Telefilm Canada announces its investment in 27 feature-length films in the English market with a commitment of over $14.4 million, under the Production Program’s low budget stream, including international coproductions.

This year’s selection demonstrates strong provincial representation and appeals to a wide range of audiences, from science fiction and horror to comedies and dramas. 

Last month, 12 big-budget feature films in the English market were announced here.

Atlantic

Back For The Holidays (horror/thriller)
Director and screenwriter: Michael Gabriele
Production: Dark Venetian Red Pictures Inc.
Province: Prince Edward Island
Language: English

Clara and Vanessa (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Thom Fitzgerald
Production: Emotion Pictures Incorporated
Province: Nova Scotia
Language: English

Feed (horror)
Director: Nancy Urich
Screenwriters: Nancy Urich and Stephanie Johns
Production: CUT/OFF/TAIL Pictures Inc.
Province: Nova Scotia
Language: English

The Executor (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Joe Cobden
Production: Holdfast Pictures Inc.
Province: Nova Scotia
Language: English

Quebec

Good in the Room (crime-thriller)
Director: Pat Kiely
Screenwriters: Pat Kiely and Mark O’Brien
Production: Banner House Productions Inc. and Grand Touring Production Inc.
Province: Quebec and Ontario
Language: English

Worm (horror)
Director: James Watts
Screenwriters: Kelly Hurcomb and James Watts
Production: Good House Digital Inc.
Distribution: Vortex Media
Province: Quebec
Language: English

Ontario and Nunavut

Below Morning (science fiction/fantasy/tale)
Director and screenwriter: Randall Okita
Production: Lockpicker Productions Inc.
Distribution: Game Theory Films
Province: Ontario
Language: English

Devour (horror)
Director: Erica Orofino
Screenwriters: Erica Orofino and Olivia Loccisano
Production: Wildling Pictures Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English

Dinner with Friends (drama)
Director: Sasha Lee Henry
Screenwriters: Sasha Leigh Henry and Tania Thompson
Production: Admiral Productions Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English

Dirty (horror)
Director and screenwriter: Devon Graye
Production: Let’s Get Dirty LTD.
Province: Ontario
Language: English

IMPORT (thriller)
Director: Paul Shkordoff
Screenwriters: Frank Graziano and Paul Shkordoff
Production: OPC. TV INC, Sweet George Films and Metafilms
Province: Ontario and Quebec
Language: English
*France/Serbia/Canada coproduction

Intro to Swimming (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Aram Collier
Production: LaRue Productions Inc.
Distribution: Filmoption International Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English and Chinese (Cantonese)

Labranza (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Andrea Martinez Crowther
Production: Lulo Films Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English, Spanish
*Canada/Mexico coproduction

Los Turistas (The Tourists) (drama)
Directors and screenwriters: Brad Deane and Lina Rodriguez
Production: Rayon Verde Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English, Spanish
*Canada/Colombia coproduction

Phreaker (thriller)
Director and screenwriter: Adam Yorke
Production: Phreaker Motion Picture Corporation
Distribution: Mongrel Media
Province: Ontario
Language: English

Rocket Fuel (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Jessie Posthumus
Production: Edge Entertainment Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English

The Embers and the Stars (science fiction/fantasy/tale)
Director and screenwriter: William Woods
Production: Obvious Allegory Inc.
Distribution: VVS Films
Province: Ontario Language: English

Tides (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Jessica Huras
Production: Nice Picture Inc. and Shut Up & Colour Pictures Inc.
Province: Ontario and Nova Scotia
Language: English

Western

A Hero of Our Time (Man Vs Truck) (comedy)
Director and screenwriter: Ted Stenson
Production: Kino Sum Productions Inc.
Province: Alberta
Language: English

Alien Boy (science fiction/fantasy/tale)
Director and screenwriter: Fawaz Al-Matrouk
Production: Karma Films Inc.
Province: Saskatchewan
Language: English, Arabic

Any Other World (science fiction/fantasy/tale)
Director and screenwriter: Ben Pickles
Production: Any Other World Productions Inc.
Distribution: Photon Films
Province: British Columbia
Language: English

Baby Tooth (mystery/crime/police)
Director and screenwriter: Connor Gaston
Production: Garden Film Studio Ltd. and Studio 104 Entertainment Inc.
Province: British Columbia
Language: English

CAMP (horror)
Director and screenwriter: Avalon Fast
Production: TNodrick Productions Ltd and 16053106 CANADA INC.
Distribution: Filmoption International
Province: Alberta and Quebec
Language: English

