#FIRSTLOOK: CANADIAN FILM CENTRE ANNOUNCE HAIR AND MAKEUP TRAINING INITIATIVE

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is pleased to announce their inaugural Hair and Makeup Training Initiative, in partnership with CMU College of Makeup Art & Design. This unique training program acknowledges the need for hair and makeup equity in the film and television industry. With financial support from NABET 700-M UNIFOR, Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada, and the Canadian Media Producers Association, this program strives to accelerate the career paths of the next generation of hair and makeup professionals from Black, Indigenous and racialized communities and to expand the industry’s expertise in serving all hair textures and skin tones. Artists selected to participate in the program will be announced in the summer.

The CFC will collaborate with professional mentors and partners to train, coach, and support participants by providing six weeks of valuable hands-on experience (on-set and behind the scenes) and mentorship to prepare them for work on Ontario-based productions. This career building opportunity was designed to support talent from communities underrepresented in the industry who have encountered historic barriers in the screen industry. CMU College will select early-career alumni at no cost to participate, who will grow their careers from the training and networking opportunities with industry leaders. Key to their experience will be their involvement in short film productions as part of the CFC’s curriculum to gain crucial on-set experience to build their professional portfolios.

“We’re seeing more opportunities for Black, Indigenous and creatives of colour as writers, directors, and actors yet there remains a lack of change in below-the-line creative roles that support our stories and on screen talent. Representation across all departments is crucial to a sense of belonging on-set,” said maxine bailey, Executive Director, Canadian Film Centre. “We’re proud to address this gap in the industry pipeline, to build community and safe spaces for artists, and to lead the charge together with our knowledgeable program partners, CMU College, NABET 700-M UNIFOR, WBD Access Canada and the CMPA. We acknowledge this is a small step but change is going to come.”

​​“Gaining valuable on-set experience and industry connections is crucial to building a successful career in makeup and hair in the screen industry,” said Deanna Cadette, Senior Vice President, CMU College of Makeup Art and Design. “As one of the premier educational institutions in the world, we are proud to support the professional development of our talented alumni, and to open more doors for artists from underrepresented communities.”

“NABET 700-M UNIFOR is pleased to support this important initiative, which will contribute to more career opportunities for artists in Canada’s film and TV industry,”said Ryan Pogue, President, NABET 700-M UNIFOR. “Future productions will greatly benefit from this training program, and we look forward to witnessing a positive, necessary shift that brings together more people from various communities.”

“We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with CMU College and to partner with the CFC to contribute to their incredible suite of career changing programs,” said Melanie Nepinak Hadley, Senior Director, WBD Access Canada. “We eagerly anticipate the transformative impact this program will have on the below-the-line talent in Canada.”

This year’s CFC Hair and Makeup Training Initiative will begin in Fall 2024.

For more information, visit cfccreates.com.

#FIRSTLOOK: NETFLIX ANNOUNCE SEVEN NEW COMEDY SPECIALS

Netflix announced seven comedy specials today as a kickoff to Netflix Is A Joke Fest in Los Angeles which runs through May 12, 2024.

Ali Wong: Ali Wong will tape her new special on May 4th at Netflix Is A Joke Fest during her residency at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, CA. Ali’s previous specials, Don Wong (2022), Hard Knock Wife (2018) and Baby Cobra (2016), as well as her Emmy winning performance in the drama series BEEF, can all be found on Netflix. Ali can also be seen in Netflix’s Always Be My Maybe, and lends her voice to Netflix’s Ask the StoryBots, Ada Twist, Scientist, and Emmy winning adult animated comedy Big Mouth.

Bert Kreischer: A new special from Bert “The Machine” Kreischer, which is the first of his previously announced two-special deal that will tape at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, FL on July 5th, 6th and 7th. This will mark Kreischer’s fourth and fifth specials with Netflix following ratings blockbuster Razzle Dazzle (2023), Hey Big Boy (2020), and Secret Time (2018). Kreischer also starred in and produced the Sony Pictures film, The Machine, which premiered in theaters spring of 2023, based on his signature stand up set. Both his special The Machine (2016) and the film are streaming on Netflix.

Deon Cole: Deon Cole will tape his latest comedy special at Netflix Is A Joke Fest on May 2nd at The Los Angeles Theater in Los Angeles, CA. This special will mark Deon’s third special with Netflix, following Charleen’s Boy (2022) and Cole Hearted (2019). He can also be seen in season one of Netflix’s multi-comic series The Standups (2017).

Fortune Feimster: Fortune Feimster will launch a new comedy special later this year, which marks her third special with Netflix, following Good Fortune (2022) and Sweet & Salty (2020). She can also be seen in Standout: An LGBTQ+ Celebration, which was taped at Netflix Is A Joke Fest in 2022, as well as season one of the multi-comic series The Standups (2017), and the dramedy FUBAR, which are all currently streaming on Netflix.

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias: Two new comedy specials from Gabriel Iglesias will mark his fourth and fifth specials with Netflix. The first of two comedy specials will tape later this year at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL July 12th-14th. This comes following the success of Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias: Stadium Fluffy (2022), where Iglesias made history as the first comedian to perform at and sellout the largest MLB stadium in the US as part of Netflix Is A Joke Fest 2022, as well as Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias: One Show Fits All (2019) and Gabriel Iglesias: I’m Sorry For What I Said When I Was Hungry (2016). Iglesias also starred in and executive produced his multi-cam comedy series Mr. Iglesias, which is streaming on Netflix.
Jo Koy: Coming soon is a new special from Jo Koy, which was taped at The Kings Theater in Brooklyn, NY in November 2023. This marks Koy’s fifth special with Netflix, following Live From The Los Angeles Forum (2022), Comin’ In Hot (2019), and Live From Seattle (2017), in addition to his variety special In His Elements (2020).

