In honour of the 100th anniversary of Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment [SPE] proudly announces the launch of a unique genre-based personality quiz, marking a first of this scale for the studio. This quiz invites fans to dive into the legacy of some of the studio’s most iconic features and series, offering a personalized and unparalleled experience in celebration of this significant milestone.

Created by Sony Pictures Digital Marketing in collaboration with Watson Design Group, the quiz provides a unique and interactive digital fan experience and signals the next phase of many celebratory initiatives planned for its iconic anniversary. Participants answer entertaining general interest questions, which, upon completion, a custom personality type based on genre and a curated list of recommended Sony films and TV series are presented, encouraging the rediscovery of the studio’s expansive catalogue of film and TV titles. The results are then shareable with friends and family across social media.

“Envisioning an experience where fans could not just watch but see themselves within our iconic titles, we designed a dynamic personality quiz that takes them on a captivating journey through our extensive library,” explained Rose Phillips, Senior Vice President of Global Digital Marketing and Social, Sony Pictures Entertainment. “This is a chance for fans to relive or rediscover our cherished titles, capturing a piece of our studio’s historic legacy to share on social media, and a fun way for fans to express their TV and movie interests while forging a deeper emotional bond during our fan-led celebration of the studio’s 100th anniversary.”

As part of the commemoration, fans can expect to encounter beloved movie titles and characters, such as GHOSTBUSTERS, TAXI DRIVER, LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE, ANNIE, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE, FUNNY GIRL, MEN IN BLACK, and many more. Characters like Peter Parker [SPIDER-MAN], Walter White [BREAKING BAD], and Jerry Maguire will also play a significant role in the personalized quiz experience.

The quiz ties seamlessly into the yearlong celebration of Columbia Pictures’ centennial, capturing 100 years of iconic titles. It follows the recent TikTok “My Life As A Movie” custom filter, now Sony Pictures’ most-used organic TikTok filter. Additionally, Columbia Pictures has released a celebratory video highlighting some of the best films and TV series. Watch now here.

Users can participate in the quiz at Columbia Pictures’ 100th Anniversary – join the celebration using #ColumbiaPictures100 and follow along via the social media channels below. Fans can also explore and add their favourite Columbia Pictures titles to their collection at https://www.sonypictures.ca/

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Instagram: @sonypicturescanada

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SonyPicturesCanada/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sonypicturescanada

Hashtag: #ColumbiaPictures100

Today, Disney+ released a new teaser and poster for “Descendants: The Rise of Red,” the next installment in the mega-hit “Descendants” franchise that features the teenage progeny of iconic Disney heroes and villains. The music-driven Disney Original movie starts streaming Friday, July 12, 2024 exclusively on Disney+, followed by a special encore Friday, Aug. 9, at 8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT on Disney Channel. The latest teaser introduces Kylie Cantrall as Red, princess of the hostile kingdom of Wonderland and Auradon’s newest Villain Kid (aka VK), who is caught “red-handed” by Malia Baker, who plays Chloe, the daughter of Cinderella and King Charming.

“Descendants: The Rise of Red” follows Red, the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Chloe, Cinderella’s perfectionist daughter. When the tyrannical Queen of Hearts incites a coup against Auradon, polar opposites Red and Chloe must join forces and travel back in time to undo the traumatic event that set Red’s mother down her villainous path.

In addition to Cantrall and Baker, the film stars a new ensemble of VKs and legacy characters, including Brandy as Cinderella, Rita Ora as the Queen of Hearts, Dara Reneé as Uliana, Ruby Rose Turner as Bridget/Young Queen of Hearts, Morgan Dudley as Ella/Young Cinderella, Joshua Colley as Young Hook, Peder Lindell as Morgie, Grace Narducci as Fay/Young Fairy Godmother, Jeremy Swift as Principal Merlin, Paolo Montalban as King Charming, and Leonardo Nam as Maddox Hatter. China Anne McClain is back as fan-favourite Uma and the new principal at Auradon Prep. Melanie Paxson also reprises her role as Fairy Godmother.

True to the “Descendants” tradition of music-driven stories, this fourth installment features seven new original songs, two reprises and a cover of “So This Is Love” from the classic animated “Cinderella” film that will engage viewers and bring them along on the emotional journey with our bold new characters. The “Descendants: The Rise of Red Original Soundtrack” is set for release on July 12 from Walt Disney Records.