Judas Tree (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Susan Bayani
Production: Understory Films Inc.
Province: British Columbia
Language: English, Farsi (Persian)

New Diamond Restaurant (horror)
Director and screenwriter: Milton Ng
Production: Dear Hero Productions Inc.
Province: British Columbia
Language: English, Chinese (Cantonese)

Northern Lights (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Mackenzie Leigh
Production: Heart Shaped Movies Inc.
Province: Manitoba
Language: English

Switchback (thriller)
Director and screenwriter: Melanie Jones
Production: Instilling Entertainment Inc.
Province: British Columbia
Language: English

Telefilm continues to receive a high volume of applications, particularly in Ontario and the Western region, under the Production Program. In the English market, 216 projects were assessed in the low budget stream including international coproductions, representing over $135 million in funding requests. Project submissions were considered by an Advisory Committee, and Telefilm met with all shortlisted teams.

More funding decisions, including projects from the Indigenous stream and the Theatrical Documentary Program will be announced in the coming weeks. Statistics on all films funded in the year will be published in the 2025-2026 Annual Report.

An advisory committee composed of external and internal representatives has evaluated the projects and made its recommendations. The decision-making process is designed to ensure that Telefilm funds a balanced production portfolio reflecting a variety of genres, budgets, company sizes, regions of the country, and perspectives. A list of the selection committee members will be posted on Telefilm’s Project Financing Advisory Committees page once all funding decisions have been made.

As part of CBC’s ongoing commitment to reflect Indigenous communities across Canada, the national public broadcaster is recognizing National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day with original and special programming that showcases First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives and experiences.

National Indigenous History Month honours the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across the country. It is also an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the strength of Indigenous communities by sharing present-day stories from an Indigenous point of view, told by Indigenous-led creative teams. CBC aims to foreground diverse Indigenous voices year-round, offering national audiences authentic and engaging storytelling that can’t be found anywhere else, and nurturing new Indigenous creators and aspiring journalists through development programs that offer participants valuable hands-on experience and coaching support.

A selection of CBC’s broad range of programming available on broadcast, streaming, audio and digital platforms in June and beyond is highlighted below:

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY – Saturday, June 21

CBC TV and CBC Gem will broadcast and stream a selection of Indigenous-led documentaries, films and series throughout the day and late night on Saturday, June 21, including the following titles:

Begins streaming June 21 on CBC Gem and CBC Indigenous’ YouTube channel. Also available on CBC News streaming channels June 21 and 22.

RESONATE: SONGS OF RESILIENCE (52 minutes)

CBC Indigenous takes you into Indigenous country to hear songs of roots and resistance. Watch the one-hour special, RESONATE: SONGS OF RESILIENCE, celebrating communities and families through music, while sharing personal stories and experiences.

7 p.m. (8 AT, 8:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem

2025 INDSPIRE AWARDS

Twelve outstanding Indigenous achievers from a diverse list of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities will be celebrated during the broadcast of the 2025 INDSPIRE AWARDS, which recognize outstanding achievements from Indigenous peoples across the country in a variety of fields, including: the arts; business and commerce; culture, heritage and spirituality; education; health; law and justice; public service; sports; and lifetime achievement. Three Youth Award winners are also honoured for their accomplishments, serving as role models to other First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth across Turtle Island. The Indspire Awards represent the highest honour the Indigenous community bestows upon its own people. After 31 years, the Indspire Awards have honoured over 400 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement across Turtle Island and beyond. Learn more about the 2025 recipients.

8 p.m. (9 AT, 9:30 NT) on CBC TV (streaming now on CBC Gem)

SEARCHING FOR WINNETOU (directed by Drew Hayden Taylor, written by Paul Kemp)

SEARCHING FOR WINNETOU looks at the fine line between appreciation and appropriation of Indigenous traditions. The documentary follows Ojibway author and humourist Drew Hayden Taylor as he travels to Germany to investigate this phenomenon and its lasting impact.

9 p.m. (10 AT, 10:30 NT) on CBC TV (streaming now on CBC Gem)

BEANS (directed by Tracey Deer, written by Tracey Deer and Meredith Vuchnich)

Drawing from her own experiences as a child, Tracey Deer provides a poignant and engaging chronicle of real-life events that shook the nation. BEANS takes place at the height of the 1990 Mohawk Resistance at Kanehsatà:ke (also known as the Oka Crisis), a 78-day standoff between Indigenous land defenders, Quebec police, the RCMP, and the Canadian military, over the proposed expansion of a golf course on to a Mohawk burial ground. Twelve-year-old Tekehentahkhwa (nicknamed Beans) grapples with her anger over the treatment of her people. The CBC Films-supported film won Best Motion Picture and the John Dunning Best First Feature Film at the 2021 Canadian Screen Awards.