Michelle Buteau: This latest comedy special with Michelle Buteau, which will tape at Radio City Music Hall this summer, will be Buteau’s second special with Netflix, following Welcome to Buteaupia (2020). She also EPs, writes, and stars in the critically acclaimed Netflix comedy series Survival of the Thickest, which has been renewed for a second season. Buteau hosts the social media competition show The Circle, whose sixth season just premiered on Netflix, and the mouthwatering competition Barbecue Showdown.

About Netflix is a Joke Fest

The biggest comedy festival in North America is back and bigger than ever. Produced by Netflix in association with Live Nation, the star-studded celebration of comedy from May 1 – May 12, 2024 will feature over 500 live stand-up shows, special events, table reads, sketch and more with the best comedians and artists in the world. For 12 days, the comedy community will take over more than 35 of LA’s most beloved landmarks such as Hollywood Bowl, The Greek, The Dolby, The Forum, The Palladium, Orpheum Theatre and The Wiltern as well as historic comedy venues including The Hollywood Improv, Largo, Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store.

Just some of the names included in the 2024 Netflix is a Joke Fest include: Ali Wong, Atsuko Okatsuka, Anthony Jeselnik, Bert Kreischer, Beth Stelling, Bill Burr, Brett Goldstein, Cedric the Entertainer, Celeste Barber, Chelsea Handler, Chris Rock, Craig Robinson, Daniel Tosh, Dane Cook, David Letterman, Demetri Martin, Deon Cole, Earthquake, Fortune Feimster, Hannah Berner, Hannah Gadsby, Heather McMahan, Iliza Shlesinger, Jason Mantzoukas, Jeff Ross, Jerry Seinfeld, Jessi Klein, Jessica Kirson, Joel Kim Booster, John Mulaney, Jon Stewart, Jim Gaffigan, Jim Jefferies, Jimmy Carr, Justin Willman, Katherine Ryan, Katt Williams, Kevin Hart, Kountry Wayne, Kumail Nanjiani, Leanne Morgan, Leslie Jones, Luenell, Mae Martin, Mark Normand, Matteo Lane, Matt Rife, Maya Rudolph, Michelle Buteau, Mike Birbiglia, Mike Epps, Moshe Kasher, Natasha Leggero, Nate Bargatze, Nicole Byer, Nick Kroll, Nikki Glaser, Patton Oswalt, Phil Rosenthal, Rachel Bloom, Ralph Barbosa, Ronny Chieng, Roy Wood Jr., Ryan Hamilton, Sam Jay, Sarah Silverman, Sebastian Maniscalco, Seth Rogen, Shane Gillis, Sheng Wang, Stavros Halkias, Taylor Tomlinson, Tim Dillon, Tim Robinson, Tom Brady, Tom Papa, Tom Segura, Trevor Noah, Wanda Sykes, Will Smith (the Dodger).

The entire schedule and latest information and schedule is available on www.NetflixIsAJokeFest.com.

#FIRSTLOOK: TELEFILM CANADA INVESTS IN 13 NEW PROJECTS IN ENGLISH MARKET – MAY 2024

Telefilm Canada is announcing its investment of $26.4 million in 13 projects in the English market under the Production Program, as part of the first round of decisions in the big budget stream including international coproductions.

111 (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Mauro Mueller

Production: Auguste Content Inc.

Distribution: Elevation Pictures

Province: Nova Scotia

Languages: English, German and French

*Switzerland/Canada coproduction

Dear World (drama)

Director: Kim Nguyen

Screenwriters: Lara Alameddine and Kim Nguyen

Production: Item 7 Inc.

Distribution: Elevation Pictures

Province: Quebec

Language: Mainly in Arabic

Dreams of the Moon (family drama)

Director: Alfons Adetuyi

Screenwriter: Dennis Foon

Production: Big Nickel Films Inc.

Distribution: Elevation Pictures

Province: Ontario

*Canada/South Africa coproduction

Heather of the Valley (comedy)

Director: Sheri Elwood

Screenwriter: Kate Spurgeon

Production: First Generation Media Inc.

Distribution: Elevation Pictures

Province: Ontario

*Ireland/Canada coproduction

Holy Days (family comedy)

Director and screenwriter: Nathalie Boltt

Production: Snow Globe Pictures Ltd.

Distribution: Photon Films

Province: British Columbia

Languages: English and Māori

*New Zealand/Canada coproduction

House of Stairs (science fiction)

Director: Wi Ding Ho

Screenwriter: Matthew McInerney-Lacombe

Production: Band With Pictures Inc.

Distribution: Elevation Pictures

Province: Quebec

*Canada/Belgium/France coproduction

In Alaska (drama)

Directors and screenwriters: Jaap van Heusden and Vincent Karetak

Production: Experimental Forest Films Inc. and Uuktumiaq Studios Inc.

Distribution: Elevation Pictures

Province: British Columbia

Languages: English and Inuktitut

*Netherlands/Canada coproduction

In the Heart of the South (drama)

Director: Nyla Innuksuk

Screenwriters: Ryan Cavan and Nyla Innuksuk

Production: Sphere Media Toronto Inc. and Mixtape VR Inc.

Distribution: Elevation Pictures

Province: Ontario

Mizeria (comedy)

Director and screenwriter: Eva Michon

Production: Film Forge Productions Inc.

