He’s not alone anymore! We get a new Teaser for JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX with Academy Award winners Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in this dark, twisted Romance! Filmed for IMAX and in theatres October 4, 2024!

New Artwork:

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)

Drag legend and pop culture icon RuPaul made a rare visit to Toronto last night in support of his new Memoir THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN MEANINGS. The Bestseller unpacks some of his childhood trauma and estrangement from his father to themes of forgiveness and re-framing the narrative in an empowering light. RuPaul taught the audience about finding small moments of happiness (demonstrating his favourite game “Dirty Charades“) and the importance of starting the day with gratitude.

Though RuPaul earlier in his career would frequently visit Toronto for filming, performances and work with MAC Cosmetics, it’s been some time since he’s been back, having been super-busy with the international success of his RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise. This appearance at Danforth Music Hall gave fans a chance to get up-close and intimate with the legend.

I was so thrilled at long last to meet my idol! We shared a chuckle as I sashayed into the meet and greet calling his team out for not having Fresca ready! “I’d love a Fresca right now”, Ru laughed. The Soft Drink is his favourite.

Some highlights from the night:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

ECHO, Cirque du Soleil’s 20th original Big Top production, is just one month away from its highly anticipated Toronto debut on May 8, 2024 under the Big Top at 2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W. ECHO, presented by Sun Life, is ready to dazzle audiences with trailblazing elements that set a new bar including a massive 23ft CUBE, visually stunning projections, and a bold new modernistic vision from Author-Director, Mukhtar Omar Sharif Mukhtar (Cirque du Soleil performer turned choreographer and creator).

Packed with vibrant characters, inspiring music, and never-before-seen acrobatic feats, ECHO is a transformative story of connection, intention, and the symbiotic unions between humans and the animal kingdom. ECHO follows an inquisitive young woman FUTURE and her best friend the DOG when they encounter a mysterious CUBE, and quickly learn how their actions have the power to shape this world.

Tickets for ECHO are on sale now, starting at $77. For Toronto dates and show times, visit https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/echo.

Just over a year since its world premiere last spring, ECHO has thrilled audiences across Montreal, Atlanta, Miami, and is set to embark on a cross-Canada tour kicking off in Toronto, ON from May 8 – July 21, under the iconic Big Top. Toronto will be the first of three Canadian cities planned for 2024, followed by Gatineau, QC (August 16-September 22) and Vancouver, BC (October 9 – December 15).

ECHO :
ECHO is Cirque du Soleil’s first new original Big Top creation since 2018’s Bazzar.
ECHO is the first ever Cirque du Soleil show to feature 6 live vocalists, with most of the musicians also singing throughout the show.
ECHO uses an impressive 10 video projectors to cover the CUBE, the stage, and the artists, which marks the most ever for a Cirque du Soleil Big Top show.
ECHO is the 20th Big Top creation from Cirque du Soleil and its 51st overall, with a cast of 52 artists representing 19 different nationalities.

WATCH TRAILER for Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO, premiering in Toronto under the iconic Big Top on May 8th.

OFFICIAL PARTNER

ECHO is presented by Sun Life, principal partner of the Canadian tour. Cirque du Soleil also wishes to thank its official partners Air Canada and Mastercard.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. In addition to producing world-renowned circus arts shows, the Company brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Going beyond its various creations, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group aims to positively impact people, communities and the planet with its most important tools: creativity and art. Since its creation in 1984, more than 378 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, visit www.cirquedusoleilentertainmentgroup.com.

With over 110 years as the world’s leading luggage brand, Samsonite proudly announces its sponsorship of Canadian beach volleyball Olympian Brandie Wilkerson. 

As a brand committed to modern journeys, Samsonite recognizes the importance of supporting individuals who embody our shared spirit of adventure and excellence. Known for her remarkable achievements and genuine charisma, Brandie herself is a masterclass in true, earned confidence, both on and off the court.

“Our focus is on sophisticated, modern design at Samsonite, which we feel aligns perfectly with Brandie’s own personal brand of excellence,” says Erin Reynolds, Brand Manager at Samsonite. “Brandie is famous for regularly taking flight on the beach volleyball court, and combined with our own products’ lightweight stories, this partnership was an undeniable fit.”