AVAILABLE IN JUNE ON CBC PLATFORMS

UNRESERVED (New episodes available every Friday everywhere podcasts are available, and airing Sundays at 2 p.m. (2:30 NT) and Tuesdays at 1 p.m. (1:30 NT) on CBC Radio and CBC Listen) In a special episode dropping June 20, host Rosanna Deerchild speaks with the drum dance group Kilautiup Songuninga based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

UNRESERVED is Canada’s only national radio program dedicated to Indigenous voices. Deerchild guides listeners to learn, unlearn, and laugh together on a path to better understanding through new weekly episodes, and ongoing series: Sacred Seven explores the teachings of Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, and community members putting those words into action, while Unmapped is a travel series that shines a light on the Indigenous presence in some of the most iconic destinations around the world. Visit cbc.ca/unreserved for more information or catch up on CBC Listen.

SO SURREAL: BEHIND THE MASKS (88min, directed by Neil Diamond) a documentary Channel original Now streaming on CBC Gem and the CBC Docs You Tube channel

SO SURREAL: BEHIND THE MASKS is a feature documentary that traces the storied journey of Indigenous masks from the far reaches of Turtle Island (North America) into the hands of European Surrealists, influencing the work and worldview of some of the most well-known modern artists and writers of all time including Max Ernst, André Breton, Roberto Matta and Joan Miró – all while following the dramatic quest to return a mask that was brutally stolen from the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw people on Canada’s northwest coast over a century ago. Part caper, part road trip, part spiritual journey, SO SURREAL: BEHIND THE MASKS follows Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond (Reel Injun, Red Fever) as he travels coast-to-coast and across the Atlantic and back, gradually piecing together this groundbreaking global story of influence, reconnection and restitution.

CBC Gem’s INDIGENOUS STORIES COLLECTION features a variety of series, documentaries and feature films including a short doc celebrating a special graduation season for a James Smith First Nation family, GRADUATION DAY; an Ininimowin-language version of Tanya Talaga’s docuseries, THE KNOWING; documentaries AITAMAAKO’TAMISSKAPI NATOSI: BEFORE THE SUN, following the thrilling Indian Relay horse race, and BRING THEM HOME / AISKÓTÁHKAPIYAAYA, narrated by Academy Award® nominee Lily Gladstone and chronicling a decades-long initiative to bring wild buffalo back to the Blackfeet Reservation; Season 2 of competition series BEARS’ LAIR, as 18 Indigenous entrepreneurs pitch their business plans; DELTA DAWN, the winner of the Hot Docs Best Canadian Short Documentary Award about Indigenous wrestling sensation Dawn Murphy; Season 2 of crime drama TRIBAL; and feature film ROSIE, a cross-cultural family drama.

Also streaming now on CBC Gem, Indigenous-themed documentaries from the ABSOLUTELY CANADIAN documentary series showcase powerful locally produced films from communities across Canada. TEA CREEK explores the rich history of Indigenous agriculture and the ongoing impacts of colonization; THE DEATH TOUR follows wrestling hopefuls pursuing their dreams through remote Indigenous communities in Canada’s far North; NORTHLORE elevates extraordinary true stories of survival on the land through animation; GIIWE:RETURNING HOME is the filmmaker’s journey to reconnect to his traditions and culture; and THE FORGOTTEN WARRIORS follows the true story of Mi’kmaq activists who went on a hunger strike to secure their rights to self-determination.

CBC Kids showcases award-winning programs on CBC Gem, such as ANAANA’S TENT in both English and Inuktitut, TEEPEE TIME in English and Mi’kmaq, and MOLLY OF DENALI. For more National Indigenous History Month with CBC Kids programming, visit the CBC Kids section on CBC Gem.

How do you say “fox” in Cree? Or “wolf” in Inuktitut? How about “moose” in Ojibwe/Anishinaabemowin? The new CBC Kids Indigenous Language playlist on YouTube teaches animal words in three languages.

CBC Kids News visits Ulukhaktok, N.W.T. for a multipart series with digital stories and videos that showcase the community and their traditional practices. Available on CBCKidsNews.ca and the CBC Kids News YouTube channel.