A remarkable force in youth entertainment, each premiere telecast of a “Descendants” movie ranks as the most-watched cable movie of the year (2015, 2017 and 2019) among Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14. Music from the “Descendants” franchise boast over 15 billion audio and video streams and 8 billion TikTok views. In addition, the soundtracks from the “Descendants” movies have been certified by the RIAA, with three certified gold albums, three certified platinum singles and two certified gold singles. Nearly 7 million dolls and 9 million “Descendants” books, including four New York Times bestsellers, have been sold, and “Descendants” Halloween costumes were among Disney’s top 5 licensed costumes for seven consecutive years (2015-2021).

Along with the “Descendants: The Rise of Red” film, fans can also expect an exciting array of Disney Consumer Products offerings across fashion dolls, playsets, apparel, role play, costumes, books and more, coming this summer.

“Descendants: The Rise of Red” is executive-produced by Suzanne Todd and Gary Marsh. The film is directed by Jennifer Phang, with a script from Dan Frey and Russell Sommer. The movie is choreographed by Ashley Wallen (“The Greatest Showman”) with a score by Torin Borrowdale (“Searching”). The production design is by Mark Hofeling, with Declan Quinn serving as the director of photography. Katie Ennis is the editor. Co-executive producers include Mahita P. Simpson and Jennifer Phang, and Wendy S. Williams is producer. Costume design is by Julia Caston and Emilio Sosa.

Paramount+ today announced that production is underway on the highly anticipated second season of the hit original series TULSA KING, starring Oscar nominee Sylvester Stallone. From Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan, the comedy is set to film in Oklahoma and Atlanta with multi-award nominee Craig Zisk (Weeds, The Larry Sanders Show) set to direct and executive produce. Academy Award nominee Terence Winter (The Wolf of Wall Street, The Sopranos) is slated to return as writer and executive producer. TULSA KING is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios exclusively for Paramount+.

The series follows New York mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi, just after he is released from prison after 25 years and is unceremoniously exiled by his boss to set up shop in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Realizing that his mob family may not have his best interests in mind, Dwight slowly builds a crew from a group of unlikely characters to help him establish a new criminal empire in a place that to him might as well be another planet.

Season one recurring stars Annabella Sciorra and Tatiana Zappardino have been upped to series regulars for the second season, alongside an incredible ensemble cast that includes Andrea Savage, Martin Starr, Max Casella, Domenick Lombardozzi, Vincent Piazza and Jay Will, with Garrett Hedlund and Dana Delany.

Creator and Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan returns as executive producer. TULSA KING also is executive produced by Sylvester Stallone, David C. Glasser, Terence Winter, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, David Hutkin and Braden Aftergood. In addition to TULSA KING, Sheridan’s growing slate on Paramount+ includes 1883 and MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN, which is currently in production on its third season, SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS, LAWMEN: BASS REEVES, 1923, which will be going into production on its second season later this year, and the upcoming all-new series LANDMAN, starring Billy Bob Thornton.

The first season of TULSA KING is available to binge exclusively on Paramount+. For more information about Paramount+ and TULSA KING, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlusCA and @TulsaKingTV on Facebook, and @TulsaKing on TikTok, Instagram and X.

Today we get new Teaser Art from JOKER FOLIE A DEUX – the eagerly-awaited Sequel to 2019’s JOKER. New Trailer arrives April 9, 2024.

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

Returning on April 17th, 2024, National Canadian Film Day (CanFilmDay), presented by REEL CANADA, will shine a Spotlight on Canadian films so distinct, delightful, eccentric, and profoundly human that even the most advanced Artificial Intelligence couldn’t conceive them!

The 2024 programming spotlight, Films That A.I. Could Never Make, reaffirms that no algorithm can embody the essence, or conjure the creativity inherent in a Canadian film.

The beating heart of CanFilmDay celebrations are the more than 1,000 screenings, in every province and territory, and in more than 39 countries around the world and hundreds of offerings on broadcast and streaming services for every human to enjoy. As previously announced, we are honoured that Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada is once again the viceregal patron of National Canadian Film Day.

“With more and more of our lives governed by algorithms, it seems more important than ever to highlight the originality, passion and, well, humanity that infuses the best of Canadian cinema,” said Artistic Director Sharon Corder.

Programming highlights across the country include:

Premieres & Sneak Peeks

An exciting lineup of pre-release screenings, giving audiences nationwide a chance to see the top new offerings before their official release. Films include:

Ally Pankiw’s debut feature, I Used to Be Funny, in a cross-Canada sneak preview ahead of its June 7th release date on more than 20 screens thanks to the Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE).
The red carpet premiere of The King Tide in St. John’s, NL, featuring members of the cast and director Christian Sparkes.

In Toronto, the World premiere of Caitlin Cronenberg’s film Humane, with special guest stars Jay Baruchel and Emily Hampshire.