Distribution: Photon Films

Province: Ontario

Languages: English and Polish

*Belgium/Poland/Canada coproduction

The Falling Man (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Mathieu Denis

Production: Rhombus Media Inc.

Distribution: Elevation Pictures

Province: Ontario

Languages: English and Spanish

The Keeper (thriller)

Director: Helen Shaver

Screenwriter: Graeme Manson

Production: Screen Siren Pictures Inc.

Distribution: Elevation Pictures

Province: British Columbia

The Stunt Driver (comedy)

Director and screenwriter: Michael Dowse

Production: Film Cardinal Inc.

Distribution: Mongrel Media

Province: Quebec

*Ireland/Canada coproduction

Together (thriller)

Director: Colm McCarthy

Screenwriters: Mike Carey and Camille Gatin

Production: Omni Film Drama Development Ltd.

Distribution: Elevation Pictures

Province: British Columbia

*Canada/UK coproduction

Telefilm received an increasingly high volume of applications under the Production Program this year. In this first intake, 57 projects were assessed in the big budget stream including international coproductions, representing $128.5 million in funding requests. Telefilm met with all the teams from each of the projects. A shortlist was then created, and clients were informed before Berlinale. The project submissions were considered by the Advisory Committee.

More funding decisions, including projects from the lower budget streams in the English market, will be announced in the coming weeks. Statistics on all films funded in the year will be released once all funding decisions have been made.   

An advisory committee of external and internal representatives assessed the projects and made recommendations to Telefilm. The decision-making process considered Telefilm’s goal of fostering a diversity of voices in the industry, ensuring that Telefilm funds a balanced portfolio of productions that reflect a variety of genres, budgets and company sizes, regions of the country and points of view. Names of selection committee members will be published on the Project Financing Advisory Committees webpage once all funding decisions have been made.  

#FIRSTLOOK: PRIME VIDEO ORDER “THE BETTER SISTER” STARRING ELIZABETH BANKS AND JESSICA BIEL

Today, ahead of their inaugural Upfronts presentation on May 14, 2024, Prime Video announced it has ordered The Better Sister to series from Tomorrow Studios. The series stars Emmy award-nominated Jessica Biel (The Sinner, Candy) and Emmy award-nominated Elizabeth Banks (Call Jane, Pitch Perfect), who will also serve as executive producers. Olivia Milch (Ocean’s 8) and Regina Corrado (Mayor of Kingstown) will serve as showrunners and executive producers on the series, with Craig Gillespie (Pam & Tommy) as director and executive producer. The series is a co-production between Tomorrow Studios and Amazon MGM Studios. The series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

The Better Sister is an electric thriller, based on the novel by bestselling author Alafair Burke, who will also be consulting on the series, about the terrible things that drive sisters apart and ultimately bring them back together. Chloe (Biel) moves through the world with her handsome lawyer husband Adam and teenage son Ethan by her side while her estranged sister Nicky (Banks) hustles to make ends meet while trying to stay clean. When Adam is brutally murdered, the prime suspect sends shockwaves through the family, laying bare long-buried secrets.

“Beyond being an enticing thriller full of twists and turns, The Better Sister is a gripping story about family feuds and forgiveness,” says Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios. “The brilliant duo of Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks are sure to bring these characters to life in the most authentic way alongside Olivia, Regina, Craig, and the talented team at Tomorrow Studios. The series is in the best hands to bring Alafair Burke’s original IP to life for our global Prime Video customers.”

“We are ecstatic to be adapting Alafair Burke’s captivating novel into a television series with Prime Video; this has been a true labor of love for the entire team at Tomorrow Studios,” said Marty Adelstein, Tomorrow Studios Founder/CEO, and Becky Clements, President/Partner. “The intricacies of sisterhood at every age are a dynamic we are all excited to explore inside of a taut thriller. It is a privilege to be working with showrunners as talented as Olivia Milch and Regina Corrado on the first project in our new venture with incomparable director and EP Craig Gillespie. We all feel so lucky to have landed Jessica and Elizabeth as our starring sisters and collaborators – a tour de force matchup in this propulsive new series.”

“I’m excited to be re-teaming with Tomorrow Studios on this taut psychological thriller,” said Craig Gillespie, director and executive producer. “When I read Olivia and Regina’s propulsive scripts, I knew I wanted to be a part of it, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with these two world class actresses for the first time. Watching them as rivaling sisters is going to be a blast.”

“We are so grateful to Tomorrow Studios for supporting us as we’ve explored the world of this family,” said Olivia Milch and Regina Corrado, executive producers and showrunners. “Craig Gillespie, who tells vital and bold stories of people willing to go to extremes, brought the perfect vision for the series. And we couldn’t feel luckier to have Jessica and Elizabeth, who have awed us with their rich and layered work, as partners bringing these sisters and their secrets to life.”

Emmy-nominated actor and producer Jessica Biel is known for her acclaimed roles in The Sinner, Limetown, The Illusionist, Candy, and dozens of feature films and series. Up next, Biel has signed onto star opposite Ethan Hawke and Daniel Radcliffe in Batso, the true story of a trio of trailblazing climbers who, in the early 1970s, took on the most difficult route up iconic peak El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Biel will play Beryl Knauth, a brilliant climber in her own right and Warren’s romantic partner. Most recently, Biel starred in the true crime limited series Candy as infamous ax killer Candy Montgomery. Her performance went on to earn a Hollywood Critics Association TV Award nomination. Prior to this, Biel starred in season one of The Sinner, which earned her Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics’ Choice Award nominations for Best Actress as well as nominations for her role as executive producer. She also starred in Limetown opposite Stanley Tucci. An Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor known for her work on the big and small screens, Biel’s films have earned more than $800 million at the box office worldwide. Movie credits include Hitchcock; The Illusionist; New Year’s Eve; Valentine’s Day; and The A-Team.