CBC Books offers recommended reading lists curated by Indigenous writers David A. Robertson, Monique Gray Smith and more.

On CBC Radio, CBC Books will feature Indigenous writers across all programs including BOOKENDS WITH MATTEA ROACH in conversation with David A. Robertson about his book 52 Ways to Reconcile (now streaming) and a panel about memoirs featuring Tanya Talaga, author of The Knowing (June 22). THE NEXT CHAPTER discussed Christian Allaire’s memoir, From the Rez to the Runway (now streaming), and shares a Prout Questionnaire from Michelle Good (June 21). Also available on CBC Listen and wherever you get your podcasts.

CBC Music’s incredible Indigenous Playlists are available to stream on CBC Listen and feature everything from traditional beats to hip hop and electric powwow.

CBC Music recommends Five Indigenous musicians to know in 2025. These emerging Indigenous artists are carving out spaces for themselves with their music, from soulful singer-songwriters to fiddlers who are embracing folk and country, to experimental rockers.

Broadcasting June 18 on CBC Music and June 22 on CBC Radio, RECLAIMED with host Jarrett Martineau features Part 3 of National Indigenous History Month, showcasing a special celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day and a Summer Solstice dance party. Catch up on Part 1 and 2 of RECLAIMED’s National Indigenous History Month series on CBC Listen. CBC Music will also feature an Essentials segment on MORNINGS and a Deep Dive segment on DRIVE covering the Halluci Nation (June 20), and CBC Music hosts will be presenting special playlists and interviews with Indigenous artists all week and into June 21 across all shows.

Concert series CBC MUSIC LIVE features live recordings of Indigenous artists every week in June. Recorded at the Tkaronto Festival, Blue Moon Marquee, Sebastian Gaskin and Kaeley Jade are now available to stream on CBC Gem. Aysanabee’s CBC MUSIC LIVE feature debuts on CBC Gem on June 24.

On June 20, Q WITH TOM POWER will air a career-spanning conversation with actor Tantoo Cardinal, who was recently honoured with the Equity in Entertainment Award at The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada event.

On June 19, the group chat on COMMOTION WITH ELAMIN ABDELMAHMOUD will feature Indigenous panelists talking about the future of AI in Indigenous music, culture and storytelling. On June 20, the Indigenous panelists will cover Aysanabee’s new album, and other big pop culture stories of the week.

MAAMUITAAU is a weekly Cree language current affairs program with English subtitles on CBC Gem, CBC North and CBC Montreal, bringing the stories of the James Bay Crees to life. In English, MAAMUITAAU means “let’s get together,” which reflects the spirit of the show. The long-running series from CBC North’s Cree Unit covers a broad range of topics including social and political issues, environmental changes, and traditional subjects such as hunting and crafts. Observational, engaging, and at times poetic, the show transports you to Quebec’s North and to the heart of Cree culture.

CBC Indigenous drives coverage of and for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and their communities led by a team of Indigenous journalists across the country. They deliver critical, creative and diverse journalism to their audience when and where they need it. CBC North’s Cree unit includes the award-winning East Cree-language radio shows Winschgaoug and Eyou Dipajimoon, which broadcast daily Monday to Friday on CBC Radio and CBC Listen. CBC North further broadens Canadians’ understanding of Indigenous experiences across the country with content available in six Indigenous languages.

Since 2014, CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowships have been offered annually to early-career Indigenous journalists to foster better comprehension of Indigenous issues in Canada’s major media and community outlets. This year, the CJF has strategically reimagined its Indigenous Fellowship program, transitioning from a one-month experience to an immersive four-month placement for a single fellow, to provide deeper, more meaningful professional development opportunities that allow Indigenous journalists to fully integrate into newsroom operations and develop richer, more impactful stories.

The CBC-APTN Early Stage Scripted Development Program for Indigenous Creators in association with the ISO is returning for a fourth year, offering a unique opportunity for two emerging creators with projects still in the pre-development phase to work closely with CBC and APTN executives to help move their projects into development and ultimately into the production phase. Further details will be announced soon.

CBC Indigenous Pathways is also back for its fourth year. Pathways is a paid, full-time, nine-month learning and development opportunity for First Nations, Inuit and Métis seeking to develop careers with the public broadcaster. Candidates hone their skills as part of an Indigenous peer cohort, while receiving culturally relevant programming, as well as mentorship and development opportunities across the country. Applications open in July for the program, which runs from October to June.