As a busy professional athlete, travel is not just a hobby for Brandie Wilkerson, it’s a way of life. With her eyes set on the world’s biggest sporting event this summer, Brandie traverses and competes in sun destinations worldwide, relying on Samsonite’s lightweight and durable luggage to accompany her on every journey.   

“Not only am I ecstatic to be a part of the Samsonite team, but I’m honoured to represent their brand as it so closely aligns to my values,” adds Wilkerson. “With this partnership, I feel even more supported and encouraged to travel and compete all over the world, proudly representing Canada.  Samsonite has organically become one of my favourite brands to work with and I can’t wait to share this journey with everyone.”    

As part of the partnership, Brandie will travel with Samsonite’s range of wheeled luggage, including the incredibly lightweight and extremely durable Proxis luggage. The Proxis collection’s innovative shell is made from Roxkin™ material, an exclusive multi-layered material developed that bounces back into shape, offering remarkable strength, resilience and lightness. 

This collaboration between Samsonite and Brandie Wilkerson was facilitated by EQ, the influencer marketing agency that represents Wilkerson. Together, they developed the strategic vision to inspire confidence in travellers worldwide. Dakota Rae, Founder & CEO of EQ comments, “Through this partnership, Samsonite and Brandie Wilkerson aim to showcase the transformative power of sport and travel, and to embrace every journey with confidence and style.”  The partnership with Samsonite epitomises Brandie’s ethos of soaring with confidence, doing things her way, and embracing her genuine self.  

Documentary WHAT JENNIFER DID arrives on Netflix April 10, 2024, recounting a horrific Canadian story that shook the world.

About: It was a violent crime that shook a quiet Canadian town: Mysterious intruders break into the home of Vietnamese immigrants, terrorize the family, and leave a traumatized daughter as the only witness. Neighbors and friends describe the family as hospitable, generous, and hard-working – how could they be targets? This feature-length documentary from director Jenny Popplewell (American Murder: The Family Next Door) uses police interrogation footage and testimony from those involved to unravel a web of complexities that no one saw coming.

Directed by: Jenny Popplewell
Producer: Marian Edusei
Co-Producer: Paul Ngyuen
Executive Producers: Louise Norman and Jeremy Grimaldi

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Disney+ just recently announced that “The Beach Boys,” an all-new documentary, will stream exclusively on Disney+ beginning May 24, 2024. Today we get a new Trailer.

“The Beach Boys” is a celebration of the legendary band that revolutionized pop music, and the iconic, harmonious sound they created that personified the California dream, captivating fans for generations and generations to come. The documentary traces the band from humble family beginnings and features never-before-seen footage and all-new interviews with The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, Bruce Johnston, plus other luminaries in the music business, including Lindsey Buckingham, Janelle Monáe, Ryan Tedder, and Don Was. Viewers will also hear from the group’s Carl and Dennis Wilson in their own words, plus view a new interview with Blondie Chaplin and hear audio from Ricky Fataar. A Kennedy/Marshall and White Horse Pictures Production, “The Beach Boys” is directed by Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny and written by Mark Monroe. The film is produced by Frank Marshall, Irving Azoff, Nicholas Ferrall, Jeanne Elfant Festa, Aly Parker, with Nigel Sinclair, Mark Monroe, Tony Rosenthal, Cassidy Hartmann, Glen Zipper, Thom Zimny, Beth Collins, Jimmy Edwards, Susan Genco, Marc Cimino, Jody Gerson, Bruce Resnikoff, and Ben J. Murphy serving as executive producers.       

The official soundtrack for “The Beach Boys,” featuring songs from the film, will be available to stream and download on May 24, and the group’s iconic 1964 album “Shut Down, Vol. 2” is being released on limited edition blue and white marble vinyl on March 29 (stream or purchase these Capitol/UMe albums at https://stream.lnk.to/TheBeachBoysPR). Additionally, the group’s only official book, “The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys,” will be released on April 2, via Genesis Publications (for more information and to pre-order: https://geni.us/beachboysbook). 

TIFF is thrilled to unveil the lineup for the 2024 Writers’ Studio, the prestigious annual program fostering the next generation of storytellers. This year marks the 13th edition of the collaborative, five-day intensive lab, designed to empower Canadian and international screenwriters and writer-directors. From a fiercely competitive pool of more than 200 submissions, TIFF has selected a cohort of exceptional talents. The following writers have been selected: Zhannat Alshanova, Aram Collier, Rebecca Fisseha, Sophie Jarvis, Amy Trefry, and Asia Youngman.