A sneak preview of the new Highball.TV film Mother of All Shows at the Stirling Festival Theatre in Stirling, ON, where the film was shot with director Melissa D’Agostino.

In Vancouver, a sneak of The Great Salish Heist, Darrell Dennis’ hilarious new no-budget Indigenous caper flick.

In Memoriam

Three major figures have sadly passed since our last CanFilmDay. They will be honoured with tributes spotlighting their indelible legacies.

To honour the passing of acclaimed filmmaker Charles Officer, also a CanFilmDay board member and beloved friend, join us for a special screening of Akilla’s Escape, and a discussion with filmmakers he inspired, hosted in Toronto by Regent Park Film Festival and BIPOC Film & TV.

VIFF will host a rare presentation of the biographic documentary The Life & Times of Norman Jewison to honour the passing of the legendary director.

Two major partners – Vancouver International Film Festival and the Canadian Film Institute in Ottawa – will pay tribute to the late pioneer Don Shebib, with screenings of his groundbreaking feature, Goin’ Down the Road. A live Q&A with Jayne Eastwood and DGC Ontario chair Annie Bradley will follow the CFI screening, his friend and colleague.

Film Festival Partner Screenings

In Toronto, writer/director Matt Johnson joins The Canadian Film Festival for a special screening of his smash-hit comedy Blackberry, which recently earned a record-setting 17 Canadian Screen Award nominations.

The Vancouver International Film Festival is going all out for CanFilmDay! Programming includes a special 30th-anniversary screening of Double Happiness with director Mina Shum, a tribute to the late iconic director Norman Jewison, and more.

The Oakville Festival of Film and Art presents Barney’s Version, the adaptation of the beloved Mordecai Richler novel, featuring a discussion of the film with producer Robert Lantos hosted by Daniel Richler.
Reelworld Screen Institute presents a special 25th-anniversary screening of the landmark film Another Planet, the first Canadian feature film directed by a Black woman, followed by a Q&A with the film’s director, Christene Browne. This screening is proudly supported by Ontario Creates.

imagineNATIVE presents a special screening of their 2023 Audience Choice Award winner, Café Daughter, followed by a Q&A with director Shelley Niro (Mohawk), all happening in her home community.
35th-anniversary screening of ROADKILL by Bruce McDonald, followed by a Q&A with co-writer & star Don McKellar, at the recently opened Redwood Theatre in Toronto

A 25th-anniversary screening of the landmark film Another Planet, the first Canadian feature film directed by a Black woman, followed by a Q&A with the film’s director, Christene Browne. (Toronto)
TIFF presents a special screening of Philippe Falardeau’s breakout hit, La moitié gauche du frigo (The Left-Hand Side of the Fridge). The screening will be followed by a virtual Q&A with Philippe Falardeau about the film.

Calgary Underground Film Festival presents a rare 35mm presentation of the classic Alberta-shot horror film Ghostkeeper, with a Q&A with director Jim Makichuk, screenwriter Doug Macleod, story consultant Dave Makichuk and the lead of the film, Murray Ord.

Plus, these highlights:
A partnership with Global Affairs Canada will bring Canadian films to 39 countries worldwide! Special events range in size from the Argentinian premiere of Intercepted at the Buenos Aires International Film Festival with the director in attendance to a charity screening of Tu te souviendras de moi benefiting the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

An estimated 20,000 high school students from more than 200 schools from every province and territory will engage in RCtv, our annual interactive livestream event. This year, journalist Kelly Boutsalis (Mohawk) will host a discussion with Alanis Obomsawin (Abenaki) to discuss her film, Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair, and will facilitate a nationwide student conversation reflecting on Canada’s legacy of Indian Residential Schools and pathways towards reconciliation.

Friends of Canadian Media presents a virtual screening of Sarah Polley’s documentary Stories We Tell, followed by a conversation between REEL CANADA Executive Director, Jack Blum, and Marla Boltman, Executive Director of Friends of Canadian Media.

Communities across the country that are going all-out for CanFilmDay include:
The First Ontario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines, ON, is screening Anne of Green Gables with raspberry cordial-themed mocktails, PEI photo props and musical enhancements.
La Maison des artistes visuels in Winnipeg, MB, is screening Ru with a local professor of Vietnamese history.

In Slocan, BC, the local Legion is screening two films and holding a silent auction.
The Milton Public Library in Milton, ON is screening Canadian films throughout the week of April 15 – 19.
In Annapolis Royal, NS, the King’s Theatre Society is showing five films on April 17, with refreshments available.