Actress, producer, writer, and director Elizabeth Banks is known for roles in both comedy and drama, as well as film and television. Her work includes stand-out performances in projects including The Hunger Games franchise, Love & Mercy, The LEGO Movie and Mrs. America. She is also a three-time Emmy nominee for her recurring roles in 30 Rock and Modern Family. On the production side, Banks made her directorial debut in 2015 with Pitch Perfect 2, and produced the Pitch Perfect franchise through her production company Brownstone Productions, along with her husband Max Handelman. Brownstone Productions’ slate includes multiple film, television and digital collaborations across various networks and studios, including the critically-acclaimed comedy Shrill, starring SNL’s Aidy Bryant and Bumper in Berlin. Banks produced and directed comedy-thriller Cocaine Bear and produced MGM’s cult-hit Bottoms. She recently starred in the feature drama Call Jane alongside Sigourney Weaver and in The Beanie Bubble alongside Zach Galifianakis and Sarah Snook. Upcoming, Banks will star in A Mistake directed by Christine Jeffs and Skincare directed by Austin Peters.

Olivia Milch and Regina Corrado are executive producers and showrunners. Series director Craig Gillespie and Annie Marter are executive producers through Fortunate Jack Productions. Additional executive producers include Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, and Alissa Bachner through Tomorrow Studios (One Piece), stars Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel, and Michelle Purple. The series is produced by Tomorrow Studios (an ITV Studios partner) and Amazon MGM Studios.

#FIRSTLOOK: NETFLIX ANNOUNCE SUMMER 2024 MOVIE PREVIEW

Summertime: The living is easy, school’s (almost) out, and the days are growing longer and hotter — which means there’s plenty of space for cool nights spent on the couch. Curl up with family, pals, or a really big bowl of popcorn, and queue up your next Netflix obsession.

From blistering action movies and raucous comedies to tense thrillers and incredible animated films for your whole family, Netflix’s 2024 summer lineup is packed with all of your favorite stars, including Eddie Murphy in BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F, Jennifer Lopez, Simu Liu and recent Oscar nominee Sterling K. Brown in ATLAS, Christopher Sean and Gedde Watanabe in Shannon Tindle’s ULTRAMAN: RISING, Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry in THE UNION, and so much more.

And documentary fans will be captivated by entertaining and thought-provoking deep dives into a variety of subjects, including the fascinating history of the first BLACK BARBIE. You’ll tag along as a daredevil couple take their relationship to terrifying new heights (SKYWALKERS: A LOVE STORY), meet the first Nepali woman to successfully climb and summit Mount Everest (MOUNTAIN QUEEN: THE SUMMITS OF LHAKPA SHERPA), and experience the moving story of four young girls preparing for a momentous Daddy Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers (DAUGHTERS) – and that’s just for starters.

You’ll find all the info you need about brand-new movies hitting Netflix over the next few months by clicking on the NETFLIX SUMMER PREVIEW.

Keep coming back to catch new trailers, interviews, and more. It’s another summer movie season on Netflix, and the heat is on.

#FIRSTLOOK: PATRICK HUARD, MICHAEL MACMILLAN AND DENIS VILLENEUVE TO BE HONOURED AT 2024 CANADIAN SCREEN WEEK

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) is pleased to announce the third and final group of 2024 Special Award recipients: Patrick Huard, Michael MacMillan, and Denis Villeneuve, three talented forces in the Canadian screen-based industries. All of this year’s Special Award honourees will be recognized for their outstanding contributions and successes during Canadian Screen Week 2024, taking place in Toronto from Sunday, May 26 through to Saturday, June 1, 2024.

“Congratulations to Patrick, Michael, and Denis, who round out our incredible slate of 2024 Special Award recipients,” said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. “They have all had a tremendous impact on the screen-based industries, both in Canada and abroad: Michael’s leadership has helped redefine the Canadian media industry, with Blue Ant Media becoming one of the top broadcasting and media companies in Canada; Patrick has captivated audiences, providing us with some of the most iconic characters in Canadian film history; and Denis’ stunning award-winning filmmaking has inspired not only Canadians, but all who have had the pleasure of experiencing the intriguing worlds he creates in his films.”

The third and final group of the Canadian Academy’s 2024 Special Award honourees are:

The Academy Icon Award, presented to a Canadian individual or institution for their exceptional, ongoing contribution to the media industry at home or abroad, is awarded to Denis Villeneuve, Academy Award®-nominated director, screenwriter and producer whose astute attention to detail and unique visuals have established him as one of the premier filmmakers working today. His highly acclaimed adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel, Dune, received six Academy Awards®, and five BAFTAs. Villeneuve’s latest film, Dune: Part Two, was released to critical acclaim and is currently the highest grossing movie of 2024 having surpassed $700 million worldwide. Villeneuve’s other directorial credits include Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, Sicario, Prisoners, Enemy, and Incendies.