The Writers’ Studio is a space to consolidate skills, exchange ideas, and navigate challenges, while participating in workshops, artist talks, peer-to-peer mentorships, and one-on-one project development consultations guided by industry experts. Writers’ Studio will take place April 15 –19, 2024, at TIFF Lightbox.

“Programs like the Writers’ Studio continue to ignite and drive talent, both in Canada and on the global stage,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “At TIFF, our commitment to fostering new talent will continue to grow with a focus on providing industry expertise and unparalleled access to industry leaders, ensuring the program’s enduring impact year after year.”

This year’s lab will support the development of feature-film scripts through dedicated one-on-one discussions with international story consultants Trey Ellis and Christina Lazaridi. Additionally, the participants will engage in daily artist talks and workshops facilitated by renowned filmmakers and industry experts including Ashley Comeau, Brad Fraser, Howard Wiseman and Emma Donoghue. Canadian actors, Getenesh Berhe, Vivien Endicott-Douglas, Thomas Antony Olajide and Ajuawak Kapashesit, will join for a full-day workshop of the projects in development.

New this year, the Sloan Science and Technology Writer Fellowship will offer a project development grant and targeted creative support for one emerging to mid-level feature film screenwriter whose project explores themes of science and technology. This year’s selected recipient is Amy Trefry for her project Lenin’s Embalmers, co-written with playwright Vern Thiessen. Funding for this programme is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s Public Understanding of Science and Technology program.

Now in its third year, the Renee Perlmutter Memorial Fellowship for Literary Adaptation provides a Writers’ Studio participant focusing on adapting literary work for the screen with an additional grant toward developing their project. This year’s Renee Perlmutter Memorial Fellow is Rebecca Fisseha, who is working on an adaptation of her own debut novel Daughters of Silence.

Four participants from the 2024 class will also be awarded a grant generously supported by CHANEL, through the CHANEL Women Creators’ Network, to further the development of their feature-length script.

TIFF’s Talent Development programmes are produced by Jane Kim, Industry Programming Producer, and supported by Bronwen Eadie, Project Manager, Industry Programming and supported in part by TIFF’s Share Her Journey initiative. As a major supporter of Share Her Journey, the CHANEL Women Creators’ Network provides funding to advance the careers of women and non-binary participants and alumni of TIFF Writers’ Studio. Since its inception in 2021, the Network has offered access to script consultants and established screenwriters, peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing sessions, and a talent summit for writers to showcase their work for producers and other industry insiders. CHANEL’s participation augments TIFF’s support for women and non-binary storytellers by equipping them with year-round opportunities to develop their projects and connect with a diverse network of mentors and peers.

Notable TIFF Talent alumni include filmmakers Meredith Hama-Brown (Seagrass), Fawzia Mirza (The Queen of My Dreams), D. W. Waterson, and Devery Kawennáhere Jacobs (Backspot), Pier-Philippe Chevigny (Richelieu), Jasmin Mozaffari (Motherland), Lillah Halla (Power Alley), Álvaro Gago Dias (Matria), and Johanna Pyykkö (My Wonderful Stranger). Following their involvement in TIFF Talent Development programmes, many of these filmmakers have gone on to present their films at the Toronto International Film Festival, the Berlinale, and Cannes.

On the 107th anniversary of Vimy Ridge, Executive Producer Peter Williamson is pleased to announce that production has begun on the supernatural WWI web series pilot, Ghosts Have Warm Hands, starring newcomers Conor Murphy and Mitchell James Page, along with Jason Dubeau, Adam Lemieux, Laurence Captan (Mission Unexplained, Winterbourne: A Horror Anthology), and Casey Fleming (Lido TV). Based on the memoir of the same name from Canadian WWI soldier and novelist, Will R. Bird, this is the inaugural project from Williamson’s production company, Pale Gleams.

Ghosts Have Warm Hands is directed by Peter Williamson (For King & Empire-Canada’s Soldiers in WWI, Greatest Tank Battles, Searching for Vimy’s Lost Soldiers) from a screenplay by John Whitcher (Storming Juno, Gulp!, Codsucker Bay), and produced by Leanne Brennan (Sunshine Slayings, An Eclectic Christmas, Searching for Vimy’s Lost Soldiers, Science Max: Experiments at Large). Whitcher also co-produced, with Tim Gillies serving as historical consultant.