Launched in February 2024, the National Indigenous Strategy Strengthening Relations, Walking Together is CBC/Radio-Canada’s collective commitment to examine our content and relationships with Indigenous Peoples, honestly and truthfully. Earlier today, CBC/Radio-Canada released a 2024-2025 progress report.

On June 25, 2025, MICHELIN-starred Aburi Hana and MICHELIN-recommended Langdon Hall will unite for a one-night-only collaborative dinner at Aburi Hana, located at 102 Yorkville Avenue in Toronto. The evening will feature a seasonal multi-course tasting menu crafted by Executive Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa (above, left) of Aburi Hana and Executive Chef Jason Bangerter (above, right) of Langdon Hall. Priced at $450 per guest (plus tax and gratuity), this exclusive experience will include an amuse bouche, eight savoury courses, and two desserts, celebrating the harmony between Japanese Kaiseki traditions and Langdon Hall’s terroir-driven Canadian cuisine. Guests may choose between two seatings, at 5:30 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. Optional beverage pairings will also be available upon request. Reservations for this intimate collaboration are limited and can be made HERE.

Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa
Executive Chef, Aburi Hana

MICHELIN-starred Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa brings a refined approach to contemporary Kyōto-style Kaiseki. Originally from Shikoku Island, Japan, he trained under celebrated master chefs including Yoshihiro Murata at the three-MICHELIN-starred Kikunoi. His cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition yet modern in execution, celebrating seasonality and Japanese hospitality (omotenashi). At Aburi Hana, Chef Nakagawa shares his vision of artistic plating and innovative Japanese flavours with North American diners.

Chef Jason Bangerter
Executive Chef, Langdon Hall

As Executive Chef of Langdon Hall, a MICHELIN-recommended destination, Chef Jason Bangerter is known for his commitment to sustainable, locally sourced cuisine. With an international career and a strong focus on Ontario-grown ingredients, he leads a culinary team that reflects his passion for quality, innovation, and mentorship. His approach blends terroir-driven cooking with refined techniques, consistently elevating Canada’s fine dining landscape.

Event Details:
Date: June 25, 2025
Time: Two seatings – 5:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Location: Aburi Hana, 102 Yorkville Avenue (Lower Level), Toronto, ON
Price: $450 per guest (plus tax and gratuity)

This special evening will invite guests to indulge in a culinary journey shaped by the two chefs’ distinct yet complementary philosophies. Their collaborative menu will weave together Aburi Hana’s Kyoto-style Kaiseki precision and Langdon Hall’s terroir approach, elevated with curated beverage pairings to complement each course.

This collaboration marks a rare opportunity to witness the synergy between chef Ryusuke and chef Jason. Guests can expect an evening of thoughtful storytelling, seasonal expression, and memorable hospitality. Reservations for this collaboration can be made HERE.

About Aburi Hana
Located in Toronto’s upscale Yorkville neighbourhood, Aburi Hana is renowned for its MICHELIN-starred Kyō-Kaiseki experience. Led by Executive Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa, the restaurant seamlessly fuses Japanese tradition with modern innovation, offering a dining journey that celebrates seasonality, artistry, and culinary excellence.

About Langdon Hall
Located in Cambridge, Ontario, Langdon Hall is a MICHELIN-recommended Relais & Châteaux property known for its terroir-driven cuisine and timeless elegance. Led by Executive Chef Jason Bangerter, the restaurant highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from its gardens and surrounding farms, offering a refined dining experience rooted in sustainability and Canadian heritage.

The new mystery-thriller limited series Untamed starring Eric Bana, Sam Neill, Rosemarie DeWitt, Lily Santiago and Wilson Bethel will premiere on Thursday, July 17, 2025 on Netflix. Today we get a new Teaser Trailer.

“Everyone thinks of Yosemite as this beautiful place with all the vistas and all the scenery, but we were trying to touch on the dangers that are just beyond that,”
co-showrunner Mark L. Smith tells Tudum.