The Earle Grey Award, recognizing a Canadian performer for their exceptional body of acting work in Canadian television and film, is presented to Patrick Huard, actor, comedian, director, author, host, and producer. With a career spanning over 30 years, Patrick is a multi-talented artist who has enjoyed great success in front of and behind the camera, as well as on stage and radio. One of Canada’s and Quebec’s biggest stars, he has appeared in some of the country’s highest-grossing films, including Les Boys and its two sequels; the record-breaking, Genie Award-winning comedy Bon Cop Bad Cop, which he also co-wrote (and is currently developing a TV series for); his feature directorial debut, Les 3 p’tits cochons and Starbuck. He has also starred in several successful Quebec TV series, including the hugely popular Taxi 0-22, which he also produced and directed. He has won numerous awards for his stand-up comedy and comedy writing, and has hosted several Juste pour rire galas, the Gala de l’ADISQ and the Soirée des Jutra (now Prix Iris), as well as several radio programs.

The Industry Leadership Award, honouring innovation and leadership in Canada’s media industry, is presented to Michael MacMillan, co-founder and CEO of Blue Ant Media. Under Michael’s leadership, the global media company has become an international production studio and rights business, and now owns and operates eight free streaming channels internationally, in addition to a roster of pay TV broadcast channels in Canada. A member of the Order of Canada, Michael has volunteered with numerous community and industry organizations over many years. He is also a Senior Fellow at Massey College and co-author of the best-selling book Tragedy in the Commons.

The full list of 2024 Canadian Screen Awards Special Award honourees is as follows:

Academy Board of Directors’ Tribute Award: Jeff Barnaby
Academy Board of Directors’ Tribute Award: John Brunton
Academy Icon Award: Denis Villeneuve
Changemaker Award: Tonya Williams
Earle Grey Award: Patrick Huard
Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism: Paul Workman
Industry Leadership Award: Michael MacMillan
Lifetime Achievement Award: Marilyn Denis
Radius Award, presented by MADE | NOUS: Devery Jacobs
Radius Award, presented by MADE | NOUS: Lamar Johnson
Sustainable Production Award, presented by CBC: Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope by Science North

Learn more about the Canadian Screen Awards 2024 Special Award recipients here and visit this link to find out when each Award will be presented.

To view the full list of nominees for the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards, visit academy.ca/nominees, and CanadianScreenWeek.ca to see the full schedule of events for the week.

About the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is the largest non-profit professional arts organization in Canada with a membership of more than 4,000 emerging and established industry professionals. Founded in 1979, the Canadian Academy is dedicated to recognizing, celebrating, and advocating for Canadian talent in the film, television, and digital media sectors while remaining committed to nurturing all levels of talent through professional training, networking opportunities, and guidance. The Canadian Academy produces the Canadian Screen Awards, bringing together the screen-based industries annually to honour and celebrate the country’s top talent during Canadian Screen Week.

​​The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television proudly acknowledges the support of its Leading Media Partner, CBC; Premier Partner, Telefilm Canada; Platinum Partner, Bell Media; and its Lead Partners, Netflix, the Canada Media Fund, the Canadian Media Producers Association, Cineplex, the Cogeco Fund, and WBD Access Canada.

For information on membership and programming visit academy.ca.

#FIRSTLOOK: 2024 BLUE MOUNTAIN FILM + MEDIA FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING LINEUP

Helen du Toit, Artistic Director for the Blue Mountain Film + Media Festival unveiled this year’s lineup which consists of 22 feature films stemming from 26 countries, and 9 shorts from some of Canada’s best emerging voices. With a blend of political dramas, documentaries and feel-good love stories, this year’s festival has something for every kind of film lover. New this year, BMFM will screen works from 10 digital creators in a unique partnership with Buffer Festival, who specialize in curating acclaimed creators and storytellers from across YouTube and TikTok.

In addition to serving the public with robust programming, the BMFM will also host a 3-day Creative Forum bringing together some of the industry’s brightest minds from film and TV as well as the digital space. Running from Thursday, May 30- Sunday, June 2, 2024, the festival goes beyond great cinema with events, parties, entertainment, outdoor adventures, and appearances from fan favourites from film, YouTube, TikTok, and more. For more information on the Festival and tickets visit bluemtnfilmfest.ca.

“This year’s festival promises to be our most exciting edition yet. Over the past few years, we have proven that Blue Mountain attracts festival lovers and industry leaders and we are excited to bring the best films and storytellers to our enthusiastic audiences,” said Helen du Toit, Artistic Director. “As we settle into our annual event, it has become more and more evident that there is a strong appetite for international cinema as well as Canadian stories, and this year we are incredibly honoured to showcase such a stellar lineup of films.”

BLUE MOUNTAIN FILM + MEDIA 2024 LINEUP:

ÀMA GLORIA, directed by Marie Amachoukell (France)

This may be the most precious love story you will see all year: On the one hand, Gloria, a middle-age caregiver from Cape Verde with a couple of kids back home. And then, Cléo, a chirpy Parisienne, all of six years old.

BANEL & ADAMA, directed by Ramata-Toulaye Sy (France, Senegal, Mali, Qatar)

Banel can scarcely stand to be separated from her lover, Adama, even for a few hours. But her passion and defiance alarm the elders, and the drought that consumes their village feels like a curse…

CALL ME DANCER, directed By Leslie Shampaine, Pip Gilmour (USA) ** Opening Night Film

Billy Elliot meets Slumdog Millionaire… for real. This “real life Billy Elliot” is the remarkable tale of a Mumbai taxi driver’s son who is determined to follow his dreams and become a dancer – even more so when his demanding teacher introduces him to ballet…

CHUCK CHUCK BABY, directed by Janis Pugh (UK)

This feelgood Welsh musical comedy turns the stuff of dreary social realism into a fabulous ode to love. Helen’s depressing life is transformed by the return of Joanne, an old flame from their far-distant school days.