Will Bird, a soldier in The Black Watch of Canada, experienced two years of hell on the Western Front during WWI. He wrote about these true-life events in his memoirs, Ghosts Have Warm Hands.

The Ghosts Have Warm Hands pilot was filmed at Immersion Room, a virtual production studio in Toronto. “This is the first time Will Bird’s work has been adapted to film. Using virtual production technology allowed us to bring the desolation of the landscape following the 1917 Battle of Vimy Ridge to life in a way that would not have been possible using traditional production methods,” said Williamson.

“Pale Gleams came to us with an ambitious dream to bring incredible production value to an indie narrative. Virtual production saved on travel and hard-landscaping, while still shooting “on-location”. With the control Immersion Room developed into the tech, our artists were able to transport the talent into the trenches with a dynamically triggered digital flare gun that travelled across the CG scene synched with normal studio lighting. Pale Gleams’ skilled crew used moments like this to capture some of the most beautiful and powerful imagery I’ve seen come out of an LED volume,” said Tanya Stemberger, Co-CEO Immersion Room.

The pilot episode is set on Vimy Ridge, immediately after the 1917 battle, where Corporal Will R. Bird’s experiences in the trenches are not only physical, but also ethereal. After a night spent guarding the front lines, Bird is exhausted. Two soldiers offer to share their bivouac with Bird, which he accepts. Soon after, a warm hand on his shoulder wakes him. Bird recognizes his brother, Corporal Stephen Bird, who had died earlier in the war, and follows him out of the bivouac. The next morning, Bird discovers what would have happened to him if he had stayed to spend the night with the others.

On the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, one of Canada’s most significant military victories, Pale Gleams is honoured to dramatize one of the most powerful memoirs ever written about the First World War. Classic stories find a modern stage. Now for the first time, audiences can enjoy Will Bird’s moving tales of war dramatized on screen.
Director of Photography on the project was Adam Crosby (Miss Persona, Violation), production design by Melissa Bessey (Chateau Laurier).

Ghosts Have Warm Hands is funded by Pale Gleams Inc. Presented by The King & Empire Foundation- advancing knowledge about the history of Canada. With thanks to: The Great War Society; Immersion Room and Norm Christie, CEF Books.

ABOUT PALE GLEAMS
Pale Gleams Inc. An independent media company founded by multi-CSA winning producer Peter Williamson.

ABOUT WILL BIRD
Will R. Bird was born in 1891 in East Mapleton, Nova Scotia. After losing his brother Stephen Carmen Bird to a German mine explosion in October 1915, he enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1916. He saw action at Vimy, Passchendaele, Amiens, Arras and Cambrai. After returning home, Will raised his family in Nova Scotia. He named his only son Stephen Stanley Bird, in honour of his brother killed in action. In 1930, he published a memoir about his wartime experiences entitled AND WE GO ON (later reprinted as GHOSTS HAVE WARM HANDS). When the Second World War began, his son Stephen rushed to enlist. Will believed his writings about the war served as a motivation for Stephen’s decision. Stephen Stanley Bird served with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders and was selected to be one of 34 officers to lead the regiment onshore at Juno Beach on 6 June 1944. Stephen survived the D-Day invasions, but was killed during the Canadian battle for Caen, on 8 July 1944. Losing his only son caused Will grief, which showed in his novels and writing. Will Bird passed away in 1984, 40 years after his son.

Slots are the most popular games that can be found at both land-based and online casinos around the world. Slot enthusiasts frequently choose to play at online casinos where they can enjoy a variety of their favorite slot games.

In Canada, thousands of online casinos provide exciting variants of slot games to players, providing a wide range of options to select from while playing from the comfort of home. To make slot games even more accessible to a large number of players, many slots have a free mode to allow play without having to deposit any money.

If you are a Canadian gambler looking to explore some free online slots, here are a few options you can take advantage of:

Sweet Bonanza

Sweet Bonanza was released in 2019 by Pragmatic Play. This classic slot game has six reels and five rows with appealing visuals and colorful candies, hearts and fruits. To win, players must land at least eight matching symbols anywhere on the grid. The best part of Sweet Bonanza is the maximum payout of up to 21,100x your bet.

Even with the high standard the game offers to players, it also offers a free mode to play without the need to deposit any money. Of course, no wins can be withdrawn when playing in free mode.