“We get to understand what this job is, and see the beauty of the park, but also the dangers.”
co-showrunner Elle Smith tells Tudum

ABOUT UNTAMED:

Logline: A character-driven mystery-thriller that follows Kyle Turner (played by Bana), a special agent for the National Parks Service who works to enforce human law in nature’s vast wilderness. The investigation of a brutal death sends Turner on a collision course with the dark secrets within the park, and in his own past.
Episodes: 6 x 1 hour
Cast & Character Descriptions:

-Eric Bana as Kyle Turner, a special agent for the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB) who works to enforce human law in nature’s vast territories.
-Sam Neill as Paul Souter. Souter has been the chief park ranger in Yosemite for half his life. He’s a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend to Turner. He’s comfortable in all facets of his job, whether it’s dealing with crime inside the park or with the bureaucracy around it.
-Lily Santiago as Naya Vasquez. An ambitious young, former Los Angeles cop, Vasquez is the newest addition to Yosemite’s ranger squad. She came to the park to find a new life with her 4-year-old son, Gael. Despite being a little green when it comes to a landscape like Yosemite, her strong will, astute investigative skills, and big-city homicide techniques become useful tools in a murder that is distinctly human.
-Rosemary DeWitt as Jill Bodwin. Jill is Turner’s ex-wife, a former teacher and park counselor, who remarried a few years after their divorce. Despite the fracturing of their marriage, Jill and Turner maintain a strong bond, held together by events from their past.
-Wilson Bethel as Shane Maguire. A former army ranger, Maguire now uses his skills as the park’s Wildlife Management Officer. Maguire’s a loner, preferring to live by himself in the wilderness where it’s easier to follow his own rules.

Executive Producers: Mark L. Smith, Elle Smith, Eric Bana, John Wells and Erin Jontow via John Wells Productions; Todd Black and Tony Shaw for Escape Artists Entertainment, Steve Lee Jones for Bee Holder Productions; Cliff Roberts for Syndicate Entertainment
Showrunners: Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith

THE NAKED GUN is in theatres August 1, 2025. We loved these films as a kid, so happy to see these revived! Today, we get a new Trailer.

SYNOPSIS:

Only one man has the particular set of skills… to lead Police Squad and save the world! Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) follows in his father’s footsteps in THE NAKED GUN, directed by Akiva Schaffer (Saturday Night Live, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and from producer Seth MacFarlane (Ted, Family Guy). Joining the case are cast Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, with Danny Huston.

Paramount Pictures Presents

In Association with Domain Entertainment

A Fuzzy Door Production

“THE NAKED GUN”

Executive Producers

Daniel M. Stillman, Akiva Schaffer, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary

Produced by

Seth MacFarlane, p.g.a., Erica Huggins, p.g.a.

Written by

Dan Gregor & Doug Mand & Akiva Schaffer

Directed by

Akiva Schaffer

Cast:

Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, with Danny Huston

CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

THIS FILM HAS NOT YET BEEN RATED

LOATHE THY NEIGHBOR follows a young man (Brennan Clost) who returns to his late father’s farm, only to find himself locked in an increasingly absurd—and unnervingly relatable—standoff with his cranky neighbour, played by Lauren Holly in a role that’s deliciously deadpan and totally unhinged. Today we get a new Trailer!

The film opens on August 29, 2025 across North America.

(Photo/video credit: New Mountain Films)

Honouring the legacies and achievements of Canadians across multiple disciplines. Canada’s Walk of Fame took place last night at Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The annual affair which originated in 1998 has become an important fixture, recognizing achievements by Canadians that have made a far-reaching impact. Plaques commemorating inductees will appear in Entertainment District in the near future.

2025 Inductees include:

– Liona Boyd – Five-Time Juno Award-Winning “First Lady of Guitar”

– Dr. Tirone David – Pioneering Cardiovascular Surgeon

– Shawn Levy –Acclaimed Writer, Director and Producer Known for Deadpool & Wolverine, Night at the Museum and Stranger Things

– Dr. Samantha Nutt – Champion of Children’s Wellness on the Frontlines of Global Crises

– Our Lady Peace – Multi-platinum, Diamond-Selling Band

– Isadore Sharp – Visionary Hotelier and Philanthropist

– Mike Weir – The first Canadian golfer to win the Masters Tournament

– Toronto International Film Festival – The Largest Public Film Festival in the World

– Tonya Williams – Award-Winning Actress, Producer and Advocate

In addition to this being inducted, presenters this year included:

– Tom Cochrane, music icon and Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductee (2009) – Presenter for Mike Weir

– K.C. Collins star of Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent – Presenter for Tonya Williams

– Rhys Hoskins – Co-Presenter for Dr. Samantha Nutt (son) and Chantal Kreviazuk, award-winning Canadian singer, songwriter, composer, pianist – Co-Presenter for Dr. Samantha Nutt

– Charlie, Coco, Tess and Sophie Levy – Presenters for Shawn Levy (daughters)