A companion workshop on Indigenous traditional arts will run before a screening of Bones of Crows in the Jasper, AB Community Habitat for the Arts.

More than two dozen major broadcast and streaming partners will be scheduling Canadian programming in honour of CanFilmDay. Click on these links for a complete list of broadcast and streaming partners.

Founding Sponsor Cineplex is providing over two dozen cinema screens across the country. The Landmark Cinema chain is also contributing venues in several communities. Both partners will screen the CanFilmDay promo PSA as part of their pre-show presentations.

Events across Canada and worldwide will feature appearances by special guests including Barry Avrich, Kelly Boutsalis, Christene Brown, Caitlin Cronenberg, Renee Courchene (Anicinabe), Melissa D’Agostino, Atom Egoyan, Philippe Falardeau, Tareq Hadhad, Emily Hampshire, Matt Johnson, Robert Lantos, Jason Loftus, Doug Macleod, Dave Makichuk, Jim Makichuk, Doug Macleod, Alison Murray, Murray Ord, Alanis Obomsawin, Matthew Rankin, Mina Shum, Gail Singer, Christian Sparkes, Éric Tessier and Vinay Virmani.

If you’d like to host a free CanFilmDay event for your community, visit canfilmday.ca/register and sign up today.

CanFilmDay is a huge endeavour that’s made possible through the efforts of dedicated sponsors and partners who continue to support us year after year, including Telefilm Canada, CBC, Hollywood Suite, Cineplex, Landmark Cinemas, Ontario Arts Council, RBC Foundation, DGC Ontario, Ontario Creates, CMPA, ACTRA, AFBS and more. The complete list can be found on the sponsor page of our website.

Visit canfilmday.ca for more information in the lead-up to April 17. You can also find us on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram: @CanFilmDay and #CanFilmDay.

Jack Blum and Sharon Corder, Executive and Artistic Director of REEL CANADA, are available for interviews, as well as Mina Shum, Colm Feore, Veronica Tennant, Jayne Eastwood, and Jake (Akilla’s Escape) Yanowski.

Today, SiriusXM Canada and the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA) opened public voting for this year’s SiriusXM Top of the Country competition. With eight of Canada’s top burgeoning country music stars vying for the title, music fans have a tough choice to make! To help, each artist has released an exclusive video of their studio recording available on topcountry.siriusxm.ca, where fans can also cast their votes after 10am ET today.

With once-in-a-lifetime opportunities awaiting the three finalists, including cash prizes, live performances at Canadian country music events, a SOCAN songwriting trip, and a coveted performance spot at CMA Fest in Nashville, the contestants are calling on Canadians to help them push to the finish line.

This year the talented semi-finalists represent five Canadian provinces:

·        Robert Adam – Bonnyville, Alberta

·        Alexa Goldie – Kingston, Ontario

·        Parker Graye – Orillia, Ontario

·        Zach McPhee – Vernon, British Columbia

·        Tony Stevens – Surrey, British Columbia

·        Trudy – Montreal, Quebec

·        Mariya Stokes – Stavely, Alberta

·        Jade Turner – Misipawistik Cree Nation, Manitoba

“The Top of the Country competition is a true celebration of Canadian talent, and we are delighted to invite music fans across Canada to be a part of it,” said, Michelle Mearns, VP of Programming and Operations, SiriusXM Canada. “The voting phase is a crucial moment where the public can show their support for these rising stars who embody the spirit of Canadian country music. Together, we can elevate these artists and showcase the talent that our country has to offer.”

Following the closing of the public vote, the three finalists will travel to Nashville for industry mentorship opportunities, perform at 2024 CMA Fest, and hit the stage at Lasso Montréal in August.  The SiriusXM Top of the Country competition will conclude during the CCMA’s Country Music Week in September at the Finale Concert in Edmonton, Alberta, where the winner will be crowned and awarded a $25,000 grand prize. The Finale promises a lineup of electrifying live performances by the three finalists and a highly anticipated headliner.  Fans can tune in to the live broadcast on SiriusXM Top of the Country Radio (ch. 171) to cheer on their favourite contestant.

“The public vote provides a special opportunity for fans to participate in shaping the future of Canada’s country music scene,” said, Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. “Each year we are amazed by the talent that emerges from this competition and this year is no exception. Fans are going to have a tough time deciding who will get their vote!”

SiriusXM’s Top of the Country in partnership with the CCMA is part of SiriusXM’s ongoing tradition of promoting and elevating the best emerging Canadian music. SiriusXM continues to offer a leading platform for Canadian artists through its significant financial contributions and North American-wide reach.

