mm [135] format.
7. Working distance: The distance from the end of the lens to the subject. Without the lens hood.

*MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

PRIMATE IS ONLY IN THEATRES ON JANUARY 9, 2026! Today we get a new Trailer for this official Toronto After Dark Festival selection which premiered last night. Director Johannes Roberts also showed up for a Q&A!

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

Looking to slay Halloween this year? A golden opportunity awaits for KPop Demon Hunters fans.

Back by popular demand, the KPop Demon Hunters Sing-Along event — a full-length sing-along version of the hit animated original film — is returning to theaters just in time for spooky season. Ready to join the hunt? Gear up and catch the limited theatrical event Friday, Oct. 31 through Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.

For the US and Canada, tickets for the sing-along will go on sale Oct. 17 at 6 a.m. PT. Screenings will initially be available at select theatres across Canada, with more locations to be added in the coming weeks. Fans can head here to find the most up-to-date screenings near them beginning October 17.

The film will also play in additional theatres in the US and internationally, including the UK, Ireland, Korea, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand.

It’s your moment to show your KPop Demon Hunters fandom and come dressed as your favorite character. Unleash your inner Demon Hunter with officially licensed HUNTR/X costumes from Spirit Halloween, or show others how it’s done with Hunter and The Pride-approved must-haves from the Netflix Shop.

Last week, Netflix debuted KPop Demon Hunters lyric videos for fans who want to first practice at home. The line-up includes “How It’s Done,” “Golden,” “Soda Pop,” “Takedown,” and “Free.”

This October, the singing voices of HUNTR/X — EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, and REI AMI — performed live as a trio for the first time with surprise appearances on Saturday Night Live and a debut performance of “Golden” on The Tonight Starring Jimmy Fallon. As part of their appearance on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon announced that the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack had officially gone platinum.

Since its June 20 release, the film has pulled ahead of the pack as the most-watched Netflix animated original film of all time and is now Netflix’s most popular movie ever. Plus, KPop Demon Hunters (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film) is the first soundtrack with four simultaneous Top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 — with “Golden” rising to No. 1 — and has scored more than 7 billion global streams to date.

KPop Demon Hunters, produced in partnership with Sony Pictures Animation (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Mitchells vs. The Machines), is directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, and features a script by Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan, Kang, and Appelhans. The voice ensemble includes Arden Cho, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, Ahn Hyo-seop, Yunjin Kim, Joel Kim Booster, Liza Koshy, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong, and Byung Hun Lee.

Original songs are performed by EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, Andrew Choi, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo, samUIL Lee, Neckwav, and Lea Salonga; with TEDDY, 24, IDO, DOMINSUK, Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, Lindgren, and Ian Eisendrath among the soundtrack’s producers. Songwriters include TEDDY, 24, Danny Chung, IDO, Vince, KUSH, EJAE, Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, Lindgren, Mark Sonnenblick, and Daniel Rojas. Plus, composer Marcelo Zarvos wrote the original score.

Prepare for the upcoming theatrical event by streaming KPop Demon Hunters (again) on Netflix.

Toronto Arts Foundation is thrilled to announce the return of its signature fundraising celebration, the 2025 Mayor’s Evening for the Arts and The (In) Bloom Gala, taking place Wednesday, November 19 at The Carlu (444 Yonge Street, Toronto).

Together, these back-to-back events form Toronto’s biggest night for the arts, bringing artists, civic leaders, and cultural supporters to champion creativity and connection. Each year, the evening raises more than $1 million to support Toronto Arts Foundation programs that make the arts accessible for all Torontonians.

THE MAYOR’S EVENING FOR THE ARTS — 6:00–8:00 PM
The Mayor’s Evening for the Arts is Toronto Arts Foundation’s premier annual fundraiser, uniting artists, creative visionaries, and civic champions to celebrate the transformative role of the arts in shaping Toronto’s identity and vibrancy.

Funds raised directly support cornerstone Foundation programs such as Arts in the Parks, the Black Arts Program, and the Newcomer Artist Program, which provide mentorship, paid work, and free cultural experiences across Toronto.