The rewards on Sweet Bonanza are based on the value associated with the symbol and how many of them you manage to match. For instance, getting three of one symbol might not win you as much as getting five of another symbol like candies. Also, there are special multiplier, scatter and bonus spin symbols. To win a bonus spin, you must land four or more scatter symbols.

Sweet Bonanza’s RTP is typically 96.60% and the volatility of the game is medium to high.

Gates of Olympus

Gates of Olympus was launched in 2021 by Pragmatic Play, which is one of the world’s top game developers in the gaming industry. This slot has a colorful theme, graphics and animations to catch the attention of players. It has a Greek Mythology theme featuring Zeus.

The game has a 6-reel, 5-row grid and 20 paylines. To win, eight symbols must be matched. Players can spin the reel and bet a minimum of $0.20 CDN up to a maximum of $100 CDN. This provides support for play with a wide range of budgets.

Gates of Olympus also has exciting bonuses and features, such as free spins, scatter symbols, multipliers, tumbles and bonus spins. To trigger a bonus spin, at least four symbols must be matched on the reel.

The volatility of the slot game is high, which means winnings are less frequent but when you win, your reward may be bigger. The RTP of this slot is 96.5%.

Gates of Olympus allows players to spin slots using a demo mode without having to deposit any money. Casual players should take advantage of these free spins for fun. Although there are no winnings that can be withdrawn in the free mode.

Fortune Tiger (PG Soft)

Launched in 2022, Fortune Tiger is a popular game with gamblers in Canada. This game was developed by Pocket Games Soft and has a traditional Chinese theme, featuring red and gold colors symbolizing good fortune. It has a wide betting range, allowing players to bet between $0.25 to $250 CDN.

The layout of this game consists of a 3×3 reel and there are five paylines. To win, you need to match three symbols on an adjacent row. You can then respin until you get a win. With the multiplier bonus, you can get 10x your winnings when all the spaces on the reels show the same symbol. This is a big bonus that can boost your winnings!

The game has an RTP of 96.81%, which is paired with a medium volatility, which means you’ll likely win often but not constantly. When you eventually do win, the maximum potential win can be up to 2,500x your stake.

This slot can be played on any iOS or Android mobile or tablet, as well as desktops. Aesthetic slot gamers will find this game visually appealing due to the combination of red, gold and green. Fortune Tiger also offers a demo mode where you can try out the game without depositing any money. This gives new players a chance to try out the game

Conclusion

The above mentioned slot games are all available to play in free mode. New players should make sure that the platform they choose to play slots on is safe to avoid the risk of exposing their personal information. With that in mind, slot lovers can enjoy a fun and thrilling game of their choice any time.

Today we get a new Poster for MAD MAX: FURIOSA! Arrives in theatres May 24, 2024 via Warner Bros. Pictures Canada.

Synopsis:

Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth star in Academy Award-winning mastermind George Miller’s “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” the much-anticipated return to the iconic dystopian world he created more than 30 years ago with the seminal “Mad Max” films. Miller now turns the page again with an all-new original, standalone action adventure that will reveal the origins of the powerhouse character from the multiple Oscar-winning global smash “Mad Max: Fury Road.” The new feature from Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures is produced by Miller and his longtime partner, Oscar-nominated producer Doug Mitchell (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Babe”), under their Australian-based Kennedy Miller Mitchell banner. As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe. While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home. Taylor-Joy stars in the title role, and along with Hemsworth, the film also stars Alyla Browne and Tom Burke. Miller penned the script with “Mad Max: Fury Road” co-writer Nico Lathouris. Miller’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes first assistant director PJ Voeten and second unit director and stunt coordinator Guy Norris, director of photography Simon Duggan (“Hacksaw Ridge,” “The Great Gatsby”), composer Tom Holkenborg, sound designer Robert Mackenzie, editor Eliot Knapman, visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson and colorist Eric Whipp. The team also includes other longtime collaborators: production designer Colin Gibson, editor Margaret Sixel, sound mixer Ben Osmo, costume designer Jenny Beavan and makeup designer Lesley Vanderwalt, each of whom won an Oscar for their work on “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, in Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, A Kennedy Miller Mitchell Production, A George Miller Film, “Furiosa.” The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theaters only nationwide on May 24, 2024 and internationally beginning on May 22, 2024.