CLOSE YOUR EYES, directed by Víctor Erice (Spain, Argentina)

Twenty years after his star disappeared without a trace mid-shoot, retired filmmaker Miguel agrees to reopen the mystery for a TV show… He needs the money, and he’s ready for a reckoning. A late masterpiece from Spirit of the Beehive director Victor Erice.

COPA 71, directed by James Erskine, Rachel Ramsay (UK, Mexico)

Interspersing contemporary interviews with copious archives of on-field soccer action and breathless news reports, this is the revelatory story of the tournament the world forgot, the first, unsanctioned, Women’s World Cup.

GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS, Shuchi Talati (India, France, Norway)

A prize-winner at Sundance, this sensitive debut feature is an unusual coming-of-age drama for its nuanced and sympathetic portrait of mother-daughter dynamics in a sexually repressive culture; it doesn’t go where you expect.

GREEN BORDER, directed by Agnieszka Holland (Poland, France, Czech Republic, Belarus)

Polish master Agnieszka Holland has made a ferocious, emotionally charged film about the brutal treatment of refugees arriving across the land border from Belarus. This is a vehement denunciation of resurgent fascism and utterly compelling cinema.

THE GULSPÅNG MIRACLE, directed by Maria Fredriksson (Sweden)

May and Kari are amazed to meet an older sister they understood had passed away decades

earlier. But this is just the first in a series of startling revelations and reversals in a jaw-dropping

doc which will leave audiences buzzing.

HAPPY CLOTHES: A FILM ABOUT PATRICIA FIELD, directed by Michael Selditch (USA)

A candid fly-on-the-wall glimpse into the creative process and the extraordinary life and career of Emmy-winning costume designer Patricia Field (Sex and the City; The Devil Wears Prada).

IF ONLY I COULD HIBERNATE, directed by Zoljargal Purevdash (France, Mongolia)

In freezing temperatures in an impoverished suburb of Mongolia’s capital, 15-year-old Ulzii provides for two younger siblings while studying for a science scholarship.

IN THE LAND OF BROTHERS, directed by Alireza Ghasemi, Raha Amirfazli (Iran, France, Netherlands)

This smartly-plotted film – a prize winner at Sundance – charts the history of an extended Afghani refugee family in Iran across three chapters, each set ten years apart, from 2001-2021.

LAST SUMMER, directed by Catherine Breillat (France)

The fearless Catherine Breillat (Fat Girl; The Last Mistress) returns with another highly-charged drama of lust and transgression. Anne, a lawyer with two young daughters, begins a reckless affair with her 17-year-old stepson.

MADAME LUNA, directed by Daniel Espinosa (Italy, Sweden)

In this gripping thriller set in a refugee detention centre in Calabria, Italy, Almaz (a riveting Meninet Abraha Teferi), an Ethiopian refugee, hopes to put her former role as an underworld operator behind her. No such luck.

THE MISSILE, directed by Miia Tervo (Finland, Estonia)

Lapland, 1984. Single mom Niina (Oona Airola) volunteers at the local paper to pay off a debt – but when she stumbles across a story with profound political implications she’s treated like a nuisance by everyone, even her editor.

THE QUEEN OF MY DREAMS, directed by Fawzian Mirza (Canada, Pakistan)

Fawzia Mirza’s extravagant feast of a movie explores a fraught mother-daughter relationship across two different continents and three decades, filtered through the characters’ shared love for the 1969 Hindi musical, Aradhana.

SINGING BACK THE BUFFALO, directed by Tasha Hubbard (Canada)

Once on the verge of extinction, the buffalo is currently reclaiming its rightful place at the heart of the North American plains. Tasha Hubbard’s rhapsodic doc is the story of a remarkable ecological revival led by Indigenous peoples.

SONGS OF EARTH, directed by Margreth Olin (Norway)

This stunning, meditative documentary tracks a year in and around the breathtaking fjord where filmmaker Margreth Olin grew up, and where her 84-year-old father Jorgen has lived his entire life.

SUJO, directed by Astrid Rondero, Fernanda Valadez (Mexico, USA, France)

Grand Jury Prize-winner in the World Cinema competition at Sundance, the latest from IDENTIFYING FEATURES filmmakers Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez plots a fragile redemptive path for the son of a Mexican sicario.

THE TASTE OF THINGS, directed by Tran Anh Hung (France, Belgium) *** Closing Night Film

Set in France in 1885, and photographed like an Impressionist painting come to life, this sublime foodie film surveys the intuitive, intimate partnership between famed gourmand Dodin (Benoit Magimel) and his beloved cook Eugénie (Juliette Binoche).

THE TEACHER WHO PROMISED THE SEA, directed by Patricia Font (Spain)

Based on a true story, Patricia Font’s drama excavates a dark period in Spanish history. Antoni Benaiges takes up a village teaching position in 1935. But his new-fangled ideas about learning outrage the local priest.

THAT THEY MAY FACE THE RISING SUN, directed by Pat Collins (Ireland, UK)

John and Kate have moved from London to a farm in Ireland, to the bemusement of the locals. This lyrical Irish reverie taps deep wells of feeling in the stuff of everyday life.

CANADIAN SHORTS:

A GOOD DAY WILL COME, directed by Amir Zargara

A professional wrestler from a country in turmoil must decide between using his platform to stand up to tyranny, or put his head down and remain silent.

NIX’S SYMPHONY, directed by Karina Xiao Loerchner

At a tender age, Nix, an aspiring musician and inventor in her own right, is now burdened with the responsibility of upholding her mother’s remarkable legacy.