Guests will enjoy live performances, moving artist stories, and a celebratory dinner alongside Mayor Olivia Chow, highlighting how the arts foster a sense of belonging, civic pride, and community well-being.

THE (IN) BLOOM GALA — 8:30 PM–LATE
When dinner ends, the celebration continues with The (In) Bloom Gala, Toronto’s biggest art party. Transforming The Carlu into an immersive world of sound and colour, the Gala brings together artists, audiences, and supporters in a joyful expression of Toronto’s creative spirit.

All proceeds from Gala tickets go directly to Toronto Arts Foundation, supporting mentorship, professional development, and free public arts programming citywide.

Tickets for the (In) Bloom Gala are on sale now at supportinbloom.ca for $150, including snacks, refreshments, and open bar. Please contact us at mail@torontoarts.org to claim accessible pricing.

This year’s Gala features an electrifying lineup of performances and installations, including:
-The Halluci Nation — The acclaimed Indigenous DJ duo blending activism and electronic innovation.
-OKAN — Afro-Cuban Grammy-nominated artists known for fusing jazz, folk, and global rhythms.
-DJ Me Time — A local favourite redefining the dancefloor with inclusivity and community-driven energy.
-Human Body Expression — Hanna Kiel’s emotionally charged contemporary dance company.
-Jihyun Back — A Korean traditional dancer bridging heritage and innovation.
-Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance — a local non-profit performing arts organization supporting racialized -LGBTQIA+ youth through Ballroom culture, mentorship, and community events.
-Miss Moço — Canada’s celebrated drag icon and host of The Drake Hotel’s legendary brunch, as evening host and MC.
-Amadeus Choir — The award-winning Canadian choral choir, and opera singer Meher Pavri performing an aria from the Mahabharata.
-Maziar Ghaderi, Vladimir Kanic, and Cathy Esther Thorne, whose immersive installations will transform The Carlu’s historic spaces.

FAST FACTS
Funds raised from the Mayor’s Evening for the Arts and (In) Bloom Gala help create:

295 free arts events for all Torontonians in over 20 neighbourhood parks and spaces
245 hours of mentorship for 95 emerging artists
Free training and workshops for 223 arts workers and volunteers
$220,000 in paid contracts for young and newcomer IBPOC artists
Over $130,000 in annual recognition through financial awards for talented artists

QUOTE

“A strong arts sector fuels business, drives tourism and innovation, and contributes to our city’s prosperity and growth. Investing in the arts makes our city a better place to live.”
— Kelly Langgard, Director & CEO, Toronto Arts Foundation

ABOUT KELLY LANGGARD

Appointed Director & CEO of Toronto Arts Foundation and Toronto Arts Council in January 2023, Kelly Langgard has brought more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning arts funding, policy, and cultural diplomacy. A former Director of Granting at the Ontario Arts Council and past senior leader at the Canada Council for the Arts, Langgard’s career began in the independent media arts sector, including directing Toronto’s Images Festival. Her leadership is marked by a strong commitment to equity, access, and inclusion—principles that continue to guide the Foundation’s vision for a more vibrant and connected Toronto.

A SPOTLIGHT ON TORONTO’S ARTS COMMUNITY

In a city where cultural stories compete for attention, Toronto Arts Foundation continues to take an event-driven approach to storytelling — spotlighting the moments, performances, and people that make Toronto’s arts sector impossible to ignore. Through the Mayor’s Evening for the Arts and The (In) Bloom Gala, the Foundation shines a light on the artists, leaders, and changemakers shaping Toronto’s creative future.

Award-winning North American hospitality group INK Entertainment returns to Las Vegas with a limited-time pop-up of its celebrated Italian concept, Sofia. Running from November 11–22, 2025 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the activation marks INK’s return to the city since partnering with Cirque du Soleil in the 2010’s for Revolution Bar on the Las Vegas Strip. This special engagement offers guests a rare opportunity to experience Sofia’s signature blend of refined Italian dining, glamorous design and cultural artistry, perfectly timed to coincide with two of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas’ marquee weekends: the KISS Kruise: Land- Locked in Las Vegas fan weekend and the Big Race weekend.