– Deepa Mehta, Indian-born Canadian film director and screenwriter – Presenter for TIFF

– Julie Nesrallah, celebrated opera singer and host of CBC’s Tempo – Presenter for Liona Boyd

– Dr. Maral Ouzounian, Cardiac Surgeon and Surgeon Scientist at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, and Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Toronto. – Presenter for Dr. Tirone David

– Rosalie Sharp – Presenter for Isadore Sharp (wife)

– Media personality George Stroumboulopoulos – Presenter for Our Lady Peace

– Plus Bryan Porter of Seeing Red will deliver opening remarks

Some highlights from the evening:

Some photos from the Red Carpet:

The 2025 Canada’s Walk of Fame Gala airs July 1, 2025 7 PM on CBC and CBC GEM.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Strength training often revolves around the big three: squat, bench press, and deadlift. These compound lifts form the foundation of many power and hypertrophy programs. Occasionally, alternative training methods like rest-pause and myo reps gain attention. 

Let’s break down what rest-pause and myo reps are, how they work, and whether they can stand in for the tried-and-true heavy lifts.

Rest-pause training

With rest-pause training, you perform a set to near failure, pause briefly (around 10–20 seconds), then squeeze out additional mini-sets with short rests in between. The idea is to maintain high intensity while extending time under tension.

It’s not new. Powerlifters and bodybuilders have used this technique for decades to overload muscles without doing endless straight sets. It’s efficient, demanding, and mentally tough, making it appealing for lifters looking to save time or push through strength plateaus.

Myo reps

Myo reps are a variation of rest-pause. Coined by Norwegian coach Borge Fagerli, myo reps focus on maximizing muscle fiber recruitment by performing an “activation set” followed by short-rest mini sets. After the first hard set, you rest about 10-15 seconds, then do 3–5 reps per mini set until you hit technical failure.

The benefit: more effective reps with less volume. Since muscle fibers fatigue quickly, especially the high-threshold motor units responsible for strength and size, myo reps aim to keep those fibers active for longer.

How influencers are driving trends

The rise of fitness influencers has reshaped training culture. On YouTube and Instagram, quick hacks, exotic methods, and “science-based” breakdowns grab attention. 

Some influencers promote these methods like myo reps as superior to traditional training. Others may use these techniques along with gear. The result is a confusing landscape where natural lifters might chase the same results without the same tools or context. Certain influencers do acknowledge their use of steroids, leading more people to search for how they can buy steroids in Canada or the US, for example. 

Why myo reps aren’t ideal for heavy compound lifts

Myo reps are rarely used with barbell compound lifts – and for good reason.

The biggest issue is technical breakdown under fatigue. Squats, deadlifts, and bench presses demand precision. As fatigue builds, so does the risk of form slipping. With isolation exercises, like bicep curls or leg extensions, that’s manageable. But with a barbell squat? One slip in form under fatigue can have serious consequences.

There’s also a logistical problem. Myo reps involve short rest periods between mini-sets. That’s easy with a dumbbell or a machine. But resetting under the bar repeatedly for squats or bench presses is not only awkward, it’s potentially dangerous without a spotter or safety bars.

And then there’s CNS fatigue. Big compound lifts tax your entire nervous system. Myo reps, by design, build up fatigue quickly. Stacking systemic stress on top of local fatigue may overwhelm your recovery capacity.

Finally, load selection becomes tricky. Myo reps may be most effective in the 30-70% 1RM range. But compound lifts usually benefit from heavier loading to target maximal strength. Using lighter weights might not provide enough stimulus, or might encourage sloppy reps just to hit the prescribed volume.

That said, myo reps can work with machine-based compound lifts like the leg press or chest press, or with safer bodyweight variations like push-ups or goblet squats. 

Do they build strength?

Strength is highly specific. To lift heavy, you need to train heavy, at least some of the time. Neural adaptations, motor learning, and bracing under load all require practice with heavy weights.

Rest-pause and myo reps can build muscle and improve muscular endurance, but they might not develop max strength as effectively on their own.

That said, studies show that using moderate loads with high effort (like in myo reps) can maintain or even increase strength, especially in less experienced lifters or during deloads. But for advanced athletes chasing PRs, these methods work best as accessories, not replacements.

Fatigue and recovery

Rest-pause techniques spike fatigue quickly. That’s partly the point. You push close to failure, rest briefly, and go again. The downside is you may recover more slowly than from traditional straight sets, especially if done frequently.