RETURN TO HAIRY HILL, directed by Daniel Gies

In an isolated prairie home, a young girl shoulders the burden of caring for her three siblings when her mother mysteriously transforms into a bird.

SAM’S TOWN, directed by Tessa Oxtoby

Following the death of an estranged childhood friend, Riley returns home to face those she’s left behind.

SIDE LAUNCH, directed by Finn McLean

In a walk down memory lane, witness Collingwood’s once busting tourist industry, history in shipbuilding and the passion of its beloved workers.

SMOKE BREAK, directed by Lisa Robertson

A mother’s uncomfortable reunion with her daughter exposes how their deep bond broke and why it may remain forever – in pieces.

THE COLOURS OF ONTARIO, directed by Terissa Hosein

Fall brings Ontario to life with a myriad of colours on display through stunning sunsets along Georgian Bay, and breathtaking views.

THE FABULOUS LIFE OF NANCY GREENE RAINE, directed by Andrea Wing

A playful tribute to one of Canada’s most beloved skiers.

THREE TREES, directed by Mathias Richard Horhager, Aaron Hong

As the seasons change, three little trees learn about themselves, friendship and their place in the world.

BUFFER FESTIVAL SCREENING:

*more films to be added

THE DELIVERY, directed by Tope Babalola (Canada)

A hard-boiled ace detective sets out to investigate the grisly murder of a millionaire tech magnate, but a slew of interjections by an unexpected visitor threaten to disrupt the case—and the detective’s sanity.

MISCARRY, directed by Julie Nolke (Canada)

A raw, unblinking look at the aftermath of losing a pregnancy. In this short film, Nolke explores the emotions and heartache that envelop a woman after loss.

HOW TO BUILD A RESTAURANT ON THE MOON, directed by Underknown (Canada)

While visiting the moon, Chase, a seasoned traveller and foodie, debates over a lengthy and costly delivery versus how to grow his own food. Why not try both? Could Chase recreate his favorite burger? And how could this kill him?

For more information visit BMFM website.

#FIRSTLOOK: HIGHLIGHTS FROM APRIL 30, 2024 EPISODE OF “CANADA’S GOT TALENT”

On tonight’s episode of Canada’s Got Talent on Citytv, the #CGT judges – Howie Mandel, Lilly Singh, Trish Stratus, Kardinal Offishall – and host Lindsay Ell selected the 14 acts moving on to the next round. They are:

ALBERTA:

• STERLING V. SCOTT – Comedian, Edmonton, AB – **Trish’s Golden Buzzer**

BRITISH COLUMBIA:

• ESHAN SOBTI – Singer/Musician, Mission, BC
• FUNKANOMETRY – Dance, Vancouver Island, BC

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR:

• MATTHEW COOPER – Singer/Musician, Carbonear, NL

NOVA SCOTIA:

• TRAVIS LINDSAY – Comedian, Halifax, NS

ONTARIO:

• LUKA & JENALYN – Dance, Toronto, ON
• MARK CLEARVIEW – Magician, Toronto, ON
• MARK LEWIS – Magician, Toronto, ON – **Group Golden Buzzer**
• NATALIE MORRIS – Singer/Musician, Toronto, ON
• TROY JAMES – Novelty, Brampton, ON

QUEBEC:

• JADE MATHIEU – Singer/Musician, Longueuil, QC – **Howie’s Golden Buzzer**
• TOGETHER FOR PEACE – Novelty, Lévis, QC – **Lindsay’s Golden Buzzer**
• MAT & MYM – Stunt, Quebec City, QC – **Kardinal’s Golden Buzzer**

SASKATCHEWAN:

• REBECCA STRONG – Singer/Musician, Prince Albert, SK – **Lilly’s Golden Buzzer**

Plus, key moments from tonight’s episode include:

-Husband and wife stunt duo, CHIMERA (Las Vegas, NV), pulled off a breathtaking routine. While Melissa performed a beautiful aerial act above a tank, she revealed her partner, Brandon, was submerged underwater for five minutes!

–WOODY BELFORT (Montréal, QC) impressed the judges with his feats of strength, using calisthenics, bars and his own wheelchair. Howie said, “you’re a superhero!”

–RAPHAËL LAROCQUE (Québec City, QC) performed a cover of “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten. Judge Lilly Singh surprised Raph, and the audience, with a FaceTime call from Rachel herself.

–SLAVIC BLING (Toronto, ON) debuted a fun musical performance with stilts, trumpets, and accordions, that got Kardi dancing.

-Singer HOLLY MELVILLE (Victoria, BC) blew everyone away with an epic opera performance. Kardi said, “I was not expecting you to sound the way that you sound, based on the cover of your book!” 

-19-year-old ESHAN SOBTI (Mission, BC) shared that past experiences with bullying motivated him to express himself through music. His cover of “How Will I Know” by Whitney Houston made the crowd erupt into cheers. 

-A group of young acrobatic gymnasts ACRO ACADEMY (Oakville, ON) showcased their skills on stage with their incredible throws, flips, and twists. 

-Teacher MIKE GLENNEY (Waterdown, ON) tap danced on a surface that lit fire beneath his feet. Lilly said, “you crushed it!”

-Singer-songwriter JOEL VAN VLIET (Queenston, ON) performed an original song that had the judges chuckling; Kardi said, “what you did here tonight was innovative, it was creative, you should be proud…”

The winner of Canada’s Got Talent’s Million Dollar Season receives a life-changing prize of $1M – the biggest cash prize in Canadian television history – thanks to Rogers, plus financial advice from CIBC. And that’s not all! Every Golden Buzzer recipient will receive $25,000 (totalling $150,000), courtesy of CIBC, to help realize their ambitions.