Sofia has already earned acclaim at its Toronto flagship in Yorkville and at its Miami outpost in the Design District, both beloved for their modern Italian cuisine, world-class service and art-driven environments. For Las Vegas, the space at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas will feature a curated art program in collaboration with Taglialatella Galleries, with highlights including works by internationally recognized artist Russell Young.

The culinary program will be helmed by Corporate Executive Chef Patrick Ochs and Sofia Miami Executive Chef Abel Vuelens, presenting a menu of Sofia’s most celebrated dishes alongside limited-edition plates crafted exclusively for the Las Vegas run. Complementing the food will be a regionally inspired cocktail program designed by Nishan Chandra, featuring flavor-driven ingredients and precise execution, along with a curated selection of rare Italian wines and vintage labels.

“Las Vegas has always represented the pinnacle of dining and entertainment, and bringing Sofia here is an exciting milestone for us as founders of INK Entertainment,” said Charles Khabouth, CEO and Founder, and Danny Soberano, President and Co-Founder, INK Entertainment. “Our vision has always been to create experiences that seamlessly blend cuisine, design, and culture, and this pop-up allows us to showcase Sofia’s spirit on one of the world’s most dynamic stages.

From the food and cocktails to the art and atmosphere, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to deliver something truly unforgettable. We’re thrilled to share Sofia with Las Vegas and look forward to introducing the city to the kind of hospitality experiences that define our brand.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Sofia to Las Vegas, and it’s an honor to work with a brand as stylish and contemporary as INK Entertainment,” said Cliff Atkinson, President of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. “This has been a transformative year for the property, and this partnership is an exciting development. The timing is incredible, both for KISS Kruise: Land-Locked in Las Vegas and the Big Race. With the addition of this incredible partnership, this year will stand out as something truly special at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.”

Founded by visionary entrepreneurs Charles Khabouth and Danny Soberano, INK Entertainment is known for reimagining hospitality through a portfolio of celebrated dining, nightlife, music and lifestyle concepts across Canada and South Florida. Through its partnership with the world-renowned Virgin brand, the Sofia pop-up in Las Vegas marks a milestone in the group’s continued U.S. expansion.

Beyond Sofia, INK Entertainment continues to grow its U.S. presence with Miami concepts Amal and Level 6, and forthcoming openings in Las Olas and Boca Raton.

The Sofia pop-up will be located at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, just east of the Las Vegas strip at 4455 Paradise Rd, and will be open daily starting November 11 for dinner, from 5:00 – 11:00 PM excluding Nov. 17 and 18, during which the pop-up will be dark. Reservations will be open on October 13 via Seven Rooms: https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/vilvsofia

For more information and to make a reservation, please visit inkentertainment.com and follow
along on social media via Instagram at @INKEntertainment.

MUBI, the global distributor, streaming service and production company, is pleased to announce the streaming release date for Oliver Hermanus’ (Living, Moffie) latest feature film The History of Sound, on MUBI in Canada starting November 1, 2025.

Directed by Oliver Hermanus and written by Ben Shattuck (based on his short story), the film stars Paul Mescal (Gladiator, Aftersun, All of Us Strangers), Josh O’Connor (The Crown, Challengers, La Chimera) and Chris Cooper (Adaptation, American Beauty, The Bourne Identity).

SYNOPSIS
Starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, THE HISTORY OF SOUND is a sweeping, moving and tender romance that spans decades and continents. In 1917, Lionel (Mescal, Aftersun) – a young, talented music student – meets David (O’Connor, Challengers) at the Boston Conservatory, where a connection over a deep love of music leads to a fleeting love affair. They reconnect years later, leading to an impromptu journey through the backwoods of Maine to collect traditional folk songs. This unexpected reunion and the music they preserve will shape the course of Lionel’s life for decades to come. From director Oliver Hermanus (Living), this is a beautiful and compelling cinematic experience that tells the story of a love that can’t last, a life forever altered, and the ways in which music creates bonds between us that echo for a lifetime.