Myo reps are slightly more controlled. Because you’re doing fewer total reps and working within a specific fatigue threshold, recovery is often quicker. But the cumulative effect still matters. Athletes should be careful to avoid burnout, prioritising sleep, nutrition, and stress management.

Practical programming advice

If you’re curious about integrating these techniques, you could start simple. Add rest-pause sets at the end of your workout for accessory lifts like leg press, dumbbell bench, or pull-ups. For myo reps, try a few sets with isolation moves (bicep curls, leg extensions, or machine rows).

Don’t overdo it. The intensity is high, so volume needs to be moderate. Track recovery, listen to your joints, and adjust as needed.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON breathes fire into the Box Office this weekend debuting with a hefty $82 million from 4,356 theatres for Universal Pictures, making it a Franchise best for this live action remake. Previous best was 2019’s THE HIDDEN WORLD with a $55 million opening. Canadian Director Dean DeBlois’ adaptation gets 77% on the Tomatometer.

LILO & STITCH takes $16 million in its fourth weekend for Disney, taking it to $367 million domestically.

MATERIALISTS opens with $12 million from 2,844 theatres for A24/VVS Films, nabbing a stellar 87% on the Tomatometer for this latest effort from Celine Song.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – THE FINAL RECKONING comes in fourth with $9 million, bringing it to $165.2 million domestically for Paramount Pictures.

BALLERINA rounds things out with $8 million from 3,409 theatres, bringing its two week total to $41.4 million for Cineplex Pictures/Lionsgate.

Today, at Annecy’s International Animation Film Festival, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios offered a series of surprises that thrilled festival goers.

In the morning, Jared Bush, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ chief creative officer and director/writer of the upcoming “Zootopia 2,” made his first appearance in Annecy to debut new footage and images (including the one above) from the anticipated sequel of the beloved Oscar®-winning global hit film, which will be theatrically released this November. Thunderous applause and bursts of laughter punctuated his presentation as footage screened featured returning characters Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin), Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), and Mr. Big (voice of Maurice LaMarche), and new characters Gary De’Snake (voice of Ke Huy Quan), Nibbles (Fortune Feimster) and Dr. Fuzzby (voice of Quinta Brunson). The audience was particularly delighted when learning that French actor Jean Reno will lend his voice to a cameo role as an officer of the Zootopia Police Department. To celebrate the original film, “Zootopia” will be screened tonight under the stars on Le Pâquier.

Also within the presentation, Disney legendary director Ron Clements (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Moana”) was honoured on stage with an induction into Annecy’s Walk of Fame. The celebration continued with a surprise announcement from Jared Bush revealing that Clements will return to Walt Disney Studios Animation in an advisory role.

In the afternoon, Pixar kicked off their panel with the arrival of Pete Docter, Pixar Animation Studios’ chief creative officer, alongside “Elio” directors Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, and producer Mary Alice Drumm. The “Elio” filmmakers offered a brief preview of their summer movie full of heart, laughs and fantasy. The screening of 27 minutes of the movie enchanted festival goers, leaving them eager to discover the full scope of this brand-new adventure which will hit theatres next week.

The audience was then treated to an exclusive look at Pixar’s upcoming slate by Docter, who was honoured today with an induction into Annecy’s Walk of Fame. Highlights of the presentation included never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s March, 2026 release, “Hoppers,” screened exclusively for the Annecy audience along with a sneak peek at the first two minutes of the studio’s summer 2026 release, “Toy Story 5.” Docter confirmed the return of Joan Cusack as Jessie in this next “Toy Story” chapter and announced exciting new characters as well. As the supervising animator on the original “Toy Story,” Docter then showcased rarely seen legacy footage from “Toy Story,” the first feature length computer animated film ever released, in celebration of its 30th anniversary.

Additionally, Docter announced a brand-new original project called “Gatto,” slated for summer 2027. From the filmmaking team behind “Luca,” director Enrico Casarosa and producer Andrea Warren, the new film returns to Italy, this time to Venice, where after years of maneuvering the canal-ridden, superstitious city, a black cat named Nero begins to question whether he’s lived the right lives. Indebted to a local feline mob boss, Nero finds himself in a quandary and is forced to forge a truly unexpected friendship that may finally lead him to his purpose—unless Venice gets the better of him first.

With these Disney and Pixar presentations, the studios reaffirmed their commitment to the Annecy International Animation Festival as a venue to deliver exclusive news and screenings to a global audience of animation fans.