Together with Canada’s Got Talent, Rogers is committed to investing in premium original Canadian content while fostering homegrown talent. Last year, Rogers contributed approximately $950M to Canadian content and produced over 12,700 hours of unique Canadian programming.

Tonight’s Performances (Tuesday, April 30)

CHIMERA – Stunt

Las Vegas, Nevada 

Check Out CHIMERA’s Performance

WOODY BELFORT – Stunt

Montreal, QC

Check Out WOODY BELFORT’s Performance

RAPHAËL LAROCQUE – Singer/Musician

Quebec City, QC

Check Out RAPHAËL LAROCQUE’s Performance

SLAVIC BLING – Novelty

Toronto, ON

Check Out SLAVIC BLING’s Performance

HOLLY MELVILLE – Singer/Musician

Victoria, BC

Check Out HOLLY MELVILLE’s Performance

ESHAN SOBTI – Singer/Musician

Mission, BC

Check Out ESHAN SOBTI’s Performance (photographed above)

ACRO ACADEMY – Stunt

Oakville, ON

Check Out ACRO ACADEMY’s Performance

SANSKRITI ARTS – Dance Act

Mississauga, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

MIKE GLENNEY – Dance Act

Waterdown, ON

Check Out MIKE GLENNEY’s Performance

JOEL VAN VLIET – Singer/Musician

Queenston, ON

Check Out JOEL VAN VLIET’s Performance

**COMING UP**

A Sneak Peek at Next Week’s Contestants (Tuesday, May 7)

STERLING V. SCOTT – Comedy Act

Edmonton, AB

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

ESHAN SOBTI – Singer/Musician

Mission, BC

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

FUNKANOMETRY– Dance Act

Vancouver Island, BC

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

MATTHEW COOPER – Singer/Musician

Carbonear, NL

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

TRAVIS LINDSAY – Comedy Act

Halifax, NS

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

LUKA & JENALYN – Dance Act

Toronto, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

MARK CLEARVIEW – Magic Act

Toronto, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

MARK LEWIS – Magic Act

Toronto, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

NATALIE MORRIS – Singer/Musician

Toronto, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

TROY JAMES – Novelty

Brampton, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

JADE MATHIEU – Singer/Musician

Longueuil, QC

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

TOGETHER FOR PEACE – Novelty

Lévis, QC

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

MAT & MYM – Stunt

Quebec City, QC

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

REBECCA STRONG – Singer/Musician

Prince Albert, SK

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

Canada’s Got Talent is produced by MEM Inc., and Fremantle, in association with Citytv, a division of Rogers Sports & Media based on the Got Talent format owned by Fremantle and SYCO Entertainment.

#SPOTTED: ALEX WARREN IN TORONTO

23-year-old Singer-Songwriter and Creator ALEX WARREN is a star on the rise. After garnering a massive following on TikTok and Instagram, Warren signed to Warner Music in 2021. He continually has been putting out music, with single “Save You a Seat” really connecting with audiences, getting a gold certification this past week!

Warren is currently touring and popped into Toronto for an intimate showcase at Warner Music Canada‘s offices where he performed the aforementioned track and a cover of “Dancing on my Own”. Though battling a cold, Warren still was a trooper doing a day of press and a performance. He also did a Q&A with Shannon Burns from Virgin Radio, followed by a meet and greet with guests.

Her certainly loves his expletives, but speaks candidly like an old friend, discussing his love of Beaver Tails, disdain for the CN Tower Edgewalk, and also his upcoming wedding. It’s little wonder why so many connect to him!

Some highlights from the Showcase:

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A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Warner Music Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: “JOHN MULANEY PRESENTS: EVERYBODY’S IN LA” SPECIAL GUESTS ANNOUNCED

NETFLIX have announced some guests to be featured on six live episodes of JOHN MULANEY PRESENTS: EVERYBODY’S IN LA!

Guests include: David Letterman, Nate Bargatze, Seismologist Dr Lucy Jones, Weezer, Jerry Seinfeld, Citizens for LA Wildlife Representative Tony Tucci, Jon Stewart, renowned hypnotherapist Kerry Gaynor, Flea, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Marcia Clark, Ray J, Mae Martin, Los Lobos, legendary filmmaker John Carpenter, Warren G, Earthquake, Patton Oswalt, Stavros Halkias, helicopter journalist Zoey Tur, Sarah Silverman, Joyce Manor, Ronny Chieng, Tom Segura, Bill Hader, St. Vincent, Cassandra Peterson, Luenell, Hannah Gadsby, Cedric The Entertainer, Dr. Emily Lindsey of the La Brea Tar Pits and Beck.

There will be more guests as well but we are tired of listing them. We have given you enough information already.

Our host is John Mulaney. Our announcer is Richard Kind.

John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s In LA, a special run of six episodes created by and starring Mulaney will stream live on Netflix during the Netflix is a Joke Fest. This hard to describe show will feature special guests and field pieces shot in Los Angeles.

John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s In LA debuts on May 3, with additional episodes streaming nightly from May 6 – 10. All new episodes debut at 7 pm PT on Netflix.

Logline: Six live installments of a show where John Mulaney explores the city of Los Angeles during a week when every funny person is in it.

John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s In LA Credits: John Mulaney is the host, co-showrunner and executive producer through his Multiple Camera Productions. Ashley Edens serves as co-showrunner and executive producer. Dave Ferguson is the head writer.

Mulaney will also be at the Hollywood Bowl on May 4 as part of the festival.