Directed by Oliver Hermanus
Screenplay Ben Shattuck
Starring Paul Mescal, Josh O’Connor, Molly Price, Alison Bartlett, and Chris Cooper
Cinematography Alexander Dynan
Music Supervisor Lucy Bright
Editor Chris Wyatt
Casting Susan Shopmaker
Production Design Deborah Jensen
Costume Design Miyako Bellizzi

THE HISTORY OF SOUND WILL BE ON MUBI IN CANADA FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2025

About MUBI
MUBI is a global streaming service, production company and film distributor dedicated to elevating great cinema. MUBI creates, curates, acquires and champions visionary films, bringing them to audiences all over the world.

MUBI is a place to discover ambitious films, from both iconic directors and emerging auteurs. All carefully chosen by MUBI’s curators. With MUBI GO, members in select countries can get a free ticket every week to see the best new films in cinemas. And Notebook explores all sides of cinema culture — both in print and online.

Some previous and upcoming MUBI Releases include: Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance, Luca Guadagnino’s Queer, Joshua Oppenheimer’s The End, Magnus von Horn’s The Girl with the Needle, Pinny Grylls & Sam Crane’s Grand Theft Hamlet, Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, Ira Sachs’ Passages, Pedro Almodóvar’s Strange Way of Life, Molly Manning Walker’s How to Have Sex, Aki Kaurismäki’s Fallen Leaves, Charlotte Wells’ Aftersun, Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave, Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World, Lukas Dhont’s Close, and Céline Sciamma’s Petite Maman.

MUBI Productions include Kelly Reichardt’s The Mastermind starring Josh O’Connor, Christopher Andrews’ Bring Them Down starring Christopher Abbott and Barry Keoghan, Elizabeth Sankey’s Witches, and Bill Ross IV and Turner Ross’ Gasoline Rainbow. MUBI Co-productions include Jim Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Brother starring Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Tom Waits, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat, Karim Aïnouz’s Rosebush Pruning starring Callum Turner, Riley Keough, Jamie Bell, Lukas Gage, Elena Anaya, Tracy Letts, Elle Fanning and Pamela Anderson, and Michel Franco’s Memory starring Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard.

Founded in 2007 by Efe Cakarel, MUBI is the biggest community of film lovers anywhere, with members across 190 different countries. MUBI is headquartered in London, with 15 offices across the world and over 400 employees. MUBI acquired renowned sales agent and production company The Match Factory and Match Factory Productions in January 2022, and a majority stake in leading Benelux film distributor Cinéart in February 2024.

Subscription plans are $14.99 a month or $119.88 for 12 months, or $19.99 a month or $167.88 for 12 months to include MUBI GO. MUBI is available on the web, Roku devices, Apple Vision Pro, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, LG and Samsung Smart TVs, as well as on mobile devices including iPad, iPhone and Android.

“Fire And Water: Making The Avatar Films” will premiere November 7, 2025, exclusively on Disney+. Be sure to check out the trailer below!

The two-part documentary from 20th Century Studios and Lightstorm Entertainment, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the making of the Oscar®-winning box office phenomenon “Avatar: The Way of Water” and a first look at the upcoming “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” features exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, concept art, and interviews with cast and filmmakers. The filmmakers traveled from Manhattan Beach, San Pedro, Shasta Lake, and the Channel Islands to the Bahamas, Hawaii, and New Zealand, to follow the cast and below-the-line team as they work to hone and perfect the techniques of underwater performance capture technology and learn to free dive in a massive, state-of-the-art 680,000-gallon water tank.

The executive producers for “Fire And Water: Making The Avatar Films” are James Cameron and Rae Sanchini. The director/producer is Thomas C. Grane, the writer/producer is Richard Brehm, the creative director is Robert Glowacki, the director of photography is John Clisham, the director of photography – interviews is Steven Wacks, and the creative consultant is Geoff Burdick.