The world’s most influential name in live comedy, The Second City is thrilled to announce the cast and crew of The Second City Toronto’s 89th Mainstage Revue. Digital comedy pioneer and Picnicface member, Kyle Dooley directs returning ensemble members Coko Galore, and Devon Henderson with Matt Keevins as Stage Manager and Shane O’Regan as Music Director. Joining the cast are Touring Company alumni Conor Bradbury, Christian Smith, Tiyawnda, and Scott Yamamura. In the time-honoured tradition of The Second City, for a select few weeks, audiences are invited to the exciting and unique experience of watching and participating in the creative process. During this time, while the cast is creating and honing new material, the audience has the unique opportunity to witness new sketches and songs being developed and even plays a part in determining the ultimate title of the 89th revue. This rare opportunity allows ticket holders a special glimpse into the artistry and improvisation that has defined The Second City’s legacy worldwide for 65 years.

The producing team includes Elizabeth Howard (VP of Production), Jen Ellison (Artistic Director, Chicago), Susan Waycik (Producer), and Ed Wells (CEO). The Second City Mainstage Revue plays Tuesday – Thursday 8pm, Friday – Sunday 7pm and Saturdays 10pm. Located at ONE YORK STREET. Tickets, starting at $39, are available at The Second City Box Office, by phone at 416-343-0011, or online at www.secondcity.com. An official press opening will be announced at a later date.

Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin star in A REAL PAIN, coming to theatres October 18, 2024 via Searchlight Pictures.

Synopsis:
Mismatched cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother. The adventure takes a turn when the odd-couple’s old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.

Written & Directed by: Jesse Eisenberg
Produced by: Dave McCary, Ali Herting, Emma Stone, Jennifer Semler, Ewa Puszczyńska
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Liza Sadovy, Daniel Oreskes

(Photo/video credit: Searchlight Pictures)

Melbar Entertainment Group announced today that award winning actor and producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas and her Purple Pebble Pictures banner have joined the production team of Barry Avrich’s new feature documentary BORN HUNGRY.

An inspiring true story brought to life, BORN HUNGRY is a gritty yet life-affirming human drama about a young Indian boy who finds himself abandoned by his family, lost on trains and thousands of miles from home. Now, Sash Simpson, a celebrity chef who once survived alone on the streets of Chennai eating from garbage bins before ultimately being adopted by a Canadian couple, returns to India armed with only blurry memories to find his lost family. BORN HUNGRY is a raw, true and important story with a huge heart that deals with identity and cultural heritage.

Priyanka and Mary Rohlich, Head of TV and Film, Purple Pebble Pictures, will serve as producers of the film.

The partnership was negotiated by IAG Talent representing Melbar Entertainment Group and UTA representing Priyanka.

“Sash’s story immediately captivated me, presenting a stunning opportunity to not only showcase India but to also capture his journey and his profound passion for finding his family and himself. At Purple Pebble Pictures, we are grounded by the mission of leveraging the power of cinema to tell global stories that shift people’s perspectives, and I am immensely proud of our collaboration on this project.” – Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Producer

“I have always loved the brilliantly colorful storytelling from India and the vibrancy of iconic Bollywood filmmaking. When I discovered this story, I was immediately struck by the passion and complexity of this emotional journey” – Barry Avrich, Director, Producer

BORN HUNGRY premiered at the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Festival and will screen at Hot Docs Film Festival in Toronto on April 26th. Sales are to be led by UTA and IAG.

Written and Directed by
Barry Avrich

Producers
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Mark Selby
Barry Avrich, p.g.a.
Mary Rohlich

Executive Producers
Jay Hennick
Mark Selby
Barry Avrich

Super-excited about this one! Ever since seeing Sean Baker‘s 2021 film RED ROCKET, I’ve been waiting for more of the brilliant SUZANNA SON! Literally one of my favourite films in the past few years!

The Actress-Singer-Songwriter made such a huge impression playing the enchanting Strawberry opposite Simon Rex, going on to be nominated for an Independent Spirit Award, while Rex won for Actor. Though we hatewatched HBO’s THE IDOL – those who follow me know that – this was no fault of her own. She was still so memorable.

We ran into Son in town beginning work on Netflix’s FEAR STREET: PROM QUEEN – casting just announced today. The latest Horror builds on the international popularity of the first Trilogy of films and should do extremely well as one would expect of anything R.L. Stine-created.

This Film is set at Shadyside High with contenders for Prom Queen vying and conniving for the crown, only to result in disappearances!

Love Son so much and she let me know I can call her “Suzy“!! She was so sweet and down to earth! Cannot wait to see this. A burgeoning star!!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)