The two-part documentary includes interviews with (in order of appearance): James Cameron (writer/director/producer/editor), Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Jon Landau (producer), Stephen Lang, Maria Battle Campbell (co-producer, 1st assistant director), Richard Baneham (executive producer, Lightstorm visual effects supervisor), Kate Winslet, Rae Sanchini (executive producer, president, Lightstorm Entertainment), Margery Simkin (casting director), Jamie Landau (co-producer), Stephen Rivkin (editor), Ryan Champney (visual production supervisor), Dylan Cole (production designer), Garrett Warren (2nd unit director, stunt coordinator), Rob Innes (founder, Jetovator, Inc.), John Rosengrant (co-founder, Legacy Effects), Chis Denison (stunts), Joey Natale (stunts, stunt driver), Steve Brown (assistant stunt coordinator), Richie Schwalm (on-set coordinator), JD Schwalm (performance capture special effects coordinator), Peter Zuccarini (underwater cinematographer), John Garvin (supervising dive master), Kirk Krack (performance free dive instructor), Sigourney Weaver, Cliff Curtis, William Trubridge (Metkayina stroke consultant), Britain Dalton, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Luke Freeborn (supervising art director), Ben Procter (production designer), Brigitte Yorke (co-producer, New Zealand unit production manager), Brendan Cowell, John Garvin (supervising dive master), Jack Champion, Joe Letteri (senior visual effects supervisor), Eric Saindon (Wētā FX, senior visual effects supervisor), Nick Epstein (Wētā FX, visual effects supervisor). Mob Scene served as the production company for the documentary.

Twenty-five years ago, four grateful Hobbits left the Shire and changed the face of fantasy forever. In 2026, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, and Elijah Wood will reunite with fans for An Evening with the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years, a once-in-a-quarter-century celebration tour that will be featured at 11 FAN EXPO HQ shows across North America – including in Toronto, August 29 at FAN EXPO Canada, August 27–30, 2026.

More than a reunion and so much more than a panel, An Evening with the Hobbits is part variety show, part storytelling session, and all fun. No two nights will be the same — fans can expect a lively mix of behind-the-scenes memories, on-stage antics, heartfelt reflections, and plenty of laughs along the way. From inside jokes and surprise moments to the friendships that still shine 25 years later, this one-of-a-kind event promises a celebration as unexpected — and joyful — as a Hobbit feast.

Full tour dates include:

FAN EXPO New Orleans (January 9–11, 2026): Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 7:30 PM CT

FAN EXPO Portland (January 16–18, 2026): Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 7:30 PM PT

FAN EXPO Vancouver (February 14–16, 2026): TBD

MEGACON Orlando (March 19–22, 2026): Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 7:30 PM ET

Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo (April 23–26, 2026): Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 7:30 PM MT

FAN EXPO Denver (May 28–31, 2026): TBD

FAN EXPO Philadelphia (May 29–31, 2026): TBD

FAN EXPO Boston (August 7–9, 2026): Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 7:30 PM ET

FAN EXPO Chicago (August 14–16, 2026): Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 7:30 PM CT

FAN EXPO Canada (August 27–30, 2026): Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 7:30 PM ET
FAN EXPO Dallas (September 11–13, 2026): Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 7:30 PM CT

“FAN EXPO is all about creating unforgettable experiences, and An Evening with the Hobbits will be exactly that,” said Andrew Moyes, Vice President, FAN EXPO HQ. “Fans are delighted whenever we host these gentlemen individually — but together, the energy is electric. Their characters are beloved, their friendship is indelible, and the joy they bring to audiences is unmatched. We can’t wait to present this special anniversary celebration in 2026.”

At a recent FAN EXPO appearance, Elijah Wood offered these thoughts on the anniversary: “To be celebrating this milestone – a quarter of a century – just feels abstract. It still feels like the films are really present. The fact that we’re spending this kind of time (at conventions with fans and doing shows like this), it keeps it so fresh for us. It’s such a massive, continual part of our lives.”

Tickets for An Evening with the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years at FAN EXPO Canada will be on sale October 22 at 10 AM local time via https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpocanada/. (FAN EXPO Canada admission required), along with VIP experiences that include once-in-a-lifetime photo op and autograph sessions. Exclusive merch and collectibles will also be available at each of the tour stops, and organizers are teasing even more celebratory programming (including additional The Lord of the Rings guest appearances at FAN EXPO HQ events) — details coming soon.

Fans are encouraged to secure their spot early — these evenings are expected to sell out faster than pints at The Green Dragon.

Why does it always have to end? See the new official Trailer for KEEPER from Osgood Perkins, starring Tatiana Maslany and Rossif Sutherland!

KEEPER. In theatres November 14, 2025 via Elevation Pictures.